Eight faculty from UCD honored as AAAS Fellows
Davis must grow up, not out

Welcome to Al's Corner - "Pouring Gasoline on the Dumpster Fire of Davis Politics" - March 2023

image from www.sparkysonestop.com

March, like February, starts early at Al's Corner.  We'll start off trashing the Davis Vanguard, as common a theme on Al's Corner as housing articles on the Davis Vanguard.  Recently posted:

Walter Shwe February 26, 2023 at 6:00 pm

Has anyone at Davis Vanguard lately tried to comment on an article or replied to a prior comment on an iPhone? The experience is atrocious. Articles always load slowly except late at night. Ads interfere with the top page buttons, particularly the Login button. Most importantly to you the Donate button is inaccessible. Earlier today I had to login by first tapping the Register button. Will anyone at Davis Vanguard ever fix these frustrating issues? I realize that ads help pay for site costs, but this is simply ridiculous.

Moderator February 26, 2023 at 6:26 pm

We’ll forward this comment to the webmaster and then remove it in a few hours. Thanks for your feedback.

Funny, myself and I believe RO and KO all pointed out that since the Vanguard added Newsy and other advertising that it has become an annoying, almost unusable piece of sh*t, and most especially on a phone, where you might as well drop your phone in the toilet and flush.  But no, we were ignored.  Maybe because we also, in not so many words, or maybe in so many words, also called the content of the DV sh*t also.   But hey, you should listen to your critics, because we know what is best for you.  But no, y'all wait until a fan-of-the- blog points out the very same thing.  Good going.

And one bit of housekeeping to our thousands or hundreds or tens or single-digits or negative-number of fans:  In February we ran over the previously-unknown-to-me 100 comment limit.  This caused a "Page 2" to be created that many did not find, and missed brilliant commentary.  To find Page 2, either dig up the corpse of Paul Harvey, or scroll to the bottom of Page 1 and click on the "Newer >>>" button.   Yeehaw

Happy Early March Everyone!  Happy Easter!  Happy Passover!  Happy Good Friday, if that is a happy holy day otherwise maybe a solemn one!  And then there are other holidays for all the people of the world and I am now going to list them all and celebrate all of them . . . or not!

Comments

Keith

I hardly ever try to read the Vanguard on my phone, it's like trying to navigate a maze blindfolded. On my home desktop it's still a pain but doable.

"In February we ran over the previously-unknown-to-me 100 comment limit."

It appears Al's Corner is becoming more popular than the Vanguard. Though I don't know if that really says much as we all know the ratings the Vanguard gets on the city's usefulness of local news sources survey. Let's just say it's not good.

Darell

Our annual Ukrainian Egg Day will again have an oddly different feel this year.

Lemme know if you have any great design ideas that I can try to create into existence.

Ron O

Al's Corner is certainly a less-restrictive, but (simultaneously) more-respectful place to post comments regarding local issues.

For "expatriates" of the Vanguard (and/or social media sites), who knew that those two goals were actually compatible?

Not sure if it's the nature of the people commenting on the Davisite, or something else.

But for sure, there's one or two people remaining on the Vanguard who would likely have to modify their comments, to post on the Davisite.

I've had some comments "moderated" on the Davisite, myself (but not on Al's Corner, so far).


Alan C. Miller

Subject: “Vanguard Weekly Council Question: Week 2 – Sheltering the Unhoused Population” [2-day DVG]

Quoth: "The city does not currently have sustainable funding to support the Department of Social Services and Housing, which is specifically tasked with addressing homelessness."

It does have Biden Money, but that runs out!!! Gleefully the Council spends away the Biden Money! Leaving . . . future budget holes!

So we have a choice: 1) Fund the Department of Social Services; or 2) Fund the Operations of the South Davis Library after burning through a fed grant to build it. And maybe if we're lucky, we'll have to pony up a 'missing million' like when someone did an oopsie on the Paul's Place budget. Oopsie!!!

Oh, and neither of the above are possible unless we stop filling potholes :-|

Note: The above used no actual budget numbers. Just me shooting the sh*t to wake people up. Wake up!!!

Alan C. Miller

SUBJECT “Justin Gonzalez Case Comes Back to Yolo after Murder Conviction Overturned”

Ron Glick March 1, 2023 at 6:31 am

“However, they might have more difficulty this time, as the defense now has witnesses that directly contradict those eyewitness accounts and the key testimony was given by a witness who received leniency in exchange for testimony against Gonzalez.”

Can you elaborate?

DG's answer in . . . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73tGe3JE5IU

Keith

From the Enterprise:

"As part of a spring campus tour, Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk, a controversial conservative activist and radio talk show host, is scheduled to come to UC Davis on Tuesday, March 14, at 7 p.m. Not shying away from political discourse, the tour advertises that “students who disagree will be brought to the front of the line.”


Mark that date on your calendar folks, it could be a wild night. Now if the haters on the left would just let Kirk talk there would be no problem. But if history repeats itself look for ANTIFA and left wing activists to show up and try shut down Kirk's free speech. Don't be surprised if the Proud Boys make an appearance too.

Alan C. Miller

Already on my calendar, Keith! I'm bringing a lawn chair and my barricade-proof vest.

This could be the best entertainment in Davis since the Grateful Dead played the ARC in 1982.

Keith

From the Enterprise article about the Charlie Kirk appearance at UCD:

"Also, the petition states that TPUSA “commentator” Candace Owens “has repeatedly defended the false and racist narrative that George Floyd died of a fentanyl overdose, and has been quoted saying that “Hitler just wanted to make Germany great."

I like Candice Owens, and have often heard her speak on TV. I found it hard to believe that she would say “Hitler just wanted to make Germany great" as a stand alone statement. Well guess what, I did a little digging and what she said is far more nuanced than just that little snippet of her statement:

“If Hitler just wanted to make Germany great and have things run well — OK, fine,” she said after she was asked about the word “nationalism,” according to BuzzFeed News, which first reported her remarks.
“The problem is he had dreams outside of Germany,” she continued. “He wanted to globalize. He wanted everybody to be German.”
Owens defended her remarks in a Twitter video on Friday. She said that she was explaining that nationalism was different than what Hitler supported.
“Nationalism is sort of conflated with, for some reason, Hitler,” she said.
“That’s really, really wrong and we that we have to almost correct the record on that,” she added.
“He wasn’t a nationalist. He was a homicidal, psychotic maniac,” she said of the German dictator.
“He wasn’t about putting Germans first. There were German Jews that he was putting into camps and murdering,” she said. “He was a mass murderer.”
https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/429180-candace-owens-if-hitler-just-wanted-to-make-germany-great-and/

So one can see how things can die spun and twisted to form a false narrative.

Keith

"Already on my calendar, Keith! I'm bringing a lawn chair and my barricade-proof vest."

"barricade-proof vest", Ha Ha, I love it. Alan, take care of yourself and I'll look forward to your report about the actual facts of what occurs so we all don't have to rely on the biased reporting of leftists and political blogs. Take pics and videos.

Ron O

Regarding Charlie Kirk, I don't think you need to be a "conservative" to believe that there's at least some validity regarding the following:

"Kirk’s book, The College Scam: How America’s Universities Are Bankrupting and Brainwashing Away the Future of America’s Youth,” asks parents why they send their kids to college, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on “a useless degree?” He argues that colleges are filled with far-left professors and that progressives repress speech."

https://www.davisenterprise.com/news/local/ucd/turning-points-kirk-heading-to-ucd/

Keith

"Kirk’s book, The College Scam: How America’s Universities Are Bankrupting and Brainwashing Away the Future of America’s Youth,” asks parents why they send their kids to college, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on “a useless degree?” He argues that colleges are filled with far-left professors and that progressives repress speech."

I think anyone that's fair minded can't refute most of what is written above. The only part that is somewhat objectionable is not all degrees are "useless", but certainly many are.

Ron O

The late, great Norm MacDonald regarding Germany:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXdtafGdIVM

Alan C. Miller

"“He wasn’t a nationalist. He was a homicidal, psychotic maniac,” -- Candice Owens, regarding Hilter.

Well, to be fair, when my loyal fans in Davis defend me, they often use the phrase 'homicidal, psychotic maniac' to describe me as well. So I understand the confusion :-|

Alan C. Miller

In all seriousness, though, I had the same reaction to the Enterprise Article: abject horror. I am fine with opinion pieces, letters to the editor, etc.; and of the Davis Vanguard, we know it's a worthless, politically-biased piece-of-sh*t blog. In all the just-listed cases we know what we are getting.

But for a "news"-paper to print what they printed as a news article is unforgivable (thought I realize very common these days, even in the New York Times. Scratch that, especially in the New York Times.)

I knew immediately when I read the phrase, "the false and racist narrative" that I was dealing with an article produced by Activist Journalism, and not something worthy of a news article. Because of that, I did what you did: I looked up the supposedly controversial quote, and found it was purposefully taken out-of-context to make a conservative look bad. And as such, it was a lie.

Truly despicable on the part of the Enterprise. And once a writer, at the Enterprise or anywhere, does this, they are *forever* suspect for any article I read by from that author. Journalism is more and more becoming purposefully a tool of activists, and less about something resembling truth, reality or facts. The sane wing of the Left needs to be calling this out for all political views left, right and center-ish.

Why is the editorial staff at the Enterprise allowing this? I thought most in Davis considered the Enterprise more conservative than the town overall, no? Regardless, a newspaper printing complete falsehoods based on a political narrative is inexcusable.

Luckily at least if you keep a sharp eye out you can spot dog whistle terms like "the false and racist narrative" and know that what you are dealing with is a not-news piece.

Roberta L. Millstein

If we want to make sure that we are not taking quotes out of context, let me quote the DE:

Also, the petition states that TPUSA “commentator” Candace Owens “has repeatedly defended the false and racist narrative that George Floyd died of a fentanyl overdose, and has been quoted saying that “Hitler just wanted to make Germany great.'”

That, I presume (I haven't checked) is factually correct about what the petition states. The DE does not itself make that assertion.

Now, perhaps you all think that the DE should check on all the facts of claims made by all the people they are reporting on. But I think that might be above and beyond what journalists usually do? In any case, my point is just to clarify what error the DE committed, if it is indeed an error.

Alan C. Miller

RM: You point is a valid one. I had not noted that nuance, and technically true -- the article only stated what the petition said, not stating it as fact. So I will, at that level, apologize to the Enterprise and the author.

However, I remain uncomfortable with the way this was presented without correcting the record. Wary of jumping the divider into oncoming Godwin's Law traffic: Candice Owens is not Hitler. What I mean is, if someone quoted a critic of Hitler and said Hitler was a racist, Hitler is well enough known that people would already know whether they think Hitler was a racist or not.

In Blue Blue Deeply Blue Davis, I doubt many have watched Candice Owens, or even know what her job is. Therefore, presenting this without doing some basic research to get the context (which changes the meaning *completely*), a reader could easily assume that there was no more research that needed doing, and would therefore conclude that the petition language stated was correct. This could then lead to snap judgements about Fox News being haters.

I am not a fan of Candice Owens. I find her glib and a bit smarmy. But I sure as hell know enough about her to know she wouldn't be stating pro-Hitler comments, nor do I have any doubt that she is actually against Hitler. (for the record, I am also anti-Hitler :-| ).

What this all reminds me of is when a friend was telling me all these astonishingly incorrect things about commentator/interviewer Joe Rogan. This centered around a huge left-wing smear campaign against Rogan because he interviewed some people during the pandemic who didn't agree with the establishment narrative. He often has on people he doesn't agree with, but he was tarred as spreading misinformation just for having the discussion. He was called an extremist right-winger (he supported Bernie LOL). And since then, some of the narratives of the people he interviewed have turned out to be true.

Oopsie F*cking Oopsie

Alan C. Miller

SUBJECT: "Will Berkeley Become the Straw that Broke CEQA’s Back?" [Travis Tranguard, 2-day]

Ironic, coming from Greenwald and his ilk who are breaking the backs of political camels all over by taking it TOO FAR: defund the police, leaving criminal drug addicts living outdoors in place, supporting Weiner, supporting Gascon, supporting that guy in SF who got booted who I don't care enough about to Google, opposing Reisig, supporting decarceration, etc.

I walked outside and can hear the sound of snapping camel spines emanating from the direction of Davis Vanguard world headquarters. A disgusting sound!

Roberta L. Millstein

AM, your March 03, 2023 at 07:58 PM are well-taken w/r to the impression that the average DE reader would be left with from the quote. However, I would lump this in with a more basic DE problem that they rarely have articles that contain much research. I don't blame the journalists for this -- I blame the DE for not having enough journalists and not paying their journalists enough. Everyone says that newspapers are struggling, but they continue to make profits while at the same time overlooking ways in which they could be bringing in more money. It seems to me that they mostly do what is easy.

The most recent and really head scratching example is that they are (as I write this comment) cutting in half the number of columns and the amount of pay of the columnist who writes Comings and Goings. I mean, maybe that is an easy decision, but it really Makes No Sense. Not only is it one of the most popular features in the paper (apparently, the one that gets the most clicks online), but also it features Davis businesses. You know, the ones who buy the ads that keep the paper going. So you'd think that they could figure out how to keep that column going full time... you'd think they would do anything except cut the frequency of that column. But no....

I digress. My point is that the DE isn't being managed editorially or financially as it should be, and IMO what you describe is just the tip of that iceberg. There have been other egregious examples where a small amount of research could have made a big difference.

Keith

"There have been other egregious examples where a small amount of research could have made a big difference."

It took me a 2 minute Google search to find the truth. I knew that Candice Owens would never make that statement without there being more to it. I happen to like Owens, most of the time she makes complete sense. Do I agree with her 100% of the time? No, but I don't agree with anyone 100%.

Also, I can't find where Charlie Kirk called for the lynching of trans people. I think some on the left have inferred or projected that he said or meant that, but nowhere can I find where he actually stated that. Facts matter.


Alan C. Miller

RM: "cutting in half the number of columns and the amount of pay of the columnist who writes Comings and Goings . . . it really Makes No Sense . . . So you'd think that they could figure out how to keep that column going full time... "

Unfortunately, it does make sense in that it makes no sense. Like so many things post-Covid-19, and so many newspapers, the DE must be in a financial death spiral to make a decision like that. The paper is already thinner than a matzo, I don't know how it could get any thinner. C&G along with Dunning is the soul of that paper, and they do have some good journalists even still. Where did you read about the cut? Link?

I would hate to lose even the thin DE completely, even with some issues I have with it. No offense, but the Davisite, Davis Vanguard and Nextdoor are not my idea of replacements for a local newspaper, however skeletal and imperfect. Many towns already are living without one, as we all know.

Roberta L. Millstein

AM, WW wrote about it in her C&G column for this Sunday (https://www.davisenterprise.com/news/comings-goings-armadillo-floods-asian-food-to-exit/):

"I have some disappointing news to share. Budget cuts at The Davis Enterprise are reducing the frequency of this column, at least for now. It will run every other weekend, though I will try to adapt the schedule around big news or my vacations.

Because I am a freelancer paid by the column –­ not by the hour or word – this saves the paper some money. I will still cover the same amount of news, and basically do the same amount of work, but under fewer headlines. Columns will be longer, and the reports won’t be as timely. I’d love to keep putting it out every week, but not for half the pay.

I appreciate all the compliments I get from readers. These kudos – in person and by email several times a week – make me smile. (Those even include the people who stop me on the street to ask me questions without introducing themselves!)

You show your love by your clicks as well. Comings & Goings brings more traffic to The Enterprise website than any other regular feature, as seen by the Popular rankings on the paper’s home page. And it was super cool to win two California Journalism Awards last year for columns and business coverage.

What can you do? Subscribe and urge your friends to – and purchase ads. In fact, if you or your business would like to sponsor this column to help maintain its frequency, email me and I will help facilitate. (Sponsorship wouldn’t come with special privileges, other than getting to read this weekly like everyone else, and helping our favorite local newspaper stay afloat.) Meanwhile, watch my Comings & Goings Facebook page, along with occasional photos on Instagram."

However, since posting that, she wrote on FB: "Stay tuned. Advertisers are coming out of the woodwork!" So it sounds like some Davis businesses are stepping up, as they damn well should.

I agree with you 100% about the DE -- even with its issues, I think it's really important, and in no way do I think that ND/VG/Davisite fills the role. I've been a subscriber since I moved to Davis. So I am hoping that this can be sorted out.

Ron O

Truth be told, "other" news sources cover incidents such as stolen cars being driven at high speed into curbs/medians, resulting in death.

The only "weird" part being that the driver was apparently female.

I didn't even know that UCD police pursued drivers on city streets. Perhaps "that's" the story, here?

https://www.kcra.com/article/davis-person-dead-after-crashing-car-police/43064948

"News" will always find a way to be found. But physical paper is dead, and has been for some time. You'd think that the cost savings (regarding printing and distribution alone) would ensure profitability, but I guess not (so far, at least).

In contrast, it appears that "opinion blogs" (of which I'd include the SF Chronicle and LA Times these days) are doing o.k. As is one local opinion blog, though they're always begging for money.

Roberta L. Millstein

Ron, you seem to be suggesting that the DE didn't cover this incident, but in fact it did, with a pair of articles:

https://www.davisenterprise.com/news/local/police-pursuit-ends-in-fatal-crash/

https://www.davisenterprise.com/news/local/driver-in-pursuit-related-crash-identified/


Alan C. Miller

SUBJECT: "University Mall Location Too Valuable to Just Give Up As a Mixed-Use Site"

DG: "Make no mistake—while the city and university have both approved and built new housing in recent years, we remain in a housing crisis." Yeah, thanks for that DG. I think we can decide for ourselves what a crisis is without you patronizing us.

BUT -- Well, y'all gonna be shocked -- other than that obligatory swipe at the Vanguard, I actually AGREE 100% with David Greenwald this morning.

The University Mall is indeed the perfect spot for housing and a missed opportunity. "It is hard to imagine a better location or more perfect opportunity than the University Mall." To let this opportunity go is indeed a tragedy. And it seems that a couple of council-persons who are normally pro-development are ironically the cause.

I come at this with my values rooted in historic & neighborhood preservation, as well as the impact on those adjacent. I believe those very nearby a project DO have a say (not a trump card), and old buildings and neighborhoods are the character that makes a city what it is and worth living in and visiting.

But don't call me that overused acceptable-pejorative "N"-word -- because right out my living-room window are five-stories and 700 students in a project I did not oppose. I won't say I supported it either -- I would much prefer the sky and stars that used to be there, but I knew that area would be developed someday and the developer was a decent guy who worked with us and mitigated a few things in what otherwise could have been a much-worse impact.

As far as U-Mall goes, the opponents weren't literally 'not in my backyard' - because it wasn't in anyone's backyard. To the north and west, high-turnover, predominantly student apartments, with commercial further north; to the south the University, to the east CVS and few houses just north but across a wide street.

Slightly-higher traffic is not to me the same as having a four-story building go up next to one-story houses as a missing-middle transition concept fail (the cluster-F of Trackside). The shadow of even the originally-proposed tall building at U-Mall would not fall on any residential neighborhoods. The minor incremental traffic increase was not a good enough excuse for council-members to have opposed this project. Fail.

There truly isn't another opportunity like this and never will be. And yes, the 'not-on-the-periphery' letter was so full-of-sh*t regarding PG&E. Even if they were winding down the property it would take decades to mitigate such a site for housing -- but indeed PG&E is investing in infrastructure there currently -- please everyone give up on this fantasy. Yes, it is an ideal location for infill. No, it is not happening in our children's grandchildren's lifetimes. And DG's question about the core is a very relevant one -- and no, the economics of any-but-a-few projects of housing there are just not going to pencil out for any developer.

So what will happen? In a few years there are going to be some infill projects proposed that will be UGLY and will cause MASSIVE community division, lost friendships, and possible nuclear war. You thought Trackside was divisive? You ain't seen nothin' yet. Strap on your seat belts. Better yet, invest in ejection seats.

So yes, I think we should tell Brixmore "NO", RG, even though this is not their fault. And the current City Council should put the original project back on the table and not allow a project to go in at University Mall that doesn't include mixed-use and hundreds of units of student-oriented housing.

Alan C. Miller

RO: "The only "weird" part being that the driver was apparently female."

Criminals can be female too, y'know :-|

And yeah, like RM, I didn't get your point about 'other sources cover'.

Alan C. Miller

KO: "I can't find where Charlie Kirk called for the lynching of trans people. I think some on the left have inferred or projected that he said or meant that, but nowhere can I find where he actually stated that. Facts matter."

As near as I can tell, the 'lynching' word was brought up via the interpretation from a clip that can be found embedded here:

https://twitter.com/ErinInTheMorn/status/1626747081275715585?lang=en

C. Kirk says what I interpreted to mean that the NBA would have been 'men' back in the day and 'taken care of' the issue by not being influenced by the political arguments. The host interpreted 'taken care of' as 'lynching'. This word then spread all over as 'C. Kirk supports lynching of trans people'. Therefore, you can do a search online and find multiple sources that C. Kirk support lynching of trans people, but no actual source except one based on a personal interpretation of his words.

I find C. Kirk's words somewhere between very outdated and outright offensive. Unclear to me is if the words he used to express his political opinion were purposefully taken out-of-context to create a narrative, or misinterpreted which led to an internet firestorm fallacy.

What concerns me is how the internet creates a 'virtual lynching' of what someone actually said. There is a big difference between being against a stance on an issue that affects transgender individuals, and calling for the lynching of transgender individuals. My concern, and the fact that the DE spread this -- maybe technically-correct without checking further by only stating that a petition stated this -- is that some individuals may protest C. Kirk not only as someone who is politically opposed to issues that affect them, or even someone who wishes to violate their civil rights, but actually as someone who is calling for killing them in public in a spectacle. Some may go the protest believing this, and all it takes is one or two individuals with the legitimacy-syndrome of abortion-clinic-bombers to feel justified in using violence against someone who wants to kill them -- except that he didn't actually say that.

Having many persons believing someone wants to kill them or their friends will lead to an emotionally charged protest, and even violence. That's why I'm so concerned about internet information flow, and about newspapers stating such highly charged 'facts' that have multiple confirmatory sites in an an information loop with no foundation.

I want to see open debates on political issues. I want protest to occur - even loudly, but peacefully. But I don't want to see violence. Please spread information peacefully and factually, not matter how much you may dislike a person or their beliefs.

Ron O

Criminals can be female too, y'know :-|

True, but I suspect that the vast majority of those driving stolen cars (and apparently trying to get away from police at high speed) are young males. If I had to guess, in excess of 90%. (And these are folks who "identify" as males, to boot!)

And yeah, like RM, I didn't get your point about 'other sources cover'.

I noted that the story was covered in other sources.

However, those other sources generally aren't going to cover something like the Enterprise's "Comings and Goings".

It does seem as though newspapers still haven't figured out how to adequately monetize the switch to the Internet. But the failure to do so isn't a result of lack of interest in the "news".

I have realized one thing, however. I don't miss CableTV, and I find some of the small-creator content on YouTube to be both entertaining and informative. (For that matter, you can still find "traditional" news on there, as well.) All at the low, low cost of "free" (as long as one has access to the Internet).

Ron O

I want to see open debates on political issues. I want protest to occur - even loudly, but peacefully. But I don't want to see violence. Please spread information peacefully and factually, not matter how much you may dislike a person or their beliefs.

I'm not sure that this is what the "media" actually prefers to report. Which might say more about society or human nature itself. Have we actually evolved since the days of the Roman Colosseum?

If there's violence, that's what gets attention (and reported). And is perhaps a motivator for those engaging in it. (And I'll admit it - I watch the news, when that happens.)

Alan C. Miller

SUBJECT: “Indivisible Yolo Endorses Francesca Wright” [Avis Anguard 2-day-ish]

”Indivisible Yolo is a non-partisan organization that embraces inclusivity and welcomes all who support the principles described in our Mission, Vision and Values statement”

Maybe as a non-partisan organization, perhaps they can disclose how many Republicans are in their group.

Alan C. Miller

Moderator March 6, 2023 at 3:25 pm

We have been asked to clarify the 5-comment policy.

If we post that the “5-comment rule applies”, then there is a limit of five more comments on that thread by any individual for the rest of that day.

Until we post that, there is no limit on the number of comments an individual may post on a particular thread.

Please keep your comments on topic and avoid personal attacks.

Give me a W! - "W!!!"

Give me a E! - "E!!!"

Give me a A! - "A!!!"

Give me a K! - "K!!!"

What's that spell?!! - "Weak!!!"

What's that spell?!! - "Weak!!!"

What's that spell?!! - "Weeeeeeeaaak!!!"

Keith

The Vanguard 5 comment rule.

I prefer to call it the "Ron Oertel rule" because it mostly only gets applied when Ron has posted 5 comments.

Ron O

I prefer to call it the "Ron Oertel rule" because it mostly only gets applied when Ron has posted 5 comments.

My guess is that someone complained about that guy. And yet, he's the guy who seems to attract the most attacks from the developer-minded peanut gallery on there.

Coincidence? Or - simply "last man standing"?

Both the moderator and founder are not allowing selective comments on the Vanguard, again. There is literally no attempt at all to adhere to policy, or apply it in an even-handed manner. (Personally, I can't support the moderator's business, as a result. Which is unfortunate for me, as I'd otherwise like to. I don't know why Don Shor chooses to maintain his role with the Vanguard, as he doesn't seem to agree with David regarding issues such as how to handle the homeless situation. At least, not when it impacts his own business.)

Of course, I'd never support the Vanguard itself, but that's already a "given".

What I also find unfortunate, however, is that the type of people attracted to run for council seem to (for the most part) embrace the type of views espoused on the Vanguard. Is that a coincidence? Or did some get their "start" by being associated with it?

I don't think the populace at large supports the Vanguard's views, however. (Hence the support for Measure J, and the rejection of DISC.)

Alan C. Miller

SUBJECT: "Former Police Dept. Employee Claims ‘Messy Middle’ Will Solve Police Brutality Problems" [Davis Vanguard, Today]

Amazing. A reasonable, balanced article in the DV acknowledging the difficulty and necessity of real solutions involving police and the community, and decrying polarization and divisive rhetoric. More please.

I am cranking the Vanguard Doomsday Clock back to 11:56pm from 11:57pm. The clock represents how close we are to the ideas expressed in the Davis Vanguard destroying the World.

Keith

"I am cranking the Vanguard Doomsday Clock back to 11:56pm from 11:57pm. The clock represents how close we are to the ideas expressed in the Davis Vanguard destroying the World."

No fear of the Vanguard ideas expressed destroying the world because it would actually have to have a big following in order to do that. I doubt people pay the blog that much attention as evidenced by the Vanguard's terrible poll numbers in the Davis usefulness-local-news-sources survey.

Alan C. Miller

KO: I said the 'ideas expressed', not that the Vanguard would itself destroy the world. It is merely a conduit. A conduit of sh*t. A constipated conduit of sh*t.

Alan C. Miller

Biden said he supports D.C. statehood and home rule, he did not agree with suggestions such as lowering penalties for carjackings. The Sentencing Project Executive Director Amy Fettig said, “We’re deeply disappointed by President Biden’s betrayal of D.C. autonomy and abandonment of evidence-based criminal justice policy.”

How do you know something isn't based on evidence? A progressive organization calls it 'evidence-based' using those words. What it means is someone, somewhere, wrote something that agrees with us, so we are citing it as evidence.

Car Jackings - that's where people surround your car or threaten you, and your family, possibly pull a weapon on you, tell you to get out of your car, and take your car. The Sentencing Project wants the PENALTY for CARJACKING - LOWERED! And they are criticizing a liberal President for not agreeing with that.

Thank you, Sentencing Project. Thanks to the brilliant strategy of organizations such as yours, we will almost certainly have Donald Trump as our President in 2024.

Smoooooth sailing. Thanks to the publishing of the article, I am moving the Davis Vanguard Doomsday Clock up to 11:58pm.

Ron O

How do you know something isn't based on evidence? A progressive organization calls it 'evidence-based' using those words. What it means is someone, somewhere, wrote something that agrees with us, so we are citing it as evidence.

This also depends upon how "evidence" is interpreted, regarding conclusions.

Alan C. Miller

SUBJECT: "Police Officer Who Placed Cuffed Woman in Cruiser Hit by Train Pleads Not Guilty"

I watched the video awhile ago. I understand focusing on a single thing with adrenaline, and I understand the issue with multiple departments. BUT . . . these officers together have a IQ lower than the keystone cops. Parking on a RR track, putting someone who is restrained in a vehicle on the RR track, failing to notice the train coming, failing to pull her from the car before it was hit. Wreckless endangerment at a minimum. That she wasn't killed outright is a miracle. I'm sure her screams will haunt these officers for the rest of their lives.

Next: these same officers park on a runway and are surprised when their police cruiser is hit by a 787

Alan C. Miller

SUBJECT: "EVENT: March 27: Mark Godsey: The System’s Blindness to Injustice (At UC Davis Law), Posted by David Greenwald"

The event will be Monday, March 27 at 6 pm at the Kalmanovitz Appellate Courtroom at the UC Davis Law School.

Looks like it's time to dust of the ol' "The Davis Vanguard Sucks Donkey Balls" sign.

General admission is $50.

Is that all

The proceeds will go to the Vanguard’s vaunted Court Watch Program

Vaunted! It's Vaunted? It's Vaunted !!!!

Would vaunted it? (I vaunt a pony)

which has as one of its missions to prevent wrongful convictions from taking place.

How does it accomplish its mission? What are its other missions? Have you visited all 21 California mission sites?

Sponsorship levels range from $250 to $1000.

Is that all ? Pocket change :-|

Students can get in at a discounted $20 price with UC Davis Law Students being admitted for free.

How much to students pay for a sponsorship ?

Space is limited – get your tickets today!

I thought space was unlimited. My mistake :-|

Keith

From this morning's Vanguard:

"As board member Joe DiNunzio put it, “We’re nearing a tipping point.” He said, “I think we are coming very close to the ceiling on the number of non-resident students we have. And if those numbers do in fact fall, then it’s going to have a huge impact on our ability to maintain the school system that we currently have.”

So maybe it's time to right size the school district according to the demographics of the city and quit relying on non-resident students and Davis homeowner parcel taxes to keep the sinking ship afloat.

Alan C. Miller

Three in a row in the Davis Vanguard Comments:

• Moderator on Sunday Commentary: University Mall Location Too Valuable to Just Give Up As a Mixed-Use Site

• Moderator on Commentary: Will Berkeley Become the Straw that Broke CEQA’s Back?

• Moderator on Will Legislature Succeed in Streamlining Housing Projects and CEQA?

All three have the same message: "To all participants: please stick to the topics and avoid personal attacks and derogatory comments."

For those who don't understand -- unlike the old days, comments at the DV are screened before they are published. That is why I committed commenticide and left that whole sh*thole blog. So consider what this means -- they are SCREENING, ALLOWING and POSTING comments that DO NOT "stick to the topics and avoid personal attacks and derogatory comments", and then they CRITICIZE the people who post "personal attacks and derogatory comments".

They are like the giant wagging finger of an old school marmx. There is nothing so self-satisfying as being morally self-judging in a position of power of your own creation . . . if you have your moral developmental maturity stunted at the age of eleven. It's like letting your dog outside to pee and then slapping it upside the head and yelling at it for peeing outside.

Here at Al's Corner, we encourage civil discourse, except when talking about those hypocritical, judgemental motherf*ckers over at the Davis Vanguard comments section.

Ron O

So consider what this means -- they are SCREENING, ALLOWING and POSTING comments that DO NOT "stick to the topics and avoid personal attacks and derogatory comments", and then they CRITICIZE the people who post "personal attacks and derogatory comments".

Exactly.

But in addition, their decisions regarding what constitutes a "personal attack" or "derogatory comment" is seemingly based upon whether or not their views are aligned with the Vanguard, itself.

If you're one of the few "outliers" remaining on there, it's generally a dog-pile from the (5 or so?) supporters of the Vanguard's views.

As noted on here many times, there is little attempt to ensure adherence to Vanguard policy, nor is there much attempt to apply policy uniformly. Pointing it out does not change this.

Expecting this to change is about as effective as asking Scott Wiener to stop using terms like "NIMBY" regarding his own constituents, or to actually consider their concerns.

Ron O

If you're one of the few "outliers" remaining on there, it's generally a dog-pile from the (5 or so?) supporters of the Vanguard's views.

Interestingly-enough, I'm finding this type of thing increasingly-originating from those who claim to be on the "left" side of politics.

It used to seemingly only arise from the "right".

It's as if they've taken lessons from Fox.

Keith

"nterestingly-enough, I'm finding this type of thing increasingly-originating from those who claim to be on the "left" side of politics.

It used to seemingly only arise from the "right".

It's as if they've taken lessons from Fox."


Ron, I don't know where you formed that view? As far as I'm concerned the vitriol has almost always exclusively came from the "left".

Keith

"So consider what this means -- they are SCREENING, ALLOWING and POSTING comments that DO NOT "stick to the topics and avoid personal attacks and derogatory comments", and then they CRITICIZE the people who post "personal attacks and derogatory comments."

Exactly, it makes no sense. If they're screening comments then there should never be a problem. Any comment that didn't adhere to policy should NOT get posted. So why the moderator admonishments when he is the one who is supposed to pre-screen and clear the comments?

Keith

Vanguard article:
"Letter: Turning Point USA Visit to UC Davis Poses Danger to Public Safety"

"Recent history has shown (violence in Davis on Oct. 26, 2022, when Mr. Kirk tried to hold his first event) that extremist speakers can attract violent and disruptive crowds (i.e. Proud Boys)"

(i.e. ANTIFA, left extremist college students), I thought I would add that in the name of fairness.

"Is this really where we are as a society—providing an election-denying, "

Do people know that the current recently elected Democrat House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is an election denier.
“The more we learn about the 2016 election the more ILLEGITIMATE it becomes.”
“America deserves to know whether we have a FAKE president in the oval office,” the new House Democratic leader added. "

"I can almost guarantee a clash between UC Davis anti-fascist students and right-wing fascists led by the Proud Boys."

Who are the real fascists, the leftists (i.e. ANTIFA, leftist college students) trying to shut down free speech or the people trying to allow free speech?

"While free speech is an important right"

I guess not in the case of Charlie Kirk's free speech, am I correct here? Is free speech only an important right when people agree with the speaker?

"Let us instead use our platform to promote inclusion, tolerance, and respect for all members of our community."

Except for the inclusion and tolerance of allowing Kirk's free speech rights, do I have that right?

Ron O

Councilwoman Gloria Partida agreed the HRC should weigh in and said, “this is a topic that deserves conversation.”

“I serve as a liaison to the Civic Arts Commission and I’m frequently impressed by the conversations that do go on there and the thoughtfulness and the carefulness around choosing art that doesn’t cross the lines,” Partida said.

“I think that cultural appropriation is one of those things that, when it happens, you know that it has happened and it is offensive and degrades the cultures that it is appropriating."

Seems that Ms. Partida "knows when it happens" (and makes "appropriate judgements") better than I can.

As far as I'm concerned, anyone can appropriate "my" culture (whatever that is) any time they want. (I guess you'd have to look back to several European countries, to figure out what that is.)

I'm a proud "European-American", I guess. So as one example, you'd better not appropriate OktoberFest, I suppose. And absolutely no lederhosen. (Had to look up the spelling, for both of those cultural expressions that I apparently/partially "own".)

Leaving aside (for the moment) any reference to the Queen of England, etc.

Or, potato famines, or a reputation for drunken bar fights (and rabidly supporting particular sports teams). As poked fun at in cartoons, which I find hilarious.

Now that I think about it, all of my ancestors were at war with each other, one time or another (not so long ago, either). Is that my culture? Unfortunately, that particular cultural aspect seems to be "appropriated" throughout world.

https://www.davisenterprise.com/news/frog-totem-artwork-draws-complaints-about-cultural-appropriation/

Keith

Ron, I thought you were joking until I read the article. LOL, who knew frogs could commit cultural appropriation? I always knew they were slimy little green bastards.

Alan C. Miller

This was a huge issue at the Oregon Country Fair. A totem was built years ago for the Ritz spa. A group of natives protested, and they took the totem down, but other native-inspired images were built into the structure of the spa, and those could not be easily removed, so the issue persisted.

There was a large meeting, and it was revealed that the original artist had consulted with elders of the local tribe for permission and guidance in designing and building the totem. The natives who had complained were from a tribe out of state.

I think there does need to be sensitivity in using symbols particularly if they have religious significance. I mean, no need to be outright offensive. But if local tribal elders gave permission and guidance, what right does an out-of-state tribal member have to call out 'cultural appropriation'? Just shows how mired in muck this can all get.

I highly question if Frog Totem would have been called out at all if they hadn't kept the name to include 'totem', which was probably the trigger word more than the shape of the art. If it had been called Frog Pyramid -- oh wait -- um, Frog Pile, I doubt anyone would have seen it as a 'totem' and therefor offensive. Actually, I'm kind of surprised they didn't see this coming down Main Street like a giant Charlie Brown balloon in a parade.

Ron O

Personally, I don't think that Native Americans have any (unique) right to dictate what others do regarding perceived "cultural appropriation".

We live in a free country, including Native Americans. No group is "special", except for the fact that some Native Americans have land which is specifically/uniquely provided for them. (Which has largely been a failed approach - though perhaps preserving some aspects of native culture.)

This is one step removed from what happened to Salman Rushdie - several decades after that threat was first issued.

Even at the risk of losing some native traditions, most would have been better-off without such isolation from the rest of the country and its opportunities. And all of us would have access to more public land - open to all.

Alternatively, the U.S. could have chosen to not drive them onto reservations (and off of other land) in the first place. But it seems that this possibility was summarily rejected. (One wonders if there was even any thought regarding that. My guess is, "nah" - there's gold, silver, lumber, and water there. And property to be privatized and divied-up.)

But first, try to convert them to Christianity via Missions, etc. (At least the U.S. can't be blamed for that.)

Alan C. Miller

RO: "Personally, I don't think that Native Americans have any (unique) right to dictate what others do regarding perceived "cultural appropriation"."

Unique right? Maybe not, but there are appropriations which are just plain offensive. I fully understand and agree with the concept of cultural appropriation. There are religious symbols that are sacred (this is general, not just natives) and a bunch of ignorant people using these is offensive. Having said this, 'cultural appropriation' has clearly been weaponized and used to 'cancel' or shame people over things that are really not offensive -- or could even be fine with a culture to copy. So the original aim of offensive appropriation gets lost if everything that could be, IS.

I'm not going to get into all the other issues, too complex for the time I have. Except:

RO: "But first, try to convert them to Christianity via Missions, etc. (At least the U.S. can't be blamed for that.)"

There are numerous examples of using Christianity conversion of native youth as a control method within the United States. If you mean via Missions, technically correct, but otherwise, no, quite on the US as well.

Ron O

Unique right? Maybe not, but there are appropriations which are just plain offensive. I fully understand and agree with the concept of cultural appropriation. There are religious symbols that are sacred (this is general, not just natives) and a bunch of ignorant people using these is offensive. Having said this, 'cultural appropriation' has clearly been weaponized and used to 'cancel' or shame people over things that are really not offensive -- or could even be fine with a culture to copy. So the original aim of offensive appropriation gets lost if everything that could be, IS.

I wouldn't go out of my way to offend people, lest I end up like Salman Rushdie. Most, if not all of the more "extreme" offense that people decide to become upset about are related to religion, one way or another.

I'd also suggest not wearing anything that might be interpreted as "belonging" to particular motorcycle clubs, various gangs, etc. But that doesn't mean I'd agree with those groups' views regarding that.

But if a non-native person wants to recreate artifacts that are based upon Native designs, I'd likely protest on their behalf - if some group tried to shut that down.

Same thing, really - regarding human or civilization remains which aren't directly connected with any particular tribe.

They can go dig up any of my ancestors back in Europe, for all I care. I don't even know anything about those mofos. For all I know, Richard McCann and I might have a common ancestor. Probably "both" living outside of Davis.

For that matter, chimps are our common ancestors. And probably have a "culture", as well. And before that, . . .?

Then, you have the more mundane examples (e.g., "white" people with dreadlocks, rock-and-roll music, etc.). Most of the fake wrath regarding this seems centered on white people.

Some conservatives are now claiming that transgender women (biological males) are appropriating womanhood in general. Which I find kind of amusing, at least.

Alan C. Miller

SUBJECT: "Turning Point USA Visit to UC Davis Poses Danger to Public Safety"

After DS posted a quote from UC Davis Professor Joshua Clover from The Aggie, RO dug up the following quote from Professor Clover, still on his Twitter Account:

"People think that cops need to be reformed. They need to be killed." —UC Davis Professor Joshua Clover

This quote of course became a national controversy.

But, DS expresses concern about the upcoming Kirk event: "IMO there are legitimate safety concerns about this event."

Do you think, DS, that there are legitimate safety concerns regarding a UC Davis professor calling for cops to be killed?

Or how about a local Imam calling for the death of all Jews, every single one? Any legitimate safety concerns there?

Or how about when (more than once) student protesters have streamed out onto I-80 to make their point? Any legitimate safety concerns there?

Or when President Clinton spoke on campus a bit over a decade ago. Any legitimate safety concerns there? The Secret Service seemed to think so, given their massive, aggressive presence.

Or several years ago when I went to see a Jewish speaker on campus, and in front of a packed audience at Young Hall, a large group of Palestinian students/protestors took over the stage and began yelling and acting aggressive, preventing the speaker from speaking for some time until they were cleared out. Any legitimate safety concerns there?

In your opinion DS, should the 'controversial' Jewish speaker not have spoken, or even invited to campus because of legitimate safety concerns? Should a 'controversial' Palestinian speaker be banned from campus over legitimate safety concerns?

Free speech is ugly. Free speech is dangerous. Free speech is beautiful. Long live free speech!

But when someone they don't like comes to campus, DS trots out legitimate safety concerns. Oh spare me oh yee of hypocrtical faith!

Now don't get me wrong. I don't like Kirk either. And I think the Campus Republicans are clowning themselves with Trump-like clowning tactics of trying to rile up the far-left in order to sit back and laugh at them as they pull the rug out from under themselves. Instead, the campus Republicans could invite a legitimate, honorable speaker with conservative values to showcase what it is they believe in. But no, they bring a clown.

So basically, what I'm saying is -- you are all full of sh*t. And why I am bringing a lawn chair and my barricade-proof vest to enjoy the show. The sh*t show.

Free speech is ugly. Free speech is dangerous. Free speech is beautiful. Long live free speech!

And to quote what the great W*lter Shw* said on March 10, 2023 at 6:09 pm:

"You have your point of view and I have my opinion. End of story."

I couldn't have said it worse myself. The story is definitely over.

Alan C. Miller

SUBJECT: "Unable to Compel Housing at U-Mall, the City Loses Ideal Spot for Mixed Use" [DV, whenever]

DShe (as opposed to DSho) say:

"Has anyone representing UCD, the City of Davis, Yolo County, or, for that matter, the State of California offered their good offices to discuss with Brixmore what adjustments need be made or help they could provide to make the originally approved commercial/residential project financially feasible?"

So, one of these entities is going to *subsidize* housing at U-Mall ? Ha ha ha ha ha! I guess if THEY can subsidize a war in Ukraine, THEY can subsidize U-Mall, right ???¿¿¿

DShe (as opposed to DSho) also say:

"What was then the world’s tallest building was completed, an amazing story of a hundred stories, in the depths of the Depression."

So . . . . .Now we are comparing the greatness of the Empire State Building to greatness of U-Mall . Imagine people coming from around the world to behold: The Mighty Davis U-Mall

#Cue the angel chorus#

Ron O

When a protest regarding "gender-affirming health care" turns into a need for "traditional" healthcare:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/protesters-counterprotesters-square-off-in-sacramento-over-gender-confirming-health-care/ar-AA18u2G2?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=27c049d0f5864368a5bc220101c8d494&ei=24

Keith

" Instead, the campus Republicans could invite a legitimate, honorable speaker with conservative values to showcase what it is they believe in."

Who are we kidding here? It didn't matter who the college Republicans invited, if the speaker had an "R" in front of their name it would've been the same result. It amazes me that someone who stated "People think that cops need to be reformed. They need to be killed" has any opinion worth listening to regarding another person's free speech on campus.

Ron O

Keith: I don't think it's reached that point (yet), but no one would even show up to hear a "normal" Republican (or Democrat, for that matter).

Though if the College Democrats invite Scott Wiener to speak, I'd probably show up (peacefully).

Keith

This morning's Vanguard:
"Sunday Commentary: The Community Must Act Now to Preserve Our Schools and Ultimately What Makes Davis Great"

Maybe Davis and the Vanguard can distribute red hats that say "Keep Davis Great".

"For years now the Vanguard has been warning about the impending problem of declining enrollment and the impact it will have on the school district and the broader community. "

So it sounds like Davis needs to bring in more families and students to maintain it's current size.

"Board Member Hiram Jackson explained that he asked the demographer whether “lower cost housing tend to bring more school going families than more expensive housing? And of course, his answer was yes, that was his experience.”

So Davis should somehow lower the price of housing.

"Second, as noted by Will Arnold, home values are primarily tied to the quality of the educational system."

OOPS! So maintaining the quality of the school system by bringing in more students the will keep home values high which in turn keeps low and middle income families from moving to Davis. Is this what they call a conundrum?

Or maybe Davis can face the elephant in the room and rightsize its schools to its actual population demographics and quit trying to patch the leaks.

Ron O

The Vanguard is continuing to allow (selected) doxxing. Below are some of the comments that they refuse to post in response to Walter Shwe's repeated doxxing attempts. Note that there's a residential address (apparently just outside of Davis city limits) which states that Walter currently lives there. Another source show him as a "homeowner" at that address, while others show it as a former address.

Bottom line is that there is more than one source connecting him to the address. Which I wouldn't normally point out, were it not for his repeated doxxing attempts regarding me.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ron O March 12, 2023 at 12:34 pm
Your comment is awaiting moderation.

Walter: They aren’t “my” sources. Google your own name, and you’ll see. I’m not the one who started this (or even found it in the first place). I’m just responding to what you and another commenter repeatedly attempt to present about “me” as if that’s an “argument” to the points raised.

This is what some commenters (like you) do, when you’re not able to refute what I point out. Much as you’d apparently like to.

But more importantly:

1) You don’t know my relationship with Davis.

2) Point #1 doesn’t matter, anyway.

3) Towns are not islands.

4) I don’t care if you “stick your nose” in Woodland’s affairs, as you put it. In fact, maybe you should. (See point #3.)

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Ron O March 12, 2023 at 12:46 pm
Your comment is awaiting moderation.

Walter: It seems that the Vanguard won’t let me respond on here, so you might find a response on another blog.

Which would likely include this comment (if it’s also not posted).

Ron O

Interesting - the following comment (in response to Walter Shwe's comment) was deleted several hours after the Vanguard allowed it to (initially) be posted. In fact, David responded to it, at first. (And David's response was also subsequently deleted.)

Ron O March 12, 2023 at 10:31 am

Walter: The housing tyranny and environmental injustice of Measure J is once again in full display totally thanks to Davis NIMBY’s.

My response: You already know that Measure J has nothing to do with the University Mall proposal. Why are you implying that it does?

Walter: I guess Ron doesn’t give 2 cents about the continuing sprawl and development in his own community. Instead he repeatedly comments about a city where he doesn’t even live in.

My response: You guess wrong. Nor do you know what communities I have connections to, or how. For that matter, input is not limited in the manner you’re suggesting in the first place.

Also, there is a residential address which appears to be just outside of Davis city limits in a house worth almost $1.5 million. Some sources state that you currently live there, while other sources show that it is a former address.

Perhaps you should think twice about repeated attempts to dox anyone, especially when it has nothing to do with the points made on here.

Ron O

Keith: OOPS! So maintaining the quality of the school system by bringing in more students the will keep home values high which in turn keeps low and middle income families from moving to Davis. Is this what they call a conundrum?

No - though I'm not sure what to call it. Hypocrisy? Putting forth two entirely conflicting arguments, as if they're one?

But perhaps more importantly, it purposefully conflates "size" with "quality". This "slight of hand" is not a "one-time" occurrence on the Vanguard.

Or maybe Davis can face the elephant in the room and rightsize its schools to its actual population demographics and quit trying to patch the leaks.

I can't believe that anyone would find that comment "controversial". And yet, the Vanguard and its "peanut gallery" does - without actually addressing the reason. Including (it seems) at least a couple of peanuts on the council, itself. Perhaps even the whole "gallery" of them, as well.

Unbelievable.

No matter how many times this is all pointed out, the Vanguard (and its peanut gallery) have no logical response. That's when they'll resort to doxxing, personal attacks, not posting comments, or posting comments and then deleting them.

I had another comment "not posted" in the Vanguard in its most recent related article, which in no way could be conceived of as violating any commenting guidelines.

Alan C. Miller

RO: "No matter how many times this is all pointed out, the Vanguard (and its peanut gallery) have no logical response."

'Pointed out' ? I have taken the feces of the Vanguard's hypocritical actions and smeared it in their faces -- and still they can't smell their own sh*t !

Keith

'Pointed out' ? I have taken the feces of the Vanguard's hypocritical actions and smeared it in their faces -- and still they can't smell their own sh*t !

Same here. They don't care. Why do they have rules if they don't apply them equally?

Alan C. Miller

It is WORSE than THAT , KO.

They actually BELIEVE that they are following their rules - or, WORSE YET, they KNOW they are hypocritical deluded m*therfuckers, and do it anyway . . . because the CAUSE is more important than ANYTHING. And I DESPISE people who put AGENDAs before PRINCIPALs.

Alan C. Miller

Did I put that "*" in the right place?

Ron O

And I DESPISE people who put AGENDAs before PRINCIPALs.

There's probably too many "principals" who have "agendas".

Or as Bill Marhall used to say, "I liked school - it's the principal of thing I didn't like". (Something like that.)

But the real problem (for those who put "agendas before principles") is that most people are smart enough to see through it. And once credibility is lost, you end up with poll numbers like the Vanguard has. (Though it seems that some on the council believe in the Vanguard. And if I'm not mistaken, some had connections to it.)

Hate to use this as an example, but it reminds me of those who define a "woman" as "someone who identifies as a woman", and then tries to turn the conversation away from that, using various tactics.

But the Vanguard actually has two problems:

1) "Agendas before principles."
2) "Agendas before moderation practices".

Those two issues are related, in the Vanguard's case.

The Vanguard's "strength" (if you want to call it that) is "repetitiveness". The theory that if you say it enough times, it must be true. Sort of a "wear 'em down" type of strategy.

Then again, when you've driven off enough people (as the Vanguard has), you already know that they're not speaking on behalf of anyone (other than the remaining peanut gallery).

Alan C. Miller

You got me on the spelling :-|

Very Bill Marshall of you :-|

Keith

"The Vanguard's "strength" (if you want to call it that) is "repetitiveness". The theory that if you say it enough times, it must be true. Sort of a "wear 'em down" type of strategy."

I don't think the Vanguard's "repetitiveness" is a strength. To me it shows weakness because it seems DG has nothing else to write about so he often has to regurgitate the same old stories over and over. I mean how many times can you twist and spin the same story and still manage to keep your audience interested?

Alan C. Miller

Either clinical obsession/compulsion or dementia. The 'Vanguard Staff' wakes up every single bloody morning, looks out the window, and doesn't see a 7-story residential skyline filled with 'affordable' people and interconnected by flying electric cars powered by unicorn farts and cries out to God (solar & wind power), "What can I do???!!!". And every morning God answers: "Write another article, my child, my child".

Ron O

Keith: "I don't think the Vanguard's "repetitiveness" is a strength. To me it shows weakness because it seems DG has nothing else to write about so he often has to regurgitate the same old stories over and over. I mean how many times can you twist and spin the same story and still manage to keep your audience interested?"

You may have a point here, acknowledged by David himself:

"To this point, there doesn’t seem to be a huge response to the discussion of declining enrollment."

https://www.davisvanguard.org/2023/03/commentary-its-not-just-housing-thats-going-to-save-djusd-its-jobs-and-that-means-economic-development/

As usual, David is suggesting that the city needs to perpetually-expand, to meet the desires of a school district which refuses to right-size. But more-concerning is that this also the view of some on the council, and perhaps the entire council. Perhaps it's the council members whom David is attempting to egg-on via these articles.


Keith

Vanguard article this morning:

"Commentary: The Link Between Homelessness and Housing Should Be Obvious, But Someone Want to Ignore This Fact"

Someone? Who someone? Journalism at its finest. LOL

Alan C. Miller

He means you, KO. He means you :-|

Alan C. Miller says: "Commentary: The Link Between Visible Homelessness and Meth/Fentanyl Addiction Should Be Obvious, But Someone Want to Ignore This Fact"

That 'someone' is David Greewald :-|

But looks like 'someone' reads Al's Corner, because 'someone' fixed their headline.

Keith

"because 'someone' fixed their headline."

"Someone" as in Highbeam maybe?

Alan C. Miller


Keith Olsen March 17, 2023 at 8:23 am

Hi David, why wasn’t my second comment allowed yesterday? What rule did I break?
Log in to Reply ↓

David Greenwald Post authorMarch 17, 2023 at 8:45 am

You’ll have to ask Don, I was gone all day.

FREAKIN' CLOWN SHOW over there!

Keith

Here was my comment,

Quote from the Vanguard article regarding the SacBee, "She also, probably rightly, points out, “Even calling for legal reform to curb the trend of fascists speaking on campus opens the door to First Amendment restrictions that could have huge, unintended ramifications.”

The actual fascists were ANTIFA and student agitators who caused damage to the university and injured a cop while trying to shut down Charlie Kirk's free speech rights.


Alan C. Miller

So, KO, let me get this straight: rather than debate you on your point, the ch*ckenshits at the Davis Vanguard simply decided not to publish you comment. Is that about right?

*did I put that asterisk in the right place?

Keith

I guess so Alan, because I don't think I broke any Vanguard comment rules that I know of.

Since I was never told why I have to think that it all comes down to the moderator not agreeing with my political point of view so my comment wasn't allowed. It should never come down to that.

Alan C. Miller

What the fuck is DG talking about regarding Charlie Kirk being the victim? The Bee and the Chancellor told lies about him. CK did not initiate those lies. So when someone lies about you and you respond, then you being the victim -- as a positive for the person attacked! -- is the narrative, rather than the lies told and condemnation of the lies? What the fuck kind of delusional world does DG live in?

Alan C. Miller

One thought on “Council Set to Approve a Mace Blvd Redesign Plan”

Walter Shwe March 18, 2023 at 6:27 am

One question I would ask is how many bicyclists actually use that area to go places and what are their predominant start and end points. What are the anticipated changes to bicycle traffic with each option presented to the Council? If the answer to my 2nd question is not much, no attention or funding should be paid to enhancing bicycle traffic. The sole objective for the redesign should be to alleviate vehicular traffic.
One thought on “Council Set to Approve a Mace Blvd Redesign Plan”

Walter Shwe March 18, 2023 at 6:27 am

One question I would ask is how many bicyclists actually use that area to go places and what are their predominant start and end points. What are the anticipated changes to bicycle traffic with each option presented to the Council? If the answer to my 2nd question is not much, no attention or funding should be paid to enhancing bicycle traffic. The sole objective for the redesign should be to alleviate vehicular traffic.

'One Thought?', that's not even half a thought. The whole point was to make the corridor safer for bicycles, especially children traveling to the nearby school. It isn't about changes to the bicycle traffic, it is about safety for bicycle users. The only objective is to 'alleviate' vehicular traffic? Really? Is this Davis? or Orange County?

How about some consideration to a giant crushing station at Tremont and Mace? Cars coming through that intersection would be asked if they intended to cut through Davis on Mace, and if the answer were 'yes', their car would be sent into a metal compactor and they would have to walk up to Starbucks while they waited for someone to pick them up, or end up homeless in Davis. This way cars would stop disappearing off Goggle and Wayz, and the algorithm would eventually stop sending cars that way.

Alan C. Miller

SUBJECT: "Charlie Kirk Presents a Free Speech Conundrum for Which There Is No Easy Answer"

Walter Shwe March 16, 2023 at 6:34 am Walter Shwe March 18, 2023 at 8:28 am

KO: David, do you embrace the approach of ANTIFA or do you condemn it?

WS: I can’t speak for David, but I can speak for Walter. I condemn any violent law-breaking actions of ANTIFA. How do we really know who broke windows during this event? Aren’t some commentators here making that assumption? If they continue to say that ANTIFA was responsible, what concrete evidence do they have that in fact that was the case?

In answer to "How do we really know who broke windows during this event?", I was there. There was a group that formed at 5pm that I went to observe due to a call out to protest by "Cops Off Campus" and possibly other groups. Was it "Antifa" ? Considering Antifa isn't a formal group but an ideology that many groups could be categorized under, they are a convenient target for 'both sides' as you can say they were there or they weren't there and both would be true. If Antifa is people who eschew nonviolence, wear mostly black, confront cops, chant slogans, block attendees and passersby, taunt people, scream "Nazis!" at attendees, and believe in or at least not stop others from vandalism, graffiti and property damage, then this 'Cops Off Campus' group and whomever showed up due to the social media posts, then this was Antifa. Who can really say.

I was inside the 'blob' for about ten minutes while they confronted cops, and observed for two hours. The very same banners and umbrellas in this group I saw and was inside for awhile were the same ones in the videos that broke the windows on the entrance doors to the building. As far as individuals I saw one 'prominent' Davis resident who was protesting whom I recognized as they were not wearing a mask.

So yes it was Antifa. So no it was not Antifa. And I'm correct on both counts.

Keith

Alan, did you attend Kirk's speech?
If you did I would interested in your take on what he had to say.
Was he that much over the top and hateful as we have been led to believe by the media and some people in Davis?
Did he call for the lynching of trans people?

Alan C. Miller

It was 80% Q&A and conversation with people in the audience. There were no calls for lynchings or violence. He did call out and condemn the Bee, the Chancellor and the group outside protesting. He struck me as a run-of-the-mill conservative Christian Republican who supports Trump.

Keith

Sounds like it was an over-hyped justification for leftist extremists to come out and damage the campus while injuring a cop. They got their panties all in a bunch over basically nothing.

Alan C. Miller

DS: "We know where you stand on this, Ron. Perhaps you can let other people comment without feeling the need to reply every time." [Subject or time don't matter, DVan]

'We' know where everyone stands. And commenting doesn't 'not let' other people comment. The person this comment is directed at is also the only one usually targeted with what is supposed to be a objective comment limit. As well, there are commenters I wish wouldn't comment. But as mod, getting tired of the consequences of one's own responsibilities due to the limited ability to control the actions of those who wander into that orbit can wear one thin if one is to constantly misapply non-objective objective standards. One's own brain can become scrambled like eggs and toast and marmalade. I think it's time for breakfast.

Keith

I agree Alan, and Ron is letting other people comment. He doesn't have the power to stop anyone from commenting like the moderator does, which he often does.

Ron O

Alan and Keith: Thanks for noticing that, regarding Don Shor. I responded to it as follows, but he refused to post this:

Ron O March 20, 2023 at 6:32 pm
Your comment is awaiting moderation.

Don (to me): We know where you stand on this, Ron. Perhaps you can let other people comment without feeling the need to reply every time.

Me (to Don): Most of the time (on the Vanguard), I’m responding to others who challenge what I put forth. And given that I’m usually in the minority, I’m often responding to multiple challengers. (In this article, only David and you have engaged me.)

I’d suggest responding to the content I put forth, rather than “me”. I’m not stopping anyone from commenting. You’re also free to put a comment limit on here, anytime you choose.

Regarding The Cannery, I disagree regarding the design of those houses (with the possible exception of the small yards). But if those yards were larger, that would have driven up the cost even higher.

And as long as the school district encourages out-of-district enrollments, that’s where younger, less-wealthy families will naturally gravitate to.

The only reason that the district is becoming concerned is because Spring Lake is nearing buildout. And if the adjacent 1,600 housing unit “technology park” includes its own school, DJUSD is increasingly going to have to look elsewhere regarding its headhunting activities. (I’m referring to the technology park which failed in Davis, before it even reached voters. And then moved 7 miles up the road, adding the 1,600 housing units in the process.)

But again, all of this goes back to a fundamentally-flawed “goal”.

Alan C. Miller

I went through downsizings in my home town in the 70's. All my schools are gone from K-12, and two of them are subdivisions. The administrators took a lot of sh*t for downsizing, but the students just weren't there anymore. Why the lack of courage to tell Davis the truth about enrollment? If there are less students, you close schools, you don't try to bring in families. That is never going to work. But it does reflect a strategy of avoiding responsibility by saying, 'don't look at us, the bad people forced to close schools, look over there at the lack of 'family housing' '. Yeah, right! I don't really get the problem, because if the schools close and the programs become worse and the schools degrade, then all those rich people from the Bay Area won't be drawn to Davis for the schools anymore. That will attract less-wealthy people, and have a negative effect on housing prices, which in turn will make Davis more affordable. And more-affordable housing, well that's what David Greenwald wants, right? Oh yeah, he wants the guv'ment to pay for it :-|

So, "Let's Make Davis Schools Shitty Again!"

I'm working on the brown hats and a website

Ron O

Alan: True, regarding the conflicting "goals" to both reduce the cost of housing, and increase the cost of housing (coming simultaneously from the mouths of the same people).

The thing is that they're also purposefully attempting to "scare" folks into supporting development, by conflating "quality" vs. "quantity".

Davis already has a lot of single-family housing. The "problem" (according to the school district) is that it's not turning-over fast enough to suit their desires. What makes them think that the same thing won't happen with new housing, as well?

Or that new housing won't deliver the headcount that they're seeking in the first place? The Cannery, for example, only delivered a handful of human sacrifices (oops - I mean students) to DJUSD.

Some of the best school districts are the smallest ones. In contrast, some of the largest are the worst.

But another important point is that the existing DJUSD parcel taxes will go FARTHER, when it's spread-among a fewer number of students and teachers. This would indicate INCREASED quality of education - not a decrease in quality. The reason being that DJUSD parcel taxes have nothing to do with enrollment numbers.


Alan C. Miller

SUBJECT: "Bisch Sues County in Federal Court Over Yolo Food Bank Dismissal" [Blavis Blaguard, 2day]

JUICY!

The funds refer to $1.2 million in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act that had been promised to the Yolo Food Bank.

A million bucks of Free Biden Money! What could go wrong?

The suit specifically names the three Supervisors, County CFO Chad Rinde, West Sacramento City Manager Aaron Laurel along with City Managers Hiatt and Webb, as well as the county and cities of Woodland, Davis and West Sacramento, which, according to the lawsuit, all played a role in the ultimate termination of Bisch on May 31, 2022.

JUICY!

Bisch has previously sued the Yolo Food Bank, alleging wrongful termination. That suit, filed in Yolo County last August, names several current and former members of the Food Bank’s board of directors.

JUICY!

According to the lawsuit, Bisch’s “disclosure concerned wrongdoing at the highest levels of Defendant Yolo County and Defendant Cities of West Sacramento, Davis, and Woodland local governments, whose governments were specifically tasked with and responsible for the implementation of the Food Assistance Mandates.”

JUICY!

So far we've only heard one side of the story. Will be great when we hear what the guv'ment has to say. Should be lots of mud, and much dragging through said mud. I wonder if the money spent by both sides, all sides (two suits), on lawyers will exceed the original free-Biden-money that set off the pinata-smashing frenzy of grasping for recently-printed mega-dollars? Are non-profits seeking grant money really that different from children fighting on the floor over a piece of hard candy?

Alan C. Miller

SUBJECT: “The Corruption of the Virginia Judicial System” [DVG, 2day]

Walter Shwe March 27, 2023 at 4:26 am

Racism in Virginia runs supreme and very deep! 👍

Yay racism! Go-Virginia-Go! Thumbs up! :-|

Roberta L. Millstein

On the VG, Walter Shwe writes:

In my opinion neither NIMBY or YIMBY are derogatory or ‘attacking’ in any way. They just accurately describe who they really are.

Of course, everyone is entitled to their opinion, but some opinions are baseless.

No one calls themselves a NIMBY. It implies that a person opposes all nearby development. I don't know anyone that applies to. At best, it applies to very few people and not to the majority of people who get slapped with the label.

On the other hand, people do call themselves YIMBYs. That alone should be a clue that the terms are different, one derogatory and one not. Also, those people are often advocating for development in someone else's backyard, not their own. So YIMBY isn't generally accurate either.

Alan C. Miller

RM: "On the other hand, people do call themselves YIMBYs."

Very true, RM. Another factor that WS chooses to ignore is that YIMBY organizations are largely funded by the development industry for the purpose of profits. They are even able to use the free labor of naive true-believers and prance about under the banner of the sacred banner of 'non-profit'. Remember, non-profits are often evil fronts for large corporations with a common cause of more money more money. None more so than evil Big-YIMBY.

Alan C. Miller

SUBJECT: “Vanguard Weekly Council Question: Week 6 – Economic Development” [Mavis Manguard 2-day]

Walter Shwe March 27, 2023 at 6:05 am

I will refrain from directly commenting regarding the positions of these 2 candidates on Davis economic development since I have never resided in District 3. I predict that a certain someone will provide his worthless opinion on economic development in Davis despite the fact that he has never even remotely lived near this fair City.

Violating your comments policy, much, D&D&DVEB ??? Hmmmmm ??? But then again, that a worthless rag-of-a-blog allows commenters to call other commenter's opinions "worthless" is of no surprise to those of us in this town with integrity and moral fortitude.

As opposed to those who espouse the values and opinions aligned with that of the Davis Vanguard -- and its moral rectum-tude *

*Childish? Yes, but oh so accurate :-| . . . and satisfying.

Keith

Alan, I don't believe anyone can truly figure out the Vanguard comment rules.

It seems to come down more to who you are and what your politics are than any actual rules.

I just had this comment deleted:

"The violence against protestors and rioters"

Protesters and rioters? Peaceful protest is one thing but rioters are a whole
different 'animal'.

https://www.davisvanguard.org/2023/03/student-opinion-new-york-makes-history-and-potentially-pays-millions-to-george-floyd-protestors/#comment-471119

Alan C. Miller

I think it was the word 'animal'. Y'know because . . .

Alan C. Miller

"The San Francisco NAACP last week urged the SF Board of Supervisors to reject a one-time $5 million reparation payment to African Americans from the city of San Francisco." [DV, today-ish]

So THAT is how they are going to squirrel out of this politically and avoid bankrupting the City. Get the advocacy group that could be considered to 'represent' the group of people who would benefit as individuals to recommend against that approach and instead invest an unspecified amount of money 'into the community'. Very . . . um . . . I don't even know the word for it.

Keith

"a whole different animal"

Something very different to, and often more difficult or complicated than, something else.
You may think that your time as a TV show writer prepared you well for this project, but it's a whole different animal working on a film.
It's one thing to babysit your friends' kids from time to time, but having your own children is a whole different animal!
A: "I've been here 10 years already, so I don't think becoming a manager will be a big transition." B: "Are you serious? No, managing employees is a whole different animal."
https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/a+whole+different+animal

But it doesn't surprise that the Vanguard somehow might have considered it a racist statement, because that's what they do.


Alan C. Miller

SUBJECT: “Legislation that Would Give Guaranteed Income to Homeless High School Seniors Passes First Hurdle” [DVTDay]

Walter Shwe March 30, 2023 at 5:05 am

I support SB 333 without reservation.

Nobody Cares, Bill!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IJMvWQKk0U

===================================

SUBJECT: “Governor Announces $736 Million in Homekey Funds Now Available to Address Housing and Homelessness” [DV2day]

Don Shor March 30, 2023 at 7:18 am

Great, is Davis applying for any of these funds?

I support Davis applying for these funds specifically to deal with homeless issues near Davis plant barns.

===================================

SUBJECT: “Groups Believe that SB 423 Will Threaten Local Democracy” [DV2day]

Walter Shwe March 30, 2023 at 5:03 am

Our Neighborhood Voices fully supports unrestricted NIMBYISM.

Hate speech! Evil Evil NIMBYs . . . . .The politics of envy . . . Unrestricted pejoratives free and clear at the Davis Vanguard. But it's OK, because it's OUR SIDE and OUR GOD.

Alan C. Miller

SUBJECT: “‘Poverty Tow’ Legislation Moves on to CA Assembly Appropriations Committee”

Walter Shwe March 30, 2023 at 5:18 am

I unequivocally recommend full passage of AB 1082.

Way to contribute to the conversation, WS!!!

Alan C. Miller

One thought on

SUBJECT: “League Hosts Candidates Forum for District 3 Candidates – Part Two”

Moderator March 31, 2023 at 7:16 am

Five comment rule is in effect for this article.

And yet, hours later, y'all DS are the only comment. About as useful as a wet blanket in a wet blanket factory.

The comments to this entry are closed.