Letters to the Editor

Disclaimer: Opinions and letters published in The Rio Vista Beacon are not necessarily
the views of the Editor, or Publisher.

October 3, 2012
Dear Editor,
The weather was perfect and brought out over two hundred people attended Trilogy’s Sixth Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday, September 22, 2012. Our Trilogy volunteers helped with this successful event, working diligently for several months. Over 25 vendors par¬ticipated sharing their wealth of knowledge with the Health Fair guests. The Health Fair provided glucose screening, blood pressure checks and BMI testing. Hearing Services of Rio Vista and Advanced Hearing Aid Center provided hearing health. Golden Star Homes, Merrill Gardens, and Solano Life House shared Senior Health and Assisted Living Resourc¬es. Trilogy Fitness & Spa gave 10 minute chair massage sessions & BMI testing. A variety of nutrition information was supplied by: Delta Wellness Center, Senior Helpers North Bay, Meals on Wheels of Solano, Rio Vista Ministry and Juice Plus. North Bay Adult Daycare, National Stroke Assoc. and American Cancer Society offered information on a support groups and resources; Dentistry of the Delta shared dental health information. Health care directives and Estate Planning were offered by the Law Office of Greta Jenkins. Trilogy Disaster Preparedness gave guidance on being prepared. Medic Ambulance, Rio Vista Police and Rio Vista Fire Department gave valuable information on security in our homes and being prepared in medical emergencies. Trilogy Fitness & Spa and NuSkin, provided demonstra¬tions on having healthy glowing skin. Partnership Healthplan of CA. and V.G. Capital pro¬vided health insurance information and resources. A fitness machine to help firm the body and lose weight was demonstrated by Zaaz Whole Body Vibration.
A FREE raffle supplied many a happy face with a prize. We are so thankful for the many do¬nated prizes from the vendors which added and helped make this fair a success….
THANK YOU
Diane Shafer Real Estate; Delta Pharmacy and Lira’s Supermarket for your continued sup¬port.
Last a THANK YOU to Trilogy at Rio Vista Master Association for sponsoring this event.
Sincerely,
Kathy Erwin, Trilogy Fitness & Spa Director
Anna Chunn, Health Fair Chairperson

September 19, 2012
OUR SAFETY IS AT RISK
The City’s general fund, from which the police and fire departments are funded, is in significant
trouble with revenue down 42 percent over the past five years. If Measure O, the
local three quarter cent sales tax, fails to be approved, the police and fire departments will be
decimated. The result:
•Our police protection will be by the Solano County Sherif f’s Department. Not being in Rio
Vista, they will take 20-40 minutes to respond to a 911 call from a Rio Vista resident.
•The fire department will be reduced to volunteer firefighters with an inadequate number of
paramedics.
•Fire insurance rates will increase.
Please vote YES on measure O. All the money that results from the sales tax increase will go
into the City’s general fund. The increased funds will help keep these departments able to at
least maintain their current strength to maintain our local safety.
Your YES vote on measure O is essential for our safety.
Daniel L. Azarnoff, MD

Dear Editor,
When our citizens participate in an election, the basic rule is to hire the most qualified person
to the position, regardless of race, gender or any other factors. The last election proved
to us that electing an inexperienced leader can cause serious damage to our way of life,
our economy, our national security and our standing in the world. You don’t elect a person
for the highest office because he is cool or hip or because of his race or your own feeling
of guilt or sympathy or may be because you don’t understand the implication of a serious
election..The current president is bound by the environmental hard liners. He has put harsh
restrictions in coal exploration, oil and gas production, farming and many other energy
sources by creating millions of pages of regulations and controls. The anti-business health
care law was passed, despite the objection of the majority of Americans citizens and businesses
by law makers who admitted that they never read the law..The high cost of energy
and food is hurting the working class Americans and the administration has stopped a safe
energy production source from Canada simply to satisfy some Hollywood celebrities. The
hatred towards America is spreading around the world The. atorney general has been involved
in a criminal act of killing American Border agent and hundreds of Mexican citizens
and he has complete support of the president.I am not here to advise Americans how to vote,
All I am asking is for them to think hard and fast before marking that name in the ballot.
Jeffrey Kennan

Editor,
I urge any Rio Vista resident concerned with Paramedic Response, Fire Service,Police Services
or their Insurance rates to vote YES on Measure O.
Rio Vista faces a huge budget deficit (projected over $400,000 next year). Most non-essential
services have already been cut dramatically and the fire and police are already running below
where they should be. Two vacant paramedic positions are not being filled.
Police and fire services are 72% of our budget. Cuts to compensate for the deficit are not even
remotely feasible given how much has been cut in the past. We can’t have a police department
with less than two officers on duty at a time.
Further cuts to our fire department means it would have to go to a volunteer system. Not only
will that change how long it will take for them to respond, and the quality of the response;
it will cause our ISO rating to be reduced. And what that means is your insurance rates will
rise.
Measure O will increase our sales tax by three quarters of one percent. So, if you buy $50
worth of gas in town, itwould cost you thirty-seven and one half cents more.
Passing Measure O will avoid catastrophic results for our city without hurting your pocket
book very much.
Please vote YES on MEASURE O.
Thank you,
Arthur Fox

JULY 25, 2012
Allow me the thank you for publishing The Beacon. It serves a vital need in our community.
I live adjacent to the huge dish antenna on American Falls Drive which abuts the site of the
Waste Water Treatment Plant so much under discussion of late. As such I cannot hold myself
out as an unbiased observer in the controversy concerning the purchase of this property.
I hold strong views on the types and extent of activity I wish conducted next door to me.
I am, however, committed to abiding by that which is in the best interest of “all” Trilogy
homeowners. This is why I need your help. I would like every able homeowner to get
involved in laying bare the process by which we have reached the present juncture in the
purchase/don’t purchase/can’t purchase/won’t purchase process. May I suggest as a starting
point the correspondence dated November 2, 2010 from Ann Rankin, the then attorney
to the Home Owner’s Association, to the HOA Board of Directors and Ed Vitrano, the then
and current General Manager of our community. It is my hope the letter will spark an interest
in further research to determine whether the purchase of th is 35,000 sq. ft. property is
worth our investment and, if so, to uncover the best methodology, encompassing the least
liability for our community. It is a significant undertaking and I pray you will be eager t o
do your part in seeing that Trilogy continues as a wonderful retirement community. If you
experience difficulty in obtaining the aforementioned document y ou may email me, (mparalegal4u@
yahoo.com), and I will gladly forward a copy ASAP. Allow me to thank you in
advance for your anticipated cooperation and feedback. You will be greatly assisting me by
knowing I am truly seeking the will of my fellow homeowners.
D. Dante Miles

Once again I have received a liberal “Smack Down” for voicing my conservative opinions.
Once again my “pseudo” Studebaker and Lexus received “pseudo” insults (I am surprised
they are still running).
If the saterical Mr. Stichick will check his back “Beacon” issues he will find that my editorial
responses to Rio Vista’s core liberals were solely in response to their “throwing the first
stone”. I must admit though, stones do get my juices flowing.
Consistent in liberal blather is smoke and the lack of ideas or solutions. If you truly believe
this country is OK then write in and say why. If you disagree with an editorial opinion then
write in your opposing opinion. Using up your negative vocabulary is not only petty, it
sounds too much like the presidential campaign.
Eleanor Roosevelt said it best “No one can make you feel inferior without your permission”.
Mr. Stichick you do not have my permission.
Thank you to the many, many folks who call, write, stop me in the street and email their
approval of what I am trying to say in these critical months before the election.
Hans Slade

Dear Editor
It has come to my attention from a reliable source that Mr. Elwin Beck has decided not
to pursue the initiative often referred to as Measure “A” Junior, to reverse the water rate
increase that was overwhelmingly approved by the voters of Rio Vista in 2010. If this information
is correct, I applaud Mr. Beck for this his courageous decision.
Perhaps it was the fact that the City has been seen to be diligently repairing the sewer and
water infrastructure that would not have been possible without the rate increase. Or, did Mr.
Beck view the presentation given at a recent Council Meeting by Drs. Dan Azanoff and PC
Kumar who gave an excellent account of the cost and status of the various current and future
projects that are required to maintain the services in our City and comply with the State and
Federal Mandates.

It shows strength of character to admit personal misjudgment. I commend Mr. Beck for his
change of heart and hope that he will continue to take an interest in City affairs.
Bernie Durman

So it seems that guy Slade that always uses the Beacon to whine about people getting government
handouts has a point.
By his own admission, the Lexus driving retired military guy is collecting a big fat government
retirement check from the military, gets free government medical care from Tricare,
and government funded Medicare, gets government paid VA benefits, and a government
paid Social Security check.
These darn socialists, always looking for a hand-out from the government that us hardworking
taxpayers have to pay for.
Oh yeah, I’m sure the teabagger will deny it, just like he denied owning an expensive topof-
the-line Lexus that he bought with taxpayer’s money. But, readers have caught on to him
and understand that a barrage of excuses and untruths will result. We are used to his deceitful
rants and untruths.
But, then the question does remain, when will the Teabagger leaches ever quit feeding at the
government trough ?
John Gateman

When you open your check from the federal government (and nearl y 50% of the population
does…every month) consider that today, 40% of it is borrowed money that is adding to the
National Debt every second of every day. As an example: If it costs you $3,000 a month to
maintain your lifestyle then your budgeted income would need to include borrowing $1,200
from your credit card account. How long would that go on? Both Visa and China do have
their limits….Would you curb your spending or demand more money from your boss without
spending less? How would that go?
Our elected officials are currently ignoring the elephant in the room. Solutions they say are
impossible. If I vote for more taxes, My Party will drop me and I will not get reelected or, If
I vote for less spending, My Party will drop me and I will not get reelected. Stalemate!
In the past, effective Presidents have straddled the aisle and forced the children to “play
nice” and negotiate for the good of the country. This President stands resolute with his
lefty Democratic Party offering no more than the age old liberal mantra of “Tax the Rich”.
Everyone knows that taxing the rich even one hundred percent would have no meaningful
effect on solving our budget (spending) problems. Our smooth talking Orator in Chief with
his well oiled, half truth, 100% negative PAC are pounding away. They appear confident in
gaining re election. His abysmal record will be the last thing we hear about.
Over two years ago, Senator Paul Ryan (R) had the temerity (guts) to propose a long term
Federal Budget plan. It was a feasible way back from our ever escallating debt problems. It
both increased taxes and cut spending. Without debate it was buried by the Senate controlled
Democrats as far too radical.
The (expired) Federal Budget today is an unfunded mandate created and run by a group of
wastrels with no sense of urgency. They have been kicking the can down the road for so
long they think it in itself is an accomplishment.
I predict that a version of Senator Ryan’s moderately painful plan will come out from under
the rug someday, only this time the accumulated pain will be far greater.
Listen for the good ideas and not the bad mouthing. Vote accordingly.
Hans Slade
Delta Tea Party

March 28, 2012

Dear Editor, Working for the Common Good

About the time of the Bass Festival last October, a few citizens noticed that the six waterfront flags at the end of Main Street had been missing from their poles for several years. With the Festival around the corner, a private donor paid for decorative flags and they have been flying since that time, bright and festive, enjoyed by citizens, both local and those visiting. The flags, even with watchful care and repair, are now looking weathered.

Since City coffers could not afford the estimated $2,000 annual cost, an endeavor for a year’s worth of flags was undertaken. Internet searches revealed a flag cost less than a third of the estimate and contact with a recent Chamber member, BST Ink, indicated a reduction in silk-screening costs as well. Letters were written to area service organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce, asking if there was interest in the endeavor and two organizations, Rotary and Sister Cities, responded with donations. The City also found some funding to fill the donation gap.

As a result, new flags have been purchased and marked as appropriate, recognizing both the City of Rio Vista and it’s Japanese sister city, Tobishima. They will fly beginning April 1 and will be rotated every 3 months or so.

Thanks to the Rotary Club of Rio Vista, the Sister Cities Association and Lynette Brister of BST, for particular interest. While a rather small project, it is a good indication of what can happen in this City when private citizens, partnering with organization and public funding, get behind something.

Now for the flags at the Waterfront Promenade . . . !

Ed Vitrano

Editor,

I’ve just learned that someone named Elwin Beck is attempting to put another measure on November’s ballot to change the water rates in Rio Vista. We’ve already been through this drill. Why would Mr. Beck do something so foolish.

It seems kind of a dumb thing to do, since we now know that each special election costs the city thousands of dollars. So here we have someone that purports to want to save residents money, and he is attempting to initiate another special election that will cost residents thousands more again.

We’ve all seen the “Roadrunner” cartoon in which Wylie Coyote tries, unsuccessfully, to trick the road runner again, and again. Except this time, Mr. Beck is going to try to trick the people of Rio Vista into paying again for another election. The citizens have learned that the current cost of water and sewer is necessary to fix the ancient system that keeps breaking. The Beacon had an article in the most recent edition about the repair of our local system. The few pennies made with each monthly payment are what pay for the upkeep of a very, very old and feeble water and sewer system.

I want our water and sewer system fixed and it won’t get repaired if “ Mr. Wylie Coyote” Beck is successful in getting enough signatures. Hopefully, the people that he cajoles to sign his petition will understand that the people of Rio Vista have been through that “Wylie Coyote” trick before, and lost money the first time, and unless they are not very bright, they won’t give their signature to put it on the ballot again.

I am particularly troubled by the blatant untruth filed as the reason for the ballot measure. That people have left Rio Vista only because of the high water rates ? Get serious ! People leave for a number of reasons, and normally, for most people, water rates are not a cause. Jobs perhaps, or something else, but not what Mr. Beck is saying. It just doesn’t make sense.

Mr. Beck is being dishonest with the citizens of Rio Vista, for some self serving reason, and in doing so, he is playing the role of Wylie Coyote, but this time it is going to cost the people of Rio Vista for another special election AGAIN.

John Gateman

EDITOR:
Mr. Elwin Beck Jr. is obtaining signatures on a petition to reduce the water andsewer
rates below that needed to maintain an adequate supply of these utilities. An
earlier petition based on a similar reduction in rates was not only defeated by a vote
of the residents but cost the City $62,000.

Mr. Beck’s publically stated rationale is residents of Rio Vista cannot afford the
current rates and the City does not pay for the water it uses. Now Mr. Beck needs to
provide the residents the proof that his reasons are indeed valid.
I will provide Mr. Beck proof (a City financial document) that the City paid over
$24,000 for its water and wastewater usage last year.

Under California proposition 218 affordability cannot be considered in setting the
rates. Even if this emotional reason could be considered, Mr. Beck has not provided
residents adequate proof that a significant number of residents moved from Rio
Vista specifically because they could not af ford the water and sewer rates.
Citing the case of residents who moved due to foreclosures of their properties is
not proof they specifically moved because they could not af ford the water and
sewer rates. It would also be useful to know if those, (if any? ), who specifically left
because they could not afford the water and sewer rates would have stayed in Rio
Vista if the rates were the level in the petition. Also, did they move to a City where
the water and sewer rates are cheaper than here?

I am a firm believer in EVIDENCE when available, not conjecture. I urge residents
not to sign his petition until Mr. Beck proves me incorrect by providing EVIDENCE
his two reasons for the petition are valid in a letter to the editor or an article in
the local newspapers.
Daniel L. Azarnoff, M.D.

Letter to the Editor:
Kudos to the Rio Vista Senior Mens Golf Club (RVSMGC) for staging the 6th
Annual High School Invitational. Kudos, also, to Lira’s Market for donating food
and beverage, to The Nines Restaurant for donating food service, and to the R. V.
Golf Course for donating use of their excellent facility.
At this event, members of the Rio Vista High School Golf Team are invited to
play the game of golf with seasoned players, then dine with their hosts. The team
will be exposed to adult etiquette and sportsmanship, both on and off the course.
The RVSMGC will also present each RVHS team member with a gift certificate.

To the editor:

I had the pleasure of substitute-teaching at Rio Vista High School for the two days of “Every 15 Minutes.” There have been many positive experiences for me at this school in the last three years. However, the two day- program to curb impaired driving was an intense experience for me and for all who attended.

The participation and co-ordination of so many state, county and local law enforcement agencies was remarkable. Day #1’s simulated car/motorcycle collision with first responders including the CalStar Medic Helicopter was sobering. Day #2 included a professionally created video by Timeline Video Productions that included a scene of the party before, the crash, the response by police and fire personnel and the emergency room at North Bay Hospital. It was very realistic.

Wendy Reynolds, a former DA and judge, left the room spellbound when she revealed that she was a five-year-old left in a mangled wreck after losing her parents and sister. I sat behind Mr. and Mrs. Guggemos as the listened to their daughter Jenny read a letter to them after her “death” in Thursday’s crash. Their tears flowed liberally as did the tears of Melinda Barkman who spoke of the loss of her daughter Ashley to a drunk driver in 2008.

On both days, the students were quiet, respectful, introspective and emotional. Counseling was made available to those who wanted it. I really think that the result of the two-day experience will be that the youth of Rio Vista will think twice before getting behind the wheel while they are impaired.

In closing I want to say to the community that you have a high school with a dedicated, talented and caring staff and terrific, wonderful students. I am blessed to be a small part of Rio Vista High School.

Thank you.

Very truly,

Susan Jones

March 14, 2012
To the Editor,

A letter to the editor in the Beacon a few weeks ago illustrated the growing tendency in our country to level personal attacks at individuals for their views. It said that I resent property owners and wish to overtax seniors. I am a property owner and a senior living on social security. The social discourse would be better served if we engaged in an honest discussion of property taxes. For example, if Prop 13 was intended to protect the elderly from high real estate taxes it failed to do so for many of us who pay more now than we did for much more expensive homes during our working years. Maybe we should provide discounts for seniors and lower income and unemployed residents. It might be better than putting local governments on the edge of bankruptcy while not really protecting seniors. I welcome both supportive and dissenting views and suggestions from anyone in Rio Vista at “hamptonforriovista.com.” However, my vision for Rio Vista includes a city in which everyone is working together for a commonly desired future and, while opinions on the correct approach may differ, there is no reason for vilification of anyone in the newspapers.

Dave Hampton

Dear editor,
Reading Mr. Robert Johnson’s letter, I got the impression that some people feel that they are guilty of being under-taxed I will use myself as an example of typical American tax payer.I pay 46% of my income for Social Security, medicare and the Federal and State tax.With the rest of my money,I pay sales tax, gas tax, tire tax, home mortgage, property tax, home insurance, home repair, Car loan, car registration, car service, professional license fees, malpractice insurance,state bond fees and scores of personal expenses. Mr. Johnson, falsely gives this impression that the parents of Catholic school children and the parents of Chinese, Indian and other nationalities children with high scores are paying higher property tax.!I have been involved with Foster City School District in the past.That District was flooded with funds until they got the benefit of a school bond which generated so much money they decided to promote the current employees and hire more people for minimal work at the District to use the extra funds. California is bankrupt because of wasteful , irresponsible State bureaucrats. The damage is so deep that imposition of hundreds of millions of extra property tax is not going to save the state, but the state’s school districts are not starving for money. Respectfully .Dr. Jeffrey kennan, Rio Vista

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 take

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