Tag Archives: Maria Vella

The Grand Jury speaks; will Alamedans listen?

Posted on June 24, 2019 by Robert Sullwold

The report by the Alameda County Civil Grand Jury is out, and its conclusion is unequivocal:  Not only did the Alameda firefighters’ union and its president, Jeff DelBono, engage in “unethical” conduct in endeavoring to get their hand-picked candidate made fire … Continue reading →

Posted in City Hall, Firefighters | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Fire keeps on burning

Posted on May 19, 2019 by Robert Sullwold

On today’s episode of “The Millionaire,” City Finance Director Elena Adair shows up on your doorstep.  She’s carrying a check and an envelope. The check is for $1.2 million (inflation, you know). The envelope contains a letter enclosing a resolution … Continue reading →

Posted in Budget, City Hall, Firefighters | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Fees for service

Posted on April 14, 2019 by Robert Sullwold

They’re at it again. A little more than a month ago, Council voted to increase the fees charged to Alamedans for “fire prevention services” by a total of $1,876,194 over a four-year period. Tuesday, the Council members will be asked … Continue reading →

Posted in Budget, City Hall | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

One toke over the line

Posted on November 12, 2017 by Robert Sullwold

This is a column about pot. Now that we’ve got your attention . . . We are going to discuss today the cannabis ordinance passed by Council in the wee hours of Wednesday morning.  That’s the bait. Here’s the switch:  … Continue reading →

Posted in City Hall | Tagged , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Following the money

Posted on October 30, 2016 by Robert Sullwold

When Marie Gilmore unexpectedly lost her bid for re-election as Mayor in 2014, there were some who blamed organized labor for not providing her with the level of financial support necessary to ensure her victory. Well, no one’s going to … Continue reading →

Posted in City Hall, Firefighters | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Stand up and be counted

Posted on September 12, 2016 by Robert Sullwold

The initiative sponsored by the Alameda Renters Coalition to amend the City Charter to restrict rent increases and prohibit “no-cause” evictions is still seeking a champion among the candidates running for Council.

Posted in City Hall, Housing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 20 Comments

United they stand

Posted on August 28, 2016 by Robert Sullwold

Some time very soon – we predict – a flyer will arrive on Alamedans’ doorsteps or in their mailboxes endorsing candidates for Council, Auditor, Treasurer, and School Board. It will be printed on glossy paper.  It will be well-designed and … Continue reading →

Posted in Budget, City Hall, Firefighters, Pensions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 31 Comments

Still want the job, Ms. Keimach?

Posted on March 6, 2016 by Robert Sullwold

The Merry-Go-Round welcomes Jill Keimach, who begins her four-year, $245,000 per year term as Alameda City Manager on Monday. We’re sure staff already has given Ms. Keimach much of the key information she needs, like the private phone number of … Continue reading →

Posted in Alameda Point, City Hall, Development, Housing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments