Newport Beach Fire Union Bullying on Behalf of Their "Boy" Steve Rosansky

Is the Newport Beach Fire Department Union soo afraid of losing their boy that they are resorted to Bullying Steve "the Union Meal Ticket" Rosansky's November opponent?

Apropos to the way the Newport Beach City Council does business, the Newport Beach Police and Fire Department Unions already had their minds made up on who they were endorsing before giving a chance for the other viewpoints to be heard...

...and they made it very clear at the beginning at the opponent's interviews that they were going to try to intimidate and bully "The Union Meal Ticket's" opponent out.

No surprise that this Union does not like the Democratic process...especially when their "Meal Ticket" is at risk.

Welcome to the Union controlled City of Vallejo...I mean Newport Beach...

CORRECTION - The Bullying and Intimidation did not come from the Entire Fire Department Union as a whole, only from one particular, and individual, member of the Fire Department Union interviewing committee. While this does not change the fact that the Endorsement was given BEFORE the interview was conducted, it does correct my earlier statement that the Entire Fire Union was trying to intimidate and bully. Only one member of the Union's committee was. Sorry for "Not Getting My Facts Straight."

Councilman Keith Curry's Summer Newsletter

For the past year or so, I've been complimenting Councilman Keith Curry and Councilwoman Nancy Gardner for keeping the "subjects" up to date with their periodic newsletter.

With that said, here's Councilman Curry's latest edition.

As always it's really informative on the going ons in the City for the past summer.

However, since I've been pretty sick the past week, I could only keep my eyes focused on the big print, so I know Keith discusses John Wayne Airport, the Group Home situation, the Budget and Benchmarks, and the new City Hall.

...but I don't really know what's in the small print which follows the large bold print.

I can't really read this very well to even proofread myself, so I apologize for any typos, grammatical errors, or spelling mistakes I may or may not have made...

Anyways, enjoy.

From nine....there will be three!

Costa Mesa is a interesting City. For those of us living down
the hill in Newport Beach....there is something somewhat distant
about it. People in Costa Mesa seem more down to earth...more
interested in specifics...more interested in providing a town
type atmosphere. It is only a perception, but have you noticed
that most Costa Mesa electeds....never move on to greater office.
Maybe they do...we just can't think of any right off hand.

We know we love Wendy Leece....she was on the NMUSD school board.
We know that Katrina Foley is a smart one that knows her stuff
and she still seems like a real person. We know former Mayor Gary
Monahan now owns a restaurant after starting out as a bartender.
We know that Jim Righeimer moved from Fountain Valley with his
lovely family. We know that Eric Bever was hand selected by
Mayor Alan Mansoor and got in one cycle. We don't know a lot
of the others running this time: Bill Sneen, Chris McEvoy, Lisa
Reedy, Chris Bunyan or Nick Moss. They all seem like nice folks
and we will do our best to hear what they have to say.

People run for City Council for a variety of reasons. Sometimes
it's just a issue or two that bugs them. Sometimes, City Staffers
have upset them on one thing or another. Sometimes, running over
people's rights or changing major things in the community give
them the impetus to "just go for it!". In any event, too many
do not realize the expenses necessary, filing responsibilities,
the various labor groups involved, the fund raising necessary,
setting up their websites, printing and mailing and sign costs
...finding a campaign manager and then dealing with the power
brokers in their cities. Most unconnected candidates are just
marginalized to the point...that they are considered more laugh
tracks...rather than candidates. It is really sort of sad to
watch at times.

Then there is Newport Beach..which we kind of know about..since
we ran for Council four times! We even won once in 1994 for two
weeks....but that is another story! Here in Newport Beach we
have the "Power Broker Candidates backed by Dave Ellis" and then
you have the "Greenlight Candidate's" which were back by Phil Arst
and Jean Watt and that whole group. Phil passed away this last
year and will be greatly missed. Then we have those crazy "Oh
boy...Independents"...like we were that dare to challenge both
groups!

In the old days, of Home Owners vs. Developers all was in rhythm
and joy. Sometimes a Home Owner candidate would win, sometimes
a developer candidate would win. But that was all before 1986...
when the developers got there foot strongly in the door and have
since...never relinquished that control. Then came the "Halley's
Comet Issues" we call them. Issues designed to get people off
track. Examples include: "The Location of a New City Hall!",
"Should the Oasis Center be Expanded?" and so it goes from there!
You get the idea that things that really matter like "Term Limits"
which did pass or whether to elect a Mayor in Newport Beach or
how to regulate Rehab Homes....are all issues that should never
be put before the average citizen...which may not be sophisticated
enough to grasp the realities of such things! Luckily, Term Limits
snuck in there several years ago. It is lucky that it did, but
the Power Brokers found a way around that by electing their four
vote majority and then having them step down before the end of
their terms and replacing them with choices of the remaining City
Council. So, if we wanted to change the City Charter and ask that
all future resignations require a vote of the people....the Council
looks aghast! Perish the thought...citizens! We have it exactly
the way we want it....which insures incumbency ad infinitum!

OK, so what about the three open seats in Newport Beach? Well, we
have one no-name person running against Steve Rosansky in District
one! Ed Selich is running unopposed in his district and Dolores
Otting is challenging Keith Curry. Sadly for Dolores - Keith has
been doing a pretty good job and it will be difficult if not quite
impossible to beat the incumbent Curry!

But back to Costa Mesa....it is pretty interesting that one of the
incumbents...Eric Bever is not considered the odds on favorite to
repeat. We don't exactly know why. So, can "The bearded guy" Chris
McEvoy beat out Bever or will it be someone else? Who knows? We do
truly believe Katrina Foley will be re-elected, so that basically
leaves the third choice of former Mayor Monahan or Daily Pilot...
writer, politically connected Jim Righeimer.

There can only be three!

Our big question is: Who is Dave Ellis supporting?

Nonpartisan My Aunt Fanny

Nearly one hundred years ago California voters, sick of government corruption and ineptitude at all levels, enacted a series of reforms intended to make government more responsive and less corrupt. These included provisions for intiative, referenda, and recall, as well as nonpartisan election of judicial, school, county, and municipal offices, a provision still in the California Elections Code .

But that doesn’t matter to powers that be in the local GOP. Monday night, August 18, the Orange County Republican Central Committee voted on their first round of endorsements for local races in the county.

They endorsed all Republican incumbents, something they've done pretty routinely in the past. Hey, weren’t the Republicans the ones who were so hot on term limits a few years back? Oh, but that was different. That was to get rid of Democrat Willie Brown. No sauce for the gander here.

“Early endorsements” were also bestowed on a few anointed non-incumbent candidates: Gary Monahan and Jim Righeimer in Costa Mesa, Don Hansen protégée Devin Dwyer in Huntington Beach, and John Campbell staffer Lou Penrose nee Luigi Rossetti, Jr. in Dana Point. This was outside the normal vetting process, basically rubber stamping the directive of county chair Scott Baugh and the big boys with the big bucks via the endorsing committee. Presumably qualifications include close alliances developed with Mr. Baugh over drinks and a cigar at Gulfstream.

Look for the Orange County party and Lincoln Club to pony up for the chosen ones. Be aware that funds you may contribute to the GOP at large may or may not go to electing a Republican president, governor, or senator, but may be spent right in your own back yard on a candidate you may or may not support. If you like the candidates that’s fine; if not, give directly to the candidates of your choice.

"I was against the idea before I was for it"

So John Moorlach's pivotally important Measure J is generating a lot of buzz (including on this blog). Many people, including those very supportive of our policemen and firemen (like me), have long seen the unbelievable fiscal irresponsibility public officials are willing to push through in an attempt to not anger the public employee unions. The past OC Supervisors vote for "3% at age 50" has left our county with an embarrassing unfunded liability. Our city has been no better. Earlier this year, some of us thought we would do what other municipalities in this great state of ours have done with HUGE success - force the voters - you know, "we, the people" - to approve changes in pension commitments. While Reed Royalty of OC Tax, Mario Mainero of John Moorlach's staff, and myself appeared to plead with the council to support this idea going forward, and at least give the voters the mere right to vote on it, a handful of folks appeared with fire coming out of their bellies to oppose it. The usual suspects - a firemen union rep, a teacher's union rep, etc. But, the loudest and most vocal opponent of the idea that night????

Dolores Otting. The opponent to Keith Curry in this year's council race.

And her position on Measure J, an IDENTICAL MEASURE to what we tried to do for the city earlier this year? She is now totally for it. She was against it for our own people., but is for it for the county at large. Go figure.

If one wants to review the video of that night's city council meeting, her exact reasoning was tied in to who did and did not support her in past campaign attempts. I would suggest that our city needs a measure like this, because we need to care for our own children's financial futures more than we care for anything else (regardless of the political ramifications). But Dolores has the right view on Measure J, no matter how incoherent it may be that one was against it for their own city, but supports it for their county. May we all do what Keith Curry and Dolores Otting are doing - vote yes on Measure J.

But when it comes to the council race, my vote has to be for the one that supported it both in my zip code, and in my neighbor's zip code.

"I am proud NOT to have the Endorsement of the Fire and Police Unions"

As mentioned by David Bahnsen here, our wonderful City of Newport Beach, once upon a time, thought it would be nice to let the people vote on whether our City Employee's pensions should rise.

Well...that motion never even made it to light, as all of our Seven UNION BACKED City Councilmembers hid their tails between their legs and didn't even risk discussing it in public.

Bit of Background - the Police and Fire Unions were extremely involved with 2006 City Elections, and after the last election, where all of their candidates won, the Police saw their wages increased dramatically and the Fire/Lifeguards saw their pensions increased dramatically.

A small bit of payback I suppose, at the expense of our future (my 19 month olds included) taxpayers.

So...because County Supervisor John Moorlach knows that it's difficult for Union backed candidates to not support their Union supporters, he helped put a Measure on the November ballot which would take it out of the Elected's hands and into the voters, whether or not Government employees can get their Pensions increased.

Hmmm...taking the duties of the Electeds out of their hands and into the voters?

What do we elect them for in the first place...?

But as our Newport Beach City Councilmembers have shown, political payback is a b**ch and our Newport Beach pension liabilities should be fun come retirement age.

...and my hope that we can get our Current (and future) Newport Beach City Council members to grow a pair and take our City's future back from the Unions...

I have an idea - why don't we vote for the people who proudly declare,

"I am proud NOT to have the Endorsement of the Fire and Police Unions."

Newport Beach is the only city in Orange County where you'll hear the "Republican" candidates proudly tout the Union support....

Anyway...it's a long convoluted way for me to introduce this e-newsletter from County Supervisor John Moorlach...

The Long Beach Press-Telegram has an editorial this morning that extols Measure J, the measure our Board recently voted to put on the November ballot, by explaining a very current situation in the City of Fullerton. It is noted in italics. I hear that the City of Santa Ana’s City Council will also be voting on a similar pension-spiking agenda item this week.

This editorial highlights one of the key reasons these generous pension enhancements are doled out in the public sector: “everybody involved benefits.” One only needs to look at the ages of the city’s top management advising their councils to see that they will benefit, and soon. (I know, I know, you’re shocked, absolutely shocked.)

What is infuriating to me is that some cities can’t even afford to fix the potholes in their streets. How can they afford to take on additional pension liabilities? In the near future, when a city council votes to put a “pothole tax” on their ballot, don’t you buy it; it will really be a “pension enhancement/wealth transfer tax.”

Pensions and ethics

Press-Telegram editorial

Have taxpayers resigned themselves to pension-spiking at their expense? They shouldn't. It's still going on.

The latest example is the Orange County city of Fullerton, where, behind closed doors, politicians are negotiating a 25 percent retroactive increase in pensions for city employees. Twenty-five percent! Retroactively!

"Negotiating" is a ridiculous term for what's going on, which is raw self-dealing. Everybody involved benefits, from the elected politicians who expect help at election time to city "negotiators" who of course will get the 25 percent increase, too.

The only reason anybody knows about it is that one city councilman, Republican Shawn Nelson, told the Orange County Register. Shawn is the only council member opposing this scheme at Fullerton City Hall.

Doing the "negotiations" in secret is perfectly legal, since state law provides for confidentiality in discussions of contracts and other legal matters. In Fullerton, as elsewhere, this turns out to be a great convenience. The council agenda notes only that city officials are involved in conferences with labor negotiators. Not a word about huge pension increases to members of city employee unions at taxpayer expense.

Councilman Nelson says it is unethical not to tell the public what those conferences are about, and he is obviously right. To its credit, the Register is doing its best to make sure the word gets out, and taxpayers have their say. Now, not later.

Most counties and cities, including Long Beach, already have put oversize and often underfunded pensions in place. One city, Vallejo, is in bankruptcy because of it.

There is one positive glimmer. Also in Orange County, which has a $2.7 billion deficit in its pension program, the Board of Supervisors has approved a ballot measure that would require voter approval of any further pension increases. It's late, as one supervisor groused, but better than nothing.

Also, thanks to Supervisor John Moorlach, the board has filed a lawsuit aimed at cutting sheriff's deputies' retroactive pension raises because they are a gift of public funds.

That they are. Just ask any taxpayer who doesn't have a government pension.

UPDATE 8/19/2008- I've been corrected - turns out Councilman Keith Curry had brought up the motion to the rest of the Newport Beach City Council and did not receive a Second...

It's Called Free Speech People

So I got a phone call this morning...

...from a very dear friend...

...which really agitated me...

...enough for me to really think about what I was going to write down...

...so as to not write something which I would regret later.

Let me start off with this:

1. This is not a newspaper with an Editor.
2. This is a Silly Little Blog
3. The other contributors have independent thoughts and opinions and have been gracious enough to give this Silly Little Blog their time, thoughts and opinions.
4. I do not control what the other contributors write, nor do I tell them what to write or opine about.

LET ME REPEAT THAT:

I do not control what the other contributors write, nor do I tell them what to write or opine about.

I WILL NOT CONTROL WHAT OTHER CONTRIBUTORS WRITE, NOR WILL I TELL THEM WHAT TO WRITE OR OPINE ABOUT.

Because of that:

• I do not edit their posts (except for grammar/spelling).
  
• I do not delete posts which I do not agree with.
• I respect their thoughts (even if I do not agree with them, or in the Winship's case...understand them...)
  

A couple of contributors have sent me notes in the past asking me where I stand on an issue or if I would have an issue if they wrote about something else.

My response has always been, and will always be - Write whatever you want. I won't touch it.

So...I'm going to write this in bold and caps for those who have a hard time understanding this:

THE THOUGHTS OF THOSE OTHER WRITERS DO NOT NECESSARILY AGREE,OR DISAGREE WITH MY THOUGHTS.

THE STANDS PEOPLE TAKE OR OPINE ABOUT ON THIS BLOG DO NOT NECESSARILY AGREE OR DISAGREE WITH MY STANDS OR OPINIONS.

IT'S CALLED FREE SPEECH PEOPLE.

For those who enjoy sitting on the sidelines and throwing anonymous (though...who am I to talk using my pseudonym) darts, I invite you to join this blog as a contributor so that your side of the story/issue/candidate can be heard.

Please send me a note at newportbeachvoices@gmail.com

Another take on Dolores and the Email Gone Wrong

Since the blog already features two posts on the bizarre development in the last couple of days regarding the campaign of Dolores Otting and the false email she sent out, I will do my part to add to the congestion on the topic. The problem is, I don't really think it is funny. In this day and age, where most of our email boxes are flooded on a daily basis with emails that range from perposterous to hysterical, I am quite concerned by the wisdom and judgment of one who would blindly send an email out with absolutely no attempt to verify its accuracy. Not only was the email totally false, the idea that even if an arrest had taken place at a rehab home, it would be Keith Curry's fault, is so stupid, so irresponsible, and so immature, I am at a loss for words. Dolores sent the email with the addition, "Just D.O. it", adding her signature behind the perposterous article. I don't think the credibility of the group that sent the email to Dolores even warrants additional criticism - they have managed to shred that to pieces all on their own - but I would hope that our city council candidates who are asking for the voters' trust would do more to earn it.

This thing will blow over, but to those who read the blog, I hope this serves as an indication of what we are dealing with this November.

Silly Season High School - The Musical

Taking into account that Newport Beach is entering the Class of 2008 Silly Season take a look at what is brewing, courtesy of the Daily Pilot:

Rehab rumor ruffles feathers

The point of the article?

Expect any email which could possibly have Political overtones, however minute, to be given to the press by one City Council candidate or their opponent.

Expect the press to write an article about it (to help stir the pot).

Expect every single noise to be made into a Political issue and discussed at the Newport Beach City Council meeting (Don't worry, it'll get better when we have a bigger and better City Hall...)

And expect us Simple-Minded Bloggers to then make fun of all of them...

Don't believe me?

Read below for the Winship's comments on it too.

Following Newport Beach's Lead?

This little article got sent to me:

L.A. City Council considers tighter rules for group homes

It's interesting to see, or least appear to see, City Councilmembers taking initiative on this issue.

This brings me hope to ACTUALLY (and not pretend to with fancy/not followed up upon multi-city conferences) get other Cities, who house many, many Democrats, involved to convince Sacramento that their approach to Group Homes need to change.

This one is worth following.

...and hopefully Los Angeles will actually enforce their laws and not settle out of them...

Rumor Mills.....

What happens when you pass on a known fact.....that turns
out to be....nothing of the sort? Candidate Dolores Otting
recently found out. It was all about Rehab Homes naturally!
This issue seems to have legs longer than Fred Astaire! The
mere mention of Rehab Homes...has a bunch of people all tied
up in knots. The City Staff, The City Council, The Citizens
Committee...and even the "The People"!

"What has gone wrong now?" seems to be the on-going question
that works people up into a near frenzy! Keeping a cap on the
emotions, especially when you live in a neighborhood with these
facilities close by.....has to be a challenge in itself. So
when Dolores got word that there was a bust at one of the local
Rehab facilities....it is easy to surmise..that it may be true.

Actually, the info was either wrong or slanted or somethings
and Dolores had to recant her position. Councilman Keith Curry
jumped on the opportunity with impunity to identify a mistake!

Well, of all the issues facing the City of Newport Beach...we
can say...finding the truth about Rehab Homes in Newport Beach
has not be an easy task. Getting down to the facts and the
truth on "Sober Living Homes", "Morningstar" or for that matter
any definitive finality on the subject seems to be months, if
not still years away.

So, to Dolores and Keith.....who we love both: Don't let this
"misreporting issue"...dissuade you from talking this subject
up in great detail. There are plenty of details and targeted
issues that still need defining...so go right at it!

Sign of Things to Come

I hate to laugh...but...

Here's why surfer Jorge Lopez didn't qualify for the November Ballot for the privilege to compete against Newport Beach Councilman Rosansky and Dr. Gloria Alkire in District 2.

From the Daily Pilot article:

Lopez, upon review by the Registrar of Voters, had only five valid signatures out of 29, with the majority of signatures coming from residents outside his district – including a couple from Costa Mesa – according to the City Clerk’s office.

I guess it'll be a matter of time before Costa Mesa residents can vote in Newport Beach...now that would get very interesting huh?

...And Then There Was Two

Race On!

For District 2 in the Newport Beach City Council race, Councilman Rosansky and Dr. Gloria Alkire have qualified to run.

Surfer Jorge Lopez didn't get the signatures to qualify.

This one should get interesting as Steve gets a very formidable opponent in Dr. Gloria.

Let's see...

• Former Superintendent.
• Former School Principal.
• PhD in Leadership.
• Experience dealing with capital improvements and financing.
• Experience dealing with pension bloated staff.
• Experience wrangling politically elected board and City Council members.
• Lived in Newport for 33 plus years.
• Overwhelmingly (and sickeningly...I must add) positive and fair minded.

While Councilman Curry v. Dolores Otting - the Sequel, will be riveting and expensive...

Count on this race to go down to the wire.

August Newport Beach - Centric Events

As we gear up for another Silly Season, here are a couple of Newport Beach based events, courtesy of the Republican Party of OC's calendar.

Tuesday, 8/12/08 5:30 PM Special Event

Campaign Kick-Off Smoker With Bruce Herschensohn Committee To Re-Elect Tom Fuentes Trustee, South Orange County Community College District Where: Duke's Place, Balboa Bay Club Please join Tom Fuentes on the patio at Duke's Place, Balboa Bay Club on Tuesday evening, August 12th, at 5:30pm for a Campaign Kick-Off Smoker with guest Bruce Herschensohn. Admission is free to this informal summertime Smoker on the bay. Complimentary cigar and a no-host bar for guests. Attire is casual for the evening's gathering of friends. Bruce Herschensohn has a marvelous new book out, called Above Empyrean. There will be copies available for $20. Bruce will be happy to personally autograph the book for you. RSVP to kathy@tavpro.com.

Wednesday, 8/20/08 6:00 PM Special Event

Republican Jewish Coalition Orange County Chapter Reception Featuring Congressman John Campbell Where: Law Office of Stradling, Yocca, Carlson & Rauth, Newport Beach The Republican Jewish Coalition Orange County Chapter invites you and your friends to a wine and cheese reception featuring: Congressman John Campbell (R-Newport Beach). Rep. Campbell will speak about his efforts in support of the U.S. Israel relationship, and the GOP agenda in Congress. Congressman Campbell is a leader on such issues as American resolve in the Middle East vis a vis Iran. Rep. Campbell is also a star in Congress on fiscal responsibility and keeping America competitive in the global economic environment. Please come spend time with a wonderful, young Republican Congressman as we build our RJC chapter in support of the only pro-Israel candidate for President, Senator John McCain. All are welcome! Please RSVP to the RJC California office 310-478-0752.

Councilwoman Nancy Gardner's August Newsletter

If more Councilmembers would only do this...

Here is Nancy's August newsletter.

Pretty standard, nothing controversial.

Enjoy.

A Desperate Plea For Re-Election

Below is a plea for support for re-election recently sent out
from Councilman Steve Rosansky (District 2).

"Dear (deleted) ,

As you may have heard, I am running for re-election in the
City Council District 2 race this fall. I am writing to you to
for your support and endorsement in the upcoming campaign.

I am proud of my accomplishments over the last five years,
some of which I have listed on a document attached to this
e-mail. However, there is still much to be done. We have a
relatively new General Plan to implement, new civic buildings
and parks to construct, dredging of the Bay and Harbor to
complete and much, much more. It would be an honor to
continue this work on behalf of you and the other residents
of the City.

Please take the time to fill-out the attached endorsement form
and either mail, fax or e-mail it back to me.

Sincerely,

Steven Rosansky
Newport Beach City Councilman
District 2"

Rosansky lists under his accomplishments:

5. Group Home Conference & Group Home Legislation
Organized a conference in March 2007 to share ideas on the group home issue
facing cities across California. Over 300 people, representing over 100 local,
county and state agencies from Chula Vista to Eureka, attended the conference.
Encouraged and supported efforts by State Senator Harmon and others to
introduce state legislation to give more local control over group homes.

As you read it, you should note that in 2007, as then sitting
Mayor, Rosansky was commonly seen lashing out during
council meetings at Community members who demanded
his honesty. It was later discovered by District 2 residents,
that Rosansky had knowingly entered into a contract with a
known Drug Rehab Operator from 2004 through Spring 2007
in which Rosansky received compensation and financially
benefit from. But Rosansky apparently “forgot” to mention
this despite being required to disclose such a matter by City
Council’s own "Conflict of Interest" Policy A-16, which requires
a City Official to discuss, as a matter of public record, the
circumstance surrounding any “interest or conflict.”

During 2004 Rosansky voted in favor of the 2004-16 Group
Home Ordinance (rehabs). In the months that followed, the
2004-16 Group Home Ordinance helped cause severe over-
concentration of Drug Rehab Homes in Newport Beach and
much of that in Rosansky’s own district. Between 2004-2007
Rosansky consistently proclaimed that there was nothing that
the City could do to help alleviate the impact being felt by
residents from the Drug Rehab Over-Concentration problem.

Also, as then Mayor during 2007, Rosansky hosted a Conference
of Cities on Group Homes, Chaired the IROC Committee (focused
on Over-Concentration) and he voted in Council on many more
measures involving Group (Drug Rehab) Homes. All this while
Rosansky never publicly mentioned his for-profit, contractual
relationship with the Drug Rehab Operator until late 2007 when
residents uncovered evidence of Rosansky’s financial involvement
with that Drug Rehab Operator.

In my opinion, Rosansky has displayed a strong misjudgment in
many matters of ethics, local governance and honesty. Residents
should consider whether Rosansky is a leader who will truly put
the community needs above his own.

Keep that in mind as Rosansky pleads for support in his re-election.

Bob Rush

All's Quiet?

I must say.

You can already tell that the Daily Pilot is hurting.

2 years ago, with the 2006 Newport Beach elections, the room was abuzz. Between the Six (yes count'em 6) City Council Seats up for election, the General Plan and Greenlight II on the ballot.

This year?

We've learned more about Huntington Beach Mayor Debbie Cook than any Newport Beach oriented election politics, lawsuits withstanding.

Costa Mesa is getting great (ok...decent) coverage (here, here and here).

What does Newport Beach get? A Surfer running against Steve Rosansky in the 2nd?

and an article from three weeks ago about Dolores Otting running?

That's great, but where's the follow up? How much have people raised? Where's the followup on Jorge Lopez and Ivan Moad?

Where's SJ Cahn and Alicia Robinson when you need them...?

Anyway, I was curious about it, so must all of you.

We'll start with how much our "Interested" Parties in this forgotten, yet wonderful, City of Newport Beach has raised from January 1 through June 30, 2008.

Councilman Michael Henn - Raised no money, spent almost $500, still owes himself $17,500.00 from his 2006 run.

Councilman Steve Rosansky - is GOING to face a challenger in the fall. Raised no money, spent $72, has $113.75 in the bank. But he's a good fundraiser, so should have some dough later on.

Lame Duck Don Webb - Getting termed out in 2 years. Doesn't need to even bother...raising money that is...

Mayor Pro-Tem Leslie Daigle - Getting ready for her Assem..., I mean City Council race in 2010? Raised no money, spent $261.70, and...get this...STILL OWES DAVID ELLIS/DELTA PARTNERS $5000 FROM HER 2006 CITY COUNCIL RUN.

Mayor Ed Selich - With no name on the horizon to challenge him in 2008, raised no money, spent $850.00, still has almost $6,000.00 in the bank from his 2006 run. Should a "Real" challenger pop up, he'll raise big Leslie Daigle/Mike Henn type dollars in no time.

Councilwoman Nancy Gardner - Nothing raised, $26 spent, still owes herself $10k plus from 2006.

Councilman Keith Curry - With a challenger in the 7th District, Keith has raised almost $38k, spent $8700, and has a bit more than $30k in the bank, although he still owes himself $17k from his previous election in 2006. The names who contributed are the expected names to see on his contribution report.

Council Candidate Dolores Otting - Raised $4367.00, spent $218.10, and has $4148.90 in the bank. Long ways to go, but Dolores knows lots of people and let's see how open their checkbooks become.

Newport Beach Fire Union - I guess they are gearing up to support their Union candidates...raised almost $10k, spent $1186.00, but they have $31310.49 in the bank. Prepared for heavy lifting. Is there another Fire Union contract coming up?

What does this all mean?

Nothing really...perhaps that's why the Daily Pilot hasn't blinked twice at Newport Beach.

What stands out to me so far?

• Mayor Pro-Tem Daigle still owes David Ellis money for 2006.

• The Fire Union has more money in the bank than Councilman Keith Curry.

More to come, I'm sure.

Banning Ranch

The Register ran a thoughtful piece today on the situation our city faces: one in which a bonanza of opportunity has sat dormant at Banning Ranch, and where the owners have thoughtfully and earnestly begun the process of engaging the citizens in dialogue about potential plans. Unfortunately, it is also another case in our beloved city where radical and extremist anti-growthers threaten to leave the status quo as it is, all in the name of - well, I don't really know what.

I am not prepared to say exactly what should or should not happen in Banning Ranch. I have been very impressed with the developers work thus far, and am admittedly one who values the private property rights and good community more than I value anything the Sierra Club does or thinks. But this is not the time to make up one's mind - it is time to listen. It is time to see what makes the most sense for our city. NIMBYism is going to die one day, and I would be thrilled to see that death start here - in Banning Ranch.