I see the 5 comment rule worked to perfection on yesterday's Vanguard candidate questions article.

Here's the only comment the entire day:

"Moderator March 31, 2023 at 7:16 am
Five comment rule is in effect for this article."

Well Alan, at least they didn't say that all this new development could save the planet.

But give em time, the push is just getting started.

Keith April 2, 2023 at 8:06 am
Your comment is awaiting moderation.

I posted this comment yesterday that has been deleted.

Keith April 1, 2023 at 5:48 pm
Your comment is awaiting moderation.

"Is Davis some kind of “center of the universe” place?"
Ask any YIMBY or YIYBY, they’ll tell you exactly that.

I followed up asking:
"Since the terms NIMBY, YIMBY and YIYBY have been determined by the Vanguard to not be derogatory why was my comment removed?"

That post got deleted too. So am I to take it that using the terms YIMBY and YIYBY are not acceptable to the Vanguard when I see the term NIMBY often used on the Vanguard? Otherwise why would my comment get removed?

"Otherwise, why would my comment get removed?"

I think we figured this out a long time ago:

The reason is that they don't give a sh*t about their own policies. Blatantly so, for that matter.

In fact, that's largely what gave birth to Al's Corner (and even the Davisite, itself).

SUBJECT: “Commentary: Is This a Viable Path? If Not, Will the State Step in and Force the Issue?” [Xavis Xanguard, Xday]

Keith Olsen April 4, 2023 at 6:09 am

I thought so but when I read your articles it seems as though you are against it. Thanks for clarifying.

What a load. 'I'm against restricting new housing development, but I support Measure J'. It's almost like DG is running for City Council. Great, now I won't be able to keep food down for a month.

AM: someone *could* have, but the deadline is now passed.

And I heard that Vaitla’s appeal was filed two days late anyway. It certainly read like someone did it in haste and didn’t do their homework—it didn’t identify any actual actionable flaws in the Planning Commission process/decision and just had some vague hand-waving in the direction of vision statements in the General Plan.

SUBJECT: "The Public and Council Needed To Know About HCD’s Letter Prior to Tuesday’s Meeting", [D.Flansplard2day]

KE say, "Roseville takes more of a partnership approach to their relationship with developer/builders."

And is a suburban, auto-centric Hellscape :-|

This didn't get posted on the Vanguard, I wonder why, did I hit home?

Keith April 8, 2023 at 7:02 am
Your comment is awaiting moderation.

My View: Pundits Run the Risk of Over-Analyzing the First Card of the Hand
Yeah, unlike the Vanguard that never over-analyzes.

Said no one ever.

Would someone PLEASE tell Alan Pryor that Route 42, Yolobus, no longer goes anywhere near Covell Farm Village !!!

https://yolobus.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Map-Route42AB-Sep2022.pdf

SUBJECT: "Village Farms Project Submitted, Attempting to Address an Acute Need for Family Housing in Davis" [Today's Slavis Slamguard]

AP Say, " . . . and Yolobus access to Woodland and Sacramento as well as to the other YoloBus stops in Davis ."

Not so much . . . (Borat)

SUBJECT: “TWITTER WAR: House Judiciary GOP Tweets Hearing About Manhattan DA’s ‘Pro-Crime’ Policy – DA Responds with Tweet Data Showing Opposite” [DV2day]

Walter Shwe April 12, 2023 at 4:09 am

Bragg conclusively proves that House Republicans are liars! 👍

'All Republicans are liars! Big thumbs up to my own point! Democrat = good; Republican = bad'

The world according to Shwe :-|

At first, I thought Walter S. was a "bot". But since he (periodically) puts more thought into his comments, I'm now thinking that he's (at least) a product of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

And soon, "he" will be beating us all at the game of chess. (Actually, that occurred a long time ago at this point, didn't it?)

SUBJECT: “Sunday Commentary: As the District 3 Special Election Winds Down, Who Has the Advantage?” [Quavis Quanguard, tooday]

Walter Shwe April 16, 2023 at 5:32 am

Regarding retail in Davis, the ship has largely, but not totally, sailed on that issue. For decades Davis has essentially had a giant “you’re not wanted here” billboard on full display. Both developers and retailers got that messagee loud and clear. They have placed their bets elsewhere on neighboring cities. They have executed a strategy I call ‘everywhere but Davis.’ These retailers and restaurants include Raley’s, Costco, Walmart, Best Buy, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Crumble Cookie, Mod Pizza and Red Robin.

When I arrive in a strip mall in a new town and I see a Crumble Cookie, I think to myself, "I have arrived, I am in heaven", and when there's a Red Robin within eyeshot from the Crumble Cookie, I know I will be crowned Jesus Christ by afternoon. And as Jesus, I will save the tax base of all cities with a Raley’s, Costco, Walmart, Best Buy, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Crumble Cookie, Mod Pizza or Red Robin.

-- Jesus over & out

Regarding retail, it seems to me that some of those "complaining" about Davis not having enough retail are the same ones complaining about the retail redevelopment of University Mall.

(As a side note, I'm not sure why this comment is appearing in bold text, as I have not marked it that way.)

Alan, what's head scratching is Shwe's comment "Thanks to racist Tennessee Republicans . . ." was allowed to remain posted but almost all of my comments challenging that assertion were pulled or not posted.

What I have found is that those who think the same as the Vanguard get much more leeway in what comments are allowed than those who don't.

Here's one of my comments that weren't allowed by the powers that be at the Vanguard in response to Shwe's assertions:

Keith April 16, 2023 at 7:20 am
Your comment is awaiting moderation.

Please outline which actual statements that were made by Republicans in the state legislature were racist. Now I said actual statements, not implied or dog whistle which the left often has to resort to in order to put forward false racist allegations.

***Now tell me what was wrong with my comment here that it deserved to get pulled?

"What's "wrong" with you comment is that it would have started a discussion that could have cast doubt on the Vanguard political viewpoint. And that is strictly verboten!"

And that's the bottom line. They will make up excuses for censoring but it all comes down to political bias. Over and Out.

SUBJECT: "Commentary: A Bit of Magical Thinking on Housing", [You Know Where From, April 20, 2023

" . . . some have reacted with bemusement to the rash of projects."

Rash is a good description. A human subdivision is like a rash on the skin of the Earth. And I am not bemused. There's nothing funny about half-a-dozen giant new subdivisions around Davis. Elk Davis. Davis Orange County. [And this from a guy who is against Measure J :-| ]

I would argue that some see the writing on the wall as far as the state is concerned.

Not sure why you would have to argue about people hallucinating graffiti.

Is there really a huge demand for housing in Davis?

Are housing prices high? Does the Pope shit on a commode?

For those arguing that the current fiscal climate is a bit cloudy

For those about to rock, we salute you.

most observers believe

Who are these observers? Should they be rounded up and arrested for voyeurism? I want their names. Now.

Had we planned better, we might have used that time to enact smart housing principles and avoided the problems we now face with the housing crisis.

And if my aunt had balls, they'd be my uncle. Wait, that old ditty doesn't really work anymore, does it . . . :-|

Poll after poll has shown California voters concerned with housing affordability.

Poll after poll would also show California property owners concerned with keeping their property values high and, for those with rental properties, keeping rental prices high, and reducing regulations on landlords.

. . . a poll . . . found that 31% of respondents thought housing affordability was the most important issue California needs to address, followed up closely by homelessness at 29%.

And what most of them meant by the issue of 'homelessness' was: getting the so-called homeless away from our homes and places we used to enjoy going to. At least those of us defined by plant store owners as 'heartless' feel that way.

some will argue, the last two Measure J votes perhaps cast doubt on whether Davis voters really see housing as a huge problem.

Some who? And why are they arguing? And WTF?

While a fair point, I think it’s a bit tricky to read into the last two Measure J results.

So you set up a false, bullshit argument about how you perceive 'some' to view things, and then tear down your own bullshit perceptions. Wonderful. 'Logic is White Supremacy!' Or something. Well, no need to worry about that here.

Taken together it would seem that the voters are willing to support housing projects, but not at the expense of things like traffic.

So in other words, NOT support. Unless of course the developers can appeal to Davis' own blind stupidity of itself, and tout their projects will be good for SENIORS, CHILDREN, THE POOR, THE UNDER-PRIVILEGED, PUPPIES and/or GREEN ENERGY.

one of the flaws of a voter project is that the people allowed to vote, almost by definition, tend to be people who already live in Davis and thus already have housing.

It's not 'almost' by definition, it's actually by definition. I believe what you are saying is the 'flaw' is that the 'people of the world' don't get to vote -- instead of evil, selfish, rich Davis landowners. What you are touting as the 'cure' to the 'flaw' is called communism and it always ends in dictatorship. See world history.

it also greatly impacts the environment in increased traffic and VMT.

More houses in Davis will also increase the VMT of people leaving Davis to go elsewhere. How does this balance out? Who the fuck knows? One thing is for sure: more housing away from core destinations leads to increased VMT.

For those who claim to oppose housing for environmental reasons—how do you square those two things?

What two things?

There is a reason why the modern push for housing is linked with the notion of dense, transit-linked infill as a way to reduce VMT.

And low-density suburbs are infill? Also, the notion of usable local transit in Davis much beyond what we have -- that notion is a joke. Most especially when building low-density suburbs.

The question at this point is how the city can possibly meet its HCD/RHNA mandated housing—especially affordable housing.

I don't give a rats ass if it doesn't. Said as a card-carrying member of the Neighborhood Voices Coalition.

Here I continue to be disappointed in the response from the city.

Softball . . . too easy.

I would argue that there is a huge demand in Davis for more housing. And second, I would argue that some see the writing on the wall so far as the state is concerned.

You said that already. Earlier in the article. And no, it wasn't worth repeating. Late night, Mr. G?

There are of course those who still believe that we don’t need to worry, that the state will lose interest, that the communities will push back, but I think those voices both in Davis and across the state are in the slim minority—as backed by the polling I cited earlier.

They are called land owners and home owners. And they ain't no slim minority. Nor do they lack political power. Enough? Who knows in this weird state.

I continue to believe that getting the housing we need will require changes to how we do housing.

Tell us, how do we "do" housing now?

I also believe at some point—maybe sooner rather than later—HCD and the state will come in to take our Measure J.

Maybe so. Also quite possible the rebellion you poo poo gets the Neighborhood Voices petition passed. The tension in the room rises.

I think the city council would like to find a middle path between the current course and a course where there is no Measure J in Davis.

That and $4 will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks.

I continue to support a “mend it, don’t end it approach.”

I continue to believe that sounds great . . . and sucks great.

I think we can get some sort of high affordable exception to be supported by the voters.

AGAIN: If you say it's good for SENIORS, CHILDREN, THE POOR, THE UNDER-PRIVILEGED, PUPPIES and/or GREEN ENERGY, Davis voters are stupid enough to pass it. Mark my words.

Something that would give the developers the certainty they need that they won’t spend millions on a project that won’t happen,

Failing to see the purpose in a Measure J that provides 'certainty' to developers. That's the same as no Measure J. Bend it, don't spend it! Lend it, don't pend it! Tend it, don't jend it! Or something.

but something that gives the community back a higher percentage of affordable housing than they are getting now.

Because that's what we are care about :-| :-| :-|

Will the voters go for it? The future of Measure J might ultimately depend on that. Stay tuned

Stay tuned my ass.

"Under the plan approved Tuesday, switching from gas to electric appliances would be voluntary for homeowners for three years, after which an assessment will determine what carbon-reduction goals have been met.

During those three years, the focus will be on educating the public and incentivizing the switch to electric."

https://www.davisenterprise.com/news/city-council-approves-climate-action-and-adaptation-plan/

And "after" this period of "educating the public", I assume that the appliance police will be entering residences and tearing-out appliances.

Meanwhile, some will complain about the cost of housing (which is directly impacted by such conversions), while the council will simultaneously continue to promote more carbon-emitting sprawl.

And they'd do so with a straight face, seeing no irony in any of this - while simultaneously claiming that they're reducing greenhouse gasses.

Now that, my friends, takes some cahunas to try to pull that off.

Alternatively, the state may just approve rate increases for gas usage, to the point where one essentially has "no choice" but to convert.

(Of course, electric rates have also been going up, perhaps to pay for all of the wildfire lawsuits that PG&E has endured.)

At some point, it might make more sense to live "off the grid" - even in cities. But, I'm sure they'd find a way to come after that, as well.

Our secondary motto, to paraphrase/quote a friend, "The Davis City Council will Take My Gas Stove when they Take it Out of My Cold Dead Hands !!!"

"At some point, it might make more sense to live "off the grid" - even in cities."

At some point Californians might come to their senses and vote out Democrats.

I can hope...

Some truly insane comments on the Vanguard today, along with heavy-handed moderation (not posting comments, with no explanation, no relationship to policy, and no relationship to reality).

Worse than usual.

That's apparently what happens when:

1) You (openly and freely) don't give a sh*t.
2) Your board doesn't give a sh*t.
3) Your advertisers don't give a sh*t.

Apparently, a lot of fear of honest discussion on there. Even more so than with their usual promotion of housing and development.

I posted this in response to a comment by David Grennwald:

Keith April 24, 2023 at 10:51 am
Your comment is awaiting moderation.

" I agree with the need to turn down the temperature in the room and find common ground."

How do you find common ground when the Vanguard often suppresses views from commenters it may not agree with?

"The amount of vitriol and purposeful misrepresentation of others displayed by some commenters in that Vanguard article was also unprecedented. The only possible reason I can see for that is that they felt unnecessarily threatened."

What I don't understand Ron is why the name calling and personal attacks are allowed in the first place when it's against Vanguard comment rules. Then when someone is attacked and they try to respond their comments or rebuttals often aren't allowed. If the responses somehow broke comment rules then the initial attacks shouldn't have been posted in the first place.

Yeah, Ron & Keith. To paraphrase Marjorie Taylor-Greene from a few days ago:

"The Vanguard sucks! . . . and everybody knows it" :-|

I can't even imagine deleting people's postings for expressing their views. To feel the need to protect people from other people's views, or even to believe you have the power to do that, what sort of mental illness is that? I have yet to delete a single post (sans one of my own). I'm sure it will happen some day, but it will be based on the written guidelines, which are based on principles, not politics or deteriorated mental function.

But hey, the Vanguard is sponsored by Fletcher the Frog!

No conflict of lily pads there :-|

Here's another perfect example of the biased Vanguard moderation.

Walter Shwe April 26, 2023 at 4:58 am
This demonstrates that a certain group with axes to grind enjoys lying about San Francisco violent crime. It’s not Democrats that have engaged in this reprehensible practice

Keith April 26, 2023 at 6:50 am
Your comment is awaiting moderation.

It’s Democrats and Democrat policies that have turned SF into the cesspool that it is now.

So what's wrong with my response that has since been deleted? What Vanguard rules were broken? It all comes down to bias.

And this:

Don Shor April 27, 2023 at 2:45 pm
From what I’ve seen (periodically watching some of the conservative commentators on YouTube), “Libs of Tik-Tok” is not an anti-gay site.
You must be kidding me. Do some research before you post next time. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libs_of_TikTok

My response which was deleted by the moderator, and who is the moderator? One guess.

Keith April 27, 2023 at 3:53 pm
Your comment is awaiting moderation.

I did some research and according to its founder Wikipedia is not to be trusted:

Wikipedia co-founder Larry Sanger has warned that the website can no longer be trusted — insisting it is now just “propaganda” for the left-leaning “establishment.”
https://nypost.com/2021/07/16/wikipedia-co-founder-says-site-is-now-propaganda-for-left-leaning-establishment/

Yes Ron, it's hard to have a fair discussion when the person you're debating with has the power to censor your comments.

Here's yet another comment that wasn't allowed on the Vanguard even though it broke no rules:

"Go rail at them. I’m not here for it."

There's railing occurring on both sides of this issue, I feel some of the remarks directed at Beth Bourne are uncalled for and over the top.

Ron, apparently one can now have their Vanguard comment deleted if in the opinion of the moderator it was not relevant or argumentative.

Talk about a subjective moving target. That would include a very high number of current comments.

Alan M (in response to David Greenwald): "Most of us start with how best to protect the public, then consider such notions. You do the opposite."

That's for sure.

By the way, we need a new (May) installment of Al's Corner.

Hi Walter, welcome to a site where everyone can discuss issues on even ground where the rules are applied equally without needless over moderation regardless of your political affiliations.

Good morning Mr. Shwe. I see a clear pattern of many of the comments made on the Vanguard being nothing more than . . . :-| :-| :-|

Here at Al's Corner we are all about the big rave pity parties re: the Davis Vanguard, and even about people like you (or so you say).

My name is Alan Miller. I am truly pathetic, and may I add: heartless (somebody added that, who was it . . . ?). I sell moss and fungi and live near Woodland in a fake barn. I moderate a blog.

I have never deleted a comment. Not once. Well, except one of my own.

The one rule we have here is: never tell people they live in Woodland. Other than that, everything is fair game.

And remember, I live in Woodland. Keith lives in Woodland. Ron lives in Woodland. Colin lives in Woodland. Todd lives in Woodland. Roberta lives in Woodland. David lives in Woodland. Don lives in Woodland. Highbeam lives in Woodland. The mayor of Davis lives in:

Shout it to the mountaintops, people!!!! WOOD LAND

But never tells anyones heres they lives be in Woodland.

You have been cursed, Mr. Shwe. Simply by allowing yourself to post here, just once, you are forever doomed by the evil witch of reality (may a house fall on her sister!) You are now on a three-year path, upon the end of which, come 2026, you will be slightly more conservative. Perish the thought :-|

Should you or any of your progressive friends fail to grasp reality by 2026, Al's Corner will disavow any knowledge of your existence, and delete all your posts.

This blog will self-destruct in five seconds. Good luck, Walter.

I was born in Woodland.

"Colin Wright’s assertions have already been discredited and Allie Snyder is a representative of Moms for Liberty – a far right political activist group, funded by far right donors, that is working to elect far right representatives."

RO: The doxxing was creepy enough, but not what disturbed me the most. What disturbed me was the one-truth single-mindedness, or should I say simple-mindedness. i.e.:

1) 'The speaker's assertions were discredited' - and that's that, apparently! Good enough for SC. And SC's um . . . followers?

2) MFL is . . . label as 'far right', demonization complete. No nuance. Mission complete.

True believers and their tiny tiny brains.

Alan: I agree. A substantial portion of the Vanguard's arguments (including those from its supporters) consist of attacking the credibility of the source, whether it's an individual or organization.

Rather than actually engaging in debate of the issue(s).

Maybe that's enough for some people, but I'm becoming less-and-less impressed by this form of non-debate.

Another comment that the Vanguard hasn't posted, while allowing another (subsequent) comment from the moderator himself to be posted.

Ron O. May 13, 2023 at 6:59 am
Your comment is awaiting moderation.

This statement is not based on reality: “They’re living somewhere, already, and there’s no reason to assume they’d move out of wherever they’re living”

What part of that is not based upon reality? It’s a factual statement. You’re claiming that they don’t already live “somewhere”?

Interestingly-enough, I’m reasonably sure that a certain UCD professor (who is essentially a YIMBY leader) lives in a more-expensive locale than Davis (San Francisco), and commutes to Davis via Amtrak. The reason being that he seemingly talks about this commute, in his public comments.

But as far as the points you brought up:

1. It was my suggestion to first start with that very point, assuming that the goal is for the city to provide housing for new faculty and staff. First, start with the net, projected increase going forward. (This would have to account for those leaving, as well.) I have yet to see any numbers regarding that.

2. Relevance?

3. This is (no doubt) one of the most incorrect assumptions you’ve made. Once newcomers have made their choice (e.g., comparing what’s already available in Davis vs. surrounding cities), that choice is not easily (or inexpensively) “undone”. Some may do so, but conversely – some may move out of the city to nearby cities as well. Again, you’d need to project the net projected change, regarding this. And once again, it would be an estimate – though you can probably compare the number of people who moved from nearby areas to The Cannery, to start with. And then determine if they actually are staff/faculty, at UCD.

Your entire assumption here is also dependent upon folks ignoring pre-existing housing, in favor of something “new”. Mello Roos also plays a factor regarding such decisions.

Exciting comment day at the Davis Vanguard (Monday 5/22). Thrilling.

Maybe David Greenwald should consider writing an article on HOUSING to generate some interest :-|

Will there be a new June 2023 Al's Corner post sometime soon? And if so, may I humbly suggest, for somewhere in the lead-in, an applicable line by a folk hero: "This town needs an enema."

Maybe even an affordable, walkable, multi-family enema.

In other news, thank you for the gas on the dumpster fire. I can only read so much about local politics without going crazy, and it looks like I'm in good company there.