Letters to the Editor

November 02, 2011

Dear Editor:

Below is a copy of an email from Mayor Jan Vick. It is dated August 20, 2011. The email was sent to me in response to a comment that I had written in which I referred to Rio Vista as a “city, sanctioned by the State Controller’s Office”.

The memo further states that “items will be posted explaining the chronology of the Community Development Block Grant” with the purpose of clarifying rumors about sanction and allegations of mismanagement.

Most likely you are aware the city removed a perfectly proper political cartoon from the senior center, a building which is rented from the city, and by so doing has deprived the people of their rights under the First Amendment. The Rio Life political cartoons are always tastefully done, and no one should be offended by them. I regularly frequent the senior center, and I have never seen any posted item which would offend anyone unless they were looking for a reason to be offended.
Apparently one junior member of the RV city council complained about the cartoon, and subsequently it was removed. My interpretation of the cartoon is the following: It depicted the fact that the RV city council is controlled by three members; the voting record demonstrates that these three people invariably pass anything which is on the agenda. I guess this junior council person doesn’t like this fact to be openly displayed to the public, so it is actually the truth, not the content of the item which must be suppressed by calling it offensive or inappropriate – the truth hurts.
In a society which embraces the freedom of speech and expression; I may detest the ideas which you express but I must defend your right to express them. Can you imagine a city which professes to be a friendly community which deprives its citizens of their First Amendment Rights?

Elwin Beck

Dear Editor:

Political cartoons have a long and storied history in this country. Many believe Ben Franklin’s “Live or Die” segmented snake to be the first. U.S. history used to teach the storied cartoonist Thomas Nast’s skewering of Boss Tweed. Now we have “RWL” adding a new chapter to the book of political cartoons and controversy.

It is without question that political cartooning is covered as speech under the First Amendment. Even the burning of the flag has been interpreted by the courts to be speech. While I detest the content in much of the foul language (both spoken and printed) of the Occupy Wall Street demonstrations, they have every right to do so. If they cross the line and “incite to riot,” that will be another story.

Meanwhile, it is somewhat troubling to see City officials censor the speech of RWL by causing his work to be removed from the Senior Center. Unless there is a specific clause in the rental agreement that subordinates free speech to prior approval by the City, the City is overstepping its bounds and authority.

While the mission of the City may be to maintain a “friendly, safe, small-town character,” there is no way that differences of opinion will ever be eliminated. There is also no way in which you can please everyone. It is entirely illogical (not to mention illegal!) to expand a municipal mission statement to the point that it would have precedence over the Bill of Rights! While RWL’s commentaries have a biting, satirical edge, they are neither pornographic nor likely to incite to riot.

City officials would be well advised to bite their tongues, grin and bear it, and in more contemporary text bromides, MYOB. They have blown this issue out of proportion and have created a slippery slope. If they cannot post opposing viewpoints, can they voice opposing viewpoints? Do they have to sign a loyalty oath to the City Council before they will be allowed to rent a city building? Stifling of dissent is part of the pathway to tyranny. This is the antithesis of a “friendly, safe, small-town character.”

Sincerely,
Bill Garvin

LETTER TO EDITOR:
I was reading the Letters To The Editor section and felt I should write to you.
I have noticed that people have been freaking out over the removal of a political cartoon from the Senior Center and I would like to say: Why Shouldn’t they be allowed to remove the cartoon? People say it’s “tasteful” and that official need to “MYOB”, well, why don’t YOU! Get over it, the building is City property, they have every right remove content from it, as would certain people in their homes. I find the cartoons to be, personally, horrid. They are trashy and rude, I understand that RWL has every right to print what he pleases, but I find it hate-filled and one sided, sometimes. The City owns the building and may remove content as they wish. They didn’t tell people “Don’t read this!” or ban the paper from their building, NO! They simply removed an inflammatory peice of literature from their building.
I strongly disagree with Mr. McCracken’s letter, in which he stated that “If you…Don’t want to be involved, then your a loser!” He also claimed that RWL says everything and is informative, I can’t disagree anymore. He has not once explained or informed me of anything! Actually he has informed me of one thing, His bias and hatred towards the City Counsel. I mean come ON people! You act like this is Nazi Germany and they care burning books in the street! It’s A Comic! Get over it! Can you honestly tell me you’ve never censored anything before, at least the City admits to removing the cartoon! You people act like teenage girls, all you do on this page is (pardon my language) bitch and moan about the city, you want it to change DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! Stop complaining, it’s a comic, designed to be one-sided and ‘funny’. You can’t call it a realistic source of valid information. And Mr. McCracken and Everyone else? We know the first amendment rights. I know you can have your opinion and all, but I can have mine. You cannot change it, I do not expect to change yours. I respect everyones’ opinion, whether or not I respect you is another matter. We know our rights, We all are aware of them. So please, hush up about the 1st amendment and all the others for that matter.
In the words of Abbie Hoffman “Freedom of speech is the right to yell “Theater!” in a crowed fire”. So until that day, our speech is as free as it’s going to get.
-E. Marshall

To the Beacon Editor,

I was shocked to read the letter by Mr. Gateman regarding the suggestion by Trilogy residents that the HOA initiate a slaughter of the raccoons at Trilogy. It is indeed unconscionable that such action would even be considered because of a very few complaints from some of the more nonsensical residents.

I am pleased that Mr. Gatemen has alerted Rio Vista residents to the situation so that we can take some action to prevent the Trilogy folks from pursuing such inhumane initiatives.

My neighbors and I have come to appreciate the raccoons, as well as the other wildlife that we here in Rio Vista can enjoy. To even consider ridding us of such valuable wildlife friends speaks volumes about the cancerous thought processes that can invade the minds of those that insist on crowding the wildlife out of their own natural habitat. What dispicable actions they take, while foisting more concrete, asphalt, and homes on these poor creatures’ territory. They seem to forget that the humans are the invaders and the goal of the wildlife is simply to find food and to stay alive. What fools these animal enemies at Trilogy.

A torn window screen, or an animal sighting is certainly no reason to take such vicious and senseless action against our wildlife.

Hopefully, more sensible people will prevail.

Zito Franconi

October 26, 2011

Dear Editor,

In the October 19th. Issue of the Rio Vista Beacon, you published a letter from Al Eaton, in which he critized councilmember Boulware about her comments regarding political cartoons on the wall of the Rio Vista Senior Center. It would seem to me that the Rio Vista Senior Center is a public building. political statements on the walls of a public building have no place. Public buildings should be non-political. Mr. Eaton should feel free to have all the political statements he wishes on the walls of his private office or residence.
Warren Oglove

Dear Editor,

I would like to take a moment to recognize a few students who have amazed me, as I have come to know the River Delta School District’s student population.
I have been a multimedia producer for well over 30 years now, and a multimedia curriculum developer/instructor for almost 20 of those years. I have worked with teenagers whose works have been seen on CNN, the BBC, Nippon TV and several local TV channels, and in newspapers and documentaries. In my professional opinion, some of these students I have had the pleasure to meet, train, and work with, have been at the top of a short list of exceptional youth talent. So far, this multimedia program has been introduced to about 35 students (at the Delta High and Rio Vista High campuses. It has been received with excitement and enthusiasm, and continues to attract the interest of more and more students each day.

There are a few notable participants whose efforts need recognition: Summer, Sophie, and Rachale (from Mr. Fullmer’s class at Delta High School), and Hannah, Kimberly, and Raven (from Mr. MacGregor’s class at Rio Vista High School) have all stepped forward to take the TV productions “bull by the horn”, yielding fantastic “first efforts” results. I want to call special attention to the work and work ethic of two students: Hannah Blankenship and Kimberly Scneder. Hannah and Kim have developed such a grasp of the production environment, and shown such incredible skills as camera operators, that I would personally…publicly, like to recognize them. They have both invested themselves in the development of RVHS TV relationships with the local community, with the acquisition of two commercial clients, Paul Graham Drilling and Vestas Wind Energy, to produce two industrial videos, and two local restaurants have also expressed interest in them producing TV commercials for their businesses, with more businesses to come. I am so impressed by these two students, and since I am in production on a commercial TV show, titled: Inside California (www.NsideCA.com ) I would like to intern them both, as commercial camera operators, for the show.

Hannah Blankenship and Kimberly Scneder are two stellar examples of what multimedia programs are capable of, when introduced to the high school student body. Their commitment to their new found craft is a beacon for other students, illuminating the path to self-realization, confidence, creativity, and student engagement. It is a pleasure and an honor to work with them both, and I trust they will set the bar for generations of students, converting students from consumers to producers…from academic passengers to academic drivers…from good kids to great kids to great adults!

L. Michael Bouyer

Dear Editor:

Sincerely,
Bill Garvin

Written in Pen or Pencil

A cartoon is a form of two-dimensional visual art. While the specific definition has changed over time, modern usage refers to a drawing or painting intended for satire, caricature, or humor to the artistic style of such works. An artist who creates cartoons is called a cartoonist. A cartoonist can also be called a writer, who describes his or her message, not with a pen and written characters, but through the art of drawing and using a pencil. In either case, a descriptive message is the product.

I have lived in Rio Vista for the past eight years. During this time, I have been a subscriber and weekly reader of the local River News-Herald. I always look for the articles about local events, characters, and notices of importance, especially our city politics. On occasion, I look at, and comment about the weekly cartoon by RWL. Although, I have never met the individual with the initials RWL, his blend of satire and wit has become a weekly habit. Through the process of his pencil, he has painted or projected in a four by four box, the most realistic form of editorial. His pencil captures the truth in its most vivid form. It’s like reading a declaration or notice.

I have written many articles and Letters to the Editor for both the Rio Vista Advocates and the local papers. I have made statements, and tried to awaken the people of Rio Vista to be more involved with their local government, and the policy and actions of the Rio Vista City Council and their City Manager. Through the stroke of a pen, articles have also been written to make the citizens of our city more aware of the politics at 1 Main Street. Galen Kusic along with other journalists have tried to expose to Rio Vista the actions, or lack thereof, by the current City Council and City Manager. Yet no one person or article seems to make more of an impression on us than the weekly cartoon by RWL. He is straight and to the point! And his characters are real in both their attire and characteristics.

For the past three years, his pencil has described the manner in which our appointed elected officials and their hired City Manager have conducted business at the expense of the citizens of Rio Vista. Political figures have always been the subject of cartoons and political satire, from Bill Clinton to George Bush, and now to our current President. I hear folks comment about how RWL is picking on our City Manager or current City Council. Not so. His artistic impressions of “Madam I’m Mayor”,” Sleepy King Jack”, “Me-Me-Me Connie”, “Confused Freddy”, and “Ms.Q&A” , and especially the “El Little General” fit to a tee.

If you can’t read or don’t want to be involved, then you are the loser. The cartoons by RWL say everything, and are most informative. It’s a form of speech, and yes, it is protected by our First Amendment!

Jim McCracken
10/12/11

October 19, 2011

Editor,

There are a few residents at Trilogy that have undertaken an effort to rid Trilogy of all raccoons, feral cats, and other wildlife. During the last two Homeowners Association Meetings two or three isolated incidents were hysterically described to the board of directors in a manner that would make one think of the invading body snatchers dressed as raccoons. One woman complained because some cats peed in her yard. Another resident recited a story about an alleged neighbor that had a screen torn by a rogue raccoon that according to the story teller, was surely out to kill the poor innocent resident. It seems that the raccoon was on the other side of a screen from some smelly cat food, and tore a screen, which was offered as the only reason that the resident wanted the raccoons dispatched with extreme prejudice. Another resident complained because of the attack of the pigeons. He complained that flocks of pigeons were attracted by a bird feeder, and he was apparently afraid for his life of these vile villains.

It seems that the pigeons and raccoons are much more intelligent that the complaining residents, so they want to have the homeowners association rid Trilogy of all wildlife, apparently meaning pigeons, birds, cats, raccoons, cats and coyotes.

These simple residents move from city environments to encroach on the homes of the wildlife, then complain because wildlife is present. Instead of using readily available repellant, that is available at our local hardware store, they instead want the HOA to destroy the animals.

It is quite nonsensical, and a sad commentary on people when they refuse to consider the well being of hungry and indefensible wildlife. These people are apparently not sufficiently intelligent or capable of taking simple and effective action to protect themselves with inexpensive animal repellant and instead ask the HOA to take aim at our furry friends. Why can’t they just enjoy the blessings that God gave to us. It is probably these same people that would call themselves Christians, who refuse to care for the lesser among us, and instead want these creatures killed.

The greater shock is that the Board of Directors, and the HOA manager do not seem to realize that they are being duped by a few fanatical animal haters, and they seem to acquiesce to the childish demands to get rid of the animals.

As a young man, I recall an emotional advertisement by the department of Interior in which a Native American dressed in traditional buckskin, sees how people treat their environment and sheds a tear. The tears will be shed by those of sufficient intellect to appreciate the wildlife that were the local residents before the heartless old Trilogy residents moved in and promptly sought to evict the natives. What a shame.

John Gateman

Letter to the Editor #2
Boulware doesn’t get it.
Councilwoman Boulware’s letter in two local newspapers, defending her decision to remove political cartoons from the wall of the Rio Vista Senior Center was a frail attempt to skirt the valid issue of First Amendment rights. The cartoons in question were critical of council members, and the City Manager, Hector De La Rosa. Boulware claims that she received a complaint about the content of the cartoons, and therefore she asked that they be removed. There is no evidence to suggest that complaints were actually made.

In retrospect, it might have been more diplomatic for Boulware to meet with senior leadership to discuss the postings and express concerns. The dictatorial approach chosen by Boulware has not been well received. The seniors lease the Center from the city at a token price while the city maintains the facility. According to Boulware, this gives the city the authority to dictate all expressions of free speech within the building. That concept is absurd.

Boulware further suggests that the “proper place to voice a dissatisfaction (with city government) is during public comment (sessions) at a council meeting”. Is Councilwoman Boulware now dictating the accepted location of all free speech and expression in this country? It seems to me that a Senior Center might be a perfect place for an exchange of ideas. In any case, that should be decided by those who lease and use the facility.

In one email, Councilwoman Boulware implied that since no one was actually “speaking”, the freedom of expression did not extend to posted cartoons. I would advise Ms. Boulware that the first amendment applies to ALL forms of expression including pantomime, and the right to assemble is protected and extended to city owned buildings. Keep in mind, WE are the city.

Councilwoman Boulware pleads for a “positive and friendly” atmosphere among Rio Vista residents. She is obviously upset about the content of the cartoons. Controlling views that are contrary to personal liking is not a consideration consistent with the First Amendment. The Illinois Supreme Court ruled decisively on that issue in the case of Skokie vs. a neo-Nazi group that applied for a parade permit in a predominately Jewish community where one in six residents were holocaust survivors (1977). The Nazis prevailed.

If Councilwoman Boulware is sincere in her effort to create and enhance a “positive and friendly” atmosphere in Rio Vista, she will acknowledge that the forced removal of political cartoons at the Senior Center does nothing to improve public trust or alliance.

Albert Eaton
Rio Vista, CA.

August 10, 2011
Dear Editor:

I am in total agreement with Janey Callahan-Chin’s letter last week that encouraged citizens to call their congressional representatives. Since they are unable to balance the budget on their own volition, they should heartily support a Balanced Budget Amendment that will force them to exercise fiscal responsibility. Most city, county, and state governments already have this requirement.

I hope that she also agrees that Harry Reid should stop burying bills that are passed by the House and allow them to come up on the floor for debate and vote. Maybe that’s his version of the “Texas Compromise.”

As for her concerns that Social Security, Armed Services, and Medicare funds would not be available, that would only have happened if the President wanted it to happen. The government receives approximately $200 billion in revenue each month. Social Security costs $49.2 billion; our active duty military costs $2.9 billion; interest on our debt is $29 billion; and the feds provide $11 billion in educational funds. That’s a total of $92.1 billion if the President prioritized and paid those bills. That leaves $108 billion yet to be allocated. There was never a need for concern about default on our national debt due to insufficient funds or a need to frighten social security recipients and military personnel. However, neither the President nor the Treasury Secretary would disclose their priorities for political reasons. They could easily have allayed the fears of those affected groups but they chose not to do so for political reasons.

Let’s also keep in mind that it was the President and the Democrats that took $500 billion out of Medicare in order to make Obamacare “revenue neutral.”

So call your representatives. Tell them no more blank checks, no more irresponsible and wasteful spending, no more borrowing and start lowering the national debt. Learn to live within your means as we all have to do. Our Republic cannot survive “womb to tomb” government dependency!

Sincerely,

Bill Garvin

August 03, 2011

Two weeks ago the City Council voted to reject all bids for a water and sewer project, and ordered that the project be rebid. The lowest bid of $1.2 million was from an out of town contractor, and that bid was $500,000 under the budgeted amount for this job. Our local contractor Gomes was achingly close to being the low bidder. If Gomes had been $7,000 lower, the bid would have been awarded to him.

It would be great to keep our money in Rio Vista by awarding the bid to our local contractor. Who would be hiring local citizens to do the work. This would benefit our local economy. Like many California cities Rio Vista has a local preference ordinance for purchases, and some small public works jobs. But the State of California has a contract law that requires competitive bidding for large public works projects. The law states that bids must be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. W.R. Forde was the lowest bidder, and is based in Richmond.

The City Attorney advised the Council that they must award the bid to the lowest responsible bidder, or they could reject all bids and have staff advertise for new bids. The Council chose to reject all bids. Now for this to be legal there must be no appearance that the action was not taken to benefit one of the other bidders. Unfortunately Councilmember Fred Kogler stated in a newspaper interview that the City Council took this action in hopes that Gomes will be the low bidder in the next round. We can only hope that W.R. Forde did not get this news, and turn it over to their attorneys. The City was now in a precarious position. The appearance is that the City Council violated California law.

Bids can be rejected for a couple of reasons. One is that there was a legal problem with the bids, or the process. The other is that the lowest bid is higher than the amount budgeted for the work. In that case, the City can break the work down into smaller portions, and rebid one of those jobs right away.

I wasn’t at the meeting, but I have been told that Staff asked the Council not to reject all bids. Anyway the outcome is that Hector De La Rosa had to break the work down into two smaller parts. One for the sewer work, and the other for the water work. He advertised for bids on the sewer project. The water project has to wait for several months. I believe that Hector has no other option, because the Council passed on the duty of keeping Rio Vista out of court to him. Both jobs cannot be advertised at the same time. If the City does that, it might as well pay for a billboard that says Rio Vista broke the law, and is proud. Contractors are not stupid, if they saw both projects being advertised for bid at the same time, and compared those to the previous single project that they bid on, they would realize that they were being scammed, and then they would sue us.

So for now work for relaying water pipes is delayed. Too bad.

Howard Lamothe foresaw that the economy is bad enough that the City would be getting low bids. He got the City Council to strike a deal. The deal was that when the City realized one million dollars in savings on public works projects they could begin to reduce the sewer and water rates.

The work done for the St. Francis Drive project was supposedly $300,000 dollars under budget. The bid from W.R. Forde was $500,000 under budget. In less than one year the City would have accumulated $800,000 in savings. That is very close to the one million dollars savings needed to start reducing the rates.

There is no guarantee that Gomes will be the low bidder on the next round. If Gomes isn’t the low bidder, this whole exercise has been for no good reason. Another outcome could possibly be that Rio Vista’s reputation has been so tarnished we will not be able to attract large contractors to submit competitive bids here.

In my opinion, by cutting the project down into two public works jobs, the City has lost the opportunity to save $500,000.
So for a very good and laudable reason, we may have gotten ourselves into big and maybe expensive trouble.

Next time City Council, when things get heated and emotional, pause take a breath, and listen to your common sense before you take an action.

Norman Richardson

August 03, 2011

Tonight from Washington, DC I heard the Republican Speaker of the House, John Biemer, demanding that President Obama make a Texas Compromise.

Never heard of a “Texas Compromise”? Let me explain:

You have a strong point of view on an issue. You say,”I want a compromise” You invite someone with an opposite point of view (often from an opposing Political Party) to come and give their side of the argument. When they have had their say, you say,”If you will accept MY solutions (and forget YOURS) we will call it a “Compromise”…a good Texas Compromise!”

If Biemer gets his way, people on Social Security will not receive their checks, those in the Armed Services will not receive their checks, payments of credit cards will rise, Medicare services will be cut and States will lose support that ordinarily comes from Washington for State projects. That means postponed jobs and layoffs for workers.

Republicans seem willing to do this to get their own political agenda passed. They will blame all these accompanying hardships and failures on the President which will put them in a good position politically to win the next election and elect a Republican President. They are putting partisan politics above the good of the country,putting the greed of the rich above the need of ordinary citizens.

Please, call your Representatives in Washington,DC and urge them to put aside political posturing and come to a REAL compromise.

After all, Presidents Reagan, Bush#1 and Clinton all asked for the right to raise the debt ceiling so our Country could pay its bills and not default. Obama should be allowed to do the same.

Make a phone call. Send an email. Sincerely,

Janey Callahan-Chin

June 01, 2011

It is amazing how people in politics and government service
can keep their jobs after major screw ups (with the exception
of sex scandals). I suppose it is us voters fault for not caring
enough to keep track of our appointed civil servants after they
get into offi ce. “We trust them to do the right thing”. “Most of
the stuff they do is so boring”.
Unfortunately Measure A has created so much misinformation
and scare tactics coming from both sides the truth is very hard
to discern. The only clear fact is that the City Counsel (past
and present) failed to do their job properly allocating funds and
deferred maintenance has risen up to bite them in the butt. They
ask that we cover their mistakes with our hard earned money. If
the voters bail out these inept administrators, we deserve what
we get…more of the same. Vote yes on A and maybe the message
will be heard. We will not reward failure.
The world as we know it, will not end….

- Hans Slade

The Solano County Grand Jury released a report on Tuesday
concerning Rio Vista’s wastewater treatment programs. The
report makes some suggestions to the City. The City will be
replying to the suggestions, and developing a plan to combine
the Beach and Northwest plants. Combining two systems into
one will create tremendous cost savings.
However, I am concerned that some voters will read the articles
about the Grand Jury report, and decide that this is a reason to
vote yes on Measure A. This is absolutely the wrong reason
to vote yes, because this is the start of a slippery slope toward
ruin. If Measure A passes combining the two systems will not
be possible, and the City will not have the funds to address
some of the other issues that were raised by the Grand Jury.
This might mean that a future Grand Jury report could be very
scathing, and this might come to the attention of the State, and
the process could start for a takeover of our system.
Ask the Rio Linda water district what happens when you get
scathing Grand Jury Reports, and it comes to the attention of
the State Department of Public Health. They are on the verge
of having control of their water district taken away from them.
A private for profi t water company wishes to acquire this
district.
The City Finance Manager reported to the City Council, if
Measure A passes the City will run out of money to operate the
water system by July 2012. With it’s back to the wall, and the
need to provide a safe reliable supply of water to its citizens,
perhaps the wisest move would be for the City to sell the water
system to a private company. Then we will lose all control over
what we will pay for water.
VOTE NO ON MEASURE A

-Norman Richardson

A couple of weeks ago Mayor Vick stated in her Mayor’s
Corner column that the State of California is mandating a
20% reduction in water use. Elwin Beck read this, and in his
confusion, decided that the City of Rio Vista was arbitrarily
enacting a 20% reduction. So he wrote a letter to the editor
accusing the City of being demented and abusing power.
How he gets this from Mayor Vick’s column is a mystery.
Okay Elwin, this is how it works, in 2009 the State of California
mandated a statewide drop in per capita water use by
targeting urban areas. Now the State could care less whether
or not Rio Vista has more water than it needs for consumption
and fi re suppression.
Rio Vista could have enough more water than it needs to fl oat
the Queen Mary. This does not impress the State. We still
have to reduce our consumption.
By the way this has nothing to do with the $4.5 million loan,
and the necessary urban management plan needed to qualify
for the loan. But it is nice to know that you took it upon
yourself to try to block that loan. The ratepayers should all
send you a nice thank you note for causing the City, and them
a lot of grief.
Mandated water conservation has nothing to do with Measure
A. Whether Measure A passes or fails will not change the
State Mandate. Sorry Elwin. Take this up with Governor
Brown.
Loetta Papetti wrote a letter to the editor stating that there is
a rumor that Hector is planning to do a landscape and lighting
district here for the parks and “Maine Street” (sic). She
continues on by stating that it will cost each resident $500 per
year. Does this stuff come to her in the dark of night, in her
dreams? What if anything does this have to do with Measure
A?
She is accusing the City employees of speaking out against
the rate roll backs because of their “Cadillac benefi ts”. (She
loves to use the word cadillac.) Loetta then goes on to lift
various things from a 2010 report “City of Rio Vista/Employee
Benefi t Matrix based on existing MOU’s”. MOU means
Memo of Understanding, and refers to labor agreements with
the Police Offi cers Association, Professional Firefi ghters Association,
and various other unions. The report does not state
when these agreements were entered into, and the length of
the term of the agreements.
Loetta states that the City pays the employee’s share of
Social Security, but she does not go further, and quote from
the report that, for instance, the Police have a reduction of
7.65% of their base salary to cover the cost of the City paying
their share of Social Security. Nothing in these MOU’s will
be changed by passage of, or failure of Measure A. They
are labor agreements, and cannot be changed until they are
renegotiated.
Loetta is also upset that no one has called to see the books she
received from City Hall, which she uses as proof of her arguments.
I prefer to hear from the person who keeps the real
City Books. That person is Roel Briones the City of Rio Vista
Finance Manager. At a recent City Council meeting, he reported
to the Council that, if Measure A passes, the City will
run out of money to operate the water system by July 2012.
This election is an important election. Your future is at stake.
If you have not already voted by mail, don’t stay home, go to
the polls on Tuesday June 7th, and vote no on Measure A.
- Norman Richardson

I am concerned you may be complacent and not
vote. If you do not vote, Measure A may pass by
default. Vote NO to ensure our City can continue to
fund the operation of its water and sewer systems.
Please be sure to vote.
- Carol Turgeon
To the Editor:
Shame on the RVTA for not even defending their
idiotic initiative.
I, with approximately 50 other people (low turnout)
attended a forum in Trilogy on Thursday, May 5
about the Measure A initiative sponsored by the Rio
Vista Taxpayers Association. The forum moderator
was the Trilogy Homeowners Association management
director, Ed Vitrano. Ed indicated that he had
tried many times to get someone from the RVTA or
even any person supporting Measure A to make a
presentation in support and was turned down every
time. As a result, Ed himself felt he had to take a
somewhat adversary (pro Measure A) position in
order to give the forum some semblance of fairness.
However, it turned out that the majority of the
audience who spoke in the open mike session were
opposed, for various reasons, to approval of Measure
A. The only vocal proponent I noticed was conspicuous
for leaving noisily stating that the debate was
all one sided despite Mr. Vitrano’s effort to encourage
comments from the Pro side.
MY QUESTION: Where were the proponents of
this idiotic initiative which is costing the strapped
city of Rio Vista over $70,000 for a special election?
If they thought this was such a major issue, why
were they not there to defend it. I concur with the
lady who walked out saying the meeting was onesided
but it was not intended to be so. Is the RVTA
so embarrassed by their misguided initiative that
they are afraid to show up in public and defend
it. Did they get all the signatures needed for this
initiative by misrepresenting the truth and are now
unwilling to be called on it? I, for one, am disappointed
and somewhat angry that these people have
caused my adopted city to spend a lot of taxpayer
money, some of it mine, on what appears to be an ill
conceived and childish effort to “send a message” to
the city council. Wouldn’t a postcard and a 44 cent
stamp have achieved the same result without putting
our city in jeopardy?
And if I am wrong,…….. WHERE WERE THEY?
- David Hampton

May 11, 2011

Editor,

I attended the Trilogy “Measure A” informational program. I was shocked to discover that the group that put the measure on the ballot for June did not even show up. It certainly reveals the absence of foundation for their inane measure, as well as their interest and motivation to support it. Perhaps it is because they understand that the measure is economically dangerous to the city, and to the taxpayers of Rio Vista and were ashamed to put themselves in front of an audience.

Why would this group be so disrespectful of the taxpayers in Rio Vista as to sponsor a very expensive special election, then refuse to debate? There is something wrong, and the residents opposed to the measure pointed it out in detail.

This measure is a threat to us all. It threatens our health, and our pocketbook. The measure is very short sighted, and promises that we may have a few short months of lower payments, but it will be ultimately disasterous, and the way it is structured, it will cause residents to pay more, a lot more in the future.

The greatest damage is going to be to Trilogy residents who already pay an assessment for the Northern Sewer plant. If Measure A passes, Trilogy residents will pay their assessment, as well as additional payments for sewer and water when the true cost catches up.

My thanks to Tom, Dan and Arthur, and to vice-mayor Jack Krebs for the excellent and very informative program. My thanks also to the members of the taxpayers association for not making an appearance. They helped me make my mind up about this dangerous measure.

Actually, I can’t blame the RVTA members for not showing up at the information program. They must already know what they are doing to the citizens of this town by imposing this expensive special election, and are ashamed to show themselves. I hope they stay in the shadows, and I hope Measure A fails.

John Gateman

To the Editor:

Shame on the RVTA for not even defending their idiotic initiative.

I, with approximately 50 other people (low turnout) attended a forum in Trilogy on Thursday, May 5 about the Measure A initiative sponsored by the Rio Vista Taxpayers Association. The forum moderator was the Trilogy Homeowners Association management director, Ed Vitrano. Ed indicated that he had tried many times to get someone from the RVTA or even any person supporting Measure A to make a presentation in support and was turned down every time. As a result, Ed himself felt he had to take a somewhat adversary (pro Measure A) position in order to give the forum some semblance of fairness. However, it turned out that the majority of the audience who spoke in the open mike session were opposed, for various reasons, to approval of Measure A. The only vocal proponent I noticed was conspicuous for leaving noisily stating that the debate was all one sided despite Mr. Vitrano’s effort to encourage comments from the Pro side.

MY QUESTION: Where were the proponents of this idiotic initiative which is costing the strapped city of Rio Vista over $70,000 for a special election?
If they thought this was such a major issue, why were they not there to defend it. I concur with the lady who walked out saying the meeting was one-sided but it was not intended to be so. Is the RVTA so embarrassed by their misguided initiative that they are afraid to show up in public and defend it. Did they get all the signatures needed for this initiative by misrepresenting the truth and are now unwilling to be called on it? I, for one, am disappointed and somewhat angry that these people have caused my adopted city to spend a lot of taxpayer money, some of it mine, on what appears to be an ill conceived and childish effort to “send a message” to the city council. Wouldn’t a postcard and a 44 cent stamp have achieved the same result without putting our city in jeopardy?

And if I am wrong,…….. WHERE WERE THEY?

David Hampton

May 04, 2011

4,5MM Loan

You may have heard that the city has applied for a 4.5 MM loan for CIP’s for the

Beach Sewer system, but the question is why? The five year sewer rates were
supposed to have been calculated to support all funds needed for the CIPs. All
work was supposed to be done strictly on a PAY-AS-YOU-GO basis, and there was
not supposed to be any $800,000 loan either as the city insists. The Wildan
sewer rate study which was allegedly used to set the rates. That no $800,000
loan was ever intended can be verified by viewing the Wildan Sewer Rate study
document on the city website.
The city submitted a five year plan consisting of 3.6MM for CIP’s, including
$650,000 for connecting Homecoming to the NW sewer plant which they had had no
intention of doing; apparently they included the $650.000 merely to raise the
rates. The $110 per month sewer fee will remain in effect after 2015, and an
additional $1MM will be generated each year! By the end of fiscal year 2015-16,

the fees will have generated $5MM for CIP’s, but still they want more! Is there
no end to their insatiable greed for money.? Shouldn’t they at least let a man
get to his feet before they knock him down again. Perhaps the proceeds from the
proposed bonds are really targeted for the general fund. We sewer rate payers
CAN NOT afford to operate the sewer and water systems and support the general
fund as well. Raiding the money making funds has got to stop!
As you should know this city has a history of misuse of funds, They used the old

in-lieu-tax scam until they got caught, but that didn’t stop them. This year
they had a general fund shortfall, so they brazenly raided the money making
funds with absolutely no justification whatever!
Unless this insatiable greed and misuse of funds can be halted, we may all be
living in a tent on the riverbanks of the Sacramento River. This time YOU CAN
make a difference, please vote YES on measure A. Let’s bring democracy to Rio
Vista.

Elwin Beck

Dear editor,
To vote yes or no on measure A is to only answer one question. Personalities are of no consequence and to look at past practice is only a guide to the answer. The question is this. If the City Council and the City Manager are given hundreds of thousands more dollars are they likely to use the money to our best advantage? I would stipulate that all involved want the best for our citizens, although some may confuse what is best for our citizens with what is best for the City. The answer may also hinge on our trust in human nature. Consider what you might do if you went to a restaurant and had unlimited funds at your disposal. Would you be more likely to have steak and lobster than if you were on a tight budget. You can satisfy your nutritional needs by choosing frugally or spending recklessly. The answer to this scenario leads me to choose to limit the City’s funds, not to starve the City, but to force the City to make better choices. I think it prudent to vote yes on measure A.

Loetta Papetti

Open Letter to the Mayor and Councilmembers:

The City website has a page entitled: “Organizational Values” – that is both an inspiration and a guide for all Rio Vista Residents. One of the six (6) City Goals listed is:
“Develop effective public communication.” I would like to make some practical suggestions about how we may advance this goal without spending a dime:

We now have a three (3) minute limit on individual public comments at meetings. We should extend that three minute time limit to staff, community group and council member activity reports. This would save time getting to the business of the meeting, and should encourage better attendance.

Rumors fly that the City Manager has hired as many as six (6) new people recently, including a Public Works Director, who once worked for the city. The City Manager announced he had just hired the Public Works Director, but didn’t say who he was or when he would start, or at what rate of pay, etc. Cities usually introduce Department Heads to the City Council and the community; why doesn’t ours? We would really like to know all about new hires, job openings, resignations, contracts to award, amend or extend – as early as possible. Perhaps The Beacon, River News Herald and Rio Vista Advocates; Chamber of Commerce; Trilogy Living; the Library; churches; and the Agenda recipient address list could receive a short, email blurb when one of these makes news. The City must be more transparent and open up communications.

We would also really like to know whenever the city has RFPs; contracts to let or extend; or purchases to make…with as much advance notice as possible.

The residents who live downtown can receive Comcast broadcast of Council meetings; however, the sound quality is poor and not loud enough to hear. For those of us who don’t have ‘downtown’ Comcast; we also deserve access to televised Council meetings. Please reconfigure the franchise agreements to allow this.

Nobody can understand the City Manager’s mutterings and doubletalk while he is reading his own staff reports or presentations. Since the staff reports are published on the City’s Website, the public shouldn’t have to put up with the verbal rambling reading into the record. We should also have visual aids readily available at the meetings.

We would like to have the city begin regular ‘shirtsleeve’ public study sessions as suggested by Councilman Kogler – like the ones they have in Lodi.

Your cooperation would be greatly appreciated. Another of the City Goals reads: “Nurture our most important asset – people.” Here, here to that !

Thank you, Steve Lamb

February 16, 2011

Editor,
Please consider printing this letter as it may be of interest to your readers.

Elwin Beck, 152 Gardiner Way, 374-5867

You may have heard that the Rio Vista Chapter of the Solano Taxpayers
Association(RVTA) has qualified an initiative for the purpose of rolling back
the water and sewer rates . The letter is written to inform you of some of the
reasons why this initiative was necessary.
1. The city has enacted a fiscally irresponsible water/sewer user fee
structure. When any fee increase is enacted by a governing body, that body has

the responsibility to consider the balance between the benefit to the community
and the economic burden on the community, and no evidence exists that the
economic burden was even considered. Furthermore, because the fees were
increased so drastically, it should have been mandatory that low-income
residents should have some financial assistance , and there is no evidence that
this was considered.
2. The city has failed to substantiate the necessity of any of the Capital
Improvement Projects(CIPS) which were included in the user fees. Statements
such as “Engineers have determined that the collection lines need replaced or
that water lines needs replaced” are meaningless unless concrete evidence is
supplied to support their allegations.
3.Most of the CIPS are the result of additional demands on the existing
infrastructure which were the direct result of development projects or
anticipated development projects.; consequently the developers should be
required to pay their fair share of the costs of the projects. Again, there is
no evidence that the city has even considered asking the developers to pay their

fair share.
4. The two sewer treatment plants( yes we have two) are now and have been
operated by contracting personnel. I believe Veolia makes about 1.4 million
dollars to operate the two treatment plants.. I t is anticipated that
considerable revenue could be saved if the treatment plants were operated by
city personnel.
5. The sewer fees are arbitrary. Originally the operational costs of the two
systems was kept in one fund; the costs were not kept separate. Consequently,
when they instituted the two fee system, they really didn’t know which costs
were associated with which system.
6. According to city records, the city has NEVER exceeded the arsenic
requirement of 10 parts/billion, but still they insist that we need two arsenic
filters.. As far as arsenic abatement is concerned, there couldn’t have been any

mandates since the requirement was never exceeded. The only mandates I’m aware
of are the city shut off mandates to city users who can’t afford to pay their
bills.
Elwin Beck, Member RVTA

Dear Editor
Years ago a police officer
spoke to my Rotary Club
about illegal drug usage
in the community. A high
percentage of drug users
come from middle to upper
class families. The reason
was a surprise. As families
have evolved from one to
two working parents, the
loss of “quality time” with
the children has become a
“guilt trip” for many moms
and dads. Many parents
make up for lost time with
the kids is by giving them
what they want. A new
bike , a new laptop, new
clothes, and all without any
effort from the kids.
The lesson learned is
“Society has deprived me
of my parents attention so
it is “fair” for me to receive
what ever I need as compensation”.
All this may be
fine until parents lose their
jobs or the kids grow up
and enter society on their
own. They quickly find out
that life is not “fair” and
drugs are an escape from
that reality.It occurs to me
that the same problem can
occur through our current
welfare system. People
who have entered the system
soon learn that minimum
wage jobs and wellfare
pay about the same.
Doing part time “off the
books” work and collecting
unemployment is easy
and very attractive. More
free time, less responsibility,
and no taxes to worry
about. Both parents and
government need to understand
that unless we as a
society demand some form
of labor for compensation,
the people we are trying to
help will become “entitled”
and the drug of choice will
be free money. With some
fifty percent of the population
paying only sales tax,
we should not be surprised
by the growing “government
will take care of us”
attitude.
History proves that
Capitalism can afford it’s
mistakes and Socialism
can not. California legislators
and prior members of
Congress evidently flunked
history.
Hans Slade
HELP WANTED

December 22, 2010

Dear Editor
TROOP SUPPORT
I recently ran 2 articles in
the Beacon regarding supporting
our troops wherever they may be. I
have already had overwhelming
response and to date
have mailed off 16 packages
to my son in Afghanistan.
He and his company
have asked that I pass on
their gratitude for this outpouring
of love and caring. I can’t begin to
thank the Beacon enough
for their help. The good
folks of Rio Vista have
shown once again they
know full well what the
Christmas Spirit is all
about. Don’t stop now -
the need goes on all year.
Thank you, Merry Christmas
and God Bless to all.
Kathy Moore-Schmidt.

On reading the right wing
commentaries & tributes to
the Tea Party agenda and
Sarah Palin, I have to cringe.
Yes, many well-intentioned
people are involved in the
movement, I am sure, but it is
not the “soldiers” that are worrisome;
it’s the “generals” who
prod them on with their continual
barrage of vile negativity
toward those with opposing
views, including President
Obama, the Democratic Party
& the u.s. Government in general.
As the main financiers,
read the Koch Brothers &
Rupert Murdoch (Fox News),
with a continual rant of hate
messages from Dick Armey,
“conservative kingmaker”
Senator Jim DeMint, “Talk-ing Heads” Glenn Beck, Rush
Limbaugh, Sean Hannity,
Bill O’Reilly, and brethern.
And Sarah Palin? More of a
screeching Court Jester than
a General. As one commentator
noted, “She has all the
depth of an empty spoon.” I
see some irony in the term
“Patriot” in connection with
this movement. I really view
the Tea Party as a cancer on
the well-being of our country
with not-so- subtle undertones
of racism, a hint of
anarchism and pure divisive
hate mongering …. and hardly
a group of “patriots!” Perhaps”
A movement to overthrow
the established government
of the U.S,” would be a more
appropriate description. But,
I do hold out optimism for
the not-too-distant future.
We have had Far Right Wing
movements in our country for
generations; perhaps as early
as the “Know Nothings” of
the 1840’s & 1850’s, the Ku
Klux Klan in the post Civil
War era, the Joe McCarthy
witch hunts of the 1950’s,
the John Birch Society of
the 1960’s, and now the
Tea Party. All have faded
away into footnotes in the
nation’s history books.
But, in the long run,
we do live with hope
in our hearts, and with
the knowledge that the
American people can only
be fooled for a short time.
Let us hope this is a shortlived
run. That the “worst
of the worst” were defeated
in this recent election is
a good start. Fortunately,
we did not elect the Tea
Party “Patriot” who recently
ran for a Rio Vista City
City Council seat.

Jim W. Tackitt

December 15, 2010

Cold and blustery weather
has reached us in Rio. Now
is the time to give thanks
to a 15 year old boy, who
in the 1800s, decided he
would do something to
protect his ears from the
cold Maine winters. The
boy’s name was Chester
Greenwood.
Every December 21st
(Chester’s birthday)
Farmington,Maine celebrates
“Chester Greenwood
Day” and everyone there
wears ear muffs on that
day. Ear Muffs were invented
by Chester!
They became a big hit in
his day and ever since then
have been produced in a
variety of materials, colors
ad sizes to fit all.
Therefore, on the 21st of
this month don your ear
muffs and as a thank you
to Chester give a nod toward
Farmington, Maine
on Chester’s Day. Hooray
for the boy inventor!
Janey Callahan-Chin

December 8, 2010
Mr. Eaton, who pulled
your string? O, that’s right,
the City Council did! That
could only be the reason
for you attacking me.
The Election is over and
we now have two new
council members, who, I
hope will try to straighten
out this misdirected City
Council and reset their
priorities. I know at least
one will. Mr. Eaton, what
happened to our professional
relationship? We
have worked together
on a few projects rather
harmoniously in the past.
Your attack piece has
quite a few errors and
misjudgments. First of all,
neither of the outgoing
councilmen were elected
to their recent service;
they both were appointed
by the mayor.
I suggest you consult with
your dictionary as your
comments against me are
both defamatory and libelous.
You don’t slander
someone in writing; you
can only slander someone
verbally.
All of my comments
about the City Council
are true and factual. Even
the public knows this
to be true – or should I
say – MOST ESPECIALLY
the public knows this
to be the truth. Public
Officials are fair game as
long as the comments are
factual and true. I understand
the law and have
not reported anything
that was untrue. For
the record, to be libelous,
the comment(s) must be
non-factual and be made
with malice or the intent to
harm someone or reduce
their standing in the community.
Your attack piece
– on ME – is a very good
example of libelous conduct.
You are standing on
thin ice; sir, research your
opinions better. My factual
reporting is supported
by public evidence in
each and every case. The
incompetence and mismanagement
by City Staff
and the City Council is well
documented from several
sources.
Your comments on the City
Manager’s Contract Extension
are simply wrong and
incorrect. You should’ve
read the contract before
you offer your opinions.
Your assertion that the
contract takes 90 days to
take effect is in error. The
existing contract was in effect
since April 9, 2007 and
would expire in three years
on April 9, 2011. It had a
provision for a one year extension
any time up to and
including APRIL 9, 2011. It
also had a provision that
required 120 days’ notice
of termination. The City
Manager asked the Mayor
and Council in June or July
to extend the contract so
he would have enough
time to find another job.
The City Manager, in my
opinion, felt that the new
Council would probably
terminate him or simply
let his contract run out
on April 9, 2011. This was
not discussed during a
public meeting, but held
in private in violation of
the Brown Act, and the
Mayor even instructed
the Council members
to vote in favor to show
solidarity for the City
Manager. It’s true that
I cannot speak for the
total electorate, but I
can speak for the 50 or
so people that showed
up for the meeting and
the letter signed by 293
citizens in opposition to
extending the contract.
Most of the voters spoke
at the meeting in opposition
of the contract extension,
some even spoke
against the City Manager
himself. The Mayor read
two letters, one from a
couple and one from
a single person, which
spoke for the extension.
The Mayor did not report
how many letters she
got in opposition! One
person from the audience
spoke for the City
Manager but againstdoing
the extension then,
saying the Council should
wait for the new Council
to make the decision.
The entire Police Union
spoke against the extension.
That computes to
approximately 343 to 3 in
opposition, that’s almost
99% against! If that action
by the council, that
voted four to one, isn’t

November 17, 2010

Letter to the Editor
Mr. Lamb,
I have followed your editorials
and have found the
same thread of continuity
on each; that being what
you claim as factual in fact
is fiction. You accuse the
City Council of “mismanagement,
criminal acts,
and corruption”, yet in
your last letter you excused
the Vice Mayor only
to state a few sentences
later that the “Council” had
done all these heinous
misdeeds. The City Council
is made up of 5 people,
all with names, so if it is
not Ron Jones you accuse,
then who? Me? You
are taking broad strokes
at good people that are
in compliance with the
Brown Act, local and
State propositions and
laws, and all council decisions
are scrutinized by
the City Attorney who
does not hesitate to correct
us if we are heading
the wrong direction.
I would suggest you
spend more time at
Council meetings and stay
to the end to learn more
about the process. Stop
hiding behind your scathing
letters and try to add
some solid data to your
claims. How about some
solutions? You don’t seem
to have any, just venomous
complaints. I challenge
you to point out any
criminal act undertaken
by anyone on this Council,
there aren’t any. I want to
know of the corruption you
speak of, I haven’t seen it.
Show me mismanagement,
I haven’t seen anything but
concerned people serving
long hours to make
tough decisions to make
this City work and keep it
out of bankruptcy.
Be careful with your claims
Mr. Lamb, you have not
only lost credibility, you are
treading thin ice with
your unfounded claims .
The election is over, and
what could be tolerated as
campaign is now looking
like libel. Sam Richards
Rio Vista City Council
Letter to the Editor,
Congratulations to Connie
and Fred for winning the
Election. I wish you good
luck in your endeavors on
the City Council. Also,
congratulations to Bernie
and Don for running clean
campaigns. This was my
first time into the political
arena and considering
the negative ads and
other mudslinging on
the National Scene; it was
refreshing that none of us
sunk to that level. A big
THANK YOU to everyone
that voted for me. I am
proud to receive all your
votes; which brought me in
close. I managed a strong
third without a campaign
committee and soliciting
funds. Maybe next time.
Now, Mr. Jones, I fail to
see the reason for your
diatribe published after
the Election was over. I
respect your service in
the Navy and the Police
work for the City of Los
Altos. Thank you for your
Honorable service. I have
never targeted you personally,
nor have I even
mentioned your name or
the Title of Vice Mayor in
any of my factual reporting.
I have only pointed
out the clearly mismanagement,
criminal acts,
and corruption of the City
Council; which is notable
in council meetings and
the press. The Evidence is
obvious. Some examples
are as follows: The corrupt
extension of the
City Manager’s Contract
against the voters’ wishes;
which indicates that
a backroom deal was
made; criminal thievery
from the restricted Water
and/or Sewer Funds
to balance the Airport
Budget on at least two
or more occasions (the
Mayor reported that this
was done about three or
four years ago and the
City Manager reported
another $660,000 was
done in Fiscal 2009 –
2010); and the blatant
mismanaged CDBG ADA
funds removed from the
City Pool Project and
transferred to remodel
City Haul over and above
the Handicap Restrooms
without proper bids and
oversight. Additionally, I
must remind you of the
10% skimming (called “in
lieu of fees”) yearly of the
Water and/or Sewer Funds
to the General Fund. I am
also aware of at least eight
complaints against the
City of Rio Vista before the
Solano County Grand Jury.
My factual Letters to the
Editor began long before
I even thought about
running for office. In fact,
it was because my Letters
and comments at City
Council Meetings were
being ignored by the
City Council. I felt that I
couldn’t correct the misdeeds
only as a concerned
citizen. This prompted
my decision to run. I will
not apologize nor retract
anything I have written.
Steve Lamb

November 11, 2010

Dear Editor,

I know a young woman who has a chronic incurable disease that could eventually lead to a disabled life in a wheelchair. Fortunately she was covered by a family health insurance plan before her diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. Now as an adult she pays for her own individual plan which is hugely expensive. She was looking forward to 2014 when preexisting medical conditions would be covered and she could have looked for a less expensive policy. With the newly elected Congress that may no longer be an option. John Boehner considers it to be a “monstrosity” that preexisting medical conditions are covered. In addition it is equally monstrous that sick children are entitled to medical care, and that expensive cancer patients can’t be dropped. The health insurance industry profit margin is far more important than our health. CEOs deserve their million dollar bonuses and vacations in Hawaii. Maybe we can petition the UN to send us aid for our sick and dying?

Finding full time employment is also difficult for her because so many jobs have been outsourced thanks to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Karl Rove’s Freedom Works who paid for the majority of negative ads against Democrats. The small voices certainly have been silenced by outside big money.

This new America seems to have very little to offer her. But America has spoken: no health insurance, no socialist programs such as Social Security or Medicare, no consumer protections, and no environmental regulations (choke on the soot filled air and just give BP Oil their money back). In the exit poles you said your number one priority was jobs. Republicans may eventually get around to that but first they want to add 790 billion dollars to the deficit through unpaid tax cuts, destroy Obama, and pay back their corporate bosses. But meanwhile no complaining as you wait for those minimum wage, no benefit jobs, you voted for it.

Doris Noriega

November 3, 2010

Editor
By the time this letter is
published those candidates
successful in their
bid for a seat on Rio
Vista City Council will have
been identified. Whether
Mr. Steve Lamb has won a
seat or
not, I want to address his
mud-slinging, crap campaign.
I sat mute while Lamb
mounted his verbal assault
on my reputation.
For several weeks,
as the emphasis of his
“campaign”, he accused
me, as a member of the
city council, of
thievery and being corrupt
and recently described
my council actions
as criminal. These
are all allegations of
criminal acts, violations of
law! Yet at no time did Mr.
Lamb present
any evidence, as supporting
proof of such violations.
Nor am I aware of
him having filed
criminal complaints with
either our local police or
with the Solano County
District Attorney. I
can assure the citizens of
Rio Vista that I have committed
no such crimes. I
trust that with
the issues of the election
settled he will stop these
unsubstantiated allegations,
immediately
issue a retraction and
apologize publicly, acknowledging
that he has
no supporting
evidence.
I have worked, with pride,
in public purview all of
my adult life. I served in
the United States
Navy for 6 years, with no
disciplinary action, earning
the “Good Conduct
Medal”. Following
my “Honorable Discharge”
from the Navy, I was employed
by the City of Los
Altos,
California as a police officer.
I served that community
for thirty years
without a single citizen
complaint. In that time
I rose through the ranks
from the newest rookie to
the position of
Chief of Police. Yes, in
those thirty years, there
were times when my
judgment in making
decisions was questioned
but never my honesty.
And finally I have served,
for the past
eight years, as a member
of the Rio Vista City
Council, both elected and
twice appointed. I
currently serve, for the
second time, as Vice Mayor.
I have been a member
of Lions Clubs
International for thirty
years, held all board positions,
except that of secretary,
at the local
club level and offices at
the district level. I served
the Rio Vista Lions Club as
treasurer, a
position of trust, for eight
years.
My integrity has never before
been challenged! Mr.
Lamb took it upon himself
to do so, in
the name of “all is fair in
politics” because he was
seeking office. His campaign
appeared to
be an attempt to malign
an incumbent in order to
unseat that member, when
in fact the seat
he was seeking is being
vacated! I found it interesting
that Lamb alone chose
the low road,
while all other candidates
addressed the issues.
Mr. Lamb, not all is fair in
politics, nor is it permitted.
Making these unfounded
accusations
is both liable and slander.
I trust that our citizens
chose those having integrity
to serve
them, as they did when I
was chosen to serve.
Ronald L. ‘Ron’ Jones, Vice Mayor

October 27, 2010

I Dear Editor:
Sarah Donnelly is a long
time resident of Rio
Vista and her husband
was raised in this community.
Tom Donnelly is a
local businessman. Their
children have attended
Rio Vista schools.
We need a strong and
intelligent voice representing
our children and
Sarah Donnelly offers that
quality. Her educational
background and experience
provide Sarah with
the necessary tools to
make sound decisions.
As a volunteer and community
leader, Sarah has
demonstrated that she is
capable of independent
thought and teamwork
while solving problems.
Sarah will listen to her
constituents and act on
their behalf. I am urging
voters to show their support
by voting for Sarah Donnelly.
Thank you,
Susan Whitesell
Parent and businesswoman

It’s Time to Retire Boxer and Brown

Barbara Boxer has been in Washington for the past 28 years and has zero positive accomplishments during that time. If you want to try and find an accomplishment the only thing that could be considered is a negative accomplishment. This would her hard work against the interests of the people of California that she has represented over her 28 years in Washington.

During the Obama Care debate did she ever ask for input from her constituents? Did she ever have a town hall meeting to discuss the issue and take the fire from the people of this state? The answer to these questions is an absolute ‘NO”. I live in the 3rd Congressional District represented by Dan Lungren and during this debate he continually asked his constituents for input on the proposed Obama Care legislation. Whenever constituents communicated to Senator Boxer regarding this issue she was never open to opinions that was not in line with hers. Her mind was set in concrete and in lock step with her partisan view. She is someone that really has no interest in the people of this state and therefore the voters should have no interest keeping her on the public dole.

This state is in severe financial problems with huge unemployment and what are Barbara Boxer’s solutions? More government spending for her Liberal special interest pet projects and the funneling of taxpayers money to Leftist organizations that are not in the best interest of the people of this state.

We need a new Senator with new ideas and someone that knows how to create jobs and has worked in the private sector. That person is Carly Fiorina, she was CEO of the Hewlett-Parkard Company and knows what it is like to meet a payroll and what it takes to create jobs and expand a business. California has been very unfriendly to business and as a result businesses in this state have left California and relocated to more business friendly states.

Jerry Brown is running again for Governor and the voters of this state need to ask themselves a question: Do we really need to rehire this failed former Governor who destroyed this state during his previous Governorship? Do we really need a repeat performance? I think not! I was working for the State at that time and I remember when he completely shut down most all highway construction during his 8 years and laid off most all Caltrans engineers who were hired by Saudi Arabia. This action put highway construction behind by 8 years and the traveling public is still feeling the effects of this action today.

The State of California has major fiscal problems and massive unemployment today due to a state legislature that has engaged in massive overspending and being hostile to business.

Which of these two candidates for Governor has answers to these problems, Jerry Brown or Meg Whitman? This should be an easy answer: Jerry Brown has a history of failed policies of the past and will not cut spending, he and the Democrat Legislature will definitely raise everyone’s taxes. You can bank on it! Meg Whitman on the other hand as the former CEO of EBay knows how to turn this state around and what it takes to create jobs and provide a business friendly environment and bring businesses back into this state. She represents the future.

The question that needs to be answered by the voters on November 2 is the following:
If you want the failed Liberal policies of the past vote for Jerry Brown for Governor and Barbara Boxer for U.S. Senator. If you want new ideas and candidates that represent the future vote for Meg Whitman for Governor and Carly Fiorina for U.S. Senate.

Jack Silva
Rio Vista

Go Vote!

Our nation is at a turning point. We can continue going forward or regress to our petulant inner child and demand everything immediately. In less than two years the present administration was expected to fix a financial collapse that took eight years to create. Recovery has happened but more needs to be done. That is why I am going to base my vote on the following issues instead. I will vote for the party that promises not to privatize Social Security or Medicare.

I will vote for those who will put the needs of everyday Americans before the insatiable greed of corporate America (including the health care industry). It is not Marxism when you stop someone from stealing your money.

I want the Constitution protected from those who plan to change it for their own personal ideology. I do not want the Civil Rights Act or the Americans with Disabilities Act rescinded and I say no to the reenactment of “Jim Crow” laws.

The “Party of No” blocked every piece of legislation that would have lead to a faster recovery. We were simply collateral damage to them. You cannot create jobs if you have already sold them over seas via the U.S. Chambers of Commerce who has already held “outsourcing symposiums” with other countries, several congressmen, and two Supreme Court justices.

So, I will vote Democratically. For those who disagree, we will begin to keep a tally of all those personal freedoms that will be eventually taken away.

Hello Editor,

Please print this letter in your letters to the editor column as I believe some
of your readers may be interested.

Elwin Beck Jr ; 452 Gardiner, 374-5867

Yesterday I toured downtown RV and the surrounding area, and I was absolutely
astounded at the myriad of vacant shops, vacant apartments for sale signs, for
rent signs, and bank reposed properties. This appalling situation is partly a
result of the unnecessarily high sewer/water fees which were instigated by an
incompetent and reckless city council.

The RV city government has not supplied any creditable evidence to support their
allegations that the sewer/water infrastructure needs to be upgraded or
replaced, or that the sewer/water systems have not been properly maintained.
Ironically, during the time frame when the maintenance of the systems was
allegedly being neglected, the city was siphoning ten percent of the
sewer/water fees into the general fund – which is illegal under California Law.
The fiscal irresponsibility and recklessness of the RV city council during the
severe economic downturn which we are facing has resulted in enormous hardships
for many of the residents and if continued will eventually result in the
insolvency of the city itself.
Once you kill off the goose which lays those golden eggs, your supply of cash
will eventually be depleted.

If you have not already done so, please sign the sewer/water user fee reduction
initiative. It appears to be the only hope of saving the city from insolvency.
If passed the initiative will accomplish the following:

1. Reduce the hardship and devastation of the residents of Rio Vista.
2. Prevent the eventual insolvency of the city.
3. Demonstrate to the city council that the citizens of Rio Vista demand a
voice in their government and that the city council must be held accountable for
their actions
.Elwin Beck J

It is election time. Sadly the supposedly fine art of advertising has become the drivel of half truths confirming we are voting for a lesser of two evils. How many of us have applied for a job in our lifetime when denegrating the other applicants to our potential employer was better received than than demonstrating our strengths?
I understand that “bad news sells newspapers” but how can we call ourselves a good citizen if we are more interested in what a candidate says about another candidate more than their qualifications? I am looking for candidates that define problems and recommend solutions. “If you can not say anything nice, say nothing at all” It is the press’s responsibility to uncover untruths. Let’s let unbaised media do their job and ignor the smoke we are being subjected to.
Hans Slade
Delto Tea Party

OcOctober 20, 2010
Senior Center
Well, no surprise here. The
Senior Center has had to
suffer for over a month
now without Air
Conditioning. Please, City
Manager and City Council;
haven’t you made us suffer
long enough. I
am speaking for over fifty
some seniors that attend
various functions, the
Meals on Wheels lunch
program, and other
groups’ such as AA, Weight
Watchers, and Churches,
that rent the Senior Center
Building. Your collective
delay in replacing the
needed compressor motor
for a reasonable price
quote of $1,300.00 is just
criminal and shows your
disregard for the welfare
of our seniors and residents
that rent and use
the Center. We are forced
to leave the doors open,
which is an invitation to
the Flies which normally
reside at the City Haul
Lift Station. Today was the
worse we have had. We
were wondering if
the flies were going to eat
us there or take us away
with them. We have two
portable fans, but we were
still uncomfortable. It took
over two weeks to get a
stove replacement, THANK
YOU, but how long must
we wait for the Air Conditioning?

Steve Lamb

October 13, 2010

Dear Editor
On Monday the 30th of
August my Granddaughter
was waved on by a
bus driver to go ahead
and cross the street at
Californian and Seventh
in Rio Vista. She thought
she would be safe to cross.
I was walking up to the
cross walk, and my neighbor
was in
her car behind the bus. A
dark car failed to stop at
the stop sign at that corner.
He not only failed to
stop, but to avoid the bus
he cut the corner going
south on Seventh and that
is when he almost hit my
granddaughter. I reported
the incident to the Sheriff
and he in turn contacted
the RVPD. I was called
and told that they would
have someone watching
that corner today,
the 31st . It didn’t happen.
I am so tired of the
few people of Rio Vista
thinking of this stop sign
and maybe others like it,
as not meaning anything
but “Slide Tires On Pavement”.
One lady last week
slid through the stop
sign and when I pointed
out that she needed to
obey the stop sign flicked
her hand in a (brush off )
wave, then she went on
through and was back 5
minutes later, she pointed
out, with a snide remark,
that this was another stop
sign. Must have learned
the rules of the highway
and town driving from
a cracker jacks box. Of
course there weren’t any
students crossing at either
time but what about
when there is? Are you
all in such a hurry that it
doesn’t matter if there is
a child waiting to cross or
not? How will you feel if
you saw someone almost
hit your child or grandchild?
Would you be as
angry at this as I am?
We have been complaining
about this cross walk
for three years. The RVPD
have had a police officer
sitting at that corner
maybe once or twice so
of course people will stop
when they see them. Once
the police are gone they
go back to doing the
same thing they have been
doing for the last three
years. “Slide Tires On Pavement!”!
What we need on
that corner is a camera to
stop these people from doing
what they have been
doing and fining those
who do. I have also on occasion
yelled at the usual
teen going to or coming
from the high school to
stop or slow down but
guess they were taught by
their parents that
that stop sign means
absolutely nothing. I hope
this letter will show some
people that stop signs are
out there for a reason. I
don’t want my grandchild
to become a statistic just
because some person out
there is in a hurry to get
somewhere. Oh, by the
way? It isn’t only at 3PM
that this problem happens.
It is all day long. I would
like to invite an off duty
officer to come to my
house and sit there all day
long and watch the traffic.
Think that will happen?
Strange a week later a motor
cycle police came
through just after three
cars slid through the stop
sign and after he went
through a pickup went
through without even
slowing down. What’s up with that?
Susan Callaway

Dear Editor,
There has been strong perception by a City Council candidates that our City should have only one sewer plant. That is, close the Beach sewer plant and connect the Beach sewer residents to the Northwest system which currently serving Trilogy residents and all future developments. The Northwest plant is currently operating at about 25% capacity however several developers own the access rights that no doubt will be exercised when the real-estate market rebounds.

The main reason for this initiative is that the current billing rates for water and sewer are $97/ month for Trilogy residents and $133/ month for Downtown residents.

I would like to share some facts that may not be fully realized. Trilogy residents pay more than $97/month:
• Trilogy residents who purchased homes after 2005 pay $685/year in additional property taxes for bond repayment for 30 years
• Trilogy residents who purchased homes after 2006 pay $835 year in additional property taxes for bond repayment for 30 years
• Their true monthly rate with the bond cost is $154/166 (significantly above the Beach Front rates.)
The cost to combine the Beach sewer system to the Northwest sewer system is prohibitive. One City Council candidate speculates that an above ground sewer pipe is the solution. It is not. County and State regulations do not permit above ground sewer pipes.

The City Engineer’s preliminary estimate is that It would cost over $26 million to connect the two plants. This includes:
1. Expanding the Northwest plant.
2. Connecting over 20, 000 feet of sewer pipes.
3. Modifications to the existing Northwest plant.
4. Decommissioning the Beach Front plant.
Even if the residents served by the Beach sewer system could issue a bond similar to what the Trilogy residents have, the bond repayment over 30 years would cost close to $1,700/ year/ household. This equates to an additional $141/ month on what would be presumably a revised water estimated at over $100/month. This is not affordable and unnecessary.
It is more cost effective to continue the Beach Sewer Plant which is currently operating at 86% capacity. Also, Veolia who has done an outstanding job operating both sewer plants, recently reported that the Beach Front plant’s life has been extended from under 10 years to near 15 years as a result of their implemented maintenance program over the last several years.
Bernie Durman

We need your help! The Art Committee for the local Community Theatre is searching for one(maybe two) Puppeteers to work hand puppets in a scene from the play LILI . We have actors saying the lines and so no memorization is necessary for the Puppeteer. We need someone to work the puppets.

The show itself RAZZLE DAZZLE REACHES RIO will be Friday November 19th, Saturday, November 20th at 7 pm and Sunday November 21st at 2:30 pm at the Lena Emigh Creative Arts Centre (First Congregational Church Hall) at 2’30 Sacramento Street in Rio Vista.

Anyone interested may call the Director, Janey Callahan-Chin at 707) 374-6060
PO Box 404 Rio Vista

LETTER TO THE EDITOR, 10-6-10, CITY COUNCIL AND MANAGER

The City Manager got the City Council to approve his approval of a construction contract under $125,000 without Council oversight. Now comes Bids for repair or remodel the restrooms at the launch ramp. The low Bid was $99,000.00 and the City Manager has taken it upon himself to revise the Bid total to $124,000.00. He stated this in the public meeting of September 16, 2010, saying that he found some math errors. This is illegal! In checking bids for conformance to the Engineer’s Scope of Work; no changes to the bidder’s scope of work or the amount of the bid may be altered. If the bid is not complete or contains errors, it should be thrown out. It was inferred that staff opened the bids without the public in attendance. I did not see any notice of the bid opening; as I watch for them and try to be there. There is only one reason that I can think of where an official adds $25,000.00 to the low bid. It brings to mind the City of Bell’s foolishness.
We now have another example of the City Manager’s dislike of the Senior Center and the seniors who attend various functions and the Meals on Wheels Program. Last Thursday afternoon the air conditioner quit working. I called it in to the city Public Works Dept. and they finally sent out Dan from Rio Vista Air on Monday morning, who determined that the compressor was burnt out and he believed that it was under warrantee. It turns out that the unit was replaced in 2004 with a 10 year warrantee. In 2007 the compressor burnt out and was replaced under the warrantee, only this time with a compressor that only had a one year warrantee. What’s with that? The compressor should’ve had a warrantee, at least to the end of the original 10 year term.
Dan was going to try to get the company to honor the original warrantee; if not successful, it would cost about $1,300.00. The City Manager decided to delay the repairs and instructed Public Works to go out for three more bids. As of this Friday afternoon, 10-1-10, Dan’s bid is still low and only one additional bid has been received and it is $2,000.00. How unprofessional! Shopping for bids after they have received a fair quote is not only a slap in the face to Dan, who came out and spent time and money to diagnose the problem and research the warrantee issue, but delays the repairs unreasonably. During this hot spell this week, I had several seniors in distress at lunch and during card games. I put out all the fans that I had, kept the doors open, and we got through it. I am glad we didn’t have any heatstroke cases, as I watched everyone very closely. Screwing around getting more bids and delaying the replacement is just plain criminal. Mr. City Manager, forget your dislike of me, and authorize Dan to replace the compressor now, so our seniors do not have to suffer another week or two without air conditioning. I am sure that you wouldn’t go out for bids if the air conditioning wasn’t working in your office.
Steve Lamb

Letter to the Editor, 9-24-2010, City Council
September 29, 2010
Dear Editor,

By now, I am sure that you know that the City Council has continued its corrupt ways and extended the City Manager’s Contract for another year after April 9, 2011. This is September, 2010! Almost eight months before the current contract runs out. My computer crashed last Wednesday, which was found unfixable, which forced me to purchase a new one on Sunday. Probably a good thing; however, because I was so angry and discussed by the council’s action; that writing a letter to the editor might have had too much venom in it, written the next day to meet a newspaper deadline of 5:00pm, on Friday. This purely demonstrates the dirty, corrupt, deceitful, disgraceful politics, and antics of this Council and City Manager. They do not agree with the United States Constitution and obviously don’t give a damn about “We the People”. The Council and City Manager are supposed to be working for the people, not themselves!
I received the agenda Friday evening and began notifying several people via email and everyone I saw or talked to. They emailed and spread the word as well. In six days, correct thinking people packed the City Haul (hall) and someone gathered 286 signatures requesting not to extend the contract. Several people spoke at the podium, all save one, either asking not to extend the contract or pointing out various issues with the City Manager. Those that didn’t speak clapped for all those that did showing their support. It is simply amazing that the mayor and council, except for Ms. Norman, could hear all this testimony and ignore all of it. After the people spoke, each Councilman and the Mayor read from prepared scripts saying why they would be voting for the extension. The Mayor read from two local supporters’ letters, but didn’t tell how many negative emails or phone calls she got. Their minds were made up and it didn’t matter what the public had to say. It was obvious that the vote would be 4 to 1 in favor; I couldn’t stand it anymore and walked out during the Mayor’s diatribe.
I found out later that the Mayor had instructed the councilpersons to vote to extend; to show solidarity for the City Manager. This is just wrong and a violation of the Brown Act. It was obvious that the Mayor and Council had met before in PRIVATE and decided to vote for the extension. They even said as much in their prepared scripts as the City Manager had asked them to extend his contract so he would have more time to find a new job. Before the extension, the Manager’s Contract simply required a 120 day notice. Should the new Council elect not to extend the optional one year; a simple 120 day notice of no extension could have been given and allow the contract to run its course and expire on April 9, 2011. Now, with the extension, if the new Council wishes to replace the City Manager, we will be required to pay the full salary to the new end of contract. This is really a golden parachute of at least $130,000. Are there any attorneys out there that can shed some light on how to fix this injustice? Steve Lamb

September 22, 2010

Letter to the Editor

Re: Delta Breeze Bus
And John Andoh – transit coordinator John Andou arrived in Rio Vista in 2005 and things
changed and not for the best as he stated. For 20 years the bus ran on a Grant from Rio Vista
and the system worked. We had one driver/dispatcher, no outside bus company and no
transit coordinator. The bus stayed in town one day a week and the rest
of the week it went to Lodi, Antioch and Fairfield. Every seat was filled by the elder citizens and the handicapped. The “shopping” bus as it was named filled a need for those of us who needed more than Rio Vista offered. Also many of us had doctors in the
above mentioned towns. John eliminated the bus and turned it into a COlnmute
bus going to Bart and more than doubled the price.
We want our old system back!!
Marilyn Ferrario

Dear Editor
Rio Vista A Place to Preserve!
This is one of my campaign issues. Rio Vista is not only a wonderful place to be, but a wonderful place to preserve because of its natural beauty. As I was driving home last evening on Airport Road in view was a mountain range and above a clear sky with a few whispering clouds. The sunset illuminated the few clouds with bright yellow and red hues. As I looked to my left I saw the windmills slowly turning to the pace of the gentle wind. On my right, I was welcomed by the runway lights at the Rio Vista Municipal Airport, the same lights that greet our evening pilots. As I continued my peaceful journey home, I saw a plane gracefully headed towards Travis. What a pleasant evening drive. What do you experience when you travel around the City? Do you marvel at the beauty of the river when you turn on Airport and River Road and see the river and folks fishing from the bank enjoying the peacefulness of the water and the thrill of fishing?
Often, when I turn onto Main Street and park my car I enjoy time leisurely and safely walking from City Hall to Lira’s or stopping at Able Chevrolet and walking to Raul’s Stripers for breakfast while enjoying the friendliness of the people and ducking into the various shops to browse. By chance, I spotted a group of ladies I know working on a Main Street flower bed. I met others conducting business, stopping for lunch at the Bakery, and enjoying their day. Hanging out in Rio Vista by day can be as pleasant as the evening.
Along with the peaceful atmosphere, the people of Rio Vista are the most generous people I know. Their generosity seems to be unlimited and contagious when it comes to helping others. We take care of and provide for our own. We accomplish things by working together for progress. Good examples are the Rio Vista Community Services, which in 2009 provided 4,450 bags of food and the Rio Vista Foundation efforts to complete the City pool for families and youth. There are so many giving people in Rio Vista. That giving attitude gives us a sense of community and a place where we can rally for the good of others.
We have a business community and service groups that give and give. They support the community not only by their donations, but they are part of the revenue source that keeps the City operating. When I left the Rio Vista Chamber Mixer, other groups were leaving, some headed for the Point Restaurant, some for Lucy’s Restaurant, and some for home. I wonder if they took a moment to enjoy the same sense of peace and ease I felt as they journeyed to Main Street or ventured further down Second Street. Hopefully, others will be encouraged to share why they enjoy living in Rio Vista.
Connie Boulware
Candidate for Rio Vista City Council
Working Together for Progress

September 15, 2010

BITS AND PIECES
Dear Editor

Who raw, it has been reported to me that the oversight committee, now called the “Water, Wastewater, Enterprise Fund” (WWEF) is finally going to attempt to do some over sighting. The committee was formed in January, 2010 to keep an eye on the City Manager, Water and Sewer Revenue, and Expenses. For nine months they have been like a flounder out of water; floundering about and not going anywhere. This is due to information being with held from the City Manager. The committee will be contacting the City Council directly to obtain information up front on projects being proposed and missing fund balances. I hope the Council will support the WWEF Committee’s request. The committee can not do their job without the full information being made available to them.

The Mayor and City Council need to do more research on various topics on their own rather than just believe everything the City Manager and City Engineer tells them.

To Mr. Frank Reid; thank you for verifying some of my reported fund amounts and where they were spent. Since we all know where you got the rest of your opinioned information from, I will just consider the source and leave it at that.

Thank you to Mr. Hale Conklin and the Chamber on putting on the first Candidate’s Night held at the high school theater. Thanks also to Mr. Eddie Woodruff for moderating the event and keeping us on tract. Thanks most of all to the interested Rio Vista citizens who came out on a windy night to hear us. This was my first outing for this type of event, needless to say, I was a bit nervous. I hope my vision for better government was useful and acceptable to all that attended.

Steve Lamb

Dear Editor,
It would be wonderful if Rio Vista had only one sewer plant. We have
two. It would be wonderful if prior city administrations had raised
the water and sewer rates in manageable amounts over the last
few years. They did not. It would be wonderful if Sacramento had managed
our state finances better over the last twenty years. They have
not. It would be really wonderful if Washington had been better at
managing our Federal dollars. They have not.
The truth is that we have borrowed, spent and wasted money and
now the entire country is in a financial mess. It is time to start dealing
with what we have now, today, and to do the responsible things
that will put our local house in order. I do not believe that
any resident in this city wanted to see our water/sewer rates
increase to the present level! That includes the Council members who
voted for the increases. When a committee of citizens searched for
a solution and agreed the increases were necessary, they faced the
same criticisms. The consequences of failing to deal with this
now are serious. This is not “fear mongering”.

It is the truth. It is time to demonstrate some fiscal responsibility. I have voted many times in my life based
upon Tax Payers Associations recommendations. I won’t be
inclined to do so now because they are dead wrong on this issue.
The name-calling and accusations featured in one of our local papers
is bad enough, but what is worse are the political “spin” and the inaccuracies.
And speaking of political “spin”. When an
unpopular vote is taken, we have one councilperson
who having the same information that
everyone else has and knowing that the item
will pass anyway, always votes to look like the
“good guy”. This looks
like political ambition
to me! Please, do your
job now in a responsible manner.
A Concerned Citizen of
Fund Raiser

September 8, 2010

Dear Editor
I would like to respond to the Letter from Mrs. Pa-
petti printed in both local newspapers on Sept 1
The tone of the letter was somewhat belliger-
ent. However, If I may be permitted to clarify some points that Mrs. Papetti raised. Quote “Bernie Were you hallucinating when
you suggested that I join the WWEF?”.
If Mrs. Papetti recalls, I have made several phone calls to her over the last
few months and we dis- cussed a variety of topics.
I was surprised to discover that Mr. Papetti had many
years of well drilling experience, including the ways
to reduce arsenic. At this point during the discussion I suggested that she
join the WWEF. I relayed our conversation to several WWEF members and urged that they contact her. From the feedback, at least two members
spoke to her and shared opinions. I can understand
that we all have lapses of memory but I hope that these reminders will
Mrs. Papetti stated “So Bernie the CCWW placed an advert in the Trilogy
Bulletin inviting interested parties to attend the CCWW”. If I recall
correctly, an advert was placed initially in the Trilogy Bulletin by a couple
of private individuals, because that’s where the grass roots opposition to
the City Managers Proposal started. However it was made clear that while
Trilogy space was made available for meetings, the HOA did not support
or condone any activity. Subsequently a website was developed and pub-
licized in the local press, paid for by the CCWW members and applications
were solicited from all Rio Vista residents. Additionally I did a spot on Radio Rio urging all residents to visit our website. This was
broadcast over a number of weeks in 2008. Mrs. Papetti further states
that “The residence (?.) of Rio Vista had one citizen
attend and was told to leave by the Chairman”. I would like to elaborate on feeling of anger, embarrassment and amazement.
Mr. Kogler will no doubt confirm my feelings that I expressed in a phone call later that evening, that I am sure he will recollect. Shortly after that incident some members resigned. Mr. Kogler to his credit did
attend several subsequent meetings.
Mrs. Papetti further states that the “That an email from the Chairman stated that it was not open to the public.” This is completely
false. I personally phoned two applicants and left my phone number for a
response that was not returned. Only the Chairman can respond to the
accusations made against him if he so desires. During our phone con-
versations several months ago, I did indicate that I
was considering support of the Initiative to roll
back the rates based on the performance of our
government. However, having weighed the options and consequences
of a rate roll back, to $65/ month, I believe that reached out to her and
several others who do not necessarily share my
views. While I have made several phone calls to Mrs.
Papetti, she has chosen to return only one, about a week ago when she
complained that I referred to her as Ms. Papetti. I apologized both by phone and in an email with an attempt at a little humor.
In response to Mrs. Papetti’s assertion that Prop 218 does not necessitate
the two rate system, The attorney member of the
CCWW concluded that this was a requirement.
The City attorney’s law firm concurred with the recommendation. I am not qualified to dispute this decision This city needs all the help it can get from willing people whether they are from Downtown and Trilogy. We are one city. I strongly support the WWEF and any volunteer groups who are willing to work for the betterment of our City.

The inference that I read from Mrs. Papetti’s lettsition 19 on the November ballot. For more information:
www.deltateapartypatriots.blogspot.com or dtppatriots@
gmail.com. If you have any questions please contact me.
Jack Silva
CLASSIFIED ADS
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Business Card Spe-
AUTO SALES
RHD 2006 Right Hand
BLUEGRASS BAND
With the combined
jog her memory. Again, I
would encourage her to
join and become part of
the solution.
Fred Kogler to attend the
meeting with the intent
that he would become
a member of the group.
When the meeting was
about to start. I informed
the group that I had
invited Mr Kogler (who
was absent). The Chair-
man responded “ I HAVE
DIS-INVITED HIM” without
City. Instead I decide to
run for a Council seat un-
like Mrs. Papetti who filed
papers but did not follow
through. I intend to do
whatever is in my power
to help get our City back
on track.
I agree with Mrs. Papetti
statement “That the whole
that the CCWW. were an
elitist group is complete
nonsense. Both the
CCWW and the WWEF
solicited members who
have expertise relevant to
resolving the City’s spe-
cific issues. We have many
challenges ahead of us.
It is incumbent on us to
attract the right people for

August 25, 2010

The Beacon would like to apologze
to Mr. Durman for printing
the wrong letter to the Editor in
the Aug, 18th 2010 edition. Here
is the correct letter.

Dear Editor,
In recent edition of the Beacon,
Mr. Steve Lamb suggested that
your readers read my letter published
in the River News Herald
in response to a recent article.
Below is an updated version of
that letter:
In response to the article on Arsenic
Benzene and Water Meters
that appeared in a recent River
News Herald. I would like to clarify
some points made on the Water
Meter Issue.
In compliance with California
law, all private residences built
after 1992 are required to have
water meters installed in the
initial construction. The meters
were not required to be read until
April of this year. The water rates
are currently charged on a flat
rate basis. This of course is unfair
that a family with a swimming
pool is charged the same rate as
a single person living in a mobile
home.
As of April of 2010 the law
required that all homes equipped
with meters must be read for
one year and the residents billed
for water usage starting in April
2011. The reason for a 12 month
dummy run is twofold:
To determine the usage and develop
a data base to compute the
cost charged to the residents and
To give the homeowners the
opportunity to monitor, optimize
and fix any leaks or wastage.
As I was quoted in the article,
“Voluntary conservation isn’t
working” however when it hits the
wallet, “The heart and the mind
will follow” All meters installed
in the City before 2009 are (old
technology) analog meters manufactured
by Sensus/Rockwell
Corporation. They are installed in
a box covered by a concrete lid
and are easily accessible within
a foot of the of the pavement or
sidewalk. In order to read the
meters it is necessary to remove
the 20# concrete lid and manually
note the 6 digit recording odometer
on the dial. The readings
are then manually entered into
a database in City Hall. This has
several disadvantages.
It is time consuming requiring
about one minute / meter.
Subject to misreads by number
transposition etc
Potentially hazardous due to
possibility of poisonous insects
lurking in the box..
Currently the City is reading
these analog meters to presumably
develop a database
to compute the future water
rates. However if misreads occur
these may go undetected and a
flawed database will be generated
resulting in an incorrect rate
structure. Residents will note that
the City has changed the billing
format to report the water usage.
However the reading reported in
the last three billing statements
(including the August bill) is 0
(zero) usage. This is because the
City has not yet entered the data
collected since April or May.! This
is not a good start to the program.
According to a comment in Al
Eaton’s recent column the cost
of mailing this non informational
report is $6000? month.
It was reported in the article
that Mayor Vick stated “Water
education is an ongoing effort”
correct, but what has he City
done. Does Mayor Vick consider
that the half page inclusion into
recent bill an ongoing effort?.
In the early 1970s I was a project
engineer at Neptune Company
and when the former CCWW was
developing the new proposed
direction for the City’s future I was
asked to research the “Water Meter
Issue”. After many many hours
of investigation including discussions
with several other municipalities
which I shared both with
the CCWW and the City Council/
Administration. My recommendation
was that the existing meters
be upgraded with a Sensus/Rockwell
Touch Read system. (There
are almost 300,000 currently in
use by over twenty municipalities
within 100 miles of Rio Vista).
This entails removing the analog
dial on the meter and replacing it
with an electronic encoder which
sends a signal to a sensor installed
in the lid of the meter box. In
order to read the meter it is necessary
only to touch the mushroom
shaped sensor on the meter box
lid with a wand. This automatically
uploads the information
into a a small computer (with a
10,000 read storage capability) attached
to the readers belt. At an
appropriate time the computer is
docked and read seamlessly into
the computer at City Hall. This
information generates initially an
accurate database and later the
water bill. I was able to simulate
208 reads/ hour in Trilogy by walking
past each meter and touching
the lid with a walking cane. If a
golf cart was used with one person,
the reads could easily exceed
300/ hour or complete Trilogy in
one day. The cost to upgrade the
present system has been quoted
by the distributer as less than
$80/ meter installed. The total
cost to convert approximately
2000 meters including necessary
hardware /software would be less
than $200,000.
The Council/ City Manager
however as reported in the article
has decided to go a step further
and convert existing meters to
allow the meters to be read by
driving past the the meter without
making contact with the box.
This would be achieved by using
a Radio Frequency transmitter
upgrade to the existing meter. I
am totally against this approach
for the following reasons.
The meters in Rio Vista are in
close proximity with each other,
and the advantage gained by
drive by /RF system Vs using a
golf cart /TR system are not cost
effective.
Upgrading equipment with a
competitors third party more
complex after market product is
asking for problems, the cost of
which will no doubt passed on
to us. An example can be found
in the testimony of K R Mason PE
on Website www.ripuc.org on
problems encountered (this refers
to Neptune meters)
The proposed system distributed
my National Meter Automation
Corp. (Sensus competitor) is
projected to cost the City over
$1,000,000
Mayor Vick was quoted that as
stating that “ Touch Read is fine
but we would have to upgrade
in 10 years. If she is quoted accurately
this is complete nonsense.
The return on investment (ROI)
diminishes drastically when the
meters are close together. I doubt
that in 10 years Rio Vista will become
a sprawling metropolis.
With constant changes in electronic
technology this thinking
makes as much sense investing in
a plasma TV in anticipation that
there will be no advances the
market in the future.
DOES OUR CITY GOVERNMENT
NOT GET IT WE’RE BROKE!
I would like to relate a chance
meeting recently with a City
employee who I engaged in a
conversation on this subject. This
person was in favor of the drive
by system because it provided
protection from the elements in
the heat of summer and the rain
in winter. Finally when pressed I
was given the answer that Hector
had made up his mind some time
ago based on experience at a previous
municipality. This reminds
me of the decision to invade Iraq
“I have decided!, now make the
facts fit”. For obvious reasons I
will not divulge the source of this
information.
I have requested the actual time
to read the existing in ground
meters on June 13. On June 17
received a response from the City
stating that they were working
on it. Subsequent phone calls and
emails have been ignored and not
returned. I still have not received
an official response to my request
for the total time to read the existing
meters in one month.
However in more recent chance
meeting with a City Employee It
was stated that they were able
to read about 250 / day with one
person using a golf cart borrowed
from Trilogy. If two employees are
used the number increases considerably.
This I understand is the
current procedure. I would like to
know “Will the public pay for this
fiscal irresponsibility by having an
increase in their monthly water
bills? Will the City’s General Fund
or the Water Enterprise Fund pay
for this inefficient practice? Mr.
Delarosa constantly complains
that Staff is overworked and uses
it as an excuse for the City’s short
comings, and yet he allows Public
Works personnel to waste time
collecting data that may be inaccurate
if misreads occur
It is time that in view of this and
many other previous decisions
and the lack of cooperation from
City Hall that a major change is required
in our City Administration
if Rio Vista is to remain solvent.
The disarming smile is worn out.
Having exposed the negatives of
this fiscally irresponsible decision
I would like to offer a positive approach
to the solution.
Upgrade the existing meters
using the existing manufacturers
Touch Read equipment at a total
unit cost of about $80/unit.
Replace any defective analog
meters with a new built in TR
meter at a cost of $135/meter
plus installation (less than $50).
Negotiate the return of any analog
meters still under warranty.
Hire and train part time employees
preferably with a golf cart to
touch the mushroom sensor on
the lid of each box marked “WATER
METER” with the magic wand
and return the equipment to City
hall at the end of each day.
Determine a cost / meter read
and advertise for a part time position
with no benefits (approximately
2-3 days / month initially).
Notify the public both by letter,
City Website and the news media
of the legal requirements and
benefits of a metered water
system
Develop a comprehensive list
of water saving opportunities
include it in the bill and publish it
on the City’s Website similar to the
www.ci.Brentwood.ca./pw (water
conservation)
For the record I have communicated
all of this information to
the City Government over the last
couple of years but as expected it
has been ignored.
I would add the disclaimer that
I do not own a golf cart and I
have no connection either past or
present in any way with Sensus/
Rockwell or any other meter
manufacturing or distribution
company except Neptune Meter
where I was employed about 40
years ago.
Bernard Durman
Dear Editor
“Governor, our math is better
than your math, so we will just sit
here until you give in”. “Nah na na
nana.”
Meanwhile $52 Million dollars a
day goes up in smoke.
What does it take for Californians
to come up with $52 Million Dollars
in tax dollars?
If the average tax rate is 8% then
we all have to do $650 million
dollars worth of taxable business
every day! This enables the idiots
in Sacramento to indulge in their
power games while they play lip
service to our historic debt.
Our legislators have long ago
stopped caring what it takes to
get a real job and earn a living
wage.
We are all going over a cliff and
only a few in Sacramento want
to put the brakes on their “gravy Continued From Page 2
headlines in bold print. It is at
that moment that we express
feelings of surprise or horror.
During the course of life, we
are asked to make decisions.
Some are easy and others weigh
heavily upon us. About a month%

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