Comments by Anneliese Agren

Local Government Committee passes AB1991—next stop: Appropriations Committee  on May 03, 2008


Quote of the Day:
“Which is why we need this legislative relief.”
*Anne Mudge
The belt-and-suspenders phrase was noteworthy too, but this “legislative relief” comment is a two-word summary of: We need a legislative workaround to the laws and conditions that this property, wetlands or not, would be audited against, and was audited against.

Separately:  Mike F.: hope you didn’t incur much pain pulling those daggers out of your back, inflicted upon you by Madam Mayor while you spoke about the price of lots and utilities.

Proposing AB 1991 makes no sense to me, so I watched these three video segments with an open mind, attempting to understand the proponents’ view.  Thank you Darrin for having taken the time to post these videos.  Assemblymember Lieber makes too much sense in her line of questioning of the CDP history and the land’s possible value.  Her questions were not clearly answered by the proponents of AB 1991, but they were objectively answered by the opponents. 

Devil’s Slide closed for cliff rescue  on April 29, 2008


“Gentleman.” haha - you’re so polite!

Did you see them on this video?  They wanted to find a beach where they could be left alone to “build a bonfire,” and the guy says that he doesn’t regret anything.  I don’t think all the folks who lined up in Pacifica, waiting for the southbound route to open feel that way… =\ Nor everyone backed up on 92.

Whatever.  I’m just complaining.  Onward!  =]

Devil’s Slide closed for cliff rescue  on April 28, 2008


know of no, was my intention.  ah well...no edit button…

Devil’s Slide closed for cliff rescue  on April 28, 2008


I heard it was two people who’d climbed down the cliff to a “beach?” This what was reported on NPR traffic.  Turns out, once down “there,” and I know of know shoreline down there, they couldn’t get back up, so needed to be rescued?  Eh?

For the love of Pete.

Anyway, 84 was lovely, and I went from steamed to mellow, albeit in an hour. 

“I’m Just a Bill”  on April 18, 2008


AB 1991 is not as cute, nor sings so adorable, as the Bill in the clip.  =]

Watching that brought back sweet memories of Saturday mornings watching cartoons.  You gonna find a way to post “Conjunction Junction?”

Letter: New Montara Dog Blog  on April 16, 2008


How funny.  I didn’t know your site is new when I stumbled upon it just yesterday morning and sent the URL to my boss.  He lives in Montara and we always joke about him needing to get out with the dogs more often.  My sending him your site URL was a prod, er, encouragement.  :)

Anyway, just wanted to acknowledge your contribution and say it’s already in “use!”

How to disagree  on April 09, 2008


Good Read.  Will take that into consideration.

Except for some hyperbole and non-sequitors, I very much enjoy the informative comments on Coastsider.  Instead of a limited conversation taking place amongst a few individuals, Coastsider’s online forum has allowed any concerned party to participate in the discussion - whether we agree or disagree.

The comments, they could be so much less relevant and inflammatory... but here at Coastsider, they never dig to that level.  :)

Stop SB 1295: Defend Coastal Commission  on April 09, 2008


What Happy News this morning!  Thank you Ken for the post - I had not yet heard this.  :D

Photo: Low tide  on April 08, 2008


Lovely!  :)

Big, scary squid invading Coastside waters  on April 03, 2008


Oh.  I thought this quote from the clip was from the preceding Beachwood development post: 

“...huge alien creatures, large packs of invading cannibalistic predators, seemingly from another world.  Nobody knows exactly where they came from, what they’re doing here, or how long they’ll stay.”

=P

Stop SB 1295: Defend Coastal Commission  on March 25, 2008


George: I’m glad you posted your initial link so that I could gain an understanding of what supporters of the proposed bill are thinking.  My limited imagination is frequently unable to encompass how anyone could be opposed to the conservation of our coast. 

What my comment asked above is that what Mr. Zumbrun described and what SB 1295 proposes are separated by degrees.  If there is an issue with how signatures are obtained, and someone can propose a better way, then by all means, propose it.  But the proposed SB seems to throw the baby out with the bathwater by removing the right to appeal by the CCC.

Barry:  I didn’t see you as repackaging Zumbrun, but rather you placed the Zumbrun remarks directly into this thread, rather than linked.  I also appreciate the discussions your site allows for, as I have read the hmbreview site’s comments and it’s all silly playground fighting, what with the name-calling and finger-pointing.  And the user names are relics of AOL 1996.  Silly.

Which is why I took exception to Greg’s name-calling, and particularly so, its historical and emotional context.  I think name-calling in these discussions is a waste of time and never allows people to hear each other out and, hopefully, reach solution/compromise. 

Stop SB 1295: Defend Coastal Commission  on March 23, 2008


Barry and George:
Yes, exactly all of that which you summarize as the arguments from Mr. Zumbrun’s post - but - isn’t then SB 1295 (Ducheny) like throwing the baby out with the bathwater?

I mean, unless the legal tactic here is to ask for a mile, in order to gain an inch, why not first simply propose corrections to the current way of doing things?

I’m not intimately involved with the Coastal Commission, but surely I.T. may be improved within the process, so that electronic zigging & zagging of notice and signatures may be achieved, which could also fulfill regulatory requirements?  I’ll look into this.  :)

So first, let us start with regulating the appeal process, a sort-of compliance standard, if you will, rather than just tossing out the right-to-appeal of the Coastal Commission completely?

_____

As for Greg - I could choose to let this drop, I know that I do have this choice, but - I can’t.  Refuting your comparison of ecological-minded, California coastline conservatives to Nazi Germans, is then, I guess, tantamount to you saying that you feel like a Jew during the Holocaust?

Really?  “Berlin, 1939,” eh?

The California Coastal Act, enacted to not only limit the mass-development, and provide access to, our precious State’s coastline, but to also provide thoughtful, conscientious planning of development, makes you feel like your windows are broken at home?  That you must wear a yellow Star of David?  That your neighbors shun you, turn a blind eye, and allow you and your family to starve?  You feel like those who had to move from a comfortable home, to an overcrowded ghetto?  Lose your possessions?  You feel like you’ve been locked in a cattle car for hours and days on end, tightly pressed up against other bodies, only able to sleep upright, no food, no water, only to arrive at a camp separated from your family?  Starvation - Disease - and ultimately, what the Nazi Germans want, death?

Really?

Greg Ward, you’re no Jew, nor gay, nor Commie, nor any type that the Nazis were out to destroy.  You may be a victim, but that is your choice.  I’ve read the minutes from Commission hearings and there are far more “Allowed with conditions” than there are any proposals outright declined.  If you are against the appeal taking place “until the locals have done it,” then step up and communicate how you think it should be handled, rather than irresponsibly equating this to an incomparable “Berlin 1939.”

We are not ECO-Nazis.  We are not eco-terrorists.  We are not even eco-hooligans.  Nor are we a espousing ecologic hysterics.  (These are all the name-calling choices since 1970.) We are concerned citizens hoping to retain the beauty of this landscape for our kids, and grandkids, children who will attend school with yours.

Read J. Smeaton Chase’s “California Coastal Trails” to gain an appreciation of all that’s been lost, and what little of it remains.  Or, drive southbound from Santa Monica to see what the entire coastline of California may become, had we not benefitted from 1972’s passage of the Coastal Conservation Act.

_____

Get involved.  Stay Positive.  Do something about it - no matter what “side” you are on. 

Stop SB 1295: Defend Coastal Commission  on March 22, 2008


Wow.  “ECO-Nazis?”

That’s just absolutely out of line if you really sit down to consider what is meant by your flippant comment Greg.  You just reduced to a playground hissy fit, what could have been a meaningful discourse on your view versus our view. 

I take great offense at the term “nazi.” You should apologize to everyone.

On another note, the original post in particular, it is my belief that this proposed bill arose over the defeated toll road down south at San Onofre.  Folks who wanted to freeway through California’s dwindling wilderness didn’t get their way, when the estimated count of 5,000 people showed up to protest the toll road at the Coastal Commission hearing, so now we have to battle those same folks in batting down this nonsensical bill proposal.

California State Parks are on the outs due to the Governator not wanting to provide funding, and as a solution to the constant traffic problem, folks want to build more freeways.  Jeez, what next?  :(

Instead of the image of a girl putting a flower in the gun barrel, how about an image of me putting a flower in a tail pipe? 

Photo: Downed power line blacks out HMB, causes fire  on February 08, 2008


I wondered what was going on when I drove past that so late last night.  Thanks for posting Cheri! 

Salmon population headed for collapse, season may be cancelled  on February 01, 2008


At this point, eating vegetarian is not a silly fad, but a necessity. 

Senator Yee proposes naming Devil’s Slide tunnel after Tom Lantos  on January 17, 2008


Oops.  The link takes one only to Yee’s home page, so here is the original article:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/09/18/MNR5S7S4V.DTL&hw=Digging+begins+on+tunnel+at+Devil+Slide&sn=001&sc=1000

Senator Yee proposes naming Devil’s Slide tunnel after Tom Lantos  on January 17, 2008


Sorry for commenting again, however…

I found this exchange which pretty much settles the debate on the proposed naming of Devil’s Slide Tunnel to “The Tom Lantos Tunnel.” Tom doesn’t want the designation.

From the September 17th, 2007 ceremony, kicking off the tunnel’s digging:

“State Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Francisco, said the tunnel is an example of the public will prevailing over bureaucracy.

“This is about a community that felt it knew better,” he said.

Rep. Tom Lantos, D-San Mateo, surprised (Lennie) Roberts by calling her to the podium and telling her she would start the hole through the mountain. As a leader in the push for a tunnel, he said, she deserved the honor.

“This will be the people’s tunnel,” he proclaimed.”

source:  http://dist08.casen.govoffice.com/index.asp?Type=B_PR&SEC;={E917F382-8B46-4C4E-976E-64261965F209}&DE;={860D0D05-3548-464F-A176-E604EA2689F8}

Senator Yee proposes naming Devil’s Slide tunnel after Tom Lantos  on January 16, 2008


Just for grins and trivia:

The naming of the tunnel as “Caldecott” is due more to the Mayor’s service as president of Joint Highway District 13 which oversaw the 1930’s construction of the multi-bore tunnel.  Previously, while it was a single-hole bore, that tunnel had been known for 47 years as the “Broadway Tunnel.”

:)

One other thought:  If we *need* a new name, let’s call it the “San Pedro Mountain Tunnel,” eh?  Mmm, still, not quite as catchy as “Devil’s Slide Tunnel,” but it is fitting. 

Senator Yee proposes naming Devil’s Slide tunnel after Tom Lantos  on January 14, 2008


There should be no surprise that this suggestion would stir up much debate, given the location’s history.  Too many years and too many people involved make this location not fitting for a single name.  Additionally there is the aversion that many people feel for monument markers on our state highway structures.

Our comments are merely voicing community support, as part of our larger democratic freedom, in opposition to a proposed legislation.  Without a memorial sign, the tunnels remain simply as tunnels, much like the Gaviota Gorge Tunnel or the Cuesta Pass Grade.  The California landscape remains as the indicator to one’s route.

Our Governor voiced his opposition to the possibility of “an undesired plethora” of named-for signs when he vetoed SB 652 this past October:

“BILL NUMBER: SB 652
VETOED DATE: 10/10/2007
To the Members of the California State Senate:
I am returning Senate Bill 652 without my signature. This bill makes a credible effort to clarify the often contradictory and confusing guidelines for the naming of state highways and structures. However, the process outlined in this bill essentially cedes control of the placement of these types of signs on the state highway system to local officials based on the desire of just one state legislator who requests a sign. This method could result in an undesirable plethora of signs throughout our state. Since these are state highways, any process devised must have the final authority for the placement of these signs reside at the state level, either in a full vote of the state Legislature or by actions taken by the Executive Branch. I encourage the Legislature to work on the development of guidelines that clarifies the naming process while maintaining the ultimate authority for the placement of these signs with the State of California.
Sincerely, Arnold Schwarzenegger”

From
“CalTrans 2006 Named Freeways, Highways, Structures and Other Appurtenances In California”
Page 5:
“Committee Policy on Resolutions for Naming Highways or Structures
Recommended Policy:
Regarding resolutions introduced on or after April 26, 2004, the Committee will consider
only those resolutions proposing to name or designate state highways or highway structures
which meet specific minimum criteria. The criteria shall include the following conditions:
a) Any person being honored must have provided extraordinary public service or some
exemplary contribution to the public good and have a connection to the community
where the highway is located;
b) The naming must be done without cost to the state: costs for signs and plaques must be
paid by local or private sources and there must be a small additional amount, as
determined by Caltrans but not to exceed 10% of the installation cost, donated to cover
ongoing maintenance costs;
c) The author or co-author of the resolution must represent the district in which the facility
is located and the resolution must identify the specific highway segment or structure
being named;
d) The proposed designation must reflect a community consensus;
e) The proposed designation may not supercede an existing designation unless the sponsor
can document that a good faith effort has uncovered no opposition to rescinding the prior
designation; and
f) When a resolution names a highway or structure in honor of an individual, the designee
must have been deceased for at least 18 months, except in the instance of elected
officials, in which case they must be out of office.”

Source:  http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/tsip/hseb/products/2006_Named_Freeways.pdf

Dan’s http://www.cahighways.org write-up on Named-For Highways & Structures, includes an inventory of all State Highway tunnels (scroll to bottom of page):  http://www.cahighways.org/stats1.html

In all the State of California, there are only three named-for tunnels:  MacArthur, McClure, and Waldo, and yes, they are less-known as their “official name, but more often referred to as the Presidio, Santa Monica, and Rainbow.

Please let’s just leave it as Devil’s Slide Tunnel. 

MWSD Keeps Water Flowing During “One of the Worst Ever” Storms  on January 14, 2008


Yes to all of this well-deserved recognition for MWSD and SAM! 

If I may please add, that on that gray day when the rain blew sideways in that Fresh, Strong, and occasional Gale Force Wind, all of our uniformed officers seemed to be out-and-about.  These people ensured everyone’s safety by slowing and directing traffic around deep water and blown-down tree branches, clearing away the debris, and providing their presence to be as available as possible.

I don’t mean to take away or divert any of the good words mentioned in this original post, I merely wanted to recognize the efforts of our Police, Fire, and Sheriff. 

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