"The names have been changed to protect the innocent." This disclaimer has been used on police shows since the 1950's. I once asked my Dad, a 23 year veteran of the FBI, what that meant when I was a kid. He was a kind man and he said that people who do horrible things have families Those people should not be blamed for things they didn't do. The change of names was to protect them from public scorning.
Palm Springs is still reeling from the murder of 2 police officers earlier this month. The accused killer is now facing the death penalty.
The Desert Sun published an article including quotes from the brother of the suspect who is currently himself in jail. In it, he spoke abut some of the trauma his family is going through. It was clearly stated he was in jail and he in no way condoned his brother's actions. I thought it was very thoughtful. My only issue with it was it may have been published too early. If it were my call I may have waited.
The Palm Springs Police officers Association (PSPOA) went crazy on their Facebook page accusing the Desert Sun of moral equivalency and tabloid journalism. They also pointed out that the source from the article was in jail.
The PSPOA has a very checkered and controversial past. It has also been involved in feuds with the Desert Sun before. I truly believe that the members of the union have no understanding of either media or the role of journalism. Rather they just parrot charges of "tabloid journalism" without understanding what they are saying.
Many of the tributes to Officer Gil Vega talked about him as a role model to some young relatives. An outstanding officer, he knew that some of them had been arrested. He was not judged by this. He and Officer Lesley Zerebny are heroes. The police union is in pain and I understand that. Like many citizens I contributed at the fundraising drive for both officers and did my best to publicize the PSPOA event at City Hall.
Now is the time for healing and for supporting the officer's families. Ill informed vindictive rants that feel good temporarily but really are superfluous to the business at hand are an unnecessary distraction.
Steve Kelly can be reacher at svericker12@gmail.com or followed on Twitter @skellynj
Friday, October 28, 2016
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Palm Springs Needs Time To Heal
Imagine my surprise yesterday, that whilst listening to the radio, I was informed the city of Palm Springs had hastily sent out an erroneous benefits letter to the families of the 2 recently slain Palm Springs police officers. Apparently there was some confusion about insurance coverage. What should have been a minor matter exploded into a debate that can only exists on talk radio. Assertions, assumptions by the hosts and uninformed opinions spewed back and forth. I get that. I was in that industry for 20 years. But it really never should have gotten to that. The 2 main culprits in this unnecessary drama were the city and the Palm Springs Police Officers Association.
In the future City Manager David Ready should oversee the benefits process for both families period. He is now asking Doug Holland, soon to be departing City Attorney to look into the matter. The deaths of Gil Vega and Lesley Zerebny demand that all actions regarding their survivors must be overseen by the top and not by a junior city clerk.
The Palm Springs POA has to do a better job too. They obviously leaked this story to the media. A quick call to their attorney would have shown the letter was not accurate and well not clearly written, The city has acknowledged this. Instead it was attempt by whoever leaked this to needlessly inflame passions. While I have been critical of the PSPOA in the past, I chalk this up to an unfortunate yet over emotional reaction to a mundane matter.
It these times of sorrow, caution and common sense must prevail.
Steve Kelly can reached at kellyscorner227@gmail.com or followed on Twitter @skellynj
In the future City Manager David Ready should oversee the benefits process for both families period. He is now asking Doug Holland, soon to be departing City Attorney to look into the matter. The deaths of Gil Vega and Lesley Zerebny demand that all actions regarding their survivors must be overseen by the top and not by a junior city clerk.
The Palm Springs POA has to do a better job too. They obviously leaked this story to the media. A quick call to their attorney would have shown the letter was not accurate and well not clearly written, The city has acknowledged this. Instead it was attempt by whoever leaked this to needlessly inflame passions. While I have been critical of the PSPOA in the past, I chalk this up to an unfortunate yet over emotional reaction to a mundane matter.
It these times of sorrow, caution and common sense must prevail.
Steve Kelly can reached at kellyscorner227@gmail.com or followed on Twitter @skellynj
Monday, October 17, 2016
Calling Out The Local Deplorables In Palm Springs And Riverside County
The great Tip O'Neill once said that all politics is local. The longer I write and talk about politics, the more that statement appears to be true. We here in Palm Springs and Riverside County have quite a few odious Trump minions. In no particular order, I present some of the local 2016. Deplorables.
Richard Grenell
The Log Cabin Republican and Palm Springs resident has appeared on Fox News where he is a contributor. Besides peddling conspiracies, Grenell is one of Trump's high powered LGTBQ supporters who has said, "Trump is down with the gays." He also accused MSNBC correspondent Katie Tur of sleeping her way to her current post. Locally, he endorsed Rob Moon in the Palm Springs Mayor race last year.
David Wohl
Based in Riverside, this attorney got his start as a political pundit here on the CBS 2. Wohl is constantly on Fox defending Trump, occasionally going off the rails. My favorite story about him is when he tried interject himself in one of a myriad of cases involving Lindsay Lohan. She never hired him!! A complete publicity hound.
Nachhattar Chandi
Local gas station mogul and owner of the new Dunkin' Donuts in Indio. He is spending huge on the Trump campaign, On his payroll, he has former Riverside County big shot Tom Freeman.
Riverside County GOP
The local party had been in hot soup already. Nathan Miller a high official a ranking official was made to resign after he tweeted that Hillary Clinton should be hung. Couple this with the fact that at it's "Salute To Law Enforcement" in June, the guest of honor was Milwaukee Sheriff David Clarke. This wing nut has recently called for what some perceive as an armed revolt if Trump loses.
Marion Ashley
The 5th District Supervisor was a Trump delegate at the 2016 election. He has a history of backing extreme right wing candidates and ha always clashes with Democrats in his District. A myopic man who remains very powerful.
It will interesting to see if local Democrats, especially the newly arrived, will go to the parapets and fight the local fight against this crew.
Steve Kelly is a blogger/broadcaster based in the Coachella Valley. He can be reached at kellyscorner227@gmail.com or followed on Twitter @skellynj
Richard Grenell
The Log Cabin Republican and Palm Springs resident has appeared on Fox News where he is a contributor. Besides peddling conspiracies, Grenell is one of Trump's high powered LGTBQ supporters who has said, "Trump is down with the gays." He also accused MSNBC correspondent Katie Tur of sleeping her way to her current post. Locally, he endorsed Rob Moon in the Palm Springs Mayor race last year.
David Wohl
Based in Riverside, this attorney got his start as a political pundit here on the CBS 2. Wohl is constantly on Fox defending Trump, occasionally going off the rails. My favorite story about him is when he tried interject himself in one of a myriad of cases involving Lindsay Lohan. She never hired him!! A complete publicity hound.
Nachhattar Chandi
Local gas station mogul and owner of the new Dunkin' Donuts in Indio. He is spending huge on the Trump campaign, On his payroll, he has former Riverside County big shot Tom Freeman.
Riverside County GOP
The local party had been in hot soup already. Nathan Miller a high official a ranking official was made to resign after he tweeted that Hillary Clinton should be hung. Couple this with the fact that at it's "Salute To Law Enforcement" in June, the guest of honor was Milwaukee Sheriff David Clarke. This wing nut has recently called for what some perceive as an armed revolt if Trump loses.
Marion Ashley
The 5th District Supervisor was a Trump delegate at the 2016 election. He has a history of backing extreme right wing candidates and ha always clashes with Democrats in his District. A myopic man who remains very powerful.
It will interesting to see if local Democrats, especially the newly arrived, will go to the parapets and fight the local fight against this crew.
Steve Kelly is a blogger/broadcaster based in the Coachella Valley. He can be reached at kellyscorner227@gmail.com or followed on Twitter @skellynj
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Awful Tragedy In Palm Springs Begs Answers On Gun Control
Like many residents of the Coachella Valley I was physically sickened by the killing of police officers Gil Vega and Lesley Zerenby. Unlike many of my friends, I support capital punishment in some cases and this is one where I feel it could certainly apply. Not only am I saddened but I am angry as well.
A report in the Desert Sun details the type of weapon used in this cowardly, vile ambush. An AR-15, armor piercing bullets and a bullet proof vest were utilized by the suspect. I am aware the he is a felon and as such not allowed to legally possess such a firearm. But alleged illegal access to such fire power obviously was no precursor to obtaining these weapons.
Palm Springs is in a county where the presiding Sheriff calls the AR-15 "America's musket". Yes, the same model gun that was used to kill the wife of one of his deputies. Palm Springs is also the town where 2 misguided council members voted against an ordinance that requires a the reporting of stolen weaponry. Our county shooting range is used by the vile NRA to put on shooting clinics. Yes that is the same NRA that has opposed banning armor piercing bullets since the 1980s and also has fought any attempt to ban the AR-15 weapons in any shape or form,
The same crowd that so loudly wants the death penalty and to "lock them up" is so strangely silent on our police being outgunned. Or they propose ridiculous solutions. One local media wag thought police should now be armed like the military, of course forgetting that a militarized police force will create so many more problems. How about getting rid of military style weapons that are openly sold at gun shows like the one our Sheriff Stan Sniff promoted on his Facebook page?
Now anyone mentioning sensible gun legislation will now be accused of politicizing this tragedy. So be it. If anything good can come out of this horrible incident, the shining of the light of exposure on these gun zealots in local government may be one thing.
In a Valley Voice back on June 17, 2016 in reference to RC Sheriff Stan Sniff, I wrote:
What I do not agree to is a sheriff who is using his office to further the objectives of a rabid band of irresponsible zealots who may one day use legally purchased assault-style weapons against the brave men and women he command.
I stand by that and hope after the services next week, leaders in the Valley will join together to address this issue.
Steve Kelly can be reached at kellyscorner227@gmail.com or @skellynj on twitter.
A report in the Desert Sun details the type of weapon used in this cowardly, vile ambush. An AR-15, armor piercing bullets and a bullet proof vest were utilized by the suspect. I am aware the he is a felon and as such not allowed to legally possess such a firearm. But alleged illegal access to such fire power obviously was no precursor to obtaining these weapons.
Palm Springs is in a county where the presiding Sheriff calls the AR-15 "America's musket". Yes, the same model gun that was used to kill the wife of one of his deputies. Palm Springs is also the town where 2 misguided council members voted against an ordinance that requires a the reporting of stolen weaponry. Our county shooting range is used by the vile NRA to put on shooting clinics. Yes that is the same NRA that has opposed banning armor piercing bullets since the 1980s and also has fought any attempt to ban the AR-15 weapons in any shape or form,
The same crowd that so loudly wants the death penalty and to "lock them up" is so strangely silent on our police being outgunned. Or they propose ridiculous solutions. One local media wag thought police should now be armed like the military, of course forgetting that a militarized police force will create so many more problems. How about getting rid of military style weapons that are openly sold at gun shows like the one our Sheriff Stan Sniff promoted on his Facebook page?
Now anyone mentioning sensible gun legislation will now be accused of politicizing this tragedy. So be it. If anything good can come out of this horrible incident, the shining of the light of exposure on these gun zealots in local government may be one thing.
In a Valley Voice back on June 17, 2016 in reference to RC Sheriff Stan Sniff, I wrote:
What I do not agree to is a sheriff who is using his office to further the objectives of a rabid band of irresponsible zealots who may one day use legally purchased assault-style weapons against the brave men and women he command.
I stand by that and hope after the services next week, leaders in the Valley will join together to address this issue.
Steve Kelly can be reached at kellyscorner227@gmail.com or @skellynj on twitter.
Friday, October 7, 2016
Your News My Views 10-7-16
Well a lot of stuff has been going on locally, so let us get right to it.
Your News: Desert Trip is ready, set, go.
My Views: This should be fun. Yeah the parody of it writes itself but I hope everyone has a good time. And that Roger Waters keeps his shirt on! Please. Also will be fun to see Palm Springs try to claim this as theirs. Considering that many newer residents of Palm Springs have never been to Indio, this one is rich.
Your News: Desert Sun endorses all 3 incumbents in Indian Wells Council race.
My Views: Not too surprising as peace has descended upon the good leaders of Indian Wells. It was amusing that the Desert Sun endorsed Doug Hanson and never mentioned the infamous hamburger "going where the sun doesn't shine" incident. That whole incident led to one of the best headlines ever in the Desert Sun. Mr. Hanson's son wrote a Valley Voice with the banner reading MY DAD DOESN'T NEED THERAPY. Classic
Your News; Desert Sun endorses Measure HH in Cathedral City
My Views; A big win for them.
Your News; Desert Sun does not endorse Greg Pettis in his re-election bid.
My Views: Interesting. Pettis who basically runs the city behind the scenes must not be too thrilled. He is running in tandem with John Aguilar. Instead the Desert Sun has endorsed Aguilar and Planning Commissioner Sergio Espericueta. I harbor no doubts that Pettis will be re-elected, Mr. Espericueta has been the subject of a whispering campaign that he is not proficient in English and is also a stooge being run by former Mayor Kathy DeRosa. Ms. DeRosa has vigorously denied any involvement in the campaign I guess those whispers did not dissuade the Desert Sun
Your News: Greg Rodriguez mounts good campaign in the 42nd District race against Chad Mayes.
My Views; Never easy to take on an incumbent and especially if that incumbent is the Assembly Minority leader. In order to prevail, Greg will need a huge plurality in Palm Springs. Considering that Mayes is a Liberty University graduate which is a red flag to the LGBTQ community, it will be a race if Rodriguez gets one.
Your News: I see Gary Jeandron, former PSPD Chief and failed Supervisor and GOP Assembly candidate at Starbucks today in Palm Desert.
My Views; Always a little sad because he is one of the few politicians who does not speak to me. Jeandron was a reasonable Police Chief but afterward, he started hanging out with a real mean segment of the local GOP. I called him out on that. I did decide and let discretion be the better part of valor as I did not ask him how his 2012 "investigation" into Dr. Raul Ruiz was going?
Have fun if you are heading to the concert.
Steve Kelly can be reached at svericker12@gmail.com or @skellynj
Your News: Desert Trip is ready, set, go.
My Views: This should be fun. Yeah the parody of it writes itself but I hope everyone has a good time. And that Roger Waters keeps his shirt on! Please. Also will be fun to see Palm Springs try to claim this as theirs. Considering that many newer residents of Palm Springs have never been to Indio, this one is rich.
Your News: Desert Sun endorses all 3 incumbents in Indian Wells Council race.
My Views: Not too surprising as peace has descended upon the good leaders of Indian Wells. It was amusing that the Desert Sun endorsed Doug Hanson and never mentioned the infamous hamburger "going where the sun doesn't shine" incident. That whole incident led to one of the best headlines ever in the Desert Sun. Mr. Hanson's son wrote a Valley Voice with the banner reading MY DAD DOESN'T NEED THERAPY. Classic
Your News; Desert Sun endorses Measure HH in Cathedral City
My Views; A big win for them.
Your News; Desert Sun does not endorse Greg Pettis in his re-election bid.
My Views: Interesting. Pettis who basically runs the city behind the scenes must not be too thrilled. He is running in tandem with John Aguilar. Instead the Desert Sun has endorsed Aguilar and Planning Commissioner Sergio Espericueta. I harbor no doubts that Pettis will be re-elected, Mr. Espericueta has been the subject of a whispering campaign that he is not proficient in English and is also a stooge being run by former Mayor Kathy DeRosa. Ms. DeRosa has vigorously denied any involvement in the campaign I guess those whispers did not dissuade the Desert Sun
Your News: Greg Rodriguez mounts good campaign in the 42nd District race against Chad Mayes.
My Views; Never easy to take on an incumbent and especially if that incumbent is the Assembly Minority leader. In order to prevail, Greg will need a huge plurality in Palm Springs. Considering that Mayes is a Liberty University graduate which is a red flag to the LGBTQ community, it will be a race if Rodriguez gets one.
Your News: I see Gary Jeandron, former PSPD Chief and failed Supervisor and GOP Assembly candidate at Starbucks today in Palm Desert.
My Views; Always a little sad because he is one of the few politicians who does not speak to me. Jeandron was a reasonable Police Chief but afterward, he started hanging out with a real mean segment of the local GOP. I called him out on that. I did decide and let discretion be the better part of valor as I did not ask him how his 2012 "investigation" into Dr. Raul Ruiz was going?
Have fun if you are heading to the concert.
Steve Kelly can be reached at svericker12@gmail.com or @skellynj
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Start Me Up!! Old Man Looks At This Life As Local Media Tends To Be Blowin In The Wind On Desert Trip
It sure is going to be a crazy 2 weeks here in the Valley as rock legends take the stage for Desert Trip. It will be interesting to see how the local media treats the spectacle. There have already been a few signs and they are not promising. Fawning coverage fueled by a need to be "hip" may equal a toxic, non-crafted brew. With past as prologue, here may be a few things you may be reading in upcoming days complete with helpful translations.
Statement: They may not be young, but they still know how to rock.
Translation: Old people dancing is just frightening.
Statement: It's just like when I was at Woodstock.
Translation: If your 19 year old self could garner access to a time machine. it would show up in 2016 just to beat you up.
Statement: Famed LA Designer/Chef/DJ/Hairstylist Oogie Boogie spotted in the crowd.
Translation: No one except those who watch Bravo at 430 in the morning has the foggiest notion who Oogie Boogie is.
Statement: The following celebrities were seen at Desert Trip..
Translation: I thought fill-in-the-blank was dead.
Statement: The Riverside County Coroner's Office is continuing to investigate but a heart attack is suspected.
Translation: All in all, Bob is now just another urn in the wall.
Statement: You would think at his/her age they would have known better.
Translation: Acid and being 70 don't really go hand in hand.
Statement: The crowd was hip and not the replacement kind.
Translation: Can't I turn a phrase?
Statement: Can't wait till next year!!
Translation: I wish Forest Lawn would stop sending me those mailers.
Steve Kelly can be reached at svericker12@gmail.com or followed on Twitter @skellynj
Statement: They may not be young, but they still know how to rock.
Translation: Old people dancing is just frightening.
Statement: It's just like when I was at Woodstock.
Translation: If your 19 year old self could garner access to a time machine. it would show up in 2016 just to beat you up.
Statement: Famed LA Designer/Chef/DJ/Hairstylist Oogie Boogie spotted in the crowd.
Translation: No one except those who watch Bravo at 430 in the morning has the foggiest notion who Oogie Boogie is.
Statement: The following celebrities were seen at Desert Trip..
Translation: I thought fill-in-the-blank was dead.
Statement: The Riverside County Coroner's Office is continuing to investigate but a heart attack is suspected.
Translation: All in all, Bob is now just another urn in the wall.
Statement: You would think at his/her age they would have known better.
Translation: Acid and being 70 don't really go hand in hand.
Statement: The crowd was hip and not the replacement kind.
Translation: Can't I turn a phrase?
Statement: Can't wait till next year!!
Translation: I wish Forest Lawn would stop sending me those mailers.
Steve Kelly can be reached at svericker12@gmail.com or followed on Twitter @skellynj
Monday, October 3, 2016
Measure HH In Cathedral City
I had a great time at the Desert Sun's political pop-up event on Saturday. There were of course, a lot of local candidates there. The sane, the reality-challenged, the good, the bad and the ugly. It was great to see a lot of folks I haven't seen in quite some time. At some of these events, I feel like Methuselah. In a fast moving area like the desert, I suppose that should be expected.
There were also issue tables as well. Since many of you know I live in Cathedral City, I paid particular attention to both the sides on Measure HH, the Charter City Ballot Initiative. I found it both interesting and flattering that both groups asked me I were running for council in 2018. I'll take a flyer on that for now. What was intriguing is what I learned about HH on both sides of the issue.
No On HH
The opponents of HH are really focused on one portion of the initiative. That being the end of the direct election of mayor and going to a council rotation system, Really nothing was said about the other aspects of a charter city such as more control in state relations and better contract negotiating ability. It was all focused on the mayoral question.
Yes On HH
This is the city powers baby. Nothing wrong with that. But they have a lot of work to do. I got a great explanation on one aspect of HH that many in the public do not know. The start of the mayor's rotation does not commence till 2018. Stan Henry will serve as mayor for 2 more years.
My Thoughts
A lot of the usual players in Cathedral City politics are here. The Yes on HH say a directly elected mayor with only a 2 year term leads to division on the council. Perhaps, but the mayoral rotation system has led to problems in at least one city out here, Indian Wells.
The city fathers say they all like each other so that can't happen. Harmony on city councils is like love in spring. Wonderful while it lasts, but usually oh so fleeting. At some point a council member is going to be elected who the rest don't like.
By the way, hats off to the YES on HH video on youtube. It plays EDM music while someone who is 35 years younger than anyone on the council dances.
If you live in Cathedral City, read both the pro and con. They have both some good arguments and some not-so-good explanations. Then vote.
Steve Kelly is a blogger/broadcaster in the Coachella Valley, He can be reached at kellyscorner@gmail.com or on Twitter at @skellynj
There were also issue tables as well. Since many of you know I live in Cathedral City, I paid particular attention to both the sides on Measure HH, the Charter City Ballot Initiative. I found it both interesting and flattering that both groups asked me I were running for council in 2018. I'll take a flyer on that for now. What was intriguing is what I learned about HH on both sides of the issue.
No On HH
The opponents of HH are really focused on one portion of the initiative. That being the end of the direct election of mayor and going to a council rotation system, Really nothing was said about the other aspects of a charter city such as more control in state relations and better contract negotiating ability. It was all focused on the mayoral question.
Yes On HH
This is the city powers baby. Nothing wrong with that. But they have a lot of work to do. I got a great explanation on one aspect of HH that many in the public do not know. The start of the mayor's rotation does not commence till 2018. Stan Henry will serve as mayor for 2 more years.
My Thoughts
A lot of the usual players in Cathedral City politics are here. The Yes on HH say a directly elected mayor with only a 2 year term leads to division on the council. Perhaps, but the mayoral rotation system has led to problems in at least one city out here, Indian Wells.
The city fathers say they all like each other so that can't happen. Harmony on city councils is like love in spring. Wonderful while it lasts, but usually oh so fleeting. At some point a council member is going to be elected who the rest don't like.
By the way, hats off to the YES on HH video on youtube. It plays EDM music while someone who is 35 years younger than anyone on the council dances.
If you live in Cathedral City, read both the pro and con. They have both some good arguments and some not-so-good explanations. Then vote.
Steve Kelly is a blogger/broadcaster in the Coachella Valley, He can be reached at kellyscorner@gmail.com or on Twitter at @skellynj
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