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Unmentionable
May 23, 2004
Just for the record and because you didn't mention it, councilman
David Laurell is the only elected official I could ever find who returned a telephone message. So I’d appreciate it
if you’d consider that when you’re poking fun at him. (See CURRENT COLUMN - "House Detectives Bust Former Mayor.")
Try getting his kind of constituent service today from (council
members) David Golonski, or from "I’m holier than thou" Stacey Murphy. (Current mayor) Marsha Ramos is a do-gooder who
cannot think for herself and needs hand-holding city employees to help her through every discussion. Councilman Todd Campbell
defines smarmy and pander. But his vocabulary doesn’t include the word "substance" because he has no cause to use it.
I don’t suppose you will stop writing about Mr. Laurell.
But the next time you do I hope you will mention that this citizen is grateful for his service. I am grateful for his visits
to the Joslyn Center. I hope we have someone of his caliber on the city council again some day soon.
Elena Graham, Burbank
Deja Blew It
May 22, 2004
As I read your column about Glendale’s "Widows and Orphans"
fund, I remembered back when that scandal first became public. (See COLUMNS FIRST PUBLISHED ELSEWHERE - "Gimme Money!") I only wish I’d been reminded a few months earlier, when the whole Town Center project was coming to Glendale’s
city council. I wish everyone could have been reminded of Glendale City Hall’s record in developing commercial projects.
These days the word "hubris" is overused to the point of dilution. But there’s no question it applies to this crowd.
Cliff Jacobson, Glendale
Southern Exposure
May 17, 2004
A friend referred me to your site when she found it sort
of in a fluke during a Google search. (She was looking for something on Janet Jackson, and your piece in Quick Hits
popped up.) She has since forwarded the URL all over the office, and I'm among those who took a few minutes to check
out the site she described as, "Very interesting, smart and so smart ass that y'all are gonna love it!" She was right.
I'll be back again. Sounds like City Hall is a lot more interesting for you folks than it is down here.
Thanks for the fun.
Monica Strey, Atlanta, GA
The Doctor Is In
May 17, 2004
I read your article about the "House of Clues" show. (See Previous On-Line Column "House Detective Trio Busts Former Mayor.") I enjoyed it and I thought the Laurells were a wonderful couple.
In regards to the show, although I do get the opportunity to
"view" four rooms to the amateur's three rooms, the last three rooms that I view are through a monitor.
The name "Dr. Reef" works well for both pediatricians and psychiatrists
who work with adolescents and the younger demographic who are media savvy. Advocacy works in many ways as I'm sure you know.
It was a pleasure to read your work.
Dr. Reef Karim, Psychiatrist/Addiction Fellow, Media
Consultant, UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute and Host of "House of Clues"
Missed a "W" (When)
May 17, 2004
I’d probably like to see the show that had David Laurell
and his wife in it. But you didn’t mention when it airs.
Carolyn Teague, Burbank
Not So Welcome Back
May 17, 2004
Why are you writing about David Laurell? I thought he scooped
up his post-council jobs with groups the city did business with during his term, and left the public stage. I sure didn’t
hear anyone ask him to come back for an encore.
Chris Tucker, Burbank
They Are Not Amused
May 16, 2004
For five or six years you’ve been subjecting us to these
"cute" stories about (former Burbank councilman) David Laurell. (See Previous Column "House Detective Trio Busts Former Mayor.") No matter how often he’s caught in lies or outted as a shameless opportunist, you seem to think he’s just
adorable. If you can’t take this guy seriously and hold him to the same standards of honesty and effort you set for
virtually every other office holder, we would prefer you just stop writing about him. The shallow fop isn’t even in
office anymore, so we don’t need this anymore.
Bill & Cynthia Moore, Burbank
Election Prediction
May 11, 2004
I suppose you’re leaving up that hatchet job on (Glendale)
councilman Dave Weaver until you’re sure every last citizen of the city has seen it. (See Previous Column - "A Dreaming of Roses Nightmare") You watch. Dave Weaver will be reelected - easily!
Karen Povard, Glendale
Ta Da!
May 10, 2004
Certainly no better than I expected. You spent months ridiculing
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Now that he has almost single-handedly rescued California business by completely reforming
worker’s compensation, you see seem to have grown silent on the job our Governator is doing!
Andre Dorn, Los Angeles
Wind From the Windy City
May 7, 2004
I’ve had a great time reading through your site. I found myself laughing at (most of) your
jokes. And I was pounding my desk at the stuff that makes us all mad. I wish there were someone like you covering my local
and state government, and doing it with such good humor. Keep up the good work, and think about moving to someplace where
we actually have seasons!
Steve Avcollie, Chicago, Ill
Secret Campaign # 1
April 25, 2004
So, you obviously don’t think much of the Glendale mall project. (See QUICK HITS - "The Americana Way." April 19) I guess this is sort of your kick off event to promote your not-so-secret endorsement of Glendale city councilman Frank Quintero
for State Assembly in the 43rd District?
H.C. Morrison, Glendale
Let Down Big Time
April 22, 2004
I don’t think there are words to express the depths of my disappointment in you (See Quick Hits - "The Americana Way.") You’ve effectively explained that you haven’t been covering the boondoggle that is the "Americana at Brand"
because you expect it’s going to be approved regardless of what anyone says or does? What happened to doing the right
thing just because it’s the right thing?
Howard Hanson, Glendale
A Day Late...
April 21, 2004
Will, I wish I would have seen this article below to distribute
it, before the April 20 meeting. You could have done a HUGE favor to Glendale if you got involved in this issue. Maybe you
could really get into this a bit more, write about it and still save the City from this travesty.
Adel Luzuriaga, Glendale
Missed Messages
April 19, 2004
It’s obvious you’re not impressed by the controversy surrounding the new mall. What
isn’t clear is whether you join the majority of reasonable Glendalians in supporting it.
Anika Leslie, Glendale
Watching "24" Instead
April 19, 2004
OK, now that you’ve told me what the supposedly mysterious,
surprising new name of the Town Center Mall will be, there’s really no reason watch the big council meeting tomorrow
night, is there? After all, it’s not as if we don’t know how they’ll vote on it. (See QUICK HITS - "The Americana Way." April 19)
Robert Nelson, Glendale
Everybody’s An (Art) Critic
April 13, 2004
I find your site artistically unattractive and poorly laid
out. Your feedback/letters page is far too long. I think the idea of using a page to infrequently post columns that are 5
years old or more is a brilliant idea, giving people a very interesting perspective (see COLUMNS FIRST PUBLISHED ELSEWHERE).
But however clever and interesting some of your prose might be, the site is visually boring and unimaginative. It’s
entirely too much like a newspaper layout. And do you have ANY idea how long it must take to download and view your pages
for any reader limited to a dial-up modem?
Rebecca Winters, Los Angeles
Same Traffic - More Jams
April 11, 2004
In your "Reader Feedback" I saw a letter from Carl Enquist
commenting on the horrible state of traffic in Burbank since the city began implementing the new signal light system. (See letter below.) I was thrilled to see that someone else has spoken up. My family and I have all noticed
that there are intersections where we now have to wait through one full cycle before we can get through, cross streets that
for years have been traveled without complication for years. Add to the timing the fact that two assholes running every red
light has become the norm, and streets that have NOT seen an increase in traffic are nonetheless suffering an increase in
traffic jams.
Harold Ring, Burbank
Hooray, I’m Sane!
April 9, 2004
I was soooo happy to see your column about Glendale councilman
Dave Weaver. (See Previous Column - "A Dreaming of Roses Nightmare") I really was starting to think I must be the one slipping over the edge, because no one else seemed to be willing to say
aloud what I think is so obvious about this man. There is a serious, serious problem there. And I don’t mean just his
role in the Glendale Rose Float Association.
I have this sick, sad feeling that many prominent people in
Glendale are well aware of Mr. Weaver’s problems. But they are willing to support him and his paranoia, his astounding
ego and his hubris because they can exploit those to their own ends.
Eleanor "Ellie" Whitney, Glendale
Secret Campaign # 2
April 6, 2004
Looks to me like you’re starting off with your unofficial
but obvious PR campaign to support Paul Krekorian’s run for the 43rd District Assembly seat. You advertise
his new construction policy for the school district, print his long letter, and keep running pictures of him. (See QUICK HITS "Better Late Than Never" April 4) Why not just put a little graphic that reads "Vote for Paul Krekorian" on every page of your site?
Mel Toliver, Glendale
POWER PLAY
April 5, 2004
Thank you for your recent "Quick Hit" coverage of the Burbank Unified School District's commitment to energy conservation, resource efficiency and sustainability.
(See Quick Hits "A Change for the Better") As you noted, the resolution
recently passed by the Board of Education requires the District's architects to certify that each new building project meets
or exceeds the standards of the Collaborative of High Performance Schools ("CHPS"). Even more important, upon completion of
construction, the resolution requires District staff to certify to the Board that the CHPS standards have been implemented
before the District will make the final payment to the contractor. With these requirements, I believe BUSD now has among the
strictest resource conservation standards for facilities design and construction of any school district in California.
On a similar subject, at our meeting on April 1, the
Board approved the installation of solar heating systems at both of the new high school swimming pools. The installation of
these systems will further demonstrate the District's commitment to reducing our nation's dependence on fossil fuels and improving
our region's air quality. At the same time, the systems will pay for themselves in energy savings in three to five years,
with continuing savings of as much as $100,000 every year for the next ten years after that. This commitment to solar energy
will produce terrific benefits for our environment, and at the same time generate tremendous savings that can be used to provide
better educational resources for our kids.
Paul Krekorian, Burbank
Board Member- BUSD School Board
SIGNALING TROUBLE
April 3, 2004
Do you have any plans to cover the fiasco in Burbank that has
the new signal light system snarling traffic at intersections all over town? Intersections that were fine just two months
ago are now at near gridlock with the new lights installed and supposedly on some sort of synchronized system.
Carl Enquist, Burbank
A PUZZLE PIECE FALLS INTO PLACE
April 2, 2004
First, let me say I do not know Councilman Weaver, and I know
almost nothing about the Glendale city council. I think that if one looks at the column regarding Councilman Weaver and his
involvement in raising money for a parade float, a reasonable person who wants to be fair might be concerned that Weaver subtlety
or indirectly uses his office to leverage cooperation from local businesses, cooperation in the form of cash or assistance.
In considering whether that is the case, it’s fair to wonder if there is any evidence supporting charges that Weaver
is vindictive and threatening when things don’t go his way.
That was sort of rolling around in my head the next time I
happened to read another mention of Weaver. It was in the middle of reports that developer Rick Caruso was walking away from
his proposed project in Glendale, a deal that was strongly criticized by a competing developer, General Growth. General Growth
claimed it could offer a better project that would cost the city less.
Asked about a proposal from General Growth, Weaver said he
will "tear up" any letter or proposal that comes to him from General Growth. He won’t even look at it, he said. He won’t
even consider it.
Even someone who disagrees with all of General Growth’s
criticisms of Caruso’s project, even a fan of Caruso’s, can see Weaver puts his own rage and disappointment ahead
of the interests of the community. There just isn’t a scenario that has developers making alternate proposals that would
make it wise or noble for a council member to "rip to shreds" one of those. Maybe, after one has actually read a proposal,
tearing it up would be appropriate.
Weaver is obviously vindictive. That’s all I need to
know.
Robert Fisk, Glendale
HELPFUL SUGGESTION # 1
April 2, 2004
Please quit writing about morons in Glendale and stick to covering
Burbank where there’s still some hope for straightening out the city.
Victor Romero, Burbank
HELPFUL SUGGESTION # 2
April 2, 2004
I’m still waiting to see you even mention the gigantic
battle of the mall builders, the scandal surrounding the Glendale Police Building, the city council’s giveaways, and
the city once again giving Homenetmen thousands of dollars for the umpteenth year in a row, while the Boy Scouts get bupkus.
Come on! Get to it!
Brian Teller, LaCrescenta
HELPFUL SUGGESTION # 3
April 2, 2004
I’m glad you’re finally back to covering Glendale,
because if I had to read one more story about Burbank I would have had to vomit.
Ara Agjanian
Better Late Than Never
March 29, 2004
It was great news to read of the energy and conservation measures
being implemented by Burbank’s school board. (See Quick Hits "A Change for the Better"). But when it comes time to
tallying the costs and savings in all of this, don’t forget to add the district’s loss of $750,000 in city money.
That’s the amount the district gave up because the last board refused to take this simple, intelligent step - the city’s
only demand in exchange for the money.
Cindy Carlson, Burbank
A PLOT IS AFOOT!
March 29, 2004
Gee, you write a column embarrassing Dave Weaver right at the
time he’s announcing he’s going to run for a third term. What an amazing coincidence!
Eleanor Dee, Montrose
FLOATING ON AIR
March 27, 2004
GREAT ARTICLE!! (See Previous Column "A Dreaming of Roses Nightmare") It certainly catches the spirit of Mr. Weaver's shortcomings. He is such an egotist.
A couple of things: I was not "scolded" by anyone for my demand
for an accounting. Quite the opposite. I was complimented and thanked - even as late as today when I met with a board member.
There are those on the committee, I admit, who may not have been pleased with my demand for information but those are the
same people who have let this thing ride for years - gutless wonders.
Also, my name is spelled wrong - Sheila - but not a problem.
Keep up the fire.
Sheila Murray, Glendale
(Secretary, Glendale Rose Float Assoc. Finance Committee
Title noted for identification and disclosure purposes only)
A CAMPAIGN PROMISE KEPT
March 27, 2004
The point of your column about Dave Weaver and his
secretive handling of the tens of thousands of dollars raised to help pay for Glendale’s Rose float completely escapes
me. He’s only living up to his campaign slogan, "Leave it to Weaver." Remember? As Dave Weaver has made clear so many
times and on so many issues, no one knows as much as he does about anything. No one is as creative, as discerning or as intelligent
as he is. No one else has any worth to contribute to the community beyond being willing and eager to follow his instructions
- to the letter.
You seem surprised by this. If so, it’s your fault for not knowing. Remember, the only fault
or flaw that Dave Weaver has is perhaps caring too much for his community. Ask him. He’ll tell you that himself. After
all, he’s a registered engineer!
Eric Wheeler, Glendale
ADDING IT ALL UP
March 27, 2004
Why don’t people put some of the controversies surrounding
Glendale Councilman Weaver in a row and consider them in context? When he lost his second run for council, he lectured the
city in a scathing letter because he had to sell a car to fund his campaign, and drain the college savings intended to pay
for the education of his kids. Despite that, he said the ungrateful voters picked the "wrong" candidates.
Later in office he admitted he didn’t spend nearly as
much on auto expenses as a councilman as he is paid in his city car allowance every month. But he said he wouldn’t give
up the allowance because he had just retired and needed the money. A short time later he was telling friends and his colleagues
that he hoped to be picked as an airport commissioner because, among other reasons, he could really use the meeting pay and
other compensation commissioners get. Then it was about a year ago that we learned in a Will Rogers column that Dave Weaver
borrowed many thousands of dollars from two different city council appointees to buy some apartment buildings, but he never
reported those loans on the financial disclosure documents the state required him to file.
Now we learn that councilman Weaver opened a bank account and
raised money for a group without the knowledge or oversight of the group’s board. He alone knew how much money was in
the account, and he alone decided how much cash would go to the group, and how much he’d keep to pay for his future
fund raising. And when some pushy folks with the group demanded he hand over records and statements documenting what had gone
into and out of the accounts, he walked out of the meeting.
With his record, if the Rose Float committee lets Dave Weaver
handle its money, they pretty much deserve anything they get (or don’t get).
Lee Markell, LaCrescenta
So THERE!
March 9, 2004
I love the Daily News and I hate you!
Jennifer Heberly, Burbank
Compared to What?
March 8
I got a kick out of the fuss over the "they're / their" typo.
(See Reader Feedback, March 3) In the scheme of things, it wasn't an error that had any impact
on the accuracy of the column. Compare it to our local paper recently reporting that State Senator Jack Scott defeated
"Republican Scott Wildman" in his last election.
I don't understand these people who spend so much time in
the search for inconsequential errors, either ignoring the substance, or in an attempt to somehow taint it. Where's
the outrage over the point of the sentence in question, the fact that voters were and continue to be misled? I'd rather
see errors in spelling and grammar than in facts.
Andrea Kalagian, LaCanada
Spread Your Wings
March 7, 2004
It was a nice surprise to come upon your site, and to find
there's so much coverage available for the area of and around my own community. It's obvious that fiascos like the rampant
corruption in Southgate flourish in the absence of a hard-charging local press, and the only offering we have here certainly
is not that. But especially with the Presedential election fast-approaching, I hope you'll invest more of your time
and no-bullshit, straight-talk opinions in the national scene.
Henry Williams, Glendale
Not So Obvious, Maybe
March 5, 2004
It's obvious you had harsh words for the literature
for Prop 56 only because you obviously hate Arnold Schwarzenegger, and he obviously went up and down the state urging people
to vote for it. (See Previous On-Line Column "MAIL CALL!" March 1)
Rich Ashton, LaCanada
Spill Cheque
March 3, 2004
In the third paragraph of your March 1 column you have used
the word "they're" where you clearly intended "their." The sentence reads, "If they take that bet, they’ll lose
they’re savings." Sloppy, sloppy, sloppy. You do have copy editors, don't you?
It was otherwise an intelligent, challenging and well-reasoned
column, the sort we dearly miss in our local paper.
Albert Allan, Burbank
Bipartisan Ignorance
March 1, 2004
I appreciate your point of view with regard to campaign literature
and the ignorance of voters. (See Previous On-Line Columns - "MAIL CALL!" March 1) It's not one that is usually expressed in the open. On the
rare occasions someone does have the nerve to say some of these things aloud, voters tend to dismiss it as the ranting of
someone who disagrees with their politics. They don't seem to notice that the criticisms apply to virtually all campaigns
and politics these days, and on all sides of the candidate(s) or issue(s) involved.
Rebecca Snell, Burbank
Touching Base
February 18, 2004
Just a quick note to make sure you know we're stopping by
and enjoying your column. It's great to have you back.
Randy Meiser, Glendale
Say it With...Words
February 14, 2004
Happy Valentine's Day, Will.
The Hunter Family, LaCrescenta
Put Up Or Shutup!
February 13, 2004
You keep repeating that the Governor has
supposedly broken all sorts of promises. But you never seem to have room to give any examples of these supposed broken
promises. Typical media. You're smearing a great man, probably the one man who has what it takes to SAVE this
state, and there isn't an iota of evidence to support your ugly remarks.
It's liars like you who discourage good people from running
for office. They don't want to be subjected to media lies.
Go
ahead, tell us what promises Governor Schwarzenegger has broken. Cat got your tongue? As the Governor has said,
"Go ahead, MAKE MY DAY!"
Andre Dorn, Los Angeles
Those Were The Days.
February 14, 2004
[Regarding Current Column "Jury Prize," Feb 13.] You must be waxing nostalgic for the old days. The Airport did away
with first class travel in the late 90's. The City of Burbank hasn't had an issue with any expense issues for at least a decade
now. Stick to picking on Bush, he's more relevant.
Charlie Lombardo, Burbank
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Deja Vu All Over Again!
February 12, 2004
Maybe you've made me so damned mad that I can't get you out
of my head. The other night I was watching "The Practice" and I would have sworn I saw you in the show. Then,
during a commercial I thought I saw you in a commercial playing on a beach with a kid. Any of those guys you?
Lawrence Ash, Los Angeles
Who Knows? (And will those who do know
tell the truth?)
January 27, 2004
I have sent several letters to the editor of the News-Press
expressing my displeasure with the sad state of what used to be such an interesting community newspaper.
Why do you suppose they have refused to publish even one of my letters?
Vic Nemic, Glendale
Maybe he's not paid enough to care.
January 27, 2004
So how much
does Adult School Director Tim Buchanan earn
per year (salary plus fringes)??? (See Previous On-Line Columns "Ooops, he did it again!")
Perhaps he is simply underpaid!!!!
Hal Weber, Glendale
Say, Don't I Know You?
January 15, 2004
I noticed the name Oscar Bara listed among the staff of editors.
Could this be the same Oscar Bara I knew at USC's J School, and then at Meridian Publishing?
Allison Castle, Burbank
A Reader Left Wanting More
January 15, 2004
I would like to see you offer more information on community
events and meetings - information BEFORE the fact. But I'm also really happy to see you touching on more state and national
issues than you did while writing for the local paper.
Allen Williams, West Hollywood
A Woman of Few Words
January 10, 2004
I don't have a lot to say. I just wanted to thank you
for your columns, and for allowing us access to your unique perspective. I wish you could do more on Glendale.
But when I look at what you have written for this site I can't see something that I'd have asked you to pass up in favor of
a Glendale story.
Good luck and thanks again.
Anika Leslie, Glendale
Yer Outta Here!
January 8, 2004
I read your little column about Pete Rose (See
QUICK HITS page, "A Rose is a...Liar!" January 4). I can't speak for Mr. Rose, but I can say you don't know what
the hell you're talking about. He's probably the greatest player in the history of baseball, and you are just a pussy.
I don't care what he did. If he was driving drunk and wiped out a preschool full of kids, he'd still be the greatest
player in history, and you'd still be a pussy.
Oscar Rice, Burbank
Scared Silent
January 8, 2004
I was sorry to read of your sponsor's concerns about a racist
boycott (See "QUICK HITS page, "Boycott..." Jan. 4). I applaud him for continuing to pay
the bills, even if he isn't paying you. Any chance you can tell some of us in invidual E-mails the sponsor's name so
that we can patronize his business? Anyone with that much integrity is someone I'd like to be doing business with.
Barry Allen, Glendale
STATING IN THE OBVIOUS
January 7, 2004
I want to thank you for the Willy Awards (See PREVIOUS ON-LINE COLUMNS page), a terrific combination of laughs and thought. I have an unsolicited suggestion to offer on the award you had for Jeff
Keating and the News-Press. Literally everything you had to say about the newspaper is obvious in every edition.
I now notice those boxes with the free editions of the News-Press are often untouched, or with plenty of newspapers in them.
That NEVER used to be the case. Never.
Based upon what I see, and what every person I know says,
most of the community shares your assessment of the paper. Since you have a horse in the race, so to speak, wouldn't
it be better to let the obvious speak for itself, and for you to stick to telling us what we might not otherwise know?
Terry Barber, Glendale
MORE! MORE! MORE!
Dec. 22, 2003
Will, this writing every four weeks, a column once per month,
just isn't going to work. We want to hear from you more often. Honestly, after a couple of weeks it can slip my
mind to go back and check for the latest.
Cam Little, Glendale
____________________________________________________________
NOTE: I
want to apologize for an oversight on my part. Somewhere down below you will find a letter
from a reader concerned about the current state of the Burbank school district's school board, especially in the context of
concerns that saw three members lose their reelection bids just six months ago.
One of the current board members, Paul Krekorian,
saw that letter and my response to it. He strongly argued any claim that things haven't changed at the BUSD, and offered
a long list of tasks he and his colleagues have undertaken to accomplish change.
While I'm not convinced those are as sweeping or significant as many voters
might expect, the fact is that an edited version of Krekorian's letter was lost somewhere in the process, and has yet to appear
on this site. And without that, no one else can weigh his points for themselves. (Krekorian also asked that I
make sure links to school board members were added to the LINKS page on this site, and I saw to that immediately.)
Krekorian having exerted the effort he did, in addition to making himself
available to frankly and fully address subsequent concerns, demonstrates at least one drastic improvement over the situation
a year ago. Indeed, it was a concerned parent talking to me last week about trying to have a complaint addressed that
reminded me Krekorian's responses had yet to turn up on this web site. The parent was still frustrated with the problem,
but she marveled at how Krekorian in particular had taken pains to make sure he answered any and all questions she had, and
made sure she had every means of contact available, from his personal phone number and E-mail address, to contacts with the
relevant district officials.
Please keep these points in mind when reviewing the letter and comments below,
and watch for Krekorian's letter to appear here in the near future.
Will Rogers
__________________________________________________
SPREAD THE WORD!
Your piece about the Governor (See Quick Hits page, Dec. 11) should be printed on the front page of every newspaper in the state, and read aloud on the air
by every news anchor for television and radio news in California.
Carl Dolan, Burbank
WATCH THAT MAN
Dec. 9
Glad to see that you’re still keeping an eye on
James Rogan. (See Quick Hits page, Dec. 8) We can’t have mirrors and security cameras EVERYWHERE, so we need journalists like you to follow
these types and watch them closely. I don’t think Rogan will be interested in a state office. I think he’ll
be chasing after Boxer or Feinstein.
Jason Taylor, Burbank
YOU CAN HAVE HER!
Nov. 23
So you are sad to see Carole Sussman leave Glendale (See
Quick Hits page, Nov. 21)? The woman wanted to bring rent control to Glendale! I’m sure they’d love to
take her in Santa Monica.
Robert G. Miller, Glendale
BRINGER OF BAD NEWS
Nov. 22
I am SO dismayed to learn of Carole Sussman leaving Glendale.
(See Quick Hits page, Nov. 21). I understand that this city didn’t treat her very well. But we were all better off to
have her here.
Howard Hanson, Glendale
GETTING IT RIGHT
Nov. 21
Thank you for your words about Officer Matthew Pavelka, and
for not jumping on the hype wagon with all the other media. (See Previous On-Line Columns)
Sarah Martin, Burbank
ME RANT? ME?
Nov. 21
I think my favorite part of your site is the "Quick Hits" page, because it keeps changing and it seems to cover such wide territory. It also seems to be your Page of Principle, the
place you really get up on your hind legs and rant about those things that just aren’t right.
C.D. Dodd, Burbank
SHORT BUT SWEET
November 20
I spent some time reading the current column, as
well as those that came before. I love the graphics! Keep up the great work.
Stacey Murphy, Burbank
LESS IS MORE
November 17
Last Saturday was tragic for Burbank, but I knew I could count on your column for all the pertinent
facts about the murder of our police officer. You had the whole story before it was even on the news, and days before
the Burbank Leader. (Absolutely nowhere else have I read or heard your scoop about the motorcycle officer who was
also seriously injured during the horrible event.) But I was surprised by what you did two days later. With every
newspaper and tv station milking the story for all it was worth, you took down your story and put up that kind note.
Thank you for giving us the news without the self-aggrandizing hype. That's class.
Steven Beacher, Burbank
STOP THE MADNESS!
November 14, 2003
The Glendale City Council is throwing away almost $5 million dollars of our money on buying more
vacant land, and they're doing it at the same time they're whining about the new Governor giving our money back to us, and
supposedly costing the city $8 million.
I'm all for saving a portion of the hillsides. I think we did that with the Oakmont property.
Enough is enough, especially when we're being told that our services might have to be cut. It's funny how, no matter
how much the state takes away, there's always enough to give raises, city cars and full-pay-insurance to city executives.
But when money is short, our street is going to look like crap because there's no cash to fix the asphalt or trim the trees.
Barry Allen, Glendale
AN INVITATION
Nov. 14
Can’t you say ANYTHING nice about Glendale’s city council and city staff?
Carol Anderson, Glendale
REDEFINING PANDER
Nov. 14
I was disappointed to see your big scoop on news about the (Glendale) city council’s latest giveaway to tree-huggers
and homeowner associations (See Previous On-line Columns, Nov. 12, "Upcoming Announcement from Glendale Council")
The Will Rogers I remember would have mentioned the tens of millions of dollars this council has now spent in its drive
to kill business in the city, and to cater to the homeowner associations. Pandering is bad enough when the politicians just
use words. But now they’re using the taxpayer’s money to buy their friends.
Cliff Nordoff, Glendale
BEST-SELLER’S LIST
Nov. 13
With the latest city council purchase of vacant hillsides in our city, maybe the council should write a book. It would
be called, "How to buy friends and influence voters!"
Sheila Anzarian, Glendale
GOMEZ ON GOMEZ
Nov. 13
You have a completely unique view of Councilman Gus Gomez’s run for judge (See Previous On-Line Columns, Nov. 5). Maybe it’s admirable that you don’t want to waste time kicking him around as punishment for playing us all for
suckers, but most voters I know in Glendale don’t share your desire for expedience and wish to move on. What really
gets me is that he has managed to make MY name mud.
Rick Gomez, Glendale
CHICKEN OR EGG?
CART OR HORSE?
November 8
Reggie Ovahnesian, Glendale
NEWS dePRESSed
Nov. 3
I think we all recognize what's going on with the Burbank
Leader. (See PREVIOUS COLUMNS Nov. 3, "BAD, BAD NEWS") The biggest clue was in the Glendale News-Press changing its name not long ago to the News-Press.
I'll bet that within a year or so we're told the Burbank Leader is also changing its name - the same way it
"moved." The new name will be the News Press, or some similar permutation. What
we'll be left with is the piss-poor knock-off of the piss-poor Daily Pilot in
Orange County, the "mother ship" our own community's paper has been modeled after.
Randy Howard, Burbank
NBC Network News
I ALMOST RALPHed
Oct. 27
I pretty much feel the same way as those shoppers you
talked to (see QUICK HITS page, "CHECK IT OUT"). Basically, there's a vague sense of blackmail to the way striking grocery workers are picketing. But
today Ralph's ran full page ads advertising a huge sale with loads of coupons. The parking lot at the Ralph's down the
block from my house is packed. I almost went down there myself. But I think I'll wait a day or two until the shoppers
are back in full force, when the few strikers who are showing up probably won't spot me in the crowd.
Tim Pasternak, Glendale
IF I COULD TURN
BACK TIME
Oct. 22
I
think the letters on your `Feedback' page should have the most recent ones at the top. That way, when we're going through
each page we can tell right away whether there is new material that we haven't read yet.
Barry Allen, Glendale
LET'S MAKE A DEAL
Oct. 21
Dear Will:
I am very happy to see you even consider a return to covering
local issues. I have a proposal for you. If I promise to check your site and review every updated page at least
once each day, and if I promise to circulate word of the WILLROGERSHOME.com address around the globe, and if I guarantee to
motivate at least 10 new people each day to visit your site, will you promise not to abuse this site by writing yet another
of those atrocious holiday poems you put out every year?
Mim Ricci, Burbank
IT'S STILL THE B-U-S-D,
TELL YA WHAT IT
MEANS TO ME!
Oct. 19
Dear
Will:
I hope it has not escaped your notice that very little has changed about the way the BUSD School Board operates.
There is slightly more rhetoric about concern for keeping the public informed, but I don't believe any board member can put
point at any substantive change in board operations/practices in that regard since the newly-elected members took office.
It's obvious no one at the local newspaper knows or cares enough about such tedious matters. So, many of us hope you'll
earn a BTA "Person of the Year" award for the second year running by demanding the board make good on the campaign promises
of the new majority.
Cindy
Nishi, Burbank
STUPID CRIMINAL
OF
THE MONTH
Oct 19
"CONFIDENTIAL" reply from
Will to "Mickey"
Mickey, thanks for the packet of material, but please realize the files you characterize
as "top secret" wouldn't have ended up in the recycling bin you obviously took them from if they had truly been "top secret."
In fact, I'd personally be delighted to see them copied and distributed as widely as possible, as they would publicize and
document my credibility, this while demonstrating that a critic was worse than petty and jealous. Despite holding a
position that calls for unfaltering integrity and character, at best he is incompetent, and at worst an eager liar.
Finally,
it seems to have escaped your notice that some of the paperwork you have also includes details of the settlement that was
eventually reached between the parties, one that came less than 24 hours after the last memo you included in your packet.
Didn't it occur to you that, even if the material is as damaging as you claim, the entire point is moot?
In short,
the "plaintiff" was paid every penny owed, plus legal fees. Following through on your threat to hand over the materials
to the other side would accomplish only one thing; It would put them on notice that the plaintiff had the goods to nail
them. I suspect they already knew that, inasmuch as they had access to most of the same records, and they ultimately
paid the tens of thousands of dollars they owed.
All things considered, this is the most incompetent blackmail
attempt I've ever seen or heard of. It certainly doesn't lend any credibility to the bogus accusations you say you want
investigated.
wr
ADVERTISING
HIS PLEASURE
Oct. 16
Dear
Will:
Congratulations, and please get back to work in Glendale. The conduct of taxpayer business in City Hall in
recent months has made it clear officials are thrilled at being able to do what they want with almost no oversight.
Until these guys start putting out press releases to announce enormous litigation settlements, or to reveal they've just learned
the city was scammed out of $275,000 in a 90 day contract, it's obvious by now that no one else will ever report on these
and other disasters. If you decide you can use more sponsors, PLEASE let me know. I know it won't be long before
the number of your readers will justify sky-high ad rates, and I'd like to get in on the ground floor with a long term ad
contract!
Vic Nemic, Glendale
GOOD NEWS, NO NEWS
& BAD NEWS
Oct. 14
Will:
Very cool! It is soooooo great to have easy access to your
writing again. I saw the Political Journal piece and the PBS interviews, but I'm too selfish! I want you covering what's going
on HERE again.
At about noon two weeks ago there was a shooting in Burbank,
and three schools were locked down while police looked for people involved. Students at [a middle school] were still being
released (one at a time) four and five hours after the school day had ended! We all kept checking the local paper for any
word on what had happened, and what the schools would be doing to improve the chaos. There hasn't been a single word in all
these weeks. Even if it takes the World Wide Web, it will be great to have someone covering OUR neck of the woods again, at
least once in a while.
Melanie Jensen, Burbank
SO HE's THE ASSHOLE
WHO DID IT!
Oct. 14
Will:
You're the asshole who helped Armenians take over Glendale's
City Hall, so as soon as I find out who is sponsoring your site, I am going to help organize a boycott of that business!
James C. Lear, Glendale
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Response to Carolyn:
The column noted that the show airs on
CourtTV. "House of Clues" currently runs its first episode of each week on Fridays at 11pm. But there are replays
at various hours throught the week.
Response to H.C.:
Please see "Secret Campaign # 2" below.
Response to Carl E:
All I can say right now is that my observations
are exactly the same as yours. And my experience is that city staff chuckles at such complaints, and they assure us
all that our observations are merely our imagnation, symptoms of a resistance to change. Remember, the Director
of Public Works and the City Manager have personally told me they can't figure out why anyone complains about "four an a half
points" interesection where Victory Place meets with Burbank and Victory Boulevards. CM Mary Alvord told me she "sails
right through" every time she's goes through.
It's all in our heads.
Response to
Victor R:
Please see "Helpful Suggestion # 3" below.
Response to
Brian T:
Hey, I'm one guy! I have help with
the editing and the technical side of running a web site. But the stuff that has to do with talking to folks, checking
records, taking and making calls and the writing - all one guy! Me! But I appreciate the confidence.
Response to Ara A:
Please see "Helpful Suggestion # 1" above.
Response to
Sheila M:
Sorry about the misspelling. It
was corrected on the first day.
Response to
Eric W.
Eric, is that... could it be... are you
being... sarcastic?!
I won't have any of that around here.
No sarcasm allowed here! Stop that this INSTANT!
Response to Jennifer:
Oh, yeah? Well I'm rubber and you're
glue...
Response to Andrea K.
From Wildman's perspective, I'm sure
referring to him as a Republican was considered libelous, hate-speech. An editor once told me "I appreciate
the value of your institutional memory," and he said it in such a tone I was tempted to respond, "And I appreciate your skill
at restoring bent paperclips." But the instance you cite is a great example of the value of institutional memory.
In the end,
however, I'd prefer not to make mistakes of any kind. That won't happen, so I can only hope editors catch them
all. And when they don't, I have no complaint when readers let me know.
Response to Henry W.
First, I disagree that the election is "fast-approaching." It can't come soon enough. Next, the messages
I get indicate people come here looking mostly for local and state news and views. But once in a while I can't
resist a national development, and you'll find a current example on the "Quick Hits" page.
Response to Rich A.
First, I did include criticism of literature
opposing 56. Specifically, I wrote, "Opponents of Prop 56 also engage in one of the more despicable and common tactics
employed by campaign consultants..."
Second, Schwarzenegger went up and down
the state promoting prop's 57 and 58.
Response to Albert A.
Albert, I wish I could say you were the
only one who noticed. But I can only say you were the first - the first of many. Yes, there is a copy editor,
and an editor whose read-through is in part intended to serve as a back-up to the copy editor.
There's no good excuse for any of us
having missed that glaring mistake. It will be fixed fourthwith... forthwyth... fortwithe - RIGHT AWAY!
Response to The Hunters:
Er, um... thanks
Response Andre D:
Cool. I'm "media." Off
the top of my head - There was Arnold's promise not to take campaign contributions. Then there was his promise of a
top-to-bottom audit of the state, and to "open the books" on that audit so all could see the rampant waste
and fraud uncovered. To date, the audit remains secret. And we're left to speculate on what it means that,
rather than "outting" the waste, Arnold now advocates borrowing money. That's a start.
PS: "Make my Day" was Clint Eastwood's line, not
Arnold's.
Response Charlie L:
This is more an explanation for others
than it is a response to Charlie. Lombardo is one of the Burbank City Council's three appointees to the nine-member
commission overseeing the Bob Hope Airport.
Lombardo's claim is internally inconsistent,
in that he says the policy of first-class travel was eliminated in the late 1990's, and that Burbank's council has had no
dispute with expenses incurred by commissioners "for at least a decade." Assuming he knows the current year is 2004
- not necessarily a safe assumption - Lombardo would have us/me believe council concerns about airport expenses vanished
years BEFORE the policy allowing first-class travel ended. And that's just one example of where he's wrong.
Some of the commissioners and
staff who supported (and took advantage) of the old policies remain today, and Lombardo is nothing if not loyal
to his new "federal system wishes supercede local concerns" friends.
I will concede this much. If
some current and former commissioners had faced the charges they should have, and were given sentences comparable to
those given blue collar criminals, most WOULD have been seeing their probationary and parole periods expiring by now.
Response Lawrence A:
Alas, yes. Those were me.
They are I? Or should it be, "I am them?" As for the commercial, which is running in a couple of versions right
now, that kid with whom I'm frolicking just happens to be my own son. Better still, the dog is one of our three.
Sadly, the dog does not receive residuals.
Response to Vic N:
I dunno. I can speculate, but you
can do that, too. So, why don't you just ask them?
Response to Hal W:
Buchanan is the Adult School Director who failed to apply
for federal money owed to the district, and so lost $208,000. This came after revelations last year of similar
losses. The current salary range for Buchanan's position is $73,528 - $93,842, plus health insurance, retirement,
sick leave and other benefits. The school district providing a more specific number for Mr. Buchanan's salary within
that range would violate legal restrictions on releasing personnel information. Sources have told me,
however, that there is no record of Mr. Buchanan ever having had to be reminded to pick up his pay check.
Response to Allison C:
Oscar handles copy editing here, and I checked with him
regarding your questions. He said, "Yup, that's me." He also said he remembers you well and fondly,
but added, "Please remind her she still owes me $40."
Response to Oscar R:
And you say you can't speak for Pete
Rose? I suspect you've articulated his sentiments about opinions like my own exactly as he would.
Response to Barry A:
First of all, he IS still paying me,
and for some staff help, all along with the bills for this site. And, yes, he says he's doing it, "Because that's what
I said I'd do." Can you believe it? But I'm afraid that "outing" him one person at a time won't work, either.
Don't worry. As I understand it, his
policy may change in the next couple of months, at which time I'll be flooded with whining, bitter complaints about the intrusive
and obnoxious ads he sprinkles all over the site. THAT's when we'll be looking for your support!
Response to Terry B:
You are probably right.
Response to Cam L:
Sorry. Sometimes it will be (and
has been) more often than once monthly that I can post a column here. But that's the minimum I've committed to, and
the best I can promise. In fact, to face a demand for more right now, in the heart of the holiday season, is almost
enough to have me run screaming from the room in a hysterical, stressed-out, hair pulling fit!
Response to Robert M:
During her campaign Sussman specifically
said she did not support proposals to instititute rent controls in Glendale.
Response to Carol A:
Yes, I can. I think all of the
members and staff have been incredibly tolerant and polite in public when dealing with the many foibles and... er... personality
quirks of Councilman Dave Weaver - certainly more tolerant than I could ever be in their positions.
Response to Reggie:
I sure doubt it. Gomez's decision
has been the talk of the town all week, and reporters there would have to have left the state not to have heard it, and I
expect they were on top of it the very night I posted here. I imagine they will get a story or two from here eventually,
just as they often learn about stories from the Daily News. But I also reserve the right to comment on stories covered
first in the NP.
Response to Randy H:
Wish I could say I think you're
wrong. But I can't.
Response to
Barry A:
Okey-dokey.
Response to Cindy N:
I've heard many similar reports.
I am back to checking agendas and watching meetings. I can't help but have noticed already that NOTHING has changed with the
district's ludicrous system for handling agendas and staff reports. The reports remain virtually private until just
before a meeting, though some insiders are made privy to their content ahead of time. Interested parties, or those who
can't know whether they might might be interested, have no real opportunity to review and comment on the staff's notoriously
incomplete and unreliable work. The long-standing practice guarantees the board has little more information than
the staff wants it to have at the time a decision has to be made.
I plan to write about the district as a
matter of routine, but please don't hesitate to let me know of any specific episodes or issues you become aware of.
Response to Melanie J :
My kids were among those affected by
the lockdown, and I was astonished by the lack of organization at their school, and by the absence of evidence that anyone
had planned for such an event. Further, I have yet to see any sign that efforts are underway to do something about that.
Response to James L:
Curses! My devious plan was successful,
but it has been uncovered! Mwa-ha-ha-ha-ha! At least no one has learned of my secret plan to see Austrians take
over the State Capitol! Mwa-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!
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