Monterey County Herald | 02/11/2005 | Push for mandatory health
Now, does this qualify as galloping socialism, or is it still creeping?
SAN JOSE - A sweeping, bipartisan health reform plan that would require all Californians to purchase basic health insurance -- or have their wages garnished -- is drawing a lot of attention in Sacramento, but insiders say the plan in its current form doesn't stand much of a chance.
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Boing Boing: Witold Rybczynski on Disney's planned Florida community
Mystery Reader located this commentary on Celebration from a distinguished urban planning professor at the Wharton School. It contains the following pithy comment, with which I would agree based on my visit to Celebration:
"The truth is that despite its best efforts, the populist Disney Co. has produced an elitist product. This attractively designed town may be cause for celebration, but it is no panacea."
Mystery Reader located this commentary on Celebration from a distinguished urban planning professor at the Wharton School. It contains the following pithy comment, with which I would agree based on my visit to Celebration:
"The truth is that despite its best efforts, the populist Disney Co. has produced an elitist product. This attractively designed town may be cause for celebration, but it is no panacea."
Crime - More firebomb suspects sought - sacbee.com
The ever-vigilant Fred Pilot found this key paragraph in a story on a bunch of eco-terrorists:
The bombs were set, the letter states, "in honor of everyone ... who feels their rural lifestyles are being threatened by these mass-produced design communities."
The Auburn office building was targeted "as a statement against work and the horror of the cubicle," the letter said.
The ever-vigilant Fred Pilot found this key paragraph in a story on a bunch of eco-terrorists:
The bombs were set, the letter states, "in honor of everyone ... who feels their rural lifestyles are being threatened by these mass-produced design communities."
The Auburn office building was targeted "as a statement against work and the horror of the cubicle," the letter said.
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
TheKCRAChannel.com - News - Display Stirs Controversy In Land Park
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Nestled in a quiet Sacramento neighborhood is a very loud political statement that is testing the very foundation of the right to free speech. Hanging from a house in Land Park, a soldier's uniform in a noose dangles from a rooftop. The words "your tax dollars at work" are scrolled across the chest.
[more]
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Given that the neighbors are calling the police, I think we can safely assume there is no HOA. If there were, I think this offensive display would be long gone.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Nestled in a quiet Sacramento neighborhood is a very loud political statement that is testing the very foundation of the right to free speech. Hanging from a house in Land Park, a soldier's uniform in a noose dangles from a rooftop. The words "your tax dollars at work" are scrolled across the chest.
[more]
-----------------
Given that the neighbors are calling the police, I think we can safely assume there is no HOA. If there were, I think this offensive display would be long gone.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
O'Toole v. Los Angeles Kingsbury Court Owners Association
Here's a major decision on owners being ultimately liable for judgments due to board decisions--if the insurance company doesn't pay it, guess who does? Members--by special assessment, court-ordered if necessary.
Read and learn...
Here's a major decision on owners being ultimately liable for judgments due to board decisions--if the insurance company doesn't pay it, guess who does? Members--by special assessment, court-ordered if necessary.
Read and learn...
Sunday, February 06, 2005
The Daily Inter Lake:Man sentenced in HOA embezzlement case
Fred Pilot found this:
A man who embezzled from the Meadow Lake Homeowners Association was sentenced Thursday to 20 years with 15 suspended. Theodore Hodges previously pleaded guilty to theft and forgery, both felonies. He must pay restitution of $122,600, plus about $300 in fees in surcharges.
[more]
Fred Pilot found this:
A man who embezzled from the Meadow Lake Homeowners Association was sentenced Thursday to 20 years with 15 suspended. Theodore Hodges previously pleaded guilty to theft and forgery, both felonies. He must pay restitution of $122,600, plus about $300 in fees in surcharges.
[more]
The Daily Inter Lake:Man sentenced in HOA embezzlement case
Fred Pilot found this:
A man who embezzled from the Meadow Lake Homeowners Association was sentenced Thursday to 20 years with 15 suspended. Theodore Hodges previously pleaded guilty to theft and forgery, both felonies. He must pay restitution of $122,600, plus about $300 in fees in surcharges.
[more]
Fred Pilot found this:
A man who embezzled from the Meadow Lake Homeowners Association was sentenced Thursday to 20 years with 15 suspended. Theodore Hodges previously pleaded guilty to theft and forgery, both felonies. He must pay restitution of $122,600, plus about $300 in fees in surcharges.
[more]
Thursday, February 03, 2005
HOAs become hot-button issue in AZ
Homeowners associations and possible legislation that may affect HOA groups were a hot topic Wednesday as lawmakers met with Chandler residents at the state Capitol.
Sen. John Huppenthal, R-Chandler, told a group of Chandler neighbors he plans to introduce a bill in the Legislature making it easier for homeowners associations to change their rules.
[more]
Homeowners associations and possible legislation that may affect HOA groups were a hot topic Wednesday as lawmakers met with Chandler residents at the state Capitol.
Sen. John Huppenthal, R-Chandler, told a group of Chandler neighbors he plans to introduce a bill in the Legislature making it easier for homeowners associations to change their rules.
[more]
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Sunday, January 30, 2005
"Want to start a lively argument with your coworkers? Ask them what they think about covenants and homeowners associations..."
From the Denver Post, courtesy of Fred Pilot.
...Everyone has an opinion. They can get quite passionate about the issue, and the points of view don't always match political stereotypes.
Many liberals and most libertarians find the idea appalling. But considerable numbers of conservative suburbanites and communitarian Democrats think covenants are better than architectural anarchy.
From the Denver Post, courtesy of Fred Pilot.
...Everyone has an opinion. They can get quite passionate about the issue, and the points of view don't always match political stereotypes.
Many liberals and most libertarians find the idea appalling. But considerable numbers of conservative suburbanites and communitarian Democrats think covenants are better than architectural anarchy.
Saturday, January 29, 2005
Unearthing the Secrets of the Past: Remains Found By Workers at Georgetown Home
(washingtonpost.com)
The masonry workers carefully removed part of the old rowhouse's brick foundation and began excavating the dirt on the other side. First they came across some wooden planks. Then they found what looked like human remains -- a jaw, most teeth still intact, several joints, some ribs... She knew that a human skull had been excavated in her neighbor's yard nearly half a century earlier and that the park across the street stood on the site of one of the city's oldest and most prestigious burial grounds...
-------------------
I saw this film. In the next scene, the chairs are found mysteriously stacked on the kitchen table and the TV starts disgorging the walking dead.
(washingtonpost.com)
The masonry workers carefully removed part of the old rowhouse's brick foundation and began excavating the dirt on the other side. First they came across some wooden planks. Then they found what looked like human remains -- a jaw, most teeth still intact, several joints, some ribs... She knew that a human skull had been excavated in her neighbor's yard nearly half a century earlier and that the park across the street stood on the site of one of the city's oldest and most prestigious burial grounds...
-------------------
I saw this film. In the next scene, the chairs are found mysteriously stacked on the kitchen table and the TV starts disgorging the walking dead.
Monday, January 24, 2005
Annoying Neighbors : Humor and Horror Stories In Your Town
I haven't been able to post for a day due to some poltergeist in Blogger cyberspace. Here's something not to be missed. A sample:
jenkintown, Pennsylvania, United States
Last Updated: 10/1/2004 10:03:38 AM
I have this neighbor who has lived on the street since she was 7-get a life! Anyway she thinks she owns the block and she is the mayor or something. Well, it just kills her that I can't stand her and have basically said so. Then yesterday I get this page out of a self help calendar in the mail with no return address...can you say wacko? Anyway, I wrote on it that she wins, she is crazier than I thought and mailed it back to her! What a nutcase.
I haven't been able to post for a day due to some poltergeist in Blogger cyberspace. Here's something not to be missed. A sample:
jenkintown, Pennsylvania, United States
Last Updated: 10/1/2004 10:03:38 AM
I have this neighbor who has lived on the street since she was 7-get a life! Anyway she thinks she owns the block and she is the mayor or something. Well, it just kills her that I can't stand her and have basically said so. Then yesterday I get this page out of a self help calendar in the mail with no return address...can you say wacko? Anyway, I wrote on it that she wins, she is crazier than I thought and mailed it back to her! What a nutcase.
Sunday, January 23, 2005
Macomb Daily : Former Marine vows to continue fight to fly flag 01/23/05
A Macomb Township man said he will appeal a recent court ruling that forced him to remove a Marine Corps flag from the front of his condominium.
John O'Brien, a former Marine, said increasing and anticipated support from fellow Marines locally and across the nation contributed to his decision to appeal the December ruling in which a Macomb Circuit Court judge ordered him to take down the flag because it violates condominium association rules.
O'Brien argues that no rule exists preventing the flag, and the order violates his First Amendment right to free speech.
[more]
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A Macomb Township man said he will appeal a recent court ruling that forced him to remove a Marine Corps flag from the front of his condominium.
John O'Brien, a former Marine, said increasing and anticipated support from fellow Marines locally and across the nation contributed to his decision to appeal the December ruling in which a Macomb Circuit Court judge ordered him to take down the flag because it violates condominium association rules.
O'Brien argues that no rule exists preventing the flag, and the order violates his First Amendment right to free speech.
[more]
------------------
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Discovery Channel :: News :: Roman-Era Britons Lived In Suburbia
Now, that's what I call a story...
A spa treatment followed by a trip to the suburbs for a bit of shopping and dining sounds like a day in the life of a wealthy suburbanite, but it also could describe someone's schedule from around the 1st century A.D., as archaeologists in Bath, England have identified an ancient suburb located outside of Bath's main city center. Since suburbs dating to the Roman period also have been found around other major cities, such as London, the finding adds to the evidence that suburban living is not a modern phenomenon.
[more]
Now, that's what I call a story...
A spa treatment followed by a trip to the suburbs for a bit of shopping and dining sounds like a day in the life of a wealthy suburbanite, but it also could describe someone's schedule from around the 1st century A.D., as archaeologists in Bath, England have identified an ancient suburb located outside of Bath's main city center. Since suburbs dating to the Roman period also have been found around other major cities, such as London, the finding adds to the evidence that suburban living is not a modern phenomenon.
[more]
Boing Boing: Shag's house profiled in LA Times
Mystery Reader provides this glimpse into the life and crib of one Shag, a "pop surrealism artist," who lives the life of the cool and eccentric.
Mystery Reader provides this glimpse into the life and crib of one Shag, a "pop surrealism artist," who lives the life of the cool and eccentric.
Boing Boing: Relocation of Futuro-House
Mystery Reader send along this piece about a house that looks like a UFO...but the house, says the piece, is intended to reflect "the optimism of the 60s." I never thought of the 60s as being optimistic, but then I wasn't a hippie, so maybe I missed the whole Zeitgeist or Zeigfeld or Gemeinschaft, or whatever.
Mystery Reader send along this piece about a house that looks like a UFO...but the house, says the piece, is intended to reflect "the optimism of the 60s." I never thought of the 60s as being optimistic, but then I wasn't a hippie, so maybe I missed the whole Zeitgeist or Zeigfeld or Gemeinschaft, or whatever.
News - Input sought on homeowners groups - sacbee.com
The California Law Revision Commission has a 95% success rate with the state legislature, and if you want to influence their recommendations, now is the time to speak your piece. Send them an e-mail.
The California Law Revision Commission is scheduled to meet today in the state Capitol to hear public testimony about its proposal to create an oversight agency for homeowners associations.
The meeting will start at 9:30 a.m. in room 113. The commission will take comments on its proposal for a new state bureau and might approve a final recommendation to legislators, officials said.
[more]
The California Law Revision Commission has a 95% success rate with the state legislature, and if you want to influence their recommendations, now is the time to speak your piece. Send them an e-mail.
The California Law Revision Commission is scheduled to meet today in the state Capitol to hear public testimony about its proposal to create an oversight agency for homeowners associations.
The meeting will start at 9:30 a.m. in room 113. The commission will take comments on its proposal for a new state bureau and might approve a final recommendation to legislators, officials said.
[more]
When a Home Isn't Safe | theledger.com
This is an editorial:
A little-known fact in Florida: Just because a homeowner has homestead exemption, it doesn't prevent a homeowners' association from foreclosing on the home for failure to pay association dues. "I don't want anyone to go through what we went through," Robert Denson, 42, told The Miami Herald this month. He lost his Boynton Beach home in 2003 when the association foreclosed on a $1,200 debt it was owed.
...This session, Florida legislators need to give associations an alternative before the step of foreclosure is taken.
---------------
This is an editorial:
A little-known fact in Florida: Just because a homeowner has homestead exemption, it doesn't prevent a homeowners' association from foreclosing on the home for failure to pay association dues. "I don't want anyone to go through what we went through," Robert Denson, 42, told The Miami Herald this month. He lost his Boynton Beach home in 2003 when the association foreclosed on a $1,200 debt it was owed.
...This session, Florida legislators need to give associations an alternative before the step of foreclosure is taken.
---------------
Friday, January 21, 2005
KPHO Phoenix - Many HOA's Demand Winter Lawns Despite Drought Warnings
Fred Pilot passed this along. This has been reported in Nevada as well, and it is really amazing:
No matter how much rain has fallen recently, we're still in the thick of a long-term drought. Many valley residents are complaining their Homeowner's Associations are forcing them to waste water, by requiring green lawns all year round.
[more]
Fred Pilot passed this along. This has been reported in Nevada as well, and it is really amazing:
No matter how much rain has fallen recently, we're still in the thick of a long-term drought. Many valley residents are complaining their Homeowner's Associations are forcing them to waste water, by requiring green lawns all year round.
[more]
TheDenverChannel.com - News - Bill Would Allow Signs, Flags In HOA-Controlled Neighborhoods
This is from Denver, CO. Seems the legislature there is following along behind Florida, Arizona, Nevada, and California.
A proposed state bill that could regulate what your homeowners' association can tell you to do will be considered by state legislators this session. Lawmakers behind the bill say they really want a balance between the HOA and homeowners.State Senator Bob Hagedorn - (D) Aurora came up with the bill to regulate the HOA and allow such things as flags, political signs and xeriscaping, if the homeowner wants them. "We have constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression," said Hagedorn. "We have a Supreme Sourt decision that says people have the right to put up a political yard sign (in their yard)."
[more]
This is from Denver, CO. Seems the legislature there is following along behind Florida, Arizona, Nevada, and California.
A proposed state bill that could regulate what your homeowners' association can tell you to do will be considered by state legislators this session. Lawmakers behind the bill say they really want a balance between the HOA and homeowners.State Senator Bob Hagedorn - (D) Aurora came up with the bill to regulate the HOA and allow such things as flags, political signs and xeriscaping, if the homeowner wants them. "We have constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression," said Hagedorn. "We have a Supreme Sourt decision that says people have the right to put up a political yard sign (in their yard)."
[more]
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