Last night’s February 6, 2018, City Council Meeting was a barn burner worthy of an episode of Game of Thrones. City Manager John Russo’s 7-year, $2+ million contract came up for review by our Council…2-1/2 years early we must add. After a bit of faux deliberation, it was passed 5-2 by our doting Council. Mayor William Rusty Bailey then exercised the nuclear option and for the first time in 24 years, a Mayor’s veto was used to quash the passing of the contract.
The bees in the hive then became agitated, and the coup-detat was on. Wannabe Caesar Bailey was not going down without a fight and a royal rumble commenced. Out of the ring he threw Councilman after Councilman, eventually even ousting et tu brute City Attorney Gary Geuss.
While the Council is in favor of the contract and touting the narrative of a bad political move for Rusty, we at TMC believe their fairy tale is untrue…like all fairy tales. TMC is receiving responses that the public is overwhelmingly supporting Rusty (well maybe not Rusty per se, but defending sound fiscal policy and our City Charter). We believe it is the four Councilmembers (sans recently-appointed Councilman Adams) that should be worried about their seats instead.
What is more amazing by the Council’s display of arrogance is that they never mention the taxpayers during their entire defense of Russo’s largess. It was all about them, and that’s what the public is seeing. And perception dear boys is sometimes reality. And the perception is that City Manager Russo is simply greedy and out-of-touch with the members of the public he purportedly serves. Good job Councilman Chuck Condor and Councilman Jim Perry. Especially good job Mayor Bailey: you spoke for the unheard.
Without risk there is no reward! TMC loves a good fight more than just about anything (short of a good sex scandal). It’s on! More to come soon…
TMC sends a call-out to the good folks of Alameda and Oakland! Send us your Russo’s war stories and his history in dealing with authority figures elsewhere. Tigers don’t change their stripes. We want to hear from you!
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
It has been brought to the attention of TMC that there is an ongoing feud between Mayor Rusty Bailey and City Manager John Russo. We took some excerpts from the last Budget Engagement Commission Meeting on February 1, 2018, depicting Mayor’s Chief of Staff Cheryl Hansberger airing the City of Riverside’s dirty laundry. We can’t make this up; this is too good.
War by Proxy – Hansberger vs. Marysheva, Round 1: a study in openly vs. passively aggressive combat
We’d feel compassion for the Mayor, except he watched as member after member of the general public came to the podium over the years, under previous administrations, and turned a deaf ear to their similar complaints on missing/inaccurate information and bias within staff reports. Why? Because he was getting what he wanted. The Mayor’s situational ethics leave him without high ground to stand upon, and in that way he continues to fail us now, as his legitimate concerns are ignored, and the public screwed again.
RIVERSIDE COUNCIL CONCEPTUALLY PASSES A UTILITY RATE
We at TMC have been taught to follow the bouncing ball and have noticed that just a few weeks ago your Riverside City Council passed 6 percent raises for union members of the Riverside Police Department, while simultaneously hinting at 4 percent across-the-board budget tightening forthcoming in the 2017-18 budget. Riverside’s unfunded pension obligation stands at $600 million…and counting, and 19% of proposed rate increase will be transferred to the general fund to help pay for the above-mentioned unfunded pension obligation and salaries. All Council flippers besides Soubirous (who ran unopposed in his re-election) are heavily financially supported by Riverside public employee unions. Putting two plus two plus two together, we summarize that five Council members were lobbied hard by City staff so they could continue to ride the gravy train, this time paid for by RPU ratepayers. (We concede that TMC was never great at math.)
Fresh off a 5-year, $1.5+ million deal for City Attorney Gary Geuss, who carries on the tradition of former City Attorney Greg Priamos of providing legal cover for the City to rape its utility ratepayers, it now appears that City Manager John Russo wants his reward for covering up the Council’s past mistakes using our wallets, with a new 7-year contract with bells and whistles never-seen-before.
TOMORROW FEBRUARY 6TH CITY MANAGER JOHN RUSSO’S NEW CONTRACT IS UP FOR REVIEW BY CITY COUNCIL AT 2:00 PM, RIVERSIDE CITY HALL. BE THERE OR BE SQUARE. GRAB YOUR POPCORN!
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
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.
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.
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
I guess the story starts here at conception, but was the notion of the children a last minute decision, or a quick romp of nefarious ideas in the back of a 57 Chevy? Collusion, schemes and dirty deals has plagued the City of Moreno Valley for decades as residents have seen. The above three seemingly were meant to be, but are the obvious example of lobbying, scandals and corruption associated with political campaign contributions.
1.) Either Michele Dawson had enough and could no longer keep up with the job and wanted out. We also believe that she was in on the deal/bribe to have herself fired.
3.) OR……The fix was in by the collusion of all; Baca, Gutierrez, Cabrera, DeSantis and Dawson. DeSantis will do what it takes and it may suit Baca’s style, with her two whipping boys in her hip pocket. Dawson is an anomaly, caught up in a job whereby her qualifications were much to be desired. The fact remains that DeSantis has been running the show behind the scenes. DeSantis many times took the podium over Dawson at Council, driving the question as to “Who is really running the store?” Was it time for Dawson to move on? With her contract up next year in 2018, why didn’t they allow that contract to expire, let her go before this years ending and pay the rest of the contract? Instead they renewed her contract in September 2017 till 2020. So Dawson is terminated, prior to having her contract renewed and prior to receiving favorable work related reviews. Was this calculated? Was this in the fix as a gift to keep the silence, and of course, with taxpayer monies? Now the two threesome, Baca, Gutierrez, Cabrera and DeSantis, Benzeevi, Villaraigosa? Of course, in reality sense, you all no this wouldn’t happen, but was it their intention? Was it Baca’s intention?
The citizens of Moreno Valley always seem to get the raw end of the deal, paying over inflated salaries to under qualified City Managers. But the City Manager job wasn’t a bad gig for ‘dog catcher,’ Dawson.
The apparent corruption in MoVal appears to be getting more difficult to cover up. The city has been taken over by special influential interests that are undermining the true political process of the people, (IDDO). We see this with Councilwoman Victoria Baca’s inherent position in dismantling the ‘Sunshine Act.‘ You can’t control your agenda if you have to be transparent. There is a reason why Baca would like to do away with allowing the people of Moreno Valley to see council agendas and policies 12 days in advance, as to oppose to 72 hours. It will now take a council majority vote, which would be the Three Amigos, in order for items to placed on the agenda. The pattern arises as to why anyone who so called represents people would want to be less transparent, What our they hiding? What will they receive in return? Bottom line how can anything get done with transparency!
What does transparency do for the community? It insures accountability and truth. Without, you have the conspiracy theories began, the gray areas between truth and fiction. Is Victoria Baca now the Inland Empire Campaign Manager for Antonio Villaraigosa’s Governership as some eluded to? Is Mayor Yxstian Gutierrez and Councilman Ulises Cabrera related as Cousins as some have indicated?
As far as TMC understands the dire situation that is taking Moreno Valley down boils down to this. Michelle, Tom, Baca and her boys are the fools that will own the further destruction of Moreno Valley. These people are incapable or unqualified to run the City, with the economic potential of this city decimated. Desantas deserves Baca and Baca Deserves Desantas. Tom, you go from BRUNI to BACA REALLY ! Its all down hill from here.
As seen on TMC, newly christened City Manager of Moreno Valley, Tom DeSantis has a questionable past with the City of Riverside and how he handled city business, but it didn’t start there it goes back to the City of San Bernardino. TMC has the following stories:
August 16, 2017 Gubernatorial candidate Antonio Villaraigosa will speak alongside Moreno Valley Mayor Yxstian Alberto Gutierrez at the State of the City address. Villaraigosa was someone who took the California Bar four times and failed all four times; he preached to the Los Angeles Mexican Community that “we clean your toilets!,” but turned the City of Los Angeles into just that, “A Toilet.” Tickets for the luncheon are $40 per person, it appears to leave the rift raft out, which would be the taxpayers of the City of Moreno Valley. We questioned the fact that an event held for the public, become a political and illegal side show. Leaving the community out because no one would pay the $40 dollars. We had a similar situation on our neck of the woods, and you bet, we put a stop to that pompous elite and self entitled.
Iddo Benzeevi’s company, Highland Fairview, gave $58,400 – the maximum allowed by law in the 2018 election cycle – to Villaraigosa’s gubernatorial campaign on Dec. 1, 2017 state campaign finance records show. The Moreno Valley City Council approved the World Logistics Center in 2015. It faces legal challenges from environmentalists, who fear the project will worsen already-poor air quality. Critics also argue the project will clog local roads with truck traffic. Benzeevi and city officials defend the project’s environmental analysis and say the World Logistics Center will generate $2.5 billion annually in economic activity and support 20,000 jobs. Of course, Baca and her boys were all in for the long hall. Air quality and the children didn’t seem to come out as an issue. Villaraigosa, a former Los Angeles mayor and Assembly speaker, praised the project at Moreno Valley’s State of the City Address in August. Well of course he did… Villaraigosa, once a property owner in MoVal stated, “I know how important it is to moving goods in this region,” he said at the time.
Moreno Valley politics is a disaster. The three clowns running the City… Baca, Gutierrez and Cabrera are a visual reflection of what now represents the City of Moreno Valley. The Inland Empire is watching these fools up the hill from Riverside in what is apparently being coined the Mo Val Ghetto Banana Republic. The one thing I can say is the level of corruption in the City of Riverside is much more sophisticated. But really the citizens of Mo Val you deserve better, much better.
I guess the real issue was the fix already in by the MoVal Three, or was the fix on a greater scale that included all? Even MVGordie felt there was something fishy about the cascade of events which led to the these three attaining their elected position, hence power. Now we have the MoVal Three Vote, Three-Zero all the way! MVGordie called it the “Revitalization of the Moreno Valley 3-0 Club.” Is it me or I’m just seeing the invention of the perfect storm, perfect political storm that is: A possible Governor Antonio Villar, Councilwoman Victoria Baca, Mayor Yxstian Gutierrez, Developer Iso Benzeevi and now City Manager Tom DeSantis? There are individuals who simply have no true leadership skills and must rig the system in order that it works in their favor.
Street Justice continues with the renaming of ‘Theodore Street’ to ‘World Logistics Parkway’ by The Three Amigos. Quid Pro Quo continues, again is MoVal losing a bit a history to history yet written? Is “The World Logistics Center” the figment of ones imagination, an idea that will never transpire. Is what will transpire the rezoning of land, only to be resold at a higher profit by Highland Fairvew? Will The Three Amigos unsuspectingly be part of that plan?
MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA CRASH PAD AND INVESTMENT PROPERTY IN MORENO VALLEY 2014, HIS INEPTNESS IN AS L.A. MAYOR CARRIED OVER TO HIS INEPTNESS IN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT.
IS THERE ANOTHER SIDE TO HIGLAND FAIRVIEW’S IDO BENZEEVI AND HIS PLAN FOR MORENO VALLEY. HIS SUCCESSES AND FAILURES; OR SIMPLY HIS ART AT SUBLIMINAL SEDUCTION? OR OUR WE DEALING WITH AN EXTRAORDINARY CONFIDENCE MAN?
Building warehousing in Moreno Valley even on the scale of the World Logistics Center isn’t the issue at heart. It’s that a company like Highland Fairview and its owner are not credible at all in the area of development or construction. It’s in effect a fly-by-night group which purchases land cheaply and rezones it in the hope of selling or leasing to other parties in the long term. Neither really has much of any track record of building at all despite being active under one corporate name for over three decades or another.
Is it true that Iddo and his medical doctor brother Benny recently formed a company who tried to redevelop and manage Tulare’s Regional Medical Center and also the Southern Inyo hospital? Both are now bankrupt, contracts ended, one closed, is it true that the Healthcare Conglomerate Associates or HCCA as depicted in this video is under criminal investigation by the Tulare County District Attorney’s office at present for issues such as financial malfeasance and grand theft of equipment? Just asking!
TMC thought we had it bad in the City of Riverside, but the City of Moreno Valley beat us by a long shot.
BLAST FROM THE PAST: JUNE 12, 2013: PRESS ENTERPRISE: WHERE DOES VICTORIA BACA’S LOYALTY LIE? TAXPAYER OR FORMER EMPLOYER?
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
PROFESSOR PLUM IN THE LIBRARY WITH THE CANDLESTICK
You simply can’t make this stuff up – even Harvey Weinstein couldn’t have concocted a better storyline! But back in October of 2012 community activist Karen Wright exceeded the 3-minute rule for public comment at a City Council meeting and was subsequently arrested. And then the “who-dun-it?” game began.
Who had the authority to call for the arrest? The Riverside Police Department pointed their finger at our former City Attorney, Greg Priamos. Priamos pointed back at the RPD officer in attendance. It was great theater, as all parties tried to deflect their own involvement in a story in which they couldn’t control the message: the intimidation of critics of the powers-that-be that were running the ship aground. (And how do we posit that? Well, Measure Z, of course! … but more on that later)
KCAL 9 reporter Greg Mills would quote former Mayor Loveridge that, “he’s never seen somebody arrested for exceeding the 3 minute limit,” in an apparent attempt to distance himself from the fracas. Since the Mayor didn’t want to talk to anyone on camera (and answer questions that might implicate himself), the Mayor’s Spokeshole declared, “that for now on, the only person that could demand somebody be arrested at a City Council Meeting, is the Chairperson of the City Council…. that Chairperson…is the Mayor.” Haha! But we’ve always known who the guilty party was (and it wasn’t Ms. Wright, whom the DA would bring no charges against), and the great reveal is below.
Fast forward to May of 2014 and we find former Mayor Ron Loveridge making public comment in City Council chambers and exceeding the 3-minute limit rule. Current standing Mayor William “Rusty” Bailey nervously succumbed to his wishes and allowed him to continue speaking as seen in the above video. Strangely [sic], the meeting wasn’t stopped, the speaker wasn’t interrupted, the buzzer didn’t go off, and gasp, Ronny wasn’t cuffed and stuffed.
Residents in OUR City of Riverside have become sick and tired of the two sets of rules in our community, and are aware of what seems to be a culture of entitlement amongst those that believe they are the ruling elite. Despite the disparate treatment, we do not buy into their vision of a caste system, of peasants and elites. We scoff at the notion that we need to live up to their standards in order to be accepted into their high society cultured class so that our opinions may count…an attitude exemplified by former Mayor Loveridge, and enabled by current Mayor Bailey. Mayor Loveridge certainly was treated as if he was better than Ms. Wright…and in true California fashion, style won over substance. Elitism and entitlement of old school Riverside families, trumps normal families.
Article XVI, section 6 of the California Constitution undeniably prohibits gifts of public funds, therefore the City of Riverside gifting $100,000 of public funds to Sendai was illegal. Voluntary individual contributions by elected and appointed officials and other persons would have been the legal way of raising appropriate relief funds to gift to Sendai. Rules and regulations have been developed for a reason: to prevent taxpayer fund abuse. The State constitution is very clear: there must be a direct or primary public purpose and benefit to the public at large when general funds are used to avoid being a gift.
Rather then going with the rule of law, the Mayor never advised the Council that this would be violation, and further, he never asked the advice of then-City Attorney Greg Priamos. But that is beside the point, because even if anyone knew the rule of law within City Hall, they would’ve turned a blind eye to it… because that was how the City and the Mayor rolled/rolls with your money.
Former Mayor Terry Frizzel shocked the crowd at this City Council Meeting and had much to say about Mayor Ron Loveridge and his behavior with young students:
The thing that really, really, really, disappoints me.. is our mayor tells us that we have to make our city a better place to live, he preached that on his nights out (Mayor’s Night Out Event)…and then for him to do what he did was unfounded (the arrest of public speaker Karen Wright). You should never ever take away the liberty and freedom of speech. And you were a political science professor?
How would you have liked it when your wife went up to UCR and complained about your running around with some of the students up there. Would you like it if the police had carried her out of there. No you wouldn’t have! .. and I was right there and saw that you had young students in your car driving around that campus when I was first got elected here.
You have no purity, you have no conscious, you are there just to be a big shot… and that’s all you ever try to be. You don’t care about the people of this community or you would never had said the things that you’ve said. I’m totally disgusted there was no reason for what you did to Karen. I wish I would have been here, because you would have never had let you get away with this..
And you Mr. Davis, I stuck up for you when you were being put on the carpet, because you had every right to be heard and they tried to shut you up.
What’s the matter with you people, what’s the matter with you, and he (Mayor), he makes the word that you can’t be like Terry Frizzel and veto stuff. He (Mayor) didn’t like the manner of my operation. But I can tell you one thing. (gasp from mayor Loveridge in the background).
Mayor, when Ab Brown came up to this podium, you sent me notes, shut em up, shut em up.. and I would send you notes, no, he has the right to speak.
When Karen Renfroe came up here, you said shut her up, shut her up, no..she has a right to speak
That’s your mode of operating your City Hall. Be proud of yourself because you are leading a very, very bad, bad imitation of what the City of Riverside Mayor should be. I hope he (mayor elect Rusty) does not follow in your footsteps, because if he does I will be right and correct him every time.
– Former City of Riverside Mayor Terry Frizzel
RIDING THE GRAVY TRAIN
So who has protected the former Mayor and his alleged bad behavior? Who enabled him? Was it a festering culture that existed and continues to allow the privileged class to do what they please because they simply believed they are somehow exceptional? Does the Crème De La Crème use their self-determined authority against those in the community who speak out? We can assume those who surrounded this culture knew, but decided to do nothing! As a metastasized cancer, this culture has fervently become ingrained and intermingled within all aspects of City business…. from the police and fire unions, SEIU, teachers unions, local universities, and close establishment associations and of course, our politicians. We would say it is run as a criminal organization. You could smell the aroma of injustice when these basted gravy bastards all came running to the Council podium when there gravy train of entitlement was challenged by their employer, the taxpayer. They have undermined and plotted against you and I, for their own personal gain.
We at TMC had a thought or two about the naming of public properties. We felt these kinds of honors should be reserved for someone of significance that revered the City of Riverside and helped to place it on the map. And we certainly didn’t consider that to be a politician who receives a paycheck and takes care of his cronies above the general public.
As the story goes, a core group of establishment supporters got together, allegedly with the help of Loveridge’s Chief of Staff Kristin Tillquist (who received a 15% raise by Loveridge one year…aka pension spiking). This private committee was headed was headed by ringleader, Jack Clark, a partner in litigation for BB&K, a firm which receives millions in taxpayer money for their legal advice to the city, and let’s not forget the assumption of their lease at the Mission Square building by Riverside Public Utilities. This self-appointed “brain trust” included the same-old recognizable names with long, seemingly-important titles: ex-City of Riverside Manager Brad Hudson, Private Developer Mark Rubin, Yeager Construction Companies Jack Yeager, Senior VP of The Entrepreneurial Corporate Group (which owns the Mission Inn) Ted Weggeland , City of Riverside Mayor’s Chief of Staff Kristin Tillquist, Riverside County Fair Housing Executive Director Rose Mayes, President/CEO Riverside Chamber of Commerce Cindy Roth, Roth Carney Law Firm Partner Jane Carney, Riverside County Superior Court Judge Roger Luebs, Director of Center for Philanthropy La Sierra University Dr. Jim Erickson, Retired Superintendent Alford Unified School District Dr. Damon Castillo, RUSD School Board Kathy Allavie. The majority of these people in one way or another have benefited from City Hall and/or have had their palms financially greased by the taxpayer/ratepayer/feepayer.
Many speakers at public comment were vehemently against the proposal. Some suggested other names should be considered – those which embody Riverside – such as Eliza Tibbets, John Wesley North or even Frank Miller. Councilman Steve Adams believed that the naming of City Hall needed to go to the people, and a private independent committee does not have the authority to make that call. Still others said City Hall belongs to the public and shouldn’t be named for anyone.
Some mentioned that Ronny was getting paid to do the work of the people. As our forefathers of this country stated, no one should be elevated to level of king for doing the work of the people. Now, if Ron did the work of the people AND didn’t get paid for doing it for 30 plus years, we wouldn’t have a problem voting for Loveridge City Hall. This would reflect a sacrifice and a deep passion for the community he served. But there are people in the community who also work 30 or 40 years in a job without anyone naming a building after them, and there job is just as important as the mayor’s. Names are for extraordinary circumstances.
Well he finally received something that was unearned, and eventually, down the line, may be removed, because of his past behavior. But the establishment always seems to protect their people no matter how bad they are or what they have done.
“He’s one of Riverside’s iconic leaders,” said Brent Lee, president of the young business leaders’ organization the Pick Group. As an elected RUSD School Board members with no doubt higher ambitions, we think Brent Lee may one day be eating his words.
Council members also described their former colleague in glowing terms. “He was about finding the middle ground and getting things done as best we could with seven minds up here that think differently but have the same ideal of doing what’s best for Riverside,” said Councilman Paul Davis. We’re sure Councilman Paul Davis may have needed a Heimlick maneuver in order to clear his throat after that utterance. But those who know Davis, in terms of politics, know he seems to go wherever the wind blows.
And still, the “it” crowd continues to shield the Steve Adam’s, Ron Adam’s, John Burnard’s, Russ Leach’s, Chris Lanzillo’s, Brad Hudson’s, Tom DeSantis’s, Belinda Graham’s, Brenda Dietrich’s, Greg Priamos’s, Luxory Girl Strout’s, Code Enforcement, Sergio Diaz’s, the Scott Barber’s of the world and many more……how much taxpayer monies did it and will it cost?
Over the years TMC has seen this entitled culture of taxpayer welfare recipients, and we have seen it within the boundaries of the ole’ River City’s Thirty Miles of Corruption…and Ron Loveridge is the “great reveal” for those not following the bouncing ball.
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
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.
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:
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
TMC exclusive: just in, RPU General Manager Girish Balachandran, a.k.a. Drunk Daddy, is headed out on a rail. It seems that the City Council just had enough of the embarrassment. City Manager John Russo has new, high-pay contract coming up, and will do just about anything the Council asks, so just like that, Balachandran sleeps with the fishes.
Does this have anything to do with the recent Governmental Affairs request for an audit of RPU’s involvement with SCPPA (Southern California Public Power Authority) or the allegations that Balachandran marked up so-called “independent” consultant reports to cast himself and in a better light? The timing would seem so. It has also been purported that Deputy General Manager Kevin Milligan will be taking a few days off. Remember folks, TMC didn’t coin the term, ‘Drunk Daddy’; his staff did, and why was that? Did it have anything to do with the toxic working environment? What we do know is that Silicon Valley just picked up our ‘Recycled Trash’ and for this we must give thanks. Below is Balachandran’s swan song to his near mutinous staff.
Dear RPU Staff:
With sadness I announce I’m leaving Riverside Public Utilities as of January 19. I’ve been offered a job to be the CEO of Silicon Valley Clean Energy. Silicon Valley Clean Energy is a community-owned agency serving the majority of Santa Clara County communities by acquiring clean, carbon-free electricity on behalf of residents and businesses. Member jurisdictions include Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Saratoga, Sunnyvale and unincorporated Santa Clara County.
I’ll meet with all of you before I leave and we’ll have a chance to talk.
But before that happens, I do want each of you to know that I will miss you very much. In the four years I’ve been here, you have made me feel welcome and have worked hard to ensure that RPU continues to be a great water and electric utility. I am proud to have been part of a team that has improved RPU even more over my four-year tenure. There have been many firsts in the last four years that I’m very proud to have participated in.
RPU is an award-winning utility that has distinguished itself over the years. The American Public Power Association (APPA) awarded Riverside its Diamond Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) designation in 2017 that signifies leadership in reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement. It shows RPU’s commitment to keeping the lights on for our customers. Only about 75 out of more than 1,500 public utilities across the country achieved this status.
The water utility is one of a handful of the more than 400 water suppliers in California that can pride itself on being independent of importing water and also having rates that are significantly lower than surrounding communities.
RPU also maintains high bond credit ratings, keeping its cost of borrowing low and thereby keeping utility rates low. Standard & Poor’s rates RPU’s water utility AAA, and the electric utility AA-, among the highest ratings in the country.
This would not be possible without your hard and dedicated work. The utility business is changing and I have full confidence that you will continue be part of solving problems and creating value for all our customers in the years to come.
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.
A press release announcing my departure will be sent out later today.
Please email or call me if you have any questions.
Thanks, Girish Balachandran
Phil Pitchford, City of Riverside spokeshole, released the following:
CLICK TO ENLARGE
More to come with Drunk Daddy’s eulogy and the damage that he wrought on RPU in his short stay in the ole’ River City. In the end, he did nothing to actually improve RPU while collecting his $250,000+ salary… just read his letter.
Alvord Board of Education took action in closed session to terminate the Superintendent’s employment contract. The vote was 3-2. Ayes: Kaspereen, Wilson, Barragan Noes: Schwandt, Moreno More also to come on this story and Sid’s spending habits with taxpayer monies and his close ties to the Teachers Union President. Good Job Ayes! Sid is gone! Office empty! Sid has left the building…
Sid Salazar, Alvord School Superintendent Sorry, Sid Salazar, Alvord School Superintendent
It isn’t often you clean out two turds from the punch bowl in one day. The TMC crew is calling it a day and heading out to celebrate a win for both the taxpayer and ratepayer.
We’ll leave this entry with one particular thought in mind, and will continue to post this quote by our 33rd U.S. President because of its relevance to today’s political circus of do-nothing but get paid excessively politicians and bureaucrats, whom never seem to have enough of our money: if you have nothing to bring to the table except a forked tongue, don’t sign up to do the work of the people.
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
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
Part One: Jason Hunter, former City of Riverside Public Utilities employee gives you the real story RPU won’t tell the public..
Part Two: Jason Hunter on the RPU reserves that were hidden from the ratepayers, and redirected so they wouldn’t have to give it back!
Part Three: More on the antics of RPU from one who knew RPU from the inside.
Part Four: Jason Hunter converses with audience in a question and answer session.
So why does RPU need a rate increase? According to management, if we don’t get our antiquated infrastructure upgraded, trouble lies down the road. With this in mind, we can’t help but ask why management understaffed it’s operational dispatch department so that certain utility dispatchers could receive overtime in the six-figures range … and there’s still been no management accountability.
Another narrative RPU is using with the public, is that they didn’t increase the rates during the Great Recession so as to compassionately give relief to the ratepayer. The truth of the matter is that they were increasing the amount of their reserves by overcharging their ratepayers to the tune of hundreds of millions.
RPU EXPLAINING TO THE RATEPAYER HOW $325 MILLION SHOWED UP IN RESERVES MIRACULOUSLY AFTER THEIR LAST RATE INCREASE
We don’t know if we have an infrastructure emergency, but we here at TMC are sure we have an executive management problem. A problem that began with former Utilities General Manager Dave Wright, and now continues with Girish Balachandran, a.k.a. Drunk Daddy.
RPU….the rest of the story the public ratepayer who owns its utility should know.
“I OWN IT!” – RPU has been customer-owned since 1895; City-operated. You, the ratepayer, ultimately call the shots.
The City of Riverside Public Utilities Department is committed to the highest quality water and electric services at the lowest possible rates to benefit the community. – RPU Mission Statement
Proposed RPU Rate Increase: 60%+ increase for low-use water customers; 25%+ increase for electricity customers over 5 years.
Why? To protect our health & safety by ensuring reliable electric and water service. Satisfy State mandates for clean energy. Aka, “the company line”.
The strategic narrative you will hear from RPU:
1) “Our rates are lower than our neighbors.”
Answer: “So what? I own it; they don’t. When you purchase a property in the City of Riverside, you also become part owner of the utilities. Remember, those in RPU work and our employed by us to maintain, secure and protect our utilities. They can’t make profits, unless we, the profits from that, as we should. Therefore, if utility rates are imposed in a manner that deviates from “cost of service” requirements, those rates are in violation of Proposition 218. Wouldn’t you fire those employees that are caused imposition toward you the owner and damages? Absolutely, those involved would be shown the door, if not be criminally responsible. We, at this time, are now allowing the insane to run the insane asylum.
Further, as public owners, through our properties, we therefore should be receiving dividends! If not dividends, substantially lower rates. Why? Because we are owners of our utilities! When you look at comparable utilities with the same scenario, our rates are higher than average. Don’t get confused with privately owned utility companies such as Edison.
2) “Infrastructure…infrastructure…infrastructure. The sky is falling.” Answer: “Over last 13 years, we’ve spent near $40 million/year on infrastructure. We have $800 million of infrastructure bond outstanding. Where did this money go? What are our true NEEDS?”
3) “We haven’t increased rates in 7 years.”
Answer: “Yes, but since 2003, water bills have already increased 130% and electric 50%. Shouldn’t prices in an evolving market like energy be coming down like computer and tv’s have?”
4) “Our reserves are dwindling.”
Answer: “Why did you pay for infrastructure with reserves instead of using our best-in-class credit rating to bond against? Don’t we still have many multiples more reserves stashed away than similar utilities? Where are my refunds?”
5) “The drought made us do it!”
Answer: “Yes, but we sued the State and got out from under their restrictions. Conservation is great, but it should’ve been voluntary. Your financial wounds are self-inflicted.”
6) “Sacramento made us do it!”
Answer: “Yes, but we got $5 million/year in cap & trade money from the State to ‘go green’…which you proceeded to give away to the general fund for street lighting.”
7) “Don’t worry, we’ll expand low income assistance.”
Answer: “Wouldn’t that violate California law to give away my money to other people without letting me vote on it?”
The above ‘hot buttons’…how were they chosen?
• Incredibly, RPU took $84,000.00 of your money to hire a select PR (Public Relations) firm and pollster…to collude and figure out how to get you to part with your money in higher utility rates. In the real world such as the private sector, honest managers that you employ tell you their real needs, instead of trying to “manage” their owners. Something to think about!
What Rate Payers Need To Know:
1) Rates probably do need restructuring to better reflect fixed costs, but the proposed increases are obscene, and would take almost $130 million a year out of the community at the end of year 5, 20% of which would be for new taxes and not provide us with any additional utility service.
2) RPU needs to tighten its belt for the first time in many years, and stop the abuses occurring in overtime, six-figure pensions, gold plated conference rooms etc., instead of just asking for money.
3) Trust is important when dealing with subordinates, and RPU management tells half-truths, omits vital information, and creates false equivalencies in order to separate you from your money. It might be time to clean house.
WHO KNEW THEIR WAS A PARTY GOING ON AT RPU? FOR THE RECORD, TMC KNEW ALL ALONG…
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
What the hell is an ‘Utilities Integration Manager’? We at TMC are still attempting to figure it out. This job title is what government does best: six-figure patronage jobs awarded not on merit, but on loyalty to “the program”. And exactly what is “the program”? Well, if you haven’t figure it out yet…after the new library tax, the increased hotel tax, the continuation of the water tax, the new sales tax, the new school bonds, the new gas tax, and the slew of lawsuits lining up to sue Riverside back into the Stone Age for illegal taxation…”the program” is: taking your money.
But we have have a sense of humor. Justin Scott-Coe is what we refer to in these parts as big government RECYCLED TRASH! First at Monte Vista Water District and now he’s ours…
CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE TO ENLARGE
…except there’s no 5 cent return fee. Above is the employment letter from his new boss, Drunk Daddy, a.k.a. RPU General Manager Girish Balachandrin. Mr. Coe sat on the Riverside Public Utility Board for 8 years while employed as a public affairs specialist for the Monte Vista Water District in Montclair, CA. His responsibilities include creating and implementing water conservation and water education programs, customer communications, community outreach and special administrative projects most recently related to the recycled water program, development of budget-based tiered rates, and a landscaping design project for District facilities. During his time on Riverside’s Board of Public Utilities, he was the ultimate Kiss Ass on that panel of so called “ratepayer advocates,” and would say or do anything to look impressive, good, or worthy in his quest for higher status…all while you payed for it!
He left his position with the Board of Public Utilities after 8 years of service, at the end of February 2017. And voila! A position was opened up in June, less than 4 months later, he would uniquely qualify for. In reality, he served 8 years as an “advocate” to the executive staff at RPU, when he was suppose to protect the interest of the public…who just happen to own RPU. He sold us – the absentee owners – out and advocated himself into a nice $132,000 a year job. Bravo Justin! Mr. Scott-Coe’s new job is to convince the public as to why Riverside Public Utility needs a rate increase (60% at that for low-use water users! Merry Christmas!). You see, Drunk Daddy needs new reliable and loyal troops to pander the old narrative (infrastructure!!!!!!!!!!!!) to get the Riverside community on board to give them more of our money (gotta pay them public pensions after all). And it also seems that those employees who have actually seen Drunk Daddy’s dark underbelly have disappeared from employment, leaving some room in the budget for “Utilities Integration Managers”.
Another narrative to sell the rate increase we heard directly out of the mouth of Mr. Scott-Coe, is that they didn’t increase the rates in the aftermath of the 2008 recession as to give relief to the pitiful fools, us taxpayers. They did it for our benefit! The truth of the matter is that they were overcharging us the whole time and were able to increase the amount of their unrestricted slush fund, errr reserves, to the tune of over $300 million, which should have been returned to the ratepayer or could’ve actually lowered our rates years ago…because we, the public, own it!
Trust and loyalty is always important when dealing with subordinates at RPU, and Justin Scott-Coe embodies that very philosophy. He will do or say anything to play the game and climb the ladder of success. He is willing to tells half-truths, omits vital information, and create false equivalencies in order to separate you from your money with his soft monotone voice that puts most people to sleep. Of course, this is not the first run-in we’ve had with our Wood Streets neighbor. Questions arose back about his judgement and insider dealings in 2014, when former city employee Jason Hunter filed an ethics complaint against Mr. Scott-Coe.
In the end, TMC has to hand it to Justin though for selling out the public for his own personal gain…it’s the California way these days after all. We’d also like to send a message to RPU Deputy General Manager Kevin Milligan: watch your back, because Mayor “Choo Choo” Bailey’s buddy Justin, “just” may take over your plush corner office before you know it!
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
Former Riverside City Manager Brad Hudson, who was relieved of his duties in Riverside, to pursue a position in Sacramento, till they caught on and didn’t renew his contract, found a place in the City of Laguna Woods in December 2015. Why? Well P.T. Barnum said it best, “there is a sucker born every minute.”
We hate to say it Laguna Woods, but you deserve Brad Hudson! Men of confidence are not always what you perceive them to be. We brought this to your attention prior to him being hired by your association. This hustler will steal, lie and leave you penny-less, and it certainly looks as that’s the case. When the funds get low, he will go back to the association and ask for a rate, service or fee hike to continue to provide you with the good services you deserve. Keep that in mind.
Laguna Woods has still has many properties which can be used for potential development. These properties still maintain an high monetary value. Unknowingly to the community, Hustling Hudson will rezone these properties in order to decrease or undervalue them, hence attractive to potential developers. Many of these developers could allegedly be quite connected to Hudson. Once the undervalued properties are sold, Hustling Hudson will rezone them back to the initial value. Hence, giving developers more in the pocket, and potentially more to spread around. Many in your community are asking the question, is he receiving “kick-backs?”
The latest is that prior to the hiring of Brad Hudson at the City of Laguna Woods, the association had $28 million in their reserve funds. As of the beginning of next year 2018, it is purported that they will have $9 million remaining. Why? As some are saying unessential and expensive projects that he has initiated, possible to his developer friends. With Hudson’s contract coming up for review and renewal this December 2017, the City of Laguna Woods has a lot to think about.
BRAD HUDSON OCR STORIES WITH REFERENCE TO LAGUNA WOODS:
TMC, RATED RIVERSIDE’S REGIONAL COUNTIES MOST, “NEGATIVE,” “RAUNCHY,” “LOW CLASS,” “VISIONS OF GRANDEUR,” “FULL OF B.S.,” “IGNORANT,” “MISGUIDED,” “BULLYISH,” “FILTHY,” “SICK,” “PERVERTED,” “STUPID,” “PATHETIC,” “DESPICABLE,” “DISAPPOINTING,” “BELOW THE BELT,” “A NEW LOW,” “SHOCKING,” “OFFENSIVE,” “INAPPROPRIATE,” “HURTFUL,” “MEAN SPIRITED,” “DISTASTEFUL,” “EMBARRASSING,” HORIFFIC,” “SLANDEROUS” “FIT TO BE VIEWED FROM THE REAR” AND MEZZSPELLED, “MISSPELLED” AND “OPINIONATED” BLOG SITE! 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.. TMC IS NOW EXCLUSIVLY EXCLUSIVELY ON FILE WITH THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE’S DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE (WE BELIEVE THIS WILL END SOON, SINCE THE FOCUS IS NOW ON THE IMPROPRIETIES OF MR. “Z”. WE TRIED TO TELL YOU, BUT NOBODY LISTENED), AND DON’T FORGET WE ARE PROSSIBLY POSSIBLY ON FILE WITH THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE’S POTENTIAL SLAPP SUIT LIST… A STRATEGIC LEGAL MANEUVER THAT CAN BE DONE ONLY IN RIVERSIDE WITHOUT A CONTRACT… AGAIN, THANK YOU COMMUNITY OF RIVERSIDE AND THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE EMPLOYEE’S FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
IG
Javier Moreno
TMC: Thirty Miles of Corruption 