60 comments:

• posted at 7:12 am on Tue, Feb 9, 2010.

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  Edumacation, not only a public park, but more Galt estates near the shore, too. The developers and wealthy are grabbing at anything they can to generate cash flow. I even see Wine$Roses is resorting to catering and sold their liquor inventory to themselves at the Ro$ewood downtown? Was that just a move to generate some cash or some type of transaction to generate tax breaks? If Hazel's couldn't make it there on that prime corner during the good times, Ro$ewood will have to do some pretty heavy hustling and business magic to hold their own with some great restaurants to compete against in the downtown area.

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• posted at 5:05 am on Tue, Feb 9, 2010.

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  pre$$ure$on- Have you heard about the proposal from some of the local developers to convert the Woodbridge sewage treatment plant to a public park? I hear it has a nice sandy beach along the river. Does this explain why those fish are fat and plumpy from all the tasty morsels in that plant?There are rumors that they want to build a new Country club entertainment center right next to the creek. This way, they can get a good view of the treatment plant marine life during their developer soirees. Some say vino tastes better watching the effluent in the creek. Its got that layer of leather and chocolate with a hint of oak and plums.

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• posted at 6:19 am on Mon, Feb 8, 2010.

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  Observer, you are such an easy rube to toy with. I simply threw that in there with the private jets as sarcasm just for little, old you. Have a good day, observer, and cancel that land you bought in the Afghanistan desert. It was only a joke, don't you remember?

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• posted at 12:14 am on Mon, Feb 8, 2010.

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  "access to those secret underground vaults"......ROTFLMAO

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• posted at 2:21 pm on Sun, Feb 7, 2010.

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  Amen edumacation. Those big time developers here don't have those corporate private jets. Mr. Spanos wouldn't let them use HIS airport. LOL I agree that observer is very, very naive.None of them are increasing their personal wealth? Do you have access to those secret underground vaults and accounts at the local bank? Have you checked out that website of the county clerk $ assessors office? Sure see an awful lot of familiar names and transactions of your heroes on this and past councils. They were involved in enough deals to give the impression that maybe they all received huge inheritances from some unknown source. How about you, observer? Did you get in on those miraculous winnings and invest in those beautiful eastside estates?

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• posted at 8:09 am on Sun, Feb 7, 2010.

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  Observer 7:43- Do you know the difference between polite conversation and heartfelt disclosure?Do you really think that a politician will tell you what they REALLY believe?, that a liar will admit they are a liar? that a thief will they are a thief? How about a cheater or an adulterer?We may independently know about some of these behaviors, but that doesn't mean that they will volunteer the information.British, American and German diplomats and political leaders thought both Hitler AND Benito Mussolini were charming, until they learned otherwise. How about smilin' Sadaam Hussein...I heard he was charming too. Fidel Castro was TIME magazine man of the year. What happened? They didn't have ALL THE FACTS!I suggest you keep an open mind about your statement "...the pleasure of knowing city councilpersons...".Many have had the pleasure of knowing Richard Nixon!Many young "ladies" - including his wife- that have had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Bill Clinton? How about the women - including his wife- who had the pleasure of knowing Senator Edwards?Observer - YOU are NAIVE!

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• posted at 7:48 am on Sun, Feb 7, 2010.

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  pre$$ur$eon 257- I agree disagree. Because someone is "wealthy" or has "Greek" ancestry means absolutely nothing.From the perspective of a "homeless" person, anyone who works is "wealthy". As you climb the economic success ladder, the higher you go, the less you really have. Today, there is an invisible line at around 20 milllion in liquid cash that many use as the money dividing line between those who are in the middle class and the so-called wealthy. But even this 20 mill LIQUID cash is a "low" bar. The "big shots" want to keep others BELOW this 20 million threshold.Heritage ar ancestry has nothing to do with greed or avarice. I know people of all ethnicities and cultures and don't see a correlation with culture, greed and avarice.Many of the GOB are below the 20 mill barrier so you are also generalizing about that as well. Just because someone is a GOB doesn't mean they are wealthy. There are a few of them, but most local GOB's are so-called wannabe wealthy. Where are the private jets?

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• posted at 12:16 am on Sat, Feb 6, 2010.

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  Press.......you watch way too much television. You've got to get out more. Haven't seen you for ages at HOC. And it's not good for you to be looking over your shoulder all of the time thinking everyone is out to get you. It's going to wear on you. Get out and enjoy life.

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• posted at 4:53 pm on Fri, Feb 5, 2010.

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  And, observer, the day this city council and manager have the intestinal fortitude to show us those vouchers and invoices, down to the penny, under $5000 that they don't have to approve and are approved by a simple signature by the city manager, they shouldn't be considered anything but corrupt. Those under $5000 invoices are the stays at Wine$Roses, dinners at Ro$ewood, Hansen's travels to NCPA meetings, and travel airline tickets and hotels for council and staff and probably partially subsidize those chamber trips to China. Why else would these corrupt puppets refuse to release those vouchers to the citizens? Who paid for the fancy chamber of commerce awards at Wine$Roses? Rumors say that the facilities there were too small and should've been held at Hutchins street square. Gee, I wonder why no one uses the Square but just happens to end up at Wine$Roses? This is such a sad corrupted town and even with the economic disaster, the council still spends money and fulfills their favors to these local businesses and friends to shore up their faltering has been businesses.Have a good weekend, observer, and thanks for worrying about me while you're the one that has the guilty conscience.

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• posted at 4:35 pm on Fri, Feb 5, 2010.

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  Observer, bullying tactics? ROFLMAO Wow, you must be so lucky to know all those corrupt, greedy past and present council puppets. It's the same sad group that has put Lodi over $250,000,000 in debt and still rising in order to line their own interests pockets, besides their own. I thought it was those like you who used bullying tactics to achieve your means. The only thing that's kept many of your kind out of jail is the fact you cover for one another and the last police chief made sure things were kept quiet. There was rumor of the disgraced county sheriff possibly providing protection to certain groups and individuals also. Just remember, he who laughs last, laughs best.

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• posted at 1:43 pm on Fri, Feb 5, 2010.

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  You two are going to have to be separated. These bullying tactics just won't work on me. I'm proud to have lived and had a business in this community almost my entire life. I've had the pleasure of personally knowing almost every council member that has served this City and we have been very fortunate. I know all five of the current council members and I can assure not one of them is "increasing their personal wealth". I'm just glad you two don't represent the majority of people in this community.

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• posted at 8:57 am on Fri, Feb 5, 2010.

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  One thing sure, Spanos, Grupe and the wealthy Greek developer in the Sacramento area, have certainly picked up on those land options these local small-time developers let go. We'll see what happens to Costco or if that was just an excuse by the developer to prompt city council to allow these local two-bit players to defer their payments until the project is done. So does Lodi wait 10 years to get their money? I think this whole Costco deal relies on just how many perks that the developer can get the city of Lodi to give them, and it will be plenty after discovering all the freebies they demand. Of course, the list will never be released to Lodians for fear of backlash by even the business community. And the vote will be a cinch to approve anything for this developer by his three yes votes from the same council members that let him change his densities and eliminate the school and park to make room for more commercial footage. It's time to make a major change in November. At this point, the lack of roads to handle additional traffic on Harney is far from acceptable.

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• posted at 8:40 am on Fri, Feb 5, 2010.

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  Observer, with your lack of facts to ever substantiate what you do say, the impression that you leave is that, indeed, you are one of those guilty consciences that is merely trying to hide the truth about the wealthy, powerful and well-connected, besides yourself. Why are you always praising the great work the city council, management and wealthy are up to? What are their great accomplishments that have Lodi hundreds of millions of dollars in debt, while at the same time they are steadily increasing their own personal wealth? It's time for others to ask you.

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• posted at 7:11 am on Fri, Feb 5, 2010.

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  pre$$ure$on--- Its called argument using ad hominem. By attacking YOU as a person, he thinks his view is more relevant or more accurate. It only reflects on his inability to debate THE REAL ISSUES. He has tried the same tricks on me, but it can not work.I have a larger perspective, and do not look one day ahead to solve problems.I also do not blame others for my failures. You never see me blame the GOB, I just pity them. I would rather be me, any day. Life is too short to worry about chieseling dimes out of everyone--just because its the ONLY way they know.Good luck pre$$ure$on! I support your right to TELL it like it IS!

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• posted at 7:01 am on Fri, Feb 5, 2010.

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  Observer- YOU ARE INCORRECT.The fact that a writer is suspended--if in fact it is true--(which is an open question), HAS NO RELATIONSHIP to the veracity or accuracy of what he is saying.I KNOW members of the GOB---and they are REALLY like he says they are. Selfiush, greedy and egotistical. They have lawyers and know the legal ways to take money from others. Just because some of these issues may be legal does NOT imply a) that ALL their actions are legal and B) that they are HONEST OR ETHICAL! I take the high road when I make decisions. If my directipon is based on profit KNOWING it will hurt or take advantage of others---I WON'T DO IT.It is NOT a fiduciary or legal requirement to be helpful to ones neighbors.Pre$$ure#on has different experiences and I do not agree with all of them. But he servers a USEFUL purpose here---BECAUSE HE MAKES PEOPLE THINK AND ASK QUESTIONS, instead of parroting the same old PR propaganda.His posts are saving many of us grief and sorrow by reminding us WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON!

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• posted at 4:38 am on Fri, Feb 5, 2010.

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  Observer, you're a very strange blogger. I only see you merely asking questions of other bloggers and crying to them to prove it. I've seen many links posted on these blogs that come right from the source, yet you always doubt and again cry to have the blogger prove it. Question, who is this he you're referring to? You are the one out of line and completely off subject, which seems to be your only responses to most of your blogs. It seems you're the type that finds it hard to like anyone or anything since you don't even seem to like yourself. Personalities like yours aren't very popular. Try staying on subject from here on.

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• posted at 12:25 am on Thu, Feb 4, 2010.

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  Come on Edu....you know his MO. He makes wild unsubstantiated accusations, claims there will be criminal and/or civil charges filed and when you question him on his facts he resorts to name calling. It's the reason he has been suspended twice already. We should be taking bets at how long he will last this time. He started out fairly vanilla but he's falling back into his old ways. I always find it quite entertaining and enjoy rattling his cage.

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• posted at 3:23 am on Wed, Feb 3, 2010.

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  Lodi already has a Walmart to shop in and discount grocery stores. We don't need to deal with a dumpy SWM that would cause more problems in Lodi. We have enough garbage and crap to deal with without adding to it. Costco will only be an asset to Lodi with a quality business, business practices, jobs and products...as well as being good citizens in the town they do business.

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• posted at 2:53 am on Wed, Feb 3, 2010.

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  Observer 5:07 am. Interesting comments! But, of his posts that I have read, I see honesty and no political correctness. It's refreshing to read comments that are reflective AND honestly portray important local issues, instead of "politically correct answers" I disagree with some of his opinions, but that is what FREEDOM OF SPEECH is all about in this great country. The UK has censorship and look what happened over there. Some of their cities are like a miniature Bahghdad. Welcome back! I think what they (MSM) don't like is specificity in a comment. Instead, the local media worship glittering generalizations, and politically correct speech, where most every opinion supports the status quo AND local advertisers. They need that revenue.

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• posted at 1:55 am on Wed, Feb 3, 2010.

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  pre$$ure$on:You're right. Since the all the donations made to the Hatian relief are tax deductable and people may claim them on their taxes then ALL donations to those suffering, hungry people should be halted. After all, people giving their money, time and effort to help them are only doing it to recoup a small percentage on the next tax cycle.I will forever on associate you with someone who thinks companies donating food to the hungry are dispicable.

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• posted at 11:07 pm on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  Well, when you were suspended for the second time on the Sentinel you continued your rants on the Record blogs. Your love fest with the Record ended when you could no longer blog there as well. Now don't go and get yourself suspended again, I enjoy my exchanges with you. And you haven't changed on bit.

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• posted at 3:23 pm on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  Observer, who bothers to read the Stockton Record in Lodi? Why didn''t the great Sentinel run a story? I get my news from the Sentinel and Sacramento Bee, and the Galt Herald once a week.

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• posted at 2:42 pm on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  Edumacation, how did you ever guess? And, observer, did Mr. Kirsten donate that out of the goodness of his heart to help those devestated Haitians? Or does that merely mean a $20,000 tax deduction? I'm sure ot's the latter. The wealthy and large corporations don't donate anything without first making sure they can get a nice deduction when it is time to pay taxes. Be sure to document that donation if you want to claim it on your tax return. Could that be claimedas a personal or business deduction?

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• posted at 12:05 pm on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  Did you see the nice article about Dave Kirsten in the Record today? Donating beans that will feed over 20,000 Haitians. And I don't know why you guys object to me using the same logic that is used to oppose the Super Center. Talk about a double standard.

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• posted at 11:34 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  pre$$ure$on- Are you talking about the Ex cc member who has a veritable fetish about managers and brokers of dry beans and legumes? Ol "Mr beano" himself? I never figured him as a vega-o-phile!

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• posted at 11:29 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  How come Costco is given a pass for it's labor practices while SWM is attacked for being such a horrible place to work? Any one of these would be a rallying cry against Walmart, why not Costco?http://genderclassactionagainstcostco.com/costco94.plhttp://cbs2.com/local/Lawsuit.Discrimination.Costco.2.879464.htmlhttp://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/05/lawsuit-accuses-of-costco-of-false-imprisonment-of-workers.htmlhttp://www.hbsslaw.com/COS.htm

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• posted at 10:59 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  Whoa nellie and observer, what makes you think that Costco doesn't want two stores? Maybe Walmart would like to build at Reynolds Ranch? You two act like you've never been out of Lodi and never seen more than 2 African-Americans together at once. Typical Lodi old school mentality. Costco is a great moneymaker while Walmart just closed several Sams Clubs, some in Sacramento and northern California and dumped 12,000 jobs. By the time Mr. Mooney is done with his objection to Walmart building a superstore, the local ratatats that figured making big money on this land deal alone will be dead and gone.

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• posted at 10:49 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  Nellie you bring up an excellent point. Certainly there should be some requirement that the current Costco site be leased before they are allowed to move out. That only seems fair. (Man, this is fun)

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• posted at 10:42 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  Observer- you've got it all wrong. It's not the type of people shopping at the Stockton Home Depot or SWM. It's the type of people LIVING in Stockton. (insert joke about a Green Belt here)rofl.... :-)One thing I have not read in all the speculation of the Costco deal is what is going to happen to the current store on Hammer Lane? I just can't believe they would have two stores soooo close.

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• posted at 10:36 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  edumacation, wouldn't those same bailout options apply to a developer when trying to steal back all of their lease option schemes? Look at that land that was gobbled up on lease option when the Delta college campus was rumored to locate here? Wasn't this same developer that was interviewed here in on that scheme too? Observer, the real estate fiasco won't be over until those who were players locally either straighten their game up or admit to their part in the manipulation of loans and housing prices. Don't we have a council member who is a retired part-time real estate appraiser? Maybe he could answer any questions if he has nothing to hide? Many of those misdeeds may not have been criminal, but worse case unethical. They are pretty sharp businesswise, knowing where to draw the line between unethical and criminal. And as far as being sarcastic about the class of shoppers, what has that got to do with anything? Observer, you need to stick with the little group that protects you and keep paying your dues.

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• posted at 10:11 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  Great, you've solved the real estate problem but I want to know what you guys are going to do to keep Costco and Office Depot out of town? I don't want those stores competing with my favorite grocery stores and Lowes. Have you seen those Stockton people that shop at those stores?

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• posted at 9:56 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  preureon- Interesting observation! But they ARE NOT naiive! They may be uneducated, but they are as smart as a fox. The only naiive players ar buyers and sellers. They are also the ones who face family financial devastation because of the hype and profiteering from the churn of the transactions. They aren't content to capitalize on th five D's of real estate. Instead many want to make their own market by controlling inventory and marketing.This time, the bubble proves they couldn't handle their own "success" (greed). Now, we all suffer whether or not we were one of their willing victims in their buy/sell charade.

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• posted at 9:30 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  continued- This technique assures prices stay high and commish checks elevated. Because of the confidentiality and representation game, NONE of this can be learned except my a full broker. Why would they care, they usually get 50%!2) The GOB are having some difficulties living the "good life". Out-go exceeds in-go and they might have to actually work for a living? Things are not as nice as they want us to believe.The movers and shakers are shaking. ROFL .

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• posted at 9:24 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  preureon- You mean the "multiple offer gambit"?1) There are many variations on that game. The lister brings in some straw "buyers" when she thinks that a prospective buyer "has emotion" for thre house.The straw "buyers" aren't even required to be pre-qualified. The OWNER does not even need to know about any of this...and most don't care as long as they can get rid of that house and mortgage debt.When a house is first listed, the lister can suggest to the owner that they ONLY bring in offers that are "serious". ie NO requirement that ALL offers are to be presented.The only caution is that a licensee is supposed to identify themselves.What about the deposit check? It doesn't have to be real! All they need is a PHOTOCOPY of a check.What happens if the scheme fails, and the pigeon doesn't make an offer?EASY! The un-interested offerors have LOTS of contingencies to weasel out of the deal.Whats in it for the salesman? They can attempt to "do" both sides of at least one party.

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• posted at 8:21 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  Edumacation, I was referring to the big time developer that was interviewed. I personally find your blogs and information very informative and accurate. Especially on the naïveté of those family and corporate owned realtor brokers. The multiple offer con seems to be the rage. The liars loans worked out for them pretty well too. I do know that this is the year that many incumbents will be sent packing, especially those over 60 and those who have used their voters to further the agenda of the wealthy and stuff their own pockets while they are at it. I would just how much their personal wealth and assets have increased, as well as their spouses, offspring and close relatives?

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• posted at 7:55 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  Whoa Nellie, thanks for the information. Why doesn't the Sentinel ever cover these issues and keep Lodians informed, instead of putting those same type articles on the front page headlines about the same type of misfits in galt? Why are they taboo in Lodi? Afraid they may expose some of the backdoor wheeling and dealing that goes on between these developers and builders and your wonderful city hall and council members?

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• posted at 7:46 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  pre$$ur$on- Several years ago I had another post name. The LNS changed procedures and I had to get a new name. I have a few local interests: public edumacation, real estate fraud, and I am amused watching a few local GOB's try to control everything and everyone in their pathetic myopic eyes.I have no alter egos or screen names. It is fun watching people who I know show their many faces: The "Mr/Ms bigshot", the "I am just doing my job", and many many more. This town is similar to Grovers Corners, or maybe an evolving or devolving Mayberry RFD?

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• posted at 7:27 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  Edumacation, I didn't mean to assert you were a developer. Just wanted to know why an individual would use so many different aka's? Aren't those just a few of many others?

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• posted at 7:08 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  T&C, Rancho San Miguel, Apple Market, K-Mart, Target, and Food for Less, all non-union. If you hate unions so much, go shop there! BTW, there is nothing stopping Wal-Mart from selling all the groceries they want. If they`d like to change their current format, no one can stop them! BTW, do you hate teachers, police and firemen? They`re all union too!

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• posted at 7:05 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  Pressure- according to my sources F&M does not have many foreclosed homes- remember, they're a conservative lender and its proven to be very successful.The reason I'm told W&R sold the liquor license to Rosewood is because Munson has split the two business up. What that tells me is that something is going to happen to one, or both, of those businesses. But I hate to speculate...Costco smartly selected the Hwy-99 location for the non-Lodi resident shoppers. How naive are some of you? Jackson, Angles Camp, etc. Do any of you really think the resident members of Lodi could support a Costco?Pressure- you work for a living? Man, you must have a cush city/govt job cuz you sure post alot 8a-5p.

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• posted at 7:01 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  "where is Lodi First when we need them?"I know exactly where and who is behind Lodi First! What we all have a "Right to see in PRINT", who is behind Lodi First, by individuals and companies!Hiding in the shadows, to conceal transparency in Lodi First is done for a very very good reason.Lodi First? Oh please give us a break!

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• posted at 6:57 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  Please pay attention pre$$ure$on!We do not have a Wal-Mart Supercenter in Lodi to bring fair prices for exactly the same price as high priced grocery chains in Lodi! No one in this blog is talking about bringing Wal-Mart to Lodi! We are talking about a Wal-Mart Supercenter!

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• posted at 6:55 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  carlos wrote on Feb 2, 2010 8:07 AM:" One of the scariest shopping experiences I've had was going to the Stockton Walmart at 2 in the morning. I couldn't believe all the scary people with missing teeth and squaling brats.Oh and I can't believe I agree with pre$$ on something, I also prefer OSH to Lowes. "Carlos your post gets the "Comedian Post of the day! Your type of thinking is dangerous because if applied to a different scenerio such as a bad experience at a Chevron station in Stockton, "You would demand all Chevron stations be closed or licenses denied in Lodi! How absolutely absurd! What were you thinking before you posted?"I am amazed at the extremes "Those who want Union Grocery chains to prevail in Lodi"; go to in their desperate plea to keep fair competition and fair prices out of Lodi!

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• posted at 6:01 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  pre$$ure$on- Say what? I am not a developer! Those are "fighting" words. I work for a living. ROFL!

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• posted at 5:59 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  pre$$ure$on I have some beautiful riverbank land I'll sell you. Unfortunately, its underwater today, but I am sure if can get the county to build a levee around it, it will be good place for an automall! If the levees don't get approved we can devlope it as a Marina? All lots have a view of the river...from below it.

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• posted at 5:50 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  The profits will dwindle for developers with the price of real estate and land going down drastically. Of course you dropped your land buying options. You couldn''t afford to buy that land for the same price you obligated yourself to pay that is worth about half now. How much did you have to lose to cancel those buy options? You developers are pretty slick. I always thought you were Gillespie Properties or DGP. Now I see that you are RPM? Huh? What goes on? I guess it has something to do with protecting personal assets and tax hedges. Can someone tell me why one individual has so many different businesses in the same category, yet many different names. Help me out edumacation?

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• posted at 5:09 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  Looking forward to a new Costco!

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• posted at 5:06 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  carlos wrote "One of the scariest shopping experiences I've had was going to the Stockton Walmart at 2 in the morning."Yikes, you put your life on the line that day!

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• posted at 4:23 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  Come on....let's get back on topic. What are we going to do about allowing this competition coming into town. This might force prices to become competitive and give shoppers more choices. This has got to stop......where is Lodi First when we need them?

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• posted at 4:09 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  I read the foreclosure notices in the Sentinel every day and still see those eastside estates foreclosing for $200K and some up to $375K. I then see them selling in the Sunday Stockton Record of sales listed with most going for $120K and less. Those poor realtors, brokers, lenders and banks must be drawing unemployment with a lousy $7200 to split two or three ways. The pyramid has been disrupted in a big way.

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• posted at 4:03 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  And, edumacation, don't forget. Now's the time to buy. There are multiple offers on this hot property and they ain't making any more land.

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• posted at 4:00 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  Edumacation, speaking of bank owned homes, just how many of those is Lodi's hometown bank sitting on? Of course, things are bright for these well connected. They all work with one another to guarantee those profits stay in their same little, corrupted little circle. The three votes they control and own, Hansen, Johnson and Katzakian make sure that the money stays in the same small circle of wealthy and well connected. Ms. Beckman is paid well over $100K, and probably a hefty expense account to travel to places like China, along with Mr. Patrick from the chamber, and the only results I see are benefitting the county winegrowers and makers, not the city of Lodi. I want my tax dollars to go to Lodi businesses. Bring the tourist and wine to downtown Lodi where it belongs and bring travelers to downtown Lodi for their questions, The location of that entity right at Wine$Roses was done only to please the wealthy circle and pander to that connection in their circle of businesses and families that give the council their orders and favors to gain those three valuable votes. Why did Wine$Roses sell their liquor license to Ro$ewood?

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• posted at 2:48 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  Maybe the forty million dollar surface water treatment plant ( approved by another one of those 3 to 2 votes ) will be delay until new development picks up---several years from now according to this article.There are other options regarding the WID water purchase.

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• posted at 2:37 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  pre$$ure$on. What do you think? Is NOW the BEST time to buy a house?I see a lot of east side "cozy fixer estates" with an OPEN floor plan.We could one up pick up for only $400,000, and could flip it for a quick profit!Lets see, that only $24,000 sales commission for that dump?But wait, didn't those same bungalows originally sell for $ 500 each? LOL

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• posted at 2:27 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  Pennino "...Inventory is down, which helps stabilize prices..."This implies...LISTED inventory is down which keeps prices UP...What about the HUGE shadow inventory of bank owned houses not yet listed?LNS: "..WHEN interest rates rise, how will it affect you?Pennino GAVE AN EXPLANATION for the unstated.Her implied response was:"...Entry level buyers will find that increased monthly mortgage payments will decrease affordability which will result in LOWER HOUSE PRICES...Pennino--"...there's no equity in the lower price range.." Of course not! -- Thats what I have been saying!How can you have equity, if you put minimum down payment on a house that is dropping in this declining market?And to make matters WORSE ---how long will it take to absorb the 6% sales commish?For most first time buyers, the day that escrow closes is the day they lose equity, and quickly go underwater on the loan!When you sign the sales/loan contracts, it is YOUR DEBT until it is paid in full and all taxes are paid!Prudent buyers should wait for the shadow inventory to be released and prices will decrease.

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• posted at 2:07 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  One of the scariest shopping experiences I've had was going to the Stockton Walmart at 2 in the morning. I couldn't believe all the scary people with missing teeth and squaling brats.Oh and I can't believe I agree with pre$$ on something, I also prefer OSH to Lowes.

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• posted at 2:03 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  "Lodi's hometown bank continues to make loans" To who? We couldn't get a loan from them with a 798 credit score, a track record of paying on the prior loan for 3 years and obviously sufficient income on a commercial property where the lease pays for the loan!

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• posted at 2:00 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  T&C, you already have a Walmart. Right next door id Food4Less, which offers groceries that won't be any more expensive at superWalmart. I agree with Observer about Safeway and Raleys but prefer Orchard Supply over Lowe's.

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• posted at 1:30 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  How ironic, that because Costco is on the opposite end of Lodi, far far away fromthe west side grocery chains the Kettleman Lane grocery chains have no problem "Stepping Aside" and welcoming Costco. But heaven forbid Wal-Mart Supercenter want to build near the big Grocery Chains. Oh what a legal fuss they make to stop competition and fair grocery prices!

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• posted at 1:14 am on Tue, Feb 2, 2010.

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  Oh my god.....how can they bring in Costco and Home Depot. I already shop at Raley's, Safeway and Lowes. Have you seen the people that shop at those stores in Stockton. You're lucky to get out with your life. I think there should be a moratorium on any new stores that will compete with my favorites. This is outrageous! (See definition of facetious)

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