As we continue to read and be fascinated by the Judicial Council’s public comment regarding the Strategic Evaluation Committee report, we’re coming to the belief that we are witnessing a classic case of “foxhole syndrome” and as we make the case, we’re sure you’ll agree.
The term foxhole syndrome was developed in world war one. People suffering from foxhole syndrome held the belief that if they stayed in their foxholes and kept their heads down, they were completely safe and they wouldn’t be the ones that got themselves killed. Unfortunately a variety of poison gas chemicals and artillery of varying types and primitive aerial bombardment came down on the foxholes.
The perception of being safe in your foxhole did not change reality in world war one. Over 37 million people died.
By world war two, the Germans had learned from the mistakes of world war one and came to the realization that the only way to win a war is to strike at your opponent hard and fast, with everything you have and from every possible direction before they had an opportunity to dig in.
While the French would rely on the entrenched Maginot line to defend them, the Germans would go around the Maginot line and conquer all of France and Belgium before turning their artillery, flamethrowers and satchel charges on the Maginot line. It was called Blitzkrieg or “the lightning war” and it is the same philosophical strategy employed by our own U.S. military today.
Our reader demographics for an online medium are highly unusual. Most every reader is a college graduate and over 40. You’re very smart people so you can see where we’re going with this.
Court employees, judges, attorneys and members of the public aren’t too inclined to get out of their foxhole in this particular fight. Attorneys stay out because the next judge they appear before may hold a contrary view. Employees of the courts and the AOC stay out because they value their jobs and commentary either way is going to piss someone off and possibly end up getting themselves fired. The public won’t weigh in mostly because there is more important things in their lives. We unambiguously state that we hide behind an alias because we don’t want our next speeding ticket to become a capitol offense because we halfheartedly believe the corrupt people that run this system have that much juice.
Michael Roosevelt.
With the best of intentions, this brave AOC employee submitted a comment about a righteous observation. While it may seem like we shot his head off in some respects, we’re proud of Mr. Roosevelt. We’re gathering he had no knowledge of what the ministry of truth he works for was up to and in classic AOC style he probably wasn’t informed about the AOC plan to enlist mercenaries defend their turf for them.
The only way blitzkrieg works is if you hit the opponent from every conceivable direction, with most of what you have in a concerted effort all at once. So as we continue to monitor these comments coming in, we want you to keep in mind – especially if you are a judge or a justice – that you have an incredibly unique opportunity to literally re-write history books right here and right now by submitting your comment in response to the SEC report.
If you are an employee represented by a local union, you should encourage your local union to get out of the foxhole as well and represent all of you with real numbers – and sign your own letter to the Judicial Council.
As for AOC employees – our advice would be to keep your head down or find a way to anonymously comment on the SEC report. Little has changed. You are mismanaged by a taxpayer funded RICO.
Just as foxhole syndrome did not change reality for 37 million people in world war one, perception does not change reality for the nearly 20,000 judges, court or AOC employees that don’t submit a comment to the SEC report.
Mail your comment to invitations@jud.ca.gov
A tactical note:
The Judicial Council and AOC management have been trying enlist mercenaries to fight their battle for them and try to encourage their own blitzkrieg against the SEC report and so far, they’re not having much luck. On our side of this fight we have every conceivable weapon ever devised. Some of us can fight with limited rules of engagement. Our opponent is severely restricted and must play by certain rules.
Judicial Council Watcher 
SOBworker
July 17, 2012
Huh? AOC workers are supposed to “keep their heads down” while you all go after our livelihood? What are you people smoking?
Judicial Council Watcher
July 17, 2012
It’s medicinal. 🙂
Seriously though, we’re not going after your livelihood. Frankly we feel that if everyone with the title of manager or above was given walking papers, the AOC would be better managed by those that remain and most of our other AOC colleagues agree. Besides, we didn’t only say keep your heads down.
unionman575
July 17, 2012
😉
Judicial Council Watcher
July 17, 2012
Let us add some reasoning to that. Nepotism. Many AOC managers are related to someone else that works in the building. They obtained their management positions not by what they know but by who they know and how far they look the other way.
Some managers were hired from previous AOC vendors that were working with the AOC to actually bilk the trial courts for clawbacks. A manager position was their just reward as the AOC couldn’t let that part of the story go public or let the trial courts get wind of what was going on.
Where did we get that infomation? Current and former AOC employees that never had an opportunity for promotion because some judges daughter is an architect, some council members son is an accountant or some former vendor was grossly overcharging the trial courts for services.became a manager in the IT department.
Wendy Darling
July 18, 2012
Some Assistant Director’s nephew was the “treasurer” of his college fraternity, which somehow magically qualified him as a finace expert for a job in the AOC’s Finance Division.
Long live the ACJ.
Oh Well
July 17, 2012
Well, unfortunately, you AOC workers work for the evil empire. And your management is now being shot at. What do you do when you’re being shot at? You leave. You could consider going to work at one of the local courts like San Francisco. Oh yeah, but you can’t. That’s because they laid off 40% of their staff and why? Because the AOC mismanaged funds and stole from the trial courts. Peter took from Paul so I guess you have a problem.
You Really Got Me
July 18, 2012
Dearest Judicial Concil Watcher:
Are we talking about the AOC or Santa Clara County? I’m having trouble keeping it straight. If I didn’t know better I’d thing that Santa Clara County is the AOC Annex. Because that’s how things are done down here.
You Really Got Me
July 18, 2012
For clarification, my comment above refers to JCW’s comment on AOC Nepotism.
unionman575
July 17, 2012
JCW – Nice!
If you are an employee represented by a local union, you should encourage your local union to get out of the foxhole as well and represent all of you with real numbers – and sign your own letter to the Judicial Council.
;
Sad But True
July 17, 2012
Hah, we’d love to but our Local SEIU 521 is in bed with our management and works against us.
unionman575
July 17, 2012
I hear ya.
disgusted
July 18, 2012
Sad But True is correct, Local SEIU 521 is in bed with management and has worked against its employed. They’ve signed off on methods of doing things which were SO detrimental to employees. When called out on it and asked why, they simply don’t answer. If I was a remaining employee, I think I’d move to pay a new union. How about those Teamsters?
It’s a whole ‘nother fight that has to happen. Boy, when it rains, it pours, hu?
Emma Peal
July 18, 2012
I agree with discusted being once a union Stewart and a negotiator in our courts, I saw the employees sold out and thrown under the Kristi S is no Norma Rae !
unionman575
July 17, 2012
http://www.courts.ca.gov/partners/1494.htm
Budget Impacts : As of July 13, 2012
Carole
July 17, 2012
You all keep invoking Michael Roosevelt’s name like any of you know anything at about him. Have you ever met him? He’s one of the most honorable people you’ll ever have an opportunity to speak to. He had no ulterior motives other than to call attention to a reality of where we work. But the people on this blog are so busy engaging in your verbal food fights that all you seem to want to do is paint everybody who works at the AOC with the same brush. Apparently the JCW’s position is if you work at the AOC you must be the devil’s spawn.
Just as people in the courts are unfairly losing their jobs, so are rank and file workers at the AOC. There are real lives attached to these budget cuts to the judiciary, real lives and real people. While you’re engaged in your verbal jousting and adolescent name calling (Music videos? Really?), why don’t you think about the secretaries, analysts, and other non-managers who have lost their jobs—people who don’t make any decisions, haven’t made any policy, people who just get up and come to work everyday and do the very best they can. But real concern isn’t really the point of this exercise is it?
While you all get your rocks off patting yourselves on the back and labeling all of us at the AOC as evil, remember that we too have had family, friends, and colleagues in the courts who have lost their jobs. We don’t think the financial state of our courts is funny or cute.
Michael Roosevelt had the stones to attach his name to his public comment while you’re on this blog hiding behind being anonymous. So let me join Michael in not “keeping his head down.” My name is Carole Simmons. I‘m an education specialist. I make $6,000 a month. I telecommute once a week. No need to enlist your spies. If you have a question or comment, go for it.
Judicial Council Watcher
July 17, 2012
Carole, take a deep breath and re-read what was written here about Mr. Roosevelt. The only people we paint with the same brush is your management. We highly respect Mr. Roosevelt and the miserable reality AOC employees are enduring.
Had you not been mismanaged, had your bosses not continuously ignored the unambiguous elephant(s) in the room about CCMS, court construction costs and engaged in felonious cover-ups, we wouldn’t have a reason to exist now would we?
unionman575
July 17, 2012
Had you not been mismanaged, had your bosses not continuously ignored the unambiguous elephant(s) in the room about CCMS, court construction costs and engaged in felonious cover-ups, we wouldn’t have a reason to exist now would we?
😉
unionman575
July 17, 2012
You work in hell (the AOC)and that is widely known. Many of your bosses, both current, and now retired are real assholes.
And that’s the way it is for now.
Welcome aboard to JCW!
Give Me a Break
July 18, 2012
Well Carole, you make more than I do after a quarter of a century toiling away. I go into the office every day. I don’t get to telecommute. Sure, I’d like to “come out of the closet” and give my name but I’ve learned that “no good deed goes unpunished.” Being open and honest will get you whacked in the courts. Hopefully, you are not the one making us go to those ridiculous ethics courses that we know that no one in managment follows. I’m sick of those requirements for 8 hours of education that can’t be used and keep me from getting my work done. Another boondoggle for some contractor to bill the courts.
unionman575
July 18, 2012
“I’m sick of those requirements for 8 hours of education that can’t be used and keep me from getting my work done. Another boondoggle for some contractor to bill the courts.”
Woo hoo Give Me A Break – ain’t that the truth!
😉
Been There
July 18, 2012
Carole, many of us are current and former AOC employees. We know the insanity and dysfunction we experience(d), and we place the responsibility squarely on the management, not the line staff.
We post here because, yes, we are concerned. We accepted job offers at the AOC because we, like our co-workers, are bright, committed to public service in the courts, and wanted to make a difference. Instead we found corruption, deceit, and a total disregard for the people of the State of Calfornia. Billions of dollars wasted. Lies. Corruption. Abuse of power. The SEC report tells the story.
JAD
July 18, 2012
I regret Carole has such a negative opinion of this site. I have been following first the AOC Watcher and now the Judicial Council Watcher for many, many years, and I have yet to see unfounded attacks against the rank and file AOC employees. The point of Judicial Council Watcher is to bring to light the problems at the top, because the change HAS to start there. It saddens me the rank and file are the ones losing their jobs while the mis-managers continue on unstopped. The rank and file layoffs are casualties of Jody Patel and HRH II as Exhibit 1 that they already started implementing changes before receipt of the SEC Report. A further problem is they have installed CEO’s in the trial courts that regurgitate their party line.
We can’t expect change unless we are all willing to put ourselves on the line too. This is the time, because if we don’t now we are wasting the perfect opportunity. Though the comments would be more powerful under everyone’s own name, I understand the hesitancy. If you are not comfortable submitting your comment under your own name, this site has setup a process for you to submit anonymously. So please DO IT.
Judicial Council Watcher
July 17, 2012
Welcome to Judicial Council Watcher SOBWorker, Silicon Valley and sad but true and CAROLE. Once your first post is approved, you can post without moderation.
Wendy Darling
July 17, 2012
“Had you not been mismanaged, had your bosses not continuously ignored the unambiguous elephant(s) in the room about CCMS, court construction costs and engaged in felonious cover-ups, we wouldn’t have a reason to exist now would we?”
Exactly right.
Long live JCW. And long live the ACJ.
unionman575
July 17, 2012
I have a question, how many cases does the AOC adjudicate each year?
Hmm.
Go for it.
unionman575
July 17, 2012
Here you go Steve Nash…since you are coming home soon to the Death Star, I got you a cupcake with a birthday candle on it big guy!
http://footage.shutterstock.com/clip-1266865-stock-footage-lighting-a-birthday-candle-on-a-cupcake-hd.html
The OBT
July 18, 2012
Hi Carole , thanks for your post. Those of us here who have issues with the management of the JC/AOC have never had any critical comments about the staff who work day in and day out at the AOC. The sad reality is that the JC/AOC wasted so much on CCMS, a half billion , they have now put in jeopardy jobs at the trial courts and AOC. The JC/ AOC decisions to hire and pay 500,000 a year for the National Center on State Courts, paying Clark Kelso huge benefits, paying unnecessary “Scholars in Reisdence” who aren’t even in residence, full time telecommuting lawyers including one from Europe, only exacerbates the budget crisis within the branch. I hope as this evolves, that we can heal the branch and bring people together again. Good luck and I hope you post again as all opinions are helpful here.
unionman575
July 18, 2012
Ahh choo – I am allergic to BULLSHIT expenditures and theft of public money too!
😉
Judicial Council Watcher
July 18, 2012
We share The OBT’s sentiments. (By the way, what does OBT stand for?)
wearyant
July 18, 2012
In stenotype, it could mean “object.”
Good morning, all.
Judicial Council Watcher
July 18, 2012
Good Morning Ant and thank you. 🙂
unionman575
July 18, 2012
Reminder: Next big top circus event (JC Meeting) on Friday 7-27-12 in SF at Death Star HQ.
Let’s show then some love JCW style!
😉
wearyant
July 18, 2012
Versal-Versal, you are missed. Hope all is well with you.
courtflea
July 18, 2012
Whoa Carole, I have met and worked with Michael Roosevelt. He is a great guy and was very brave to make a public comment. No one here is going after the “little guy”. Unfortunately it is the little guy that is getting screwed and laid off or fired unlike the administration staff which retired and got their pensions padded by promotions before their retirements. I feel bad that you have to work at the AOC. Been there done that. But you are lucky you are in CJER which for the most part has escaped having management jerks, unlike your fellow divisions of the death star.
unionman575
July 18, 2012
http://www.examiner.com/article/personal-power-and-greed-behind-california-s-administration-office-of-the-courts
Personal power and greed behind California’s Administration Office of the Courts
• AOC
• JULY 17, 2012
• BY: BONNIE RUSSELL
In an article in MetNews yesterday, Judge Lance Ito described the Administration of the Courts, (commonly known as the AOC) as “Vindictive, Deceptive, Manipulated.”
Two out of three ain’t bad.
While most agree with Judge Ito’s description of the AOC as “vindictive” and “deceptive” is spot on; those in the know disagree with Ito characterizing the AOC as manipulated.
See “Lavish Perks for Court Bureaucrats.”
California’s AOC generated financial problems are covered, here, which is separate from the AOC2 (for kids) continuing to put kids at risk, covered here; But clearly and by all accounts, the evidence is in: the AOC tail has long wagged the Judicial Council dog.
Which makes the AOC manipulators, not manipulated.
But Ito was right about one thing, that the Judicial Council must itself be democratically elected. Ito wrote:
“The bottom line is that NOTHING will change,” he wrote, “until…the selection process for Judicial Council membership is changed from dictatorial to democratic” or the council “actually takes its role seriously rather than being rubber stamping sycophants.””
Ito’s reason for writing was the impending court closures. Gov. Brown’s tax hike will keep the courts open, but given AOC’s performance, Gov. Brown might want to step in and dismantle the AOC altogether.
During all this time the AOC continued driving the State of California off a financial cliff with its Court Case Management System, a software system no one wanted except California’s former Chief Justice, Ronald George.
A half-billion dollars later, the CCMS never worked, but was fully supported by lobbyists hired by the AOC, up until the last second when the legislature took over.
During all this time California’s Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, George’s hand-picked clone made public statements that were the exact opposite of the lobbying efforts on her behalf to prevent legislators from taking the reins. Turns out our Chief Justice tossed her credibility for power. Saying one thing while doing the exact opposite is not becoming for a chief justice.
Bottom line? The AOC long ago outlived its usefulness.
Particularly since AOC salaries mirror that of the judiciary.
To see judicial salaries from 2009, (AOC personnel worked hard to hinder the accumulation of that data), click here.
San Diego’s top AOC employee in San Diego is Michael Roddy, whose gross earnings were $224,162.64.
However, that was three years ago. Am betting Roddy’s earning more, since.
Watchdogs Journalists – MIA
As California continues driving itself over a financial cliff, it might be helpful if mainstream media stopped ignoring the AOC’s role in the state’s demise, particularly as the AOC remains the largest single agency charged with improving “Access to Justice” for Californians.
It’s also fair to say mainstream media continued their collective failure to investigate the AOC particularly after the agency began draining the pockets of all Californians at sinkhole speed on behalf of the Computer Case Management System. The AOC then announced it ceased funding the project, but the public soon learned CCMS was funded under a new name.
All due to former Chief Justice Ronald George.
Rarely has one man been almost solely responsible for setting a course of financial disaster for an entire state. That Tani Cantil-Sakauye, wants to continue George’s “vision” remains troublesome.
😉
wearyant
July 18, 2012
Great article that you found, Unionman575! Thanks for posting. “Greed and Power.” Yep, that’s what’s behind the AOC, absolutely. NOT access to justice. How long will we have to suffer these total fools?!
“That Tani Cantil-Sakauye, wants to continue George’s ‘vision’ remains troublesome.” THIS is what I find terribly sickening.
Bonnie Russell, YOU ROCK!
UNIONMAN575, YOU ROCK!
Long live the ACJ!
Recall Tani!
Implement the SEC report recommendations!
unionman575
July 18, 2012
Thanks Ant!
I can’t help my infomaniac streak! LOL
😉
wearyant
July 18, 2012
You’ve got it bad, but it benefits all of us! Have a good evening!
Wendy Darling
July 18, 2012
“Saying one thing while doing the exact opposite is not becoming for a chief justice.”
Neither is lying.
Long live the ACJ.
unionman575
July 18, 2012
Yep it’s lying Wendy.
unionman575
July 18, 2012
Another OCCM Taj Majal…
http://www.courts.ca.gov/18669.htm
Lassen Hall of Justice Dedication Ceremony August 3, 2012
FOR RELEASE
Contact: Teresa Ruano, 415-865-7447
July 18, 2012
Lassen Hall of Justice Dedication Ceremony August 3, 2012
The New Lassen County Courthouse
Who: The ceremony, which is open to the public, will include remarks by court leaders including F. Donald Sokol, Presiding Judge of the Superior Court of Lassen County; Assistant Presiding Judge Michele Verderosa; Court Executive Officer Rosemari Reed; Ira R. Kaufman, Assistant Presiding Judge of the Superior Court of Plumas County and liaison to the Judicial Council; and David M. Rubin, Judge of the Superior Court of San Diego County and president of the California Judges Association.
When: Friday, August 3, 2012, 12 noon–2 p.m.
What: The program will include remarks and tours of the new courthouse.
Where: The new courthouse is at 2610 Riverside Drive in Susanville.
Why: The grand opening celebrates completion of five years of planning, design, and construction for the new 42,000-square-foot courthouse, which replaces three overcrowded and inadequate facilities. The new courthouse, with three courtrooms and a hearing room, provides enhanced security and more space, enabling the court to improve access and services. The project was completed under budget in May 2012.
More information about the project is available on the project web page.
For questions about the ceremony, please contact Nancy Holsey at 530-251-8205, ext.140.
Members of the public needing accommodation, such as an assistive listening system or a sign language interpreter, are also requested to contact Nancy Holsey at 530-251-8205, ext. 140, no later than July 27, 2012.
wearyant
July 18, 2012
Gee, this makes so much sense! NOT!! Courtrooms are closing, dolts! WAKE UP!
unionman575
July 18, 2012
If you stand on your head it makes perfect sense.
Get me a bucket!
😉
Judicial Council Watcher
July 18, 2012
Another flat roof in snow country. Amazing. Unfortunately it will be our grandchildren that will be paying for this building while funding its replacement.
wearyant
July 18, 2012
“Another flat roof in snow country.” Now, that’s sayin’ something, JCW! God, how long will we have to suffer these jerks? Somebody must really be “important” in the building industry. I’m hopin’ the graft will be weeded out …
unionman575
July 18, 2012
Yes Simply Amazing JCW!
JusticeCalifornia
July 18, 2012
Woo hoo.
This: http://www.courts.ca.gov/programs-facilities.htm/facilities-lassen.htm
Versus this:
http://www.nlarch.com/portfolio/cj_mercedcourt.html
Gotta love that Merced project.
I think the branch and the BSA and interested others should be looking at the competitive (lol) bids, and the underlying land purchases, for all courthouse construction projects.
courtflea
July 18, 2012
Humm where is the Chief and AOC representation at this dedication? Probably too embarrased to show their faces.
Ok this new courthouse was funded way before the current economic crisis. Hell, it takes years to get to the point of a finished courthouse. And I must say my friends, a courthouse is a HUGE part of court operations. If any of you saw the old Lassen court you would be shocked. I have been there myself. No private judges cafeteria there much less lock ups for in custody defendants.Chambers? Pffttt. Jurors lining up in a snow storm or 100 degree weather outside to do their jury duty? And a jury assembly room??? What a luxury! Heck I’ll take a long line in 70 degree weather in LA or the OC to get past security in those courthouses any day! Many things that most folks take for granted in their own courthouses are non existant in places like Lassen.
And don’t forget the prison in Lassen holds some of the worst of the worst i.e. the guy that is currently telling the cops where to find the dozens of bodies of his victims in central CA(his paroled partner in these crimes hung himself right there in Susanville before his buddy started to sing). Many inmate issues from the prison are heard in this courthouse (ok not exactly Pelican Bay but opps! another two judge court!). Lassen maybe a small county but they have a huge need for an decent court facility.I doubt this new facility is club med courthouse. Oppsie again, my desire for access to justice got in the way here of knocking this particular endevor. I’m sure if the abandoning of this facility would save the judicial branch from this fiscal crisis, it would have been done by now.
PS I cant figure out why LA wants a new courthouse in Long Beach, the ocean view alone is worth millions!!! 🙂
Ok I am cranky today.
unionman575
August 11, 2012
Flea, the State of CA did a complex land swap with City of Long Beach – I’ll spare you the details here.
The State got an inland site where the new LASC Long Beach court house is being built.
The City of Long Beach will get the current water front site when then new court opens (inland) and the old court gets the wrecking ball.
The City of Long Beach has a dream plan wherein they will “partner” with developers and make money. That plan probably won’t pan out.
Here we go again…we get another Money Pit AOC court facility that no one wants, needs, or can afford.
Meanwhile, LASC prepares to implement the next phase of its business plan – closing EXISTING courthouses and more layoffs.