Posts Tagged ‘city manager john russo’

CITY OF RIVERSIDE: TO Z OR NOT TO Z : WHAT WAS THE QUESTION AGAIN? THE ILLUSION OF FINANCIAL SOLVENCY OR SIMPLY THE MARK OF ZORRO?

Posted: February 12, 2018 in City of Riverside
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John Russo, Zorro, champion of the underdog and defender of the common man; or low-down outlaw and notorious gang leader?

As we at TMC wax nostalgic over the passing of the largest tax increase in the history of the City of Riverside just over a year ago, we pass along these gems, proving once again: the more things change, the more they stay the same in the ole’ River City…

Exhibit A, Councilman Mike Soubirous, 11/30/2017, a year after the passage of Measure Z:

As a 2013 candidate for Council I was against the GFT (Measure A). Mostly out of principle because I thought that the City should not have to rely upon the GFT to make ends meet. At the time, being an outsider (not on the Council) not knowing our City’s true financial status, I believed that if we needed that transfer that much we must be in bad shape financially. After the former City management team left and newly hired City Manager John Russo and his staff came on board, it was discovered that the City was about $11.5 million in the hole (or $11-1/2 million less than what Council had been told we had). In order to balance the budget Council immediately implemented 4% across-the-board cuts to all departments/services (June, 2016). We also discovered additional bond debt that was kept somewhat quiet.  We were headed down the path toward bankruptcy had we not taken the immediate budget cutting action!

The residents/voters saw the Council initiated reforms and pledges to pay down debts, raise our dwindling reserves (from 15% to 20% – actually at the time down to 13%) while balancing key infrastructure and public safety needs. So the residents voted to approve Measure Z. Since May, 2015,the City Council and Executive Management team has promoted an openness, transparency track and have been improving the City’s economic development/building & safety/planning business model (more business friendly) customer service oriented position. Things are headed in the right direction! Problem is, the economy is not growing very fast (tax revenue) and is staying somewhat flat. Flat is better than trending down, but means we will probably have to impose ANOTHER 4% across-the-board cuts this June (2018) to again balance the budget. This is good for taxpayers as our City is becoming financially leaner and leaner. Doing more with way less. But not so good for those who want City services right now or five minutes ago. So by cutting back on the GFT at this point would mean imposing more than the upcoming anticipated 4% across-the-board cuts to all departments and services. Most who voted for the Measure Z (1 cent per dollar sales tax) did so to keep or advance City owned tree trimming, road paving, hiring of more police and some infrastructure projects in place or actually (finally) catching-up.

                      

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE OR CLINK ON LINK TO VIEW SOURCE 

Exhibit B, City Manager John Russo and sidekick Natasha Fatale Marianna Marysheva, 4/23/16, seven months or so before the vote on Measure Z:

The city’s new administration has spent several months working to institute the kind of fiscal discipline required to generate healthy and sustainable budgets well into the future. This process has been difficult at times for everyone involved. A $1 million surplus projected for fiscal year 2015-16 – built on the type of budgeting we should no longer allow – has morphed into a shortfall of about $8 million. This shortfall, if not corrected with sustainable ongoing measures, will result in a $10-12 million budget hole in fiscal year 2016-17.

Unfortunately, some perennial critics of the city have confused the cure (early diagnosis of future budget challenges) with the disease (a negative imbalance between ongoing expenses and ongoing revenue). These folks have been frightening some Riversiders by proclaiming loudly that the city faces imminent bankruptcy.

Let us state unequivocally that the city of Riverside is not going bankrupt; in fact, the city could have continued on its prior path for many years without suffering financial doom. But we believe that our standard should be higher than the very “low bar” of “just don’t go bankrupt.” We are committed to a rational budget in which ongoing revenue meets ongoing expenses, and long-term capital needs, like road repair and tree trimming, are properly covered.

As Riverside moves through weeks of introducing, refining and, ultimately, approving a budget for fiscal years 2016-17 and 2017-18, there will be some bumps in the road. Residents and business owners may hear things that make them uncomfortable, and perhaps even a bit nervous about Riverside’s financial health. But as we work through this difficult process, please keep in mind that Riverside is in good financial condition overall, and that this process is only going to make that even stronger.

                   

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE OR CLINK ON LINK TO VIEW SOURCE

So who are we to believe regarding the financial condition of the City of Riverside in 2016?  Staff prior to the passage of the Measure Z ballot measure, a $50+ million new annual sales tax; or an elected official afterwards?  Well neither, of course!  Butttttttttt, neither were technically (fingers crossed) lying either…the key word being “imminent” when it came to the timing of bankruptcy.

Staff and the Council knew back in early 2016 (and looooong before that for some of them) that the City had been hiding its true liabilities off-balance-sheet for years.  Trouble was, the cows were soon to be returning to the barn, where they was no hay. We’ll even give you TMC’s version of proof of this knowledge: former Finance Director Brent Mason was scapegoated fired within months of Assistant City Manager Marysheva arrived on the scene.  Given the tremendous leeway the City has traditionally afforded other overpaid, hack executive employees caught with their pants down hands in the cookie jar, so they could either “retire” or “seek better opportunities,” while staying on the City payroll for much greater time periods, we must conclude Mr. Mason did something fairly egregious to merit his ignoble departure.  Marysheva described it at the time as, “The city has a history of unbalanced budgets, but those imbalances have been disguised,” while ex-City Councilman Paul Davis described it more in layman terms: “cooking the books”.

But the real truth would have to wait until 2017 because Harold Hill John Russo had a tremendous idea at the time and just the right strategy to pull it off.  And that hustle plan was the Wells Fargo Wagon Measure Z good folks.  And along the way he would seduce one spinster librarian loner Councilman and perhaps fool the whole town into believing his shipoopi.  But that fine story is for another day…but with a twist we’ll bet you didn’t see coming!  Then you may have been caught with your pants down in River City.

Instead of hustlers and charlatans, put your faith in Thirty Miles of Corruption, who last time we checked received no income or favors from any local government source: we predicted years ago that the City would run out of money by 2016 …  and as they like to say at the Goeske Center, “B-I-N-G-O!” (another pyrrhic victory…hooray!)

Long-time readers will remember how we and our band of, “perennial critics,” trudged over to council chambers week after week after week to warn of impending financial collapse, and our dear “leaders” (gulp) only response was to call us crazy or deranged.  As the old adage goes: if you can’t attack the message, attack the messenger.  And so who’s crazy now?  With gargantuan unpaid pension liabilities, fully-leveraged assets with bonds that need to be paid, and skyrocketing taxes, fees and rates … yep, there’s still going to be plenty of trouble; right here in the ole’ River City.  More to come.

Brent Mason, Recycled Trash Sent to San Bernardino

TMC, RATED RIVERSIDE’S REGIONAL COUNTIES MOST, “NEGATIVE,” “RAUNCHY,” “LOW CLASS,” “VISIONS OF GRANDEUR,” “FULL OF B.S.,” “REPREHENSIBLE,” “IGNORANT,” “MISGUIDED,” “BULLYISH,” “FILTHY,” “VILE,” “SICK,” “PERVERTED,” “DEFAMATORY,” “STUPID,” “PATHETIC,” “DESPICABLE,” “DISAPPOINTING,” “BELOW THE BELT,” “A NEW LOW,” “SHOCKING,” “OFFENSIVE,” “OBNOXIOUS,” “INAPPROPRIATE,” “HURTFUL,” “MEAN SPIRITED,” “DISTASTEFUL,” “EMBARRASSING,” HORIFFIC,” “SLANDEROUS” “FIT TO BE VIEWED FROM THE REAR” AND MEZZSPELLED, “MISSPELLED” AND “OPINIONATED” BLOG SITE! YES WE ADMIT WE OUR ALL OF THAT AND MORE, WHICH IN CURRENT TERMS IS KNOWN AS “UNPOLITICALLY CORRECT.” TEMPORARILY BLOCKED BY THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE AT PUBLIC ACCESS SITES WITHIN THE CITY, THEN UNBLOCKED. I GUESS YOU CANNOT DO THAT ACCORDING TO THE ACLU. RATED ONE TWO ONE STAR OUT OF FIVE IN TERMS OF COMMUNITY APPROVAL RATINGS.. … AGAIN, THANK YOU COMMUNITY OF RIVERSIDE AND THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE EMPLOYEE’S FOR YOUR SUPPORT! CONTACT US: thirtymilescorruption@hotmail.com

CITY OF RIVERSIDE: “VETO” CORLEONE! RUSSO CONTRACT EXECUTED! THEN REVIVED FROM THE DEAD?

Posted: February 9, 2018 in Uncategorized
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PART I, OF WHAT’S SURE TO BE AT LEAST A TRILOGY

BREAKING NEWS: Mayor William Rusty Bailey issues his veto message.  The mayor stated this in a circulated email just mere minutes ago:

Good Afternoon,  Last week at the City Council meeting, under the authority invested in the Mayoral position by Section 413  of the City Charter (https://riversideca.gov/municode/city-charter.asp), I vetoed the City Council’s decision to renegotiate and extend the City Manager’s contract.  As required by the Charter, attached is the veto message that we released to the City Council this afternoon. Each of you plays a valuable role serving our community, I would encourage you to engage in this process in the coming weeks.

With Respect, Rusty

William R. “Rusty” Bailey, III Mayor

 

               

BAD TIMING, BAD BUSINESS, BAD POLICY, BAD MESSAGE – RUSTY’S VETO EXPLANATION

CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGES TO ENLARGE, OR THIS LINK TO VIEW FULL PDF VERSION

Just when you think you’ve seen all, you forget you’re in Riverside: the epicenter of creative government finance for the betterment of special interests.  At Tuesday’s February 6th council meeting, Mayor Bailey did something that has not been done for nearly 25 years: he dusted off his copy of the City Charter and used his veto power, finally showing he has a pair of balls.

Initially, when discussion opened to City Manager John Russo’s proposed contract, it appeared that the majority of Council was outraged.   Condor, Adams, Soubirous and Gardner expressed their displeasure with the contract.  When the final decision came about the vote was Condor and Perry “Nay”; MacArthur, Soubirous and Melendrez “Yea,” with Adams and Gardner flipping at the end with “Yeas” as well, to make the final tally vote 5-2 in favor of a brand spanking new 7-year contract for City Manager John Russo.  TMC nominates both flippers for Academy Awards in the special category of “Pretending to Give a Damn”.

During the debate one could tell this outcome would not go over well with Mayor Bailey.  The rumor is that behind the scenes the Mayor’s office and the City Manager’s office are feuding.  Apparently, the Mayor’s Office cannot function as his predecessor, ex-Mayor Loveridge’s had things running (you know, with him having access to all City staff for his pet projects).  It appears that the new City Manager put a stop to that, as was his right under the City Charter, and the paths were set for collision – Hatfield and McCoy-style.  TMC takes no political position on this donnybrook, for the time being, we are just enjoying the the little boys stomping their feet.  We present a montage of highlights:

ROYAL RUMBLE IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS

Interestingly enough at the February 1st Budget Engagement Commission Meeting, Natasha Fatale, Marianna Marysheva – (Martinez, what happened?), responded to what she was informed was a divide between the two offices with…“I haven’t seen it!”  According to the video she receives weekly calls from headhunters (recruiters) asking her to go elsewhere for more money.  Lucky for us, she rebuffs those solicitations because she sees the value of the City of Riverside and our best-in-class leadership. [snicker, snicker]

While your Council became worried about losing Russo, and began kissing his behind, Mayor Bailey finally asked the question, “Have you made a statement that you will leave if you don’t get this contract?”  Well then the real John Russo comes out swinging!  His ego is let loose for all to see.  TMC reminds readers that Russo chose to enter into the public sector because he didn’t want to take any risk, as in the private sector.  Now it seems he’s having a mid-life crisis as he comes to the latter stages of his career, and realizes he’s nothing more then a city manager hack in Riverside, California…unlike entrepreneurs and real businessmen like Elon Musk, who doesn’t have to beg for money, who doesn’t have to beg for his salary, while he’s shooting rockets to Mars doing exactly what he wants to do.

“When truth is blurred by lies and misinformation, perception becomes reality and all is lost.” … This person is creating his own perception by creating an illusion of reality. It does not matter that this person isn’t god’s gift to Riverside, it only matters that to him that you perceive him as one.

What is the reality of Russo’s contract to the taxpayers?  Over his lifetime after retirement will it cost us over $50 million in pension cost and benefits?  This has yet to be addressed by Council.

Back to the council meeting/spitball fight: Bailey gave a scathing response to the Council’s approval of Russo’s contract, and used his super secret, mayoral, wonder-twin power to veto the action vote of the  Council!  City Attorney Gary Guess was asked if the veto was legal?  His response was a somewhat trepid (and mostly unconvincing) one, leading to Rusty’s “talk to the hand” response.

According to Section 413 of the Riverside City Charter:

At any time before the adjournment of a meeting, the Mayor may, by public declaration spread upon the minutes of the meeting, veto any formal action taken by vote of the City Council including any ordinance or resolution, except an emergency ordinance, the annual budget or an ordinance proposed by initiative petition. Thereupon, pending the vote to override the veto as herein provided, such ordinance, resolution or action shall be deemed neither approved nor adopted. The Mayor shall, no more than twenty days following the veto, provide to Council members, in writing, reasons for the Mayor’s veto.

Well, this kind of contradicted what City Attorney Gary Guess had earlier stated to Council and the Mayor, and certainly creates a controversy vis-a-vis the opinion he requested from outside counsel Michael Colantuono (a Proposition 218 attorney from Los Angeles that by the way, the Moreno’s beat on a case in Riverside, which protected ratepayers…not that we’re bragging…much).

In what must’ve been a land/speed record for Riverside contracts, the following morning City Clerk Colleen Nicol and Mayor Pro Tempore Chris MacArthur signed the contract.  And within two days, we have the Mayor’s veto justification…without Council approval.

And so the saga continues….lies and drama, and yes, there is a divide Natasha. Not only is this a divide; its a fracture that will not repair itself.  A fracture over the whole organization, and over EGO AND ARROGANCE AND ENTITLEMENT.  And our Mayor has chosen his hill to defend or die trying.  And so there will be only one winner.  The Ice Queen selling a bill of goods to the budget committee that she is so sought after she can go anywhere, and old grandpa Russo being so smart that if he leaves, the sky will fall.  And then you have the council tripping over each other, seeking favor from our City Manager in doling out the last remaining nectar from the almost-dry Measure Z honeypot.

We never thought we’d utter these words, but this may be better than the Brad Hudson/Belinda Graham era.  But better in what way dear readers?  Only time and a really good legal opinion will tell us who’s right on the Charter. But one thing for sure is that the Mayor’s office and the City Manager and their Council supporters will continue to fight this out in private and public now…and it will get uglier.

But is there still a game within this game?  Our take is that one or two of the Council will flip their vote in favor of Bailey, out of loyalty and to insure future political fare in the City of Riverside.  Ya knows? For the good of the old Riverside families.

TMC welcomes you responses and comments on this issue.  Please reply in the comment section.  We especially welcome those from the City of Oakland and the City of Alameda.

Will Don Bailey finally get’s Capo Russo to show respect for the River City Godfather and La Famiglia by kissing the ring?  Who will be next on Corleone’s contract?  For now finito!

BLAST FROM THE PAST: CITY MANAGER JOHN RUSSO:

DECEMBER 19, 2007: SAN FRANCISCO GATE: OAKLAND CITY ATTORNEY GIVES HIMSELF A $28,000 RAISE

BLAST FROM THE PAST: FORMER CITY MANAGER BRAD HUDSON:

OCTOBER 2, 2010: PRESS ENTERPRISE: RIVERSIDE MANAGER’S PAY RAISES EYEBROWS

“Riverside officials said they’re getting their money’s worth. Councilman Andy Melendrez pointed to citywide improvements under the Renaissance program and the city’s healthy fiscal condition, things Hudson also cited as achievements.”   Five years later Russo comes to town and discovers a $10 million budget deficit and $600 million in unfunded pension liabilities, and has to deal with $2 billion in City debt.  Fast forward three more years 2018 and it’s the same old song and dance by our more-or-less-the-same Council just replace “Renaissance” with “the Cheech and new Library”.   Nowhere does it mention the rate hikes, fees hikes, new taxes, and new debt that supported this non-stop reckless spending.

TMC, RATED RIVERSIDE’S REGIONAL COUNTIES MOST, “NEGATIVE,” “RAUNCHY,” “LOW CLASS,” “VISIONS OF GRANDEUR,” “FULL OF B.S.,” “REPREHENSIBLE,” “IGNORANT,” “MISGUIDED,” “BULLYISH,” “FILTHY,” “VILE,” “SICK,” “PERVERTED,” “DEFAMATORY,” “STUPID,” “PATHETIC,” “DESPICABLE,” “DISAPPOINTING,” “BELOW THE BELT,” “A NEW LOW,” “SHOCKING,” “OFFENSIVE,” “OBNOXIOUS,” “INAPPROPRIATE,” “HURTFUL,” “MEAN SPIRITED,” “DISTASTEFUL,” “EMBARRASSING,” HORIFFIC,” “SLANDEROUS” “FIT TO BE VIEWED FROM THE REAR” AND MEZZSPELLED, “MISSPELLED” AND “OPINIONATED” BLOG SITE! YES WE ADMIT WE OUR ALL OF THAT AND MORE, WHICH IN CURRENT TERMS IS KNOWN AS “UNPOLITICALLY CORRECT.” TEMPORARILY BLOCKED BY THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE AT PUBLIC ACCESS SITES WITHIN THE CITY, THEN UNBLOCKED. I GUESS YOU CANNOT DO THAT ACCORDING TO THE ACLU. RATED ONE TWO ONE STAR OUT OF FIVE IN TERMS OF COMMUNITY APPROVAL RATINGS.. … AGAIN, THANK YOU COMMUNITY OF RIVERSIDE AND THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE EMPLOYEE’S FOR YOUR SUPPORT! CONTACT US: thirtymilescorruption@hotmail.com

CITY OF RIVERSIDE: WILL THE REAL RUSSO PLEASE STAND UP?…..PUBLIC SERVANT OR SELF SERVANT/TAXMAN?

Posted: January 31, 2018 in Uncategorized
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FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS IN RIVERSIDE?

Just over a year after Riverside City Manager John Russo fought to increase your sales taxes and mere days after advocating to raise your utility taxes by increasing rates, on February 6th at 2pm in Council Chambers he’s asking for his payola in the form of a new, 7-year contract from his bosses.  And the Bad News Council will probably give it to him as he’s been instrumental in bringing us some of the highest tax and rate increases in the history of Riverside for them to continue to play with…in the name of “public safety and vital services” of course. [snicker, snicker]

We don’t believe most of us would have a problem with a salary increase or extension if he was actually bringing value to his shareholders, or in other words, a savings to the taxpayers, feepayers, ratepayers, etc.  Heck, one could make the argument that he might deserve such if he was providing us with better services at the same price to us.  Instead, Russo has been increasing all-of-the-above during his tenure to cover-up the poor decisions made by the Bad News Council over the previous decade-or-so, especially concerning unfunded pensions, which are now beyond $600 million in the red.  That’s right, since he arrived a mere 3-years ago from his $240+thousand/year salary gig in Alameda (after serious prompting by recently exiled ex-General Manager of Riverside Public Utilities, Girish “Drunk Daddy” Balachandran), you and I are paying higher sales taxes, higher property taxes, higher fees, and soon, if he has his way, higher utility rates.  So busy has Russo been playing his role as taxman we wonder where he finds the time to, you know, actually run the city.

So what of this 7-year contract you may ask?  For starters, he is asking for a new contract with over 2 years remaining on his current contract!  What gives?  This brings us to the obvious question, “Why is he asking now, and why would members of the Bad News Council seriously consider it or even agree to it at this time?”  Is he planning on breaking his current contract like he previously did in Alameda?  If so, and if he gets his new contract, what would prevent him from bolting in a few years anyway, as there are no clawbacks or liquidated damage provisions to ensure he stays?  It is clear to us that he thinks he holds all the cards at the moment, or that he’s identified most of our Council as pigeons.

According to Transparent California, as of 2016 Russo’s total pay and benefits (not including the liability we’re accruing in the unfunded form of his pension) comes to an extraordinary total of $415, 998.40!  That puts Russo just outside the top 1000 public salaries in the State of California, in the top 1%…check that, top 0.01%.  Whodathunk right here in the cosmic epicenter of the Inland Empire, with a per median household income of $56,000, we have a bonafide rock star in our midst?

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Another pressing question is why does Russo even need a 7-year contract?  Our Council can apparently  fire him at any time with a 12-month severance payout.  Is this an ego thing or is he just striking while the iron’s hot?  And why would a Council, full with individuals who may not even be on the dais in less than 4 years, bind the hands of a future Council?  So is this another rendition of the Old Man and the Sea of Taxpayer Monies, or is it to further lead us into a California society of To Haves and Have Nots and in doing so run us Across the River and Into the Trees?

               

CLICK ON IMAGES TO VIEW FULL CONTRACT

Not only is he already one of the highest paid public sector employees in the Inland Empire, he is also the sixth highest salaried city manager in the State, behind only the likes of city managers at Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Santa Ana, and Palm Springs.  On top of 3-4% annual raises he requests based off his new $327 thousand/year salary (up from $240k/year just 4 years ago…my-oh-my, aren’t we gracious?), on top of his already-lavish benefit package, he is looking for these non-standard terms in his new deal from the City (aka, us):

  • He wants us to pay his State Bar dues (though he’s not employed as the City Attorney).
  • He wants us to provide a 15-year subsidized mortgage on his $675,000 house.  So have we become Bank of Riverside?
  • He wants us to provide him with a 15-year term $700,000.00 life insurance policy.  John’s lavish and carefree lifestyle makes life insurance unaffordable?
  • He wants us to grant him a one-time 7 week vacation bonus.  A payola signing bonus laundered as a vacation bonus for assisting Council in securing higher rates and taxes?
  • He wants us to allow him to have a teaching job on the side.  Apparently, he needs to supplement his income and/or network towards his next career opportunity and/or needs intellectual stimulation away from our brain-dead Council.

Of course he also gets:

  • Fully paid medical, dental and optical for him and his family.
  • A $500 monthly car allowance.

The biggest laugh is in the City Council Memorandum that states there is “no net cost compared to the current contract provisions” in the new contract…despite all the net costs to his current contract provisions, prepared and approved by his own staff of course.  I guess P.T. Barnum said it best, “There’s a sucker born every minute.”  Russo seems set to test that theory on at least 4 members of our Council.

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE

It’s 1 for us, and 1 for him … and 1 for us, and 19 for him.  And so who is John Russo reeeeally to the general public?  Friend, foe or simply just the taxman…collecting revenue to live the high life himself?  Then you got to ask, “What’s with the Hemingway beard?”  TMC just wants you to know it’s aging you.

https://youtu.be/bsO_slTTEr4

Will the Real Russo please stand up, show your colors and take off your make-up … while we ask the Bad News Council to find some rocks under their belt and tell you to go pound sand.

TMC, RATED RIVERSIDE’S REGIONAL COUNTIES MOST, “NEGATIVE,” “RAUNCHY,” “LOW CLASS,” “VISIONS OF GRANDEUR,” “FULL OF B.S.,” “REPREHENSIBLE,” “IGNORANT,” “MISGUIDED,” “BULLYISH,” “FILTHY,” “VILE,” “SICK,” “PERVERTED,” “DEFAMATORY,” “STUPID,” “PATHETIC,” “DESPICABLE,” “DISAPPOINTING,” “BELOW THE BELT,” “A NEW LOW,” “SHOCKING,” “OFFENSIVE,” “OBNOXIOUS,” “INAPPROPRIATE,” “HURTFUL,” “MEAN SPIRITED,” “DISTASTEFUL,” “EMBARRASSING,” HORIFFIC,” “SLANDEROUS” “FIT TO BE VIEWED FROM THE REAR” AND MEZZSPELLED, “MISSPELLED” AND “OPINIONATED” BLOG SITE! YES WE ADMIT WE OUR ALL OF THAT AND MORE, WHICH IN CURRENT TERMS IS KNOWN AS “UNPOLITICALLY CORRECT.” TEMPORARILY BLOCKED BY THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE AT PUBLIC ACCESS SITES WITHIN THE CITY, THEN UNBLOCKED. I GUESS YOU CANNOT DO THAT ACCORDING TO THE ACLU. RATED ONE TWO ONE STAR OUT OF FIVE IN TERMS OF COMMUNITY APPROVAL RATINGS.. … AGAIN, THANK YOU COMMUNITY OF RIVERSIDE AND THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE EMPLOYEE’S FOR YOUR SUPPORT! CONTACT US: thirtymilescorruption@hotmail.com

EXCLUSIVE: CITY OF RIVERSIDE: ANOTHER BIG BANG WITH THE (BEGINNING OF THE) END OF THE RPU GANG

Posted: December 13, 2017 in Uncategorized
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With the broom of justice sweeping the dirt of Riverside Public Utilities out the back door of the ratepayers’ new $40 million administrative building (complete with $600k board room with $120k of furniture), we find another one who has bitten the dust.  The housecleaning continues in earnest with the resignation of Deputy General Manager Kevin Milligan (a.k.a. Drunk Daddy Jr.) Tuesday.

First, lets all understand the origins of the nickname ‘Drunk Daddy’.  This endearing term was coined by the staff at RPU for their boss, General Manager Girish Balachandran.  To be clear, it does not connote a drinking problem per se, but that you would never know what kind of mood he would come with when he started the day, putting the line staff on edge, and leading to mass defections of talent from our public utility within the past year.  Pictured above, you see the dynamic duo high-fiving after they attempted to strong-arm our neighbors to the west, the City of Norco, over a potential water deal.

What IS evident by the following is that neither knew what the other was doing in their final days in full command.  In Balachandran’s departure speech, he states that Milligan will be taking over as Interim General Manager:

Once I leave, Kevin Milligan will be appointed as Interim General Manager. The City Manager has also retained a recruiter to initiate a nation wide search for a replacement General Manager and expects to fill the position not later than June 2018.

Hmmmm…..But then Balachandran only days later releases the following:

Dear RPU Team Member

Kevin Milligan has announced his retirement as of December 29, 2017:

Here is Kevin’s email that he requested I send to all of you.

“Colleagues,

After 33 years with the City of Riverside, I have elected to retire effective this month.

It has been an honor to work alongside each of you these past many years, collectively dedicated to building a better community.

I will be spending the balance of this month enjoying the holidays with my wife and children. I will work with the executive team to schedule a time after the New Year holiday for a very informal farewell.

I wish you all continued success professionally and personally. I am proud to reflect on what we have accomplished together at RPU.

God Bless,
Kevin

Girish was then told Todd Jorgenson will be interim General RPU Manager by City Manager John Russo when he leaves:

The City Manager has appointed Todd Jorgenson as the Interim General Manager, on my departure January 19.

Assistant City Manager Marianna Marysheva will be working with Todd and our executive team to assist during the interim period.

A press release with more information is attached. In the coming days and next week, starting with the Safety meetings tomorrow morning at the UOC, I’ll visit each of your office locations to be available to answer any questions you may have.

Please call me if you have questions.

Thank you,
Girish

What is the real story here?  Surely Balachandran told Milligan he would be christened interim RPU General Manager when he left and Milligan consented.  If that was the case, what happened from that point on?  Now we find he is retiring?  Guess these kinds of things happen during the chaos surrounding an unconditional surrender.

LEFT HANGING?

The questions residents are asking about their public utilities: what has really been going on over there and who was actually minding the store during the colossal failure of Balachandran’s tenure, culminating with a completely botched rate hike? Would Milligan like a mulligan over his support of Drunk Daddy, and was he left hanging by City brass? And, who’s next on the chopping block?  Stay tuned to TMC for the latest and greatest on the unfolding drama.

TMC EXCLUSIVE VIDEO OF RIVERSIDE CITY MANAGER JOHN RUSSO’S MEETING WITH SOON-TO-BE-EX-GENERAL MANAGER GIRISH BALACHANDRAN JUST BEFORE ANOTHER BOTCHED ATTEMPT AT A RATE HIKE TWO WEEKS AGO:

 

And speaking of recycled trash bureaucrats that have overstayed their welcome, is it time for the last of the disastrous legacy of former City Manager Brad Hudson to finally go…Chief Sergio Diaz?

TMC, RATED RIVERSIDE’S REGIONAL COUNTIES MOST, “NEGATIVE,” “RAUNCHY,” “LOW CLASS,” “VISIONS OF GRANDEUR,” “FULL OF B.S.,” “REPREHENSIBLE,” “IGNORANT,” “MISGUIDED,” “BULLYISH,” “FILTHY,” “VILE,” “SICK,” “PERVERTED,” “DEFAMATORY,” “STUPID,” “PATHETIC,” “DESPICABLE,” “DISAPPOINTING,” “BELOW THE BELT,” “A NEW LOW,” “SHOCKING,” “OFFENSIVE,” “OBNOXIOUS,” “INAPPROPRIATE,” “HURTFUL,” “MEAN SPIRITED,” “DISTASTEFUL,” “EMBARRASSING,” HORIFFIC,” “SLANDEROUS” “FIT TO BE VIEWED FROM THE REAR” AND MEZZSPELLED, “MISSPELLED” AND “OPINIONATED” BLOG SITE! YES WE ADMIT WE OUR ALL OF THAT AND MORE, WHICH IN CURRENT TERMS IS KNOWN AS “UNPOLITICALLY CORRECT.” TEMPORARILY BLOCKED BY THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE AT PUBLIC ACCESS SITES WITHIN THE CITY, THEN UNBLOCKED. I GUESS YOU CANNOT DO THAT ACCORDING TO THE ACLU. RATED ONE TWO ONE STAR OUT OF FIVE IN TERMS OF COMMUNITY APPROVAL RATINGS.. … AGAIN, THANK YOU COMMUNITY OF RIVERSIDE AND THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE EMPLOYEE’S FOR YOUR SUPPORT! CONTACT US: thirtymilescorruption@hotmail.com

EXCLUSIVE: CITY OF RIVERSIDE: DID RPU AND UCR COLLUDE TO MISINFORM COUNCIL AND PUBLIC?

Posted: December 8, 2017 in Uncategorized
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The above video was from the November 28, 2017, Riverside City Council Meeting regarding increasing utility rates.  During public comment, former RPU employee Jason Hunter presents what is discernibly incriminating evidence that the General Manager and staff of Riverside Public Utilities was attempting to deceive the public with reference to rate increases.  Is this part of the reason why Drunk Daddy was just shown the door of their shiny $40 million dollar building (purchased with ratepayer money)?

                        

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE, THE FIRST IMAGE IS THE DRAFT REPORT WITH BALACHANDRAN’S NOTES,  THE SECOND IMAGE IS THE FINAL REPORT WITH THE ALTERED NUMBERS SUBMITTED TO THE RIVERSIDE CITY COUNCIL.  HIT THE HIGHLIGHTED LINKS TO VIEW THE FULL REPORT FOR BEFORE AND AFTER.

The markups and corresponding changes to the report display two items of concern.  One, RPU had significant input towards how this “independent” report was presented to City Council and the Board of Public Utilities earlier this year.  Secondly, the UCR consultant had no problem changing their “independent” report to coincide with RPU’s narrative…. the desire to raise customer rates.

Here’s the lowdown: RPU commissioned at a cost of $72,000 of ratepayer dough a research team at UCR, to determine the financial and social impact of RPU on the Riverside community.  It’s a little-known-fact that UCR procures it electricity and water at special lower rates from RPU than what the rest of us suckers, the community pays, leading some to wonder if tit-for-tat was in play.  Shockingly (sic), the crack team at UCR determined that RPU was the greatest thing since adding that third taco to the combination plate.  How uncanny that this report was timed to come out right before RPU was to call upon a rate increase!  Remarkable was a hand-written comment from General RPU Manager Girish Balachandran (a.k.a. Drunk Daddy) made while reviewing a draft of this UCR report. The note was in reference to numbers the UCR team gave comparing RPU with another utility company known as SoCal Edison. We will get to that Drunk Daddy chicken scratch in a moment.

First, you really cannot compare the two companies: RPU is publicly owned, Edison is not.  Secondly, the UCR team states that Edison customers pay 16.51 cents per kwh compared to RPU customers 16.08 cents. The difference between the two numbers in the draft report submitted by UCR are not wide enough to justify a rate increase for residential electricity customers. But the final report submitted a few months later tells a different story. In the same comparison between RPU and Edison, the numbers magically transform so Edison customers pay 19.00 cents while RPU customers pay 15.70 cents – a very significant difference we’d say!

Drunk Daddy’s handwritten notation states, in blue above in first image, “Check this, we cannot justify a rate increases for residential for next 5 years with this set of numbers, especially residential.”   Voilà! The numbers change in the final report to display a larger compelling disparity, hence, sets precedence and validates RPU’s argument of a badly needed rate increase!

Remember, we the ratepayers own our utility, and it sure looks as if your management team that you employ a very generous salaries and bennies to oversee the best interest of your company, is attempting to hoodwink you for an ulterior motive. What should you do to these employees who are handling your company and your money? I know what I would do.

THE GODFATHER OF RATE INCREASES..

THE GODFATHER OF THE GODFATHER, GREAT GODFATHER, CITY MANAGER JOHN RUSSO…WE’LL UPDATE AND FIND A PIC WITHOUT MAKEUP….DID YOU KNOW THEY BOTH WORKED TOGETHER FOR THE CITY OF ALAMEDA?  AS WE CALL IT, MORE RECYCLED TRASH!

So why does RPU need a rate increase?  Well this is what they are telling the public.  It is gloom and doom, it’s all about the infrastructure, and if we don’t get are antiquated infrastructure upgraded, trouble lies on the road ahead.  With this in mind, the public has asked why the ratepayers are paying for bad management decisions and certain projects which have no benefit to the ratepayer, such as gold plated conference rooms, a $40 million administrative building, excessive dispatcher overtime to the tune of $257,219.00, overcharges to the rate payer which resulted in $325 Million in stockpiled reserves, $72,000 paid to UCR to figure out how to convince the ratepayer of higher rates, $45,000 to Earthquake Lady to go out to the community and scare you into believing that higher rates are somehow a good thing, the fiber optic network and purple pipe being built with ratepayer monies only a handful of big guys will benefit from.  The list is unending.

Did we mention that Drunk Daddy hired a polling firm at a cost to us of $42,000, to determine key words that would help convince the ratepayers of higher rates. This is significant because Balachandran’s signature authorization is maxed at $25,000, so he had to go to City Manager John Russo for authorization.  Russo’s signature authorization is maxed at $50,000 (anything above $50,000 must go to City Council …and the bright lights of a Council meeting for approval).  Russo had knowledge of what was going on at RPU.

What we have here folks is obscene mismanagement with no accountability.  We have an executive management problem.  A problem that began with former Utilities General Manager Dave Wright, and continues now under Girish Balachandran, a.k.a. Drunk Daddy.

Another narrative line RPU is using toward the public, is that they didn’t increase the rates during the recession as to give relief to the taxpayer.  The truth of the matter is that they were increasing the amount of the reserves to the tune of $325 million by overcharging their customers.  But maybe the truth of the matter is that it is all about pensions.  Perhaps it’s all about the unsustainable pension contracts made without the best interest of the taxpayer in mind.  You the taxpayer were not lined with goldplated rewards, you were just simply given the bill.  My position: file for bankruptcy, as many cities in California have done, and renegotiate those unsustainable pension contracts.

GIRISH GRADES $72K UCR REPORT WITH B-, ARE WE IN CLASS?

FLASH FROM THE NOT SO PAST: GRAND JURY COMPLAINT AGAINST RPU:  Back in 2015 we filed a Grand Jury Complaint on the very subject of excessive reserves with the argument that it actually violated fiscal policy, which was passed by City Council.  In other words, the City and RPU actually violated there own policy that they agreed upon by collecting excessive reserves.

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

I believe RPU needs to get out of the “engineer” mindset when it comes to explaining just why our utility needs more money in order to stay out of the red.  – Councilman Mike Soubirous

TMC, RATED RIVERSIDE’S REGIONAL COUNTIES MOST, “NEGATIVE,” “RAUNCHY,” “LOW CLASS,” “VISIONS OF GRANDEUR,” “FULL OF B.S.,” “REPREHENSIBLE,” “IGNORANT,” “MISGUIDED,” “BULLYISH,” “FILTHY,” “VILE,” “SICK,” “PERVERTED,” “DEFAMATORY,” “STUPID,” “PATHETIC,” “DESPICABLE,” “DISAPPOINTING,” “BELOW THE BELT,” “A NEW LOW,” “SHOCKING,” “OFFENSIVE,” “OBNOXIOUS,” “INAPPROPRIATE,” “HURTFUL,” “MEAN SPIRITED,” “DISTASTEFUL,” “EMBARRASSING,” HORIFFIC,” “SLANDEROUS” “FIT TO BE VIEWED FROM THE REAR” AND MEZZSPELLED, “MISSPELLED” AND “OPINIONATED” BLOG SITE! YES WE ADMIT WE OUR ALL OF THAT AND MORE, WHICH IN CURRENT TERMS, “UNPOLITICALLY CORRECT.” TEMPORARILY BLOCKED BY THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE AT PUBLIC ACCESS SITES WITHIN THE CITY, THEN UNBLOCKED.  I GUESS YOU CANNOT DO THAT ACCORDING TO THE ACLU. RATED ONE STAR OUT OF FIVE IN TERMS OF COMMUNITY APPROVAL RATINGS.. … AGAIN, THANK YOU COMMUNITY OF RIVERSIDE AND THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE EMPLOYEE’S FOR YOUR SUPPORT! CONTACT US: thirtymilescorruption@hotmail.com

CITY OF RIVERSIDE: TMC EXCLUSIVE: DID CITY MANAGER JOHN RUSSO’S SON START THIS FIRE? ANOTHER P.E. COVER-UP?

Posted: October 26, 2017 in Uncategorized
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On May 3, 2017, a fire was reported in the Canyon Crest area between Canyon Hill Drive and Middle Creek Road.  From the initial Fire Department statement, it appears no injuries were reported.  Homes were threatened, but none damaged.  According to Riverside Fire Department Captain, Tyler Reynolds, the cause of the fire had not been determined at the time.

Who started this fire and was anyone arrested?  If an arrest was made by RPD, did the arrest filing go to District Attorney Mike Hestrin’s office for a determination of whether charges would be brought?  All good questions you might think the press might follow up on…or not (in the ole’ River City).  The following email came into TMC, and includes a response from former Press Enterprise reporter, Alicia Robinson, seemingly acknowledging the arrest of…gasp…everyone’s favorite City Manager’s, John Russo, son.  Kids these day!

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Did the Press Enterprise decline to pursue this juicy story because of the possible implications of naming the son of a high falutin city executive, who is allegedly now 18 years-old and an adult? Is this another in a long line of P.E. cover-ups, designed to provide the illusion that Riverside’s political “leadership” are the bestest people evah!?  Who paid the bill for the damage and the fire department services, the taxpayer or Russo?  We’ll let you draw your own conclusions…while we keep digging.

RIVERSIDE CITY MANAGER JOHN RUSSO SINGS, “ALL THE YOUNG DUDES…CARRY THE NEWS”

And what pray tell was the Press Enterprise using its precious ink for these days as opposed to reporting on potential arson?  Well, what could be more important than promoting City government’s Riverside Food Lab, next door to City government’s Fox Theater?  SIX separate stories now drumming up excitement about our government’s experiment into the eatery business.  Because when it comes to bringing home the bacon, the PE knows which way its bread is buttered.

JULY 14, 2017: PRESS ENTERPRISE: DOWNTOWN RIVERSIDE’S FOOD LAB FILLS TWO SLOTS: PIZZA, CRAFT BEER

JULY 21, 2017: PRESS ENTERPRISE: DESSERT WAFFLES JOIN THE LINEUP AT RIVERSIDE FOOD LAB

JULY 28, 2017: PRESS ENTERPRISE: NEWEST RIVERSIDE FOOD TENANT WILL OFFER ACAI BOWLS, AGUAS FRESCAS, POPSICLES

AUGUST 4, 2017: PRESS ENTERPRISE: NEXT AT RIVERSIDE FOOD LAB: LEBANESE FARE AND COLD-PRESSED JUICES

AUGUST 9, 2017: PRESS ENTERPRISE: RIVERSIDE FOOD LAB BRINGS HOME THE BACON WITH LATEST TENANT

SEPTEMBER 14, 2017: PRESS ENTERPRISE: RIVERSIDE FOOD LAB WILL OFFER EARLY TASTES WITH POP-UP SHOP

But how did the community fare up in bringing their concerns and issues regarding the Food Lab?  Nothing to see here folks?

Listen to this video whereby community residents Kevin Dawson and Jason Hunter express their opinion to the 55 year lease agreement created by City Manager John Russo for the Food Lab.  Then it gets better… Russo responds.

PHIL PITCHFORD, COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER FOR THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE, AND FORMER PRESS ENTERPRISE EMPLOYEE?

 

TMC, RATED RIVERSIDE’S REGIONAL COUNTIES MOST, “NEGATIVE,” “RAUNCHY,” “LOW CLASS,” “VISIONS OF GRANDEUR,” “FULL OF B.S.,” “REPREHENSIBLE,” “IGNORANT,” “MISGUIDED,” “BULLYISH,” “FILTHY,” “VILE,” “SICK,” “PERVERTED,” “DEFAMATORY,” “STUPID,” “PATHETIC,” “DESPICABLE,” “DISAPPOINTING,” “BELOW THE BELT,” “A NEW LOW,” “SHOCKING,” “OFFENSIVE,” “OBNOXIOUS,” “INAPPROPRIATE,” “HURTFUL,” “MEAN SPIRITED,” “DISTASTEFUL,” “EMBARRASSING,” HORIFFIC,” “SLANDEROUS” “FIT TO BE VIEWED FROM THE REAR” AND MEZZSPELLED, “MISSPELLED” AND “OPINIONATED” BLOG SITE!  YES WE ADMIT WE OUR ALL OF THAT AND MORE, WHICH IN CURRENT TERMS IS KNOWN AS “UNPOLITICALLY CORRECT.”  TEMPORARILY BLOCKED BY THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE AT PUBLIC ACCESS SITES WITHIN THE CITY, THEN UNBLOCKED.  I GUESS YOU CANNOT DO THAT ACCORDING TO THE ACLU.  RATED ONE TWO ONE STAR OUT OF FIVE IN TERMS OF COMMUNITY APPROVAL RATINGS..  … AGAIN, THANK YOU COMMUNITY OF RIVERSIDE AND THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE EMPLOYEE’S FOR YOUR SUPPORT!  CONTACT US:  thirtymilescorruption@hotmail.com

TMC EXCLUSIVE: CITY OF RIVERSIDE, PUBLIC UTILITIES – LET’S SEE HOW ATTORNEY MICHAEL COLANTUONO GETS YOU OUT OF THIS ONE…

Posted: October 25, 2017 in Uncategorized
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Again “Drunk Daddy”, a.k.a. Girish Balachandran, RPU General Manager, is sinking the ship with the help of the unqualified, inept, and eternally conflicted City Council and Board of Public Utilities.  Again the public is asking, “Who is minding the store?”  The only ones minding the store are TMC and our small band of merrymen.  So what does this all mean to the ratepayers?  The City of Riverside continues to overcharge for utilities and re-direct monies to unrelated and illegal uses.

Lawsuit Against the City of Riverside Utility User Tax

TMC continues to ask, when is the ratepaying public going to wake up and hold these people accountable for years of theft?  After all…WE OWN IT!  We won’t hold our breath.

This new case filed October 16, 2017 contends that RPU (Riverside Public Utilities) violated Proposition 26 (the “Stop Hidden Taxes” amendment to the State Constitution).  The basis is that Riverside Municipal Code only authorizes UUT (Utility User Tax) charges, against charges for electricity, and that because UUT is applied against the GFT (General Fund Transfer) component of the rates, that portion is illegal.  In other words, part of the UUT is a tax calculated off a tax, which pays for non-electric utility intended purposes, and hence, is illegal under Proposition 26.

CITY OF NORCO CAN SLEEP WITH THE FISHES…IF OF COURSE, THEY HAD WATER…

It seems that “Drunk Daddy,” is on a roll these days, just having attempted to strong arm the City of Norco!  (“Strong Arm” being the exact words used by the Mayor of Norco at the Residents for Responsible Representation meeting on October 9th with regards to the Riverside Transmission Reliability Project.) Back in March 2017, Riverside’s Director of Riverside Public Utilities sent the following message to our fine neighbors to the West (see below).  “Since you have publicly objected to our new, ugly, overhead high power lines, we aren’t going to sell you any of our surplus water. Have a nice day!  Sincerely, Girish, RPU Kingpin.”

   

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

So now I guess we know why we can’t seem to sell any of our surplus water to anyone other than Western Munical Water District…at a deep discount of course…while at the same time RPU is proposing a 60% (over 5 years) water rate increase for some customers.

And again, let’s not forget there is currently an ongoing suit filed by Attorney Raychele Sterling against the City of Riverside with reference to overcharging the ratepayers in excess of $200 million by ripping off the electric utility to pay off a lawsuit in which the City ripped off the water utility…and down the rabbit hole we go Alice!!!

https://youtu.be/pHte24GGHD4

BLAST FROM THE PAST: PAPADAKIS RESTAURANT: WHAT HAPPENED THAT NIGHT OF MARCH 1, 2007 WHEN CITY ATTORNEY GREG PRIAMOS, COUNCILMAN STEVE ADAMS, CITY MANAGER BRAD HUDSON AND OTHERS SPENT $5,400.00 IN TAX PAYER MONIES TO HAVE DINNER?  More news on old friend Hudson soon to come…

PAPADAKISSPENDING

No man can get rich in politics unless he’s a crook. It cannot be done.  – Harry S. Truman, 33rd President of the United States

REMEMBERING “FAT’S DOMINO”: ANTOINE DOMINIQUE DOMINO JR. (February 26, 1928 – October 24, 2017)

https://youtu.be/RaMD-h7qaj8

TMC, RATED RIVERSIDE’S REGIONAL COUNTIES MOST, “NEGATIVE,” “RAUNCHY,” “LOW CLASS,” “VISIONS OF GRANDEUR,” “FULL OF B.S.,” “REPREHENSIBLE,” “IGNORANT,” “MISGUIDED,” “BULLYISH,” “FILTHY,” “VILE,” “SICK,” “PERVERTED,” “DEFAMATORY,” “STUPID,” “PATHETIC,” “DESPICABLE,” “DISAPPOINTING,” “BELOW THE BELT,” “A NEW LOW,” “SHOCKING,” “OFFENSIVE,” “OBNOXIOUS,” “INAPPROPRIATE,” “HURTFUL,” “MEAN SPIRITED,” “DISTASTEFUL,” “EMBARRASSING,” HORIFFIC,” “SLANDEROUS” “FIT TO BE VIEWED FROM THE REAR” AND MEZZSPELLED, “MISSPELLED” AND “OPINIONATED” BLOG SITE!  YES WE ADMIT WE OUR ALL OF THAT AND MORE, WHICH IN CURRENT TERMS IS KNOWN AS “UNPOLITICALLY CORRECT.”  TEMPORARILY BLOCKED BY THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE AT PUBLIC ACCESS SITES WITHIN THE CITY, THEN UNBLOCKED.  I GUESS YOU CANNOT DO THAT ACCORDING TO THE ACLU.  RATED ONE TWO ONE STAR OUT OF FIVE IN TERMS OF COMMUNITY APPROVAL RATINGS..  … AGAIN, THANK YOU COMMUNITY OF RIVERSIDE AND THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE EMPLOYEE’S FOR YOUR SUPPORT!  CONTACT US:  thirtymilescorruption@hotmail.com

CITY OF RIVERSIDE: “WHY I’M VOTING NO ON MEASURE-Z”: FROM THE DESK OF RON TODAR: RIVERSIDE TAXPAYER

Posted: November 5, 2016 in Uncategorized
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zorronoonmz

WHAT IS MEASURE Z?

Measure Z is a November ballot initiative that will increase the sales tax from 7.75% to 8.75% in the City, or in other words from 8-cents per dollar to 9-cents per dollar. Currently, the City of Riverside receives 1-cent per dollar in tax from the 8-cents with the balance going to the State and County. Measure Z will increase the City’s portion to 2-cents per dollar in sales tax.

WHY DO THEY SAY THAT THERE IS A NEED FOR MEASURE Z?

The City of Riverside has simply spent and continues to spend more money than it takes in. They have blamed a shortage of personnel in their finance department as well as bad accounting practices for their miserable performance, however, even after they knew or should have known that they were in deficit, they continued spending more money than they had. This money came from the city’s reserves.  An example of their actions is that $4 million of the $7.8 million 2015-2016 deficit was the result of knowingly giving the police department a pay raise that was unbudgeted and unfunded. The effect now is that they have to cut city services to balance the budget.

russozorro

DID CITY MANAGER JOHN RUSSO GET THE MESSAGE FROM THE TAXPAYERS?

MY TOP TEN (10) REASONS FOR VOTING “NO”

#10. The City of Riverside’s portion of sales tax revenue will go up 100% or $50 million annually, while the actual annual deficit is only $10 million. This $50 million annual increase will continue for at least 20 years: ONE BILLION DOLLARS!!

#9. I believe that the City hired professional consultants at the cost to us of tens of thousands of dollars to manipulate our thinking about the need for this measure. This included the construction of supporting information and presentation materials, the use of wording that is misleading, and a highly questionable telephone survey with questions composed in a fashion designed to indicate citizen support. (1)

#8. Even though police and fire departments could have been left UNTOUCHED for budget cuts, I believe that they were instead included as leverage for a yes vote.

#7. As an example of the effect of the increase, purchasing a $35,000 vehicle will cost residents $350 more. And by the way, you can’t save the extra cost by buying in another city.

#6. Contrary to what the City may have implied, there is no written requirement within the measure to spend ANY of the sales tax increase on operational needs & capital improvements.

#5. The new City employees “Partnership Compensation Model” for some of the privileged city unions, provides larger compensation increases if revenue from Sales tax, Property Tax, Hotel Tax, and Utility Consumption Tax go up. The sales tax increase I believe is the first step toward that end with the others to follow.

Larger city employee raises = larger required pension contributions = larger future financial problems. I believe that personnel levels will spike as the City hires additional employees to soften the burden on current operational department employees.

#4. On top of the cost to residents if this measure passes, utility rates are expected to go up between 7% and 15% next year placing additional strain on household budgets.

#3. Measure A in 2013 which was approved by the voters, was supposed to secure our police and fire departments from the then present and future cuts. But it didn’t. Why should we believe that Measure Z will turn out differently? (2)

#2. About 16% or 52,000 of our neighbors live below the poverty level. These include senior citizens, the disabled, the homeless, and low wage earners. Personally, I don’t want them to have to make tough spending decisions while the City continues on their mindless spending spree. (3)

#1. First and foremost, the same group of individuals who through their ineptitude created the deficit and massive City debt, will make future final decisions on how to spend the huge additional revenue increase.

Approving this measure would be like letting your financial planner who lost you $10,000, have $50,000 a year more of your money to manage. You wouldn’t do that with your nest egg, why would you do it with YOUR tax dollars?

I feel that the City wants TOO MUCH, for TOO LONG, which will HURT TOO MANY, and will be administered by those TOO IRRESPONSIBLE.

I say let the city learn how to manage our money for the next 12 months, then create another ballot initiative with a ten (10) year term at a 1/4 to 1/2 cent increase. If they have demonstrated that they can be trusted with how they spend our money, we should consider approval.   – From the Desk of Ron Todar, Riverside Taxpayer

Here is what one honest former Press Enterprise journalist has to say:

https://www.facebook.com/debra.mayberry….

AXE THE TAX*****VOTE “NO” ON MEASURE Z

SOURCES:
(1) http://www.riversideca.gov/press_release…
(2) http://www.pe.com/articles/percent-81337…

MORE PROPAGANDA FROM THE FIRE FIGHTERS UNIONS: REMEMBER TAXPAYERS, DON’T SUCCUMB TO THEIR “EXTORTION” TACTICS OF LESS SERVICE AND DECREASE RESPONSE TIMES, I WOULD INTERPRET THIS AS A CRIMINAL ACT TO “SHAKE DOWN” THE TAXPAYERS!  THE FIRE UNIONS HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE TUNE OF $100,000.00 TO PASS MEASURE Z.  REMEMBER THEY TOLD YOU THE SAME LINE WITH THE WATER MEASURE KNOWN AS MEASURE-A BACK IN 2013.  THEY DON’T CARE ABOUT THE TAXPAYER, THEY WILL PROFIT HIGHLY FROM MEASURE-Z IF IT PASSES.  WHY WOULD ANYONE CONTRIBUTE $100,000.00 IF THEY DIDN’T EXPECT TO GET ANYTHING FROM IT?  YOUR CITY COUNCIL LEADERSHIP IS AS FAULT EXPECIALLY MAYOR WILLIAM “RUSTY” BAILEY.

firepe

The propaganda on Measure-Z continues even in advertising on the Press Enterprise by Fire and Police Unions!

THIS IS ALL ABOUT UNFUNDED PENSION LIABILITIES, FIRE AND POLICE ARE NOT CONTRIBUTING THEIR FAIR SHARE, IT’S DISPICABLE!  I BLAME OUR LEADERSHIP FOR UNFORTUNATELY PITTING AND CREATING TENSION BETWEEN THE TAXPAYERS (EMPLOYERS) AND THE PUBLIC SAFETY EMPLOYEES.  REMEMBER FIRE AND POLICE UNIONS ONLY ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THEMSELVES AND DO NOT KNOW WHAT IT TAKES TO RUN A BUSINESS.

TMC, RATED RIVERSIDE’S REGIONAL COUNTIES MOST, “NEGATIVE,” “RAUNCHY,” “LOW CLASS,” “VISIONS OF GRANDEUR,” “FULL OF B.S.,” “REPREHENSIBLE,” “IGNORANT,” “MISGUIDED,” “BULLYISH,” “FILTHY,” “VILE,” “SICK,” “PERVERTED,” “DEFAMATORY,” “STUPID,” “PATHETIC,” “DESPICABLE,” “DISAPPOINTING,” “BELOW THE BELT,” “A NEW LOW,” “SHOCKING,” “OFFENSIVE,” “OBNOXIOUS,” “INAPPROPRIATE,” “HURTFUL,” “MEAN SPIRITED,” “DISTASTEFUL,” “EMBARRASSING,” HORIFFIC,” “SLANDEROUS” “FIT TO BE VIEWED FROM THE REAR” AND MEZZSPELLED, “MISSPELLED” AND “OPINIONATED” BLOG SITE!  YES WE ADMIT WE OUR ALL OF THAT AND MORE, WHICH IN CURRENT TERMS IS KNOWN AS “UNPOLITICALLY CORRECT.”  TEMPORARILY BLOCKED BY THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE AT PUBLIC ACCESS SITES WITHIN THE CITY, THEN UNBLOCKED.  I GUESS YOU CANNOT DO THAT ACCORDING TO THE ACLU.  RATED ONE TWO ONE STAR OUT OF FIVE IN TERMS OF COMMUNITY APPROVAL RATINGS..  … AGAIN, THANK YOU COMMUNITY OF RIVERSIDE AND THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE EMPLOYEE’S FOR YOUR SUPPORT!  CONTACT US:  thirtymilescorruption@hotmail.com

CITY OF RIVERSIDE: TRIPLE XXX SEX GAMES: MARRY, F_ _ K OR KILL? THE CULTURE OF SEXUAL CORRUPTION & THE DEHUMANIZATION OF WOMEN IN THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE.

Posted: October 15, 2016 in Uncategorized
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titleone

Today is the day…..  As I sit silently in my living room and reflect on the years I have been writing for Thirty miles of Corruption, I can’t help but wonder what got me here…..Vivian Moreno

Briefly I will try to explain. When I became very curious about what was going on at City hall I was dumbfounded with all the corruption I witnessed and discovered.  The Corruption was diabolical, the waste, fraud and abuse was hideous,  and the SEX GAMES, Relationships and the  dehumanizing of Women was so in-your-face that I needed a place to put all this information. WHO WOULD BELIEVE IT!

I have been holding on to this particular story content for years. The content was so offensive and unbelievable even for me. I was waiting for the right time to post this information.  And here we are November 2016 Presidential Election, SEX as the number one topic of consideration in nominating the right choice for president of the United States Of America. Trump with all his offensive banter and Bill Clinton with all his indiscretions.  Never in my wildest imagination could I have believed this to be so!

Today with the highted dialog of sex and the dehumanizing of women on the National Stage, I was compelled to tell this story.  Do the Citizens of Riverside even care this has been going on at City Hall for years-decades?  Do the citizens of Riverside even care their tax dollars pay for all the Frat-Boy-Fun at City Hall?

I have written about some high level promotions at the City of Riverside, California….women who we’re promoted simply because they  had sex  with their boss and  were being good soldiers. It’s a dog eat dog world at City hall and I mean that literally.  The first article I wrote for TMC was the “Love Contract” I had heard rumors of swingers, affairs, and sex promotions going on with high level leadership, and I wanted to make sure the tax payer was protected.

DISCLAIMER:  This article is rated-R (18+), not suitable for people under 18.  Content is STRONG in impact; It is advised that people under the age of 18 do not view the content, due to the strength of the elements within. The Official City of Riverside documents contained in this article are explicit, sexual in nature and should not be read by children. Yes Folks, you the taxpayer, Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Libertarians, Tea Partiers, and those of you who just don’t give a dam, Pay for all of this at Riverside City Hall.  These are the PERKS!

DEDICATION:  This new article I am writing will be dedicated to the special interest here in Riverside, The Greater Riverside Chamber Queen Cindy Roth, the Rain Cross group and the local media The Press Enterprise.  These people have their heads so high up the ass of the city it’s disgusting.  They will, and have supported all new taxes and continue to try to cover up all the really deep dark secrets hidden at city hall.  Remember you the Taxpayer, Citizen, Female, Male, Republican, Democrat, Independent or Tea Party,  pay for all the waste, fraud, abuse , and the DEHUMANIZING of women at Riverside City Hall.  These people all knew it and didn’t do anything about it!  Their Pathetic….

Here we are in the once quaint quiet town of Riverside California. The day I walked into the Council Chambers in 2010, to speak before the Council I’m sure I took them by surprise. I wasn’t afraid, ashamed or lacking the confidence to tell it like it was. I asked about rumored affairs that were going on. I felt everything was on the table as long as the tax payer was paying for it. I spoke about sexual relations that caught everyone off guard. The City pulled the infamous video from the public where I spoke of a sexual encounter and the leadership at City hall couldn’t handle it. The City Manager at the time Lee Mac Dougal, he tried to demean and discredit me with his comments.  Little did he Know I had all the information on his sorted past.  The hypocrisy spilling over from the dais was off the charts . They thought they were going to shame me….REALLY, HOW DARE THEY!

Here is the Video Where I refer to the sexual escapades of some employees at City Hall.

I will set up this first OFFICIAL CITY document: Tax Payers in Riverside  paid Millions of dollars to this claim In lost productivity, Moral, Time card fraud, and the  actual Lawsuit itself , this was circa 1996:  This is your…..RIVERSIDE POLICE DEPARTMENT( RPD), Defendant Ron Adams, you remember Councilman Steve Adams’s brother?  Does this all come down to just Boys being Boys or is this politics as usual…..   As the spoken words just preached by Mrs. Michele Obama, “This is not politics as usual,”  ah Yes it is Michelle! …. in Riverside it is.  In this document you have both the dehumanizing of women and lewd sexual acts performed on officers during work hours.  That’s considered time card fraud. (Getting Blow Jobs on work hours with clerks in the office is not allowed).  We the taxpayer paid this claim handsomely , the women in this case was fired and the officers were promoted and climbed the ladder of success. And I’m sure these officers we’re later regarded as upstanding respectable public employees.  WOMEN OFFICERS OF THE RPD WERE REFERED TO AS “THE PUSSY PLATOON,” (Page 5, 21).  Two female officers to a patrol car was referred to as the “CUNT CAR.”   In 1989, when Keers yawned in the bay, Detective Ron Adams (Councilman Steve Adam’s brother, prior police officer), commented, “Look her mouth is open, she must be trying to get promoted.”  Nice Ron!   The Posted Lawsuit was Settled 1996:

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CLICK ON LINK TO VIEW FULL KEERS COMPLAINT

 

This set of Official Documents are the Pictures/Cartoons that were left on female officers desks. I have to ask who was taking care of the safety of the citizens in 1996?

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Current Claim 2015 Official City of Riverside Documents, this time CODE ENFORCEMENT:  Not much has changed in 10 years.  The culture of sexual Corruption has been ongoing. This Frat-Boy-Mentality had created a huge financial liability for the taxpayer. This Claim itself will and has already cost the taxpayer tens of millions of dollars in lost productivity, Moral, Time card fraud, Oral sex during work hours with interns, and the actual Lawsuit itself . Three women have endured this repulsive treatment for 10 years. This suit claims these women were asked  “ Who would you like to Marry, Fuck or Kill.” Who thinks about murder during work hours? Is this normal Banter?  “WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO KILL!” Make no mistake about it they wanted to know which employee they wanted to kill…..MURDER…..

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FULL ROBERTSON SEXUAL HARASSMENT COMPLAINT

As an involved Taxpaying, Voting , Republican in the city of Riverside I was shocked with  all the self gratification going on …….Sex-in-the-City parking lot, in city automobiles, blow jobs during work time with interns.  Couldn’t these officers do this after work?

Just the 2015 Lawsuit alone will cost the taxpayer approximately $5 million dollars, it could be more.  This suit is still going through the court system.  This may partly explain why the City desperately needs more money.   The taxpayer needs to or will be forced to Pay for all the STUPID MISTAKES, SEX PROMOTIONS WITH INCOMPETENT PEOPLE, SEX BANTER AND JUST PLAIN BAD BEHAVIOR that has been going on at City Hall for decades!

I don’t care and I’m sure many taxpayers don’t care either, if you want to be swingers, have affairs or receive Blow Jobs, do it after work on your own time.  The Taxpayer should not have to pay for this Vulgar behavior.  The Demoralization of women at City Hall continues……..POLITICS AS USUAL IN RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA!

VOTE NO ON MEASURE Z

TMC, RATED RIVERSIDE’S REGIONAL COUNTIES MOST, “WORST LOCKER ROOM TRASH TALK SITE,” “NEGATIVE,” “RAUNCHY,” “LOW CLASS,” “VISIONS OF GRANDEUR,” “FULL OF B.S.,” “REPREHENSIBLE,” “IGNORANT,” “MISGUIDED,” “BULLYISH,” “FILTHY,” “VILE,” “SICK,” “PERVERTED,” “DEFAMATORY,” “STUPID,” “PATHETIC,” “DESPICABLE,” “DISAPPOINTING,” “BELOW THE BELT,” “A NEW LOW,” “SHOCKING,” “OFFENSIVE,” “OBNOXIOUS,” “INAPPROPRIATE,” “HURTFUL,” “MEAN SPIRITED,” “DISTASTEFUL,” “EMBARRASSING,” HORIFFIC,” “SLANDEROUS” “FIT TO BE VIEWED FROM THE REAR” AND MEZZSPELLED, “MISSPELLED” AND “OPINIONATED” BLOG SITE!  YES WE ADMIT WE OUR ALL OF THAT AND MORE, WHICH IN CURRENT TERMS IS KNOWN AS “UNPOLITICALLY CORRECT.”  TEMPORARILY BLOCKED BY THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE AT PUBLIC ACCESS SITES WITHIN THE CITY, THEN UNBLOCKED.  I GUESS YOU CANNOT DO THAT ACCORDING TO THE ACLU.  RATED ONE TWO ONE STAR OUT OF FIVE IN TERMS OF COMMUNITY APPROVAL RATINGS..  … AGAIN, THANK YOU COMMUNITY OF RIVERSIDE AND THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE EMPLOYEE’S FOR YOUR SUPPORT!  CONTACT US:  thirtymilescorruption@hotmail.com

CITY OF RIVERSIDE: CFO BRENT MASON GONE, MICHAEL GOMEZ GONE, SCOTT CATLETT HITS THE ROAD??

Posted: March 18, 2016 in Uncategorized
Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
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Brent addressing City Council on the wasteful spending of staff, city execs and bad decisions of the council with reference to taxpayer monies.  Sorry wrong Brent Mason..

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                             Brent Mason, CFO                    Michael Gomez                   Scott Catlett

Chief Financial Officer Brent Mason will be leaving or has left the City of Riverside as its Chief Financial Officer according to the Press Enterprise, in addition, Financial Resource Manager Michael Gomez is also gone or on his way out?  Is this part of the Russo campaign for better government, beginning with a little bit of spring cleaning?  TMC also learned weeks ago that former Assistant Finance Director Scott Catlett also was released.  We found that the City of Yorba Linda accepted to recycle Catlett into the position of their new Finance Director.

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CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Did Cat (Scott Catlett) see the writing on the wall and it was only a matter of time that the new Russo administration would catch up to his creative financing? Or was he just fired after Assistant City Manager Marysheva-Martinez found innaccuracies in the books, or what is also known as rigging the numbers.  Many in the community are questioning this sudden turn of events, especially when the City Executives are now admitting we are 13 Million in the hole. TMC has been looking at the books for years and it is our professional opinion the number is more like 20 to 25 million in the hole.  Were they not able to keep it together over the years, even after the teachings of our former CFO legend in creative financing, Paul Sundeen?  Or are they all responsible by default due to the Sundeen culture of public irresponsibility?

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The Legend, former CFO Paul Sundeen

So where is the accountability?  Employees leave on good terms, its called “without cause,” but the taxpayer ends up paying for all the bad decisions.  It is high time that this culture of behavior ceases, and City Manager John Russo brings accountability up to the forefront, even if it means bringing the DA.  The bottom line, was that the books were being “cooked” in an effort that they appear more prosperous and healthy than they really were.  The perception of looking at the books was that the money was there, but not.  This allowed the Council to spend more money to the long term detriment of the taxpayers, who no matter what, is ultimately responsible.  Council, thanks again for those wasteful audits, they should have done the right thing and brought in the State Controller.  Unbeknownst to the taxpayer, we were sent down this road to perdition, by the very people the community placed their trust in.  All of these people in the finance department have been under the scrutiny of the new Assistant Manager Marianna Marysheva-Martinez.

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In this City of Riverside it seems that we have come full circle with “The Good, The Bad and the The Ugly.”

CITY OF RIVERSIDE: MORE STORIES OF RECYCLED TRASH!  Former City of Riverside Assistant City Manager Deana Lorson now has been recycled to become the Assistant City Manager to the the City of Oceanside…

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CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE

IS THE QUESTION EVERY CITY EMPLOYEE IS ASKING, “SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO?”

TMC, RATED RIVERSIDE’S REGIONAL COUNTIES MOST, “NEGATIVE,” “RAUNCHY,” “LOW CLASS,” “VISIONS OF GRANDEUR,” “FULL OF B.S.,” “IGNORANT,” “MISGUIDED,” “BULLYISH,” “FILTHY,” “SICK,” “PERVERTED,” “DEFAMATORY,” “STUPID,” “PATHETIC,” “DESPICABLE,” “DISAPPOINTING,” “BELOW THE BELT,” “A NEW LOW,” “SHOCKING,” “OFFENSIVE,” “OBNOXIOUS,” “INAPPROPRIATE,” “HURTFUL,” “MEAN SPIRITED,” “DISTASTEFUL,” “EMBARRASSING,” HORIFFIC,” “SLANDEROUS” “FIT TO BE VIEWED FROM THE REAR” AND MEZZSPELLED, “MISSPELLED” AND “OPINIONATED” BLOG SITE!  YES WE ADMIT WE OUR ALL OF THAT AND MORE, WHICH IN CURRENT TERMS IS KNOWN AS “UNPOLITICALLY CORRECT.”  TEMPORARILY BLOCKED BY THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE AT PUBLIC ACCESS SITES WITHIN THE CITY, THEN UNBLOCKED.  I GUESS YOU CANNOT DO THAT ACCORDING TO THE ACLU.  RATED ONE TWO ONE STAR OUT OF FIVE IN TERMS OF COMMUNITY APPROVAL RATINGS..  … AGAIN, THANK YOU COMMUNITY OF RIVERSIDE AND THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE EMPLOYEE’S FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

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