DISQUS

Lieberman did not switch parties, the Democrats abandoned him during the primary and he then quit the party and won election as an Independent who still caucuses with the Demos. In Connecticut self-preservation politically is the be Democrat, his running as an Indy without party support was a leap of faith in the voters of his state. I could care less that he switched because it did not change the math in the Senate and would not mean he was suddenly going to vote against the Democratic Caucus in Senate--so no I did not celebrate. I did shake my head and think what a foolish move was made by the DNC and the ConnDC for not supporting him, it made them look somewhat stupid. But in the neither party was hurt and a good man remained in the Senate.

You can label whatever statements you like it does not change whether they are correct or not. At the end of the day Specter was a Republican when they were the majority in the state. The tide has turned and he was down significantly in the polls and had slim chances of winning the GOP Primary, if he wants to stay in the Senate the only chance he has is to switch parties and win the Demo primary. His move was absolutely not ideological or he would have switched earlier--he did not however because he would probably have lost his seat.

So I agree with Michael Steele, and many others, with 200k+ voters switching to Democrat for the 2008 elections, with his being down almost double digits in the polls for his primary election, it does not take a lot of intelligence to see why he switched parties.

That parcel does not exist (LA County Tax Assessor: http://assessormap.co.la.ca.us/mapping/viewer.asp) it may be a typo as it looks like the parcel number ends in -006

I think it is funny that Google banner ads on this page are selling bibles and the author's article against handing out bibles is leading people to click on bible sales and therefore generating revenue that pays the writer. God does work in mysterious ways.

Corpus Christi is a vacation destination in South Texas with its proximity to San Antonio and Houston. People travel from other states as well to vacation there--I remember family trips from Tulsa to spend a week on the Gulf, plenty of families in Oklahoma and Texas--as well as Louisiana, still plan spring and summer vacations for the area. We sometimes get jaded as to what is a tourist destination here in Southern California--as we get jaded to other ideas our fellow Americans in other regions hold; Corpus is a legitimate vacation spot for many. It is also a haven for Snow Birds, which skews many of the numbers from Juan as to median incomes for residents as their population grows considerably in the winter with semi-permanent residents from the upper Midwest most of whom are retired.

I have no idea if any attraction backed by Prevratil or any one else will draw over a million visitors; I do know they have a very strong tourist and 2nd/vacation home population. Personally, if there were an attraction that would draw that many people the only way I would invest is if he were not involved.

They also gave us LBJ and the "Great Society"...

So much for the Obama "post-partisan" era, did that end on November 5th for you? Or was it just so much rhetoric for your party to get your guy elected? Is this what we can expect for the next 4 years of "post-partisanship?" Regarding judgement, you supported a man who supported and counseled with a terrorist, does that not show bad judgement? You supported a man who supported a church who supported a reverend who spewed racist anti-American hate for twenty years, does that not show bad judgement? You supported a man who supported not providing life saving measures to babies alive after botched abortions, does that show good judgement?

Your blind dismissal of Robert, or anyone else, based on 2000 and 2004 shows the narrow judgement with which you hold people, hopefully as a "real" democrat you do not represent the majority of your party.

Nice piece Dave. I first met Robert several years ago when he was working with Gina Rushing as she was reviving St. Anthony's, as I had the opportunity to get to know him more that year and observe him in action I thought he would be a solid leader for our community, what I did not know was how quickly he would rise to the role.

For those who see demons where ever there are business look at the empty storefronts Robert mentions in the interview and then tell me who is suppossed to advocate for the businesses that need to fill them? Downtown is in the condition it is in because there is no business momentum. Observer and District Support seem to think Robert having a positive relationship with the only organization in town that advocates for businesses, and therefore a healthy downtown, is a bad thing. Bonnie has the relationship with the Chamber you seem to prefer and how has that worked out for the area? Keep doing the "us" and "them" dialogue and stay where you are, get past it and you can move ahead.

Robert has the ability to sit down with anyone and have a conversation, listen, ask questions, state his opinions and learn. Is there something else you would like from your representative? There are plenty of issues we do not see eye-to-eye on but I have no hesitation supporting Robert for his run for the 2nd. I think the diverse spectrum of supporters that will come out behind him will show how he will operate when elected: listen to everyone then make the best decision you can. I look forward to attending Robert's victory party soon.

If the GOP was shifting further right this race would have been over some time ago. McCain is the most middle ground candidate that the GOP could have offered up, at the possible expense of the far right of the party. The perception may be the party is lurching right because of the bits and pieces that are chosen to be reported from the right, as well as those chosen not to be reported from the left giving the illusion of movement. If the GOP has moved further right then the GOP base that tends to turn out for primaries would not have selected McCain as the party's nominee. This frame of reference for his endorsement rings hollow with me and feels like the most palpable reason he could give.

Given Biden's gaffes and Uncle (Buck) Joe demeanor one wonders if Obama could/should have pressed Powell to be his running mate. Given that Biden and Obama are both on the far-left of the Senate, bringing in "moderate" Powell would have picked up a lot more independents and undecideds than Biden attracts. Interesting to ponder the "what if" on that one, interesting to me perhaps.

I find it interesting the media falling over itself to report an evidently compromised Secretary of State's endorsement of the "other party" candidate and at the time, and still, virtually no coverage of the former vice-presidential candidate's endorsement of the "other party" candidate. Powell became the "Obama of the Republican Party" in part because of the way the media covered him. Andy's ad hominem statements aside, what to make of his lack of endorsing Kerry in 2004? Powell's endorsement is generating a lot more coverage than is warranted. Will hit it on the head, wait until the last minute and go with the flow, very courageous of him to cross the party line he crossed many years ago. Much more courageous politically has been the Lieberman endorsement, a man the Democrats wanted to put the proverbial heartbeat away from the White House--but he did not endorse the man that the Times, ABC, etc. want to win so I guess it does not mean much.

Dave, great public service from you and TDW to get Cyndi's List together and going. In the end it is less about who we pull the lever for on November 4th that will determine what kind of community we have and more about what we do as individuals that determines what kind of community we have. Volunteer opportunities abound in our great community and tens of thousands quietly do so throughout the year. Thanks for presenting opportunities for those not yet engaged who wish to be. Thanks to Cyndi as well for putting her request out into the public domain and setting up the impetus for the Cyndi List .

Her foreclosures and delinquent mortgage payments did not come to light until after her primary against Orepeza--you remember the one Richardson accused of missing votes, votes she missed because she was battling cancer. Had the defaults and foreclosure come out before the primary would there be any doubt that Orepeza would be running unoppossed for re-election right now?

Contact the Long Beach Nonprofit Partnership, a great organization that serves all the area nonprofits. Cyndi, or anyone else, can give there skill sets, what they are looking for, areas of interest (animals, kids, health, education, etc) and they can try to match her up with the right organization. Website: www.lbnp.org or call 562-290-0018.

Interesting you need valid ID to grow vegetables in Long Beach but not to vote. These folks and their rules and power trips make the HOA at Leisure World seem like laid back anarchists.

Odds are significantly less than even money you have created an agenda item for their next board meeting on September 9th.

I admire your persistence and patience at the gate, great story.

JB (26): What about non-profits who have paid staff that lobby on behalf of their issue or organization? From catching up on post-vacation reading it appears that non-profits would be subject to this ordinance.

And again: what would change if the ordinance is passed? Would our city government change in any substantial form--other than more bureaucracy?

What defines "lobbyist?" Only those who contact government officials on behalf of private/public companies and put forth their interests, opinions and projects?

What about homeowners associations that wish to have an alley closed, or new trees planted, or parking meter money re-allocated? Are they lobbyists? Would they have to register?

What about business improvement associations like those found in Bixby Knolls, Belmont Shore or downtown who wish ordinances or laws that affect their business districts or streets? Are they lobbyists? Would they have to register?

What about the police and fire associations who request more funding, or new stations, or new equipment for their personnel; and who also door knock and mail campaign literature? Are they lobbyists? Would they have to register?

What about the contractor who specializes in a certain area of town and one of the expert skills he brings to the job is his knowledge of the building department and how to obtain variances? Is he/she a lobbyists? Would he/she have to register?

How about the writer/editorialist who presses on a specific issue, say reconfiguring the breakwater, or not tearing down a bookstore? Lobbying or not?

My issue with any lobbyist ordinance crafted by council members is how they define "lobbyist".

Just like with the "ethics commission" it appears an easy way to pass the buck of personal responsibility to an ordinance or other body so they do not have to worry about it. And at the end of the day what difference will it really make? Seriously will having Carl Kemp or Mike Murchison, or Randy Gordon or Steve James register as "lobbyist" really change anything? If you think so please tell me how.

The City's official "Ethics Guide Long Beach City Officials and Employees" defines a conflict of interest as:

"You have a conflict of interest if your public actions as a City official, employee or board member affect your personal financial interests or the interests of your immediate family members."

(http://www.longbeach.gov/civica/filebank/blobdl...)

There is no statement as to friends, partners or non-relatives. Which brings up the interesting aspect of definition of family as it relates to homosexual relationships. Legally Gerrie Schipske's partner is not her "family" as defined by law--federal at least and until they get married California law as well--therefore according to the code of ethics of the City of Long Beach Schipske would not have to recuse herself from any vote that benefits her partner (not that I am saying she would not--just according to the code of ethics and the letter of the law she would not); whereas Patrick O'Donnell would have to recuse himself from a vote that affects his wife.

Defining "friends" becomes a bit of a slippery slope for those who are in public life--an acquaitance, a friend of a friend, someone you know well but do not socialize with, someone with whom you have served on non-profit board or commission, paramour...

In the end we must define each individual on what their own code of ethics is and how they operate within that code. My code of ethics is different than Dave's in some ways, who has a different code than Suja or O'Donnell in some ways. This is why ethics commissions and committees for governments are a waste of time and money--rarely does anything every come of them and they are window dressing so the public can make believe their elected officials have some type of oversight--just ask Richardson who difficult her life is with the House Ethics Committee inquiry...yawn. The ethical standard can be flexible to accomodate those who may have crossed a line; as long as she personally or a member of her family did not benefit the suggested line in the city code of ethics has not been crossed--regardless of the relationship, speculative or otherwise.

Character, ethics, morals usually do not reveal themselves until they are tested, crossed or upheld in a public and perhaps courageous fashion--then they are judged and commented upon by those not needed to reveal their own.

For the record, if she, or any elected official, has a more than acquaintance type relationship with an individual who will benefit from a contract or vote then abstention is the best policy.

It is my understanding that most of our budget issues the past several years stem not from Hankla but his successor, Henry Taboada, who spiked salaries and benefits at City Hall before being removed from the City Manager's office. The city is still burdened, and will be for decades, with the retirement benefits of many who left the city following the golden parachutes provided by Taboada; some getting pensions in excess of 100% of their City Hall salary at time of termination.

Here is what I think I have learned from reading all these comments:

1) For those who want to know what BShore would look like without a healthy, active and fiscally sound business environment (inclusive of parking meter revenue) take a look at North Long Beach, Wrigley or the Westside.
2) John is very much anti-business and everything business related for him points back to Randy Gordon and The Chamber. It appears every business is somehow responsible for the port pollution because they belong to The Chamber. My assumption is that he does not draw a paycheck from a Long Beach business as his comments--throughout TDW--are almost always the same comment; any business in Long Beach must support The Chamber therefore the business is bad. A healthy business environment is healthy and necessary for the success and survival of a community. Gordon in his tenure at the Chamber has done more for creating jobs and a healthy environment than any person in this city. To attack him for the one issue on port pollution in every single comment makes it easy to dismiss your comments as emotional and myopic.
3) High Hat is not a fan of the entry way sign, I had to guess at this but it seems he is leaning that way. Art is a matter of taste, as is design. "I don't know what good art is but I know bad art when I see it."
4) If you are quoting someone you better credit the proper person or somehow your other comments may be discredited. As for my quote in #3, I have no idea, some one Google it.
5) The divide between Ruehle and Schneiter appears very personal--at least from Ruehle's side as he is the only one to comment--and therefore probably irreconcilable. If that is the case then moving forward it will be very difficult for a successful partnership between the two groups. All issues should be decided on the facts and how they fit into the mission of the organization(s), not on personal emotions and feelings. Given the tone and tenor of Ruehle's comments and actions I would have a difficult time if I were a BShore resident of accepting his objectivity in representing the group when dealing with the Parking Commission and Schneiter. Were I a member of the BSRA I would request another officer of the organization step in to interact with the Parking Commission; this would serve the organization and residents best in assuring no personal animosities to cloud the issues.
6) I wish there was as much passion and activity in Bixby and NLB regarding the business districts; as well that our part of town had the problem of $500k and where to spend it!
7) Too bad so many people use these comment sections to take pot shots and ad hominem attacks at others with whom they do not agree; it really lowers the level of discourse and ability to rationally discuss issues.
8) Some of the comments seem to infer that the BShore residents feed the meters therefore they should have more say in how it is spent. I would venture to say that the vast majority of the money in the meters are from out-of-Shorers, like my wife and I when we come to the Shore for dinner or whatever.

Thank you all for the lessons.

So 835 in favor of waves and a more natural ocean environment would "personally snipe" the pelicans on the breakwater? Which village lent us this idiot, or is (s)he our own?

Theo, maybe he will give all the new employees raises, spike their pensions and benefits and then leave the position of running Rossmoor to someone else.

I think Babbitt and Real Talk are really Rev. Jeremiah Wright and Father Pfleger. At the Randy Gordon School of Indoctrination we were not allowed to read Lewis, too progressive!! Andy when you run as a Lowenthal how will which Lowenthal on the ballot is you? Maybe we can save some bucks and Bonniee can run for Assembly on the ballot and Congress as a write in and take the Lowenthal record to 18-0.

Babbitt your comments just cause me to shake my head. What exactly is she doing, or will do, to "bring us all together?" For that matter expand as well on what you think Obama will do in that regard. "Nobody else wanted the damn job?" Wrong, first Jenny Oropeza wanted the job and ran against Richard$on, but the union money was on Richard$on because of Jenny's vote on the Indian gaming not having to go union. So while stiffing lenders, vendors, mechanics among others Richard$on put money into her campaign and won. Granted she had very weak opponents this time out, but had her misdeeds and dishonesty been exposed earlier, say before the filing deadlines, for sure others would have entered the race. Take off your Richard$on glasses and look at reality.

Kelson how sweet. I am a Richardson constituent and since no one from the "other party" on the ballot I think I would much rather have you than her as my Rep. What is your sign? Do you like pina coladas and getting stuck in the rain?

Dave do you have an equity interest in the Red Eye? The 46th is like the 37th, both were gerrymandered to "safe" seats, while the D to R spread is greater in the 37th than the R to D spread in the 46th, the 46th nonetheless has significantly high GOP registration making Cook's battle very uphill. Rohrabacher is almost as safe as Richardson, the difference is at least he has an opponent. Until the legislature gets serious about redisticting most of our elections will be decided in the primaries and by the parties.