Connecting You to Your Community
Lodi, California •

Story Tools

Email this story | Print this story

Indexes


November 30th, 2008
November 29th, 2008
November 28th, 2008
November 27th, 2008
November 26th, 2008
November 25th, 2008
November 24th, 2008
ADVERTISEMENT

Lodi contamination settlement near end; cleanup moves ahead

By Matt Brown
News-Sentinel Staff Writer
Updated: Friday, June 15, 2007 6:32 AM PDT
Comments (85 comment(s))

As litigation from Lodi's groundwater contamination case comes to a close, cleanup has already begun.

News-Sentinel reporter Matt Brown recently discussed the status of the remaining litigation and the cleanup with City Attorney Stephen Schwabauer.

In 1989, officials discovered that the groundwater in some areas of Downtown was contaminated with the chemicals PCE and TCE, which are used as industrial solvents and in dry cleaning. The chemicals spread out to five different plumes in the city's groundwater.

In the mid-1990s, the city's outside attorney, Michael Donovan, crafted a plan to sue insurance companies of local businesses, including the News-Sentinel, for their role in the contamination. After a number of negative court rulings, the City Council in 2004 fired Donovan and City Attorney Randy Hays.

The city has since sued Donovan for fraud and malpractice, and Donovan has countersued, claiming the city owes him millions in legal fees.

The city has sought to settle out of court with the parties responsible for the contamination.

Q: How many parties have settled in the case so far?

A: Everybody but United Dry Cleaners, which is a group of eight parties, Connie Dewalt Scott and Harmon Investors. They are all part of the south central western plume, one of five distinct contaminated plumes. All the other plumes are settled.

Q: So how many have settled, then?

A: Many of the settlements encompass more than just one person, so it's hard to put a number on it. The case has been resolved with regard to something close to 100 parties.

Q: How much has the city collected in settlements?

A: The easiest way to do that is to go plume by plume. In the central plume, we recovered $7.4 million. In the northern plume, we recovered around $5 million. In the Busy Bee plume, we didn't recover cash. They funded 100 percent of the cost to pay a contractor to clean up the plume to the satisfaction of the (state) Regional (Water Quality Control) Board. The southern plume was $1.5 million. That leaves the south central western, which is roughly $700,000. (Five plume total: $14.6 million)

Q: How much longer do you expect the mediation to last?

A: If they're going to settle, they are going to settle in the next four to six weeks or they are just not going to settle. They'd be fools not to.

Q: What is the total cost of the cleanup?

A: Roughly $48 million. That is our part of the cleanup.

Q: What is the estimated time frame of the cleanup?

A: It's still 30 years.

Q: What work has been done on the cleanup so far?

A: The cleanup is already moving forward in the central plume. We have a soil vapor extraction system running right now in the central plume. We also have a dual phase extraction system running on a pilot basis. There is cleanup over at Busy Bee under that contract. The other settlements, we don't get paid until a court signs off on them, which we expect to happen in the next couple of months. The (cleanup in those plumes) will begin when we get the money.

Q: What is the status of the Donovan case?

A: The case is going to trial. The only way Mr. Donovan is going to get paid is if we lose the trial, we lose on appeal ... and the sheriff comes to execute the judgment. That's the only way. It's going to be at the point of a sheriff's gun that the check is going to be written, after every last option for appeal has been exhausted.

Contact reporter Matt Brown at mattb@lodinews.com.

Reader Feedback

S & W 500 wrote on Jun 28, 2007 5:44 PM:

" T & C, Do you have a job? Do you pay taxes? Who are the "Good ole boys" and the movers and shakers? Are you jealous because they are sucessful, and you are not?????? black and white, some of us support LPD 100%! Lock up the turds! Create a punishment that will deter future crime, one that will make them flinch when they contemplate committing a crime! "

Report Abuse

Oscar wrote on Jun 28, 2007 8:52 AM:

" Just found the article that was published in the Stockton Record 6/17/07. The article indicates that sales tax in the downtown area have increase 53.2% since 1997. It also goes on to say that downtown only generates about 5% of the total sales tax revenue for the City. Doesn't sound like Downtown is dying to me. "

Report Abuse

Oscar wrote on Jun 28, 2007 7:45 AM:

" T&C, I'll make this as simple as possible. Why is a Super Walmart going to have any more impact on downtown than the current Walmart? The only thing they will be adding is a grocery component. "

Report Abuse

Taxpayer & Citizen wrote on Jun 27, 2007 7:53 PM:

" Oscar, our transit system takes many of those normal downtown shoppers and drops them off right at the front door of Walmart, Target, and the strip malls. It doesn't even run down School Street downtown. It runs on the east side and takes those residents right to the same front doors. Could that possibly be why there's a shortage of downtown shoppers? Lodi sales tax revenue has dropped sharply in the last year and that's also a pretty good indicator. Downtown Lodi is doomed with a super welfaremart. "

Report Abuse

Oscar wrote on Jun 27, 2007 9:06 AM:

" Ok T&C, let me see if I have this straight. Walmart put the antique store, Cottage Bakery, the coin shop and the fine jewelry stores out of business. Last time I looked Walmart doesn't sell antiques or have a bakery. Walmart doesn't sell fine jewelry and the Jewel Box relocated from Pine to School Street. The clothing stores were impacted by Mervyn's and the owners eventually retired. I'm not taking my coin collection into Walmart either. You're just going to have to do better than that! "

Report Abuse

Taxpayer & Citizen wrote on Jun 26, 2007 6:44 PM:

" And most of what's left are overpriced franchises. The movie theatre and restaurants are the only thing keeping downtown Lodi going. If the cops keep staking out the bars and theatre, they're going to run many others out, especially out of towners. "

Report Abuse

Taxpayer & Citizen wrote on Jun 26, 2007 6:42 PM:

" What happened to the clothiers? The antique businesses? Cottage bakery? That same whole block Cottage was on? The coin shop? the jewelers? My wife was in the antique shop there where Lodi beer is for 5 years and there was a %30 vacancy rate downtown due to lack of customers. Have you been in the upper empty floors or basements of these builldings downtown? They're firetraps and most don't even meet new codes. They were grandfathered. The old boiler rooms downstairs are full of asbestos and the ground is contaminated from diesel oil from the boilers. "

Report Abuse

Oscar wrote on Jun 26, 2007 4:13 PM:

" T&C, I support both downtown Lodi and Walmart. Why do you refuse to answer my question regarding which stores downtown have gone out of business as a result of Walmart and why you believe more stores will go out of business when the grocery component is added? I'm not trying to be confrontational with you, just looking for you to support your predictions. "

Report Abuse

Taxpayer & Citizen wrote on Jun 26, 2007 1:10 PM:

" Oskar, continue supporting Walmart so they'll have plenty of money to build that supercenter later this year that'll desert downtown and the little strip mall they're in will be bankrupted. Walmart needs shoppers like you to help to subsidize their welfare and assistance workers that only get 32 hours work a week so they can't qualify for any company benefits. My Lodi local merchants are my bread and butter. It's not always about saving moneybut supporting Lodibusinesses. "

Report Abuse

Oscar wrote on Jun 26, 2007 10:07 AM:

" That's exactly what downtown was intended to be....specialty shops. If you choose not to shop there, so be it. But you have to admit that downtown is much more vibrant today than ten years ago. Back to my point, Walmart has not put any downtown businesses out of business. "

Report Abuse

OTH wrote on Jun 26, 2007 8:09 AM:

" Oscar I don't go down town at all unless it's to the post office. The shops that are there are outrageously priced. I used to eat at Amgelo's but gave that up with the mess across the street at the theatre. There's just nothing there but specialty shops. There rents are exorbitant. "

Report Abuse

well wrote on Jun 25, 2007 1:48 PM:

" Oscar: The three drunk teenagers do not come close in comparison to all the drunk adults fighting and causing trouble downtown. This teen thing is just a hot topic right now. The real problem is all the bars and adult activities going on downtown. Who do you think the teens get their booze from??? It's not that difficult for them. "

Report Abuse

Oscar wrote on Jun 25, 2007 12:55 PM:

" OTH, I have to agree with you regarding the "Yellow Brick Road". It's not my favorite either. For starters, the vacancy rate on School and Church Streets were at about 35% ten years ago. Now the vacancy rate is less than 7%. Have you been downtown at night. It's absolutely beautiful. The restaurants are busy and there are a lot of people walking around. That wasn't happening ten years ago. Lots has happened downtown and it's all been good. (Exception: Drunken teenagers) "

Report Abuse

OTH wrote on Jun 25, 2007 9:17 AM:

" What's downtown that's improved? What can you afford to buy downtown? We do have the yellow brick road, guess that counts for something. "

Report Abuse

Oscar wrote on Jun 25, 2007 7:55 AM:

" T&C, how can I get it through your thick head that Walmart has been here for over ten years. What mom and pop store is going out of business when they add the grocery component? While Walmart has been in town every shopping center has made improvements (Lakewood, K-Mart, Longs, Mervyns, etc) and downtown has improved immensely. That's good for Lodi. You are so prejudiced you can't think straight. Take off those blinders. "

Report Abuse

Taxpayer & Citizen wrote on Jun 24, 2007 9:56 PM:

" I love Walmart, who is with me? where do I sign for a super center? Mom & Pop... if you can't compete.. bye bye "

Report Abuse

Oscar wrote on Jun 24, 2007 7:41 AM:

" That's my point T&C. If this country is done with Walmart then WE will decide with our pocketbooks. We DON'T need government deciding for us. We don't need YOU deciding for us. This country is about the freedom to make choices. I'll make my choice, you'll make yours. I'll fight for you to make that choice even if it's not the one I would make. Why wouldn't you give me the same courtesy? "

Report Abuse

Taxpayer & Citizen wrote on Jun 23, 2007 1:07 PM:

" Oscar, apparently your Wallymart has offered cheap goods for their cheap prices, as their sharp drop in business indicates. "

Report Abuse

Oscar wrote on Jun 22, 2007 4:22 PM:

" That's why you should allow the free market to run its course. If Walmart can't provide products and service their customers are looking for then they go out of business. It's that simple! The last thing we need is government control. It might be Walmart they want to control this week but it could be your favorite store next week. Be very careful what you wish for, it may become reality. "

Report Abuse

Taxpayer & Citizen wrote on Jun 22, 2007 2:12 PM:

" By the way, Walmart's sales are the lowest they've been in 20 years. Their business and hiring practices and low wage and dildo employees run more business away than they'll ever attract. "

Report Abuse

Taxpayer & Citizen wrote on Jun 22, 2007 2:10 PM:

" Oskar, like superwally so much, burn 6 dollars worth of gas and go to Stockton to save 4 dollars on your groceries. Costs $3 just to drive to walmart and back so you need to save that much in purchases. I'd rather see my local merchant reap those profits. Apple Market & Raley's, here I come. "

Report Abuse

Oscar wrote on Jun 22, 2007 8:17 AM:

" Just like the Citizens voted overwhelmingly to support Walmart. At least we have our growth control....we don't have our new Walmart. "

Report Abuse

OMG wrote on Jun 21, 2007 9:21 PM:

" Stop using my blog name!!!! "

Report Abuse

OMG wrote on Jun 21, 2007 8:25 PM:

" Just kidding, Lodian is alive and well on these blogs. Jokes on you. "

Report Abuse

Aunt Bernice wrote on Jun 21, 2007 7:16 PM:

" I have documents from the City stating the contamination was "discovered" in 1986, not 1989 as stated in the article. Bottom line: I am happy to see that cleanup has finally started after letting the PCE/TCE "stew" for over 30 years. "

Report Abuse

Aunt Bernice wrote on Jun 21, 2007 7:10 PM:

" I love it T&C! Oh and by the way, I make a mean white chocolate chip cookie. Care for one? "

Report Abuse

Taxpayer & Citizen wrote on Jun 21, 2007 5:43 PM:

" Aunt Bernice, here they come, that tight knit little group from this corrupted city that have bullied their way around Lodi for years, are not used to us "commoners" getting under their skin and pushing back. They band into their group and use several different blog names to make it look like they actually might have a REAL friend. Their own greed will be their downfall. "

Report Abuse

OMG wrote on Jun 21, 2007 3:22 PM:

" Lodian: Please hurry back from vacation! I miss your posts. We need you and your brand of truth and straight talk!!!!! Please come back soon! These people are driving me crazy! "

Report Abuse

OMG wrote on Jun 21, 2007 3:19 PM:

" T&C and Lodian already support each other on some blog issues. "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Jun 21, 2007 11:22 AM:

" I can see the anger in your eyes.... "

Report Abuse

Oh, Oh wrote on Jun 21, 2007 9:46 AM:

" The last thing you need T&C is support from Lodian. "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Jun 21, 2007 8:30 AM:

" Hang in there, T&C. I love when you hit a nerve. They come out of the woodwork trying to discredit you. LOL. "

Report Abuse

To: Aunt Bernice wrote on Jun 21, 2007 7:21 AM:

" Aunt Bernice, stick to baking cookies in the kitchen. Your world conspiracy theories are no better than T&C's. "

Report Abuse

hmmm wrote on Jun 20, 2007 10:49 PM:

" Don't listen to them T&C. Pot shots will always come in from people who have run out of reasons why they are such stupid followers. If they can't debate the issue with facts then their bad character starts to show as they dig deep for ridiculous insults that mean nothing. "

Report Abuse

Aunt Bernice wrote on Jun 20, 2007 7:27 PM:

" On the issues I'm intimately aware of, T&C speaks the truth. The T&C critics are either ignorant or part of the corruption. As I said on another blog, "He (the critic) doth protest too much..." "

Report Abuse

T & C wrote on Jun 20, 2007 1:07 PM:

" Please speak for yourselves, as I do. Or afraid you'll lose your place in the good old boys pecking order for speaking without permission. C,mon, be brave, and say something besides how terribly wrong I am. Each passing day proves me a little more knowledgable about this corrupt city than you want to admit. You,re so pransparent and easy to rattle. "

Report Abuse

Psychologist 2 wrote on Jun 20, 2007 8:18 AM:

" I'd definately have to give a second opinion here and agree that Psychologist is right on with T&C! In this case, I believe medication is necessary considering his OCD and MPS disorders! T&C it's time to move on now! Release the anger! "

Report Abuse

Hey Pssychologist wrote on Jun 19, 2007 6:49 PM:

" Get your license out of a cracker jacks box? Please don't try the stand up comedy tour, you just don't have it. "

Report Abuse

Oscar wrote on Jun 19, 2007 5:30 PM:

" T&C, you're not passionate about a subject, you're bitter about them. I hope the psychologist can resolve your unhappiness. You really need some help. "

Report Abuse

to Psychologist wrote on Jun 19, 2007 4:34 PM:

" So you like people to be calm? I think you mean that you like people to be medicated, or maybe that's just what you are used to. You see, when people are not chemically dependent they sometimes can become passionate about a subject they care about. I know you are not used to that kind of behavior in your medicated world. Get off the drugs and try to keep up with the non-medicated people here and perhaps you will be able to comprehend. "

Report Abuse

Psychologist wrote on Jun 19, 2007 9:10 AM:

" Good T&C, you're communicating with me. That's a first step to your rehabilitation. Now we just need to start calming you down. I want you to start doing those deep breathing exercises again and keep repeating to yourself, "the good ol boyz like me". You may also want to consider that medication you self-prescribed a few weeks ago. You do have matches don't you? Again, I have to ask the rest of you to please leave T&C alone. "

Report Abuse

T & C wrote on Jun 19, 2007 7:22 AM:

" psychologist, you're so beautiful when you're angry! Out of rehab again or another weekend pass? "

Report Abuse

YEAH wrote on Jun 18, 2007 11:50 PM:

" GO T&C! "

Report Abuse

to Psychologist wrote on Jun 18, 2007 11:50 PM:

" Heal thyself. "

Report Abuse

hmmm wrote on Jun 18, 2007 9:19 PM:

" Sounds like T&C has hit another nerve. "

Report Abuse

Aunt Bernice wrote on Jun 18, 2007 7:22 PM:

" Take a look at your utility bill the next time and multiply the water infrastructure charge by 25,000 bills PER MONTH...they've collected MILLIONS with very little going toward the cleanup! "

Report Abuse

Aunt Bernice wrote on Jun 18, 2007 7:16 PM:

" The City doesn't like to talk about how much clean up has actually happened...because VERY LITTLE HAS OCCURRED!!! "

Report Abuse

Aunt Bernice wrote on Jun 18, 2007 7:12 PM:

" Whoa! I've been busy canning my early peaches and missed all this excitement. Ok, so down to business...T&C must be on to something...everyone and their brother comes out of the walls when he blogs...the saying "He that doth protest too much..." comes to mind. "

Report Abuse

Psychologist wrote on Jun 18, 2007 4:45 PM:

" cont.) I also want the rest of you to lay off of him. T&C has a very difficult time with criticism. Please don't ask him to explain himself. It only upsets him and he goes off on one of his rants. Please, just leave him alone. T&C, I don't have any plans for the next couple of weeks. I'll be available to you on a moments notice. You haven't been skipping your medications have you? "

Report Abuse

Psychologist wrote on Jun 18, 2007 4:41 PM:

" I leave town for three weeks only to come back and find that T&C has completely relapsed and is spinning completely out of control. And you critics of T&C aren't helping. Ok T&C, let's start over again. Let's start cutting down on your blogging time. Let's say reduce it to twelve hours a day and then next week eleven hours a day. (cont.) "

Report Abuse

S.R. Peel wrote on Jun 17, 2007 8:51 PM:

" Well T & C, are there 63 or 78 officers? Do you know your facts or not? Or are you just going to resort to name calling? "

Report Abuse

really T & C wrote on Jun 17, 2007 7:45 AM:

" sometimes you settle even if you are not guilty because it cost way more to prove yourself innocent, kinda like whiplash in an auto accident "

Report Abuse

Bam wrote on Jun 17, 2007 7:01 AM:

" Hey T&C. People are just getting tired of you and your baseless accusations. You never offer any proof or any form of solution. It is sad because you have become a patehtic angry old man. "

Report Abuse

to School Mate wrote on Jun 17, 2007 12:01 AM:

" The kids you describe (the ones being picked on) are usually the ones that grow up to be very successful compassionate people. The so called "popular" kids that think they can push around others usually end up envious of the kids they used to bully. Are you advocating being a bully and beating people up? Sure sounds like it. We now know what kind of character you have. Keep posting you sorry excuse for a human being. LOL! "

Report Abuse

to Lodian @ 8:18 PM wrote on Jun 16, 2007 11:57 PM:

" Please STOP using Lodian's handle while she's on vacation. "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Jun 16, 2007 8:18 PM:

" I was not on vacation, so stop speaking for me! Gee Whiz! "

Report Abuse

T & C wrote on Jun 16, 2007 5:24 PM:

" schoolmate, peel and oscar, did blackandwhite pay you to post or are you his family? You're just typical very naive good old Lodians. "

Report Abuse

T & C wrote on Jun 16, 2007 5:14 PM:

" You good old boys all one and the same? Got ten to 1 says you are. I got my PD info on the city's website. Shouldn't you be on the east side now or in your little cubicles? Just why don't you guilty parties tell us the truth? You can use a blog name like you do now so you don't have to reveal yourself either. Most of you cowardshide behind your badges, authority or wealth. But your wives and familyand the public know just how miserable you are. Solve these problems, quit creating them and blaming others. "

Report Abuse

T & C wrote on Jun 16, 2007 12:54 PM:

" And those harmless chemicals happened to be known as "dangerous" chemicals used by the printing and newspaper industry, who knew better than to dump it in the slop sink or out the back door, as did every auto, brake and transmission shop in Lodi did over the years. We've all done things like that not knowing it was wrong. Their problem is, they were trying to save a penny, and knew it was to be disposed of properly even back then. "

Report Abuse

T & C wrote on Jun 16, 2007 12:49 PM:

" Then why did the CC and management sit down with Katzakian and settle with is insurance company for pennies on the dollar and not hold him personally financially responsible? Wouldn't it be great to have a $5000 liability policy and cause $100,000 in damage to someone elses property and just expect to pony up the $5000 your policy is for and nothing more? That's exactly what the CC did for Mr. Katzakian. The good old boys do serve and protect, too. "

Report Abuse

to Lodian@5:33 PM wrote on Jun 15, 2007 11:59 PM:

" STOP using Lodian's handle while she's on vacation. Lodian wouldn't say what you post so how about you shut it down now pal. Get a life! You are all over these blogs impersonating everyone. You need to seek some medical help for your problems. "

Report Abuse

School Mate wrote on Jun 15, 2007 9:08 PM:

" Hey Black and White, I just realized I went to school with T&C. He was the kid with the loud mouth and then after school his classmates would take turns beating him up. Including the girls! "

Report Abuse

S.R. Peel wrote on Jun 15, 2007 6:56 PM:

" Hey T&C, I don't claim to be an expert on the police department but I have read several times that they have 78 sworn officers (I'm assuming that includes everyone up to the rank of chief). Going by your math, they only have 63 officers. I know they have more than just patrol officers. They have detectives, school resource officers and bicycle officers. I think your figure is low by 15. "

Report Abuse

Oscar wrote on Jun 15, 2007 6:18 PM:

" B&W, I appreciate your comments. If you've followed this site for any time you'll find that T&C is a joke. He never supports his inaccurate statements and either disappears or starts ranting if anyone questions him about it. He will never answer a question You're right, he's the epitome of a coward. He has a few supporters but give him time and he'll run them off as well. You're description of him in his dark room was beautiful. I can just picture him. "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Jun 15, 2007 5:33 PM:

" B&W: Your anger is a bit upsetting. You patrol our streets with this much pent up anger? Not a good combination. I do agree with T&C, take your family for walk on the eastside and then come back here and sing the praises of your depratment. "

Report Abuse

get the facts-T & C wrote on Jun 15, 2007 5:10 PM:

" Actually Lodi Printing Co. and the Katzakians were just in the wrong place at the wrong time- never used the chemicals unlike the lns as a matter of fact so were many other neighboring companies on that street/area named- pull your head out of your ---! "

Report Abuse

T & C wrote on Jun 15, 2007 4:43 PM:

" You're an awfully angry and vindictive person for a law officer, if you are one, blackandwhite. Doesn't the department offer anger management classes? Did your snitch stiff you this week? You should be ashamed to be a Lodi police officer with an attitude like you exhibit. You're the one with the rat problem. Without them you couldn't catch a cold. Believe me, I do know most of your snitch system here in Lodi. They're paid with cash and drugs. Please don't be so naive! "

Report Abuse

T & C wrote on Jun 15, 2007 4:25 PM:

" protecting the bluboyz, blackandwhite? I didn't say a word about anyone being fired for arresting Hansen's daughter.Just why don't you take your own family for walk around the east side, with your uniform on and tell me about your "increased" patrols.The east side not only looks like crap, but is crap, because the LPD and CC need those ILLEGALS there for their cheap work force and housekeepers. My buddy is a Stockton police officer and you wouldn't want me to print what they have to say and think about LodiPD. "

Report Abuse

T & C wrote on Jun 15, 2007 4:14 PM:

" blackand white, you missed my blog. There are 4 motorcycle cops (traffic contro in Lodi, 44 patrol officers and 15 supervisory for those 44 officers. Your snitches will say anything to get that dope and cash you pay them with. Don't be so naive. The blue boys aren't as protected as they think. There are many whistleblowers (snitches) among your own ranks. You need to get brave and patrol the east side, like you promised, but haven't done yet. I'd be scared of those gangbangers, too, but that's your job. "

Report Abuse

Weezer wrote on Jun 15, 2007 3:28 PM:

" Seems like someone missed their meds again... damned if you do, damned if you don't, at least where T&C's concerned. "

Report Abuse

Responsible? wrote on Jun 15, 2007 2:44 PM:

" Having a business whose insurance company apparently settled with the city automatically means a guilty polluter? Using that logic then ALL Businesses & Homes on that leaky city installed and owned sewer line should be held PERSONALLY responsible as well. wadda ya say T&C? lets crucify them all, Lets crucify all Lodians, arent we ALL responsible just for living here? "

Report Abuse

T & C wrote on Jun 15, 2007 1:55 PM:

" Lodian, you're right about CC members Hansen, Johnson and Hitchcock. Along with Blair King and all city staffmembers. Donovan was their drinking buddy and consultant and they sat right there and watched him bilk them out of about $45 million. And you Lodi "movers and shakers"still adore them. Hayes and Flynn got their share, too, I'm sure, as did others. One snitch one day willbring this wholecorrupt group down. "

Report Abuse

T & C wrote on Jun 15, 2007 1:49 PM:

" OTH, they already have. That's what that 17% increase in our electric is paying for. And there are many, many more to come and will include double figure jumps in also water and sewer. Those are the three areas they can dollar us to death just by a vote among themselves. We need to watch Morada, they're fighting this same problem and may have a solution we can use to fight these golddiggers at city hall. "

Report Abuse

black and white wrote on Jun 15, 2007 12:31 PM:

" Guys like you, T&C, who would never utter your slander in public. Because for all your accusations of cowardice, you are the real coward. My buddy CW likes to say that a guy who is always looking for rats must have a rat problem of his own. Couldn’t be more true. In fact, you can have your little tinhorn soapbox- I’m going back reading the actual “paper.” I like the feel much better- more ways that one. Good-bye. "

Report Abuse

black and white wrote on Jun 15, 2007 12:26 PM:

" Whatever generates your venom, people are tired of hearing it. One tires quickly of smart alecks, those who anonymously snipe from the cheap seats, and you are the king of the peanut gallery. In fact these blogs are so infested with cowards, those take shots at people instead of engaging in useful discourse, instead of trying to uplift. It’s a nice idea, but it doesn’t work. There is reason why it’s a misdemeanor to sign a false name to a letter to the editor, because it requires people to be accountable for their words. "

Report Abuse

black and white wrote on Jun 15, 2007 12:25 PM:

" It must be a tough world, where the fix is in on everything, where the working man can’t get a break, where anyone elected by the people to office must be a corrupt stooge, where anyone who is successful financial must have stolen it. Did all those years on the jobsite, playing by the rules and wondering why they didn’t make YOU the foreman, leave you with nothing but a computer and the belief that somehow you got ripped off, that maybe Karl Marx was right all along? "

Report Abuse

black and white wrote on Jun 15, 2007 12:14 PM:

" It is rather sad that this is all you have, and by the number of posts you put out, holding forth as an expert on every conceivable topic as some expert observer of the scene, it is obvious that you spend your whole day blogging. I can see you there in your dimly lit trailer, shades pulled down, angrily pounding away on your battered keyboard, an occasional bitter laugh escaping your lips as you mutter “I’m gonna get this crooked bastard, he doesn’t know who he is messing with.” "

Report Abuse

blackandwhite wrote on Jun 15, 2007 12:13 PM:

" Next you claim that that the police are afraid to arrest the children of the “good old boys,” but you still can't tell us who was fired when Larry Hansen's daughter went to jail. In fact, he did not interfere, question or try to influence our actions in the slightest way (and I was there when the handcuffs went on her, just like anyone else, and no one has any fear of being fired or disciplined for it. But the facts won’t matter to you. You will simply squirm away to a different subject. "

Report Abuse

black and white wrote on Jun 15, 2007 12:12 PM:

" T&C- Your paranoid ramblings once sounded almost informed, but you have proven with your own words that you have no credibility. Take your bashing of LPD. Aside from your despicable accusations of cowardice and corruption, you can’t even get elementary facts straight. You say with great authority that there are 6 to 8 motorcycle cops in town, and it turns out there are only four. Then you claim that police don't cover the east side as vigorously, but in fact two-thirds of the patrol officers on duty from noon til 3 AM are assigned east. "

Report Abuse

OTH wrote on Jun 15, 2007 9:18 AM:

" If they have settled for $14 million so far it kind of pennies on the dollar if the cost to us are $48 million. Be prepared for rate increases for a long time to come. "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Jun 15, 2007 8:16 AM:

" Just curious, but have the leaky sewer pipes that allowed this contamination to happen been replaced or repaired? "

Report Abuse

T & C wrote on Jun 15, 2007 7:56 AM:

" If Lodi has collected these funds for cleanup, why will it take 30 years and just one little pump operating right now, that couldn't run my fountain! This issue is at a standstill and needs to be cleaned up before any new wells or water connections are made to any new developments. I do have one thing positive, and that's if Mr Schwabauer can't bring this to a close benefitting us Lodians, no one will. Good luck, Steve. "

Report Abuse

T & C wrote on Jun 15, 2007 7:49 AM:

" I see all kinds of plumes, but I don't see any family names or business names of those who are PERSONALLY responsible for this pollution. Why is that? Too many good old boys and movers and shakers involved from past and present city government? Let's see some businesses and owners names and their settlements and split the cost EVENLY amongst them, not just slap their hand cause they're the Lodi amigos club. "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Jun 15, 2007 7:35 AM:

" The members of the City Council at the time of the issues with Donavan should also be held accountable. They get off scott-free for their poor leadership and decision making. "

Report Abuse

T & C wrote on Jun 15, 2007 7:30 AM:

" Please tell us how little the Sentinel and the Weybrets paid and Lodi Printing and the Katzakians? Very little. They were PERSONALLY responsible for poisoning our groundwater, but were only made to pay what paltry fees were offered by their insurance companies. I say pony up your real share and if insurance coverage is inadequate, then pay up out of your family's numerous stashes around Lodi. Pay up councilman Katz and Mr. Weybret! Good old boys should be held accountable, too! "

Report Abuse

Comments on this story are now closed.

Special Sections

Santa Claus Route Map

Photo Reprints

Find Ads


Services

Contact Us

Office

125 N. Church St.
P.O. Box 1360
Lodi, CA 95241
(209) 369-2761
Fax: (209) 369-1084

Newsroom

E-mail

(209) 369-7035
Fax: (209) 369-6706

Subscriptions

Subscribe

Problems with your subscription?
(209) 333-1400

Advertising

E-mail

(209) 369-2761
Fax: (209) 369-1084

Classifieds

Place an ad E-mail

(209) 333-1111
Fax: (209) 369-1084