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Articles from
December 2008
State Projects in Yolo County
Wednesday, December 31, 2008 ::
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Max over at the Flood Control District called my attention to the list at the end of this article on state financed construction projects. This is very important to Woodland and all of Yolo County.
You can read the article and list yourself but --- here are some highlights for Woodland.
Elkhorn Regional Park Trail and Riparian Enhancements --- $255,000
Yolo Wayfarer Mission -- $999,818
Prop 46 Money for Woodland -- $332,101
HCD Prop IC Money for Woodland -- $600,000
Woodland Joint Unified School District money -- $1,000,000
These decisions do impact Woodland directly. The inability of the state to manage their money will change the level of service that is provided.
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California's Mental Health System
Wednesday, December 31, 2008 ::
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I just posted this entry over on the FlashReport. You might be interested in it.
Over the last two weeks I read what I thought was a well done report on the California Mental Health System.
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New Trivia
Wednesday, December 31, 2008 ::
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Webmaster Bob has posted the new trivia questions and poll for the week.
This is some good Woodland history stuff.
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These Senate replacement battles are classic
Tuesday, December 30, 2008 ::
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These "battles" to replace President-elect Obama and Senator Clinton are awesome.
First, I hope the Illinois thing goes on forever. Block the nomination of the former AG. Please. Let this keep on keepin' on.
For the New York thing I am seriously appalled that Caroline Kennedy is even being considered. She is not even close to being in the top 1,000 Democrats that are worthy of appointment to the US Senate to represent New York.
She is not even willing to full disclose her finances during the consideration process. She wants to wait until she is tapped. That is a bunch of nonsense.
She just is not the best choice. End it quickly and pick anyone but Caroline.
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So why have s senior member of Congress in your area?
Tuesday, December 30, 2008 ::
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Since I have been spending more time with my family I have not had the chance to comment on Woodland Congressman Wally Herger being passed over for the ranking Republican position on Ways and Means.
Congressman Herger has not extended himself too much for Woodland or Yolo County. It is just not his focus.
Fair enough. My question is what is the advantage of having a senior member of Congress represent your area when they are the senior member and don't get the advantage of that seniority?
What is going on?
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Plumbing in an old house: I don't wish this on anyone
Tuesday, December 30, 2008 ::
3 Comments
So I have been a little out of it lately for a host of reasons. I have been spending time with my family, the holidays, and our house is not very welcoming right now.
About three days after we went on a two week trip to Mexico we were notified of a leak in our home. It turns out that we had a complete clog of our sewer line. The guy that rents the granny flat above our garage had no way of knowing and all the stuff he sent down the drain (shower, sink, toilet) for a couple days flowed right out of the toilet (see picture) in the back of our house.
 It then flowed right across our laundry room and then down into my basement office.
This is never a nice thing to have happen but it really isn't cool when you are in Mexico for the next ten days.
So the plumber unclogged the drain and a restoration company cleaned things up the best they could. The fans and dehumidifier are pictured below.
Now we have to put things back together again. This means that this whole part of the house is basically unusable. We are using the washing machine and dryer but that is about it.
The floor has been ripped up and all of the base flooring will need to be replaced. So lovely.
My work area is toast.
I can't tell you how much this sucks.
Clearly many worse things could have happened but this is pretty darn bad. Fixing this is a huge deal. New floors, carpet, walls, ceiling, tile, shower, toilet.....$$$ and loss of work space.
 A few days after we got back from Mexico we were told by our neighbor that water was flowing across our sidewalk. I thought a sprinkler head was off or something. Nope -- coming from under the sidewalk water was pouring out into our yard. Luckily from my point of view it was a city issue and they fixed it.
A week later I got a call from the guy above our garage letting me know water was "cascading off your roof". I got home to find out that the solar panels we have to help our hot water heater had cracked and water was flowing right out the bottom. New solar panels on the way. More $$$.
When I was trying to fix the solar panels with a friend that was trying to help us I broke a valve on top of the water heater. That is always nice to have one problem then create another. We now have a brand new water heater that is perfectly placed against the wall in the basement and strapped to that wall. More $$$.
Prior to leaving for the snow Jenn looked under the sink in the one of two bathrooms that are working and found water was leaking under the sink. Towels were soaked. We just turned off the water and left for the snow. It was fixed today.
We also now have a water softner that was fixed today -- long story.
I also have the story in the last few weeks about the shower that leaked all night.
Our house has cost us thousands of dollars, huge headaches, and major loss of time over the past few weeks. We have probably wasted thousands of gallons of water.
Suddenly Spring Lake is looking really nice. Maybe the Rexroads will go ruin Super K's neighborhood.
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Rexroads in the snow
Tuesday, December 30, 2008 ::
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The Rexroads just got back from four days in the snow. That is why I have not been posting much lately. I am so proud of Abbie. She went skiing for the first time and did a great job in her lesson.
She followed the rules and got used to the snow. This was a great trip that gave us a chance to spend some good time together.
Adam had a little different take on the snow. This is a picture of his grandfather pulling him.
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Pray for Dudley and family
Monday, December 22, 2008 ::
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I understand that former Woodland Mayor Dudley Holman is having some fairly serious health issues right now.
Please pray for Dudley and his family during this difficult time.
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Now this is funny
Monday, December 22, 2008 ::
1 Comments
I got to work today before 0800 and was cruising right before my staff meeting. I was on a call when I started surfing at the usual sites....and then GOOD GRIEF CHARLIE BROWN -- I saw this.
This image was then on the screen of the monitor at the head of the table of our conference room for the whole meeting.
Pee Wee is a revolting little man (you can see his booking photo here) but this poster is pretty funny. The photoshop is pretty good on this one.
Note: My bike has a flat tire. I need to fix it over the Christmas break.
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KCRA Channel 3
Monday, December 22, 2008 ::
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I just got interviewed by Channel 3 regarding county offices being closed this week.
It was not my best performance but I don;t think I drooled on myself either.
It will be on at 6pm.
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Jury Duty -- Excellent
Monday, December 22, 2008 ::
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I got a summons for jury duty. Excellent.
I have always wanted to be on a jury but always get tossed out. I can't wait.
Where is that copy of Twelve Angry Men?
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Backpacks for Kids - 2009
Sunday, December 21, 2008 ::
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Dotty, Dave, and the Committee are working towards Backpacks for Kids 2009 already. They met this past week to prepare for 2009.
The big day is July 11th and Gibson Mansion. Mark your calendars.
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Community Service Awards
Friday, December 19, 2008 ::
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The City of Woodland City Council annually presents Community Service Awards, the City‚s highest honor, to select individuals with a distinguished record of public service to the Woodland community. The City is now accepting suggestions from the public of candidates to be considered for the 2009 Award. You and/or your organization are encouraged to submit one or more names for consideration.
Selection criteria for the Community Service Award is:
Community leadership
Demonstrated, selfless service to the community
Initiated an important ongoing project or program in the community
Interest in varied activities
Dependability in completing assignments
A City Council appointed Nominating Committee will consider names of potential award candidates and provide the Council with nominations for the Council‚s review and approval. Usually three Community Service Awards are made each year. The Nominating Committee will conduct its work in late January/early February. The City Council will present the Awards at an event, open to the public, in the spring.
To submit a name for consideration complete a Suggested Candidate Form, and return it to Mayor Skip Davies at Woodland City Hall, City Manager‚s Office, 300 First Street, Woodland, CA 95695 no later than Friday, January 23, 2009. Names of candidates suggested in previous years will be reconsidered this year; however, names may also be resubmitted to supply additional or updated information.
Forms are available at City Hall, City Manager‚s Office or by calling 661-5800 during normal business hours or on the City of Woodland website at http://www.cityofwoodland.org.
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Adam taking a nap
Tuesday, December 16, 2008 ::
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This is Adam taking a nap in the back of Jenn's car. He is taking a nap because he gets up at 0430 in the morning!!!!
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You know..I tend to agree with Governor Patterson
Monday, December 15, 2008 ::
3 Comments
I just read this article on CNN.com about the objection to a skit on SNL that included Fred Arminsen as New York Governor Patterson.
Here is the skit. Please embed.
I did not see SNL this week like I normally do. I read the article first and then went back to watch it..and think his objection is valid.
This is kind of like on American Idol when they make fun of people with disabilities. That is just not right.
Watch for yourself and see what you think.
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Consistency Check
Monday, December 15, 2008 ::
5 Comments
For all of you people that argued Governor Sarah Palin was not qualified to be Vice-President or President I expect equal outrage at the thought of Caroline Kennedy being named to the US Senate.
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Obama Logo
Monday, December 15, 2008 ::
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For those of you interested in design ...here is a fascinating YouTube video about the Obama for President logo. Watch it here.
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Rexroad - Truth be Told
Sunday, December 14, 2008 ::
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Wow. I really am cool.
When you just have one blog but you have all of these others dedicated to attacking you.....I must be doing something right.
Check this one out.......Anti-Rexroad Blog.
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Now this is a war
Sunday, December 14, 2008 ::
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When I was in Mexico I saw reminders of it with increases security and I heard people talk about it -- but until I really dug into it I had no idea what was going on.
I am very critical of Mexico. I think the government does a disservice to the people that live there. They are generally corrupt. As a result the people there come north seeking a better life -- often at the expense of the American taxpayer.
So when I was driving around I would see vehicle stops that were nothing fancy. They would have each car stop at some remote outpost along the coast. Now it is possible that something was hidden in the jungle that I could not see but most of the time it was a group of eight twenty year old Mexican soldiers with small arms and a light automatic weapon providing some sort of cover.
Well, take a look at some of these articles from this series in the Los Angeles Times. Tell you what, I would not send Marines out there in the middle of nowhere with that little firepower considering what is going on. These drug dealers have some serious juice.
This makes what is going on in Iraq look like child's play.
The last set of podcasts I listened to on the topic indicate that these drug kings are targeting journalists in Mexico. One was recently decapitated and had his body hanging above a freeway. That is hard core.
I found this series of articles fascinating. Happy reading.
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Great letter sent to the nut jobs in Walnut Creek
Sunday, December 14, 2008 ::
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This letter was sent to me this morning.....it is excellent. It was in response to the item I posted below on an effort in Walnut Creek. I have removed the name of the person that wrote it prior to posting and got his permission to do so.
Hello,
I read a story about your campaign against military recruiting.
I disagree with your campaign, and the way you portray military service.
I am now 40 years old. I would say that being in the military was one of the most beneficial and life-changing things I have ever done. It took me out of a lifestyle of drug use and apathy, and put me on the track towards responsibility, physical fitness, and a more positive way of looking at myself, life, and others.
At 18 years I hated everything the military stood for. I hated that I had to register fro the draft, I hated that they sent me postcards. Then I spent the next year smoking pot, dropping out of school, and failing at my job. I had no direction, no focus...only the freedom to do whatever idiotic thing I wanted to do.
Almost on a whim, I decided to join the military. I couldn't tell my friends, because they were all against it, and would have tried to convince me that sitting around and smoking pot would have been a better option. As far as they knew, I just disappeared one day.
Being in the Army was tough physically and mentally. But exercising both body and brain made them stronger. I lived in Germany for 3.5 years, which was fabulous. I learned about things like duty, and honor.
20 years later, I am in a fairly successful position in life with my relationships/family, emotionally, and in my professional career (even without a college degree). People ask me, "How are you able to do so much?" "Why do you think you succeed?"
I tell them that it was the military. My experience in the Army is what has given me ALL of the opportunities, and that experience has also given me the means to follow through on the opportunities.
My problem with your campaign is that you are taking these same opportunities away from other 19 year old kids in the same position I was. I was fortunate enough to be swayed by the advertising, and I've been reaping the benefits of that ever since.
Please stop trying to take that away from other people.
Thanks,
[Name Removed]
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Board Meeting on Tuesday -- December 16th
Saturday, December 13, 2008 ::
2 Comments
Jenn is out with the girls so I am on home duty tonight. What a great time to read the material for the Board meeting on Tuesday.
Item 1.05 McGowan is giving me an award from CSAC. I hope this takes two minutes or less.
Item 2.13 is the WIB five year modification and extension.
Item 4.01 I am the board representative to the Child Care Coalition so I will be getting their needs assessment approved.
Item 4.05 I like the idea of leveraging the state money for improving the Juvenile Hall but will reserve the right to not spend the general fund matching money if we have other priorities.
Not much else.
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Freedom comes with risks
Saturday, December 13, 2008 ::
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The guy in this piece is from the Royal Society for the Prevention in Government. He is so right. In fact, we can even take this one step further as far as I am concerned.
Here is the article.
This country and California in particular are developing into a nanny state where legislators and policy makers are trying to tell people how to live their lives. Taxes is one thing but when you want to tell me that I can't have certain kinds of paint, I can't own weapons, I can't ride a motorcycle without a helmet, and I have to wear a seat belt it goes to far.
I choose to wear my seatbelt each time I drive, have worn an ear piece for several years on my phone, treat weapons safely, and don't ride motorcycles --- but I think I should be able to not do all of these things.
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This is the sort of thing that hacks me off
Saturday, December 13, 2008 ::
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This is the sort of thing that really hacks me off. See article here about a bunch of unappreciative nut jobs in Walnut Creek.
I respect their right to speak. But I also think that are 100% wrong. I don't need them censoring the information I see on military recruiting.
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Election Results - Yolo County
Friday, December 12, 2008 ::
0 Comments
County Clerk/Recorder Freddie Oakley sent me a Statement of the Vote last week. I always enjoy looking at that.
That combined with the maps on the website are fascinating.
When you look at Obama/McCain in Woodland it is pretty clear that McCain only won the really Republican sections of town. See the map here.
Then when you look at Prop 8 it only failed in the area around where I live. In three precincts in the entire city.
Finally, when you look at Prop 11 -- I really have no idea what Woodland was thinking there. Good grief. Maps here.
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County budget
Wednesday, December 10, 2008 ::
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Crystal Lee has an article in the Daily Democrat today on the county budget. She makes my point quite well. I think the county is facing some very serious economic times and we did not go far enough yesterday to deal with it.
When we look at it again in January/February we will now go far deeper -- and end up laying off more people.
Here is the article.
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Thank you county employees
Tuesday, December 09, 2008 ::
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Today in the middle of the Board of Supervisors meeting we had a fairly involved discussion on the county budget. I was willing to go far further on budget cuts than any of my three colleagues.
Actually, I really have no idea what Chamberlain thinks on the issue because I am not sure he said anything. I was certainly willing to go further than Thomson or McGowan.
Here was the interesting thing. My computer was open and I was getting multiple e-mail and facebook messages from county employees agreeing with my and thanking me for my comments. I generally just get hate mail ...so that was nice. Thank you.
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You have got to be kidding....
Monday, December 08, 2008 ::
0 Comments
I have been on vacation so I am a little behind. I just read that the Davis City Council is going to take a position on the friend of the courts brief against Proposition 8.
Here is the Vanguard on the issue.
My outrage here has absolutely nothing to do with my view on same sex marriage. I just don't think this is an issue for local government. If this is an issue for local government then so is the War in Iraq, nuclear proliferation, and abortion......oh wait....this is Davis.
I strongly believe that local governments should not take position on state ballot measures. I have never voted for an endorsement of one and probably never will. I find it even more strange that the the city would spend any taxpayer resources on an issue that passed and more importantly doesn't involve local government.
Amazing. Now I really want to steal Trader Joe's. Unfortunately, that is not going to happen.
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Poll and Trivia
Monday, December 08, 2008 ::
0 Comments
It has been a while (my fault) since I updated the poll and trivia on the right.
The poll question is a basic one. The trivia is all about college football.
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Why have a Lt. Governor?
Sunday, December 07, 2008 ::
0 Comments
The Governor of Arizona is going to the the Secretary of Homeland Security. She is leaving the state and will be resigning her office.
Ok. Arizona is one of a few states that don't have a Lt. Governor. They have the Secretary of State as the second in command.
My personal view is that in California the second in command should be the Attorney General. That really doesn't matter as much as the fact that we don't need a Lt. Governor. The office should be eliminated and we should choose a different line of succession in our state. Independently electing a Lt. Governor is a waste.
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I wish I could do that much
Sunday, December 07, 2008 ::
0 Comments
It is amazing to me all the things I am blamed for. I wish I had the time to do all the things people accuse me of.
We have some people in Woodland that are practically professional victims. If they could just accept some of the facts that are very clear to about 90% of the population (like their lack of sanity) they might sleep better....or not.
The other things that kills me is that these people talk to others that are very close to me and expect that I am not going to find out about it. Whatever.
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We can only spend $1.6 Billion this year
Sunday, December 07, 2008 ::
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If you get a chance check out Item 2.08. It is a consent item. I guess state law requires us to adopt an appropriations limit. This year it is $1,672,275,747. That is more than four times the county budget.
I think we are safe here.
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Board of Supervisors Meeting -- December 9th
Sunday, December 07, 2008 ::
0 Comments
I just am reading over all my meeting material for the week. We have LAFCO Monday, Board of Supervisors Tuesday, Air District Wednesday, and Housing Authority Thursday afternoon.
The Board of Supervisors has quite a few agenda items that are of interest to Woodland. Yamada resigned to go do something else (I forget) so we will have only four Board Members until January when Jim Provenza gets sworn in.
Item 2.03 is an application for money to help with the Woodland-Davis Bikepath. Well done.
Item 2.04 is the elimination of another commission. Excellent. We have gotten rid of probably close to ten since I have been on the Board. I would like to take out a couple more and make the whole system better for people that want to serve.
Item 4.01 is a presentation from the State Parks people. This is a follow up to the informational session held at the Community Center.
Item 4.03 is on the budget. Joy, joy, and more joy. I used to look forward to Pat Leary's presentations. She has no good news now. None. Ever.
Item 4.04 is the idea of going to 4 ten-hour work days. Interesting.
Item 7.01 is important for Woodland. It is the way we are ranking our transportation projects in the region. I-5/113 and Road 98 improvements are in there.
Item 7.02 is an item on Wild Wings. We are going to have a special election. The people out there are going to have the opportunity to solve the problem. It is certainly not one for the taxpayers of Woodland to solve for them.
Item 8.01 Floodsafe presentation (more on that later). Huge for Woodland.
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38 pitches
Sunday, December 07, 2008 ::
0 Comments
Josh Morgan at www.donteattheshrimp.com sent me this link from Curt Schilling's blog. I did not read it on vacation -- juts sat down and went through it.
The posts about his USO tour are a good read.
When I was in Iraq we sometimes had to do convoy and personal security for VIPs. It was a complete pain. They were always some of the most uptight people you could imagine. They were also not really part of our base mission. We came to resent them most of the time.
Not sure what the view is over there now. I am going to send some e-mails and find out what the SOP is not for this kind of thing.
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Mexico with the Rexroad Family
Sunday, December 07, 2008 ::
0 Comments
So for the last two weeks I have been in Cancun and Playa Del Carmen Mexico with Jenn, Abbie, and Adam. We had a great time. It was so worth it.
Jenn and I got to take a couple day trips without the kids to some of the historical sites in the area. This is my sixth trip to this part of Mexico and I like it more each time I go.
This two weeks was a good opportunity to focus on three of most important things to me and reset after a long election season.
I am coming back to Woodland ready to attack the day.
Here are a few pictures......
Adam was always wearing his sun glasses. His first pair got taken with the surf so he thinks Nemo is wearing them.
This one is of Abbie running in the waves. She is a free spirit when she is in the surf.
This final one if of Jenn and me. Our tour guide told us more about himself and his political opinions than he did about the things we were looking at. If you are ever in Cancun and Jaime is your tour guide -- RUN.
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Fall through the cracks
Friday, December 05, 2008 ::
0 Comments
When I was in law school I had a very heated discussion with my misguided liberal friend Syrus. We were talking about some sort of social policy and I asked a simple question about when do we cut people off.
I posed a question something like, "So if X goes and takes all of his government subsidy and blows it then what do you do?' The answer was something like -- "Give it to him again." I could not get air in my lungs fast enough to scream. The rest of our study group was in shock too.
"So when would it end?" was my response. "Never.", said Syrus. Ugh.
You see, I am willing to let people fall through the cracks. We have to. In the end government can't save people. It can help people, but in the end people must save themselves.
If X goes out and blows the welfare payment on drugs then I am not inclined to give again from taxpayer dollars at all. If a church or private individual wants to help them -- great. That is appropriate and I am sure that my contributions to such organizations provide this service.
But this post isn't about welfare for the individual. It is about the Big 3. I am willing to let them hit the pavement and hard. Fall right on through.
These are companies that could see the oil prices going up in the future. I am not even a true economist but someone that can draw a supply/demand curve can see that investing in large SUVs is not smart. Good grief.
The Big 3 is in this position because they put themselves there. Let them fall through the cracks. Let them be an example of what should not be done. They will either learn to swim or drown. I am indifferent at this point. No more bailouts!
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Rexroad for Supervisor -- Facebook
Friday, December 05, 2008 ::
0 Comments
Several months ago I started a "Rexroad for Supervisor" Facebook page. I was curious to see what would happen.
I invited a few people and forgot about. When I started getting notices from people running for US Senate, Governor, or some other office I wanted to see how it really works. Well, in a few short days my Facebook membership is up to more than 320 members. That is really nice.
I don't even know that I am running again but I am thankful for the support.
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If we have a race for Congress - need a Yolo County voice
Friday, December 05, 2008 ::
2 Comments
If Congressman Mike Thompson is selected for a cabinet position then Yolo County needs to be prepared to act.
The reality is that Assemblyman Wes Chesbro (former Senator) would be a tough one to beat. Senator Pat Wiggins would also be a strong possibility. Neither of these two would be a great for Yolo County. If one or both of them runs then Yolo County needs a candidate. One candidate. One Democrat. This is not a Republican ball game.
Ideally I would love to find some anti-tax, anti-corruption, social conservative, tort reform advocate to run -- but they would get about 15% of the vote in this district. So the winner is going to be pro-choice, liberal, against Prop 8, probably wants to pull out of Iraq yesterday, and probably has not seen a social program they don't like. That being said. We are going to have a liberal - I want it to be a Yolo County liberal.
A candidate considering running would have to put together a big chunk of money quickly under the federal limits or be a self-funder. Starting with some strong name ID would be a good start.
The other thing that is important is that this is a special election. It is a free shot for everyone. A short campaign that is a sprnt. Those with existing campaign infrastrcture have an advantage.
Supervisor Helen Thomson is my first choice. I think she could win but will likely not run. Lots of people will encourage her to do it but in the end she will probably pass. People might even think they are voting for Mike Thompson. She really would be tough.
Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada could run but would have difficulty raising money under these limits. Without Cabaldon on the ticket I don't see how she could break $150,000.
Senator Lois Wolk would also be a possibility. Probably has great name ID in Yolo and has the environmental credentials that would play up north.
Woodland Vice-Mayor Art Pimentel could run but I don't think he could raise the money to get in the top tier of candidates. If this happened in about eight years Art woudl be in the top tier.
Councilman Jeff Monroe could run. That would actually be funny. I hope he does.
Some of you are going to laugh at this but Freddie Oakley would have a chance at this. She could run up and down the north coast passing out same sex marriage certificates. The social liberals would love her. I don't think she could raise the money but if she could she has a pretty good story to tell.
This brings me to the final three candidates I think would be great for Yolo County -- and could make it happen.
Mike McGowan -- he is all about short election cycles and traveling to the far reaches of this district. Heck, he would probably like it.
Sheriff Ed Prieto -- many people are not talking about him but I think that if he really wanted it he would be tough to beat. The special election format would give someone with the ballot designation "Sheriff" a great advantage as Republicans could cross over. Also, his Sheriff and law enforcement credentials could give him a kick start in some areas where other candidates will have nothing. He can also make an appeal to the Latino Caucus. Congressman Baca may still be the chair of that organization which means they are corrupt and incompetent -- but even a blind squirell finds a nit once in a while.
West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon -- I know some of you are laughing but this guy can raise the money and has been in full time campaign mode for about a decade. The national gay and lesbian groups would come in for him. The people the oppose Prop 8 are already building a coalition.
We need a Yolo County candidate. We need ONE Yolo County candidate. You Democrats better be thinking. We don't need some Humboldt County nut job representing us in Congress. Think Yolo County.
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Screw Davis - Bring Trader Joe's to Woodland
Thursday, December 04, 2008 ::
9 Comments
My wife loves the Woodland Costco. So does most everyone in Yolo County. What Jenn really likes is Trader Joe's.
So now we find out that Davis is not capable of putting a deal together for the Trader Joe's to come to their city.
For the record (and loudly) "SCREW DAVIS. BRING THE TRADER JOE'S TO WOODLAND."
If they are too wrapped around the axle to put a fine business like that in their community then bring it here. I know Woodland does not have the exact demographic that Trader Joe's is looking for but the Davis people all shop here anyway. They can hit Costco and then Trader Joes.
There are numerous places we could put it in Woodland.
Trader Joes -- my cell phone number is (916) 539-0455. I will be calling you on Monday for sure.
Shoot -- we will soon have a bike path for Davis residents to safely buy their things in Woodland and return to their homes in Davis. We can build a couple new parks in Woodland courtesy of residents of Davis.
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First Friday Artist Reception
Thursday, December 04, 2008 ::
0 Comments
I don't post all of these but this one was excellent. It made me laugh.
First Fridays
Dec 5th 6pm-9pm
Open to the public
Historic Woodland Downtown, CA – Looking Back will feature artist Jim Ferry
"This is an exciting show to hang" exclaims Blue Wing Gallery curator Clare Bailey "Jim Ferry is an established artist and owns the 20th Street Gallery in Sacramento, I've followed his career and am a huge fan of his gallery. I feel a little pressure to make this a perfect exhibit because he is a peer in my field."
Artist Statement by Jim Ferry
In 1989 I retired from a successful career and sought fame and fortune as an artist. I took up pencil and paper and started creating. My family never lacked comments: My dad; "The only way you will make money is by painting houses" Mother: "It's wonderful dear...what is it?" Sister: "Your work has no soul" Brother: "Get a real life, like mine" My ex-wife:"----Deleted--." I soon proved them all correct.
I applied myself by taking classes, quickly filling boxes and back rooms with my fiqure drawings and paintings. I spent five years picking and choosing art teachers. I studied under, Fred Dalkey, Frank Zamora, Dottie Brown, Pam Johnson, Michael Markowitz, Greg Kondos and Bob Burridge to name a few. I also spent some class/workshop time at The Art Student's League in NYC, The Fine Arts Academy in Seattle and The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.
My work now is painted quickly, with lots of color, and usually doing three paintings at the same time of the same subject matter.
Almost two decades later success can be measured by my family's input:
"Can I have some of your paintings?" Or harder to believe "Can I buy your paintings?" Success can also be measured by going from admiring other people work on the wall to seeing my own up there too.
My life now revolves around art, my artist friends, the 20th St. Art Gallery, and painting. It is great to disappear on a painting trip or spend my time museum and gallery hopping. My retirement feels successful, even without the fame & fortune. Thank you for your interest in my work.
Looking Back Show Runs Dec 5, 2008 - Jan. 29, 2009
About the Blue Wing Fine Art Gallery
The Blue Wing Art Gallery is located at 405 Main St in the Downtown of Historic Woodland. Gallery hours are: Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We are closed on Sundays & Mondays. For more information, please call us at 530-666-9498 or visit us online at www.bluewinggallery.com.
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Judges out of control
Wednesday, December 03, 2008 ::
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I am not one to think the Legislature has done much right when it comes to the poor conditions of our corrections and rehabilitation system. However, they are the elected representatives of the people of California. These three judges are not.
What this article from the AP tells me is that people are going to be turned loose onto the streets of California without and sort of effort to change them. This means more crime and more cost to lock them up again and turn others loose.
The Legislature will likely respond by passing the buck to locals.....like Yolo County. Proposals like keeping people in county jails up to three years instead of one are likely to come back. This should be great fun.
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Green Programs may be the exception
Wednesday, December 03, 2008 ::
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One of the rules of politics/government that I think holds true even in difficult economic times is that those in power have to select a couple priorities.
Governor Schwarzenegger seems to have selected his -- the environment. This seems to be what he is going to make his legacy in office.
Check out this article sent to me by Blue Goose. My favorite Goose in Woodland.
I have to tell you that I think the Governor is right to go this route in terms of his legacy. The state budget is not going to provide much for him to look back on and smile.
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Christmas Card Bloopers
Tuesday, December 02, 2008 ::
1 Comments
So these are four of the pictures we decided not to select for our Christmas Cards this year.
These may be more accurate of real life in the Rexroad family but will not be on the Christmas Cards.
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Mosley Case -- Jessica's Law
Tuesday, December 02, 2008 ::
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I am attaching a ruling that recently came down regarding Jessica's Law. This was Prop 83 in 2006 that does not allow sex offenders from living within 2,000 feet of a school, park, or other place where children gather. It is a law a supported, and even served as Yolo County Chairman, despite some of the legal issues I identified in the proposal.
This ruling is a big deal. If you are interested in reading just the highlights then start on page 8 "Discussion".
The court determined that Prop 83 added additional punishment for previous crimes. This is something I was worried about but thought it would not be a big deal. Well, now it is.
Read it here.
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Box to blow up - suggestion
Tuesday, December 02, 2008 ::
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Several of your have responded to the post below about suggestions for boxes to blow up. Two of you mentioned this editorial in the San Diego Union Tribune on First 5.
This is exactly the sort of thing that is going to be questioned in these new economic times. As a firm believer in local control it is hard to defend some of these expenditures.
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Boxes to blow up
Tuesday, December 02, 2008 ::
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As the state budget crisis deepens I guess it is time to start pointing out some of the things that I would eliminate from the state budget.
The Sacramento Bee has a great editorial today about a box to blow up The California Integrated Waste Management Board. I don't have a good connection this morning but I will need to look up how much this will save.
Great box to blow up. Boom.
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Keep your eye on the ball
Monday, December 01, 2008 ::
3 Comments
Everyone is focused on the State Capitol today as a new Legislature is sworn into office. That is interesting and exciting for many but the real game in town this week is in San Francisco.
The decision by a panel of three federal judges has the potential to change everything in California state and local government.
Here is an article from the Associated Press.
This decision has the possibility to impact public safety with people being let out of state prison earlier than is ideal, public education funding being forced into CDCR, the state facing a budget shortfall that can't even be imagines at this point, and crippling any other objectives of state government.
This is a big deal.
This decision has the possibility of indirectly sending dozens of cities and counties into bankruptcy.
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