Someone way more familiar with the Long Beach project dropped us a note overnight showing us the errors of our ways. Apparently, the AOC did not sign up for a 22 million dollar per year building which would represent just the costs of construction number and it is the costs of construction number that the intellectually dishonest over at the AOC’s ministry of truth are promoting. Of course we can leave it to the AOC to not reveal the real costs which are about to floor you.
The AOC signed up for a $53 million dollar per year rent payment (for 35 years) or roughly $1.7 MILLION per year per courtroom. All of these other fees and costs being tacked on include service and operations and maintenance fees, so while they will not commit to maintaining any public building they own, they absolutely committed to maintaining a public building that a private developer owns.
Do you see yet why we don’t like PPP projects?
Did anyone know that the AOC committed this pot of money to ONE project? Total out-the-door cost? 1.855 BILLION dollars. Apparently the rent payment mentioned in the Cheryl Miller / recorder article being 44 million dollars is not even for a full year but when they’re scheduled to occupy it in the fall until the end of the fiscal year. A full annual rent payment is actually $53 million dollars.
The note goes on to state that both the AOC and the investors were eyeing SB1407 funds from the onset to fund this project and that was the reason everyone signed on the dotted line “because the money was there.” I wonder if Justice Hill has factored in a front-loaded 53 million dollars per year in his grandiose plans. The number of 53 million per year is higher than the annual facilities maintenance budget for all 500 buildings that the AOC owns and operates while all those buildings suffer an additional 250 million per year in deferred maintenance.
Payments like this coming from funds destined to pay back bonds (front-loading) would take about a billion dollars away from other court construction projects from around the state. Additionally, the private/public partners were given a free reign over the project without any AOC oversight and never had to deal with any of the standard regulatory oversight required for bond funded projects. Additionally, the partners received certain tax benefits that are quite significant and also received title to a nice ocean view lot where they will build a 30 story plus high rise condo project without paying a dime for the property in a property trade.
Is that the sound of boiling blood I hear out in the trial courts?
The legislature needs to charter a department of common sense and Senator Leno would be our recommended pick when he terms out. Under the usual AOC guise that appearances are far more important than money, it appears the AOC may have signed on the 1.855+ billion dollar dotted line.
Finally, the note urges a top-to-bottom invoice by invoice audit of the entire SB1407 bond program run by the AOC because this money is being mis-spent by the AOC without any fiscal controls and on projects well outside the scope of legislative intent. “This whole story of the Long Beach Courthouse and the spending of SB1407 bond funds by the AOC has legs” the note concludes, “as bad as you think it is now, it is far worse than anyone can possibly imagine”
Wendy Darling
September 18, 2012
“Finally, the note urges a top-to-bottom invoice by invoice audit of the entire SB1407 bond program run by the AOC because this money is being mis-spent by the AOC without any fiscal controls and on projects well outside the scope of legislative intent. “This whole story of the Long Beach Courthouse and the spending of SB1407 bond funds by the AOC has legs” the note concludes, “as bad as you think it is now, it is far worse than anyone can possibly imagine”
Not that anyone up at the State Legislature is paying any attention to that, or cares to.
Robert Turner
September 18, 2012
Nice work JCW. Also thanks to the Recorder for covering the story.
I was a student at Cal State Long Beach in the 1990’s and I would go to the Long Beach courthouse to observe cases and learn court administration. Even then that courthouse was a complete mess and needed to be replaced. The ceiling was filled with mold and water damage, the escalators didn’t work so they were used like stairs, there were defendant’s brought in to court in shackles and chains, and traffic court was held in a trailer outside the building. I certainly don’t question the critical need for the old courthouse to be replaced.
That said, I think is totally appropriate for the JCW and others to question how the AOC has chosen to replace it. That’s the fiscal duty of the legislature to ensure public funds are used effectively. The AOC has little experience in courthouse construction so it is critical for their choices to be reviewed carefully and not just by an internally hired consulting group (the Pegasus Report). This is something the other branches should audit and monitor carefully along with all of the bond money from SB 1407 to ensure the money was/is well spent.
unionman575
September 18, 2012
Where is the legislature?
DAN DYDZAK
September 18, 2012
In this day of fiscal austerity, where numerous people are being laid off, one has to question whether new courthouses should be built. If so much money had not been stolen by AOC and others, there would not be the layoffs happening and curtailing of court services.
I have had to file a new lawsuit on the East coast where people involved in RICO acitivities are being named as defendants. This case is entitled DYDZAK V. SCHWARZENEGGER et al., and one of the named defendants is Mr. Jahr for Rico and civil rights violations, among many parties. There are allegations of illegal campaign contributions from Bar funds/foundation and the involvement of the AOC thereto. The subject matter of the litigation does involve improper courthouse expenditures, among many issues. I assume that this lawsuit will attract major attention because of its merit.
Hopefully, the California legislature at some point will pass legislation re democracizing the Judicial Council, and there can be careful and considered monitoring of any construction. It is true that the Long Beach courthouse is quite old but whether in these times of austerity a new court house can be justified is questionable. Perhaps the decision can be deferred.
unionman575
September 18, 2012
I wish you well Dan the Man on your newest challenge to the Death Star.
😉
unionman575
September 18, 2012
Nice work JCW.
😉
unionman575
September 18, 2012
Unbelievable high numbers. I am grabbing my chest and abourto have a heart attack JCW.
unionman575
September 18, 2012
The AOC signed up for a $53 million dollar per year rent payment (for 35 years) or roughly $1.7 MILLION per year per courtroom. All of these other fees and costs being tacked on include service and operations and maintenance fees, so while they will not commit to maintaining any public building they own, they absolutely committed to maintaining a public building that a private developer owns.
The Death Star will just take that outta our trial court slum dog hides.
unionman575
September 18, 2012
1407 funds are a pot of gold for private companies with ties to the powers that be…
unionman575
September 18, 2012
Is that the sound of boiling blood I hear out in the trial courts?
YES!
😉
unionman575
September 18, 2012
“as bad as you think it is now, it is far worse than anyone can possibly imagine”
I am hoping that isn’t the case, but I fear it is true….
😉
unionman575
September 18, 2012
http://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/OC32-10.pdf
Here you go all you construction good fellas up at the Death Star…
Yesterday…
courtflea
September 18, 2012
can we all agree that the legislature is busy watching Honey Boo Boo?
Wendy Darling
September 18, 2012
Their attention span isn’t that long, Flea.
Long live the ACJ.
unionman575
September 19, 2012
Official
September 18, 2012
Flea, you are HILARIOUS… Cheers to Honey Boo Boo!
wearyant
September 18, 2012
The private investors must have been THRILLED to see the AOC bureaucrats coming! Whoo-hoo! All those public funds! Wheeeee!! Never give a sucker an even break. “Otis Criblecoblis” You can’t cheat an honest man …
JusticeCalifornia
September 18, 2012
Whistleblowers, AOC Watcher, JCW, and the ACJ have ALL been documenting what is going down for quite a few years now. I love that. You know why? The hard evidence shows that the cj/jc/aoc has been getting away with everything short of murder, and facilitating blatant corruption and coverups, on a grand scale, and no one is doing anything about it. That in and of itself is very telling. A moral indictment, actually.
It’s good to know and understand and take notes about where everyone stands. The good guys in all three branches are going to look at this horrific mess funded by the public and make the call to step forward and call for an investigation, no matter the consequences, the bad guys and going to desperately try to block them. Period.
Are you listening, Justice Corrigan?
Wendy Darling
September 18, 2012
An absence of ethics, all around, Justice California.
DAN DYDZAK
September 18, 2012
Justice California and Wendy Darling, in my new lawsuit, I have been assigned to a federal judge in Washington D.C. who used to work for legendary Edward Bennett Williams, who was beyond reproach when it came to ethics. Justice Corrigan is also a party with numerous others, including the entire CA Supreme Court and several Judicial Council “fixers”, such as Mary Roberts, in fixing cases and stealing taxpayer monies. Rico activities are being alleged on a massive scale. Ethics, yes, ethics. A federal judge on the East Coast may view the illegal actions of the AOC and California Supreme Court with alarm and a violation of civil rights and rico activities. Mr. Jahr, who is part and parcel of the AOC activities, is named as a defendant. It is unfortunate that litigation had to be pursued but there was no other choice for me. The Associated Press has been alerted to the litigation.
unionman575
September 18, 2012
http://www.citywatchla.com/lead-stories/3773-california-can-no-longer-afford-justice
California Can No Longer Afford Justice
09.17.2012
JUDGE ANTHONY J. MOHR
MY GAVEL – My gavel rests in my hand. Normally it sits on a sound block of rich deep rosewood, the same substance from which it was worked. I bought it five years ago in London. This is a quality gavel, the type a California Superior Court judge should own. It’s a hammer of justice.
Justice that my state apparently cannot afford.
At 8 o’clock in the morning of June 15, 2012, the Los Angeles Superior Court laid off 157 people from its staff and demoted 86 more. Another 108 were forced into part-time positions. Eighty were transferred into new jobs, usually in new locations throughout the county.
We closed ten percent of our courtrooms, 56 to be exact.
And it’s not over yet. By next year, Los Angeles County alone has to reduce its court budget between another fifty-five and eighty million dollars, more than twice the amount of this year’s cuts. We’ll probably conduct hearings without court reporters in all civil matters. People will have to wait longer – perhaps five years – for their cases to be heard. Self-help centers may close. Even some judges who hear criminal cases will lose their dockets.
The one third of American government that the rest of the world admires most — we will debase and ration what’s left. And I’m afraid the general public does not yet understand what is happening to them.
The gavel symbolizes a judge’s responsibility and the essence of our civilized society. As judges, we agonize over a decision, but when we make it, we bring the proverbial hammer down. We can end a career or save it. We can turn off a life support system, grant relief to a class of thousands, and remove a child from a family. I voided an election once. Before naming me to the bench, the Governor’s Appointments Secretary asked if, in the right case, I could sign a warrant of execution, the state’s official command to kill.
These days, I don’t rap my gavel so often. I deny myself its powerful sound.
The lack of use of my gavel symbolizes something troubling. Cost cutting in the courts is reducing swift justice and in so doing is diminishing a cherished cornerstone of our democracy.
(Anthony J. Morh is a Los Angeles Superior Court judge. The views in this piece are solely those of the author. Published first at foxandhoundsdaily.com)
CityWatch
Vol 10 Issue 75
Pub: Sept 18, 2012
Michael Paul
September 19, 2012
The real story is that Clifford Ham is running this project and the San Diego courthouse project when the guy shouldn’t be running any project. Mr. Ham is the lone ranger on his projects. He knows it all and he does not want nor care for your input.
On his last go in Santa Ana, he prohibited engineering reviews that could have saved the state hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars. Mr. Ham overbuilt in some areas ( humidity controls in an IDF? In Santa Ana? Was that really necessary?) while utterly neglecting other areas – like no usable power in the server room and instructions that no change orders are permitted to get the proper power in the server room. I shudder to think that he has both of these other much larger projects being San Diego and Long Beach.
He was lambasted internally over Santa Ana but externally he was the face of these other two projects that many internally believed he should not manage.
After Santa Ana, I wouldn’t permit him to build me a dog house so it only goes to AOC reasoning that he was the right man for the job in Long Beach and San Diego.
unionman575
September 19, 2012
All good points Michael.
I wouldn’t let Mr. Ham build a courthouse or even a dog house either.
For our less tech savvy readers: Ancillary equipment rooms are usually referred to as “IDF’s “(Intermediate Distribution Frames).
😉
courtflea
September 19, 2012
Thanks unionman. That was going to be my question. My next is will Mr. Ham be awarded the excellence in court administration award? The humanitarian award is already spoken for 🙂
unionman575
September 19, 2012
I think court construction specialist of the year is fitting for Mr. Ham
;).
JusticeCalifornia
September 19, 2012
I vote for “house of cards specialist”.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/house+of+cards
But really, that award could go to almost everyone in “top leadership”, right?
Wendy Darling
September 19, 2012
How about Court Construction Fraud Specialist?
So, who is Ham’s BFF at 455 Golden Gate Avenue that he got not one, not two, but three court construction projects? Surely, he wasn’t the “lowest bidder.”
Long live the ACJ.
unionman575
September 19, 2012
I like that too!
😉
unionman575
September 19, 2012
I like that!
😉
Nathaniel Woodhull
September 20, 2012
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=21423702
disgusted
September 20, 2012
Yes, “God save us all” Nathaniel Woodhull!
wearyant
September 20, 2012
Good Heavens! The “find a grave” on Nathaniel Woodhull was so — poignant! He might have lived if he had his gangrenous arm cut off?! Gosh, that’s what was suggested earlier insofar as the AOC being the gangrenous arm of the judiciary that should be amputated. Oh, how sad. And now here we are, with the AOC in tact, still swilling their Grey Goose and chomping on caviar, lobster and steak in San Francisco as the trial courts die a slow, arduous and extremely painful death … God save us all!
The OBT
September 21, 2012
Woodhull was a hero and sad that he met his demise in a battle with the arrogant Hull I mean Howe lol. History sure does repeat itself. Thanks Woodhull. God save us all indeed. Save us from the wasteful continued reckless spending of the AOC and the arrogance of the Chief , J Miller and J Hull , all who seek to preserve their power at the expense of the trial courts and the citizens we serve. Woodhull is an inspiration and I thank him for all his contributions to bringing meaningful reform to the California judiciary. Woodhull while you may be gone from here , please don’t leave us as I plan on having a JCW party when I retire soon and want you and Wendy and Flea and Official and Curious and Justice and Ant and Unionman along with all the others here to meet and discuss bringing democracy and real change to the dark hallways of 455 Golden Gate including the 14th floor.
wearyant
September 21, 2012
The OBT: Yeah, Hull, hell, Howe — history is repeating itself, worse than heartburn! 🙂 I’m glad you’ll still be looking to bring democracy to the dark side after retirement. Looking forward to the day we all meet.
JusticeCalifornia
September 21, 2012
A JCW party! I’m in. . . . .
General Woodhull is of the most popular and inspiring posters here, hopefully he is just getting a little r and r and will be back. We all need a break sometimes. . . .
unionman575
September 21, 2012
Who needs access to an OPEN and STAFFED COURTHOUSE when you can go to retail locations located throughout San Joaquin County. Locations include supermarkets, drugstores, convenience stores and many retail stores.
????
San Joaquin County Superior Court offers alternative payment option for traffic cases
Submitted by Linda Park, Community Web Producer
Thursday, September 20th, 2012, 8:00am
Despite major changes taking place within the court as a result of continued budget cuts, San Joaquin County Superior Court continues to seek ways to decrease expenses and improve upon services to the public. As a result of those efforts, the court is pleased to announce that there is a new payment option available for individuals to pay their traffic fines. Individuals can now pay through CheckFreePay.
CheckFreePay allows individuals to pay their traffic fines at many retail locations located throughout San Joaquin County. Locations include supermarkets, drugstores, convenience stores and many retail stores.
CheckFreePay accepts cash, and debit card payments at certain locations.
Individuals should bring cash and their courtesy notice showing the citation or case number.
Cost for service is $0.88 – $2.50 depending on location.
It takes 1-3 business days, excluding holidays and weekends, for payment delivery to San Joaquin Superior Court.
Individuals should check with a specific retail location for additional information.
To find a retail location and pay in person, please visit http://www.checkfreepay.com/agentlocator.
CheckFreePay also allows individuals to utilize online bill pay through their personal checking account at their financial institution or sign up for the service by visiting: http://www.mycheckfree.com.
San Joaquin County Superior Court will continue to accept payments in person at our Clerk’s Office, by mail and telephone, and on-line.
The Clerk’s Office located at 222 E. Weber Avenue, Room 100 accepts payments by cash, check, money order or cashier’s check, and credit card.
Checks and money orders can be sent through the mail, addressed to Superior Court, 222 E. Weber Avenue, Room 100, Stockton, CA 95202. Do not send cash through the mail.
Individuals can call (877) 872-0476 to pay their traffic fines with a credit card.
Traffic fines may also be paid online with a credit card, debit card, checking or savings account.
To pay a fine, request an extension to appear for a traffic citation, sign up for traffic school or request an extension for traffic school, please visit: http://www.paybill.com/sjcourt/.
Source: San Joaquin County Superior Court
😉
wearyant
September 21, 2012
Hey, Unionman575, good morning! Yeah, the mgmt always did prefer to manage kiosks as opposed to living, breathing people. The AOC mgmt would be happy as pigs in mud if they could replace everyone — judges included — with kiosks. Of course they would keep all their multilayers of management in place. 😉
Lando
September 21, 2012
So true OBT. Woodhull will be missed . Like the real Woodhull he is a revolutionary hero that stood up to arrogance and the self appointed privilege that has become the hallmark of every floor of the crystal palace ranging from Hull to McConnell. I just hope I can live long enough to see democracy shine a new light on the dark hallways of 455 Golden Gate so that democracy can return to a once proud branch of government and so that we serve the citizens of California once again rather than the self appointed “insiders” content on only maintaining their arbitrary power .
wearyant
September 21, 2012
Good morning, Lando, JCW and everyone! Yeah, I too am hanging on, hoping to eke out the remaining years necessary to see our great judiciary returned to its former or even greater grandeur! And God save us all!
wearyant
September 21, 2012
Meanwhile, back in sleepy Santa Barbara the folks are waking up to good news about their courthouse renovation. Apparently they are cushioned against the roiling of the JC/AOC/CJ versus California taxpayers.
http://www.keyt.com/news/local/Figueroa-Courthouse-Renovations-Moving-Forward-169276346.html
On an unrelated note, sort of, I see Harry Pregerson is still alive! He must be one billion years old! So a buccal swab is a great intrusion for a suspected felon. Does he hail from the crystal palace too? I assume he does not have to live with the unwashed, noisy masses as I do, a retired frontline worker. If he’d like to come down to the lower land of the plebeians where things are getting ugly in these difficult economic times, maybe he wouldn’t object to another DNA sample being entered into the national database.
courtflea
September 21, 2012
I heard from a pretty reliable source that part of SJ budget problems stemmed from funding all of these helpful little programs. While I agree making life easier for the public we serve is a noble cause it should not be to the detriment of everything else.
I’m always up for a party OBT.
Wearyant, even though some courts are now happy their projects were approved I suspect that the cuts to courthouse construction are far from over. I predict when the voters do not pass the tax increases that Brown had placed on the ballot, the cuts will resume. If I were a CEO or a PJ I would not count my chickens before they hatched! The AOC has giveth and then taketh away many a time after making promises they can’t keep.
unionman575
September 21, 2012
http://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/El-Dorado-Limited-Operation-Days-Notice-2012-09-20.pdf
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA,
COUNTY OF El DORADO
*PUBLIC NOTICE*
Effective December 24, 2012:
Notice of Limited Operation Days in December 2012 and January 2013
unionman575
September 21, 2012
A new love note from “Hot Rod” ….
http://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/sandiego_notificationpursuant68106_09202012.pdf
unionman575
September 21, 2012
https://careers.jud.ca.gov/psc/recruit1/EMPLOYEE/PSFT_HR/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_CE.GBL
Job Description
Job Title:
Division Director – Director of the Office of Governmental Affairs
Job ID:
3683
Location: Sacramento
Pay and Benefits
SALARY RANGE: $11,007 – $14,950 per month
(This salary does not reflect the current 4.62% reduction for one mandatory furlough day per month.)
Some highlights of our benefits package include:
• Health/Dental/Vision benefits program
• 13 paid holidays per calendar year
• Choice of Annual Leave or Sick/Vacation Leave
• 1 personal holiday per year
• $120 transit pass subsidy per month
• CalPERS Retirement Plan
• 401(K) and 457 deferred compensation plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• FlexElect Program
• Long Term Care Program (employee paid/optional)
• Group Legal Plan (employee paid/optional)
.
Lando
September 21, 2012
Unionman , they left out a few things on the ” Pay and Benefits”, including not having to contribute to your retirement and if you prefer, telecommute from Europe lol. By the way I guess the AOC hiring freeze only exists in name only? You can’t make this stuff up. Really . God save us all !
unionman575
September 22, 2012
Yes the AOC hiring freeze only exists in name only.
So much for “reducing” the number of executive positions from 10 to 4. The way I see it, a Director IS an executive position.
😉
The OBT
September 21, 2012
They also left out that the 1 day furlough isn’t really a furlough as you get a paid day off later to make up for it. Justice Hull, perhaps you can explain how the AOC’s hiring freeze doesn’t seem to be a hiring freeze since your asking for applications for a job that earns almost 15,000 a month. Oh I forgot. I need to ask that question in a written letter sent in an envelope with a stamp sent only through the US mail. God save us indeed.
Wendy Darling
September 21, 2012
That’s not the only job their advertising for. There’s plenty more being advertised at 455 Golden Gate Avenue.
Long live the ACJ.
unionman575
September 22, 2012
OBT I’ll give you a stamp.
Here’s to you HULL…
😉
unionman575
September 22, 2012
http://www.amadorcourt.org/newsRelease/budget/Public%20Baseline%20Budget%20Plan.pdf
unionman575
September 22, 2012
http://www.calaveras.courts.ca.gov/sites/default/files/pdfs/Announcements/Notice%20of%20Limited%20Service%20Days%20FINAL.pdf
unionman575
September 22, 2012
http://www.glenncourt.ca.gov/general_info/press/docs/GC_Fiscal_Year_2012-2013.pdf
unionman575
September 22, 2012
http://www.humboldt.courts.ca.gov/files/PublicNotice_Sept19_2012.pdf
unionman575
September 22, 2012
http://www.kern.courts.ca.gov/pdf/Fiscal12-13Prelim.pdf
unionman575
September 22, 2012
http://www.monterey.courts.ca.gov/Documents/News/FY%202012-2013%20Proposed%20Budget.pdf
unionman575
September 22, 2012
http://www.nevadacountycourts.com/documents/public/Accounting/BudgetNotice.pdf
unionman575
September 22, 2012
http://www.placer.courts.ca.gov/
Request for Proposal to Provide Certified Court Reporting Services
https://www.bidsync.com/bidsync-app-web/vendor/links/BidDetail.xhtml?bidid=1926604&returnPage=searchResults
Bid #31-12-0001 – Court Reporting Services
Superior Court of California, Shared Procurement Services, CA
Time left:23 days
Bid started:Sep 10, 2012 5:34:00 PM PDT
Bid ends:Oct 15, 2012 9:00:00 AM PDT
unionman575
September 22, 2012
Hmm…
http://www.riverside.courts.ca.gov/1208order.pdf
unionman575
September 22, 2012
Hot Rod…
http://www.sdcourt.ca.gov/pls/portal/docs/PAGE/SDCOURT/GENERALINFORMATION/NEWS/BUDGETREDUCTIONPUBLICNOTICES/FORM%2060%20DAY%20NOTICE%20-REDUCTION%20OF%20SC%20NIGHT%20COURT.PDF
http://www.sdcourt.ca.gov/pls/portal/docs/PAGE/SDCOURT/GENERALINFORMATION/NEWS/BUDGETREDUCTIONPUBLICNOTICES/FORM%2060%20DAY%20NOTICE%20-%20EAST%20AND%20SOUTH%20COUNTY%20CLOSURES.PDF
unionman575
September 22, 2012
http://www.stanct.org/
Welcome to the Stanislaus Superior Court
** NEW ** Small Claims Window Hours are Changing — Effective October 1st, 2012, Small Claims Window Hours will be: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A drop box is available for filings received after 12:00 p.m.
unionman575
September 22, 2012
Here is the bottom line: The Death Star lives large while Trial Courts throughout CA close entire courthouses, severely curtail services and operating hours, layoff and/or furlough staff. How long can this go on?
Get a fucking clue up @ the Death Star!
😉
Been There
September 22, 2012
It’s a conundrum isn’t it? The public isn’t getting the whole story so they do not get it. Each court’s notice of reduced services cites the cause as the “unprecedented reduction in court funding as a result of the California budget crisis.”. And that’s half right. No court is willing/brave enough to cite the other reason funds are so limited — the obscene mismanagement of court finances by the CJ and AOC.
And when the public votes down the Governor’s tax increases in November, the AOC will shift the consequences of further budget reductions down to the trial courts. And the CJ will blame those cuts solely on the California budget crisis.
The people of California are not going to increase their tax burden and the AOC isn’t going to suffer one iota.
An intervention is desperately needed.
Wendy Darling
September 22, 2012
How long can this go on, Unionman? Until and unless the trial court judges unite and demand real change and accountability from current judicial branch administration, or until and unless the State Legislature takes corrective action. Like, at a minimum, an independent investigation that 455 Golden Gate Avenue can’t “control.” Absent either of those things taking place, it will just go on and on and on …
Just look at the last 4 years. Despite hearings before the State Legislature, despite the BSA audit, despite the SEC report, despite the audit of OCCM, despite all the evidence of lying, gross mismanagement, fiscal carelessness, wanton disregard of rules, regulations, oversight, transparency, and accountability, nolthing has materially changed at 455 Golden Gate Avenue.
And nothing will without either the unified action of the trial court judges or corrective action by the State Legislature. Nothing. As there is no indication that either one of those things are going to happen, then how long can this go on? Apparently, forever. Because no one in any position of authority and responsibility that could do something to stop it, will.
Serving themselves to the detriment of all Californians. The real motto of the California Judicial Branch.
Long live the ACJ.
courtflea
September 22, 2012
Don’t know if any of you happened to read the LA Times article about the former Police Chief from the City of Bell fighting to get his “full pension”. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-randy-adams-20120921,0,6233886.story CalPers denied his using the exorbinate salary he received from Bell in formulating his final retirement benefit. I only bring this up because it reminds me of the pigs at the trough of the AOC. An email the then Chief elect sent to a former city offical stated:
“I am looking forward to seeing you and taking all of Bell’s money?!” Spaccia replied: “LOL … well you can take your share of the pie … just like us!!! We will all get fat together…”
The guy should be happy he is not on trial for corruption like his former co-workers. In the hearing regarding his pension, the former Chief took the 5th 20 TIMES!
Needless to say, the odds of the legisalture, the AG or anyone taking notice of the foibles of the AOC seems slim. Even though their antics seem similar to what occurred in Bell: croynism, fat salaries,big benefit packages, corruption, no oversight by their council, etc.
Wendy Darling
September 22, 2012
“The odds of the legisalture, the AG or anyone taking notice of the foibles of the AOC seems slim”
Exactly, Flea. The State Legislature, the Attorney General’s Office, and even the FBI, have all been fully informed of the fraud, corruption, malfeasance, and misconduct going on in judicial branch administration for quite some time now. By purposefully ignoring all the evidence they have all been given, and doing nothing to correct it, the message is quite plainly this: the Office of the Chief Justice, the Judicial Council, and the AOC are above the law and 455 Golden Gate Avenue will get a free pass every time. Get used to it.
Serving themselves to the detriment of all Californians.
Delilah
September 22, 2012
HRH1 and HRH2, and all of their cronies and aiders and abettors, are untouchable. ALL OF THEM are part of the same exclusive and back-scratching club. Gov S. appointed HRH2 as HRH1’s hand-picked replacement. The Gov’s office in general may think it unwise to meddle with the unrestricted power and internal affairs of the SC/AOC/JC. There may be a need to call upon HRH2’s influence on the Supreme Court for some future ruling. You know, something like upholding the elimination of Redevelopment Agencies? Legislators don’t wanna ruin their chances for further advancement or judicial appointments when they’re termed out. And/or perhaps they ALL hold each other at bay lest they risk exposure of the skeletons in their own closets. It reminds me of a soap opera where otherwise decent characters are forced into keeping horrible secrets for perpetual villains cuz the former are being threatened with exposure of a dark secret of their own. As for the “law enforcement” agencies’ complicity and inaction, they are also beholden to the powers above them?? What other explanation could there be?
Maybe we oughta try getting the ACLU involved over the issue of denying access to justice to average citizens/taxpayers, and giving unfair advantage only to litigants with the $$ to pay for it. Or maybe someone should take the collection of evidence and documentation that’s already been provided to the FBI, Legislature, DOJ, et cetera, ad nauseam, and try to get the attention of 60 Minutes. I am too puked out over this flagrant and ongoing scandalous and unchecked behavior to even post much anymore, though I am still here with you all in spirit.
Things have actually gotten worse, not better, since the SEC report, with the appointment of Jahr (rolling eyes) and the fabulous foursome into the “newly restructured AOC” management scheme. (Puking again.) They grow more emboldened and in-your-face with each new scandal and documented fiasco, after which, their only real and definitive action is to double- or even triple-down. They haven’t lost a bet yet, Legislative window-dressing and little smacks on the hand notwithstanding.
Maybe the only way it will end is for us to stand back and sorrowfully watch the Titanic sink to the bottom of the ocean floor, there to be surrounded by all the souls of the innocent whistle-blowers, AOC and court employees, and hapless court-users — you know, the people in steerage– who they let drown or threw overboard a long time ago — and they’re not done yet — all amongst much JC-meeting merriment as they rearrange the deck chairs during breaks from lobster and martinis. Life is still grand on the captain’s deck and in first-class. RIP. We need a brand-new ship.
wearyant
September 22, 2012
Randy Adams and Ms. Spaccia actually left beautiful Ventura in order to go to the armpit of Bell for their buffet at the trough. Tsk tsk tsk, it didn’t work out for them.
Wendy Darling
September 22, 2012
455 Golden Gate Avenue is hiring. Adams and Spaccia would fit right in.
Long live the ACJ.
unionman575
September 22, 2012
Randy Adams would be a nice fit at OERS.
😉
unionman575
September 22, 2012
Spaccia would be a nice Finance Director…she’s “good’ with money.
😉
Wendy Darling
September 22, 2012
“Maybe the only way it will end is for us to stand back and sorrowfully watch the Titanic sink to the bottom of the ocean floor, there to be surrounded by all the souls of the innocent whistle-blowers, AOC and court employees, and hapless court-users — you know, the people in steerage– who they let drown or threw overboard a long time ago — and they’re not done yet — all amongst much JC-meeting merriment as they rearrange the deck chairs during breaks from lobster and martinis. Life is still grand on the captain’s deck and in first-class. RIP. We need a brand-new ship.”
Yep.
Delilah
September 22, 2012
“Serving themselves to the detriment of all Californians.”
Yep.
unionman575
September 22, 2012
wearyant
September 22, 2012
“Serving themselves to the detriment of all Californians.”
I LOVE the new and improved, reformed and correct motto! 🙂 Wish I could “watergate” into the crystal palace and reprint all their stationery with it emblazed on every sheet. 😀
Delilah! Glad you’re still here in spirit and body! I agree with every word you said. I too fade out occasionally when I see the ethically challenged cretins continue to prosper. Wendy D, Flea and Unionman575, always enjoy and value your input. If anyone fades away, I would pray every night on bended knee that it would be those lowlifes at the Death Star. The fact they’re hiring? Gawd, totally nonsensical! Do they have to commit murder before credible witnesses for them to be indicted?
courtflea
September 22, 2012
I think the 60 minutes idea that Deliliah has merit.
unionman575
September 22, 2012
It does.
DAN DYDZAK
September 23, 2012
Courtflea, 60 minutes was contacted by me a number of times and did not even respond re a storyline on aoc corruption.
unionman575
September 23, 2012
Keep trying Dan. We need the 60 minutes coverage of the Death Star real bad.
😉
courtflea
September 23, 2012
Dan, thank you.
DAN DYDZAK
September 23, 2012
Unionman and courtflea, thanks so much. I will keep trying.