Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Mallory Way Project Goes To Public

Motor court to make way for 23 condo units

By Nao Braverman
Four years after its first appearance at City Hall, the controversial Mallory Way condominium project is to be reviewed by the public once again, starting today.
All but seven of 25 quaint rental bungalows near downtown are to be demolished to make way for a group of 23 new two-story condominiums, if plans are approved.
The fact that the development would destroy so much of what was believed to be affordable housing, which was both attractive and of historic significance, garnered the project many local enemies.
The shortage of affordable housing was even more apparent two years ago when the Mallory Way project re-emerged just in time for local City Council elections, and became a favorite topic for council candidates.
Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood just walking distance from downtown Ojai, the cluster of Mallory Way rental units was once an old motor court during the post-World War II era. With each cottage named after a famous racehorse, the lodge was built for auto tourists with a swimming pool and all the luxury of a motel, in the secluded, somewhat rustic town that Ojai was in the late 1940s.
Today, the original swimming pool is filled with cement and the original motor court bungalows have been renovated to make cozy, inexpensive rental units.
While the architectural design of those Mallory Way cottages is still reminiscent of the old motor court, and has been unofficially recognized as historically significant, it has no landmark status, according to city manager Jere Kersnar.
Moreover, while the existing units are often referred to as affordable housing, they are not all considered affordable, he said. Mallory Way studio rentals on the Becker Group web site are listed at $875 a month. That may seem cheap for Ojai. But for studios, they are priced higher than the affordable bracket, according to Kersnar.
He said he is not sure what the exact price range is for official designated affordable housing, but most Mallory Way cottages just don’t cut it. Prices for affordable housing are determined to cost the residents about 30 percent of their income. So an affordable two bedroom rental for very low income resident in Ojai would cost $900 a month according to figures from Ojai’s Community Development Department as determined in November 2007.
“Most Mallory Way rentals, I believe, would be cheap if they were one bedrooms, but many of them are studios,” said Kersnar. “Because they are studios they have a lower price threshold.”
But even if they were affordable units, there wouldn’t be much that the city could do to stop the property owner from destroying them to develop the property.
Despite the lack of much-needed affordable housing, the city doesn’t even have a stringent replacement program, which would require a property owner to replace affordable units that were destroyed, said Kersnar.
The most recent design for the condominium project proposes to keep only seven existing units on the property that are officially affordable and sign a contract to keep them that way.
In the latest proposal, the owner of the property, the Matilija Investment Cooperative, plans to demolish 18 existing units on Mallory Way. In exchange for the original cottages ranging from 400 to 1,000 square feet with yard space, the investment cooperative offers 23 new two-story Craftsman-style condominiums of about 2,000 square feet with carports.
Though a little more cramped than Ojai’s ordinance allows, the Matilija Investment Cooperative is requesting a density bonus as a concession which it is entitled to because it is providing seven contractually affordable units.
Property owners are asking to essentially streamline any environmental review of the project with a Mitigated Negative Declaration which states that the project will have essentially no environmental impact according to the California Environmental Quality Act standards.
Jeff Becker, the Matilija Investment Cooperative representative, did not return e-mailed questions in time for print.
Residents who want to comment on the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Mallory Way project can do so at the City Hall today until Aug. 18 at 5 p.m.
The Mitigated Negative Declaration will be discussed at the Historic Preservation meeting on Sept. 8 and a public hearing is tentatively set for the Planning Commission meeting on Sept. 17.
In the quickest scenario, the project would come before the City Council at the end of October, said city planner Katrina Rice Schmidt.

79 comments:

Anonymous said...

Same business as usual from Jeff Becker Group- he also sits on County Commerce Bank board. During 2006 Historic Commission meeting, Jimmy Stewart came back from the grave to scold them about eliminating both affordable units like Mallory Way, and the kids, dogs, and single parent families that live there. In reality it isn't funny. This process of attrition is set on turning the last affordable housing stock in Ojai into condo projects which don't mean "contractually affordable." And mitigated negative declaration is a fancy way of getting out from under EIR standards. PL

Anonymous said...

nwo in action

Anonymous said...

Pete is right. These people won't rest until they drive us and the wayward dogs from the valley. We need to preserve and create more affordable housing. In relation to Mallory two things need to happen. 1)The units must be made more habitable. ( A friend of mine was doing health work there and they are so small you can hardly turn around. No one should be forced to live like that).
2)The rents need to be frozen at affordable levels.
We need to get candidates like Pete and Dennis on the council so we can take back control of our valley!

Anonymous said...

Pete, I remember you dressing up as Jimmy Stewart/Mr. Smith and lecturing the city council. That was real leadership! Next time there is a budget crisis, please dress up in blackface Al Jolson, and sing "Brother, Can You Spare A Dime!"

Anonymous said...

If you don't like the small housing available. Move or get a better job. If most of you would have gone to collage you would have most likely got a better paying job so you could afford to live here. I don't want low housing as it usually brings in low life's and drug addicts. Sorry to be so harsh but the ones who would need or benefit from it are the ones who never get the chance to live there.

Anonymous said...

i went to collage too!!

Anonymous said...

Was that an art school?

Anonymous said...

Wow, you went to "collage" andcan't even express your thoughts in in complete sentences? It's amazing how many lucky inheritants love to point the finger at working class stiffs to say 'why don't you move if you don't like it, or get a better job'? Soo easy isn't it?

Anonymous said...

Most social workers and survivors of addiction-prone families will testify that drug dependency has little to do with income.
As far as the "low life" label, one can easily find all kinds of wealthy people who fit into that category.
As long as there are people who consider themselves above others, one will find communities that lack affordable housing for the working class.
Gess i shoulda went to collage wit my magik munny so i coulda rented a hows from anonamus july 16, 5:07 pm.

Anonymous said...

Doesn't this Becker guy have an office on Ojai Avenue? Maybe an organized protest would help. LK

Anonymous said...

Lenny, why always so digruntled? loss weight and shave...

Anonymous said...

Last is a personnal comment that is neither fair nor accurate.
Lenny has been the consistant voice
of moderation for managed growth
since anyone can remember. Also
as long as he produces Ojai musicals the quality and popularity of current "Music Man" he can appear anyway he chooses, for his heart needs no critique.

Anonymous said...

Let's keep personal attacks away since no one would be man enough to say it in person.

First, Jeff is a great guy and does many great things in the community. He is always coaching an Ojai team from soccer to baseball, but this is besides the point.

All I hear from you guys is affordable housing.....really? Have you been there and seen what they rent for? I'm sorry but the rent at Mallory is average at best.

Also, did you see what Mallory looked like before Becker bought it. It was a dump with drug deals being made left and right. He gave it a nice face lift and now wants to take it in a different direction.

I get the feeling that some of you would like to see Ojai run down and old. If you saw what Becker has done with certain buildings in Ventura you would get a different perspective. I saw what was once a run down section of Ventura turned into an area that people are now proud to call their town.

Mallory will have 7 affordable units in the new plans and I feel that is taking a step (if maybe but a little) towards helping the cause. It's his property and frankly he should be able to do what he wants within reason..

Just my two cents....

Anonymous said...

Not exactly true anonymous. To itemize:

- a landlord/rental monopolist
has an obligation to give back
to community it would seem, for
getting so much for doing so little.

- below average is closer to it-
as someone points out, Mallory
Way units are close quarters and debateable as affordable housing.

-these units have historical
significence that, although the
face lift improved, have provided
family and working folk homes.

- few places in Ojai qualify as run
down. More like modest pre-existing
architecture before high-end condos which don't sell. 7 affordable units sounds incorrect,
as any group investor knows would
provide no profit margin. PL

Anonymous said...

Read the article again. The project provides 7 affordable units(by county definition), where before there were none. Does anyone know how many contractually affordable units currently exist in Ojai?
BTW. If these things are historic then so is my Dog's house. It has similar architecture, its kind of cute, but a signifigant link to the past its not.

Anonymous said...

PL,

I get the feeling your strong minded on this issue, so we will agree to disagree.

First, I think a guy starting a company from the ground up and wanting to make it as successful as possible is the American way. His committment to Ojai and youth leagues has run deep and his passion to have a strong business as admirable, but that's just me.

I think the price per square feet for these units now are average compared to other comparable rentals.

Historical significance is debatable. I think when people used this topic to stop the project it fell dead. So to each his own.

I think the number is 7 lower income units but it maybe less, I have to do more research...

Lastly, I want to say...hey I get it. I work hard as does my wife, we both went to "collage" and we still can't afford a house in this town. The fact is I have a choice to either stay here and rent or move to another town. I understand that and have no problem with the situation.

People jump on Becker when really everyone wants to maximize their profit. Rentals everywhere are still aggressively priced (excluding some run down apt. complexes that shall remain anonymous) and I feel that is just how this world works.

I get the feeling that most of you also got upset when O-hi Frostie went down, but I love the fact that now that area supports more local businesses. To me that is what Ojai is about.

Anonymous said...

I lived in one of the Mallory Way units in the 70s. They are cute, but small (we were a family of four in a one-bedroom cottage while our house was being built). The best part was the the pool with the sauna, which have long since been destroyed. I can't fault Becker for wanting to make a profit - why else would he have his business at all???? How many of us would go to work every day if we did not expect the paycheck? All of those who are screaming for affordable housing have yet to show their real commitment to it - otherwise they would be describing their own affordable housing projects. It is easy to tell somebody else what they "owe" the community, but it would probably be more effective to lead by example. Perhaps these people could form a non-profit, buy up some bank-owned properties, and turn them into affordable housing units!

Anonymous said...

to July 16 5:07pm it is your day laborers that raise the crime rates and lower the standard of living [gentrifaction] lower land value kick out [low life's] and take over. look around you lot more poor then rich for once I'm glad to be poor.Sad empty shell of a human driven by greed & power [the true green movement] down with nwo

Anonymous said...

To july 16 5:07pm and so will judgement of you be "harsh" as well. Eat the rich down with the nwo

Anonymous said...

OK 7 poor families have housing our job is done tell the other 370+ non college grads to just go away don't forget you need us to run the under paid jobs like pump jockey grocery bagger all fast food jobs just about every service you use daily is us at work as the dollar rapidly falls in value and the cost of living skyrockets smells like rich folk to me.

Anonymous said...

july 16 5:07 how much did you get for your soul?It is just paper!!!!

Anonymous said...

A lot of people are saying that "we" need to provide affordable housing. "We" can do this through voluntarily raising our taxes, or by interested parties using their resources and expertise to purchase land to develop for affordable housing. If it is the job of developers to provide affordable housing, what public service is it YOUR job to provide? Fair is fair.

Anonymous said...

For fear of attracting "lowlife and drug addicts": A potential multi-story higher density project is no ghetto blight. The Ross Apartments in Meiners Oaks is where a denser vertical configuration is more functional and desirable than horizontal sprawl, and compliments the European model of a centralized
downtown plaza lending to a pedestrian friendly district, simular to Ojai's arcade design. Another positive model to look at is the Fulton Street seperate residence project- where homes were sold on condition not to turnover for profit. Or any number of educational or spiritual foundations here providing housing on site to attract and keep talented people. PL

Anonymous said...

What have you provided so far Pete?

Anonymous said...

That is an interesting correlation. The people who call the most for others to provide more often have done nothing themselves to provide for others. Its obviously a lot easier when its coming out of someone elses pocket. It seems to work the other way around also. Those who remain quiet are often the most charitable. (they are probably out making a living the rest of the time)

Anonymous said...

Hey PL,
What is "a landlord/rental monopolist"?

Anonymous said...

Well Anonymous, only a modest understanding enough to raise questions, then positive suggestions, both which would be part of public civic participation. A "landlord/rental monopolist" is as it appears- soemone who owns, controls, receives income from large area holdings of comnercial and residential real estate. You follow? PL





Anonymous said...
Hey PL,
What is "a landlord/rental monopolist"?

Anonymous said...

re "only a modest understanding enough to raise questions, then positive suggestions, both which would be part of public civic participation". Translation, not a dime.

Anonymous said...

Damn, I was hoping I was "a landlord/rental monopolist", but all I own is a couple of duplexes. I'll just have to keep trying.

Anonymous said...

Some people seem to be assuming that the "landlord/rental momopolists" are preventing others from being able to afford homes. If these people cannot afford or choose not to purchase a home, from whom do you suggest they rent?? Some of my WORST renting experiences were in homes that were the only investment property held by the owner - some of the landlord-tenant rules did not apply to them, and even when the rules DID apply, the owners were often ignorant of them and/or difficult to reach. There really does seem to be a particular bias here against people who make money from renting out homes. Is there the same antipathy for people who are successful in other businesses as well?? How about for wealthy celebrities and athletes? I really don't think that a person's humanity, generosity and/or spirituality is determined by wealth. There is good and bad at all socioeconomic levels. If "we" need to preserve affordable housing, then "let's" do it - rather than trying to force the job on somebody else. If this is truly a valley-wide concern, then we should be able to raise the money and call in a group like Habitat for Humanity to get the ball rolling? I am willing to participate, if someone is willing to take the lead.

BBeckett

Anonymous said...

I can\\\'t document my suspicions, but it seems to me that a good number of the people who are always calling for affordable housing can barely afford to rent a room.

Having been one paycheck away from living on the streets more than once in my life, I\\\'d like to make it clear that I empathize with their predicament. Rents are obscene in Ojai, and so are house payments. However, for the sake of clarity in these debates and discussions, I would really like to see some hard figures used in all of our discourse. Just what kind of money are we talking about? A house for $300 a month? $250 a month? (I want one of those, please.) And, who is going to subsidize this housing? People who are working 2 jobs just to keep a roof over their own heads?

The issue of affordable housing comes with a lot of pre-loaded questions, and a lot of those questions need to be answered. Will local affordable housing be given to locals first, or will we be forced to accept people from all over the County, as happened with the apartments at 290 E. El Roblar? Who will make certain that affordable housing goes only to the deserving? I knew a man who rented out his house on Meiners Rd. but lived at the Ross Apartments on El Roblar. He bragged about it. He bragged about burning the County while bringing in $2300 a month under the table. He\\\'s no longer able to run this scam, but he had been doing it for three years when I first heard about it.

Who is it out there who\\\'s going to make certain that things like this never happen again? Which agency has that kind of time, willingness, and investigative power? Before the first shovel of dirt gets moved and the first nail is driven, questions need to be answered and assurances need to be made and guaranteed. I will help the needy, but I don\\\'t want to feel as I am going to be one of the few who is going to be paying out of pocket while the wealthy get wealthier, and I don\\\'t want to work to subsidize any more cheats and scam artists than I already have during my life.

Anonymous said...

Great comments! I agree completely! I have seen too many families living in subsidized housing whose children have things that I cannot afford to provide for my own children. I realize that these families are the exception (I hope!), but I do feel cheated when I see this - like I am being a chump by playing by the rules. I am more than willing to help those who truly need it, but not to work extra hard so that someone else doesn't have to work at all!

Anonymous said...

For more comments and ideas on this
dynamic problem everywhere, please go to search engine for Ojai Post, enter: "Guest Editorial John Azevedo- An open letter to the Ojai City Council and Planning Commission," and "Chain Stores and Affordable Housing."

Anonymous said...

When I view the Ojai Post it's always seems to be same six people blathering and self-promoting.
Isn't someplace else that provides real dialogue?
Jeff Grant

Anonymous said...

If we wanted to be at the Ojai Post we\'d be there.

Anonymous said...

oh peter great savior,
when are you going to build some affordable units?
you seem to care sooo deeply and do nothing but talk. how about leading by example?

Anonymous said...

July 21, 2008 11:00 AM
Are you implying that you are more talented and interesting than everyone else pl?
that hurts me

Anonymous said...

Would like to dialogue with last two posts- how about having the courage to sign your name? Is it my calling to build affordable units myself? Have never owned property in this state, so should I make shoes for everyone yet still go barefoot? I have kept the subject open on what I know first hand very well. Relax my devotee for you have been your own savior all along. Why yes I am delusional but have always been comfortable living with it!PL

Anonymous said...

This "affordable housing" mentality is frightening. Say a person makes $10/hr, and qualifies for an $800/month subsidy. That $800/month ($9,600/year) comes from somebody else (landlord, taxpayer). And it makes the workers wage an equivalent of $15/hour. ($5x160 hrs/month = $800).

So how is this fair to the people making $15/hr? Is the person doing the $10/hr job really worth $9,600 to the community? If they were, wouldn't their wage be $15 instead of $10?

This whole demonizing of landlords and bank boards and planning commission memebers is not persuasive. The argument PL and others make seems to boil down to: "they are poor, so give them SOMEBODY ELSE'S money"

(Pete, I'm not one of the prior posters, but your derogatory treatment of others you name in this thread does not encourage one to identify themselves)

Anonymous said...

Pete,
Maybe you should put your energy into learning how to make shoes, so then you will have a pair for yourself and a couple others. Your time bashing could be better spent...
-p.t.v

Anonymous said...

Pete, regaurding "the working man,"
Are you a working man? Do you even have a job? What do you do exactly?

Anonymous said...

Oh joy oh bliss this thread is so
elitist- let's watch Mallory way
throw out poor people and kids!That already has happened which is real "frightening." Let's not have those kinds of people make us feel uncomfortable in our secure lives!
They're not really poor! They live
off our income bracket taxes!
Last comment, brave anonymous, I will answer when you identify yourself- then we'll duel with stock options at fifty paces. Will work for 2nd mortgage and disposable income...

Anonymous said...

Pete,
My name is on this post. How do you pay your bills? I think you listed your occupation as community activist or some such thing during your City Council campaign, but I don't think that pays very well.

So are you a trust fund baby.... did well early in life.... reformed millionaire who walked away from it all? If you are going to accuse others of conflict of interest, if you are going to call for transparency in others, you need to be willing to show your own background as well.

B Dawson

Anonymous said...

Thanks B for your charming questions- should you also post what you clear each year and your net worth and home value? No, you're right community activism doesn't pay but has dividends that are priceless,when unmanaged growth is curtailed. No, sorry no trust fund here. I live on borrowed time though feel funny about politicians yielding both their power and professional conflicts of interests, and hardly need to accuse- the relationships are apparent. Since I don't hold public office I won't be declaring anything.Sorry you're having a slow day. PL

Anonymous said...

Pete, you are prevaricating, flip-flopping, dissembling going back on your word, like a Federal politician! Stop wasting your time with little Ojai.

Pete, if you want to lead us all you are going to have to act like a leader, instead of jumping out in front of the parade like the "9% Pete" we all know. You can start by answering B's politely stated and relevant question.

Anonymous said...

I does appear that Pete is not even willing to tell people what he does for a living, a question which the rest of us have all answered on a regular basis. Apparently he does not see the hypocrisy of accusing others of inside deals and hidden relationships while concealing what everyone else has no problem answering.

Anonymous said...

I does appear that Pete is not even willing to tell people what he does for a living, a question which we all have answered many many times. Apparently he does not see the hypocrisy in accusing others of deceit, lies, and hidden relationships while concealing the most basic of information about himself

Anonymous said...

Golly gee whiskers, is the above an endorsement for office? I didn't know I was running again! Have done many
things in life (Haven't You) but one of my proudest moments is helping to preserve one of the last great valleys from exponential greed. Call me a sour grape if it makes you rest easier. To you anonymous phantoms I suggest we all line up in a fact finding forum sponsered by the OVNews and moderated by Cathy Jones.

Anonymous said...

Continuing... please accept my apology for
letting last few posts bait me with their fascism. It has been a real education for me to join the political process because few here could be bothered, but more important to watch people of this community voice concerns about how much of an uncommon place Ojai is, as are those who choose to live here.
I've had many interesting exchanges, as well as hearing from the old guard who have probably been around for better or for worse. And if I voiced sentiment about central quality of life decisions that generally benefit most thoughtful souls-well you decide. Thanks for opportunity for spirited debate- a long tradition here! PL

Anonymous said...

As I suspected Pete, you will never be as open and revealing as you demand all others to be.

I did not ask you to reveal any dollar amounts, only what generates your income. Knowing that I own a business in town or that my husband works for Accenture ( a computer consulting firm in the US), allows others to understand where my viewpoints come from. Information like this allows folks to evaluate how knowledgeable the speaker might be when offering up opinions. The exact income is irrelevant. It is the background that matters.

All we know about you Pete is that you constantly condemn anyone YOU determine to be "elitist", dress up like movie characters, criticize elected officials and anyone who has money or owns property.

You demand that any conflict of interest be addressed, yet we have no way of evaluating any conflicts of interest you may have.

You don't need to run for office again Pete. You have your hands full as president and CEO of the Carp, Condemn & Complain Club!

B Dawson

Anonymous said...

“...It is the background that matters.”Do you mean that only those owning their own business, have property, and upwardly mobile spouses can register and participate in the political process? Wow! Tell me what I am missing because that really is fascism! PL

Anonymous said...

Don't be an idiot on purpose Pete!!!!! EVERYBODY has some sort of bias, dependent upon his or her background. Regardless of how fair and objective you try to be, your personal situation and experience will color how you view an interpret events. Background is therefore relevant in helping others to understand your views. For example, your tendency to ascribe the worst possible motives to everyone else, while claiming that you are only trying to save what we, in our stupor, are unable to value or defend on our own. PLEASE!!!!!! I have no idea where you get these ideas, but your lack of candor in how you support yourself leads me to believe that it is the evil landowners who have been paying your bills through some sort of public assistance. This may be an unfair assumption, but you give us nothing else to go by.

Anonymous said...

"Dad always used to say the only causes worth fighting for were the lost causes.

You think I'm licked. You all think I'm licked. Well, I'm not licked, and I'm going to stay right here and fight for this lost cause even if this room gets filled with lies like these, and the Taylors and all their armies march into this place.Somebody'll listen to me.

And I'll tell you one thing, that wild horses aren't gonna drag me off this floor until those people have heard everything I've got to say, even if it takes all winter.

Just get up off the ground. That's all I ask. Get up there with that lady, that's up on top of this Capitol Dome. That lady that stands for Liberty. Take a look at this country through her eyes if you really want to see something. And you won't just see scenery. You'll see the whole parade of what man's carved out for himself after centuries of fighting. And fighting for something better than just jungle law. Fighting so as he can stand on his own two feet free and decent, like he was created no matter what his race, color, or creed. That's what you'd see.

I wouldn't give you two cents for all your fancy rules if, behind them, they didn't have a little bit of plain, ordinary, everyday kindness
and a - a little lookin' out for the other fella, too... EITHER I'M DEAD RIGHT OR I'M CRAZY." Senator Smith.

Anonymous said...

I am sure you are aware that the lady on top of the capitol is a pregnant native American (Sacajawea). She was a captured woman who was sold more than once. I am sure she was thrilled with her "liberty".

Again, more hyperbole, little substance, and no personal disclosure. It may be that people are not less informed, aware, kind, or sensitive than you - they simply disagree with your baseless personal attacks and ridiculous assertions. You talk A LOT - what have you actually DONE that has helped someone else???

Anonymous said...

Wow! Pete is getting pummeled. But I have to say it sounds like its deserved. Stand up for yourself son.

btw, The Al Jolson comment wins 1st prize for me

Anonymous said...

"Tell me what I am missing because that really is fascism! PL"

Anyone can participate in the political process Pete - you have proved that. The point you seem unable to understand (or refuse to!) is that if you are going to hold everyone who disagrees with you to a certain standard of ethics, you need to apply the same rule to yourself. To do otherwise is hypocrisy.

You are afraid of people's opinion of your situation, so you obscure yourself and then take shots at my husband for having spent years in college to obtain a master's degree in computer engineering so he can be gainfully employed. His income provides the tax money used by government to help those less fortunate!

You sir, are no Jimmy Stewart!

B Dawson

Anonymous said...

May you find personal
peace, joy,and an end to all suffering...

Anonymous said...

well pete,
as of now consider your reputation officially scarred and your opinions on further matters invalid.

Anonymous said...

I wanted to pass on some family history you may not be aware of. My Relative, Robert M. LaFollette was responsible as I understand it, of starting the first national forest/envoronmental movement
because Wisconsin had lost most of it's lumber then to the Railroad Monopoly.
As you may or should know, I have been conservationalist always. He also originated and wrote the legislation
at that time for:

•An end to child labor, and the passage of laws to protect women workers
•Outlawing the use of court injunctions in labor disputes
•The election of federal judges
•A drastic reduction in armaments
•A breaking up of monopolies and near-monopolies
•Public ownership of railroads

He served as governor from 1900 to 1906, where he pushed a broad reform agenda which became known as "the Wisconsin idea." To weaken the political
influence of party machines and corporations, he instituted direct primary elections and campaign spending limits. He also created state commissions to guide policy on railroad regulation, the environment,
transportation, civil service and taxation, drawing heavily on university experts in various fields. In 1906, he returned to Washington, where he served three terms in the Senate. In 1909, he founded La Follette's Weekly Magazine (later called The Progressive, still
published monthly in Madison) to promote further his ideas. In 1924, he ran for president on the Progressive Party ticket, earning approximately one-sixth of the popular vote.Thanks for asking.PL

Anonymous said...

So...you want some credit for something your ancestor did over 100 years ago? Do you think this information changes the way anyone thinks of you? Is this supposed to substitute for the information requested of you (that you seem to require of others)?

Pete, we all have biases and we all have principles. Don't presume that yours are any better than the rest of us.

Anonymous said...

Pete - you should at least cite the source for your relative's bio. Plagiarism does not enhance your credibility. You have not yet answered what YOU have ever done to help someone else.

Anonymous said...

Pete,
In between writing legislation maybe grandpa should have stayed out of his sisters bedroom.

Anonymous said...

Wow. Anonymously picking on Pete on a blog. What's next? Setting fire to homeless guys in the Ventura River bottom?

Anonymous said...

Pete, I think that Teddy Roosevelt predated your relative in establishing National Parks.

Anyway, how about we get back to discussing Mallory Way? Isn't this an issue of private property rights vs how much power/influence the local government should have in directing the use of that private property?

How do we, as concerned citizens, balance the needs of property owners who have mortgages to pay on that property with the needs of affordable housing for folks like teachers and firefighters?

B Dawson

Anonymous said...

A Native American saying is that we should understand our lineage to know our own identity and everything that our forebearers contributed to our lives. I suggest you interested in housing make it a campaign issue and ask the candidates. Smearing others here
who attemmpt the truth in politics, if that's possible, is very chikenshit. And you rabid capitalists who believe every
entilement except yours is a public handout, I suggest you revist corporate welfare and the military industrial machine, energy policies, and worldwide economic crisis from an neverending war against against a flavor of the month terrorist and state.PL

Anonymous said...

At least Pete 1) gives his name and 2) had the courage to run for public office. He should be proud of himself and his heritage. Now back to the topic at hand ...

Anonymous said...

Ok, so lets review. Pete will tell you his name and has run for office but will not tell you what he does for a living or or for that matter even reveal if he has ever had a paying job. Wow, what a leader!

Anonymous said...

So, how about those Mallory Way cottages?

Oh....I forgot....we don't actually discuss issues and solve problems here. We just pretend to be discussing issues and solving problems so that we can eventually get around to the real purpose of this whole OVN blog: bashing people.

Anonymous said...

Same business as usual from Jeff Becker Group- he also sits on County Commerce Bank board.

Yes, bashing people like "9% Pete" has done, shown above? Bashing good people like Monte Widders? Ron Polito? City Council members? Planners? Or implying corrupt behavior and conflicts? Is that what you meant? No?

OK, well, what ABOUT the Mallory Way cottages? What do you have to say about them?

Anonymous said...

What do YOU have to say about them?

Anonymous said...

So, how about those Mallory Way cottages?August 6, 2008 8:21 AM

What do YOU have to say about them?
August 6, 2008 11:24 PM


Your 'comebacks' are weak "or else what?" etc. You are the one who wanted to get back to talking about them. You must have something to say on the matter.

Anonymous said...

OK. Sure. Here's what I have to say on the matter. I hope it's not too weak for you.

The Mallory Way Cottages belong to whoever owns them, and whoever owns them has the right to do whatever he (in this case) wants to do with them. You may not like his plans, and you may not think that his plans are kind-hearted & generous, but there's no law against pissing you (or anyone else) off, and there's no law against not being generous. Such considerations are between Becker and his god, if he has one. If you want to be his conscience, go for it. Let's see how that works out for you.

If some other group wants to buy the cottages from the current owner and turn them into whatever existing law allows, let them do it. If they need to work within the system to change existing laws in order to proceed with their plans, let them work to do that, too. Let them do SOMETHING besides whine on barely noticed blogs. Until such time as the dissidents are able to come up with something more than cheap talk, however, the owner (Becker) can do anything he wants as long as it's legal. His plans only have to satisfy the letter of the law, and I'm not just talking about Ojai law. You can stack the city council with every foul-tempered, hypocritical, two-faced, egotistical, narcissistic, megalomaniacal, burned-out wannabe-radical one-trick-pony clueless poser to be found within city limits, and you'll still have to deal with county, state and federal laws that guarantee Becker a reasonable return on his investment as long as he doesn't try to build a mall, a whorehouse, a high-rise or a casino on that property. If you want to waste your time and money trying to stop him from doing what he plans on doing, go for it. Let's see how that works out for you, too.

If you want to provide housing for people who would not otherwise have a place to live, that's a good thing. If you can do that with donations, fine. If you can convince a majority of the voters that their tax dollars should be used for that purpose, that's fine, too. Just about anything else, however, is theft, no matter how you try to dress it up, and the only people who will ever respect you for using such methods will be other thieves.

Anonymous said...

........but ojai could use a good whorehouse!

Anonymous said...

Spineless anonymouse 10:56 PM
Please identify yourself so we might do lunch on your dime
to discuss my resume you are seeking. Others- please maintain composure- for even the lowly have their tale to tell... PL

Anonymous said...

Pete, re "Please identify yourself so we might do lunch on your dime"

Why do I think all your lunches are on someone elses dime?

Anonymous said...

They aren't- because of inflation,
costs for lunch have gone up!

Anonymous said...

It sounds like Pete gets to you in a big way, your so petty I'll never buy my dogs food in your stupid ass over priced store again!!!!!!!!!! Pet smart has the same crap as your store for less

Anonymous said...

Enough of Mallory way and all the free loader who think they are owed a living, people like P.L who does not work just hangs out complaining, try and get a job like my husband and me, we work 40 hours a week and are struggling like so many other families in Ojai no one gives us anything and no one should have to give a bunch of lazy happy go lucky people who refuse to work anything so they can maintain their lazy life styles.

Anonymous said...

Above comment you are too lame for last word or really any coherent thought process- dust off your mind next time. I've had many jobs, but am most proud of civic
participation, the results which are priceless, and meant for public
like you who have given up. Some of us sacrifice everything, than fade from view as monied interests like Becker erode Ojai's heritage and surround it with walls and gates! Where are all good jobs in town- where is the housing, such as state mandated affordable units which city sweeps under rug? Even you can comment on civic matters effecting your home- for the lowest also have their tale to tell. By the way you drag me around the mud with your hate remarks yet are too cowardly to leave your name here anonymouse!PL