From the The Friends of Art Pimentel Committee: Fundraiser on Friday
You are cordially invited to a fundraiser to help re-elect Art Pimentel to the Woodland City Council.
Host Committee: Dr. Cirenio Rodriguez, Trustee, YCOE, Yolo County Supervisor Matt Rexroad, Woodland Mayor Dave Flory, Dr. Jesse Ortiz
Friday May 2nd, 2008
5:30-7:30PM
La Finca De Rivera Restaurant
534 Bush St.
Woodland, CA 95696
Tickets: $50
RSVP: 530-669-7781
Remit checks to:
The Friends of Art Pimentel Committee
1305 Fremont Street
Woodland, CA 95695
To access the computer generated ticket and sponsor form, click the title of this story. Sponsorship levels are available at $1000, $500 and $250.
Contributions to the friends of Art Pimentel Committee, ID#1301822, are not tax deductible as charitable contributions for federal tax purposes.
You may also order lawn signs at ArtPimentel.com.
59 comments:
Can anyone explain to me why Art needs SOOOOO much money? Isn't his war-chest already out of proportion with the other candidates? Does his accumulated money that does not get used for this election follow him to future possible elections? Maybe even to elections out of Woodland?
I would think that all this money grab is over-kill for this election. I also think that this type of politics could back-fire on him. Art is NOT in touch with Woodland's true needs. So far I only see Art's lawn signs.
I hope this election will NOT go his way. I would hate to think that the City Council seat he currently holds will be filled with the candidate who spends the most money to get it.
The political grooming and stroking he is getting from Matt and Dave are why I will not vote for Art.
Do you have any yard signs with the big red circle around them with a slash through it. I will take 20 dozen of those for me and all my friends.
He's going to take his money and run to Sacramento with his new best friend Matt, and Woodland will get six signs for their money
Art use your phone polling places here they apparently need the money
Five restaurants in downtown Woodland were cited for selling alcohol to minors during an undercover operation Saturday by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
The restaurants, all located along Main Street, were: Rico's Pizza at 171 W. Main St.; Cuatro Milpas Mexican Restaurant at 534 Main St.; El Chivo at 537 Main St.; Steve's Pizza at 714 Main St.; and Silvina's Basket at 816 Main St.
Art is running to get the most votes because he wants to be called "Da Mayor." Must not know about innate worth that is independent from people's applause and fawning.
Art is running circles around the other candidates.
He is going to be Mayor and deserves to be Mayor.
I notice Art is texting all the time while sitting at council meetings. Does he pay any attention to what is going on? Is someone telling him what to say? Why doesn't any of the other council members call him on it?
Art needs the money to remake his image. He has done a lousy job for Woodland so it will take a lot of money to make people believe differently.
I think Art will end up embarrassing Woodland. I have heard tales of his adventures in Woodlands sister city.
Who the young girls that come to my house and ask me to put up sign for Mr. Pimentel. Young girls call me on phone and ask me to only vote for Mr. Pimentel because he Mexican. I no think it smart to split people.
Hi everybody! I found the comment of the texting while at city council meetings very interesting.
I also find it very interesting that none, or at least to my knowledge, none of the candidates are posting what they have actually done for the City of Woodland while they have been in office.
10:03,
Are you sure???? Running circles???
Art rarely enters the discussions at Council meetings, he just sits there!
At the candidate forums he has that "deer in the headlights" look on his face. He has not been good at speaking to the issues.
Seems to me, the only way he can win re-election is by raising a TON of money. Even then I don't think he would get Mayor. I think Monroe has that sewn up.
Where would Art be without Matt Rexroad helping him? Is Matt really texting him during council meetings? I want to know. Is he telling Art what to say? Can the public find this out somehow since it is going on during the meetings?
Just what we need.....a Mini-Matt.
I heard that Matt was hosting Art's next fundraiser.
Flory is going to be working for Rexroad/Yolo County.
Who is looking out for Woodland that is not beholden to the county or county reps?
-Woodland Voter
Where would Jeff Monroe be without his wife telling him what to do?
Your right!
I would be lonely and sad. I value her opinion and her perspective on all things. She brings balance and harmony to my life. She has also given me beautiful children and she is my best friend.
Thank you for noticing by better half.
JM
Hi Jeff - nice recovery. Although I don't think that was the intention of the comment before you, it was nice of you to recognize Adrienne. I'll take the chance to say thank you to Tom. Most people don't understand the toll public service takes on your personal life. It's a sacrifice you and I have made gladly because of our commitments to service, but it goes unrecognized by most folks. They don't realize that the least of the work is the council meetings two or three nites a month. It's all the other stuff behind the scenes- the boards, commissions and committees council members serve on, meetings with constituents, meetings with project proponents, meetings with the City Manager, meetings with the County, school district, Chamber, workshops, budget retreats, keeping updated with everything going on, that eats up the time, and if you get involved at the state level as I did with League of Cities and the state-wide LAFCO board, you'll find yourself saying good by to any free time and weekends in a hurry. So hurray for the family members who stand behind us and support us - we couldn't do it without you.
PS - the oath of office for council members is the same as for the President - "Protect and defend the Constitution of the US (and the Constitution of the State of California) from all enemies, foreign and domestic, etc. It says nothing about how you do that, nothing about economic development, public safety, etc. . However, if you don't know whom you work for- the people who elected you , namely the City of Woodland- you shouldn't run. There is no confusion in my mind whom I would work for if elected to Council. That doesn't mean we shouldn't learn to play nicely with the agencies that share the sand box with us - my experience is you gain a lot more by cooperation than by confrontation.
Martie Dote
Martie,
Never in the history of the 3rd District Supervisor of Yolo Country has there been a more bombastic, undignified representaive than the current occupant.
Matt Rexroad fialed Sandbox 101.
Many are hoping that you will not make the mistake Art has made.
If Rexroad offers to host a fundraiser for you, politely decline.
- Trudy (True D)
JEFF MONROE FOR YOLO COUNTY SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 3 !!!!!!
I think its time for a real man to take the lead and bring TRUE leadership back to the 3rd District. Matt has failed us! I would love to see Jeff Monroe take that position away from Matt in the next 3rd District election. Jeff is a TRUE PATRIOT we can trust!
Mike,
Woodland
Hi Mike - the election for 3rd District Supervisor will be in 2008midway through Jeff's council term (assuming he's re-elected). Are you suggesting he leave the council to run for supervisor? I don't think Jeff plans on that. Also, unless Matt runs and wins in 2008, it will be a moot point.
Martie Dote
Back to the original post,
Art is still just sitting back in his easy-chair, and letting Matt pull his political strings. I just read Matts blog about JM's signs and how much they must cost. Funny when his "boy" is under fire, (on this blog) Matt deflects the charge (on his own blog) away from him.
Art does not even seem to realize what is going on around him. If he did we would be reading his comments here like the other candidates are doing.
On the JM sign issue? I do like the Denny Design plug. Denny owns a downtown business. JM chose to support a local business. Where is Art's support of Woodland's downtown businesses?
Hey Art, where are you, what have you done for our downtown in the past, and what are your plans for it's future?
Martie Dote,
Sorry to spoil your factual parade there, but Matt just won in 2006, took office in 2007, he is up in 2010!!! Check your facts before posting. Which he has clearly said in public he will not run for two terms. I know I heard it!
Mike
Woodland
It is shameful for a candidate to be so prominently featured on a developer's site just as it is equally shameful for these candidates to be accepting such huge donations from developers. Besides, why anyone would want to be associated with such a lousy, low-end project like the Riteaid at East and Main is beyond me.
Location Location Location.
Go Monroe. Ad space is key and good for you for getting someone with a key location to let you reach the maximum number of people. Maybe it will inspire more people to pay attention to local politics. Get involved and learn more.
No one knows or cares who is on the deed for the dirt. They are just jealous. The vast majoirty of people just barely read the campaign ads and if tehy actaully remember to vote....it's a miracle.
A few political hacks can obsess about minutia. Let them. Keep reaching out to engage the most "real people" you can, any way you can.
Art is doing the same thing only with different strategy using Rexroad affiliation money from southern CA. But his mailers are slick. Best big money can buy. He has a phone bank calling people too. Some are paid and expensive.
Hi Mike - yeah, I realized I was off two years after I'd posted. Thanks for the correction, although other than the date mis-cue, the facts are correct. Matt's seat comes up mid-term for any council member elected this year. I also think it will be an open seat in 2010.
Martie
8:07 AM
What's it like to have no character, no qualms, no morals and no principles?
You're pathetic. It ought to matter to everyone that a candidate is affiliating himself so closely with a developer who has a reputation for coercing councilmembers. It's unbecoming and undermines any confidence a thinking person has in how trustworthy that candidate can be.
You ought to think a little harder about some of these issues. Either that or go climb in bed with Petrovich yourself. You'll apparently have plenty of company!
Hey 6:12 PM
Check your facts. I have heard that Pimentel has had fundraisers immeidately right before key Council votes on development issues.
Monroe has never had fundraisers for ANYTHING, NOT ONE in between elections. In other words, his votes are not for sale.
Council elections begin and end in Woodland in about 2-3 months.
FOUR YEARS is a long time to play games.
If it's true that Monroe has never had a fundraiser ANY time during the 4 years while in office, then doesn't that record speaks for itself!?!
Can Pimentel say the same???
How many people were actually at this Pimentel Fundraiser?
Does anyone know because soemone I know went who said that there were like 25 people - total. Including about 10-15 of Art's family and Rexroad's staff/family which left about 8 people as attendees.
Rexroad was boasting about Art before as setting the standard for fundraisers int his race. Yet there has been nothing but silence about this last fundraiser.
Did Art top out/max out in that first kick-off?
Where can we go to find out how much money was raised at this 2nd event?
**Follow-the-$$$
If you guys dig deap enough, you will see that the seller (the one who sold it) of the Petrovich property (Costco) can be trailed back to someone in the 3rd district and current city council........now there's your clues. do your homework and ALL OF IT WILL COME TOGETHER. HAPPY HUNTING!!!
J.R.
Some of you are making accusations without any facts such "Art is doing the same thing only with different strategy using Rexroad affiliation money from southern CA... Pimentel has had fundraisers immeidately right before key Council votes on development issues." IF YOU HAVE THE EVIDENCE POSTE IT. You must vbe supporting Jeff. Since Jeff reported Art to the DA several yaers ago, you should do the same on Arts's events right before key votes on development.
As to Art's last event, I am sure that we will knolw how much money he raised when the next report is due. I do know that over 30 people attended.
Art will be elected and said to say so will Jeff.
Although I appreciate some of my more avid defenders on this website. Please do not make disparaging comments against any other candidates in the council race in my name.
I have said this before, I am not running against Art. I am running for reelection to my council seat. I am running a positive campaign and just plugging along doing my own thing...which means lots of walking.
One thing I think I need to make clear because it keeps coming up. I did not turn Art into the DAs office. If anyone claims I did they are lieing to you.
Please call me if you want to know what happened but out of respect for Art I have stayed away from the subject in public forums.
JM
662-4213
1:40
You need to put more effort into your comments. No "texting" language here.
Anon 9:42am
Where did you go to school? Use spell check. Can't figure out if you are for Art or against Art.
Ithink the fact that Matt keeps posting these documents on Art and the $10k bribe only shows that Jeff Monroe did the right thing to avoid being accused of a cover-up himself.
Monroe is a sheriff. He would lose his job if he got involved or tried to hide it. He did the right thing.
Also, I don't believe it was porved that Art didn't do it. Only that they never found a second witness to corroborate the sworn statement of the first witness so it died then.
"Not worth prosecuting" does not mean "innocent."
Whatever Art did or didn't do is hiw own issue. Not Jeff's. He could not help that they came to him. They probably did because he is a cop. If they had brought it to the City manager directly, the city manager would have done exactly the same thing he did here.
EXCELLENT POINT!
Hey, MATT REXROAD:
WHY DON'T YOU POST THE DOCUMENT FROM THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY INVESTIGATION THAT WOULD SHOW ART WAS FOUNF INNOCENT? YOU COULD CLEAR THIS UP PRETTY QUICK IF HE WAS ACTUALLY FOUND INNOCENT, RIGHT?
POST THAT ON YOUR WEBSITE FOR ALL AND SUPPORT YOUR POSITION ON THE FINDINGS - IF YOU CAN.
- SHOW ME THE PROOF
7:52
In this country, people are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Rexroad is obsessed with Monroe and obviously working for Pimentel. Whatever he posts will probably be doctored.
Look at what he doing to that poor woman on CR 18c. How do we go about recalling Rexroad? He is really bad for this town.
Why is Rexroad pushing this Pimentel issue about the DA. Doesn't it just make everyone think maybe Pimentel is a crook. You do not catch the smart ones.
Thank you Dino! I am new to this blog and was not aware of Rexroad's website, his postings or of the various other posting on your blog where this issue is being debated.
What a troubling issue this is! As a concerned Woodland voter and resident, this is all coming into focus for me: Mr. Monroe was in solidarity with the Caporales' efforts to renew their lease with the City. Mr. Monroe was also in solidarity with the various supporters of the Caporales, such as Brenda Cedarblade. Art was against the Caporales using City of Woodland property to sell alcohol and make a profit through concerts and Charreadas. Specifically he was against them making large profits off their concert and alcohol sales when none of the profits were coming back to the City who was leasing the property at a subsidized rate.
Jeff Monroe knew this but still forwarded accusations by the Caporales that Art had taken bribes??? This only sounds like a set-up to me.
Recap: Jeff is working with the Caporales to get their subsidized lease renewed and Art is against the proposition: yet Art is taking bribes from the Caporales? The only logical conclusion to make is that Jeff was doing the bidding of the Caporales in defaming Art.
You are a real stand up guy Monroe! "I did not turn in Art to the DA." No, but you put a city employee in a position where their only option was to investigate him. Yet, it is obvious you should be the one investigated for working with the Caporales to defame Art.
to 958am
how did you manage to twist that all around? i find your reasoning to get to your conclusion very confusing. i think you need to call Jeff and have a chat rather than make this topic so difficult to understand
I agree. It was not that the Caporalles were bribing At. The issue was the group split and the ones that caused problems with drinking and mayhem formed a new group and tried to get Art to kickout the good group (the Capporales) and let them take over. For this Art was said to have taken a $10,000 "consulting fee."
Still, the DA only prosecutes cases they have enough evidence to win. Guilty people go free every single day, but only because the taxpayers pay for the courtroom folks. They only try the cases they know they can win.
I too would like to see the document that would prove Art's hand were completely clean. And I wonder why they do not choose to post the document where it is written that Art was 100% innocent.
Give it up people.
Jeff, you don't need to defend yourself. Art's friends do him a huge injustice by asdking you to speak up. Your silence has been honorable but maybe you should tell the story and let Art dig himself out. This is his issue. Not yours.
To 11:38,
Is it true that the Caporales split? Were the people pushing for the subsidized lease not the same people that would continue holding large concerts where alcohol is served?
From watching this unfold from the City Council chambers, Art was never in favor of anyone getting a subsidized lease when they were going to turn a profit, off of concerts and alcohol sales, while not benefiting the City of Woodland or its residents. Basically, that it was a misuse of taxpayer funds to subsidize their activities. If Caporales were going to hold concerts and charreadas with alcohol sales, they should pay the fee for a full lease.
If the Caporales did split into two factions, then please educate us by providing some further evidence of that fact.
What's with the "subsidized" lease? A lease is a lease. There is just one price to which two parties agree.
Alcohol is served at events held at the Community, Senior and Dog Center.
Served or Sold for profit?
I say both.
Rental info from cityofwoodland.org:
Banquet Room, Kitchen & Patio range from $2,310 - $3,720
Events with alcohol require security and an associated fees.
Hello All.
The claim on Mr. Rexroad's website that Jeff and I were somehow responsible for the Flatlander is just false.
I've heard some people say they like the Flatlander publication "because it is different." Others say it is too harsh on local elected officials.
I can only guess that Art or Matt are concerned that people are going to do another publication for this upcoming June election and that fear prompted his accusation and finger pointing to Jeff and me.
If they are planning to do a paper, I am not part of it. Nor is my husband. Not in the past either.
Mr. Rexroad should offer a retraction and remove it from his website.
If anyone wants to e-mail my personal e-mail
AdrienneMonroe@sbcglobal.net
I'm a working mom, very busy and can't follow these blogs much.
Thank you.
Adrienne Monroe
Dino,
Municipalities will often offer leases below "market-value" to organizations that are offering not-for-profit activities and services. These could be K-12 related non-profits that do work to support the mission of K-12. Sometimes the City of Woodland or School District might offer space at a "subsidized" or "below-market" rate because their activities benefit their constituents.
I assume a previous blogger was questioning whether the Caporales are providing a public service in return for their lease, which I assume, is not the full "market-value."
Hope that helps.
Dino,
As you know, through your coverage of the WJUSD's dealings with their new building: "market-value" is important in determining how public funds are expended or utilized.
The question is: does the work the Caporales do justify their lease falling below market value? Especially since they are offering programming on City Property. Does their work serve the City of Woodland or its constituents with programming that is beneficial and in line with the mission of the City of Woodland.
Just some brief thoughts on your question of "subsidized" leases.
5:10 and 5:15
I understand how a city might offer a lease for below market value. I don't understand the correlation between Los Caporales and the school district... other than there are public funds. In the case of the school district, the funds are going out. In the case of the rodeo, the funds are coming in.
The question I had was specific to a subsidy the city was supposedly providing the group. The city can fulfill its mission by allowing a nonprofit group access to a facility at a reduced rate. One of the benefits provided to citizens by this arrangement is that the group fills a niche the city can't service.
Apparently, one way the group raises money is through alcohol sales. Of course it would be sold at a profit, just like at a Rotary event or a Holy Rosary auction.
Sorry... I just don't see the issue of letting a group use an otherwise wasted space. Are there other organization interested in the space? Does the city have other plans for it?
I'll leave the other campaign issue alone, I just wanted to clarigy the alleged subsidy comments.
Look into the organization more before making correlations between the Caporales and a church (holy rosary), or the Rotary.
By offering below-market rent, the City of Woodland is supporting/condoning the Caporales' events & mission. In essence the City of Woodland is offsetting the Caporales' cost to operate.
I am sure there are plenty of other organizations or businesses that would want to have the City of Woodland subsidize their rent cost, whether that be at the Caporales site or other locations throughout the City.
Dino: do you think this is the type of business the City of Woodland should be involved in?
6:35
You don't make sense.
Selling alcohol is a way many non-profit organizations make money. Period.
There is no subsidy provided to Los Caporales. Period.
Both parties negotiated the lease. Obviously, the renter wants the lowest price possible. Period.
Do I think this is the type of business the City of Woodland should be involved in? The rental business? Yes, they already are. The rodeo business? No, that's why they're leasing the space. The city does not, and should not put on rodeos. They would suck at it.
It has been reported that the Caporales make over $60,000 dollars per event during the Summer and hold at least one event per month. Where does the money g? It goes to pay the music groups, publicity etc. Most of it goes out to business people from Sacramento and Mexico. Not much stays in the community. Yet, it is public property leased to Los Caporales at a very low rental. If such property was leased at market value, it would generate more mony to the city. Yes, the residents of the city are susidizing these event so outsiders can make money. Here is a solution. Brenda should rent her property for Los Caporales to hold their events.
I jst red the lettters on Matt's blog and it raises some interesting question. Why did Grace approach Monroe with the letter. She works for the county and would be familiar with the existence of the DA. But no, she contacted a council member who was supporting Los Caporales. It smells fishy? It seems to me that the proper thing that Jeff should have done was to refer Grace to the proper authorities and not get involve in the issue. Why did you do it Jeff? It questions your judgment if not your integrity.
7:55
Sorry, I just don't see the subsidies. Perhaps you can produce the grant letter or any other pecuniary documentation that supports your claim.
Also, you made the mistake in showing your hand with your so-called solution. Thanks for your untarnished insight.
8:13
"She works for the county and would be familiar with the existence of the DA." That's brilliant.
8:13, Jeff is also a sherrif. He would seem to be the most direct route to authorities, you might say.
Duh
Why is it that Art's people say Jeff should have told Art or else go directly to the athorities?
Seem to me Jeff took the option in the middle by allowing the city attorney (who also represents Art) and allowed the city attorney to review it.
The city attorney then turned it over to the District Attorney.
Art's people are just not logical.
They prefer one extreme or the other.
Diplomacy is all about finding the best medium. They don't get it.
Here is a simple ethics test:
If you were am elected official and you received numerous verbal complaints and one signed affidavit alleging misconduct by one of your fellow council members what would you do?
1. Go to Art and cover it up.
2. Give it all to the city attorney and ask for an opinion.
3. Go directly to the DA
We all know that Matt, Art and Art's supporters say Mr. Monroe should have covered it up. What does the general public think?
Mr. Monroe - you should post this question in the Daily Disapointment. Let the community decide. It is obviously being used for some weird political spin propoganda by Matt and Art. Matts spin just gives me the subliminal message that Art is probably crooked. Matt is trying to kill the messenger and divide the community with political spin.
The allegation was that Art was taking bride money from the Charros who wanted to have the rodeo site for their own after Los Caporales kicked them out for drinking and fighting. Find out who Art was supporting people!
Mr. Monroe did the right thing and the rest of council agreed with him. It wasn't the easy thing - it was the right thing to do.
God bless you Mr. Monroe
"We all know that Matt, Art and Art's supporters say Mr. Monroe should have covered it up."
I'm not a big Monroe supporter... but if I were, the overwhelming abundance of exactly these kind of ridiculous comments would make me so embarrassed of the sounds emanating from my own camp -- I would have a hard time displaying the same sign.
Art should tell Matt to stop bringing this back to life.
People are beginning to doubt Art again.
Anon 12:03
I am not in Mr. Monroe's "camp" and I doubt he knows I am posting or remembers who I am. I had an issue with the city once and he handled it for me. Never asked for anything in return.
I followed the story of Los Caporalas very closely and I have been to several of their rodeos. It is a cultural event. That is its value to this community. Arts problem with them is they are not political and would not give him a cut or donation if you prefer.
If you are not in Mr. Monroes camp, you need to get to know him better.
We need more like him.
Post a Comment