Program Note: www.avxm.com is the shortcut to our citizen action campaign & www.judicialcouncilwatcher.com goes to our home page.
Submitted for your consideration is a nomination by Michael Paul and a second by Wendy Darling to move all of the following names into the non-redeemable portion of Digital Purgatory. In doing so, we at Judicial Council Watcher are declaring that these individuals are unfit for leadership positons within California’s Judicial Branch of Government due to their lack of interest in serving the public.
Most all of these people voted to cater to their self-interests of building their own courthouses over keeping the courts open, keeping courtrooms open and keeping employees onboard to serve the public. Our legislature was looking for these so called leaders to lead, to make the appropriate transfers and cuts and to demonstrate to them that this isn’t just about courthouses and CCMS but in serving the public good.
Unfortunately, these so called leaders abdicated their responsibilities to the justice system, the public, court employees and a large majority of trial court judges across this state. What made it worse was their arrogant, insensitive, unsympathetic yet jovial deliberations that will lead to the dismantling of the California justice system with misplaced priorities and an eye towards “sending messages to Sacramento”
This nomination list includes elected members of the bench and legislature that are unfit for public service and private practice attorneys whose businesses should be boycotted. Of interest to most readers is three little red stars next to their name. If they have three red stars next to their name (***) they have new courthouses going up in their districts and therefore have a vested interest in putting themselves before the public which is exactly what they did.
Hon. Tani Cantil-Sakauye – Chief Justice of California (Already in Digital Purgatory)
Hon. Marvin R. Baxter – Associate Justice of the Supreme Court
Hon. Judith Ashmann-Gerst – Associate Justice of the Court of Appeal
Second Appellate District, Division Two – Los Angeles
Hon. Douglas P. Miller – Associate Justice of the Court of Appeal
Fourth Appellate District, Division Two Riverside
Hon. Harry E. Hull, Jr. -Associate Justice of the Court of Appeal
Third Appellate District Sacramento ***
| Hon. Stephen H. Baker *** Judge of the Superior Court of California, County of Shasta Hon. James E. Herman *** Hon. Ira R. Kaufman *** Hon. Mary Ann O’Malley *** |
Hon. Winifred Smith *** Judge of the Superior Court of California, County of Alameda Hon. Kenneth K. So *** Hon. Sharon J. Waters *** Hon. Erica R. Yew *** |
Members of the state legislature unworthy of the office they hold
| Hon. Noreen Evans *** Member of the California State Senate |
Hon. Mike Feuer *** Member of the California State Assembly |
Members of the State Bar whose private practices should be boycotted
| Ms. Miriam Aroni Krinsky Attorney at Law Ms. Edith R. Matthai |
Mr. Joel S. Miliband Attorney at Law Mr. James N. Penrod |
Overpaid court clerks who openly advocate sending a message to the state legislature by shutting down access to justice for millions of citizens
Kim Turner – Already in Digital Purgatory
Michael Roddy – Already in Digital Purgatory ***
Before we place these fine public servants in digital purgatory permanently, we would like to hear your opinion on the nominations.
Michael Paul
July 23, 2011
Talk about conflict of interest. Does the SEC committee has a similar conflicted composition?
Michael Paul
July 23, 2011
Thumbs down for the nomination, pointing out the obvious or asking the question? Registered and pointed to JudicialCouncilWatcher’s home page: judicialcouncilwatcher.com
I’m in this for the long haul since it will take 5 years to take my case off the shelf.
blowthewhistle
July 23, 2011
For the benefit of those not in the know, can you explain why some of these people are on this list? E.g., none of the attorney names are familiar as being associated with any particular problem. What did they do? I believe that Miliband and Krinsky were people who participated Friday but the other two? Were they involved? As for some of the judges, is it possible they are just being duped? Have readers of this blog considered educating some of the members of the Judicial Council who seemed skeptical about some plans such as the computer project? You should be aware that this blog is regularly scanned by staff of various agencies in government so it is important to precise in your criticisms.
Judicial Council Watcher
July 23, 2011
They are submitted for discussion. If people should be omitted for any reason then let’s omit them now.
Michael Paul
July 23, 2011
My nomination was directed at all voting members of the judicial council that made the decision that courthouse construction and CCMS take a priority to keeping the doors of the courts open and the jovial approach they took towards dismantling courts with budget cuts, ruining peoples lives and sacrificing access to justice.
If public comment was permitted before a vote as in the legislature, my guess would be that these people wouldn’t have been so callously insensitive and jovial about their deliberations..
The subject of discussion in my mind (and the wow factor I didn’t expect) was that all of these people who voted to not divert extra construction funds (which are ample) appear to have a vested interest in not diverting court construction funds because they are all expecting new or renovated courthouses. (Though Miller and Gerst appear to be a reach….)
The boycott idea is brutal. Maybe that is why it was put up for discussion. Personally, I don’t know what role any attorneys played. It does appear that they are voting members by the AOC’s website. Did they vote? Were they there?
Judicial Council Watcher
July 23, 2011
So Ashmann-Gerst and Miller should be removed? What about the attorneys? Feedback is appreciated.
Michael Paul
July 23, 2011
I don’t know about the attorneys. Ashmann-Gerst and Miller don’t have courthouses going up but they voted for courthouse construction over keeping the courts open. The fact that courthouses are going up in their districts doesn’t seem to be a conflict to me. Maybe remove the three stars and leave them?
blowthewhistle
July 23, 2011
Mr. Paul: Do you know or does anyone else know the exact location of Judges Pines and Wesley in the Los Angeles Court system?
Michael Paul
July 23, 2011
Physically? No. They don’t appear on the above list and should be hall of fame nominees. (and I nominated them)
These two jurists took the position that everything was on the table, everything needs to be considered and the full transfer of 150 mil needs to be made to support trial court operations. If they did have a new courthouse coming their way, they set aside those interests to vote for court workers and the public. That’s public service.
JusticeCalifornia
July 23, 2011
How can JC members getting new courthouses worth tens or hundreds of millions in their districts be impartial in determining whether to use trial court construction funds to keep trial courts open?
Michael Paul
July 23, 2011
This is where I think the legislature needs to step up to the plate. There are obvious conflicts of interests that will result hardship for workers and the public statewide. It’s almost fair to state “Come to San Francisco, white collar crime capitol of California” because civil litigation related to those kinds of cases will never see the light of day.
blowthewhistle
July 23, 2011
Mr. Paul. If you wish to contact the Legislature, you should probably start with the Assembly Committee on Accountability & Administrative Review. All contacts with legislative staff in the context of an investigation or potential investigation are privileged.
Michael Paul
July 23, 2011
After reading an article by Paul Elias where San Joaquin is not hearing any more small claims cases, add San Joaquin to the list of counties that say “We’re open for business” with respect to white collar crime. They’ve closed down small claims court altogether.
The article was released by AP 4 hours ago.
Read the louisiana version. http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20110723/APN/1107230660?p=1&tc=pg
Michael Paul
July 23, 2011
Before I spoke at the Assembly Committee on Accountability & Administrative Review, everyone but the chair of the committee got up and walked out. Only the chair was left to tell me what Wendy Darling outlined above. Legislative aides assume that this is an active case with the FBI only because they are having a hard time believing it isn’t. This is where these matters stand currently in the state legislature other than AOC lobbyists going from office to office indicating they have disproved my allegations. If Jon Wintermayer and I didn’t run into one in Mike Feuers office that said exactly that to our face we wouldn’t have believed it.
Judicial Council Watcher
July 23, 2011
They can’t be impartial.
Wendy Darling
July 23, 2011
Blowthewhistle:
Mr. Paul has already been to the Assembly Committee on Accountability & Adminstrative Revew. Several times. Over a period of almost two years. He has provided that committee, and other members of the State legislature, with significant amounts of documentation. Volumes of it. So have others. The Assembly Committee on Accountability and Adminstrative review and the members of the State legislature have done nothing with any of it. Nothing. Michael Paul testified before the Assembly Committee on Accountability and Administrative review about the unlicensed contractors and the fraud going by the AOC with courthouse maintenance contracts and cost. The chair of the committee couldn’t shut Mr. Paul up fast enough, and then said maybe somethng could be done in a few years. It’s on video tape should you care to find it in the video archives of The Cal Channel.
Going to the State legislature, including the Assembly Committee on Accountability & Admnistratve Review is a complete waste of time.
Long live the ACJ.
Wendy Darling
July 23, 2011
Since when is it legal for a branch of state government, or any public entity for that matter, to use public money to pay for political lobbyists? Any other pubilic official or administrator in state office would be getting arrested and indicted for doing something like this. Or is this yet another law that the Chief Justice, the Judicial Council, and the AOC, have self-exempted themselves from? Or perhaps this practice has been “bundled” under the widening shadow of “deliberative process” vis-a-vis legal advice from the AOC’s Office of General Counsel?
It’s just too appalling. The latest AOC whistleblower out of Sacramento has AOC adminstration on tape giving instructions to staff on how to commit fraud. ON TAPE. And still no one, in any position of authority, will do anything about it. No one. They all just look the other way.
Just like the Catholic Church, the Boy Scouts, Enron, Bernie Madoff, the cash-for-kids and corrupt Pennsylvania judges.
Long live the ACJ.
sharonkramer
July 23, 2011
I nominate Justice Richard Huffman, ex-Chair of the Exec. Comm of the JC and new overseer of ethics and accountability in the AOC/JC. I also nominate Justice Judith McConnell. As Chair of the CJP, she no doubt will continue to be working closely with Huffman to assure ethics in the judicial branch is of the highest of standards, beyond reproach (as the two them aid to cover fraud, waste and abuse in our judicial system). They are key players in defending the indefensable fleecing of CA’s taxpayers.
Judicial Council Watcher
July 23, 2011
They didn’t vote to dismantle the courts.
sharonkramer
July 23, 2011
Interesting on the thumbs down. Weren’t there several posts on this board of who really controls the judicial branch with the answer being Huffman?
Also, it seems to me that if you are going to launch a campaign, you first need to determine who it is that can make a difference and direct your campaign to them. It seems to me that Governor Brown is the ultimate decision maker who may be inclined to take action if and when properly encouraged to do so.
Jon Wintermeyer
July 23, 2011
The Courthouse in Contra Costa County was completed in fall of 2010 and there is not another one active there, but that select group of the last three PJ’s and CEO’s named Torre signed up long ago and have been on the kool-aid addiction for years now.
They all seem to manage to be on the CJ’s select list of committee members that will vote in the predetermined yes category as requested for all AOC directed issues.
blowthewhistle
July 23, 2011
Mr. Wintermeyer. I don’t know what your connection is to the Contra Costa County legal system, but if you know, isn’t Contra Costa County one of the counties that has a really ancient computer system that is on the verge of collapse? Were they also promised to be at or toward the top of the list for getting CCMS when it is finally completed?
concerned
July 23, 2011
What’s the purpose of building new courthouses when the courts are being forced to layoff employees. Who do they expect to work in these new courthouses?
The JC/CJ/AOC have to be the most ass backwards people on the planet.
The path they are/have steered the trial courts is dangerous.
The would rather have new, pretty state of the art courthouses that will stand empty, remember there’s no funding to pay salaries, which translates= no employees.
Shame on the trial court judges for not putting a stop to this madness years ago. They sat around, thinking that the terrible three would do the right thing and fund the courts.
Shame on the terrible three. May they all rot.
Shame on our elected officials in Sacramento who were told and given verified proof of the waste going on and did NOTHING.
California will once again become the wild wild west!!!!!!!!
Crime will go through the roof. But hey, the terrible three got their new courthouses.
antonatrail
July 23, 2011
Yes, I was deep in thought when my husband asked what I was thinking about. I told him I wondered if we still had a pitchfork. We may have shed old gardening tools as we’ve migrated closer to the city from the alfalfa fields of yore. He laughed, but I was serious. A common garden rake just does not give off the great vibes at a rally as a good, ol’ pitchfork! So I’m waiting for the call with a garden rake and flashlight as opposed to the desired pitchfork and torch.
Jon Wintermeyer
July 23, 2011
Blowthe whistle, I was the Facilities Director at CC Court for over 7 years, that is my connection. There is an article in the JCW last fall regarding my termination by CEO Kiri Torre, you can go back and read all the history on it if you want. I documented and reported to my CEO’s about the poor quality and workmanship of the AOC’s Facilities Maintenance Unit and their unlicensed contractor Team Jacobs and that their method of operation only provided at best, only 25 cents worth of maintenance for every dollar spent to our Trial Court.
Prior to my termination in 2010, in Septemeber of 2009, the DEO/IT Head person was terminated after 25 years at the CC Court, also by CEO Kiri Torre. The IT and Telephone system at the court is intergrated with the CC County system and has been for years, when there was a lage expensive upgrade done. Both the County and Court CEO Ken Torre at the time chose to invest in this joint venture. The Court’s business is run through their own equipment, but the firewall arrangement was set up by the County.
The more senior managers in court operations had many questions and issues with regard to the CCMS program and these were never fully answered that I knew of. If any of them chose to provide more enlightenment on the subject they can.
The CC Court is one of the known cheerleaders for the CCMS and has a former PJ, now Justice Bruiniers serving as the chairman of the CCMS and other past PJ O’Malley and CEO Torre serving on CCMS committees, but this software program is still an unproven work in progress that is long past due as a completed and finished product from the contracted vendor.
Judicial Council Watcher
July 23, 2011
Please ensure that you get your public comment in some time this weekend. We’re going to give a liberal eye towards removal of these names if people believe removal is warranted.
Generally, we don’t like nor ever intended Digital Purgatory for judges and justices but when they act in an administrative role without a robe, they are fair game.
SF Whistle
July 23, 2011
Blow the Whistle—
Perhaps you will find the answer to what appears to be a sincere, serious question about members of the JC—-You asked if perhaps they have been duped?
Please take a minute and read the letter that Judge Loren McMaster submitted to the CJA on July 19, 2011 as his letter of resignation—
He confirms a point I have made on this board a number of times—
THE JC HAS NEVER OPPOSED THE CJ—–IN IT’S HISTORY—
The JC is the consummate manifestation of “yes-people”….The JC is composed of sycophant, lackies that have a long recognized history of rubber-stamping whatever the CJ expects of them—
July 22nd should not have caused such a stir among court-watchers—–the JC is not wired in a way to do anything outside their history—-
Do not expect anything different to happen at the JC until such time as it is a democratized, functional body rather than a bunch of shills—
START THE RECALL—-START AN INTIATIVE WITH STRATEGIC JUDICIAL REFORMS (such as limits upon judicial immunity—and a real CJP)
sharonkramer
July 23, 2011
SF Whistle,
I agree. Even among good people with no ulterior motives, Group-think can be a very hazardous condition when group members are making serious decisions. It intensifies if the same people are continually in the group for a long period of time. It becomes unacceptable to disagree. There have been alot studies on the phenomenon. That’s why its important to make the JC elected by the judges – not appointed.
Even with that, there is something deeper wrong with this particular group. Promoting people who destroy records and people who would use fake letterhead to send a letter to a state chief justice being acceptable – there is something just not quite right with this group. That was so weird yesterday listening to the nonsense reasons for CCMS. You could tell just from their voices everyone knew what a big waste that has been. Actions like that would make one tend to think that there are some past misdeeds which stops them from bringing new people into the inner circle for fear of being exposed. Its like a code of secrecy or something.
SF Whistle
July 23, 2011
Kool-aid drinking is a required activity—
One can not help but speculate upon how these individuals feel looking in a mirror each day and knowing that they will be called upon to do something very wrong—You’re absolutely correct in your opinion that there truly is something “not quite right with this group”…
blowthewhistle
July 23, 2011
Okay, SF Whistle. I understand your explanation. But didn’t two people on that council make some objections? A Judge Wesley and a Judge Pines. Were they appointed by the Chief Justice? Are they independent thinkers? Have they perhaps acquired information other than what was spoon fed to them? Is there a crack in the armor? Political situations sometimes evolve as politicians read the tea leaves, otherwise known as the polls.
Michael Paul
July 23, 2011
What I see is a stacked deck of cronies and insiders with a few meaningful, sacrificial lambs as of late who make an effort to lead. Wesley & Pines were the only independent thinkers appointed by the chief. Everyone else is there to feign governance.
concerned
July 23, 2011
When will the rallies and protests in Sacramento begin? Many people are set to lose their jobs in the coming months. As I stated before, 2-3 minutes reports on the 5 and 6 oclcok news is not going to REALLY get the message to the public, the ones who are being robbed and don’t even know it. The needs to be PSA’s. Large front page articles in the newspapers. Protest in Sacramento. Once the legislature sees that the people they are elected to represent know that they are sticking their heads in the sand on this issue, they will act. Once they see the outrage in people and the threat that they may not be re-elected they will act. They may at first act as if the knew nothing, but they will act and do something. They dare not lose their paychecks and perks.
And can someone PLEASE PLEASE explain to me how a slime, pig, bad toupee wearing, butt whip like RonnyO get so much power and influence over trial court judges??????????
Michael Paul
July 23, 2011
Ronnie wears a rug?
concerned
July 23, 2011
Mr. Paul,
Did you see the Sac news where he was interviewed earlier this week? Yes that’s a rug and a bad looking one @ that. It was on crooked and in bad need of washing. He has gained A LOT of weight in recent years. I guess he’s eating real good with his high ass salary. While court employees are about to lose their jobs and may have to worry about where the meals will come from.
The more I think about what happened yesterday in SF, the madder I become.
To vote for a computer system and new courthouses, rather than keeping existing ones open and running and servicing the public is just DUMB.
Who is going to work in these new courthouses?
Someone is personally benefitting from this. I but if you get down to the nitty gritty, funds have found a way into personal bank accounts somehow and the bs that took place yesterday is one of the ways to cover it up. Read somewhere, maybe this site, that RG was born dirt poor but is now a millionaire????? What judge, past or present you know are millionaires? Somebody in authority needs to go over their books and demand every dime be accounted for, if not, people need to face fraud and theft charges among other things.
SF Whistle
July 23, 2011
Concerned—
I suggest we skip rallies and protests and properly focus the outrage—
Rather than wave signs we should ORGANIZE and gather signatures for a recall of the CJ—
Another ballot initiative that should be developed and qualified for the ballot through signatures gathered is a judicial reform package—
Let’s stop whining and end all the wishful thinking that some nice concerned legislator is going to jump in and help (they have other things to worry about)—-Governor Brown is not going to save-the-day because he has far too many due-bill obligations from his years as AG—-Brown knows well all the stinking-fetid-trashy stuff that has been going on for years—As AG he did nothing to stop King George’s assembly of the kingdom that now rules—
It’s time for activism—we are blessed to have the ballot initiative process available to us—let’s make it work….
sharonkramer
July 23, 2011
I would think as the impact of courts closing and court employee layoffs take hold, the public incentive to recall her would grow IF one can get the message out that this situation is not primarily caused by a downturn in the economy. Question: Where was SEIU yesterday? I didn’t listen to the whole thing. Did I miss someone from the union speaking on behalf of their members yesterday?
blowthewhistle
July 23, 2011
SF Whistle. Just a hint. It is too early to call for a recall. If you are going to mount such a campaign, time it correctly in relation to the general election. Otherwise it will peter out too soon. And if you want to do a recall, you need to get publicity of your cause in advance. Call press conferences for organized groups. The steps of the Capitol is a good place. And since your target is the AOC in San Francisco, contact TV news organizations there and hold your rallies on the steps of the building housing the organization you are targeting.
SF Whistle
July 23, 2011
Blow the Whistle—I believe there are many that would disagree on your timing of this as an issue—
Many—as in those that have lost a job—or litigants that truly can not suspend their lives for years while the AOC plays games with trial courts—can not afford to wait until the next general election-how about all the attorneys that are clueless and are newly aware that their very lives have been served up a change in the center of gravity while they were snoozing???-
There is no problem calling a special election IF—people stop whining and become activists—people stop talking about waiting—-waiting for the CJ to realize she has done a bad thing…etc..etc..pleeze—get a clue—-nothing is going to happen unless we take to the streets and do a recall—and a reform initiative—-
Michael Paul
July 23, 2011
Having been the first to do so on site, I want to welcome back AOC Watcher back to his old haunts.
As I have done everything possible to support Judicial Council Watcher, I would encourage all to support AOC Watcher who returned to the battle as of yesterday!
http://aocwatcher.wordpress.com
Imperial Stormtroopers, the borg, they’re all the same bad guys.
concerned
July 23, 2011
How do we start the recall campaign? And its true the people must be advised/informed that this has nothing to do with the economic down turn. They must be advised/informed that the money is there and these people elected to spend the money on everything BUT funding the courts and keeping them open.
Each and everyone in position who could have done something MUST BE EXPOSED!!! Why are we casting votes for these people if they are DOING NOTHING for the PEOPLE of CA besides take high salaries, outrageous perks, such as per diems, cars, free cell phones, in some cases drivers, free gas, etc and yet they DO NOTHING!
Yes its time for them to go.
I want to thank the people from this site.
I never knew it existed until recently. I’ve learned so much from this site. I’ve told others affected by this budget mess about this site. But I’m one person. How can the word be spread about this site?
We must organize and start recall campaigns. Where and how do we start?
And where the heck is SEIU?
Were they silent at the meeting?
Employee layoffs means less union dues they collect. Why are they so silent? SEIU, come out, come out, where ever you are!!!!!!
Judicial Council Watcher
July 23, 2011
http://www.avxm.com
There is a link on the second line down that will permit you or anyone else to download and print up to 10 wallet sized information cards that can send them to this page so they can learn more about the history, the challenge and the solutions.
Anyone wishing to type out a subject for posting of what you believe is not covered – but people should know – is encouraged to do so. Admittedly, the page wasn’t finished because the history of the sequence of events that portrays the whole story as it unfolds in the media is extensive and the subject of ongoing discussion on our part internally.
There’s been several hundred articles and news pieces produced in the last two years as an agency that made an extraordinary effort to avoid and control all media scrutiny came under increasing attack by independent media companies and bloggers. That attention is slowly drawing in the larger media companies.
Nobody knows or has educated the public on how this directly impacts their pocketbook, both in terms of time being money and a percentage of that money they pay being utilized to fuel this mess. If they knew aout it or that they could do something about it, they might act.
Education is where it starts. Educating the public, the legislative aides, the legislature, your coworkers and associates statewide.
Delilah
July 23, 2011
Please have faith, Concerned. The unions are on it. An SEIU rep was at the JC meeting and spoke during public comment, along with a trial court worker from Alameda Co. and two who flew up from LA. There were union protests outside the AOC building throughout the meeting. The unions are very much involved and have plans for action. Rest assured that they will respond accordingly and mobilize the membership when the time is most ripe.
concerned
July 23, 2011
Delilah,
Thank you for the information. I would have been there yesterday myself, but due to previous made plans, which couldn’t be rescheduled, I would have driven down to rally myself.
One thing I did notice though, when I checked the SF newspapers online today, there was no mention of what took pace yesterday. Correct if I’m wrong, but aren’t there major news agencies in SF?
Why no long press or did I miss/over look it?
SF Whistle
July 23, 2011
What’s their rush—-?—-perhaps no one has informed them “time is most ripe”…NOW….
Elmy Kader
July 23, 2011
The real question is what are we going to do about those corrupt Judges?
sharonkramer
July 24, 2011
Elmy,
The rampant corruption in our judicial branch could not flourish without lack of oversight by the judicial branch leaders. Given that the concept established by years of Ronald George leading our judicial system is that some in our courts are above the exact same laws they are here to enforce; you have to undo George’s damage by ridding the system of his hand chosen leadership sucessors and prodigies, i.e., those who carry on his legacy and continue to cover for his and others’ past misdeeds.
You have to cut off the head of the snake to stop the writhing of the rest of the snake’s body. To repair the “scales of justice”, change the head of the courts to one of integrity and dilligence. This is how you rid the system of corrupt/inept judges/administrators all down the line.
unionman575
July 23, 2011
Put all the rat bastards in. They earned it!
Delilah
July 23, 2011
http://www.law.com/jsp/ca/PubArticleCA.jsp?id=1202504898346&Judicial_Council_Backs_Staff_Plan_for_Budget_Allocations&slreturn=1&hbxlogin=1
Groups Seek to Restore Trial Court Funding: http://www.metnews.com/
http://www.courthousenews.com/2011/07/22/38398.htm
Delilah
July 24, 2011
It serves no good purpose to be impudent, judgmental and sarcastic towards the unions, SF Whistle. The unions will do the best they can in the current climate and in response to what the trial courts do. That is still somewhat of a waiting game at least until next month.
Mermaid
July 23, 2011
Democratization of the JC is imperative. Anything less falls short in providing true impartial leadership for both the CA judicial system and the citizens of this state. The majority of the votes witnessed yesterday illustrates exactly why this is a necessary element, no?
Any person who voted in a manner that puts the public’s interests on the back burner for any reason, whether they have a courthouse project in their district or not, should be *ASHAMED* for not performing their duties with due diligence and fairness in truly representing the people. They should be forced to wear “The Mark” accordingly. (“A” for ashamed? “A” for _________? [fill in whatever “A” word works best for you, personally, or we could move to some “B” words, if you prefer?!] *grins*)
Especially now, it’s essential that we have *true* leadership strength….people with strong backbones that will stand up and do the proper thing. Individuals who have wet noodles for backbones will always be rubber stamps. California citizens need and deserve more than rubber-stamp-leadership!!
Wendy Darling
July 23, 2011
Published today, Saturday, July 23, from SFGate, the on-line publication of The San Francisco Chronicle, by Bob Egelko:
Judges object to budget cuts for trial courts
Bob Egelko, Chronicle Staff Writer
http://thefresnonews.com/2011/07/judges-object-to-budget-cuts-for-trial-courts-san-francisco-chronicle/
Also published today, Saturday, July 23, from The Los Angeles Times, by Maura Dolan:
California court administrators clash with judges over cuts
By Maura Dolan, Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-court-cuts-20110723,0,4995603.story
Long live the ACJ.
concerned
July 23, 2011
Thanks Wendy Darling.
I read the articles and the comments. People are ignorant. They will be sorry if this ruling stands. Then they will be crying about why can’t they get help for their problems from the courts.
Education of the people is important.
sharonkramer
July 24, 2011
California’s courts endure third year of cuts
By PAUL ELIAS The Associated Press
http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_18536379?nclick_check=1
Mermaid
July 24, 2011
First, a sincere thanks to JCW for setting up this blog in the void of checks & balances and accountability that should otherwise exist within our judicial leadership but, sadly, does not….
I also agree that it starts with educating the citizens in a massive public awareness campaign. I feel it’s extremely important to convey to the people, in a language they can understand, exactly how this impacts their world. Otherwise, the “message-ball” will fall straight to the ground because of lack of concern because, unfortunately, it’s human nature to only get involved once something sets foot in your own backyard. Little does the general public realize it’s already been on their property for some time now, attempting to hide under the picnic table (or compost pile? lol), eh?
However, I also believe the method of targeting this goal of positive change needs to be mufti-directional, and that the current state of affairs is prime for that to happen from numerous sources.
Impeachment? Recall? I don’t really know the answer but I do believe if change is ever to transpire, we must actively look to our *ELECTED* officials for firm and complete answers as to why this is being allowed to happen. Sadly, it would seem, with rare exception, if our “public servants” are *NOT* elected, they have nothing at risk. Therefore, having nothing to lose, no structure exists to motivate their proper behavior and accountability for same, in doing what is in the best interest of the citizens above all else…..
I do agree with SF Whistle that action, rather than merely talk, is the answer. The key is organized movement as a group towards a common goal, for there is power in numbers and something like this takes time….and money….and a plan.
So, when and were are we meeting?
blowthewhistle
July 24, 2011
I agree that action is the key. Recall elections are a daunting proposition. You don’t necessarily have to pay people to gather signatures but you have a narrow time frame (160 days) within which to gather the signatures. You need at least 1,000 signature gatherers and that’s probably way too small a number. You need lots of major media attention. You have to get the attention of voters, many of whom couldn’t care less what happens to the courts. Forget about all the emotional rhetoric. Focus on money/taxes. Focus on waste of their tax dollars on the AOC bureaucracy, the computer project, bloated pensions and salaries, etc.
concerned
July 24, 2011
Blowthewhistle,
You are correct in what you say. People must be told what their tax dollars are being used for, they could care less about court employees. But if they know that their money is being used to pay for execs and theirr bloated salaries, pensions, retirement parties (Vickery), removal of gum and algae, computer systems that don’t work, ect they would want and demand answers. People don’t know the inner workings of the judicial system so that haven’t a clue as how these things will affect them in the very near future.
Are they unions working on something to get the ball rolling. I know plenty of people who will be willing to get out and work for the cause. Another idea: get college students involved. They are being screwed also by this budget bs. Let’s tackle one issue at a time.
Judicial Council Watcher
July 24, 2011
It’s not looking good for these fine, upstanding public servants. Is there not one voice in the wilderness that is willing to advocate on their behalf? Where is Keith Davis when they need him? 🙂
Our intel sources tell us our trial court judges are not going to let last Friday’s vote be the last word.
Michael Paul
July 24, 2011
Keith Davis is building a courthouse too.
Delilah
July 24, 2011
I think we should put up on the HOME PAGE of AVXM every link to every news video clip exposé that’s been done in the last two years, clips that show the wastefulness, the whistleblower accounts, with a brief introduction of what the video is about: $1500 light bulbs, squeaky chairs, gum- and fountain-cleaning, Calderon asking for a special investigation, Okoro exposing maintenance fraud, whisteblower fired for exposing unlicensed contractors, etc. I think the videos will attract attention faster because it’s easier than reading if people are lazy. Then, once the John Q. Publics pick their jaws up off the floor, they may be anxious to read more about it. So, after the video links would be links to all the written articles questioning the management of the AOC; the Legislature’s involvement, etc.
Following those links, we could have a link to the audit that blasts the AOC for mismanagement; letters from the ACJ and their mission statement; and something like those cards JCW made available to pass out to the public. This home page of AVXM, or wherever, if done right, could grab their attention just by the sensationalism alone, cuz it is staggering to believe that this is all true!
Have a brief statement from Michael Paul, Paula Negley, and other AOC emps wrongfully terminated for being honest and exposing fraud. Put up the chart — not a link — that the ACJ used showing the salaries and job classifications of AOC employees. Show their response to Michael Paul that, under Rule Whatever, they are prohibited from turning over document requests on “personnel matters.” Have a statement that the AG’s office is precluded from looking into wrongdoing in the AOC because the AG’s office is bound to represent the AOC against such allegations. Tell them this has all been reported to the FBI and what is anyone doing about it??!!! “It’s your taxpayer dollars wasted, your local courts closing down. Help us help you!”
Just some ideas. The list could go on and on. And the same question as Mermaid and JC asked: When and where do we meet? I don’t have money to contribute, but I will volunteer time, ideas, and my commitment to be part of the ground war.
Delilah
July 24, 2011
Sorry for the long post above. I just took a look at the front page of AVXM for the first time in a while and you’ve already done a most excellent job (red face). Thanks for everything, JCW and all here.
Mermaid
July 25, 2011
Delilah,
I didn’t mind your long post at all! It serves as a reminder to me that people are, indeed, incredibly visually oriented, and that a fundamental rule of business is to always “make action easy” when you are attempting to motivate others towards a goal or outcome. It’s all a matter of effective marketing imho.
Stay tuned for I’m going to personally see what I can do about assisting on getting something mobilized as to a meeting for those who might be interested in positive reform! *warm smile*
concerned
July 25, 2011
Delilah,
You shouldn’t have to contribute any money! Time yes. We ALL have to put in time to bring the corruption to light. Money? No! From what I gather we are all union fee paying court emplyees. We pay fees out of each paycheck. Why are the unions NOT USING some of that money to run ads on television, radio, newspapers, etc? Why aren’t each and every one of the TC judges that are opposed to this decision, not mounting campaigns to seek to overturn this. Where are our lobbyist? Where are the trial attorneys? Why is no one speaking up? Speaking out? Why is no one, with any kind of clout, speaking, saying anything? I’m not understanding!
People need to know that its not that there’s no money. There’s plenty of it. The Judicial branch of this states govt just chose to spend the money elsewhere, instead of keeping cours open.
People have to know, this is THEIR money being flushed down the drain.
People complain about this state spending soooooo much of THEIR money on illegals. Wonder how they would feel if the knew what’s going on in the third branch of govt in this state.
Where’s the union at in this. If we lose, they lose too. You would think that you would hear a rumble. Right now I hear silence!
If I’m wrong, so please correct me.
Judicial Council Watcher
July 24, 2011
LAST CALL before we enter these fine public servants upon the wall of shame. Is there not just one with a quality redeeming enough to overlook their self-centered greed?
Anyone? Read by nearly 4000 people and nobody wants to pipe up? Not even to suggest that they themselves shouldn’t be here? ( We’re sure most that are to be cast upon the wall of shame have viewed this post by our intel)
Ladies and gentlemen, Judicial Council Watcher is about to enter the next phase of engagement. A campaign to convince the people, the Legislature and Governor to strip that money from AOC programs and save the public’s access to justice.
JusticeCalifornia
July 24, 2011
http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/2011/07/lack-oversight-squeezing-life-out-judicial-system
More heat.
Top leadership’s penchant for spitting into the wind, and playing the incredily stupid Turner/Roddy game of chicken, giggling and laughing and joking all the while, doesn’t seem to be playing well anywhere but at AOC headquarters.
Mermaid
July 25, 2011
And it shouldn’t be looked upon as being acceptable! I couldn’t believe it when Turner was trying to suggest that AOC “administration” was equally important as the “trial courts” with regard to priorities! That statement just confirmed to me how out of touch they really are, and the Judicial Council’s votes, with the exception of two find admirable individuals, supported that absurd statement she made!
blowthewhistle
July 25, 2011
With all that is about to happen to our courts, isn’t it time for the City by the Bay to fight back? I have never known San Franciscans to take anything lying down. Those around here who can afford to be seen publicly as critics need to press Senator Feinstein on this. Do this now, before the real impact of closing civil courts in this great city comes home to roost.
concerned
July 25, 2011
A LOT of people feel the same way as you do. Where is Senator Feinstein? Isn’t this her state? Isn’t SF her old stomping ground? Did she not start her career in politics there?
Why is she so silent?
Maybe something is going on WE don’t know about?
Does DC know what’s going on here? I know there’s issues with raising the dc, but don’t you think someone there would be concerned that the country’s largest judicial system is about to fold?
Maybe we are next up on the agenga.
You know, you gotta laugh to keep from crying over this mess?
Why the heck did we vote for JB, when its clear he could care less about the people and their rights in this state.
blowthewhistle
July 25, 2011
Question. We heard all about how much money would be “saved” by deferring “deployment” of the computer project but what is the amount the AOC is still planning to spend on it? I didn’t hear that and couldn’t figure it out.
JusticeCalifornia
July 25, 2011
Good question. I am still waiting for the answers to the questions about what the 2010-2011 CCMS “deployment” budget was, where the deployment money went since there was no deployment, and what happened to that “independent audit ” report about CCMS that was supposed to be completed this month. I hope that report, when it is issued in the next week (it is done, right Tani?), addresses the legality of housing CA legal files in AZ, and the bowling-ball-through-the-garden hose problem.
Wendy Darling
July 25, 2011
According to the last thing the Judicial Council and the AOC submitted to the State Legislature, $125 million of the this fiscal year (July 1, 2011-June 30, 2012) judicial branch budget is committed to CCMS.
Long live the ACJ.
JusticeCalifornia
July 25, 2011
Yes, but what was the 2010-2011 CCMS budget, and what about that hefty 2010 year-end diversion of trial court funds to CCMS, and how much of each was allocated for what, and spent on what– or not spent because everything was stopped after the BSA report?
Does anyone know?
Judicial Council Watcher
July 25, 2011
JCW has proudly posted our fine, upstanding public servants into digital purgatory.
Towards a most enjoyable read, we were informed that our VJ’s struck a home run for this thread and that you should crank it up and read. 🙂