Archive for September 5th, 2012

EarthQuest watch.

Wednesday, September 5th, 2012

Promoted from a comment left by SoapBoxMom:

Don Allen Holbrook’s frivolous harassment suit seems to be falling apart. He has dismissed the case against the Houston Press and Craig Malisow before they even had the chance to file a response. Malisow was the linchpin for Holbrook’s entire case.

Holbrook is still pursuing the remaining parties, including the John and Jane Doe taxpayers who have commented in these matters of vital public concern. Trying to silence folks discussing where their tax dollars are going is an outrage! I don’t think he should ever receive another dime from a governmental entity ever again!

I couldn’t find a mention of Holbrook dropping his suit on the Houston Press site, but I did find this quite interesting article on Holbrook and some of his more…colorful claims. For example, Holbrook claims to have “launched the first economic development Web site in the world in 1991”. Hmmmmmmmmm.

Posted in Clippings | 3 Comments »

Banana republicans watch: September 5, 2012.

Wednesday, September 5th, 2012

We previously mentioned the lawsuit by former police chief Randy Adams against the city of Bell over unpaid severance.

The other shoe has dropped: the city is suing Adams and wants all the money he was paid, plus “a portion of the $20 million the city estimates it lost as a result of a corruption scandal that led to the arrests of eight former civic leaders.”

The suit also asks that Adams be forced to pay the city’s costs to settle a whistle-blower lawsuit brought by Bell police Sgt. James Corcoran. Corcoran went to Adams with allegations of voter fraud, unlawful vehicle seizures, illegal selling of building permits and two instances of sexual harassment involving Rizzo. According to the lawsuit, Adams became upset when Corcoran told him he had taken the information to the FBI.

Corcoran was demoted, placed on “administrative leave”, and Adams “started an investigation for insubordination”.

After he was told he would be fired, according to the suit, Corcoran retired and sued the city. He recently settled for $400,000 and won back his job on the police force.

Meanwhile, the bankrupt city of San Bernardino is considering…cutting the city’s budget. No, really. (Edited to add: Or maybe not.)

I noticed this article yesterday, but didn’t have time to read it: Lawrence also sent me a link. Basically, police unions in California are behaving like bullies towards people who criticize them.

At a press conference held by [Costa Mesa Councilman Jim] Righeimer to spotlight the behavior of unions associated with Lackie, Dammeier & McGill, Councilman Fred Smith of Buena Park, who has also taken a tough stance on unions, said a uniformed officer approached waitresses and demanded to know why their restaurant had a Smith for Council sign in the window, as their squad cars blocked the restaurant parking lot entrance. Elected officials shared examples of threatening statements and text messages by police union operatives. [Costa Mesa] Councilman [Gary] Monahan has in the past said police have staked out his bar and pulled over patrons as they leave to harm his business.

Posted in California Über Alles, Clippings, Law | 1 Comment »