The Grand Jury investigated five key complaints.
First, “inconsistent promotion practices.”
Second, “a hostile work environment caused by a close relationship between DFD management and the Union and its Board of Directors and unequal support of educational endeavors.”
Third, “drug and alcohol use and the misuse of DFD sleeping facilities by off-duty firefighters.”
Fourth, “the strained relationship between DFD and the Davis Police Department (DPD)”
And fifth, “the appearance of improper political activity.”
The Grand Jury found the following after an extensive two year investigation:
“misuse of a DFD facility; inappropriate relationships between the Union’s Board of Directors and DFD management; and inconsistencies in promotional opportunities.”
As a result of the investigation, the Grand Jury recommends the following:
(a) the next Fire Chief be someone from outside DFD with no ties to the Union; (b) revise the current promotion testing process to include weighting of scores for each test section and posting of this information in public areas of the firehouses and in promotion announcements; (c) require all personnel read and sign-off on policies relating to discipline and alcohol and drug use and (d) enforcement of all alcohol and drug use policies.”
In what follows are the key findings under the five complaints.
Promotion Practices
One of the biggest findings are unclear promotional policies that DFD firefighters generally perceive that being active in Union leadership leads to “promotion, better jobs, and better project or training assignments.”
Most significantly, “Weights are assigned to various promotion test segments. The Grand Jury discovered these weights are ignored by the fire Chief when making the final selection.”
One key example they cite is the recent promotion of the Union President [Bobbie Weist] to the rank of Captain. “The Union President ranked ninth out of ten on the promotion list.” They also note that the Union has had the same president since its founding 22 years ago.
These preferential practices seemed to have a strong impact on morale. Those firefighters who scored well on promotion testing but were never advanced, eventually stopped testing for promotion.
Hostile Work Environment
The report notes that the Fire Chief Rose Conroy [they have omitted names in this report, but obviously we know who some of these people are] plans to retire in the next one to two years. There have been three lawsuits concerning harassment and a hostile work environment under her watch. One was dropped “due to procedural deficiency.” The other two were settled out of court for upwards of a combined $600,000.
“A number of DFD firefighters are fearful of retaliation if they speak out against the Fire Chief or the Union. DFD firelighters, both past and present, indicated that those who questioned or challenged the Union in any way would bc openly shunned by union members. Retaliation could occur even for inquiring about access to Union bylaws and financial reports.”
The reports also cites the close relationship between the Fire Chief and the Union and argues that the various relationships and strands “present an appearance of cronyism and undue Union influence in the administration of the DFD.” They also cite cases of favoritism toward those in the Union and discrimination against those who did not join the union. There are at least five examples on page 22 of the report that present evidence towards this conclusion.
Misuse of DFP Facility
The report cites DFD for publicly drinking and then using the public facility as a location to sleep off their intoxication.
“It was discovered that some DFD firefighters come to the Station 31 firehouse (located downtown) to sleep while off-duty. It appears that the off-duty DFD firefighters, after drinking in downtown Davis, sometimes” sleep it off’ at the firehouse rather than drive home, a practice actively supported by the Fire Chief. While it may be preferable for them to be sleeping in the firehouse rather than driving on the road, the city prohibits “being under the influence during work hours, at the work site, or in uniform.” (Section 3.4B of the City of Davis Administrative Policy and Section 7.4 J of the City of Davis Personnel Rules and Regulations). Off-duty DFD firefighters seen intoxicated downtown and known to be sleeping at the firehouse afterward reflect poorly on the DFD and the City.”
Relationship between the DPD and the DFD
The reports cites “numerous” alterations involving DFD firefighters which require police response. The report suggests that the police are hesitant to deal with incidents involving off-duty DFD firefighters due to police officers relying on the fire department for assistance in emergency situation. They cite as a concern “the expectation by the DFD of special treatment by the DPD.”
They also cite the lack of cooperation between the departments relating to setting up “the new joint 911 Call Center.”
The Appearance of Undue Union Influence
This strongly relates to the articles written by Davis Enterprise Columnist Rich Rifkin. The Grand Jury report fights that according to city records nearly all active firefighters (40 persons) contributed the maximum $100 donation to several City Council candidates prior to 2004’s City Council Election.
“Soon after that electron, DFD’s new 2005 Union contract was negotiated and approved by the City. DFD firefighters wearing elements of their on-duty DFD firefighter uniform, includimg the DFD logo, distributed political materials and walked Davis voting precincts in support of individual City Council candidates.”
The report emphasizes that while political activity by the Union members itself is not improper, nevertheless:
“it appears that at least some of this local political activism stems from undue influence upon DFD firefighters by DFD management resulting in pressured political contributions to local candidates on the part of some DFD firefighters. No other city employees filed under the City ordinance requiring disclosure of City Council campaign contributions.
A similar unusual pattern of DFD firefighter political contributions to local candidates has occurred with respect to the 2008 City Council election. City Council campaign contribution filings do not reveal any other City of Davis employees contributed to any political candidate running for local office. The Union contract with DFD is again soon due for renegotiation.”
Please see page 23 of the report for the summary of findings and recommendations. It will be interesting to see what comes of this report. The Grand Jury has requested a response from the Fire Chief, City Manager, and City Council. The Vanguard will be closely watching this story as it develops.
—Doug Paul Davis reporting
Among other items in the Grand Jury Report, the whiners who didn’t like the Dunnigan Agricultural District tried to make a Brown Act issue out of it, and were flatly rebuffed.
Awesome.
Among other items in the Grand Jury Report, the whiners who didn’t like the Dunnigan Agricultural District tried to make a Brown Act issue out of it, and were flatly rebuffed.
Awesome.
Among other items in the Grand Jury Report, the whiners who didn’t like the Dunnigan Agricultural District tried to make a Brown Act issue out of it, and were flatly rebuffed.
Awesome.
Among other items in the Grand Jury Report, the whiners who didn’t like the Dunnigan Agricultural District tried to make a Brown Act issue out of it, and were flatly rebuffed.
Awesome.
It’s about time that an oversite body call into question the practices of the DFD and it’s president. It’s time to clean house locally and in Yolo County.
Of course Souza and Saylor and Asmundson will try to cover for them. They have political favors to repay. It is absolutely absurd what the city of Davis has had to pay out !!!
It’s about time that an oversite body call into question the practices of the DFD and it’s president. It’s time to clean house locally and in Yolo County.
Of course Souza and Saylor and Asmundson will try to cover for them. They have political favors to repay. It is absolutely absurd what the city of Davis has had to pay out !!!
It’s about time that an oversite body call into question the practices of the DFD and it’s president. It’s time to clean house locally and in Yolo County.
Of course Souza and Saylor and Asmundson will try to cover for them. They have political favors to repay. It is absolutely absurd what the city of Davis has had to pay out !!!
It’s about time that an oversite body call into question the practices of the DFD and it’s president. It’s time to clean house locally and in Yolo County.
Of course Souza and Saylor and Asmundson will try to cover for them. They have political favors to repay. It is absolutely absurd what the city of Davis has had to pay out !!!
fair practices is always needed.
I wonder if the DFD can be called out to help out with fires going elsewhere (like the last week). I wonder if they get some of the same training as CDF firefighters.
If so, maybe we need more stations and personal but keep the raises and salaries at a reasonable level.
One day this town might not be habitable.
fair practices is always needed.
I wonder if the DFD can be called out to help out with fires going elsewhere (like the last week). I wonder if they get some of the same training as CDF firefighters.
If so, maybe we need more stations and personal but keep the raises and salaries at a reasonable level.
One day this town might not be habitable.
fair practices is always needed.
I wonder if the DFD can be called out to help out with fires going elsewhere (like the last week). I wonder if they get some of the same training as CDF firefighters.
If so, maybe we need more stations and personal but keep the raises and salaries at a reasonable level.
One day this town might not be habitable.
fair practices is always needed.
I wonder if the DFD can be called out to help out with fires going elsewhere (like the last week). I wonder if they get some of the same training as CDF firefighters.
If so, maybe we need more stations and personal but keep the raises and salaries at a reasonable level.
One day this town might not be habitable.
I was expecting to see 50 comments already. Maybe people are too stunned to post. This is appalling. The fire chief needs to resign and Bobby Wiest needs to retire.
I was expecting to see 50 comments already. Maybe people are too stunned to post. This is appalling. The fire chief needs to resign and Bobby Wiest needs to retire.
I was expecting to see 50 comments already. Maybe people are too stunned to post. This is appalling. The fire chief needs to resign and Bobby Wiest needs to retire.
I was expecting to see 50 comments already. Maybe people are too stunned to post. This is appalling. The fire chief needs to resign and Bobby Wiest needs to retire.
The Grand Jury report also has other items of at least superficial interest to Davis residents, including oversight visits to the Davis High School bathrooms [wouldn’t that make for heated discussion on this blog, DPD? ;-)] and the Davis public library. They both come out okay, more or less (minor comments).
There’s also a report on Woodland JUSD’s effort to purchase a building, which is raising scandal next door.
Thanks for bringing up the Grand Jury report, DPD.
The Grand Jury report also has other items of at least superficial interest to Davis residents, including oversight visits to the Davis High School bathrooms [wouldn’t that make for heated discussion on this blog, DPD? ;-)] and the Davis public library. They both come out okay, more or less (minor comments).
There’s also a report on Woodland JUSD’s effort to purchase a building, which is raising scandal next door.
Thanks for bringing up the Grand Jury report, DPD.
The Grand Jury report also has other items of at least superficial interest to Davis residents, including oversight visits to the Davis High School bathrooms [wouldn’t that make for heated discussion on this blog, DPD? ;-)] and the Davis public library. They both come out okay, more or less (minor comments).
There’s also a report on Woodland JUSD’s effort to purchase a building, which is raising scandal next door.
Thanks for bringing up the Grand Jury report, DPD.
The Grand Jury report also has other items of at least superficial interest to Davis residents, including oversight visits to the Davis High School bathrooms [wouldn’t that make for heated discussion on this blog, DPD? ;-)] and the Davis public library. They both come out okay, more or less (minor comments).
There’s also a report on Woodland JUSD’s effort to purchase a building, which is raising scandal next door.
Thanks for bringing up the Grand Jury report, DPD.
Yes, I was surprised at the lack of comments thus far. What I find the most troubling, and NOT surprising, is the undue union influence that permeates the entire situation. This is the problem with unions, that goes on all too often. I have seen this sort of thing before, when I was a teacher who refused to take part in a teacher’s strike.
Those of us who chose not to engage in a teacher’s strike (to strike was illegal at the time) were harrassed and belittled afer the fact to the point students started standing up for us in the middle of class! So no union is above these sorts of tactics, and is the reason why there needs to be major union reform.
For instance, union dues are often used for political purposes either directly or indirectly, whether union members agree with it or not. This is wrong, wrong, wrong, and often illegal. But union members frequently are afraid to complain because of the backlash that occurs for ratting out other union members. It is akin to the “blue wall of silence” in police departments – “the union brick wall of solidarity no matter what”.
I don’t like unions, never have, never will. The way in which they are set up is ripe for abuses of many kinds, such as harrassment, intimidation, fiscal wrongdoing, and the like. The premise that they are needed to fight gov’t or corporate greed has some logic to it, but within more stringent guidelines. I would actually like to see unions ended, and something else put in its place – but I am not sure exactly what. If anyone has some suggestions, I am all ears.
That said, there is no excuse for Chief Conroy to engage in union intimidation or union cronyism in promotions. Such a practice demoralizes the ranks, and discourages improvement. It is the good ol’ boy system on overload. Problem here is the grand jury has put out its initial findings, but we have not heard from Chief Conroy yet. She obviously is going to have a lot of explaining to do.
However, the grand jury also had problems with the Yolo Housing Authority (YHA). It excoriated its Director, accusing him of all sorts of things. As a result, the man was removed from office. He fought back in a civil case and won. So in the end, who was right? The grand jury, or the Director? I suspect the truth was somewhere in between the two.
A poor relationship between the DFD and the DPD is not good, but remember, the DPD has its own in- house problems. I am not particularly concerned about the firehouse downtown being used as a flophouse for drunken firefighters. Clearly it shows unprofessionalism, but safety comes first IMHO. Using the firehouse for this purpose is a technical violation, but if that is the worst the firefighters do, I’m not all that concerned if it occurs out of sight of the public – so as not to set a bad example for children and young adults.
Until I hear Chief Conroy’s response, I will hold off judgment, but it does appear as if it is long past time for her to retire, along with the union boss, and allow some fresh blood to take over. I would not like to see Chief Conroy depart by putting more cronies into high places.
I am very troubled by the A, S & S connection on the City Council, something voters should remember when voting in four years. This scandal may just finish all those three for any higher office…let’s hope so!
Yes, I was surprised at the lack of comments thus far. What I find the most troubling, and NOT surprising, is the undue union influence that permeates the entire situation. This is the problem with unions, that goes on all too often. I have seen this sort of thing before, when I was a teacher who refused to take part in a teacher’s strike.
Those of us who chose not to engage in a teacher’s strike (to strike was illegal at the time) were harrassed and belittled afer the fact to the point students started standing up for us in the middle of class! So no union is above these sorts of tactics, and is the reason why there needs to be major union reform.
For instance, union dues are often used for political purposes either directly or indirectly, whether union members agree with it or not. This is wrong, wrong, wrong, and often illegal. But union members frequently are afraid to complain because of the backlash that occurs for ratting out other union members. It is akin to the “blue wall of silence” in police departments – “the union brick wall of solidarity no matter what”.
I don’t like unions, never have, never will. The way in which they are set up is ripe for abuses of many kinds, such as harrassment, intimidation, fiscal wrongdoing, and the like. The premise that they are needed to fight gov’t or corporate greed has some logic to it, but within more stringent guidelines. I would actually like to see unions ended, and something else put in its place – but I am not sure exactly what. If anyone has some suggestions, I am all ears.
That said, there is no excuse for Chief Conroy to engage in union intimidation or union cronyism in promotions. Such a practice demoralizes the ranks, and discourages improvement. It is the good ol’ boy system on overload. Problem here is the grand jury has put out its initial findings, but we have not heard from Chief Conroy yet. She obviously is going to have a lot of explaining to do.
However, the grand jury also had problems with the Yolo Housing Authority (YHA). It excoriated its Director, accusing him of all sorts of things. As a result, the man was removed from office. He fought back in a civil case and won. So in the end, who was right? The grand jury, or the Director? I suspect the truth was somewhere in between the two.
A poor relationship between the DFD and the DPD is not good, but remember, the DPD has its own in- house problems. I am not particularly concerned about the firehouse downtown being used as a flophouse for drunken firefighters. Clearly it shows unprofessionalism, but safety comes first IMHO. Using the firehouse for this purpose is a technical violation, but if that is the worst the firefighters do, I’m not all that concerned if it occurs out of sight of the public – so as not to set a bad example for children and young adults.
Until I hear Chief Conroy’s response, I will hold off judgment, but it does appear as if it is long past time for her to retire, along with the union boss, and allow some fresh blood to take over. I would not like to see Chief Conroy depart by putting more cronies into high places.
I am very troubled by the A, S & S connection on the City Council, something voters should remember when voting in four years. This scandal may just finish all those three for any higher office…let’s hope so!
Yes, I was surprised at the lack of comments thus far. What I find the most troubling, and NOT surprising, is the undue union influence that permeates the entire situation. This is the problem with unions, that goes on all too often. I have seen this sort of thing before, when I was a teacher who refused to take part in a teacher’s strike.
Those of us who chose not to engage in a teacher’s strike (to strike was illegal at the time) were harrassed and belittled afer the fact to the point students started standing up for us in the middle of class! So no union is above these sorts of tactics, and is the reason why there needs to be major union reform.
For instance, union dues are often used for political purposes either directly or indirectly, whether union members agree with it or not. This is wrong, wrong, wrong, and often illegal. But union members frequently are afraid to complain because of the backlash that occurs for ratting out other union members. It is akin to the “blue wall of silence” in police departments – “the union brick wall of solidarity no matter what”.
I don’t like unions, never have, never will. The way in which they are set up is ripe for abuses of many kinds, such as harrassment, intimidation, fiscal wrongdoing, and the like. The premise that they are needed to fight gov’t or corporate greed has some logic to it, but within more stringent guidelines. I would actually like to see unions ended, and something else put in its place – but I am not sure exactly what. If anyone has some suggestions, I am all ears.
That said, there is no excuse for Chief Conroy to engage in union intimidation or union cronyism in promotions. Such a practice demoralizes the ranks, and discourages improvement. It is the good ol’ boy system on overload. Problem here is the grand jury has put out its initial findings, but we have not heard from Chief Conroy yet. She obviously is going to have a lot of explaining to do.
However, the grand jury also had problems with the Yolo Housing Authority (YHA). It excoriated its Director, accusing him of all sorts of things. As a result, the man was removed from office. He fought back in a civil case and won. So in the end, who was right? The grand jury, or the Director? I suspect the truth was somewhere in between the two.
A poor relationship between the DFD and the DPD is not good, but remember, the DPD has its own in- house problems. I am not particularly concerned about the firehouse downtown being used as a flophouse for drunken firefighters. Clearly it shows unprofessionalism, but safety comes first IMHO. Using the firehouse for this purpose is a technical violation, but if that is the worst the firefighters do, I’m not all that concerned if it occurs out of sight of the public – so as not to set a bad example for children and young adults.
Until I hear Chief Conroy’s response, I will hold off judgment, but it does appear as if it is long past time for her to retire, along with the union boss, and allow some fresh blood to take over. I would not like to see Chief Conroy depart by putting more cronies into high places.
I am very troubled by the A, S & S connection on the City Council, something voters should remember when voting in four years. This scandal may just finish all those three for any higher office…let’s hope so!
Yes, I was surprised at the lack of comments thus far. What I find the most troubling, and NOT surprising, is the undue union influence that permeates the entire situation. This is the problem with unions, that goes on all too often. I have seen this sort of thing before, when I was a teacher who refused to take part in a teacher’s strike.
Those of us who chose not to engage in a teacher’s strike (to strike was illegal at the time) were harrassed and belittled afer the fact to the point students started standing up for us in the middle of class! So no union is above these sorts of tactics, and is the reason why there needs to be major union reform.
For instance, union dues are often used for political purposes either directly or indirectly, whether union members agree with it or not. This is wrong, wrong, wrong, and often illegal. But union members frequently are afraid to complain because of the backlash that occurs for ratting out other union members. It is akin to the “blue wall of silence” in police departments – “the union brick wall of solidarity no matter what”.
I don’t like unions, never have, never will. The way in which they are set up is ripe for abuses of many kinds, such as harrassment, intimidation, fiscal wrongdoing, and the like. The premise that they are needed to fight gov’t or corporate greed has some logic to it, but within more stringent guidelines. I would actually like to see unions ended, and something else put in its place – but I am not sure exactly what. If anyone has some suggestions, I am all ears.
That said, there is no excuse for Chief Conroy to engage in union intimidation or union cronyism in promotions. Such a practice demoralizes the ranks, and discourages improvement. It is the good ol’ boy system on overload. Problem here is the grand jury has put out its initial findings, but we have not heard from Chief Conroy yet. She obviously is going to have a lot of explaining to do.
However, the grand jury also had problems with the Yolo Housing Authority (YHA). It excoriated its Director, accusing him of all sorts of things. As a result, the man was removed from office. He fought back in a civil case and won. So in the end, who was right? The grand jury, or the Director? I suspect the truth was somewhere in between the two.
A poor relationship between the DFD and the DPD is not good, but remember, the DPD has its own in- house problems. I am not particularly concerned about the firehouse downtown being used as a flophouse for drunken firefighters. Clearly it shows unprofessionalism, but safety comes first IMHO. Using the firehouse for this purpose is a technical violation, but if that is the worst the firefighters do, I’m not all that concerned if it occurs out of sight of the public – so as not to set a bad example for children and young adults.
Until I hear Chief Conroy’s response, I will hold off judgment, but it does appear as if it is long past time for her to retire, along with the union boss, and allow some fresh blood to take over. I would not like to see Chief Conroy depart by putting more cronies into high places.
I am very troubled by the A, S & S connection on the City Council, something voters should remember when voting in four years. This scandal may just finish all those three for any higher office…let’s hope so!
Rebecca, You obviously don’t understand the Grand Jury Report. They are not praising the DFD they are reporting that they are not being professional. We don’t need another fire department. They need to learn to be accountable to the taxpayers of Davis. This is disturbing.
Rebecca, You obviously don’t understand the Grand Jury Report. They are not praising the DFD they are reporting that they are not being professional. We don’t need another fire department. They need to learn to be accountable to the taxpayers of Davis. This is disturbing.
Rebecca, You obviously don’t understand the Grand Jury Report. They are not praising the DFD they are reporting that they are not being professional. We don’t need another fire department. They need to learn to be accountable to the taxpayers of Davis. This is disturbing.
Rebecca, You obviously don’t understand the Grand Jury Report. They are not praising the DFD they are reporting that they are not being professional. We don’t need another fire department. They need to learn to be accountable to the taxpayers of Davis. This is disturbing.
This is worse than what happens in most unions.
First you have the boss showing favoritism to the union. That is a huge problem. Normally the function of the union is to be a representative for the employees in workplace disputes. Their counterweight is the management.
This is akin to collusion–where you have the immediate management in bed with the union and the majority on the city council also in bed with the union. There is thus no counterweight to the union, hence not surprisingly corruption has arisen.
The real question is what is going to happen as the result of this. The silence on this blog speaks volumes.
This is worse than what happens in most unions.
First you have the boss showing favoritism to the union. That is a huge problem. Normally the function of the union is to be a representative for the employees in workplace disputes. Their counterweight is the management.
This is akin to collusion–where you have the immediate management in bed with the union and the majority on the city council also in bed with the union. There is thus no counterweight to the union, hence not surprisingly corruption has arisen.
The real question is what is going to happen as the result of this. The silence on this blog speaks volumes.
This is worse than what happens in most unions.
First you have the boss showing favoritism to the union. That is a huge problem. Normally the function of the union is to be a representative for the employees in workplace disputes. Their counterweight is the management.
This is akin to collusion–where you have the immediate management in bed with the union and the majority on the city council also in bed with the union. There is thus no counterweight to the union, hence not surprisingly corruption has arisen.
The real question is what is going to happen as the result of this. The silence on this blog speaks volumes.
This is worse than what happens in most unions.
First you have the boss showing favoritism to the union. That is a huge problem. Normally the function of the union is to be a representative for the employees in workplace disputes. Their counterweight is the management.
This is akin to collusion–where you have the immediate management in bed with the union and the majority on the city council also in bed with the union. There is thus no counterweight to the union, hence not surprisingly corruption has arisen.
The real question is what is going to happen as the result of this. The silence on this blog speaks volumes.
Union reform is not needed. The problem is with those that misuse the system or process. In this case it is the fire chief and Bobby Wiest who need to step down.
This also calls into question Stephen Souza and Don Saylor and others they have endorsed.
If people are not outraged they have their heads in the sand.
Union reform is not needed. The problem is with those that misuse the system or process. In this case it is the fire chief and Bobby Wiest who need to step down.
This also calls into question Stephen Souza and Don Saylor and others they have endorsed.
If people are not outraged they have their heads in the sand.
Union reform is not needed. The problem is with those that misuse the system or process. In this case it is the fire chief and Bobby Wiest who need to step down.
This also calls into question Stephen Souza and Don Saylor and others they have endorsed.
If people are not outraged they have their heads in the sand.
Union reform is not needed. The problem is with those that misuse the system or process. In this case it is the fire chief and Bobby Wiest who need to step down.
This also calls into question Stephen Souza and Don Saylor and others they have endorsed.
If people are not outraged they have their heads in the sand.
“I wonder if the DFD can be called out to help out with fires going elsewhere (like the last week). I wonder if they get some of the same training as CDF firefighters.”
Yes, the DFD does go out to other sites outside the county, and did so recently in the latest spate of fires.
As a city commissioner, I attended a meeting where we were taken on a tour of the new Springlake Fire Dept. in Woodland. It was quite a beautiful facility, with two huge fire trucks, a grass fire truck, a Hazmat truck, and another one that I wasn’t quite sure what it was for. Additionally, it had what amounted to a commercial kitchen, a bedroom for each fireman, a large lounge – it made our firehouse look pathetic!
Apparently they share their resources when needed with other cities, including Davis.
“I wonder if the DFD can be called out to help out with fires going elsewhere (like the last week). I wonder if they get some of the same training as CDF firefighters.”
Yes, the DFD does go out to other sites outside the county, and did so recently in the latest spate of fires.
As a city commissioner, I attended a meeting where we were taken on a tour of the new Springlake Fire Dept. in Woodland. It was quite a beautiful facility, with two huge fire trucks, a grass fire truck, a Hazmat truck, and another one that I wasn’t quite sure what it was for. Additionally, it had what amounted to a commercial kitchen, a bedroom for each fireman, a large lounge – it made our firehouse look pathetic!
Apparently they share their resources when needed with other cities, including Davis.
“I wonder if the DFD can be called out to help out with fires going elsewhere (like the last week). I wonder if they get some of the same training as CDF firefighters.”
Yes, the DFD does go out to other sites outside the county, and did so recently in the latest spate of fires.
As a city commissioner, I attended a meeting where we were taken on a tour of the new Springlake Fire Dept. in Woodland. It was quite a beautiful facility, with two huge fire trucks, a grass fire truck, a Hazmat truck, and another one that I wasn’t quite sure what it was for. Additionally, it had what amounted to a commercial kitchen, a bedroom for each fireman, a large lounge – it made our firehouse look pathetic!
Apparently they share their resources when needed with other cities, including Davis.
“I wonder if the DFD can be called out to help out with fires going elsewhere (like the last week). I wonder if they get some of the same training as CDF firefighters.”
Yes, the DFD does go out to other sites outside the county, and did so recently in the latest spate of fires.
As a city commissioner, I attended a meeting where we were taken on a tour of the new Springlake Fire Dept. in Woodland. It was quite a beautiful facility, with two huge fire trucks, a grass fire truck, a Hazmat truck, and another one that I wasn’t quite sure what it was for. Additionally, it had what amounted to a commercial kitchen, a bedroom for each fireman, a large lounge – it made our firehouse look pathetic!
Apparently they share their resources when needed with other cities, including Davis.
I found this passage from the report most chilling:
“In preparing this report, the Grand Jury has taken special care to maintain the confidentiality of many details of the evidence provided by DFD employees and former DFD employees in order to prevent discovery of their identity and to protect them from possible retaliation.”
I found this passage from the report most chilling:
“In preparing this report, the Grand Jury has taken special care to maintain the confidentiality of many details of the evidence provided by DFD employees and former DFD employees in order to prevent discovery of their identity and to protect them from possible retaliation.”
I found this passage from the report most chilling:
“In preparing this report, the Grand Jury has taken special care to maintain the confidentiality of many details of the evidence provided by DFD employees and former DFD employees in order to prevent discovery of their identity and to protect them from possible retaliation.”
I found this passage from the report most chilling:
“In preparing this report, the Grand Jury has taken special care to maintain the confidentiality of many details of the evidence provided by DFD employees and former DFD employees in order to prevent discovery of their identity and to protect them from possible retaliation.”
If Union President, Bobby Wiest, was paid off for giving union favor to Chief Conroy, why did it take over 20 years to reward good old Bobby? Conroy has been Wiest’s boss for 10-15 of those years.
If Union President, Bobby Wiest, was paid off for giving union favor to Chief Conroy, why did it take over 20 years to reward good old Bobby? Conroy has been Wiest’s boss for 10-15 of those years.
If Union President, Bobby Wiest, was paid off for giving union favor to Chief Conroy, why did it take over 20 years to reward good old Bobby? Conroy has been Wiest’s boss for 10-15 of those years.
If Union President, Bobby Wiest, was paid off for giving union favor to Chief Conroy, why did it take over 20 years to reward good old Bobby? Conroy has been Wiest’s boss for 10-15 of those years.
“Union reform is not needed. The problem is with those that misuse the system or process. In this case it is the fire chief and Bobby Wiest who need to step down.”
This is where you are wrong. The abuse occurs because the system does not have enough in the way of checks and balances to keep the abuse from happening. Union misbehavior is rampant in almost every industry because as an institution it has some major flaws.
For instance, unions argue freedom of speech when it comes to political campaign contributions, but often they do not have opt-out clauses for members who do not agree with the slate of candidates supported by the union.
Furthermore, there is an intimidation factor built in when it comes to unions, especially when it comes to campaign contributions. Major union reform is needed, but I am just not sure what could replace it that would be better; or what improvements that would be legal can be instituted. How do you get around the freedom of speech issue?
One reform that was made in the legal profession was bar dues now cannot be used for political purposes if the member opts out. But the legal profession is state sponsored, and membership amorphous enough that intimidation is less of a factor. However, it took some lawyers dissatisfied with the system to get the opt-out clause put in place.
I also know that in most workplaces, huge pressure was put on to contribute to United Way – even if you didn’t want to or could not afford it. Then it came out that United Way, a supposed honorable charity, was involved in some fiscal malfeasance of its own. Suddenly new rules came into play in many workplaces about contributions to United Way – to cut down on the abuses.
“Union reform is not needed. The problem is with those that misuse the system or process. In this case it is the fire chief and Bobby Wiest who need to step down.”
This is where you are wrong. The abuse occurs because the system does not have enough in the way of checks and balances to keep the abuse from happening. Union misbehavior is rampant in almost every industry because as an institution it has some major flaws.
For instance, unions argue freedom of speech when it comes to political campaign contributions, but often they do not have opt-out clauses for members who do not agree with the slate of candidates supported by the union.
Furthermore, there is an intimidation factor built in when it comes to unions, especially when it comes to campaign contributions. Major union reform is needed, but I am just not sure what could replace it that would be better; or what improvements that would be legal can be instituted. How do you get around the freedom of speech issue?
One reform that was made in the legal profession was bar dues now cannot be used for political purposes if the member opts out. But the legal profession is state sponsored, and membership amorphous enough that intimidation is less of a factor. However, it took some lawyers dissatisfied with the system to get the opt-out clause put in place.
I also know that in most workplaces, huge pressure was put on to contribute to United Way – even if you didn’t want to or could not afford it. Then it came out that United Way, a supposed honorable charity, was involved in some fiscal malfeasance of its own. Suddenly new rules came into play in many workplaces about contributions to United Way – to cut down on the abuses.
“Union reform is not needed. The problem is with those that misuse the system or process. In this case it is the fire chief and Bobby Wiest who need to step down.”
This is where you are wrong. The abuse occurs because the system does not have enough in the way of checks and balances to keep the abuse from happening. Union misbehavior is rampant in almost every industry because as an institution it has some major flaws.
For instance, unions argue freedom of speech when it comes to political campaign contributions, but often they do not have opt-out clauses for members who do not agree with the slate of candidates supported by the union.
Furthermore, there is an intimidation factor built in when it comes to unions, especially when it comes to campaign contributions. Major union reform is needed, but I am just not sure what could replace it that would be better; or what improvements that would be legal can be instituted. How do you get around the freedom of speech issue?
One reform that was made in the legal profession was bar dues now cannot be used for political purposes if the member opts out. But the legal profession is state sponsored, and membership amorphous enough that intimidation is less of a factor. However, it took some lawyers dissatisfied with the system to get the opt-out clause put in place.
I also know that in most workplaces, huge pressure was put on to contribute to United Way – even if you didn’t want to or could not afford it. Then it came out that United Way, a supposed honorable charity, was involved in some fiscal malfeasance of its own. Suddenly new rules came into play in many workplaces about contributions to United Way – to cut down on the abuses.
“Union reform is not needed. The problem is with those that misuse the system or process. In this case it is the fire chief and Bobby Wiest who need to step down.”
This is where you are wrong. The abuse occurs because the system does not have enough in the way of checks and balances to keep the abuse from happening. Union misbehavior is rampant in almost every industry because as an institution it has some major flaws.
For instance, unions argue freedom of speech when it comes to political campaign contributions, but often they do not have opt-out clauses for members who do not agree with the slate of candidates supported by the union.
Furthermore, there is an intimidation factor built in when it comes to unions, especially when it comes to campaign contributions. Major union reform is needed, but I am just not sure what could replace it that would be better; or what improvements that would be legal can be instituted. How do you get around the freedom of speech issue?
One reform that was made in the legal profession was bar dues now cannot be used for political purposes if the member opts out. But the legal profession is state sponsored, and membership amorphous enough that intimidation is less of a factor. However, it took some lawyers dissatisfied with the system to get the opt-out clause put in place.
I also know that in most workplaces, huge pressure was put on to contribute to United Way – even if you didn’t want to or could not afford it. Then it came out that United Way, a supposed honorable charity, was involved in some fiscal malfeasance of its own. Suddenly new rules came into play in many workplaces about contributions to United Way – to cut down on the abuses.
There goes the $$,$$$,$$$ for the 4th fire station. $600,000 paid out???? !!!!! This is criminal. We definitelty need more open government and books.
Next negotiations need to be taped and available to the public.
There goes the $$,$$$,$$$ for the 4th fire station. $600,000 paid out???? !!!!! This is criminal. We definitelty need more open government and books.
Next negotiations need to be taped and available to the public.
There goes the $$,$$$,$$$ for the 4th fire station. $600,000 paid out???? !!!!! This is criminal. We definitelty need more open government and books.
Next negotiations need to be taped and available to the public.
There goes the $$,$$$,$$$ for the 4th fire station. $600,000 paid out???? !!!!! This is criminal. We definitelty need more open government and books.
Next negotiations need to be taped and available to the public.
Annonymous 1:56 pm – It doesn’t say how much Bobby Wiest has made over the years. Why go for a promotion when you can just earn uber-overtime in addition to time off for union duties and not have the responsibilities of being a captain.
The timing of the promotion is curious. It happened just in time for Bobby to be positioned to take over one of the sought after (but voted down by the City Council) Battalion Chief positions.
I feel for the firefighter who was #1 on the promotion list when Bobby Weist (#9) was promoted ahead of him. There is just no explanation that will take away the sting of this.
Unions are a good thing. They help to protect their members from abuse and unfair practices by employers. The problem is when the Union essentially becomes the employer becomes the abusive entity.
I believe that the bulk of the firefighters are really good honest hardworking people. Again, it’s the actions of the leadership that brings dishonor onto the department.
Time to hire another person from the Seattle area to help straighten out another department in this Podunk town in the sticks.
Annonymous 1:56 pm – It doesn’t say how much Bobby Wiest has made over the years. Why go for a promotion when you can just earn uber-overtime in addition to time off for union duties and not have the responsibilities of being a captain.
The timing of the promotion is curious. It happened just in time for Bobby to be positioned to take over one of the sought after (but voted down by the City Council) Battalion Chief positions.
I feel for the firefighter who was #1 on the promotion list when Bobby Weist (#9) was promoted ahead of him. There is just no explanation that will take away the sting of this.
Unions are a good thing. They help to protect their members from abuse and unfair practices by employers. The problem is when the Union essentially becomes the employer becomes the abusive entity.
I believe that the bulk of the firefighters are really good honest hardworking people. Again, it’s the actions of the leadership that brings dishonor onto the department.
Time to hire another person from the Seattle area to help straighten out another department in this Podunk town in the sticks.
Annonymous 1:56 pm – It doesn’t say how much Bobby Wiest has made over the years. Why go for a promotion when you can just earn uber-overtime in addition to time off for union duties and not have the responsibilities of being a captain.
The timing of the promotion is curious. It happened just in time for Bobby to be positioned to take over one of the sought after (but voted down by the City Council) Battalion Chief positions.
I feel for the firefighter who was #1 on the promotion list when Bobby Weist (#9) was promoted ahead of him. There is just no explanation that will take away the sting of this.
Unions are a good thing. They help to protect their members from abuse and unfair practices by employers. The problem is when the Union essentially becomes the employer becomes the abusive entity.
I believe that the bulk of the firefighters are really good honest hardworking people. Again, it’s the actions of the leadership that brings dishonor onto the department.
Time to hire another person from the Seattle area to help straighten out another department in this Podunk town in the sticks.
Annonymous 1:56 pm – It doesn’t say how much Bobby Wiest has made over the years. Why go for a promotion when you can just earn uber-overtime in addition to time off for union duties and not have the responsibilities of being a captain.
The timing of the promotion is curious. It happened just in time for Bobby to be positioned to take over one of the sought after (but voted down by the City Council) Battalion Chief positions.
I feel for the firefighter who was #1 on the promotion list when Bobby Weist (#9) was promoted ahead of him. There is just no explanation that will take away the sting of this.
Unions are a good thing. They help to protect their members from abuse and unfair practices by employers. The problem is when the Union essentially becomes the employer becomes the abusive entity.
I believe that the bulk of the firefighters are really good honest hardworking people. Again, it’s the actions of the leadership that brings dishonor onto the department.
Time to hire another person from the Seattle area to help straighten out another department in this Podunk town in the sticks.
“There goes the $$,$$$,$$$ for the 4th fire station. $600,000 paid out???? !!!!! This is criminal. We definitelty need more open government and books.”
For purposes of fighting fires in Davis or for other public safety functions, I’ve yet to see any evidence that a 4th fire station is needed.
There is some concern, however, that for serious medical emergencies — heart attacks, bad car wrecks, etc. — certain parts of town (notably Wild Horse and to a lesser extent North Star) are at risk, because of the time it takes for medical aid to arrive. AMR generally stations one of its two Davis ambulances at the Oak Tree Plaza (Nugget/Longs) in order to be able to quickly get to these locations. But that could be insufficient, on rare occassion, when there is a flood of 9-1-1 calls.
My opinion, informed but not expert, is that if the DFD would use more discrimination in which medical aid calls it sends its trucks to — currently, they go to every single call, even if the “emergency” is minor and could be handled by AMR — we would have better medical emergency coverage in Davis, and the risk to people in those outlying areas would not be at risk.
It’s a mystery to me, then, why the fire chief insists she needs a 4th fire station, when she is not discriminating more precisely in which calls the fire trucks go to.
“There goes the $$,$$$,$$$ for the 4th fire station. $600,000 paid out???? !!!!! This is criminal. We definitelty need more open government and books.”
For purposes of fighting fires in Davis or for other public safety functions, I’ve yet to see any evidence that a 4th fire station is needed.
There is some concern, however, that for serious medical emergencies — heart attacks, bad car wrecks, etc. — certain parts of town (notably Wild Horse and to a lesser extent North Star) are at risk, because of the time it takes for medical aid to arrive. AMR generally stations one of its two Davis ambulances at the Oak Tree Plaza (Nugget/Longs) in order to be able to quickly get to these locations. But that could be insufficient, on rare occassion, when there is a flood of 9-1-1 calls.
My opinion, informed but not expert, is that if the DFD would use more discrimination in which medical aid calls it sends its trucks to — currently, they go to every single call, even if the “emergency” is minor and could be handled by AMR — we would have better medical emergency coverage in Davis, and the risk to people in those outlying areas would not be at risk.
It’s a mystery to me, then, why the fire chief insists she needs a 4th fire station, when she is not discriminating more precisely in which calls the fire trucks go to.
“There goes the $$,$$$,$$$ for the 4th fire station. $600,000 paid out???? !!!!! This is criminal. We definitelty need more open government and books.”
For purposes of fighting fires in Davis or for other public safety functions, I’ve yet to see any evidence that a 4th fire station is needed.
There is some concern, however, that for serious medical emergencies — heart attacks, bad car wrecks, etc. — certain parts of town (notably Wild Horse and to a lesser extent North Star) are at risk, because of the time it takes for medical aid to arrive. AMR generally stations one of its two Davis ambulances at the Oak Tree Plaza (Nugget/Longs) in order to be able to quickly get to these locations. But that could be insufficient, on rare occassion, when there is a flood of 9-1-1 calls.
My opinion, informed but not expert, is that if the DFD would use more discrimination in which medical aid calls it sends its trucks to — currently, they go to every single call, even if the “emergency” is minor and could be handled by AMR — we would have better medical emergency coverage in Davis, and the risk to people in those outlying areas would not be at risk.
It’s a mystery to me, then, why the fire chief insists she needs a 4th fire station, when she is not discriminating more precisely in which calls the fire trucks go to.
“There goes the $$,$$$,$$$ for the 4th fire station. $600,000 paid out???? !!!!! This is criminal. We definitelty need more open government and books.”
For purposes of fighting fires in Davis or for other public safety functions, I’ve yet to see any evidence that a 4th fire station is needed.
There is some concern, however, that for serious medical emergencies — heart attacks, bad car wrecks, etc. — certain parts of town (notably Wild Horse and to a lesser extent North Star) are at risk, because of the time it takes for medical aid to arrive. AMR generally stations one of its two Davis ambulances at the Oak Tree Plaza (Nugget/Longs) in order to be able to quickly get to these locations. But that could be insufficient, on rare occassion, when there is a flood of 9-1-1 calls.
My opinion, informed but not expert, is that if the DFD would use more discrimination in which medical aid calls it sends its trucks to — currently, they go to every single call, even if the “emergency” is minor and could be handled by AMR — we would have better medical emergency coverage in Davis, and the risk to people in those outlying areas would not be at risk.
It’s a mystery to me, then, why the fire chief insists she needs a 4th fire station, when she is not discriminating more precisely in which calls the fire trucks go to.
I would wait for the response to the Grand Jury report before drawing any conclusions
But, if the response is not very persuasive, I tend to agree with those who say that the problem is not caused by labor unions
Instead, I would say that it is more likely to be the result of the provincialism of Davis and Yolo County, as the most cursory examination of the posts of this site over the last year tends to suggest
if anything, the presence of the labor union and its protocols, as self-interested as they can be, probably constrains misconduct in the fire department
but again, this is all premature, we have to wait until the city publicly releases its response
–Richard Estes
I would wait for the response to the Grand Jury report before drawing any conclusions
But, if the response is not very persuasive, I tend to agree with those who say that the problem is not caused by labor unions
Instead, I would say that it is more likely to be the result of the provincialism of Davis and Yolo County, as the most cursory examination of the posts of this site over the last year tends to suggest
if anything, the presence of the labor union and its protocols, as self-interested as they can be, probably constrains misconduct in the fire department
but again, this is all premature, we have to wait until the city publicly releases its response
–Richard Estes
I would wait for the response to the Grand Jury report before drawing any conclusions
But, if the response is not very persuasive, I tend to agree with those who say that the problem is not caused by labor unions
Instead, I would say that it is more likely to be the result of the provincialism of Davis and Yolo County, as the most cursory examination of the posts of this site over the last year tends to suggest
if anything, the presence of the labor union and its protocols, as self-interested as they can be, probably constrains misconduct in the fire department
but again, this is all premature, we have to wait until the city publicly releases its response
–Richard Estes
I would wait for the response to the Grand Jury report before drawing any conclusions
But, if the response is not very persuasive, I tend to agree with those who say that the problem is not caused by labor unions
Instead, I would say that it is more likely to be the result of the provincialism of Davis and Yolo County, as the most cursory examination of the posts of this site over the last year tends to suggest
if anything, the presence of the labor union and its protocols, as self-interested as they can be, probably constrains misconduct in the fire department
but again, this is all premature, we have to wait until the city publicly releases its response
–Richard Estes
“Unions are a good thing. They help to protect their members from abuse and unfair practices by employers. The problem is when the Union essentially becomes the employer becomes the abusive entity.”
There are quite a few other unions which represent City of Davis employees. None of the others involves itself in electing city council members; or in other ways tries to drive city policies to favor its members.
I think the issues highlighted about the firefighters’ local shouldn’t be generalized to all public employee associations in Davis or elsewhere. However, I think the problems with the Davis fire union are found in firefighters’ unions around the state (if not the country). I would guess it has to do somewhat with leadership higher up in the IAAF.
“Unions are a good thing. They help to protect their members from abuse and unfair practices by employers. The problem is when the Union essentially becomes the employer becomes the abusive entity.”
There are quite a few other unions which represent City of Davis employees. None of the others involves itself in electing city council members; or in other ways tries to drive city policies to favor its members.
I think the issues highlighted about the firefighters’ local shouldn’t be generalized to all public employee associations in Davis or elsewhere. However, I think the problems with the Davis fire union are found in firefighters’ unions around the state (if not the country). I would guess it has to do somewhat with leadership higher up in the IAAF.
“Unions are a good thing. They help to protect their members from abuse and unfair practices by employers. The problem is when the Union essentially becomes the employer becomes the abusive entity.”
There are quite a few other unions which represent City of Davis employees. None of the others involves itself in electing city council members; or in other ways tries to drive city policies to favor its members.
I think the issues highlighted about the firefighters’ local shouldn’t be generalized to all public employee associations in Davis or elsewhere. However, I think the problems with the Davis fire union are found in firefighters’ unions around the state (if not the country). I would guess it has to do somewhat with leadership higher up in the IAAF.
“Unions are a good thing. They help to protect their members from abuse and unfair practices by employers. The problem is when the Union essentially becomes the employer becomes the abusive entity.”
There are quite a few other unions which represent City of Davis employees. None of the others involves itself in electing city council members; or in other ways tries to drive city policies to favor its members.
I think the issues highlighted about the firefighters’ local shouldn’t be generalized to all public employee associations in Davis or elsewhere. However, I think the problems with the Davis fire union are found in firefighters’ unions around the state (if not the country). I would guess it has to do somewhat with leadership higher up in the IAAF.
Rich,
When I said, “There goes the $$,$$$,$$$ for the 4th fire station. $600,000 paid out???? !!!!! This is criminal.” I did mean to say that we do not need a 4th station, but an ambulance or EMT center. I agree.
I still think that the next negotiations need to be taped and available to the public. More transparency is needed.
Rich,
When I said, “There goes the $$,$$$,$$$ for the 4th fire station. $600,000 paid out???? !!!!! This is criminal.” I did mean to say that we do not need a 4th station, but an ambulance or EMT center. I agree.
I still think that the next negotiations need to be taped and available to the public. More transparency is needed.
Rich,
When I said, “There goes the $$,$$$,$$$ for the 4th fire station. $600,000 paid out???? !!!!! This is criminal.” I did mean to say that we do not need a 4th station, but an ambulance or EMT center. I agree.
I still think that the next negotiations need to be taped and available to the public. More transparency is needed.
Rich,
When I said, “There goes the $$,$$$,$$$ for the 4th fire station. $600,000 paid out???? !!!!! This is criminal.” I did mean to say that we do not need a 4th station, but an ambulance or EMT center. I agree.
I still think that the next negotiations need to be taped and available to the public. More transparency is needed.
There goes any chances of a fourth fire station. And the upcoming firefighters contract negotiations don’t look to good either. Poetic justice for the firefighters supporting the campaigns of A,S&S, who now will have to backpeddle on their positions! Timing couldn’t have been better – seems as if there is a God!
There goes any chances of a fourth fire station. And the upcoming firefighters contract negotiations don’t look to good either. Poetic justice for the firefighters supporting the campaigns of A,S&S, who now will have to backpeddle on their positions! Timing couldn’t have been better – seems as if there is a God!
There goes any chances of a fourth fire station. And the upcoming firefighters contract negotiations don’t look to good either. Poetic justice for the firefighters supporting the campaigns of A,S&S, who now will have to backpeddle on their positions! Timing couldn’t have been better – seems as if there is a God!
There goes any chances of a fourth fire station. And the upcoming firefighters contract negotiations don’t look to good either. Poetic justice for the firefighters supporting the campaigns of A,S&S, who now will have to backpeddle on their positions! Timing couldn’t have been better – seems as if there is a God!
Saylor and Souza voted in favor of the costly battalion chief position upgrade. Asmundson equivocated, so it did not have three votes to pass. Asmundson said she would consider voting in favor of it at a later date.
Saylor and Souza voted in favor of the costly battalion chief position upgrade. Asmundson equivocated, so it did not have three votes to pass. Asmundson said she would consider voting in favor of it at a later date.
Saylor and Souza voted in favor of the costly battalion chief position upgrade. Asmundson equivocated, so it did not have three votes to pass. Asmundson said she would consider voting in favor of it at a later date.
Saylor and Souza voted in favor of the costly battalion chief position upgrade. Asmundson equivocated, so it did not have three votes to pass. Asmundson said she would consider voting in favor of it at a later date.
The ASS voting bloc should be ashamed of themselves for throwing money down this hole! Looks like this will come around to bite them.
The ASS voting bloc should be ashamed of themselves for throwing money down this hole! Looks like this will come around to bite them.
The ASS voting bloc should be ashamed of themselves for throwing money down this hole! Looks like this will come around to bite them.
The ASS voting bloc should be ashamed of themselves for throwing money down this hole! Looks like this will come around to bite them.
We are going to have to live with this Asmundson,Saylor,Souza Council majority for the next 2 years, at least. It will require constant and in-depth citizen public scrutiny plus potential citizen referendums to thwart their political ambitions. Do we have the commitment of time and energy to protect Davis’ future from this threesome.?
We are going to have to live with this Asmundson,Saylor,Souza Council majority for the next 2 years, at least. It will require constant and in-depth citizen public scrutiny plus potential citizen referendums to thwart their political ambitions. Do we have the commitment of time and energy to protect Davis’ future from this threesome.?
We are going to have to live with this Asmundson,Saylor,Souza Council majority for the next 2 years, at least. It will require constant and in-depth citizen public scrutiny plus potential citizen referendums to thwart their political ambitions. Do we have the commitment of time and energy to protect Davis’ future from this threesome.?
We are going to have to live with this Asmundson,Saylor,Souza Council majority for the next 2 years, at least. It will require constant and in-depth citizen public scrutiny plus potential citizen referendums to thwart their political ambitions. Do we have the commitment of time and energy to protect Davis’ future from this threesome.?
Yup, This is going to come around and bite ASS in the ass only if we the taxpayers and voters of Davis get off of our asses and hold them accountable.
Yup, This is going to come around and bite ASS in the ass only if we the taxpayers and voters of Davis get off of our asses and hold them accountable.
Yup, This is going to come around and bite ASS in the ass only if we the taxpayers and voters of Davis get off of our asses and hold them accountable.
Yup, This is going to come around and bite ASS in the ass only if we the taxpayers and voters of Davis get off of our asses and hold them accountable.
I wonder if these kind of favors were the type that led to the failings of the fire dept and city of Vallejo?
I wonder if these kind of favors were the type that led to the failings of the fire dept and city of Vallejo?
I wonder if these kind of favors were the type that led to the failings of the fire dept and city of Vallejo?
I wonder if these kind of favors were the type that led to the failings of the fire dept and city of Vallejo?
Richard,
Unions are a plague and will lead the way to bankruptcy for many cities. Rose Conroy has always been the worst possible choice for the position she has. Bobby Wiest and Rose should both resign,retire or be terminated.
Provincialism”? Give me a break. “Probably constrains misconduct in the DFD”? How did you come up with that?
Unions and people like Rose Conroy and Wiest are taxpayer nightmares. Their greed should be ended along with their jobs.
Richard,
Unions are a plague and will lead the way to bankruptcy for many cities. Rose Conroy has always been the worst possible choice for the position she has. Bobby Wiest and Rose should both resign,retire or be terminated.
Provincialism”? Give me a break. “Probably constrains misconduct in the DFD”? How did you come up with that?
Unions and people like Rose Conroy and Wiest are taxpayer nightmares. Their greed should be ended along with their jobs.
Richard,
Unions are a plague and will lead the way to bankruptcy for many cities. Rose Conroy has always been the worst possible choice for the position she has. Bobby Wiest and Rose should both resign,retire or be terminated.
Provincialism”? Give me a break. “Probably constrains misconduct in the DFD”? How did you come up with that?
Unions and people like Rose Conroy and Wiest are taxpayer nightmares. Their greed should be ended along with their jobs.
Richard,
Unions are a plague and will lead the way to bankruptcy for many cities. Rose Conroy has always been the worst possible choice for the position she has. Bobby Wiest and Rose should both resign,retire or be terminated.
Provincialism”? Give me a break. “Probably constrains misconduct in the DFD”? How did you come up with that?
Unions and people like Rose Conroy and Wiest are taxpayer nightmares. Their greed should be ended along with their jobs.
I’ve been neighbors (residence and office) of the main fire station since 1995. The fire fighters are a terrific bunch of people, and real pros at what they do. Imagine: getting the call to the Anderson Bank Building (suspected arson) on Christmas Eve, and saving the building. Amazing.
I’ve been neighbors (residence and office) of the main fire station since 1995. The fire fighters are a terrific bunch of people, and real pros at what they do. Imagine: getting the call to the Anderson Bank Building (suspected arson) on Christmas Eve, and saving the building. Amazing.
I’ve been neighbors (residence and office) of the main fire station since 1995. The fire fighters are a terrific bunch of people, and real pros at what they do. Imagine: getting the call to the Anderson Bank Building (suspected arson) on Christmas Eve, and saving the building. Amazing.
I’ve been neighbors (residence and office) of the main fire station since 1995. The fire fighters are a terrific bunch of people, and real pros at what they do. Imagine: getting the call to the Anderson Bank Building (suspected arson) on Christmas Eve, and saving the building. Amazing.
Sounds like if Mike Harrington were still on the council we would have the HARRASS voting bloc. Go downtown on a weekend evening and see what stellar citizens your drinking buddies are Mike. I believe putting out fires on Christmas Eve is part of the job they took. Just like the city council’s job is to look out for the best interests of all the people, not just the 50 or so that gave them $100 under duress from their union and boss.
Sounds like if Mike Harrington were still on the council we would have the HARRASS voting bloc. Go downtown on a weekend evening and see what stellar citizens your drinking buddies are Mike. I believe putting out fires on Christmas Eve is part of the job they took. Just like the city council’s job is to look out for the best interests of all the people, not just the 50 or so that gave them $100 under duress from their union and boss.
Sounds like if Mike Harrington were still on the council we would have the HARRASS voting bloc. Go downtown on a weekend evening and see what stellar citizens your drinking buddies are Mike. I believe putting out fires on Christmas Eve is part of the job they took. Just like the city council’s job is to look out for the best interests of all the people, not just the 50 or so that gave them $100 under duress from their union and boss.
Sounds like if Mike Harrington were still on the council we would have the HARRASS voting bloc. Go downtown on a weekend evening and see what stellar citizens your drinking buddies are Mike. I believe putting out fires on Christmas Eve is part of the job they took. Just like the city council’s job is to look out for the best interests of all the people, not just the 50 or so that gave them $100 under duress from their union and boss.
Mike,
No need to suck up. They put out a fire because they were doing their job. This doesn’t excuse the $600,000 that we as taxpayers have had to pay as a result of some wrongdoings. It also does not excuse the behavior of the Chief or Bobby W. their president.
You’re just sucking up to get on their good side because they didn’t support you in your last election. They did not support you because you did not support the fourth fire station. They wasted our $$$$$$ then and they are doing it now.
It’s time for a change from the top down.
Mike,
No need to suck up. They put out a fire because they were doing their job. This doesn’t excuse the $600,000 that we as taxpayers have had to pay as a result of some wrongdoings. It also does not excuse the behavior of the Chief or Bobby W. their president.
You’re just sucking up to get on their good side because they didn’t support you in your last election. They did not support you because you did not support the fourth fire station. They wasted our $$$$$$ then and they are doing it now.
It’s time for a change from the top down.
Mike,
No need to suck up. They put out a fire because they were doing their job. This doesn’t excuse the $600,000 that we as taxpayers have had to pay as a result of some wrongdoings. It also does not excuse the behavior of the Chief or Bobby W. their president.
You’re just sucking up to get on their good side because they didn’t support you in your last election. They did not support you because you did not support the fourth fire station. They wasted our $$$$$$ then and they are doing it now.
It’s time for a change from the top down.
Mike,
No need to suck up. They put out a fire because they were doing their job. This doesn’t excuse the $600,000 that we as taxpayers have had to pay as a result of some wrongdoings. It also does not excuse the behavior of the Chief or Bobby W. their president.
You’re just sucking up to get on their good side because they didn’t support you in your last election. They did not support you because you did not support the fourth fire station. They wasted our $$$$$$ then and they are doing it now.
It’s time for a change from the top down.
“altercations” not “alterations” I believe …
“altercations” not “alterations” I believe …
“altercations” not “alterations” I believe …
“altercations” not “alterations” I believe …
“Sounds like if Mike Harrington were still on the council we would have the HARRASS voting bloc.”
Mike Harrington was the member of the council who originally put in place the 3% at fifty retirement package for the fire department and the police. He has no credibility.
“Sounds like if Mike Harrington were still on the council we would have the HARRASS voting bloc.”
Mike Harrington was the member of the council who originally put in place the 3% at fifty retirement package for the fire department and the police. He has no credibility.
“Sounds like if Mike Harrington were still on the council we would have the HARRASS voting bloc.”
Mike Harrington was the member of the council who originally put in place the 3% at fifty retirement package for the fire department and the police. He has no credibility.
“Sounds like if Mike Harrington were still on the council we would have the HARRASS voting bloc.”
Mike Harrington was the member of the council who originally put in place the 3% at fifty retirement package for the fire department and the police. He has no credibility.
Wow! I find it very interesting that most of these posts were made during what would be normal business hours. Is there any work being done? I wonder if some of you are being paid to perpetuate the absurdity of these accusations.
Anyhow, maybe the lack of responses to these allegations is due to the fact that maybe they just aren’t credible. Do any of you know what the stipulations for a grand jury are? Do they only exist to point out the supposed faults of a system? Who can be on a grand jury? What is the intention of a grand jury? Ask yourself these questions and why there aren’t any references to the overall approval rating of the DFD.
This all just appears like some political propaganda that might not materialize for some years, but is just enough to shape a wheel for future motion.
I don’t really know what the inner workings of the DFD are, but I can bet that most of you who are praising these findings really don’t know either. Have you spent time with the firefighters? Have you asked them how they feel about their jobs? Don’t base all of your assumptions on a system unless you fully understand the system.
Wow! I find it very interesting that most of these posts were made during what would be normal business hours. Is there any work being done? I wonder if some of you are being paid to perpetuate the absurdity of these accusations.
Anyhow, maybe the lack of responses to these allegations is due to the fact that maybe they just aren’t credible. Do any of you know what the stipulations for a grand jury are? Do they only exist to point out the supposed faults of a system? Who can be on a grand jury? What is the intention of a grand jury? Ask yourself these questions and why there aren’t any references to the overall approval rating of the DFD.
This all just appears like some political propaganda that might not materialize for some years, but is just enough to shape a wheel for future motion.
I don’t really know what the inner workings of the DFD are, but I can bet that most of you who are praising these findings really don’t know either. Have you spent time with the firefighters? Have you asked them how they feel about their jobs? Don’t base all of your assumptions on a system unless you fully understand the system.
Wow! I find it very interesting that most of these posts were made during what would be normal business hours. Is there any work being done? I wonder if some of you are being paid to perpetuate the absurdity of these accusations.
Anyhow, maybe the lack of responses to these allegations is due to the fact that maybe they just aren’t credible. Do any of you know what the stipulations for a grand jury are? Do they only exist to point out the supposed faults of a system? Who can be on a grand jury? What is the intention of a grand jury? Ask yourself these questions and why there aren’t any references to the overall approval rating of the DFD.
This all just appears like some political propaganda that might not materialize for some years, but is just enough to shape a wheel for future motion.
I don’t really know what the inner workings of the DFD are, but I can bet that most of you who are praising these findings really don’t know either. Have you spent time with the firefighters? Have you asked them how they feel about their jobs? Don’t base all of your assumptions on a system unless you fully understand the system.
Wow! I find it very interesting that most of these posts were made during what would be normal business hours. Is there any work being done? I wonder if some of you are being paid to perpetuate the absurdity of these accusations.
Anyhow, maybe the lack of responses to these allegations is due to the fact that maybe they just aren’t credible. Do any of you know what the stipulations for a grand jury are? Do they only exist to point out the supposed faults of a system? Who can be on a grand jury? What is the intention of a grand jury? Ask yourself these questions and why there aren’t any references to the overall approval rating of the DFD.
This all just appears like some political propaganda that might not materialize for some years, but is just enough to shape a wheel for future motion.
I don’t really know what the inner workings of the DFD are, but I can bet that most of you who are praising these findings really don’t know either. Have you spent time with the firefighters? Have you asked them how they feel about their jobs? Don’t base all of your assumptions on a system unless you fully understand the system.
“I don’t really know what the inner workings of the DFD are”
Then how can you say the findings of the Grand Jury are not credible?
“I don’t really know what the inner workings of the DFD are”
Then how can you say the findings of the Grand Jury are not credible?
“I don’t really know what the inner workings of the DFD are”
Then how can you say the findings of the Grand Jury are not credible?
“I don’t really know what the inner workings of the DFD are”
Then how can you say the findings of the Grand Jury are not credible?
Cato Institute writers argued that grand juries as conducted today are unjust as the defendant is not represented by counsel and/or does not have the right to call witnesses. Intended to serve as a check on prosecutors, the opportunity it presents them to compel testimony can in fact prove useful in building up the case they will present at the final trial.[8]
In practice, a grand jury rarely acts in a manner contrary to the wishes of the prosecutor. Judge Sol Wachtler, the former Chief Judge of New York State, was quoted as saying that a prosecutor could persuade a grand jury to “indict a ham sandwich.”[9] On the other side, many prosecutors argue that the screening function of the grand jury operates with greater effect on a prosecutor’s decision to bring a case in the first place; though records are understandably difficult to come by, many prosecutors say they simply do not bring cases to the grand jury that they believe the grand jury will not indict. In this way, grand juries may exert more of a check on prosecutors than the “ham sandwich” remark suggests.
Many jurisdictions in the United States have replaced the formality of a grand jury with a procedure in which the prosecutor can issue charges by filing an information (also known as an accusation) which is followed by a preliminary hearing before a judge at which both the defendant and his or her counsel are present. New York has amended procedures governing the formation of grand juries so that grand jurors are no longer required to have previous jury experience.
Contrary to what some might expect, in some jurisdictions grand jurors are selected to serve by the local prosecutor, rather than by random selection from the community. Many who serve have done so many times and have a proven “record” to indict.
Cato Institute writers argued that grand juries as conducted today are unjust as the defendant is not represented by counsel and/or does not have the right to call witnesses. Intended to serve as a check on prosecutors, the opportunity it presents them to compel testimony can in fact prove useful in building up the case they will present at the final trial.[8]
In practice, a grand jury rarely acts in a manner contrary to the wishes of the prosecutor. Judge Sol Wachtler, the former Chief Judge of New York State, was quoted as saying that a prosecutor could persuade a grand jury to “indict a ham sandwich.”[9] On the other side, many prosecutors argue that the screening function of the grand jury operates with greater effect on a prosecutor’s decision to bring a case in the first place; though records are understandably difficult to come by, many prosecutors say they simply do not bring cases to the grand jury that they believe the grand jury will not indict. In this way, grand juries may exert more of a check on prosecutors than the “ham sandwich” remark suggests.
Many jurisdictions in the United States have replaced the formality of a grand jury with a procedure in which the prosecutor can issue charges by filing an information (also known as an accusation) which is followed by a preliminary hearing before a judge at which both the defendant and his or her counsel are present. New York has amended procedures governing the formation of grand juries so that grand jurors are no longer required to have previous jury experience.
Contrary to what some might expect, in some jurisdictions grand jurors are selected to serve by the local prosecutor, rather than by random selection from the community. Many who serve have done so many times and have a proven “record” to indict.
Cato Institute writers argued that grand juries as conducted today are unjust as the defendant is not represented by counsel and/or does not have the right to call witnesses. Intended to serve as a check on prosecutors, the opportunity it presents them to compel testimony can in fact prove useful in building up the case they will present at the final trial.[8]
In practice, a grand jury rarely acts in a manner contrary to the wishes of the prosecutor. Judge Sol Wachtler, the former Chief Judge of New York State, was quoted as saying that a prosecutor could persuade a grand jury to “indict a ham sandwich.”[9] On the other side, many prosecutors argue that the screening function of the grand jury operates with greater effect on a prosecutor’s decision to bring a case in the first place; though records are understandably difficult to come by, many prosecutors say they simply do not bring cases to the grand jury that they believe the grand jury will not indict. In this way, grand juries may exert more of a check on prosecutors than the “ham sandwich” remark suggests.
Many jurisdictions in the United States have replaced the formality of a grand jury with a procedure in which the prosecutor can issue charges by filing an information (also known as an accusation) which is followed by a preliminary hearing before a judge at which both the defendant and his or her counsel are present. New York has amended procedures governing the formation of grand juries so that grand jurors are no longer required to have previous jury experience.
Contrary to what some might expect, in some jurisdictions grand jurors are selected to serve by the local prosecutor, rather than by random selection from the community. Many who serve have done so many times and have a proven “record” to indict.
Cato Institute writers argued that grand juries as conducted today are unjust as the defendant is not represented by counsel and/or does not have the right to call witnesses. Intended to serve as a check on prosecutors, the opportunity it presents them to compel testimony can in fact prove useful in building up the case they will present at the final trial.[8]
In practice, a grand jury rarely acts in a manner contrary to the wishes of the prosecutor. Judge Sol Wachtler, the former Chief Judge of New York State, was quoted as saying that a prosecutor could persuade a grand jury to “indict a ham sandwich.”[9] On the other side, many prosecutors argue that the screening function of the grand jury operates with greater effect on a prosecutor’s decision to bring a case in the first place; though records are understandably difficult to come by, many prosecutors say they simply do not bring cases to the grand jury that they believe the grand jury will not indict. In this way, grand juries may exert more of a check on prosecutors than the “ham sandwich” remark suggests.
Many jurisdictions in the United States have replaced the formality of a grand jury with a procedure in which the prosecutor can issue charges by filing an information (also known as an accusation) which is followed by a preliminary hearing before a judge at which both the defendant and his or her counsel are present. New York has amended procedures governing the formation of grand juries so that grand jurors are no longer required to have previous jury experience.
Contrary to what some might expect, in some jurisdictions grand jurors are selected to serve by the local prosecutor, rather than by random selection from the community. Many who serve have done so many times and have a proven “record” to indict.
The Wagstaff CC voted 5/0 for those packages, if I remember correctly. Sue is still there. CAL PERS was rolling in money at that time, and the numbers did not look like much of a stretch. Times change. The 3% at 50 came from Gov Davis and his pledge to the CHP, to help himself get re-elected. Soon all the unions wanted it. As to my favorable comments about the fire fighters, I have had my ups and downs with them, but on the whole, mostly up. They are generally a pretty good bunch who handle very very ugly situations that most of us would never go near. For example, do you have any idea what a really bad highway accident scene looks like? The firefighters see them, day after day. In my aviation law work, I know that the field investigators for the National Transporation Safety Board often retire on medical disability with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD). It comes from being around the horrific accident sites when aluminum disintergrates with people at the crash site. And usually, the major boby parts are gone, removed by the firefighters and coroners, before the NTSB shows up from LA or other regional centers.
The above aside, I do think there is room for improvement in the FD management. Former City Manager Jim Antonen commissioned an efficiency report (about 2004) that I never had the chance to read. It is available from the City.
I know nothing about the specifics of the new Yolo G. J. Report, and I am sure people are going to work through the issues and improve the situation.
The Wagstaff CC voted 5/0 for those packages, if I remember correctly. Sue is still there. CAL PERS was rolling in money at that time, and the numbers did not look like much of a stretch. Times change. The 3% at 50 came from Gov Davis and his pledge to the CHP, to help himself get re-elected. Soon all the unions wanted it. As to my favorable comments about the fire fighters, I have had my ups and downs with them, but on the whole, mostly up. They are generally a pretty good bunch who handle very very ugly situations that most of us would never go near. For example, do you have any idea what a really bad highway accident scene looks like? The firefighters see them, day after day. In my aviation law work, I know that the field investigators for the National Transporation Safety Board often retire on medical disability with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD). It comes from being around the horrific accident sites when aluminum disintergrates with people at the crash site. And usually, the major boby parts are gone, removed by the firefighters and coroners, before the NTSB shows up from LA or other regional centers.
The above aside, I do think there is room for improvement in the FD management. Former City Manager Jim Antonen commissioned an efficiency report (about 2004) that I never had the chance to read. It is available from the City.
I know nothing about the specifics of the new Yolo G. J. Report, and I am sure people are going to work through the issues and improve the situation.
The Wagstaff CC voted 5/0 for those packages, if I remember correctly. Sue is still there. CAL PERS was rolling in money at that time, and the numbers did not look like much of a stretch. Times change. The 3% at 50 came from Gov Davis and his pledge to the CHP, to help himself get re-elected. Soon all the unions wanted it. As to my favorable comments about the fire fighters, I have had my ups and downs with them, but on the whole, mostly up. They are generally a pretty good bunch who handle very very ugly situations that most of us would never go near. For example, do you have any idea what a really bad highway accident scene looks like? The firefighters see them, day after day. In my aviation law work, I know that the field investigators for the National Transporation Safety Board often retire on medical disability with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD). It comes from being around the horrific accident sites when aluminum disintergrates with people at the crash site. And usually, the major boby parts are gone, removed by the firefighters and coroners, before the NTSB shows up from LA or other regional centers.
The above aside, I do think there is room for improvement in the FD management. Former City Manager Jim Antonen commissioned an efficiency report (about 2004) that I never had the chance to read. It is available from the City.
I know nothing about the specifics of the new Yolo G. J. Report, and I am sure people are going to work through the issues and improve the situation.
The Wagstaff CC voted 5/0 for those packages, if I remember correctly. Sue is still there. CAL PERS was rolling in money at that time, and the numbers did not look like much of a stretch. Times change. The 3% at 50 came from Gov Davis and his pledge to the CHP, to help himself get re-elected. Soon all the unions wanted it. As to my favorable comments about the fire fighters, I have had my ups and downs with them, but on the whole, mostly up. They are generally a pretty good bunch who handle very very ugly situations that most of us would never go near. For example, do you have any idea what a really bad highway accident scene looks like? The firefighters see them, day after day. In my aviation law work, I know that the field investigators for the National Transporation Safety Board often retire on medical disability with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD). It comes from being around the horrific accident sites when aluminum disintergrates with people at the crash site. And usually, the major boby parts are gone, removed by the firefighters and coroners, before the NTSB shows up from LA or other regional centers.
The above aside, I do think there is room for improvement in the FD management. Former City Manager Jim Antonen commissioned an efficiency report (about 2004) that I never had the chance to read. It is available from the City.
I know nothing about the specifics of the new Yolo G. J. Report, and I am sure people are going to work through the issues and improve the situation.
BTW, good for Ruth for not supporting the extra captain slots.
BTW, good for Ruth for not supporting the extra captain slots.
BTW, good for Ruth for not supporting the extra captain slots.
BTW, good for Ruth for not supporting the extra captain slots.
BTW, good for Ruth for not supporting the extra captain slots.
That was me writing.
BTW, good for Ruth for not supporting the extra captain slots.
That was me writing.
BTW, good for Ruth for not supporting the extra captain slots.
That was me writing.
BTW, good for Ruth for not supporting the extra captain slots.
That was me writing.