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Ralph Hutchinson June 12, 2013 at 02:00 pm
FROM HIS MPR WEBSITE: Most recently, he handled the controversial March 2007, Measure B campaign, a…Read More parcel tax increase for the Sonoma Valley Health Care District that increases the funding for their local hospital over the next five years. There was mass confusion and controversy amongst voters as it relates to the hospital. The polling indicated that the highest watermark for Measure B was 59%. The campaign needed 67% to be successful. Measure B passed with 74% of the vote.
Ralph Hutchinson June 12, 2013 at 02:07 pm
Wasn't Ron Burkle, Darius Andersons old mentor from Ralph's Grocery Stores-Yucaipa? And Doesn't…Read More Darius host State Assemblymen from San Luis Obispo on junkets to Cuba and aren't these same Assemblymen from San Luis Obispo where another big Development Center a sister to Sonoma Development Center reside.
Are we starting to see the same patterns of cronies popping up again? Any other names below on Darius Anderson's like of clients he lobbies for and also connected to Muelrath? From his MPR Website: His work for previous clients includes consulting for Waste Management, Ralphs Grocery Stores, Sprint PCS, and Chevron, directing public affairs/grassroots lobbying programs. He also assisted in crisis management for Mobil Oil Corporation. Mr. Muelrath attended California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and studied Agricultural Science and Political Science.
sal nero June 12, 2013 at 05:43 pm
Burkle recently assisted Anderson in Sacramento to retain the NBA team before exiting, assuring…Read More redevelopment of speculative property purchased by Anderson. They have worked on several developments including Treasure Island, which lost its Chinese financing partner only very recently. These guys do the same things over and over. Is it really a stretch to imagine a Casino locally? Just keep whispering to yourself "it can't happen here, can't It?"
Hey Dorothy, you're not in Kansas anymore !!!
Ralph Hutchinson June 13, 2013 at 03:22 pm
Rumors are that the Chamber of Commerce, Grange, Vintners & Growers, Hotel Owners, Restaurants…Read More and many other small businesses are jumping on the Living Wage bandwagon started by Darius Anderson and his proposed 59 room hotel Project Sonoma formerly Chateau Sonoma.
Darius partnered with Ben Boyce known local supporter and leader for Living Wage public policy to formulate a plan and press campaign for his hotel. They both rolled it out simultaneously in the Index Tribune and Sonoma Sun a few weeks ago. The Facebook page from Kenwood Investments now titled Sonoma Hotel Project linked the article and applauded Ben Boyce's literary efforts citing it as a great article.
Its unclear what impact this move by Anderson may have on the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria casino in Rohnert Park. Station Casinos the operating company and client of Darius Anderson from Las Vegas has a checkered past in dealing with organizing labor the various applicable unions. A simple Google search will reveal loads of negative press on Station Casinos and labor relationships as well as sanctions and complaints. Darius Anderson and his policy has the chance to make a major impact on casino wage policy. Afterall Darius is responsible for bringing us Cows Not Casinos to Sonoma Valley back in 2003.
It is possible this wave of Living Wages policy could also spread wildly throughout the State with all of Darius Anderson's contacts as a lobbyists and consultant. At least to the various Station Casinos affiliated casinos.
This strategic alliance of Anderson and Boyce on Living Wages could in fact make him a "poster child" or sorts and further the agenda throughout the County and beyond. Many are starting to formulate different opinions about Darius Anderson one not just of personal profiting off the backs of others, but in giving back to the working class and ensuring reasonable wages and benefits. This could boost his public image in Sonoma Valley. It remains to be seen if he can use his lobbying skills to turn the local business community into supporting Living Wages as they typically are dead set against.
The local grape growers and wineries may also likely come around since they are all seemingly so closely ties to the hotel growth initiative then they must also be supporters of Living Wage efforts recently launched.
Ralph Hutchinson June 18, 2013 at 03:17 pm
The grassroots understands the National Press has been alerted to Darius Anderson's stance on Living…Read More Wages with the Sonoma Hotel Project of Kenwood Investments and will be watching closely. This could become a National "feel good" story on one of the evening magazine programs before year-end. This move has really become a game changer in Sonoma. I still can't figure out how Darius got the Chamber of Commerce, and the conservatives to go along with his idea to sweeten the pot for his new hotel. Labor Costs could double for most Sonoma small businesses thanks to Darius Andersons personal powerplay. How in the world does he explain that to his constituent group?
sal nero June 13, 2013 at 07:50 am
Isn't it astounding that someone who purports to be a protector of the public's trust/news could…Read More nakedly shill for their own and their partner's profit? It was only 10 short years ago that The Lynchs had the Sons of the Golden West historically dedicate the Index-Tribune Building with a commemorative plaque. If they weren't to be believed back then why should we believe them now? On top of that, selling to someone who is a regular redeveloper is a very bad sign for Sonoma. On top of that, selling to the very one who's proposed Sonoma's Casino Bill Lynch described as "a nightmare" (4/23/03 I-T Op-Ed) is as hypocritical and cynical a move as can be imagined. There isn't enough shame to heap on them!
Ralph Hutchinson June 13, 2013 at 09:33 am
Crony newspaper used to serve Lynch and his cronies now just shifted over to serve Darius Anderson…Read More interests and that circle of cronies. Just a mouthpiece to tout personal interests not cover any fair and balanced news. Whats funny is Bolling routinely screams how he is independent and publishes anything he wants not what Darius tells him to. Well Bolling...the general public see it differently and this is yet another example.
Actions speak louder than words.
Chris Scott June 14, 2013 at 11:36 pm
Mr Nero ; In the IT letter to the editor (LTE) you refer to I showed Mr Kozel that in the fall of…Read More 2012 Ms Hainstock never wrote a letter supporting Valerie Brown's candidacy..Valerie Brown was not running for supervisor in 2012............................[ Link to the Mr Kozel's IT LTE: http://www.sonomanews.com/News-2013/No-hell-to-pay-for-no-disclosure/ ] which contains links to Ms Hainstock's LTE in the PD and IT (the same letter appeared in both papers.).....
.............. Ms Hainstock did write a letter supporting the candidacy of Mr. Sawyer who was running for Supervisor. ........................... Please let me know if you need any further assistance. Just post your contact info here and I'll get in contact. ........................Chris Scott .................................................................................................................. PS: The formatting is so screwed up because the editor does not recognize or insert page or paragraph breaks. I had a better text editor 25 years ago writing assembly code under UNIX. Them were 'da days!
Ralph Hutchinson June 11, 2013 at 01:55 pm
A groundswell is rumored on the wake of Darius Anderson's announcement that his new Project Sonoma…Read More Hotel would be paying Living Wages, a host of challenges and interest has been growing in the fact that this move may cause all the other Sonoma Valley hotels to pay Living Wages. But it hasn't stopped there, the local restaurants, the Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club, The Vintners and Growers Association, even the Rohnert Park Casino has been rumored to be considering Living Wages and/or Organizing Labor.
Darius Anderson may well have started a push that could put Sonoma County on he map for progressive liberal wage policy and become a model for the rest of America.
Ralph Hutchinson June 11, 2013 at 02:03 pm
Is Darius Anderson planning on developing the Sonoma Development Center? Didn't Dave Bolling say…Read More his boss was interested? Where will all the innocent residents go if the SDC is closed? All that for a casino, hotel, and some retail stores? Can Arnold Drive even handle that? Hey, where are the SAVE ARNOLD DRIVE people let's awaken that sleeping giant and see if Darius still wants to try to develop SDC huh? You know Darius just doesn't do his homework research when trying things in Sonoma Valley does he?
Chris Scott June 18, 2013 at 10:41 am
Mr. Hutchinson;
Patience is a virtue. One should always practice virtues. We viewed your post at…Read More the time of this writing. Presented with an opportunity today.
Chris Scott June 18, 2013 at 01:18 pm
Mr Hutchinson;
How many comments of yours and mine are you going to delete or have deleted today?
Ralph Hutchinson June 7, 2013 at 03:15 pm
Will the casino in Rohnert Park also get looped in with Living Wages and full Union Shop status? Is…Read More Ben Boyce working on that project now? Perhaps the new relationship forged on the Hotel Index Tribune with Boyce, can lead to Darius introducing him to the Station Casino people so Ben can discuss the benefits to the Las Vegas casino people? Perhaps Ben can also introduce the various Unions to the applicable parts of the casino operation as well? Gee this relationship just may change the way the entire Northbay Labor Relationships will go?
Will Shonbrun June 8, 2013 at 10:13 am
I applaud and encourage all Sonoma hotels to pay All their employees a living wage. I trust that…Read More Kenwood Investments will pay a living wage in whatever enterprises they now own or will own. And most importantly we can now expect all Sonoma hotels, vintners and growers to do likewise. Kudos to these good business folks for finally seeing the light and embracing just wages. Just think of the great public relations this progressive step will have on future tourism: Sonoma acts to defeat poverty!
Does it get any better than this? Chamber of Commerce, are you now aboard?
Ralph Hutchinson June 11, 2013 at 01:36 pm
Maybe the Grange will also get onboard with Living Wages after whipping up the oyster debate into a…Read More froth? Yannick?.....any interest in a little grassroots movement to make a real difference here in Sonoma Valley instead of the oyster farms in Marin?
The Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary, The Grange, the Vintners and Growers Association....just imagine the movement that Darius Anderson principal of Kenwood Investments developer for the infamous Chateau Sonoma French style Hotel now a Jack London theme so we hear.
Lets march on to the Rohnert park Casino and organize their Unions as well for Station Casino, Darius Anderson's consulting client who has a very poor relationship with organized labor in Las Vegas.
A change to right the wrongs...time will tell.
sal nero June 7, 2013 at 08:59 am
"Protect Sonoma" is a political action committee paid for by the currently proposed 59…Read More room hotel's chief partner, Darius Anderson. It must not be forgotten that 10 years ago he attempted, against Sonoma's wishes, to shove an Indian Casino down our throats. Its fair to ask why his prospective competitors would now back him. They had to be promised something, right? What was it? Could it be they were promised higher year 'round room occupancy by way of a nearby CASINO? Since he won't apologize or even acknowledge his role in that endeavor 10 years ago suspicions are appropriate. Otherwise why wouldn't he publicly reassure Sonoma that another CASINO attempt isn't in the wings in an effort to sweeten the pot and gain support for his oversized Plaza hotel proposal, right? Shouldn't trust be earned?
Ralph Hutchinson June 7, 2013 at 11:03 am
Last year the hotels begged for promotion dollars, this year they want to dilute the market by…Read More flooding new inventory. For some reason this seems hypocritical and poor policy. There must be some other promises on the table because it doesn't seem realistic to support overbuilding into an already soft market. Is there some referral game going on? Some promise of Hollywood packing the streets of Sonomawood? Something is just odd here.
Chris Scott June 7, 2013 at 10:20 pm
Mr Nero, Mr Hutchinson;
Thanks. Did not notice the scroll bar on the right.
That’s a…Read More beginning of the committee’s disclosure. Still need the balance; the same as for any initiative. You’ve seen this as shown for any voter’s handbook and on any initiative’s web site. Also committee members comments/posts signature includes “Member of (or affiliated with) PSC.” Transparency. Chris Scott
sal nero June 4, 2013 at 04:04 pm
The article in today's Hotel Index-Tribune is a sugar coated misdirection play in comparison with…Read More the dramatic horror stories told in the other 35 articles they printed about the SDC in the last year. The past "dog piling" by the Hotel I-T, the Press Democrat, the prospective developers' other local paper, as well as their friends at CalWatch is being seen for the cynical attack that it is on the weakest in society. Anyone else wonder why Gorin refused to reveal who she was discussing the plans with?
Ralph Hutchinson June 5, 2013 at 12:02 pm
State Senator Ron Calderon's office was raided by FBI. His office has not confirmed nor denied that…Read More he was with Darius Anderson on the recent Cuba junket as reported in the SF Chronicle. CalWatchDog narrowed it down to just 4 State politicians who would not confirm.
http://www.sfgate.com/news/crime/article/FBI-raids-office-of-Calif-state-lawmaker-4577287.php
sal nero June 5, 2013 at 04:18 pm
http://www.inedc.com/1-4851
This guy who has spent his career on the "legal" take…Read More refuses to say if he went to CUBA ? Probably because if he did he funded it as others have with lobbyist campaign contributuons.
Oh yes, its "legal" like a gaping loophole. Well, maybe that Fresno Station Casino meeting was just too much for the Vice Chair of the Cal Latino Caucus. They called the big DA and said the heat is on boss hogg. No can do !
http://www.casinocitytimes.com/article/station-casinos-fundraiser-for-california-lawmaker-canceled-after-timing-questioned-62174
Beth Hadley June 4, 2013 at 06:59 am
I have worked for over 30 years as a Special Education teacher for students with severe disabilities…Read More in three California State Hospitals as well as in local public schools. All through my career, the state has actively pursued a policy of transferring patients from the large institutions to the “least restrictive environment,” often a group home in the community.
This was an effective policy years ago when some people may have been too easily placed in an institution by their family. Community placement was seen as more humane and less costly. Sadly, one of the ways the state has saved money on community placement is by not developing needed supports in the community, such as therapists, doctors and dentists who are able to treat patients who are often non-verbal and may be aggressive or very medically fragile. One of my own students, a teenager who enjoyed going to school regularly while living at SDC, died needlessly within a year of community placement.
The residents that still live at our Developmental Centers have either dangerous behaviors or extreme medical problems. SDC offers care that cannot be found anywhere else. An example is the shops at SDC that fabricate unique equipment such as customized wheelchairs, special shoes, protective lap trays, etc. These products are not available in the community, although they are desperately needed. What if anyone could get a prescription from their MD or therapist and bring it to SDC to be filled? This would be tremendous service and bring in needed funding.
I challenge our government officials to fix the problems at SDC and then think creatively. Closing SDC would mean the irreplaceable loss of unique services and possibly would also mean turning over yet another public resource to private development. I am sending a copy of this letter to our representatives: Supervisor Susan Gorin, State Senator Noreen Evans, and Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada. I encourage everyone to join me in asking them to support the hard working staff and vulnerable residents of Sonoma Developmental Center.
Ralph Hutchinson June 4, 2013 at 11:55 am
Who has been talking to Gorin about developing SDC? Was it Darius Anderson? Who else is on the…Read More list? When was it and what were the topics of discussion? Can Darius use his connections to Governor Jerry Brown to make this closure a reality and in turn profit himself personally? How many other cronies from Sonoma Valley will he bring in on the deal? Is this what he's been promising the Chamber of Commerce people and hoteliers?
Ralph Hutchinson June 4, 2013 at 11:57 am
Has Gorin been talking to Susan Moore her campaign donor and head of the Friends of the Federated…Read More Indians of the Graton Rancheria the people from the Rohnert Park Casino that we chased out of Route 37@Lakeville during the "Cows Not Casinos" 2003 campaign?
M Cunningham June 1, 2013 at 02:18 pm
Link to Darius Anderson's Cuba tour guide company witj GaGa's agent.…Read More
http://cabuildingbridges.org/Board_of_Directors.html
sal nero June 2, 2013 at 09:32 am
Is this, perhaps, how one avoids sanctions in the Calpers pay to play investigations? Do these…Read More associations make it easier to get casinos into communities who never got an opportunity to vote whether they wanted it, like Rohnert Park? Do these associations make it easier to have the Gov's ear in proposed access to either landless Indian tribes or those that would propose lans swaps for SDC or the state parkland behind Ramekins or even right on the Plaza? Once a sovereign Indian tribe owns it ... ballgame over!
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2009/06/03/69337/donations-to-jerry-browns-campaign.html#.UatxiK421Rc
http://www.sacbee.com/2013/05/21/5435172/las-vegas-casino-hosts-fundraiser.html
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/07/16/4633154/gov-jerry-brown-at-center-of-off.html
sal nero June 2, 2013 at 09:42 am
Tribes have been swapping land, like rights to unbuildable Yosemite property in exchange for other…Read More property, which in the Yosemite case was traded to build a casino elsewhere. So why won't we hear a promise to never build a casino in Sonoma ? I think you know the answer.
Ralph Hutchinson May 31, 2013 at 07:51 pm
Good work Teri on the petitions for Preserving Sonoma. But I'm unclear on your position for living…Read More wages, are you saying now that Darius opened the door you want all hotels and wine bars to adopt living wage requirements? Oh boy....Darius isn't going to be making any friends within his Chamber of Commerce circles by opening a can of worms on living wages. Oh well...he is a Democrat who typically are Union friendly. Lets see where it goes.
Beth Hadley June 4, 2013 at 07:59 am
No one is talking about how what Sonoma really needs are "affordable" hotel rooms. We…Read More already have the Lodge, the Mission Inn, MacArthur Place, Sonoma Valley Inn, etc. They all cost $200-$300 per night or more. Families stay in Petaluma or Santa Rosa and maybe visit Sonoma for the day. I think they're missing the boat by talking about just the number of rooms - how about including some AFFORDABLE ROOMS!
Ralph Hutchinson June 4, 2013 at 11:46 am
Beth, I hear you but I don't think we are going to get the hoteliers to worry about affordable rooms…Read More because Sonoma Sine Country is really not a family destination, its a lovers destination for enjoying wine country living. Frankly nobody wants to see an EconoLodge or Motel 6 on the plaza.
Debra C. June 1, 2013 at 09:21 am
It seems to me that Anderson often misses what's directly in front of him. For instance, why choose…Read More a "French Chateau" theme for a Sonoma hotel in the first place?! Then in an attempt to appeal to locals, he changes it to Jack London - why? He's been handed the best theme of all on a silver platter - taking over a more than 100 year old building and business who's history is to provide the news of Sonoma . . . why not news and history of Sonoma theme? No doubt he has access to the archives which must contain some amazing photos and complete history of this community. And that would have much more appeal than any of his imported ideas!
sal nero June 1, 2013 at 09:41 am
The old archives were conveniently "lost" it appears for good around Feb 2011. No holding…Read More dirty bankers and other tricksters accountable. Or so they thought. Anderson has no interest in restoring them only to have the town be reminded of his 2003 Casino antics.
Ralph Hutchinson May 28, 2013 at 03:05 pm
Did Darius Anderson have a chance to bailout Sonoma Valley Bank when it was on the brink of failure?…Read More If so, who approached who? Clearly Steve Page of Sonoma Raceway and Suzanne Brangham of Ramekins/Generals Daughter brought him into the family several years before the failure. He also had ties to other borrowers like Ed Haury who owned the Bank of Marin building and got permits to build a 3-story structure. Just what was Darius' involvement when the bank was failing 2009-2010?
sal nero May 29, 2013 at 08:08 am
Published: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at 3:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at…Read More 3:49 p.m. Page Bank's downfall "EDITOR: I am a former director of Sonoma Valley Bank. The board and management of that institution are as fine a group of individuals and community leaders as I could ever hope to be associated with. The implication in your Sunday article (“Sonoma bank's downfall”) that any of this group might be the subject of criminal investigation is based on very thin gruel. Instead, you dignify the ravings of a former bank director and a malcontent serial blogger who had unsuccessfully sought employment at the bank. Both have personal axes to grind. When this alleged investigation eventually proves to be a) nonexistent or b) baseless, I trust you will reserve similar front page space in a Sunday edition to share that news. STEVE PAGE" Sonoma http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20110126/OPINION/110129662/0/SEARCH?p=3&tc=pg So what does Mr. Page/Sonoma Speedway/Thunder Valley Casino NASCAR/ EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBER HOTEL INDEX-TRIBUNE sponsor have to say now? Who cares. His record and public stands are abyssmal. Don't tell us about charity efforts. They are offset by all the damage. YES ON MEASURE C CO-CHAIR EMINENT DOMAIN LAND SNATCH ATTEMPT 77% AGAINST @ the Polls. As you can see above, this former SVB Bank Board of Directors member touts tainted and discredited bankers even as the "OLD" Press Democrat reports of the misdeeds were coming to light. He must have been in a closet when all of the shenanigans were being planned. Shouldn't he now publicly apopogize rather than tout another loser?
sal nero June 2, 2013 at 02:25 pm
Chris-You were almost there. Except now in apparent frustration, you decide to criticize the STID's…Read More own figures based on your personal re-draw of their geographic district to now include the huge fairmont-SMI. Did you realize it was auctioned last year as a foreclosure liquidation? In any event, you appear to agree in principle on my premise. You just argue with the number a little. BTW, it's "dilution", comprende? Look it up. However either of us characterize the nature of the subsidy, you make no attempt to explain the flip-flop you now argue I got the number a little wrong on. Its the STID's numbers, like I already said. "Its a type of lodging not offered in Sonoma..." Really ? You've just insulted most of your STID partners including Ramekins. I've stayed at nearly everyplace in town as well as many international destinations. You are wrong pal. These hotels are very nice. You are flailing like a drowning drunken teenager. Embarrassing.
Chris David June 2, 2013 at 03:04 pm
I had a feeling your civility would be fleeting Sal. However I won't join you down in the gutter…Read More you are typing from. I'm sorry you are unable to comprehend what I am saying. I think it just shows you have no business in this argument. Just because you keep using the word flip-flop doesn't mean there is one. More political jargon to hoodwink voters, because hoodwinking is the only chance you have of getting signatures.
Again you show, you do not understand the issue. Has anyone in the world ever said, "let's go to Sonoma for the weekend.. how about we stay at the Fairmont?.. oh, wait.. it's not in the city limits" So while that hotel is not in the STID, you claim a new hotel would hurt the other hotels by adding 12% more rooms.. when in fact the number is half of that. And I didn't insult any other establishment. This new hotel will offer a different type of lodging.. where is the insult?
Anger doesn't cover up stupidity. comprende?
The Mission Inn is now owned by Fairmont and will be managed much better
Chris David June 2, 2013 at 03:07 pm
And I'm done boys. I will leave your nasty little blog all to yourselves.. since you are the only…Read More ones reading it. It's sad this has gotten so ugly.. especially since we all have to live with each other when this is over. Most of you gentlemen.. have been gentlemen. If only you could control Mr. Nero. He is a detriment to your cause.
Goodbye
Ralph Hutchinson May 24, 2013 at 09:25 am
Local historical societies deemed these Lynch buildings to be historic and there is a mural also…Read More designated historical. It also comes down to the main point which is traffic and the Gucci-ization of the Plaza that Sonoman's don't want to see happen. Barry, if you knew the town you lived in you wouoldn't have had to drive by for a look. Darius Anderson has lived in Sonoma Valley for about a decade I believe I read and talk about a guy that has no clue about a town and its character and what its people value, WOW. Cows Not Casinos was round #1 of his defeat. His Kenwood winery got shot down, and now his #3 defeat will be his Chateau French style hotel...well he originally proposed that silly idea that had nothing to do with Sonoma now he tried to claim Jack London has something to do with Sonoma but frankly thats Glen Ellen and Oakland more over.
David Eichar May 26, 2013 at 06:19 pm
The Hotel Limitation Initiative by itself, will not preserve any historic building. If the…Read More initiative passes, and Kenwood Investments scales down the size of the hotel to be in compliance with the initiative, nothing in the initiative will prevent the Index-Tribune building from being torn down. That would be another fight, if the citizens of Sonoma wish to preserve the building.
Karen Kay May 29, 2013 at 12:31 pm
What this proposed hotel will do:
Create traffic congestion, increase parking issues, lower the…Read More occupancy rate for the City of Sonoma, raise the vacancy factor (so that lenders will take this into consideration when lending money on commercial hotels in the future and it will be more difficult to obtain financing...); it will not improve the look of the existing ugly buildings owned by the Deterts; it will not help raise the minimum or living wage, no matter what propaganda Darius wants to spout about unions etc...
Ralph Hutchinson May 23, 2013 at 09:56 am
Bolling declared recently in a Sonoma VIP meeting that Darius Anderson his boss WAS in fact…Read More interested in developing SDC. He laughed off the idea of putting a casino at the SDC location new development but failed to realize he CONFIRMED the most important piece...that Darius DOES want to gain control of SDC and the surrounding land and develop it to profit personally. WAY TO GO BOLLING...while you were swatting the flies (laughing about the casino), we're are bagging the elephants (confirming Darius' selfish intentions to KICK OUT innocent SDC patients for $$$). We'll be watching you two.
Ralph Hutchinson May 23, 2013 at 10:03 am
Smear campaign of the Index Tribune partnering with California Watch (relying on their connections…Read More of Bronstein and Falk former Chronicle people now partners or colleagues with Darius) and using Darius Anderson's Ramekins to host a bashing session to try to smear, embarrass, knock the SDC down and out so they can walk in and pick up the pieces to profit personally on the backs of innocent development patients. CLASS ACT Darius...you show a lot of character and compassion. But you LACK in Sonoma Valley values. Thats why your projects will not be accepted and ultimately its a rejection of you.
sal nero May 23, 2013 at 01:11 pm
Yes, Bolling has signed on for the whole enchilada. After all, he even moderated the "fake…Read More concern for SDC" shenanigans at Ramekins for the Hotel Index-Tribune late last year. Their feigned outrage about the abuse was ginned up sensationalism to oust the rest of the patients. Yes, Mr. Bolling was the face of that charade with the help of Bronstein and the Sonoma Media partners. Don't those people have enough money ??? Helping to kick out the developmentally disabled is about as low as it gets !
Ralph Hutchinson May 22, 2013 at 03:43 pm
Mayor Ken Brown followed his crony Steve Page of Infineon Raceway into the fray of the Measure C…Read More Hospital Eminent Domain snatch and he's following Darius Anderson Mr. "Cows Not Casinos" from his 2003 defeat. Will Ken pull out before he crashes and burns? All indications show he's stuck in the tractor beam of payoffs and gifts from The Candy Man Darius Anderson. I think we've lost him...For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
Chris David June 2, 2013 at 05:44 am
It's a real nice sense of community you all are creating. Bullying and picking on people.
Dear…Read More Ralph, Sal , and Larry. The city of Sonoma thanks your for your services in the past. But your "help" is no longer needed. Try pentanque or golf. Leave our town alone. Leave our citizens alone. With every post you show what ugly people you all truly are.
Ralph Hutchinson May 22, 2013 at 08:42 am
We've blogged his conflicts of interest, how many City Council or Mayors have a radio show platform…Read More to dispense their agenda? Ken has Gary Magnani the American Legion Commander on the show regularly and Gary is a card carrying founding member of Protect Sonoma? Ken took Gary to the Darius party at his Kenwood Ranch for Dianne Feinstein according to Kathleen Hill's gossip column so we know Ken and Gary are "toadies" for Darius taking his gifts. Ken already said in the Press Democrat he wouldn't be supporting the Preserving Sonoma initiative in not so many words. This is a big deal in Sonoma. Bill Hammet needs a Hail Mary as owner/operator of the radio and TV stations. He is under immense pressure by the banks who already foreclosed on the real estate to make major changes to the operations. Ken Brown is a "Franchise Player" with Good Morning Sonoma and Stan Pappas and many of the others in and around the show "beholden" to him for favors and doing Ken favors in exchange for coverage and Council favors. I mean think about it, Ken was at the healm the last 7+ years and the radio has been tanking, why would you keep the guy in that took the radio station down? Gotta fire the Leadership and get a new coach. I can't figure out why the Heck you keep around somebody like that though that's gonna be bad blood infecting anything new you try a recipe for disaster. In the corporate world you cut clean. Hammet is a good guy but this is another example of his weak leadership from a business perspective. He probably felt sorry for Ken since he pays him in the neighborhood of $10,000 a year out of the Common Bond fund as disclosed on Ken's political paperwork. Not to worry, My prediction....Darius and Bolling get Ken a paid column at the Index Tribune and he becomes an official spokesman for the Hotel while sitting as Mayor. Its ok cause under the ETHICS RULES OF DARIUS....everything is peachy keen and conflicts of interest are fine as long as you line the personal pockets of your owners. Pay to Play. Cows Not Casinos.
Ralph Hutchinson May 22, 2013 at 08:49 am
Sonoma City Mayor Ken Brown. Perhaps the headline should clarify for those who aren't in tune with…Read More Ken. He is famous like Madonna, Prince and others with just their first name but...he's on his way out I suspect after this blunder so close to Measure C Hospital Eminent Domain failure on the Leveroni Road Dairy Farm takeover led by his crony Steve Page of Infineon Raceway. And to think the dynamic duo are teaming up again with their new sidekick Darius Anderson who himself is 0-1 with Cows Not Casinos. What a bunch of "losers" backing causes with a snowballs chance in Hell. When will these cronies learn the People still control Sonoma Valley. We haven't all sold out to the elitists.
Jack Shmollie June 2, 2013 at 04:45 pm
"I mean think about it, Ken was at the healm the last 7+ years and the radio has been tanking,…Read More why would you keep the guy in that took the radio station down?"......... Now just a minute .No great fan of KB's radio expertise , but the radio station "tanked" from when he took over ? Tanked from what? It's a tiny signal that competes in probably the fifth or sixth largest radio market in the U.S. Think about how many better financed stations have come and gone in the Bay Area .The morning show is a very small percentage of the programming at the station .The bulk of what's on the air are a lot of shows about "nothing". Taro card readings, health club coaches , people telling us how to "enrich" our thought processes . WTH ? People volunteer their time , and in the case of DJ ,music shows , they supply their own recordings .It's a miracle really that it has survived as long as it has . It is a non commercial license .They cannot sell advertising "spots" the way a real radio stations can .It's not legal .There are the occasions that air real issues such as the hotel debate or city council meetings that provide great public service .Ken Brown either could not , or did not want to take many call ins where people may have had some lively debates on city issues . The most interesting talk shows include lots of arguments that make them interesting .Being mayor may have prevented him from making too much public comment .Few people on air at the station have any radio experience .You hear it in a lot of broadcasts . It's a mish mash of what many different people perceive to be "radio" . The station doesn't have money to pay real talent . As a matter of fact , the station has never been profitable as far as I know . Without some kind of government subsidies it is an uphill battle every day . So we will see what happens when the "new" morning show gets going . Bill Hammet has done the impossible really , to get it on the air . And we should be grateful for his efforts .
Ralph Hutchinson May 21, 2013 at 11:49 am
Flights, fight tickets, rooms and food in exchange for votes? More examples of quality ethics like…Read More those practices creeping into Sonoma Valley courtesy of Darius Anderson and his Pay to Play tactics.
sal nero May 21, 2013 at 01:09 pm
The UFC's owners are the Fertitta Bros., Station Casino's owners. They bought it for $1MM in 2001.…Read More Station filed for bankruptcy a couple of years ago on the Casino business part of the empire wiping out shareholders. The UFC was under this other shell and the profits have continued rolling in. Yeah, yeah I know its aaaaall legal.
Remember Leon Shahinian? The Calpers guy who went to Darius' house and then a MMA bout with either Darius or Kirk (he couldn't recall which)?
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/money_co/2010/08/darius-anderson-under-scope-of-calpers-pension-probe.html
Birds of a feather...
Ralph Hutchinson May 21, 2013 at 09:33 am
We need a graphic poll and it needs to stay up on the front page for a week to get a good read.…Read More Things scroll down out of sight too often especially important topics. Other Patch articles seem to stay up for days. Can you lock it in this time?
Ralph Hutchinson May 18, 2013 at 08:51 pm
I still say the People will be wise to these bush league tactics and the residents of Sonoma will…Read More vote against the destruction of the Plaza and our small town feel. We won''t sell out like Napa or Healdsburg and certainly we're not like the 101 corridor.
HAVE YOU TAKEN THE "DARIUS LIVING WAGE" PLEDGE YET ?
3 Comment 2 Recommend sal nero