5th District Supervisor Race 2016: Noreen Evans vs Lynda Hopkins

[Barry]

I'm finding our current active discussion thread "What's with alll the Lynda Hopkins signs? (https://www.waccobb.net/forums/showthread.php?119115-What-s-with-alll-the-Lynda-Hopkins-signs&p=204864#post204864)" rather redundant these days, besides the discussion wandering way beyond the title, which I now notice is misspelled!

So I'd like to restart and refocus the discussion as we move into the heart of the campaign season.

There are a few topics/issues that have been discussed ad nauseum in the prior thread that I don't want to see in this thread unless it is new information that was not already discussed, namely:

1) Who moved to the district when and why.
2) Financial backers and endorsers (again new information is welcome here)
3) Noreen's past actions regarding SEIU pensions (I'm looking at you, Tom! :wink:)
(Am I forgetting anything?)

I'd like to see this thread be primarily focused on the candidates plans if elected along with any new developments in the race, including the debates (both coverage of the debates and the following discussion).

Posters that have not posted their opinion/preference/endorsement in the prior thread are welcome to post here. If you have already posted your opinion please don't repeat it here.

I particularly want to invite users who are undecided to post questions here.

If you post information/opinions that have been thoroughly discussed before, I'll move it to a companion thread in the WaccoTalk category.

I've put up a new thread that lists the events with either or both of the candidates, including the debates here.
(https://www.waccobb.net/forums/showthread.php?119460-Upcoming-events-in-the-5th-District-Supervisor-Race-(Norren-Evans-vs-Lynda-Hopkins))I encourage you to attend events for both candidates, or at least one of forums/debates where both candidates will present their views.

The Sonoma County Gazette has posted a couple of articles of questions and answers from both candidates, one in August (https://www.sonomacountygazette.com/cms/pages/sonoma-county-news-article-5551.html) and one in September (https://www.sonomacountygazette.com/cms/pages/sonoma-county-news-article-5674.html). You are welcome to post comments about their answers here.

Lynda has produced a bunch of issues videos which you can see here (https://www.lyndaforsupervisor.com/videos.php). One in particular I found interesting:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHr5jcA-ifA


So far, Noreen has only produced a few shorter ones from before the primary, you can see them here. (https://www.noreenforsupervisor.com/videos)

Let the discussion begin!

[scamperwillow]

Since the other thread was closed, here is Noreen's response to the Hopkins video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1-Q6R8XT-Y) that was posted there.

CLEAN IT UP!

Yesterday, my opponent released a bizarre, profanity-laced video in a deliberate attempt to mislead voters. This comes on the heels of her use of profanity in her introductory remarks at the SRJC Associated Student Body debate last week. We know her campaign manager videotaped her shocking remarks--where is that video on Facebook?

Enough with the juvenile behavior and unprofessional language – it’s time for my opponent to clean up her act and stop trying to mislead the voters. Read the facts and judge for yourself:

1) Although she wants voters to believe she’s supported by only one developer, Hopkins is the choice of the development industry. The North Bay Builders Exchange raised $15,000 for her campaign. (https://www.ncbeonline.com/<wbr>uploads/BNews/Apr2016/<wbr>BN_040416.pdf (https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbeonline.com%2Fuploads%2FBNews%2FApr2016%2FBN_040416.pdf&h=wAQF7ka-V&enc=AZPPOj88STrttzIWl3Zf9vhsdHLbIHjDO2rclDdCQaZwucZVqqSrZxBnnZPa-0c69PL7sNg6l1lFibBjl7jgHI7GIF9BeMSj-a5RGvTHOLvimE_KHNTGbr1p49NaD1IBVnbDwAlwExTjXrzl-MdTpQPw&s=1)) The Sonoma County Alliance Political Action Committee, which is composed of developers, bankers, investors and others, has endorsed her and has contributed over $14,000. Who does she think she’s fooling?

2) She IS bankrolled by gravel miners – For decades we worked to stop Syar Industries from extracting gravel out of our Russian River. Now, Syar Industries has donated $7,500 to Hopkins, funneled through three shell companies, Green Tree Properties, J&D Company LLC and Yolano Engineers. Syar Industries funneled even more money to Hopkins through the Sonoma County Alliance PAC. This is the same tactic the Koch brothers use to hide their donations.

3) She has NOT supported Santa Rosa’s rent stabilization ordinance. The most she ever said was she would support rent control if Santa Rosa passed it. https://<wbr>www.pressdemocrat.com/news/<wbr>5631448-181/<wbr>sonoma-county-supervisor-ca<wbr>ndidates-noreen?artslide=0 (https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pressdemocrat.com%2Fnews%2F5631448-181%2Fsonoma-county-supervisor-candidates-noreen%3Fartslide%3D0&h=MAQGH-mtw&enc=AZN6r04p5Oi_36nh1EPaCHYhLByVHbEfM2dtgHjKLqTKKFGFGDa_prZTBj02H5UZRpLmkSKleHnf_vmCE2cd8nt-jlvOEVYHahXcBjFHTidySUYDNbHpnYtsfrfZVauJvDxZMv1qT5Uf-UUEJ301WUXV&s=1)

Now her allies in the California Apartment Association are using misleading tactics to circulate a petition to overturn the ordinance, while Hopkins stands idly by (https://<wbr>www.pressdemocrat.com/news/<wbr>6070553-181/<wbr>signers-of-anti-rent-contro<wbr>l-petition (https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pressdemocrat.com%2Fnews%2F6070553-181%2Fsigners-of-anti-rent-control-petition&h=wAQF7ka-V&enc=AZPnsiREc6ve2htKCAmSrdK28FKOkixnqglR2THL5kV8U7baCgNFyfFa51GdsHgqmQR9lPPnQJL5b4_YVdZgMb4EByyiUuWeO2k3Ffe0gDy4MD2tTbOuvGyiyWF_7aFLUUZ-JV_A7Qb2Ib-6TlBBwess&s=1)).

According to the PD, Hopkins’ “campaign has received nearly $12,000 from California Real Estate political action committee — the political fundraising arm of the California Association of Realtors, as well as the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce and the North Coast Builders Exchange, a construction trade group. Most of the groups have taken a stand against rent control policies.”

4) She DID Move to the 5th district last year and, until she announced her candidacy for 5th District Supervisor, was not publically active on any 5th District issue of note and has no record to run on- a perfect choice for those funding her campaign who seek to control the votes on the Board of Supervisors for their own special interests. They know that I’m an independent voice that will make decisions based on the best interests of the residents of the 5th District and will not be swayed by big money interests, as my 20 year record of public service has proven.

Enough is enough. My opponent needs to clean up her act and stop insulting the voters by hiding the truth.

[Barry]

Sigh. So much for keeping the funding issue out of this thread.

[scamperwillow]

Um, people posted Lynda's weird video twice, you don't think it is fair to post a response? And how can you keep fundraising out of it. It is critically important to know who is funding which campaign. Also, there is more in this response than just fundraising.


Sigh. So much for keeping the funding issue out of this thread.

[mouse]

Hopkins video about "bull***t" was awful! :shitstorm:So ugly and also, ironically, it contained so much of her own BS. She skirts right past her gravel mining ties as if it just doesn't matter. She glosses over the fat developer money she took, claiming that development is good for all of us!

First she was aw shucks mom on the farm, now she's attack video lady. I think she might be cracking...

We've seen this chameleon-like approach to politics somewhere else recently, right? A candidate for a relatively high office, with no experience in any office (hence, no record to measure or attack), with inherited wealth and privilege, no real work experience, backed by wealthy friends, claims to be the populist choice, while insisting that they will not do the bidding of their corporate sponsors once installed in office...


Hint: she is not Hillary in this metaphor.

[photolite]

As Trump calls Hillary a "bigot", so Evans and her proxies react hysterically to Lynda Hopkins looking them in the eye and calling out their "bullshit". She's "profane", they declare. Yes, she actually had the temerity to use the word "bullshit" to describe Noreen's, well, bullshit. Bullshit being a word none of us has ever heard in common usage every single day of our lives. A word a Noreen supporter would never use in polite company. Lynda Hopkins' video wasn't about poo. It was about bullshit. And there is a difference.

[mouse]

As Trump calls Hillary a "bigot", so Evans and her proxies react hysterically to Lynda Hopkins looking them in the eye and calling out their "bullshit". ...
If anybody knows "bullshit," it would be Hopkins.

She claims that she has wide support here, but her money (both her personal wealth and her political funding) comes from the 4th district, not the 5th.

If you choose to vote for her because she puts on an adorable show and is willing to sling bullshit, that's your call.

If you own a vineyard or benefit in some way by gravel mining in the river, or hope to land a big development contract with the county, then I understand your loyalty to this woman.

But if you're going to suggest that either candidate resembles Trump, ask yourself which one has no actual work experience, no track record in local government to evaluate, the propensity to exaggerate her experience and qualifications, has inherited wealth, funding from many rich friends, and no concept of the middle class struggle to pay for school, save for a home, or build a career like most of us do, it's pretty clear which one it is. (It's "Bullshit" Hopkins.)

[Peacetown Jonathan]

As part of our Informing to Empower mission, our non-profit media website, The Sonoma Independent, has revised our Candidates Video debate for 5th District County Supervisor to focus on Evans and Hopkins.

12 questions, viewable one at a time for each candidate, here:
https://videodebate.sonomaindependent.org/

This is a very hard fought contest between two articulate, super intelligent and competent women. I have my own opinion, as some friends know, but for this post, I would like to leave it at this: I appreciate both Lynda Hopkins' bullshit video, and Noreen Evan's straightforward and feisty response above.

This is one of the most interesting races that I have ever witnessed. We, in West County, are privileged to have such formidable contenders to represent us for this important office. :thumbsup:

[Dick]

Who's paying for this one Jonathan?


As part of our Informing to Empower mission, our non-profit media website, The Sonoma Independent, has revised our Candidates Video debate for 5th District County Supervisor to focus on Evans and Hopkins.

12 questions, viewable one at a time for each candidate, here:
https://videodebate.sonomaindependent.org/

[Dick]

At least Lynda didn't move from Rincon Valley to a Sebastopol apartment. Hopkins actually lived on a farm bordering the Fifth before they bought a house in Forestville.
The bullshit is getting thicker and thicker.


... here is Noreen's response to the Hopkins video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1-Q6R8XT-Y) that was posted there.
{snip}

4) She DID Move to the 5th district last year and, until she announced her candidacy for 5th District Supervisor, was not publically active on any 5th District issue of note and has no record to run on- a perfect choice for those funding her campaign who seek to control the votes on the Board of Supervisors for their own special interests. ....

[Peacetown Jonathan]

Who paid for the Sonoma Independent's Candidate's Video debate video editing work, and web page creation? The same person who has been the main financial supporter, and volunteer editor and main writer, of the parent Informing to Empower non-profit for more than a year now. Me. If anyone reading this would like to donate and help us, please click here.
(https://www.sonomaindependent.org/donate/)
I have also volunteered my time,and, when necessary, needed money, for the public interest advocacy work that I have been doing for the library campaign. And the attainable housing coalition. And the political advocacy to keep the hospital open and support an emergency room that benefits us all. And I want to add that we will all pay the same taxes as we do now whether or not the Sonoma West hospital stays open. I am continually amazed by critics like you, Dick, who believe we would be better off paying the same taxes to have it closed, instead of open to save the lives of our families and neighbors.

I do not have, or make, a lot of money, but I try to make it go as far as possible in working to advance issues that i believe are critical for our common good.

Now that i have answered your question, Dick, perhaps you can answer mine:

What do you contribute your time and money to?


Who's paying for this one Jonathan?



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZZEaQIfW64

[riverosprey]

Great new column in Sonoma West from Frank Robertson...

https://www.sonomawest.com/sonoma_west_times_and_news/opinion/columns/out-of-hear/article_35e61b62-7a9f-11e6-9f35-cb7350838df0.html

"...So it seemed a little curious that Evans was holding a campaign fundraiser the other day at the home of Connie Codding, widow of Hugh Codding, the big Santa Rosa developer. Yes, that Hugh Codding — whose biggest and best-known development may be the shopping mall named after himself, Coddingtown, over on Guerneville Road, where drivers are always stuck in traffic. “Coddingtown” sounds like an amusement park, and in many ways it is, except some of us aren’t amused.

A fund-raiser at Codding’s house seemed curious, maybe even ironical, because Evans has been telling us for months that she’s the one who’s fighting big developers, unlike her wimpy opponent, Lynda Hopkins, who goes around taking their money and endorsements and talking about how we all need to “work together.”

If you’re running for supervisor in the Fifth District and have pledged to be the developer-fighting candidate, why would you be fund-raising in the Third District at the home of Connie Codding, widow of one of the biggest developers in Sonoma County history? I asked Evans. Isn’t that sending a mixed message?..."

(I would add Connie Codding is Hugh's daughter :) )

OOPS!!! THANK YOU MARTY ROBERTS...I STAND CORRECTED...CONNIE IS HUGH'S WIFE :) :)

[Dick]

Oh yeah. You're the one who reported on how successful the business plan for the hospital would be while Dan Smith was on your board of directors and largest "contributor."
And then you spent a bunch of time deriding anyone who asked questions (like the publisher of Sonoma West Times & News).
Your analysis was wrong Jonathan. Are you ever going to set the record straight on that? (I didn't think so.)


...I do not have, or make, a lot of money, but I try to make it go as far as possible in working to advance issues that i believe are critical for our common good.

Now that i have answered your question, Dick, perhaps you can answer mine:

What do you contribute your time and money to?

[Barry]

...Your analysis was wrong Jonathan. Are you ever going to set the record straight on that? (I didn't think so.)

"Dick", if you are going to continue to make such aggressive posts, you are going to need to supply your real name and a headshot and take responsibility for your comments. You've listed "Dick Fritter" as your "real name". That sure seems like a "nom de plume" (pen name) to me.

So are you willing to step up and take responsibility for your comments, like Jonathan does? (I didn't think so.)

[Barry]

As part of our Informing to Empower mission, our non-profit media website, The Sonoma Independent, has revised our Candidates Video debate for 5th District County Supervisor to focus on Evans and Hopkins.

12 questions, viewable one at a time for each candidate, here:
https://videodebate.sonomaindependent.org/

Here's are the 12 questions that both candidates address:

1: What are the three top reasons why citizens should vote for you to be our next Supervisor?

2: Do you support a zoning and code variance for the creation, during the next 15 years, of up to 15,000 Auxiliary Dwelling Units to be rent controlled at under $900 per month?

3: Do you support an amendment to the upcoming Community Separator ballot initiative to allow the creation of small clusters of Community Land Trust homes cost controlled at under $200,000 per unit on 5% of the privately owned land near our cities?

4: Do you support a zoning variance to allow the creation of small clusters of Community Land Trust homes cost controlled at under $200,000 per unit on 1% of privately owned land currently zoned as rural residential or agricultural?

5: Do you support the current Initiative to ban GMO planting in Sonoma County?

6: Would you support a ban on Roundup and other glyphosate-related herbicides?

7: Would you support fluoridation for the County water system? Why or why not?

8: After developing one of the most successful composting systems in the country, Sonoma Compost was forced to close last year. What, if anything, would you have done differently than our current Supervisors to prevent its closing and what will you do in the future to reopen it?

9: Would you support the spending of about $1.2 million in General Funds to restore Monday hours to all branches of the Sonoma County Library system, which for the past five years have been closed Mondays for the first time in history due to a funding crisis?

10: Do you support the Dairyman winery project?

11: Do you believe we should have a “peace dividend” in the County’s prosecution of victimless marijuana crimes? Specifically, do you think people on parole who test positive for marijuana should be returned to County jail, as they are today?

12: Would you support a County funding contribution to assist the small community based Sonoma West Medical Center provide emergency room care to indigent patients?

[Dick]

Touche Barry. And thanks for letting me know what "nom de plume" means. :thumbsup:
Unfortunately, modesty prevents me from providing a headshot, so I will bid you a fond adieu (goodbye).
Good luck with your city council run Jonathan. I hope you win!
I'll miss riverosprey most.


"Dick," if you are going to continue to make such aggressive posts, you are going to need to supply your real name and a headshot and take responsibility for your comments. You've listed "Dick Fritter" as your "real name". That sure seems like a "nom de plume" (pen name) to me.

So are you willing to step up and take responsibility for your comments, like Jonathan does? (I didn't think so.)

[Ken Sund]

I think that is pretty sneaky at best and slimy at least to post with a pseudonym without your real name on your profile. If you say it or write it why can't you own up to who you are?


Ken Sund, Noreen Evans supporter


"Dick", if you are going to continue to make such aggressive posts, you are going to need to supply your real name and a headshot and take responsibility for your comments. ...

[scamperwillow]

Tom, you are joking right? Everyone knows that Connie is Hugh's widow as it says right in the column. Connie was never a developer and to complain about Coddingtown is laughable - built so many years ago - it has nothing to do with our current situation.





If you’re running for supervisor in the Fifth District and have pledged to be the developer-fighting candidate, why would you be fund-raising in the Third District at the home of Connie Codding, widow of one of the biggest developers in Sonoma County history? I asked Evans. Isn’t that sending a mixed message?..."

(I would add Connie Codding is Hugh's daughter :) )

[Richard Nichols]

Nothing great about it. It's just the same old Robinson sarcasm. Hope he does equal opportunity, and points out Hopkins potty mouth video and and deep support from developers. By the way, Frank, Connie is not Hugh, but I'm not surprised given your loose interpretation. You must think Connie is like her Husband, obviously, because they were married, and the wife always parrots her husband, right?


Great new column in Sonoma West from Frank Robertson...

https://www.sonomawest.com/sonoma_west_times_and_news/opinion/columns/out-of-hear/article_35e61b62-7a9f-11e6-9f35-cb7350838df0.html

"...So it seemed a little curious that Evans was holding a campaign fundraiser the other day at the home of Connie Codding, widow of Hugh Codding, the big Santa Rosa developer. Yes, that Hugh Codding — whose biggest and best-known development may be the shopping mall named after himself, Coddingtown, over on Guerneville Road, where drivers are always stuck in traffic. “Coddingtown” sounds like an amusement park, and in many ways it is, except some of us aren’t amused.

A fund-raiser at Codding’s house seemed curious, maybe even ironical, because Evans has been telling us for months that she’s the one who’s fighting big developers, unlike her wimpy opponent, Lynda Hopkins, who goes around taking their money and endorsements and talking about how we all need to “work together.”

If you’re running for supervisor in the Fifth District and have pledged to be the developer-fighting candidate, why would you be fund-raising in the Third District at the home of Connie Codding, widow of one of the biggest developers in Sonoma County history? I asked Evans. Isn’t that sending a mixed message?..."

(I would add Connie Codding is Hugh's daughter :) )

[beshiva]

Top reasons why people should vote for one of these candidates? I thought the questions were good ones, however,
we ask our candidates about everything from dwelling units, to fluoridation, to GMO & Roundoup, BUT, not one question pertaining to Justice Services which 51% of our budget goes towards....And why the heck not. i have to wonder who came up with these dandy questions?? Maybe, because law enforcement is a subject that neither candidate wishes to come to terms with and the millions of dollars wasted away because of lawsuits brought against our dear Sheriff Freitas and his department of thugs. this guy has cost the county so much money and no one wants to take him on...not the BOS, not the DA or our other elected officials and certainly not these candidates. this is disappointing. When these lawsuits suck our resources because we have a law enforcement that the Board of Supervisors won't reign in, WE all suffer. and after they have paid out millions in lawsuits due to law enforcement misconduct, they don't admit ANY liability, that's the way the deal goes down. So, the end result is that there is NO "Accountability" . For example, the Board of Supervisors approved $350K simulator toy for the Sheriff. And, not ONE of them asked him Why did he need such a toy? I mean there was a simulator used (a borrowed one) for the Andy Lopez case in which they ONLY used it to prove Gelhaus needed to kill Andy. Yet, they did not use it to simulate what Andy was doing...it's only purpose is to vindicate law enforcement in critical incidents....why should WE pay for this stuff? It's the culture that must change -and until THAT changes, nothing else we spend our precious tax $$$ on will matter.
And, we can All just hope, like i'm sure the Candidates are doing- "Hoping" that the new Oversight guy is gonna fix things...but, this isn't going to happen...because he has NO Power. No subpoena power, no investigative power...therefore, he spins his wheels- and that's the way it is. And, by the way, this dandy office of Oversight, his position will cost us $254K a year. i don't understand WHY this isn't pissing people off, like fluoride or GMO or all the other important impacts on our County. Best kept secret I suppose?!
thanks for the other debate though.


Here's are the 12 questions that both candidates address:....

[Shandi]

People who remain annonymous or use a pseudonym so they can be sneaky and slimy without anyone knowing who they really are. I wonder if they're ashamed of their comments....


I think that is pretty sneaky at best and slimy at least to post with a pseudonym without your real name on your profile. If you say it or write it why can't you own up to who you are?


Ken Sund, Noreen Evans supporter

[beshiva]

i have never denied who i AM!! thank you very much.
i don't do Facebook, oops is that a Sin! i'm Marni Wroth. I've been a part of the Justice Coalition for Andy Lopez forever since it began. (three years ago). I've been a member of the Andy Lopez Free Speech Picket Line for 2.5 years, where we have had a constant presence in front of the Hall of (Injustice) without a break every week, every Tuesday, since the day Andy was murdered by Gelhaus.
If it were Not for the Justice Coalition there would Never have been a Task Force. If it were not for the Justice Coalition for Andy there would Never have been an "Andy's Park".
If it were not Not for Justice Coalition there would never have been Oversight brought in to look at Law Enforcement, specifically, Sheriff Freitas.
I do not have a profile, simply, cuz I Don't....don't do That Stuff...ooops is That a Sin?
now you know who I AM. thanks for asking
I wonder if slimy Gelhaus is ashamed of killing a child and slimy Freitas, and Slimy Jill Ravitch are ashamed of protecting a Killer. A deputy who was of questionable character long before he killed Andy. A bully, an "expert" who didn't know the difference between a toy and a real gun. A man who purged his website, filled with bigoted matter, after he killed Andy Lopez. If it were Not for Justice for Andy Lopez Coalition, this stuff would have been lost....it's been saved!
So, this is who i am. and i'm far from ashamed of my comments. i hold all accountable, including myself.


People who remain anonymous or use a pseudonym so they can be sneaky and slimy without anyone knowing who they really are. I wonder if they're ashamed of their comments....

[Glia]

Connie is indeed Hugh's widow, and *rumor* has it that she got a job at Codding Enterprises specifically to meet him and marry him... you can fill in the rest of the story. She is about the same age as Hugh's children, so thinking she is his daughter is an easy mistake to make.

Connie is one of the founders of "Friends of the Graton Rancheria" formed to help push that awful Graton Casino (the one located in, um, Rohnert Park) -- which Noreen Evans did precious little to prevent.

You can tell much about people, especially politicians, by the company they keep and who throws fundraising parties for them.



(I would add Connie Codding is Hugh's daughter :) )

OOPS!!! THANK YOU MARTY ROBERTS...I STAND CORRECTED...CONNIE IS HUGH'S WIFE :)

[photolite]

https://www.waccobb.net/forums/waccobb/keep90days/2015-10-04_15-56-29.png
Close to Home: Why Evans’ housing plan won’t work
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/opinion/6089472-181/close-to-home-why-evans?artslide=0

<section class="top-block-container"><section class="left-right-holder">David Sundstrom And John Lowry</section><section class="left-right-holder">David Sundstrom Is A Former Auditor-Controller For Sonoma County,
And John Lowry Is Former Executive Director For Burbank Housing In Santa Rosa.
September 17, 2016

In her candidate statement for the November election, Noreen Evans, who is running for 5th District supervisor, has identified $2.3 billion in the Sonoma County Employees Retirement Fund as a source for financing affordable housing.

<section class="article-text"><article> On the surface, this seems like an idea worthy of investigation. But this needs to be evaluated from the priorities of the retirement fund and its usefulness to housing. From both perspectives, the proposal seems questionable.

Looking at the pension fund and its purpose, it is important to understand that the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors doesn’t have authority to choose investments. This is the exclusive responsibility of the Sonoma County Employees Retirement Association board.

The Board of Supervisors’ authority over the Sonoma County Employees Retirement Association board is limited to appointing four of its nine members. Four voting members are elected by employees and retirees, and the county’s elected auditor-controller treasurer tax collector serves as an ex-officio voting member. The Board of Supervisors doesn’t make investment decisions. So the most that Evans could be saying is that she would suggest this direction to the retirement association board.

California law also prohibits the Sonoma County Employees Retirement Association from expending funds “for any purpose other than the expense of administration of the system, investments for the benefit of the system, and the provision of benefits to the members and retired members of the system and their survivors and beneficiaries.”

“Social investing” is specifically mentioned in the retirement association’s investment policy statement: “The board may not approve investments with less than competitive risk-adjusted expected returns in order to benefit another group of people or some project considered socially desirable.” Clearly, the Sonoma County Employees Retirement Association board wouldn’t choose to make an investment that has a lower return or greater risk when compared with other opportunities. Investment in affordable housing would need to be evaluated under these criteria.

From the standpoint of the financial resources, affordable housing can use all the help it can get, but it isn’t clear that pension fund investment is a workable option. A lack of financial resources is, in fact, the greatest constraint to the production of housing affordable to low-income people. However, low-income affordable housing is limited in the amount of debt it can service. Affordable housing, unfortunately, needs considerable subsidies, money that doesn’t have to be paid back, at least not anytime soon.

Subsidies are the largest portion of affordable housing finance and more subsidy is needed to house those with the lowest incomes. Subsidy takes the form of grants, deferred payment loans and tax credit investor equity. Pension funds wouldn’t be a subsidy source since there is little or no return on investment.

Affordable housing does borrow money for construction loans and long-term mortgages. This lending could be investigated by the county retirement association board and evaluated in relation to other investments. However, once affordable housing has received its development entitlements and secured all needed subsidies, there is no shortage of willing lenders.

Further, interest rates for construction and mortgage financing are near all-time lows. The retirement association would need to accept lower rates of return to provide any further benefit, but this would be contrary to its obligation to seek competitive risk-adjusted returns. This would ultimately result in increased county contributions to the pension fund.

While any ideas to expand the supply of affordable housing are certainly better than ignoring the issue, it seems that Evans may need to do some more homework on this one and explain how this proposal might work, given the investment priorities of the Sonoma County Employees Retirement Association and actual financial needs of affordable housing.

</article></section></section></section>David Sundstrom is a former auditor-controller for Sonoma County, and John Lowry is former executive director for Burbank Housing in Santa Rosa.

[scamperwillow]

It's too bad the PD didn't bother to fact-check or check in with Noreen. she is advocating building workforce housing - you know for our teachers, police, firemen, etc. - which there is huge demand for and prices are skyrocketing. She never said to use that money for affordable housing. John Lowry should know the difference - shameful.


Close to Home: Why Evans’ housing plan won’t work
<section class="top-block-container"><section class="left-right-holder">...</section></section>

[jbox]

Close to Home: Why Evans’ housing plan won’t work...
Typical stance for a Sacramento political hack, raid money earmarked for one thing and try to spend it on another. Interesting she would take her union backers money for this "investment". How does the union feel about this?

As I was writing this I received a phone call asking me to take a "survey". I spoke to a nice man who works for WPA Opinion Research out of New Jersey, owned by somebody named Lou Friedman. First question was who was I inclined to vote for.This "survey" made only a very slight pretense of being unbiased. Only the very slow witted could consider it legitimate. Every question was slanted toward Noreen Evans and against Lynda Hopkins. Typical question: "Of two hypothetical candidates would you support the one who has taken thousands of dollars from gravel miners or the one who is opposed to gravel mining in the river?" These kind of leading questions/statements went on for a while and finally I was asked who would I now lean toward voting for?

Even the man conducting the survey sheepishly admitted the very strong bias in the questions. The Hopkins campaign was accused of fomenting such a survey. I asked Lynda point blank if she had anything to do with it and she looked me in the eye and said no. Isn't it interesting that now Noreen's campaign is conducting such a survey? Perhaps it is the second one she has conducted?

[Jude Iam]

Glad that you have piped up here at last, Barry.
IMHO, It's high time for ALL who engage in conversation here at Wacco do so under their actual names.
Everyone registered without that ought to be asked to add their names or refrain from interchange.
How about leveling the playing field and making this change, Barry? Thanks, Jude


"Dick", if you are going to continue to make such aggressive posts, you are going to need to supply your real name and a headshot and take responsibility for your comments. You've listed "Dick Fritter" as your "real name". That sure seems like a "nom de plume" (pen name) to me.

So are you willing to step up and take responsibility for your comments, like Jonathan does? (I didn't think so.)

[riverosprey]

Marty,

You should read Noreen's comments in the Sonoma County Gazette, "Why not put these public employee pension assets to work for all of us, building housing affordable to our working families?" Using pension funds to build affordable housing is a non-starter and as I mentioned before is borderline demagoguery, and among the many reasons Noreen doesn't begin to have a clue on how to create affordable housing. She parrot's Ernie Carpenter's bias against second dwelling units (causes growth---yea right, while our rural communities are losing population), saying at the Sebastopol candidates forum, "nobody wants to raise a family in crappy one bedroom apartments." HELLO, what about the 60% of American households that are now one or two persons? Most of us can't afford to live by ourselves in large houses rented in Sebastopol.

On the other hand Lynda Hopkins is spot on agreeing with 100% of state legislators that "Junior Second Dwelling Units" (www.lilypadhomes.org (https://www.lilypadhomes.org)) are a great way to provide inexpensive housing...Noreen would continue the $30-50,000 in fees we presently charge a homeowner to repurpose an empty bedroom. That's why John Lowery (former director of Burbank Housing) is part of the Op-ed piece in the PD. John will tell you there are 35,000 empty bedrooms in Sonoma County and there is no justification for all these fees.

kind regards, Tom Lynch

https://www.sonomacountygazette.com/cms/pages/sonoma-county-news-article-5674.html

SDU's Second Dwelling Units:

Sonoma County is grappling with affordable housing and individual cities are trying to find solutions. Unincorporated areas are under different zoning restrictions from cities. Proposals for group housing solutions, tiny house villages, and SDUs (Secondary Dwelling Units) are being considered in both cities and unincorporated areas. Waste disposal solutions are different in sewer districts from rural areas with septic and on-site waste disposal systems. 5th District is largely rural. Do you see solutions that work for cities being used in rural areas?

Noreen Evans
During the past 20 years, all of the economic gains have gone to the wealthiest 1% in our county while the rest of us have seen our incomes drop and the cost of living skyrocket. We need a Supervisor who puts the needs of working families first.

Affordable housing is one of my highest priorities.

Sonoma County manages $2.3 billion (yes, billion with a “B”) in public employee pension assets. State and federal laws require these assets to be invested to earn income. Why not put these public employee pension assets to work for all of us, building housing affordable to our working families? Pension assets can be invested to build housing which will provide a consistent income stream to the pension funds and will provide places for our working people to live. In today’s housing market, building even modest homes is an excellent investment.

This proposal will benefit taxpayers, working families, and our public employees. it’s taxpayer money--let’s put it to work for our local communities.

Second dwelling units have been around from time immemorial and are an important part of our housing needs. But, they will not solve our housing crisis. When is the last time you heard young parents dream about raising their children in an apartment above someone’s garage? Or in someone’s spare bedroom? Second units often end up as Airbnb’s or vacation rentals. They are not places to raise growing families. If we consider reducing fees to encourage building second units, we should also restrict these units from being used as vacation rentals.

Our community has an urgent need for real housing for the people who live here. We need real world solutions and a Supervisor who can deliver them.

I not only have ideas and solutions to this housing affordability crisis, but I have decades of practical experience in policy-making and consensus-building. I can’t wait to get to begin fixing some of these big picture issues facing Sonoma County residents. Let’s get to work!

Lynda Hopkins

We’re in the midst of an unprecedented affordable housing and homelessness crisis: the result of decades of failed housing policies. In the past week, I’ve spoken with a number of newly homeless residents. Today, the faces of homelessness are those of working people priced out of their homes. They are single parents living out of their cars. Families encamped along the river. Pregnant women, suddenly evicted. Middle-aged residents who’ve held jobs their entire lives, only to find themselves waking up on a mat on the floor of a homeless shelter to rise and head to work.

We must treat this situation like the emergency that it is. Business-as-usual policies are not adequate. Cities and unincorporated areas must work together to come up with a systems-wide plan to address this emergency immediately, short-term, and long-term.

I have researched and sought out innovative solutions, and will work with the community to select and enact appropriate strategies. We should consider junior second units (pioneered by Marin); incentivized, financed, pre-approved-design granny units (Santa Cruz); tiny houses as ADUs (Portland); laneway housing (Vancouver); and housing trusts (Silicon Valley).

We can also consider new solutions, such as changing our development impact fee structure to a per-square-foot basis -- which would essentially tax McMansions to subsidize the development of small efficiency units.

While urban and rural solutions will have different approaches, there may be commonalities, such as repurposing existing buildings into single room occupancy dwellings. We should consider permitting self-contained mobile units -- tiny homes -- that require no development, leave no footprint, and can be towed away from the property at any time. (Creating a truly no-impact tiny house would necessitate the legalization of composting toilets, and low-cost permitting of greywater systems. Water use/potential groundwater drawdown would still need to be considered.) Let’s work together and take action.


It's too bad the PD didn't bother to fact-check or check in with Noreen. she is advocating building workforce housing - you know for our teachers, police, firemen, etc. - which there is huge demand for and prices are skyrocketing. She never said to use that money for affordable housing. John Lowry should know the difference - shameful.

[Dan Gurney]

I attended Lynda Hopkins' "Town Hall" at the Grange last Wednesday. I liked much of what I heard. (Lynda sounds progressive.)

Here's my take-away: Beginners should start at the beginning.

In their campaigns for Fifth District Supervisor both Noreen Evans and Lynda Hopkins talk about issues in ways that appeal to West County voters.

Careful voters can choose between them by considering their endorsements and examining their records.

Noreen Evans is endorsed by trusted environmental groups like the Sierra Club and Sonoma County Conservation Action. Progressive individuals and groups, like Sebastopol Tomorrow, support Noreen. They know she’ll protect our coast, river, forests, workers, and economy.

Noreen is an experienced and seasoned Sonoma County politician with a proven record. She has effectively protected the environment and supported working people in Sonoma County for decades.

By contrast, Lynda Hopkins is backed by development advocacy groups like Sonoma County Farm Bureau, Sonoma County Alliance, Northern California Engineering Contractors Association, and the Press Democrat. Chamber-friendly officials endorse Lynda. She asks voters to believe that she will be independent of those who’ve supported and funded her campaign.

Lynda Hopkins has no record. She is a beginner—an unproven, newly-minted politician in her first campaign for the most important political position in Sonoma County.

A beginner should start at the beginning. There are scads of less-critical political posts where Lynda could serve our community and prove her mettle.

Fifth District Supervisor is by far the most important political job in West County. It is the wrong place for a beginner to launch a political career.

We need a trusted and proven leader.

Vote Noreen Evans for Fifth District Supervisor.

Dan Gurney

[Shepherd]

I want to echo what Dan says below about the Grange gathering. I also attended Lynda's Town Hall. I was impressed by how democratic, vibrant, diverse, and inclusive it was. Lynda's answers to questions from the floor were excellent and in line with my progressive values. She also managed a difficult person well.

I am glad that the early personal attacks on her seem to have somewhat subsided and people are speaking more about issues, rather than personalities, and the importance of experience, which Noreen has. I have endorsed Noreen, and I hope that Lynda continues to be in active in politics, rather than being demonized. Though it has been difficult for her at times, I hope that she has learned a lot by this "baptism by fire" and continues to be politically active.

I hope to see many of you readers back at the Grange on 9/28 for our Seb. City Council candidates forum. We expect a full house and may have to turn people away, as we did for the KOWS/PRSC 5th District candidates forum. I will be opening the gate at 5 p.m., so people can secure a seat for the program that starts at 6:30. People from all candidates and elections are free to leaflet outside the door to the hall and talk to people inside both before and after the speaking part.


I attended Lynda Hopkins' "Town Hall" at the Grange last Wednesday. I liked much of what I heard. (Lynda sounds progressive.)

Here's my take-away: Beginners should start at the beginning.....

[riverosprey]

Thank you Dan Gurney for your years of public service, and thank you for your kind words toward our next Supervisor Lynda Hopkins. Likewise Shepherd thank you for your continuing good vibes, we agree that every little act of kindness is the hope of the world.

Sonoma County is in the worst fiscal disaster in history, partially due to policies pursued for twenty years by Noreen Evans, and others of our generation. We have a tremendous lack of affordable housing, along with many issues requiring innovative solutions, that are not forthcoming from Noreen. I believe Lynda Hopkins is the superior candidate, with the energy, intelligence and courage to re-invent local government, with new solutions, that do not burden the next generations to pay for them.

The Supervisorial race is not so much a divide between unions and business, but more a divide between generations. My generation, the boomers, have given themselves benefits without funding them, and now are severely burdening the next generations with increasing costs to pay for them. I believe the next human rights movement, just like the Suffragettes and Civil Rights movements of the 20th Century, should be for "Intergenerational Equity", that one generation cannot burden the next, with benefits and obligations not paid for.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intergenerational_equity

Just last week a homeless, mentally ill young man, denied services as none were available, hung himself a half mile from our home in Guerneville. There are social consequences we cannot begin to quantify, due to our failure to create a sustainable and fair system. Our towns have become zombielands, with homeless shuffling the streets, for lack of services government once provided for generations. Our schools, colleges, social programs, healthcare, roads and infrastructure, continue to decline due to unsustainable policies.

All of our public institutions are on an inevitable path to insolvency, perhaps even some sort of Malthusian meltdown. And the next generations are getting less and less, as we take more and more.

My hope is as Lynda Hopkins says, "Let's work together"; that we can find sustainable new ways to create a culture of kindness. I feel very passionate about what is going on, but will endeavor to be kind and civil as I participate in the debate. My hope is both candidates can tone things down, and present their solutions, without the guilt by association nonsense.

[beshiva]

Once again, we are distracted. as always, let's harp on pensions. that's a good distraction. for example, my husband worked for the county for over 30 years, working with our most vulnerable (children). and now he is in his 70's
and his pension is pittance of what Carrillo will receive (partial pension) and he is only in his 30's. for a mere few years Carrillo will receive a ridiculous pension. but let's get distracted by the people who have served their whole lives and have to beg and grovel for a decent pension.
let's be distracted by not having enough to go around, be it for the homeless or mental health services. But, we will always have enough to lock people up. We always have enough for a (not) Justice system spiraled out of control.
We always have enough to prop up our police state and maintain order and keep us in lock-step if we think it's unfair and attempt to change it. and make sure we punish the whistleblowers, after all they are the problem!
Do you think Evans operated in a vacuum? So, what does it give a damn that Hopkins has energy-youth is supposed to have "energy". I don't believe Hopkins is going to change a damn thing with the old order or the usual suspects of self-serving myopic puppets of the Wine Industry, Business, or the Sheriff Department. or she will quickly find out how to Play.
So, as a long resident of this County i see White Privilege sitting up there in those seats who haven't a clue so they use their $$$ to advertise their promises. Efren was gonna be the Leader of the Latino Community and fight for them, unfortunately, fell into the abyss and rarely could be effective agains. Maybe, we can start with the salaries of the BOS and top Deputies and Administrator positions and slash the hell from their pensions...maybe, they can be more in step with those they "serve"? Maybe, then there will be enough to go around or enough for those "programs" they always tell us they want to give us but just can't seem to find enough!! yeah, i know it's too complicated- to which i say, "bullshit".
So, let's continue to be distracted by the Real Issues and dine out and sip on our Pinot Noir. tisk tisk.


... My generation, the boomers, have given themselves benefits without funding them, ....

[beshiva]

PD + Fact check X Hope - Credibility = PD crappy news



It's too bad the PD didn't bother to fact-check or check in with Noreen. she is advocating building workforce housing - you know for our teachers, police, firemen, etc. - which there is huge demand for and prices are skyrocketing. She never said to use that money for affordable housing. John Lowry should know the difference - shameful.

[beshiva]

hi- i'm wondering about the part you suggest changing our development impact fee structure to a per square foot basis? in other words tax McMansions- Great Idea.
So, is it possible to come up with a formula that would be similar for the ridiculous salaries of BOS, and other County employee salaries, especially the higher echelon Administration salaries, including Sheriff Deputies?! you know that per square foot structure - the foot that's on our necks or up our arses and bleeds the simple hardworking folks...who never seem to get a break!?


...
We can also consider new solutions, such as changing our development impact fee structure to a per-square-foot basis -- which would essentially tax McMansions to subsidize the development of small efficiency units....

[scamperwillow]

Barry - I thought this guy was banned??


Typical stance for a Sacramento political hack, raid money earmarked for one thing and try to spend it on another. ...

[scamperwillow]

Housing Affordable to our workforce is a totally different thing than "affordable housing" which is a technical term used by the state based on income. Not the same and as a planning commissioner you should know the difference!


Marty,

You should read Noreen's comments in the Sonoma County Gazette, "Why not put these public employee pension assets to work for all of us, building housing affordable to our working families?" Using pension funds to build affordable housing is a non-starter ...

[Barry]

Barry - I thought this guy was banned??

Nope, that was "Dick", who voluntarily left the board instead of providing his real name. "jbox" is not a "Dick". :wink:

[Roberta Llewellyn]

I attended on this hot day in Bodega Bay at the "Secret Garden" a fundraiser for Noreen Evans and listened to a talk she gave about continuing to protect our Coastline and save it from exploiters and developers which she has been doing for decades. She worked in Sacramento with the knowledgeable on many fronts, Dr. Charles Lester, former Coastal Commission President who worked to preserve the coast for twenty years before unfairly being ousted this year. Dr. Lester shared anecdotal stories of having worked with Noreen in Sacramento many years past and unequivocally gave her his most enthusiastic support.

I am supporting Noreen, too, because she talks the language of having been there and continues to be a vibrant voice for the Sonoma County environment. She, also has genuine solutions to Sonoma County's infrastructure issues as well as supports affordable housing and rent control.

I like Linda Hopkins but she is making her way as they say through the hoops and I am putting my trust on the experienced candidate, Noreen Evans, for Fifth District Supervisor. I felt Noreen has the savvy to fight for policy changes to protect Sonoma County housing and environmental issues. I appreciated the large number of seasoned activist supporters gathered outside under the redwoods this afternoon who spoke of the work Noreen has done and what she has accomplished.

[Shepherd]

This response by Barry brought a needed smile to my face during this dirty electoral campaigning. Be sure to read the important article in this Sunday's PD about Lynda Hopkins new video and responses by Noreen Evans' campaign (https://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/6085117-181/dustup-between-sonoma-county-candidates?ref=most&artslide=0). A lot of poop is being spread.

If it were not be so important, we could all laugh together at ourselves, which I hope happens after whoever wins both the 5th District and Sebastopol City Council elections. "Can't we all get together and along," as others have said?

After all, most of us plan to continue living in our beloved Sonoma County and remain neighbors, unless one pulls a Kathleen Shaffer. This incumbent, after being defeated as a candidate to remain on the Sebastopol City Council--where she longed to be mayor--simply promptly moved away.
For the love of Sebastopol and Sonoma County, Shepherd (real name, on my birth certificate)


Nope, that was "Dick", who voluntarily left the board instead of providing his real name. "jbox" is not a "Dick". :wink:

[jbox]

Does anyone know if Noreen's rental agreement at her Sebastopol apartment is month to month? I bet is it. If she loses it's back to Fountaingrove for her.

[Ken Sund]

Does anyone know if Noreen's rental agreement at her Sebastopol apartment is month to month? I bet is it. If she loses it's back to Fountaingrove for her.

jbox- whoever you may be or pretend to be;
I'll take your bet.
How much do you want to bet? Shepherd (at least I know who he is) can hold the money. And when Hopkins loses, what neighborhood or county will you remain at or move to?
Ken Sund.

[scamperwillow]

Um not that it's your business, but she has a year to year lease on a HOUSE in Sebastopol where she and her dogs happily live every day. Oh, and she has never lived in Fountaingrove.....


Does anyone know if Noreen's rental agreement at her Sebastopol apartment is month to month? I bet is it. If she loses it's back to Fountaingrove for her.

[O.W.]

I have to agree with Dan here and also Rue Furch whom I admire greatly for selflessly working for better government for decades,( alot of that work without pay) with her thoughtful endorsement of Noreen . "Not ready for prime time" comes to mind. Only Gorin and Rabbitt had any governmental experience before becoming a supervisor. We now have 26 full time lawyers on county staff, the only department that has not ever seen staffing cuts by the way. There are numerous lawsuits against our county because the supervisors do not understand government workings. How many more lawyers are we to hire (last one was hired for $250K plus full benefits) to cover the butts of our supervisors? How many more will they hire for Lynda? Where else could that money go to?

I think some of the nastiness is that this county has been run by special interests for decades and we are tired of our way of life being threatened so the upper classes can reap profit from our resources. If you think Lynda will not be beholden to her donors and has no record to review to make a good decision who to vote for let me give you an example that has sent me huge red flags.(Just one of several).

Her stand on glyphosate. On video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTHclJc-Sw8) several times she goes into contorted and elaborate "cost benefit analysis" requirements before she would consider a ban. Her words. Noreen states (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWKLAhKRLDY) FACTS that the World Health Organization has studied glyphosate (Round-Up) and found it a "probable carcinogen" so she supports the ban like so many other counties and countries that realize they are poisoning all of us. Mom's Across America, the organization that found glyphosate in breast milk, wine and now childhood vaccines (https://foodintegritynow.org/2016/09/15/breaking-glyphosate-found-childhood-vaccines/)has just published another study finding this herbicide at high levels, some 25 times higher than allowed. No studies have ever been done on injecting children or anyone with glyphosate. Heaven help our children!

Guess who uses the most glyphosate in our county? Wineries! Go to www.cdpr.ca.gov (https://www.cdpr.ca.gov) and find out yourself. 84,606 concentrated pounds sprayed just in our vineyards in 2013 alone which drifts to our air, soil and water (and over 2 million pounds of other chemicals a year). Kicking the can down the road for cost reasons and not public health reason is not leadership, it is covering for special interests. We need to ban the stuff now and the winery owners (chief donors to Hopkins) will either have weed or have to hire someone to get rid of the weeds without poisoning the rest of us.

And for those pushing for full names and pictures on this site, I had a terrible experience with actual threats of violence on this site so you won't see me being terrorized again. [This is discussed on the new thread "Requiring Real Names on WaccoBB (https://www.waccobb.net/forums/showthread.php?119575-Requiring-Real-Names-on-WaccoBB&p=205851#post205851)" Barry :waccosun:]
Thank you Dan for your critical thinking process. :tiphat:


I attended Lynda Hopkins' "Town Hall" at the Grange last Wednesday. I liked much of what I heard. (Lynda sounds progressive.)

Here's my take-away: Beginners should start at the beginning....

[beshiva]

thank you for connecting the dots. so few on this thread comment about lawsuits, and the number of lawyers needed to keep up with them!
i would like to point out that Rabbitt and Gorin (and we know Gore never will) have pushed the Wineries to use alternative to Roundup..still dumping this stuff on us at an alarming rate. (Shirlee Zane usually just blinks at everything and stares off into space)


... We now have 26 full time lawyers on county staff,...

[Shepherd]

As a dog lover, that is another reason for voting for Noreen. Dogs rule!


Um not that it's your business, but she has a year to year lease on a HOUSE in Sebastopol where she and her dogs happily live every day. Oh, and she has never lived in Fountaingrove.....

[Richard Nichols]

Thanks to both Dan and O.W. for thoughtful comments. Lynda will be in a terrible bind if she gets elected, and her backers come to her lobbying in their own interests, as development interest are so good at doing, and she has to decide between loyalty to her backers and the greater good. Noreen will not be in that same bind, because she has a proven record of working for the common good.

[beshiva]

precisely.... because Noreen Evans is seasoned she won't fall into the pitfall of "how do i get out of this beholden thing" . She is Not beholden to anyone.


Thanks to both Dan and O.W. for thoughtful comments. Lynda will be in a terrible bind if she gets elected, and her backers come to her lobbying in their own interests, as development interest are so good at doing, and she has to decide between loyalty to her backers and the greater good. Noreen will not be in that same bind, because she has a proven record of working for the common good.

[beshiva]

Woof Woof Woof- that's the message from my 3 dogs :)


As a dog lover, that is another reason for voting for Noreen. Dogs rule!

[jbox]

jbox- whoever you may be or pretend to be;
I'll take your bet.
How much do you want to bet? Shepherd (at least I know who he is) can hold the money. And when Hopkins loses, what neighborhood or county will you remain at or move to?
Ken Sund.


Ken,

To put my post in context, it was a response to Shepherd's post where he made note of Kathleen Schaffer moving out of town after she lost an election. My post was somewhat tongue in cheek but I actually do think if Evans loses she moves back to east Santa Rosa. Marty, thanks for the Fountaingrove correction and detailing Noreen's lease terms. Can you confirm she still owns a house in SR?

My Sonoma County roots date back to 1851 when my great great grandfather Reuben Franklin Box, who was the second assessor for Sonoma County, moved to from Texas to Kenwood and lived at the site of the Pagani ranch. The old house, known as the Lucy Box mansion, still stands along with the barn the family built. So, no, I'm not going anywhere, Ken.

I live in Villa Grande, along the river. We have traditionally drawn the short straw in county politics as the wealthy white suburbs like Sebastopol have gotten the gravy and the River gets the crumbs. 8 years ago I voted for Rue Furch, thinking Efren Carrillo lacked the necessary experience to be an effective supervisor. Efren was not perfect and made some mistakes, even a whopper mistake. But he grew into the job, was a quick study, and was all over west county, including the River. He spent more time here and did more for us than any other supervisor in recent memory. I see this same potential in Lynda Hopkins. She exhibits the bright, inquisitive, and open intellectual capacity to be an effective and innovate leader. I do not see this in Noreen. Her experience in Sacramento does not impress me. Her avowed expertise in manipulating bureaucracy can just as easily work against the public as for us, perhaps more. Her housing ideas are out of touch with 5th district reality. Her notion of taxing the hell out of legal pot seems like big pharma karma. The idea of using pension funds to fund affordable housing when the housing market is poised for a correction sounds like a cruel Sacramento joke. Constantly touting her environmental credentials and not much else makes her seem like an opportunistic self aggrandizing politician who is a player in Colbert's "Hungry for Power Games". Moving here to run for office without 5th district familiarity sounds disingenuous.

If elected and she proves me wrong I will be all in for Noreen. But right now, I think Lynda Hopkins is the better candidate.

Jon Box
Villa Grande

[scamperwillow]

I am not going to respond to all of that, but no, she does not own a house. Tried to buy one in Sebastopol but couldn't find one she could afford. Whether she wins or not, she will stay in west County if she can find a place she can afford.

She has lived in sonoma County for 34 years and raised her 3 kids here - who are now adults.

She is incredibly familiar with west county having represented parts of it for 20 years and how big is the county? If she lived a few miles to the east, does that mean she does not care about county issues? she has been actively involved in all the issues that matter to us. Check out her record please! I can't understand why anyone would want to elect a total beginner with no record at all to look at.

And she is not suggesting investing in affordable housing. She is suggesting investing in market rate workforce housing for our teachers, nurses, fire and police officers so they can afford to live here. Right now we invest in housing in Texas and Florida - does that make sense? And never all of our investment - a portion of a portfolio which is always the prudent way to go.

I do have to concede that many years ago when she was still married and her children were very small, she lived up in the general fountain grove area but not in one of those fancy mansions and she moved down into town as soon as she could. One of her first battles was to oppose that 4 lane hwy they built up there.


Ken,

To put my post in context, it was a response to Shepherd's post where he made note of Kathleen Schaffer moving out of town after she lost an election....

[Barry]

I can't tell you how trite and silly the accusations from the campaigns and supporters of both Noreen Evans and Lynda Hopkins that the other one recently moved into the district sound to me.

First both candidates recently moved from outside the district to inside the district, and secondly, both candidates have valid claims to be able to genuinely represent the district.

Stop being childish! It demeans both of your houses, wherever they happen to located!

:waccosun:

[photolite]

Barry,
West County is so unique with its collection of small to tiny villages, each with its own identity and character, each different from all the others. These differences can be subtle and difficult to understand if you haven't lived here a long time. There's a sensibility that takes real time to acquire and wouldn't be readily apparent to someone from, say, east Santa Rosa, which is politically very, very different. It's hard to imagine someone from outside this area would be able to faithfully represent this district.

Regarding this statement by another poster,
"because Noreen Evans is seasoned she won't fall into the pitfall of "how do i get out of this beholden thing" . She is Not beholden to anyone.",
we all know this to be patently false.


I can't tell you how trite and silly the accusations from the campaigns and supporters of both Noreen Evans and Lynda Hopkins that the other one recently moved into the district sound to me...

[podfish]

Barry - I thought this guy was banned??Ban JBox?? noooo!! why???

[podfish]

Nope, that was "Dick", who voluntarily left the board instead of providing his real name. "jbox" is not a "Dick". :wink:and not all of us can claim that endorsement!

[Sam]

I keep seeing signs everywhere, really divided, saying Noreen Evans or Lynda Hopkins!

What I really want to do is put both of their names in my yard. One on the left, one on the right. And right in the middle, I want to have a sign saying "I like them both!" :dunno: :-)

[beshiva]

that's nice/nice and mushy gushy. But make sure you put the correct one on the right and the correct one on the left. lol

What I really want to do is put both of their names in my yard. One on the left, one on the right. And right in the middle, I want to have a sign saying "I like them both!" :dunno: :-)

[Glia]

Gee whiz, if Sonoma County had public campaign financing in place for county-level office, the "beholden thing" would be a moot issue for the candidates opting to "run clean" and NOT accept any private donations.

Help make this utopian fantasy a reality! Ask Gov. Brown to sign SB 1107, which miraculously got through the state legislature and is now sitting on his desk awaiting his signature to become law.

https://act.couragecampaign.org/sign/GovBrownFightDarkMoney/


... Regarding this statement by another poster,
"because Noreen Evans is seasoned she won't fall into the pitfall of "how do i get out of this beholden thing" . She is Not beholden to anyone.",
we all know this to be patently false.

[Sara S]

from The Press Democrat, 9/21:

Evans’ track record

EDITOR: Barbara Baer’s comments in support of Noreen Evans were right on target (“The case for Evans,” Letters, Sept. 13). Just about the only letters in support of the other candidate come from sectors that oppose regulation by state and local agencies. Grape growers, winery owners, real estate and big construction are putting big money into this battle to elect a county supervisor more willing to compromise (in their favor) on needed regulations. Big money buys big access. It took too long to finally legislate overtime for farmworkers in California. Guess which industry is howling in protest? We need a county supervisor who won’t be too beholden to the money she receives to make clear decisions that benefit the majority of residents and not just the people who put her in power.
Only Evans has the scandal-free honest track record of making decisions based on all the players in the room, not just the biggest moneyed interests.
KEN SUND
Jenner

[Barry]

Here's a radio hit piece against Lynda Hopkins by the Coalition for a Better Sonoma County (https://www.bettersonoma.com/)



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggdxCcpWag0


I don't know about you, but the hyperbole of this really turns me off. I think we are blessed to have 2 great candidates. To me it seems that their values are roughly inline with each other and I'm sure either would represent us well. However,. it sure seems to me the Noreen and her supporters have run a much more negative and fierce campaign which turns me off. Lynda and her supporters are not lily white either, but Noreen's camp seems worse to me.

[jbox]

Here's a radio hit piece (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggdxCcpWag0) again Lynda Hopkins by the Coalition for a Better Sonoma County... (https://www.bettersonoma.com/)Paid for not by Noreen's campaign but by special interests investing in her. Believe me, they expect and will receive genuflection by Noreen. I am not aware of this type of support for Hopkins and still do not see her blithely following the orders of her contributors.

[Richard Nichols]

I'm surprised, given your sensitivity, that you didn't respond at all to the now famous "bullshit" piece by Lynda.
And that came right from her, not from an independent group. You might also consider the "carpet bagger" and pension smear campaign waged by Lynda's surrogates.

The piece you refer to seems to me to express the concerns that many of us feel about this election. The folks sponsoring Hopkins have had their stranglehold on county electoral politics for years, making sure to get Gore, Carillo and Rabbit in office. Please don't pretend you don't know who the Bosco Boys are and what they want. None of this means Lynda is a bad person, but she is unquestionably supported by folks who have their own self interests in mind.

[Richard Nichols]

The "special interest" group you refer to are interested in protecting our county from the ravishes of over development. Their special interest is in serving the community. If you are not aware of Lynda's "special interests" I suggest you look at here list of endorsers and supporters


[Paid for not by Noreen's campaign but by special interests investing in her....

[Roberta Llewellyn]

Thanks Barry for the post and bringing to light the negative ad campaign recently made against Lynda Hopkins...I agree with you that this is not needed - not by either of the candidates...it appear this is often used as a turn to default by political candidates and it is in my mind a mistake especially in this particular (local) election. It is relatively simply to view both candidates qualifications and experience and each of us can do our own analysis without being hit over the head with hyperbole!

This doesn't need to happen in Sonoma County currently albeit it is happening in our national election, which has sadly become a mudslinging, but nonetheless, an election of huge consequence and one where it is essential that we all vote. Even though I feel, as many do, we have an especially unqualified business man running who appear to have bizarre intent or need in running for president.

Clearly this is not the case in the local election with the two candidates running for supervisor who both share genuine regard for improving the lives of the residents, and address the issues, and environment of Sonoma County. Both of these women has something to bring forth that will contribute positively to the residents and environment here.

As I have previously posted though, I seriously feel, Noreen Evans will make the better Supervisor and bring to action her exceptional experience into the position. This county is truly fortunate to have these two terrific women willing and able to participate in running for supervisor and I shan't be too disappointed with who ever comes out the winner. I am though with you Barry, and wish to comment in saying I hope Noreen and her support people see this post and yours as well; and, to keep in mind, that the journey matters, and the how of getting to the destination is what hopefully Green Politics is all about!

[jbox]

I am struck by how we, as an electorate, are really tired of politics as usual, and how we wish we could change the dominant paradigm. The approval rating for Congress at the national level is at record low, around 20%. The view of the state legislature is almost equally dim. Yet somehow we dislike everyone but the incumbent, who, as if by magic, keeps getting re-elected. So nothing changes, the status quo marches on along with our dissatisfaction. So, here we are, with a choice for some new blood at the local level, a real, genuine young person with a fresh look at our county. Yet the old, professional, retread politician gets so much support from, dare I say it, old conservatives. Yes, it's voting for the status quo if you support Noreen. Just look at the negative tone of her campaign. More of the same old bullshit. You think Sebastopol is progressive? Prove it. As far as I can see Sebastopol is an aging, lily white, high income enclave. It's nice to be able to afford being a "liberal" as you drive to Whole Foods in your Lexus SUV.

Shake things up, make something new happen! You say Hopkins is supported by business interests? Well, what is wrong with some entrepreneurial progress? Are we so afraid of anything changing, even for the better? Folks, there are so many checks and balances in play here, does anyone really think that the west county will be overrun by 50 new wineries, and housing tracts everywhere and rampant pollution and environmental desecration just because Lynda Hopkins might get elected? We have a chance to move on, right now.

[Roberta Llewellyn]

Hi JBox,

Thanks for the post...and, I've been thinking the same thing along the lines though of how KPFA Radio is stuck in it's own religion and can't see outside the box of it's purist creed of: Thou shall not take corporate money... and, now they are going to hell in a handbasket and can't pay their bills big time and have taken the funds they get from their local listeners and shared them with other Pacifica stations who are slipping down hill and weakening. Why should Berkeley's KPFA have agreed to support all the other Pacifica Stations because they're listeners couldn't cough it up? Listener supported KPFA Radio has grown old, we are seniors now, many of us are on fixed incomes and can't come up with the scratch...why not find corporation with integrity and use their resource? Monitor the money with good management, bookkeeping, and a Local Board that doesn't give away the store next time around? Take the money but follow it; scrutiny is needed and integrity.

Are we all so sure there isn't a way to use funds for righteous purposes and handle it in keeping with not giving/doing them special favors or slanting our message or losing sight of what it is for? I worked at KPFA some years back as the Receptionist for over different periods including a year one time in the new building and also as a Journalist for a series of funded programs on "Pomo Indian Oral Histories" with producer/Journalist Vic Bedoian; we are now both heartsick at what is happening to the station and it's potential closure due to poor management and lack of funding.

Creative ideas have been needed some time back and changing the paradigm to one that works including obtaining funds from those who have it; carefully, mind you, not carelessly. Now we may lose forever a vibrant voice, albeit, it has need an overhaul for a long time with new voices, youthful energy, cultural programs with significant artists coming to the station and doing theatre, readings, and...anyway, the Drama and Literature Dept. are gone now, have you noticed, anyway, you get my gist.

Lynda Hopkins is an honest(as far as I can ascertain) and sincere candidate and I hear what you're saying....I think money is needed in West County besides for the rich growers of both herb and vine to infuse the culture and people who do not have the money or resources. Housing is a huge problem here and Lynda has some great ideas - check out her plan in this regard for affordable housing and, this includes temporary housing to permanent housing as is being developed in other places (San Jose, for instance...) where a huge infusion of funding grants etc. have been obtained for homeless people with a few very dedicated people administrating and implementing it's manifesting.

Good call JBox to not demonize money entities but to find away to utilize them appropriately, and this doesn't make Lynda or you or me, are evil!


I am struck by how we, as an electorate, are really tired of politics as usual, and how we wish we could change the dominant paradigm. ...

[mouse]

... Listener supported KPFA Radio has grown old, we are seniors now, many of us are on fixed incomes and can't come up with the scratch...why not find corporation with integrity and use their resource? ...

Lynda Hopkins is an honest(as far as I can ascertain) and sincere candidate and I hear what you're saying....

As a senior who's been around and worked in public radio for a bit, I'm surprised you'd suggest that KPFA "find corporation with integrity and use their resource" to stay solvent. The quality that public radio and TV stations possess that keeps them from being at the mercy of corporations, lies in not taking their money. Multimillion dollar corporations have a way of purchasing influence in American media and ultimately, our government. I hope we all make informed decisions, without falling for the doe-eyed farm girl bit. There are tens of millions of dollars at stake for her supporters--I would hate to see a novice take her lumps at our expense when those development and big ag millionaires come the get what they've paid for at the board of supes.

https://www.prwatch.org/news/2013/05/12118/pbs-killed-wisconsin-uprising-documentary-citizen-koch-appease-koch-brothers

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/president/players/gallo.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E_%26_J_Gallo_Winery

[photolite]

<section class="left-right-holder"> <aside class="main-image-box"> Thursday’s Letters to the Editor - September 22, 2016</aside></section>
Candidates and money
EDITOR: I respect Hugh Helm (“Hopkins’ supporters,” Letters, Sept. 15), but he is wrong about Lynda Hopkins, whom I am confident he has never met. But let’s accept his premise, and that of others across the political spectrum, that politicians are bought by their supporters. That tells us that Noreen Evans, a longtime friend of Helm’s who lived, as he does, until her politically inspired move to the west county, in the eastern portion of Santa Rosa, has been bought by the SEIU, her biggest financial backer.

So we have a choice of a candidate who we must, according to Helm, assume is in the pocket of developers but whose every act can be watched and commented on through the very public planning process, or one in the pocket of a union with which she is to negotiate salaries, etc. via a process that is completely non-transparent and not open to any form of public review.

If you like the pension problems we have now, be sure to vote for Evans. Remember that she’s likely eligible for those pension benefits, too. Let’s send this fox back to Santa Rosa, and keep her out of our chicken coop by electing Lynda Hopkins.

RICHARD POWER, Sebastopol

[mouse]

...If you like the pension problems we have now, be sure to vote for Evans. Remember that she’s likely eligible for those pension benefits, too. ...

Hopkins will also be eligible for a county pension if she is hired to be supervisor. Hopkins also just moved here. Hopkins has no record to measure, all we know for sure is that she took a whole lot of money from Syar gravel mining, big developers, and large wineries from outside the 5th district.

When interviewing a person for a job, if they keep repeating the name of the college they went to ten years ago, it's a pretty good indicator that that's all they have worth mentioning on the resume. I and lots of my friends and local neighbors attended fine universities. We've since stopped mentioning them much because we developed careers and have other interests. I fail to see how anyone who does not have great personal wealth, or winery or development interests, would vote for Hopkins. Could it be a matter of ageism? That's not altogether fair, progressive, or enlightened. We are better than that.

[jenielson]

Noreen stands for community values: safe streets and sidewalks for school children, protecting rural values (supporting coastal access, greenbelts--including the Southeast Greenway), affordable housing, and adequate pay for working people. Somehow I cannot see any of those issues as "special," in terms of bringing in lots of money or exerting political influence. Those are the building blocks of society.

[beshiva]

I am struck by how we, as an electorate, are really tired of politics as usual, and how we wish we could change the dominant paradigm. ...

AWE-- easier said than done. I have never referred to people up here as Progressive. Oh, i know things "might" look that way but rich, white, elite, hip, alternative, does not translate to Progressive thinking.
If we were really Progressive we would probably not elect either one of these people. As always, people say they will work with what they've got. And, what we have is an old polished politician who will tell you that you have to know when to push and know when to compromise. Unfortunately, the longer one is in a position of power, little pushing gets done and the attitude of go along to get along becomes the norm.

Lynda Hopkins is fresh blood. Unfortunately, she is arrogant to think she's gonna come along and shake up the good ole boy network Or the power structure for that matter which has "allowed" her to even run for this office. There is NOT one Progressive person on the Board of Supervisors now or probably ever. We have had some folks who have done some good stuff but no one has been a Progressive. that we can't even get someone on for the 5th District who is bilingual, at least, is pathetic. I want to believe that Noreen will be better, and she Will. And, that's because these two women are my only choice. I'm sorry but i get the sense from listening to Lynda Hopkins that she is smart, enthusiastic, but for me, she has NO experience to come into this office. I feel she will be run over and flattened like one of those cow-pies in her most recent video she made about "bullshit".
Both women are good people, sometimes good people are just not good enough.

[mouse]

I'm not sure what would be "progressive" about electing a rich kid with no work experience but lots of corporate, for-profit support, while rejecting the woman with a record of striving for the working class and for the environment.

I don't know what kind of car either candidate drives, but I know one of them was given the gift of a Sonoma County farm just for getting married. What the heck does being "a real, genuine young person" have to do with anything? She's a real genuine daughter of wealth and privilege. That's the opposite of 'refreshing.' At least Effren had to work his way through. I guess his handlers picked a 'fresh faced' woman this time, just to make sure the pants would stay up after election day.

Hopkins' supporters sure are making a great effort to sell inexperience and the fact that she hasn't earned a thing in her life, including a job--like any job ever-- as positives. Of course she has never made a professional mistake, because she has never had a profession.

No thank you, Lynda. You will not be referred for this job. You do not meet the minimum requirements for the position. Thank you for your interest.

[Drakeian]

I appreciate the response, but can't help but note more of the selective information from Ms. Evans' campaign, a dirty old trick I'd expect from our former absentee senator (so glad to have an active Senator today in Michael Maguire)...

1. The donations raised by the Builders and Alliance groups were presumably raised by members of their organizations, which in looking at their websites, are all local businesses. Are there any Fortune 500/actual "corporate" interests that donated? This is a broad generalization without demonstrating who those donors truly are, and only tells part of the story!

2. Ms. Evans states Syar is funding the campaign, yet by her own admission, notes Syar didn't actually contribute. How does she know money was "funneled"? Pure speculation! Ms. Evans, please elaborate on how you made such a connection!

3. Ms. Hopkins stated in the paper she DOES support rent control. Regarding "her (Hopkins') allies at the California Apartment Association"), can Ms. Evans produce evidence linking their collaboration and that they're "allies". In looking at campaign finance disclosure requirements, I DID find a donation from the association supporting Ms. Evans' campaign ($1,000 to Evans)...interesting. Also, the California Real Estate PAC subsequently highlighted in the news article ($7,800 to Evans)...even more interesting. Instead of speculating/broad brushing donations, can't she post the actual evidence from the government that can be found online like I did? Or is she going to continue lying to all of us by saying "she's supported by the syar gravel mine company" and then at the end of the lie, note it's not actually from that business???
3760537606

5. Ms. Evans is supported by "special interests", she's just not disclosing who they are! Unions, wineries, businesses, the apartment group and real estate PAC. Go to her website, click on the county link to view donations and see for yourself.

Why am I posting this? Last night, I went to a debate in Monte Rio and Ms. Evans insistently said "follow the money, all of our donations are on my website". Well, I looked last night after the meeting and found all of Ms. Hopkins' donations, but none of Ms. Evans'...hmm...who's the real one "hiding the truth." Look around these sites and see for yourself!

Thx.

Ernie, Guerneville

[occihoff]

I don't hear anything so awful in this ad. It's certainly milder than the Hopkins "sh-t" ad! What bothers you so much about it, Barry?

In any case, aren't you concerned about the identity of Hopkins' financial backers? How does this weigh into the balance for you?


Here's a radio hit piece against Lynda Hopkins by the Coalition for a Better Sonoma County (https://www.bettersonoma.com/)



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggdxCcpWag0

.

[beshiva]

Everyone on the Board of Supervisors is eligible for a Pension- not sure what the point is about Evans.
and their pensions are ridiculous....and THEY harp about Pensions- i simply don't get it!


<section class="left-right-holder"> <aside class="main-image-box"> Thursday’s Letters to the Editor - September 22, 2016</aside></section>
Candidates and money
EDITOR: I respect Hugh Helm (“Hopkins’ supporters,” Letters, Sept. 15), but he is wrong about Lynda Hopkins, whom I am confident he has never met. But let’s accept his premise, and that of others across the political spectrum, that politicians are bought by their supporters. That tells us that Noreen Evans, a longtime friend of Helm’s who lived, as he does, until her politically inspired move to the west county, in the eastern portion of Santa Rosa, has been bought by the SEIU, her biggest financial backer.

So we have a choice of a candidate who we must, according to Helm, assume is in the pocket of developers but whose every act can be watched and commented on through the very public planning process, or one in the pocket of a union with which she is to negotiate salaries, etc. via a process that is completely non-transparent and not open to any form of public review.

If you like the pension problems we have now, be sure to vote for Evans. Remember that she’s likely eligible for those pension benefits, too. Let’s send this fox back to Santa Rosa, and keep her out of our chicken coop by electing Lynda Hopkins.

RICHARD POWER, Sebastopol

[scamperwillow]

From 4 years ago. Different time, different race.


...I DID find a donation from the association supporting Ms. Evans' campaign ($1,000 to Evans)...interesting. Also, the California Real Estate PAC subsequently highlighted in the news article ($7,800 to Evans)...even more interesting. ...

[pbrinton]

Really, Barry? Hyperbole? Hit piece? Struck me as being pretty mild, actually. It listed some of Linda's backers (not by name) and described some of the negative effects their businesses have locally in fairly generic terms. I doubt if this will result in anyone claiming that the are due any kind of payback from Noreen if she is elected. Do you have any specific information about these people that leads you to believe otherwise? Are they some kind of front for business interests or something? I think there is a difference between backers who represent broadly based memberships and actual businesses with a direct financial interest in BOS decisions.

I think you are the one indulging in hyperbole.

Also as moderator and ultimate decision maker as to what gets posted here, don't you feel you have a duty to personally present an impartial front on WACCO (even if you naturally have your own opinion)?

Patrick Brinton


Here's a radio hit piece (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggdxCcpWag0) against Lynda Hopkins by the Coalition for a Better Sonoma County (https://www.bettersonoma.com/)



I don't know about you, but the hyperbole of this really turns me off. ....

[podfish]

....Also as moderator and ultimate decision maker as to what gets posted here, don't you feel you have a duty to persnally present an impartial front on WACCO (even if you naturally have your own opinion)?OT and unsolicited, but: I don't think Barry has any such duty; I get the feeling that he likes to see a range of opinions, which I appreciate, so I don't get any sense of censorship or selection (yeah, if done well you can't see it...). And what's the fun of having a website if you can't express yourself on it??

[Barry]

I...Hopkins' supporters sure are making a great effort to sell inexperience and the fact that she hasn't earned a thing in her life, including a job--like any job ever-- as positives. Of course she has never made a professional mistake, because she has never had a profession. ...

This is not true.

You can see Lynda's professional background here (https://www.lyndaforsupervisor.com/lynda-bio.php), including founding and running an organic farm (https://www.foggyriverfarm.org/) practicing community supported agriculture (CSA) , being a reporter SonomaWest, and as Executive Director of Sonoma County Farm Trails.

[Barry]

Really, Barry? Hyperbole? Hit piece? Struck me as being pretty mild, actually. ...
It was definitely a hit piece. Hyperbolic? Maybe, maybe not. I just don't see the developers taking over and the Russian River to be mined again with Lynda's blessing. I suppose I just had a gut reaction to hearing a professionally produced hit piece.

...Also as moderator and ultimate decision maker as to what gets posted here, don't you feel you have a duty to personally present an impartial front on WACCO (even if you naturally have your own opinion)?
I pay a lot of attention to being as even handed as possible when I am acting as moderator, including Barry's Picks and any private or public call outs of inappropriate behavior.

I also occasionally will state my opinion about an issue or candidate as moderator, trying to claim whatever limited superpowers my role confers.https://www.waccobb.net/forums/waccobb/keep90days/2016-09-24_13-44-43.png

But mostly I participate as another member.

I fully expected to support Noreen in this election. My only concern is an unease with her closeness with the SEIU who she will need to negotiate with if elected. The SEIU is clearly a self-interested group, but I want the county managed for the benefit of the county as a whole.

I have really big problem with the negativeness of her campaign and supporters.

[Barry]

...In any case, aren't you concerned about the identity of Hopkins' financial backers? How does this weigh into the balance for you?

I feel pretty confident the Lynda's heart is in the right place and will stay there. The big money players had 2 prominent candidates to pick from. Just because many of them picked Lynda doesn't mean they own her.

Furthermore, I am not anti-development. We need development for affordable housing, and other worthy uses. It just needs to be done in an environmentally sensitive way. I trust that Lynda's will be a staunch defender of the environment.

Have you seen her speak? I strongly urge you and everybody else to attend at least one of the upcoming 2-person forums and debates:


Candidates Forum Ssponsored by Sunrise Rotary Sebastopol


Monday, October 03, 2016 at 06:00 PM
Community Church of Sebastopol (https://maps.google.com/maps?q=1000+Granvenstein+Hwy+N%2C+Sebastopol%2C+CA+95407%2C+United+States) in Sebastopol

Roseland Debate, hosted by the Sonoma County Gazette
Thursday, October 6th
Location TBD
6:00PM to 8:00PM

Candidate Forum, hosted by the League of Women Voters
Monday, October 10, 2016 at 06:30 PM
Sebastopol Community Center


I have been very impressed by Lynda so far and I think she is an exceptionally promising young leader and at the moment I support her. However I will be attending at least 1 and probably both of the Sebastopol Forums above with an open mind.

[Richard Nichols]

So in your even handed way would you call the Bullshit video a hit piece?


...I pay a lot of attention to being as even handed as possible when I am acting as moderator, including Barry's Picks ...

[Barry]

So in your even handed way would you call the Bullshit video a hit piece?
I wouldn't characterize it as hit piece. It was primarily a defensive piece where she walked down the list of attacks on her. She did include some return zingers that I would have prefered that she had avoided.

[Richard Nichols]

YOU wouldn't characterize it as a hit piece because you are in her camp.
I'm kind of shocked, that as the moderator of this forum, you would take sides.

And you ain't seen nothin yet as Lynda's handlers start to realize that Noreen is likely leading at this point, and will be hitting her hard, as they have done before in other races.


I wouldn't characterize it as hit piece....

[scamperwillow]

Oh and by the way she lied. Only one developer supports her? Do you really buy that?

I wouldn't characterize it as hit piece. ....

[scamperwillow]

There is plenty of negativity go around on all sides. This is politics. Barry, have you ever seen an important race like this that didn't have negativity. Let's see um... Clinton/Trump? Fudge/Gore? etc. It is the nature of politics and when the race is this important - defining the future of our county, you can expect everything from all sides.

Do you truly think that newcomer/beginner Lynda will be able to stand up to the huge wine and development monster that has given her well over $300,000? She may think she can, but please look at history. If she doesn't bend their way, you can be sure they will be looking for another candidate for the next time around.

This is a huge "NOT Noreen" campaign run by the same Republican consultant/lobbyist that brought us Carillo and Gore and tapping the same money - mostly from the fourth district and Santa Rosa (Santa Rosa Chamber of commerce and Sonoma County Alliance, and North Coast Builders Exchange for example). As soon as they heard Noreen was running, they started courting Lynda. Ask her about her early meetings with Eric the K.

And where did you hear that Noreen doesn't want to build housing? It is a main plank in her platform to build workforce housing for Workers (not McMansions).


...I have really big problem with the negativeness of her campaign and supporters.

[jbox]

YOU wouldn't characterize it as a hit piece because you are in her camp....
Barry has already stated he expects to support Noreen. Knock off the bullshit speculation and ignorant commentary, Richard.

[From Barry: As stated above, I expected to support Noreen, but I am currently leaning towards Lynda ]

[luke32]

That's an awfully strong word.. Are you sure of that or are you, as one who is on Noreen's staff, getting carried away?

Oh and by the way she lied. Only one developer supports her? Do you really buy that?

[rossmen]

I think who to vote for is simple, its about what the voter thinks is best. Evans i think of as a no growth candidate. Current policy trends and the challenges created she will carry forward.

Hopkins is more a smart growth candidate. Its no wonder gravel, real estate, and building interests support her. Policy she is likely to support would result in more road work and residential development.

Evans efforts would probably result in similar commercial development, politicians know who pays for government, but less residential and road work. She is more union friendly, and this could result in higher labor cost for services and big building projects.

Both are environmentalists and support access and conservation. Hopkins seems more friendly to agricultural interests and thus seems less likely to support regulations restricting ag operations.

What makes a politician is ability to get things done. Evans record is mixed and hopkins is scanty. But what little there is shows she might be a real mover. Whatever you think of carrillo he knows how to make it happen.

Hopkins seems a little more flexible than evans. So if there was an issue which is usually a political hot potato she might be more willing to engage with enough public pressure.

I wish i had a guess about who whould be better at retail politics, helping out a constituent who is struggling with a government process. I value this alot.

[riverosprey]

Thank you Barry for sharing your honest opinions in this forum.

Majority at Monte Rio Forum Wednesday night, saw Lynda Hopkins as an exciting, visionary, courageous new leader, that Sonoma County needs, to overcome the twenty years of Noreen Evans failed politics, that has created the worst fiscal disaster in the history of Santa Rosa and Sonoma County. Noreen did not do well against Lynda Hopkins, who took her to task over and over, saying her solutions will not work, period.

Lynda Hopkins has run on the issues, all her volunteers are told talk about the issues, don't denigrate the other candidate, talk about the positive vision of our campaign. Noreen's whole campaign along with her paid staff, and the first wave of retiring boomer hacks that control the unions, are told Noreen can't win with her issues and vision, Noreen needs to portray Lynda Hopkins as the candidate of special interests. They have spent over $100,000 with PAC money, Lynda Hopkins ZERO, even though Noreen Evans entire political career has been captive to the special interests of unions, Indian tribes, trial lawyers, ag interests including Monsanto...talk about the pot calling the kettle black...with $Millions of dollars for Noreen, representing special interests at the expense of our children (I absolutely believe this).

As Lynda Hopkins said at Wednesday nights Monte Rio debate...who better to drag the vineyard and winery industry kicking and screaming into reform, than an organic farmer with a vision of what the future of agriculture in Sonoma County should be...with no GMO's, reduced use of pesticides and herbicides, continuation of Sonoma County's brand of organic, humane, agriculture mindful of reduced nutrient loads and riparian restoration as a biological filter to clean waterways and fish migration.

Noreen doesn't have a clue about affordable housing, Low Flow, the homeless, ag-reform and the need to reinvent local government in order to restore lost services once provided for generations, but no more. Her solutions border on demagoguery. I believe Lynda Hopkins will be a GREAT Supervisor representing the future of the Fifth District and soon after her defeat, Noreen will move back to the other side of 101 for a long, healthy, well deserved retirement.

kind regards, Tom Lynch


I feel pretty confident the Lynda's heart is in the right place and will stay there. ...

[jbox]

"bullshit speculation and ignorant commentary..." It's exactly this that I deplore. Amongst a long list of deplorables. If Barry indeed stated that, I wasn't aware. Thus I too must be speculating and ignorant.

Dear Mr Box, why so harsh? Richard's hardly ignorant! He's long time wise in the ways of the county. Seems you would have more in common with each other than you may now know.:wink2:
See #81 (https://www.waccobb.net/forums/showthread.php?119461-5th-District-Supervisor-Race-2016-Noreen-Evans-vs-Lynda-Hopkins&p=206052#post206052) on this thread. Perhaps I was a bit harsh, sorry Richard.

[scamperwillow]

Quite sure - see for yourself - directly from county campaign reports:
https://www.noreenforsupervisor.com/followthemoney


That's an awfully strong word.. Are you sure of that or are you, as one who is on Noreen's staff, getting carried away?

[beshiva]

oh Jeez- come on Tom, you know half this stuff just isn't true that you wrote and seems to me written in a heated moment. Really, 20 years of failed environmental policies and the like from Noreen?!-you know that's simply Not true.

And i might add your rant is spoken like a true Carrilloite. you bear out my point and the point of many others that Lynda Hopkins wouldn't be able to get from under that gang of thieves even if she wanted to. Heck, i wish people would Stop throwing that word "visionary" around- as it doesn't remotely describe Lynda, nor Noreen for that matter.

Let's just be honest OK. you like Lynda, i get it. But, i would bet dollars to donuts that Carrillo and his cohorts, like Eric Koenigshoffer, and Hernandez men, told you straight up-"you ain't gonna be Supervisor, so do the next best thingie, and support Hopkins" because SHE is the one we want in there...young, and "teachable".

If Lynda Hopkins jumped into local politics for a few years and actually did something for the people of the 5th District and showed her "visionary" skills you like to tout so much about-Then, maybe, she could step up to run for Supervisor and something to stand on other than the shoulders of bobblehead Carrillo and his buddies. If she could have distanced herself from his "failed" policies i think she might have had a chance. But, frankly, there is a serious credibility factor going on with Hopkins and that's a hurdle hard to overcome.

this does not go without saying, Noreen Evans has some shortcomings but i believe she has the strength needed to deal with this sneaky Board.


Thank you Barry for sharing your honest opinions in this forum.

Majority at Monte Rio Forum Wednesday night, saw Lynda Hopkins as an exciting, visionary, courageous new leader, that Sonoma County needs, to overcome the twenty years of Noreen Evans failed politics, that has created the worst fiscal disaster in the history of Santa Rosa and Sonoma County. ...

[Lisa Maldonado]

oh Jeez- come on Tom, you know half this stuff just isn't true ...

And speaking of being honest- ask yourself why Barry and Tom are " worried and concerned" about Noreen being too close to working class organizations but not at all worried about Lynda Hopkins' extensive endorsements and money from gravel mining and real estate and wineries. This is JUST her construction donors in this excel file- it doesn't even contain her winery and real estate interests - so far they have all given her over 300 k- that's not because they support organic farming!

[O.W.]

Thank you Beshiva. What is the problem with getting some experience and show your leadership skills before running? The unions that support Noreen gave us a 5 day work week, worker safety, 40 hour work week, help build the middle class, better pay, job security and benefits. When the unions started getting busted up our middle class shrunk and wages went stagnant. Thank a union for the few workers rights we have left.

The housing Noreen wants to build with pension funds is for our first responders, our people who protect us, health workers and teachers to name a few. When we have an emergency like a major earthquake, do you want these people who support our community living in Vallejo? Many communities including Novato have made lower cost housing available to the folks that work for us. Noreen knows this due to her experience.

We have some serious problems coming up and water is one of them. With the Groundwater Sustainability Act passed last election, Sonoma County is currently forming panels to oversee our 5 basins. Those panel will have powers of imminent domain, the ability to regulate water extractions, set well spacing standards, implement capital projects, assess fees on ALL WATER USERS to cover costs and more. Many environmental groups have been sending letters to the water agency (Board of Supervisors are their bosses) to have a technical committee of independent scientists with clout for science based water management and have more diversity of representation. The wine industry already was told no by the state that they cannot be on these panels. It is appearing that the panels may be mainly elected politicians who will make our water a political football. Think campaign finance reform.


If you were given a $900K house in Forestville to live in and 10 acres of prime vineyards land at about $400K minimum per acre, would you say no to your family and donors when they want to assess everyone to build water projects so the vineyards will have water in the drought? (The state just said next year will be a drought year). In 1970, the first year we started irrigating our crops here, tonnage per acre was 2.37 at $255 a ton (ag commissioner crop reports) and now with unlimited water in 2014, tonnage is at 4.39 per acre and $2,319 a ton. Lynda will be the swing vote. Connect the dots. Sorry, I couldn't say no to my father in law after the fabulous support and he is a nice guy.

You have more at stake than you think.

[mouse]

This is not true.

You can see Lynda's professional background here (https://www.lyndaforsupervisor.com/lynda-bio.php), including founding and running an organic farm (https://www.foggyriverfarm.org/) practicing community supported agriculture (CSA) , being a reporter SonomaWest, and as Executive Director of Sonoma County Farm Trails.

Facts though-- she still has never had to seek a full-time job, work her way up professionally anywhere, and her resume is still a big ball of fluff.

Being given a parcel of land isn't the same thing as working to purchase a farm, applying for a job, or holding down a job, or starting at an entry level job, and working her way up. And the way you present it, it seems like her husband was just kicking back and watching her do all that work by herself. Nice.

Writing three bylined articles in a local paper over the course of "years" is not a job.

Stepping in, at the top (naturally) to be Executive Director of at Sonoma County Farm Trails was a hobby--or are you saying she had that full-time job while 'founding and running' the farm? Her salary was not enough to live on here, not in the way to which she has become accustomed to at least. Thankfully, she could afford that hobby. https://nonprofits.findthecompany.com/l/890745/Sonoma-County-Farm-Trails.

According to available financials from 2014, Sonoma County Farm Trails had 2 full-time employees. Those two split a total of $56,000.00 in wages (unless there were also part time employees who were paid from that $56,000.00 as well, in which case she made even less):


<tbody>
Statement of Functional Expenses
FYE Mar-14


Compensation of Current Officers, Directors, etc.
$56,500

</tbody>

Let's revisit this when her first of what I am sure will be many, many glossy mailers paid for by 4th district business interests trying to sell us her face, which is apparently the freshest, arrives to our homes.

[Roberta Llewellyn]

Umm, Mouse, you sure are keen on the notion that running for Supervisor requires having had a grueling former occupation based on a classic 8:00AM to 5:00PM job for a number of years, and no-one, by golly, in the socio-ecology fortunate enough to have given this person an inheritance such as the Farm you speak of somewhat grudgingly that belongs to Lynda Hopkins and her husband, who also had better be so predisposed...that is, carrying out the puritan work ethic and showing up, both of them, it appear preferably, as blue collar working class hero and heroine.

I played this role in life and not in the movies because I didn't have an alternative, especially after leaving my long time marriage, when I needed to become mainstream in caring for my self and contribute to my growing children and help them to establish the notion this was how to get ahead. Well, not exactly true, and this wasn't, Imagine my surprise, this wasn't the only dance hall in town...but, I was caught on the wheel and had to make the best of what is.

My grown children discovered what worked for them, and I ended up with a small pension from UC and a published novel fortunately making it all okay; still, I cannot imagine this makes me better or anyone who works mainstream than Lynda Hopkins and her choices for making a vibrant living. Too bad for the petty, narrow, lens in judging a pretty amazing woman and her life choices.

Kind of reminds me of my having been a back-to-land person with my husband and our young children during the early seventies. My parents and his were not happy campers and we somehow consoled them and survived their disappointment and concern for our demise...Our children gained hugely from this journey into the Lost Coast Wilderness and our earlier days in Canyon in the Redwoods. It wasn't all good, but, it provided meaningful, authentic life lessons as well as hard work, vision, and courage...just as Hopkins is doing by not going mainstream and using her considerable creative and skillful mind...

Facts though-- she still has never had to seek a full-time job, work her way up professionally anywhere, and her resume is still a big ball of fluff. ....

[Shepherd]

I have a request for both sides in this battle. As a 72-year-old English teacher, I prefer shorter paragraphs, so I can pause and breath. Otherwise, with such long paragraphs, I tune them out. I may be the only old person who still tries to read these exhausting posts, though I doubt that. Content is important, but so is form.

If you want to have a message communicated, why not use standard English and form? We are not all fast-moving. I admit to being grouchy and cranky. There is too much information in this long, long paragraph to absorb in one paragraph, as there are in other Wacco posts, in my opinion. I could edit it for you, as I do those of my college students, but that would probably be even more offensive.

I mean no insult, but I get tired of reading long, dense paragraphs whose content interests me but whose form gives me a headache, literally.

[I generally edit in paragraph breaks as needed before the digest is sent out. ~ Barry]

[Roberta Llewellyn]

Hi Shepard, I acknowledged your request with gratitude, and, wish to make the following comment. I am not sure what the English teacher in you wishes from me exactly? Sure though, go ahead and edit my post. It's true I tend to have run-on sentences and an overly long paragraph here. I apologize for making you tired and having to work a bit but It is also true my style as well as your style all comes from our acquired form. When I was first in grade school I could read because I had learned at home from my mother. However, I wrote backwards and on the opposite side of the paper. I'm sure that would have been a big challenge for you too! Fortunately, my dad showed me a mirror-image of what I was doing and I learned immediately how to correct my writing.


I have a request for both sides in this battle. As a 72-year-old English teacher, I prefer shorter paragraphs, ...

[Roberta Llewellyn]

Seal Watcher, I had meant Lynda's work as a farmer is not mainstream, and clearly not mainstream in the context of what Mouse had suggested was a big problem. I do not see privilege in Lynda's background as having formed her into a cut-paste mainstreamer. She appear to me to be rather unique in her qualifications. True enough she didn't go the usual route of elected school board member or city council but actually made a direct leap to where she thinks she can make a difference.

I do not think the backers who are development entities are automatically a handicap as long as she herself has integrity and can handle the position with decorum and skill. I think the notion of big business being inherently evil is a mistaken premise and money is only money unless it is used by the receiver in a corrupted fashion. I see no sign of this or that Lynda is being bought by these so-called dreaded developers to do deplorable deeds.

I support the idea of let's see how this get handled and managed by the person who is standing for working in partnership with integrity. Some of her backers are the very people we wish to have around such as Burbank Housing developers who have built much needed affordable housing in Sonoma County. I'm just making a distinction here that I feel needs to be made. I'm weary of the finger pointing toward finding fault without first seeing what Lynda is about and where she is standing in her brave effort.


...But, Roberta, going mainstream is exactly what Lynda Hopkins has done. ...

[beshiva]

lol- are we getting a widdle grumpy- lol
just listen to our youth's hip hop a little more- it will all start to sink in....ha
what IS standard English and form anymore and did it really make us wiser or understand one another any better, treat each other any better.
ok, i'll try xo

I have a request for both sides in this battle. ...