Of Loving, Lameness and Losers
A DIFFICULT TIME FOR ALL
The past two days have tested the emotional capacity of the employees of the City of Costa Mesa and many of it's residents, as well. When young Huy Pham took his life by leaping from the roof of City Hall Thursday afternoon a chain of events started that has left many completely wrung out - this writer included.
RIDGE'S INITIATIVE
Early in the day Friday resident Greg Ridge, wanting to "do something" to honor the memory of Pham, launched a Facebook solicitation for interested folks to join him on the East steps of City Hall for a candlelight vigil. As a result more than 100 people began arriving shortly before 7 p.m. and many remained when I finally left just before 10:00. Greg offered a prayer at the beginning of this very informal event. That was the only "formal" part of the evening.
ROEDER AND OTHERS
Among those making this short pilgrimage to pay their respects was recently-retired City Manager Allan Roeder and his wife, Christie, shown here exchanging condolences from city staffers. I simply cannot imagine the thoughts that must be going through Roeder's mind these days. I also saw former mayor Mary Hornbuckle and former police chief Dave Snowden and his wife taking time to visit with old friends to offer some solace.
LEECE - A COMPASSIONATE "OFFICIAL" PRESENCE
Councilwoman Wendy Leece - the only current council member to attend - was on the site again after spending much of the previous evening at City Hall consoling employees and friends. As was the case yesterday, she also took time to speak with members of the media present. I saw coverage on KCAL, FOX, CBS and NBC, but missed the ABC coverage last night.
GENIS BACK AGAIN
Former mayor Sandra Genis was back again, having shared much of yesterday evening with Leece and others trying to do what they could to help employees deal with this tragedy. This evening she roamed from group to group to offer her best wishes.
NAGHAVI AND MANDOKI
Public Services Director Peter Naghavi, who was omnipresent yesterday, was at the gathering tonight, too. He calmly took the time to talk with folks, as did Administrative Services Director Steve Mandoki. This tragedy has been particularly hard on Naghavi because it was his duty to present the 6-month layoff notices to more than 50 employees in his Maintenance Services organization - including Huy Pham - on Thursday.
OFFICERS PAY THEIR RESPECTS
As the evening progressed people came and went. These three young Costa Mesa police officers spent a good portion of their dinner break paying their respects. Several other officers came by during the evening to quietly show their support for those assembled to honor Pham.
SHARING THE LOVE
Folks seemed to cluster in small groups, the configuration of which morphed like small segments of quicksilver, as friends slipped from one group to another to share stories and hugs in equal quantities. Many moved forward to observe the dozens of flower displays and lighted candles placed at the site where Huy Pham's life ended yesterday afternoon.
QUIET REVERENCE
Around 8:30, although it was not planned, a group of Pham's friends who had been lingering a few yards away found their way to the candle and floral display, stood for a few moments, quietly said a prayer, then slowly melted away in reverence for their friend.
BRAD LONG - THE ROCK
CMTV's Brad Long, shown here on the far left of a group of employees and friends near the end of the evening, had not gotten much sleep in the past 48 hours as he calmly and quietly "got things done" that needed to be done, including setting up the conference room on the 5th floor for a press conference earlier in the day. More on that later. Long has been a rock for his fellow employees during this tragedy.
ANOTHER MEMORIAL TO PHAM ON MONDAY
This gathering seemed to provide a much-needed opportunity for friends and co-workers to gather, share their grief and offer what consolation they could. Thanks to Greg Ridge for taking the initiative for this effort. Monday, weather permitting, there is another gathering scheduled for the same place. As announced earlier, this was to be an "Employees Only" gathering at 3:00 p.m. That has changed. Naghavi announced it to the press and now anticipates several hundred more attendees beyond the employees who will be encouraged to attend. Personally, I think this could be good for the employees and the community at large that has responded with such compassion.
***
POOR PRESS CONFERENCE
On a much les
s pleasant note, earlier in the day members of the City Council and Chief Executive of the City, Tom Hatch, held a hastily-contrived press conference in a small conference room on the 5th floor of City Hall. It was restricted to credentialed members of the press only, which locked me out. It was taped by Brad Long of CMTV and is now available for viewing on the city web site. You'll see the flashing notice at the bottom of the home page. It requires Windows Media Player and it takes a few minutes to download the 8 minute event. NOTE: Thanks to Gericault for providing a link, HERE, which shows the entire press conference. The final minute +, which was deleted from the city version, clearly demonstrates the unresponsiveness of the city council.
MEDIA COVERAGE SHOWS MORE...
I've subsequently seen part of the coverage on media outlets, including the segments at the end where the assembled reporters expressed anger at not being allowed to ask any questions. That part has been edited out of the city tape.
NO QUESTIONS!
That's correct - our "leaders" held a press conference but only permitted Hatch to deliver a prepared text without any comments by the council members present nor any questions being asked of them!
MORE UNBUDGETED CONSULTANTS
Among the things Hatch discussed was that the city has hired yet more consultants - none of the cost for which has been included in the current budget! They hired an outfit called "Growth Partners", which apparently brings significant expertise in Employment Law and Human Resources. Sounds a little like closing the barn door after the horse escaped to me.
LOBDELL'S IMPOSSIBLE TASK
Hatch also announced that he'd signed Bill Lobdell, current columnist and former editor of the Daily Pilot, to a 90 day contract to, "create a communication structure that will put Costa Mesa on a path to being the nation's most transparent government." I really like Bill Lobdell and admire his prodigious writing skills, but if this press conference was Lobdell's first step it was going in the wrong direction. At a time when our city and the entire region is crying out for clarity on this tragic event our elected leaders chose to stonewall reporters. I doubt very much if Lobdell had a hand in this one. I sure hope not.
IN HIS HEART...
During the end of his presentation - before he and the council members present slammed the door on the reporters - as Hatch was discussing the "noticing process", he said, "In my heart I know that that noticing process was conducted by our department heads and by our key management staff with care, with detail and with compassion." Maybe, but...
VERY DISAPPOINTING
As you can certainly tell, I was very disappointed in this press conference, as was every person who viewed it that subsequently communicated with me about it. From where I sit, it's going to take a lot longer than three months for Lobdell to polish our city's image and to create that "communication structure" mentioned above. We'll see.
***
MONAHAN'S MISTAKE
I've written in an earlier post my view of Mayor Gary Monahan's attempt to justify his lack of presence at City Hall Thursday. It was a lame, bogus attempt to deflect much-deserved criticism from him. Then I saw a clip on Fox 11 News Friday night that only further confirmed my opinion.
FOX 11 NEWS CLIP
In the clip reporter Al Naipo discussed the silent vigil held last night and the press conference. He then speculated about why Monahan didn't show up yesterday and showed us part of the tape he shot Thursday in front of Monahan's pub. Since it is not yet available on streaming video, I'm going to quote the mayor exactly from that segment.
OUT OF HIS OWN MOUTH...
Monahan is shown walking out of his pub in his garb for the day - a cute little Irish cap and a kilt - and then says: "I've got the biggest day of my life here. I have a business and I'm trying to survive my business. I just got the word like an hour ago. How do I just jump into something else and go down there? My heart goes out for what happened today, but I can't fix it."
TOO BUSY TO BE MAYOR
So, there you have it. Monahan states in the clearest possible terms that he couldn't "fix it", so going to City Hall to help guide the response to this tragedy and to help console the employees - to provide much-needed leadership at a time of crisis - just wasn't worth his time. Nope, pulling beer taps on the "biggest day of my life" took precedence over leading a grieving city staff and assuring a concerned community.
TWO DEATHS ON ST. PATRICK'S DAY
I sure hope it was worth it, and that he made a lot of money Thursday, because - along with young Huy Pham - Gary Monahan's political career committed suicide on St. Patrick's Day, 2011.
The past two days have tested the emotional capacity of the employees of the City of Costa Mesa and many of it's residents, as well. When young Huy Pham took his life by leaping from the roof of City Hall Thursday afternoon a chain of events started that has left many completely wrung out - this writer included.RIDGE'S INITIATIVE
Early in the day Friday resident Greg Ridge, wanting to "do something" to honor the memory of Pham, launched a Facebook solicitation for interested folks to join him on the East steps of City Hall for a candlelight vigil. As a result more than 100 people began arriving shortly before 7 p.m. and many remained when I finally left just before 10:00. Greg offered a prayer at the beginning of this very informal event. That was the only "formal" part of the evening.
ROEDER AND OTHERS
Among those making this short pilgrimage to pay their respects was recently-retired City Manager Allan Roeder and his wife, Christie, shown here exchanging condolences from city staffers. I simply cannot imagine the thoughts that must be going through Roeder's mind these days. I also saw former mayor Mary Hornbuckle and former police chief Dave Snowden and his wife taking time to visit with old friends to offer some solace.
LEECE - A COMPASSIONATE "OFFICIAL" PRESENCE
Councilwoman Wendy Leece - the only current council member to attend - was on the site again after spending much of the previous evening at City Hall consoling employees and friends. As was the case yesterday, she also took time to speak with members of the media present. I saw coverage on KCAL, FOX, CBS and NBC, but missed the ABC coverage last night.
GENIS BACK AGAIN
Former mayor Sandra Genis was back again, having shared much of yesterday evening with Leece and others trying to do what they could to help employees deal with this tragedy. This evening she roamed from group to group to offer her best wishes.
NAGHAVI AND MANDOKI
Public Services Director Peter Naghavi, who was omnipresent yesterday, was at the gathering tonight, too. He calmly took the time to talk with folks, as did Administrative Services Director Steve Mandoki. This tragedy has been particularly hard on Naghavi because it was his duty to present the 6-month layoff notices to more than 50 employees in his Maintenance Services organization - including Huy Pham - on Thursday.
OFFICERS PAY THEIR RESPECTS
As the evening progressed people came and went. These three young Costa Mesa police officers spent a good portion of their dinner break paying their respects. Several other officers came by during the evening to quietly show their support for those assembled to honor Pham.
SHARING THE LOVE
Folks seemed to cluster in small groups, the configuration of which morphed like small segments of quicksilver, as friends slipped from one group to another to share stories and hugs in equal quantities. Many moved forward to observe the dozens of flower displays and lighted candles placed at the site where Huy Pham's life ended yesterday afternoon.
QUIET REVERENCE
Around 8:30, although it was not planned, a group of Pham's friends who had been lingering a few yards away found their way to the candle and floral display, stood for a few moments, quietly said a prayer, then slowly melted away in reverence for their friend.
BRAD LONG - THE ROCK
CMTV's Brad Long, shown here on the far left of a group of employees and friends near the end of the evening, had not gotten much sleep in the past 48 hours as he calmly and quietly "got things done" that needed to be done, including setting up the conference room on the 5th floor for a press conference earlier in the day. More on that later. Long has been a rock for his fellow employees during this tragedy.
ANOTHER MEMORIAL TO PHAM ON MONDAY
This gathering seemed to provide a much-needed opportunity for friends and co-workers to gather, share their grief and offer what consolation they could. Thanks to Greg Ridge for taking the initiative for this effort. Monday, weather permitting, there is another gathering scheduled for the same place. As announced earlier, this was to be an "Employees Only" gathering at 3:00 p.m. That has changed. Naghavi announced it to the press and now anticipates several hundred more attendees beyond the employees who will be encouraged to attend. Personally, I think this could be good for the employees and the community at large that has responded with such compassion.
***
POOR PRESS CONFERENCE
On a much les
s pleasant note, earlier in the day members of the City Council and Chief Executive of the City, Tom Hatch, held a hastily-contrived press conference in a small conference room on the 5th floor of City Hall. It was restricted to credentialed members of the press only, which locked me out. It was taped by Brad Long of CMTV and is now available for viewing on the city web site. You'll see the flashing notice at the bottom of the home page. It requires Windows Media Player and it takes a few minutes to download the 8 minute event. NOTE: Thanks to Gericault for providing a link, HERE, which shows the entire press conference. The final minute +, which was deleted from the city version, clearly demonstrates the unresponsiveness of the city council.MEDIA COVERAGE SHOWS MORE...
I've subsequently seen part of the coverage on media outlets, including the segments at the end where the assembled reporters expressed anger at not being allowed to ask any questions. That part has been edited out of the city tape.
NO QUESTIONS!
That's correct - our "leaders" held a press conference but only permitted Hatch to deliver a prepared text without any comments by the council members present nor any questions being asked of them!MORE UNBUDGETED CONSULTANTS
Among the things Hatch discussed was that the city has hired yet more consultants - none of the cost for which has been included in the current budget! They hired an outfit called "Growth Partners", which apparently brings significant expertise in Employment Law and Human Resources. Sounds a little like closing the barn door after the horse escaped to me.
LOBDELL'S IMPOSSIBLE TASK
Hatch also announced that he'd signed Bill Lobdell, current columnist and former editor of the Daily Pilot, to a 90 day contract to, "create a communication structure that will put Costa Mesa on a path to being the nation's most transparent government." I really like Bill Lobdell and admire his prodigious writing skills, but if this press conference was Lobdell's first step it was going in the wrong direction. At a time when our city and the entire region is crying out for clarity on this tragic event our elected leaders chose to stonewall reporters. I doubt very much if Lobdell had a hand in this one. I sure hope not.IN HIS HEART...
During the end of his presentation - before he and the council members present slammed the door on the reporters - as Hatch was discussing the "noticing process", he said, "In my heart I know that that noticing process was conducted by our department heads and by our key management staff with care, with detail and with compassion." Maybe, but...
VERY DISAPPOINTING
As you can certainly tell, I was very disappointed in this press conference, as was every person who viewed it that subsequently communicated with me about it. From where I sit, it's going to take a lot longer than three months for Lobdell to polish our city's image and to create that "communication structure" mentioned above. We'll see.
***
MONAHAN'S MISTAKE
I've written in an earlier post my view of Mayor Gary Monahan's attempt to justify his lack of presence at City Hall Thursday. It was a lame, bogus attempt to deflect much-deserved criticism from him. Then I saw a clip on Fox 11 News Friday night that only further confirmed my opinion.FOX 11 NEWS CLIP
In the clip reporter Al Naipo discussed the silent vigil held last night and the press conference. He then speculated about why Monahan didn't show up yesterday and showed us part of the tape he shot Thursday in front of Monahan's pub. Since it is not yet available on streaming video, I'm going to quote the mayor exactly from that segment.
OUT OF HIS OWN MOUTH...
Monahan is shown walking out of his pub in his garb for the day - a cute little Irish cap and a kilt - and then says: "I've got the biggest day of my life here. I have a business and I'm trying to survive my business. I just got the word like an hour ago. How do I just jump into something else and go down there? My heart goes out for what happened today, but I can't fix it."
TOO BUSY TO BE MAYOR
So, there you have it. Monahan states in the clearest possible terms that he couldn't "fix it", so going to City Hall to help guide the response to this tragedy and to help console the employees - to provide much-needed leadership at a time of crisis - just wasn't worth his time. Nope, pulling beer taps on the "biggest day of my life" took precedence over leading a grieving city staff and assuring a concerned community.
TWO DEATHS ON ST. PATRICK'S DAY
I sure hope it was worth it, and that he made a lot of money Thursday, because - along with young Huy Pham - Gary Monahan's political career committed suicide on St. Patrick's Day, 2011.Labels: Allan Roeder, Bill Lobdell, Gary Monahan, Greg Ridge, Huy Pham, Peter Naghavi, Sandra Genis, Tom Hatch, Wendy Leece
posted by The Pot Stirrer at 3/19/2011 02:12:00 AM
50 Comments:
It’s not the employees are any more immune to the lay-off process. It is the way in which it was handled by the city. The ill-speaking by councilmen toward the employee's is outrageous and has to stop. Do those in the private sector have a CEO/Boss like the City Council that vilified their OWN employee's at every opportunity? Have you listened or attended a City Council Meeting? No one who is employed at the City of Costa Mesa feels entitled. What we feel is vilified and made the scapegoat. I DON'T make 6 figures, no way near it and I am at the bottom of the totem pole; I barely survive. I don't receive social security and never will what I save is all I have. Remember, walk a mile in my shoes then judge me. We are all people, no one is immune.
Monahan blew it,big time. Unbelievably bad judgment. Lobdell now working for the city. Does that mean he is no longer writing for the Daily Pilot?
Isn't it ironic, remember the first meeting of the newly elected council? Wendy Leece wanted to be Mayor. The PUBLIC wanted Leece as Mayor.... the Three Amigos ( Four soon after) would have nothing of it.
I seem to remember the Koolaid boys saying- These are tough times and the City needs a Mayor who has been there before, one that shows leadership-
Well, we are certainly seeing how the current " leadership / mayor " is doing. And still Wendy Leece shows that Compassion goes along with true leadership.
Most of the time, Doing the right right thing is just that... YOU DO THE RIGHT THING. It usually comes naturally for good people.
and
Karma usually comes around to those that put themselves (their agendas/ business/ etc) ahead of others.
If you aren't going to answer questions, why bother with the dog and pony show? These guys are a smear on this town, pathetic excuses for leaders.
And where's Bever again?
Geoff: When Monahan was needed most, he was a no-show. Can't spin his way out of this one. Please take the lead in a campaign to urge Monahan to resign. Not a recall. Maybe create an online petition for residents?
Train Wreck,, the budget shortfall must be gone.. They (City Council) continue to hire more and more consultants for what. I have not heard them say they have went back to the unions for any suggestions or further assistance .... oh thats right when you have a hidden agenda there is no need to ask for help. As services leave and i assume it will include the FD nd PD along with everyone else who is gonna take the flag down, cause you'll need to outsource for that too. By the way, did anyone else notice that this council is too a member of PERS and the only glowing item was the fact that they are not paying a (DIME) to PERS unlike ever single employee in the City now....... What a bunch of TWO FACE PIECES OF SHI_!!!! It is time to get rid of the loses and hold them accountable for thier actions...out source them and kick the can to the curb.. Tine for level headed thinkers.... RECALL be fore it is too late.
The lack of judgment, leadership, and sensitivity on the part of Monahan and his minions (minus Leece)as a result of the recent tragedy is truly glaring and indefensible. The so-called press conference (as reported by Channel 9) was pathetic in how unprofessional it seemed, with Monahan hanging his head and beating a speedy exit. We looked like a second-rate town! Residents deserve better representation. As for money being spent on Lobdel and the consulting firm: The City has money for these expenditures but not to maintain services and employees? Yes, indeed, the City better work on transparency, but let us hope it's of the truthful kind and not just some sort of "spin." As a longtime resident, I'm disgusted at how fast this bunch has brought this city to its knees and created such dissension. I think Recall is in order. Thanks for this Blog.
Just heard from a friend in L.A. They are still showing Monahan in his kilt. We are a disgrace. He should resign.
I just saw on the Daily Kos .......the number one recommended diary today links this blog
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/03/18/957770/-Public-employee-jumps-to-death-after-mass-layoff
.....thanks Geoff for your observations and insight. These inexperienced , political idealogues acting as ruthless "business managers", have wrought unforseen consequences against this entire city. While they are sending out notices , dismantling the entire workings of our city, their attention is focused on interior decorators, fabric swatches and dressing up in leprechaun garb. Now we watch as they play rapid response damage control experts and hire Lobdell as a professional public relations consultant to bring transparency? Human resource specialists? After they have already broken all the windows they buy a bottle of Windex.......Wake up Costa Mesa1
The press conference for "Care Bear Gare" damage control was utterly ridiculous! He had the opportunity to tell Al Naipo, Fox 11 News, what he had CEO to the City Tom Hatch read from the "prepared" statement the next day.
Why didn't he have Mr. Hatch announce this key information at the tragic scene? Why couldn't the news reporters & journalists ask this, as well as other pertinent questions at the announcement yesterday?
Because his public comments on Thursday afternoon with Mr. Naipo are completely incongruent with his written "explanation" from the no questions asked & definitely NOT impressed-conference yesterday! BTW, this major fail is coming from a well-respected Speech Communications Instructor from OCC. LMAO
This entire story and the surrounding chaos that has engulfed the city since the new council members and new CEO have taken over is just horrible for staff and residents. There is no concern or consideration for anything or anyone rather than their own agendas - of which the CEO is a willing participant. This is management by intimidation and rotten to the core. I find it hard to believe the residents really want this kind of local government. And if there really is a budget issue (who would really know since there's no finance director and no qualified budget staff) then why are they hiring lots of consultants that are not budgeted? Seriously, take a close look at what's going on - it's appalling and it's blatant! They're so arrogant that they don't even feel the need to hide their bad behavior.
The same men who want to outsource, are using the police department to provide personal protection for them. Uh, how about hire your own security while the police officers do the work they are paid to do. They are not security guards.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qltKkCUhezA
The whole uneditted press conference.....from start to sad, sorry, finish.
MMG: Monahan Must Go!
As a long time reader of your blog, I agree with one of the reader's comments suggests you to lead a campaign to urge Monahan to resign. But if you don't want to do that, then with a minimum effort, you can use one of the built-in gadgets called "Poll" to create a simple poll so the guy like me who did not have enough words or writing skill have a change to express our opinion with only one click away. You can create multiple polls to cover more than 1 questions. I am sure you will be able to do it with ease. The process is fairly simple like go to the "Setting" of your blog, then click on the "Design" tab, next click on the "Add Gadget", then scroll down the pop-up to find the "Poll" gadget and click on the plus sign (+) to create a poll. Repeat the process to create next question ... I, myself, value your reports and opinions very highly and looking forward to add my voice (or my vote) to your blog.
Your blog reader, thanks for the suggestion and the primer on creating a poll on this site. I'm not interested in doing that, however. While they can be fun and provocative, I think such polls are way, way too unscientific to have any real value.
You don't seem to have any trouble presenting your view, so I hope you'll find the time to post your comments here when so moved. Thanks, again, for the suggestion.
It would be dumb to recall monahan because we will just get an even worse political friend of righeimer. And any friend of his is not a friend of the truth, common sense, empathy, business sense, or logic, and only a friend to themselves, their ideology, hatred, OC GOP dogma, and themselves. Yes I said themselves now three times. And just for the record short leprechauns make me nervous, like an evil lawn gnome.
Now that you union organizers, PR people, city employees, and rabble rousers (Greg Ridge/Gericault) have finished with your first round of "venting" your phony anguish, let me pass on the many comments I've been hearing from Costa Mesa residents. I feel certain you will all need to vent further after I do so.
For starters, let me assure you that the sheer, unadulterated, crap you have been spewing for the past couple of days has been wasted on the residents, and taxpayers, of Costa Mesa. Let's make that very clear.
You have been causing the family of Mr. Pham unspeakable pain by your blatant broadcasting of a very personal, very private loss. Suicides are not normally bantied about the way this one has. If it were my family member, I would be firing up a lawsuit the likes of which you cannot imagine, based on sheer embarrassment.
You have caused this family more shame, and embarrassment, than I can possibly express. Having had two suicides in my extended family, I can assure you that the last thing a family wants is for everybody to know about it. Shame on all of you for your extremely poor taste, and poor choices. Chances are that Mr. Pham committed suicide for reasons completely unrelated to city matters. He had access to the top of a tall building that was capable of putting him out of his pain. It's very likely that's the only relationship the city had to the matter. The timing of his act was undoubtedly coincidental. People who commit suicide think about it for a long, long, time before they act out. Likewise, they don't put on such a happy, normal front if they are extremely stressed, or unhappy. If their suicide is meant to change something in process (such as the potential layoffs) they usually chose a reversible means of suicide (such as wrist slashing, overdoses, etc.). Mr. Pham chose a means of suicide that was certain to kill him. Therefore, it should be more than obvious that he simply wanted to end his life, not try to manipulate anything, or anybody.
Instead of simply allowing this man to die with an ounce of dignity, all of you have pounced on his death for every ounce of political power you can wring out of it. The only people who needed to be on scene were the paramedics, the City Manager, a handful of police officers, and the coroner. No one else! The rest of you gawkers should be ashamed of yourselves. That was the most private moment of Mr. Pham's life, and you managed to take that away from him.
As for Mr. Monohan, he has a large family to feed, and a business to run. He, nor any of the other council members, could possibly put Mr. Pham back together again. What purpose could their presence have served? You greedy people are simply using Mr. Pham as fodder for more of the ill gotten gain you are chasing.
Knock it off! Let Mr. Pham, and his family, have some peace. Give them some dignity, the same dignity you would like to have if a member of your family died this way.
their own agenda is the only concern of those against the current council. they fill the audience with their clapping shills and applaud as Pandora "aw shucks" and guffaws at the noise. just tax people more is their only concrete idea and while I appreciate an actual idea rather than dramatics it is a bad idea.
Since I personally knew Huy and know him I can say.. Huy would have wanted us to not let his death be in vain. HE would have wanted us to make sure the City Council remembered his name and knew that he was not just a dollar sign... he was a person. Sorry, the shame is on the City Council the blood is on their hands and will be long after we all have quit blogging. They will have to live with the shame of what they have done to the CITY and to the family of Huy Pham. SHAME on anyone who wants to sweep his death under a rug. Shame on anyone who wants his death to go un-noticed. He was my friend and deserves for the City Council to know what they did to him and to us and continue to do. SHAME on you blogger for writing such filth.. you sir should go back to the trash pit you crawled out of.
The puppet master and his right hand man,
Control the dumb Beaver, steer the short Monahan,
Drive the slick Hatchman to push Huy Pham off the roof,
Poor Wendy tried and tried the best she could,
But can't stop the puppet master from where he stood,
With his bully right hand man going for blood.
Poor Wendy, poor employees, tears won't help,
You need to go far, you have a story to tell,
Tell it to your friends, tell it to citizen of Costa Mesa,
How the puppet master and his right hand man,
Cold hearted and blood in their hands.
On Monday, employees and citizen join hand in hand,
All-for-one and one-for-all chanting:
"Hell to the puppet master, hell to his right hand man.
Gary's political career is definitely over when he failed us big time. This brewing unrest of employees and residents will not stop unless Righeimer, Mensinger, Bever, and MOnahan are recalled, so the best advice I can give to 4 of them is step down. Otherwise, bear the shameful and painful process of recall.
"Costa Mesa Residents", you know who you are, but sure hope you are not my next door neighbors!
You said and I quote: "As for Mr. Monohan, he has a large family to feed, and a business to run. He, nor any of the other council members, could possibly put Mr. Pham back together again. What purpose could their presence have served?."
The answer is very simple: Leadership!
If he thinks his presence serve no purpose then his leadership is not needed. Have you watch TV during the crisis like 9/11? Maybe it too long ago and you forgot. How about Japan earthquake? If the leaders chose to stay with his drink because he can't change anything then what words are you going to use to describe them? BTW, the dear leader's name is Monahan not Monohan. God bless his soul!
"Costa Mesa Residents"- Really? Mr. Pham chose what he chose. It was a very personal choice, but not one that was coincidental. You are no expert on suicides, regardless of how many of your extended family members chose that way out.
Suicide is not necessarily committed by those plagued with "mental illness" or deep rooted psychological problems. Often, it just takess life events to keep coming at you one right after the other. You see no other way out of your problems, then you have one bad day. One really bad day and what seems like a moment of clarity, because there is a way out, is actually a path to a decision that is irreversible.
Anyone with any credible psychological training could tell you that he chose a VERY public venue, at a VERY critical time and it was no coincidence. I have no doubt he meant his death to make a statement. Shame on you for presuming to think you know what he or his family would or would not want. You are merelytrying to save what little political steam the hacks on council have.
Let's presume for a moment, Mr. Pham was not a city employee, he wasn't getting laid off from his job at "Globotech", and that he just decided to jump off city hall, because it was the closest big building that would suit his needs. I would expect that the mayor should still respond, at least long enough to be brought up to speed on the situation.
Funny how our local employees have their feet held to the fire and are scrutinized for every misstep. Yet, when one of these buffoons on the dais puts their foot in their mouth, acts with imprudence, or otherwise screws up, they have their minions at the ready to justify their actions. "he has a big family", "he has a business to run" etc. Guess what, he also hs a duty to the city; residents and employees alike.
Continue on with your damage control. You will need it. Frankly, this has just begun to awaken the city to what is happening around them.
Hey Gary on Tuesday night, just before you lean into the microphone to resign, say "They're always after me lucky charms"...
No recall - that will only lead to people objecting because of the cost. Demand resignation. Keep the pressure on him. Don't try to do too much. Start with Monahan, who must pay a price for his supreme indifference.
Costa Mesa Residents: A handful of folks in my neighborhood, talking across yards this morning, articulated quite the opposite view from your perspective. In fact,the general consensus in my neck of the woods is that Monahan was remiss in not going to City Hall on Thursday and that layoffs, etc. are being pushed through too fast, without adequate consideration. None of these folks are rabble rousers, activists, or PR people; they're just residents living their lives and, oh by the way, they're taxpayers, too! I just don't think you, or anyone, can presume to speak for "Costa Mesa residents." There is a diversity of opinion in the City and, frankly, I am grateful for this blog because it provides more than one perspective on issues.
Thanks for posting the link gericault. The first thing I notice is the Beav is M.I.A. I have to think he is in ICU or something.
It has to say something for those who think they are leaders, the ones that motioned for and second the nomination for Gary then voted for his appointment. These guys know more than anyone in the city, yet they stayed outside for about 18 minutes and got a police escort home. Do our 'leaders know what they are doing.
To be a leader you must be a servant first. Not to just the rich but all walks of life. Wendy is quite the display and I feel strongly that this is not politics, it is her heart.
Finally, shouldnt a city the size of CM have 7 council members? Maybe instead of recalling the fab 4, we just add another 3 that are like minded and can slow this pace down.
As sick and twisted as some of you city employees are, I would not be the least bit surprised if one or more of you sacrificed Huy by throwing him off the roof of the city hall (seriously). I think a police investigation should be started ASAP and every single employee's whereabouts be confirmed at the time of the tragedy. This whole scenario really wreaks.
Some of you are willing to say whatever it takes to make your point and do whatever is necessary to save your jobs. Huy's death now gives you a platform from which to rant and rave and spew your hatred.
This really sounds like the same kind of sacrifice our ancient ancestors made to appease the Gods.
Costa Mesa resident who's plant are you? Mensinger, Monhan or Riggy?
They have had so many plants speak at council now on blogs. I doubt you are even a costa mesa residence.
Shut the hell up about Huy Pham you don't know him and you are trashing his name and family. Bottom line your little buddies are to blame.
Monahan should resign along with his little buddies. Hatch should resign. They don't care about what has happen, they only care about how is this going to effect me?
Well for starters I hope the Pham family sues each one for wrongful death. The Pham family should be owning or selling Monhan bar all in good time. A juror among their peers won't go well ask OJ Simpson about that in his civil case.
City of Costa Mesa will pay out millions to the Pham family as well. I'm sure the lawyers are in line wanting this case.
As for the employees they will ban together and demand resignations soon.
The shameful foursome need to go!
I am in shock at some of the deplorable rants by a few of the Riggy, Mensinger, Mona"ham", Bever plants. The employees know you hate us but really you go to far. The blood ... the blood.. is on the hands of the City Council (minus Wendy) we all know that. Those facts WILL NEVER change. Never.
Transparency? Really, Mr. Hatchet-man?
1. Edited out the last few minutes of the (lame) press conference is NOT transparency.
2. Hiring your friends left and right without disclosing their salaries is NOT transparency.
3. Layoff your employees without any discussion with their representatives is NOT transparency.
4. Layoff your employees to save money without any proof of savings is NOT transparency.
5. Layoff first, work out the details later is NOT transparency.
If these are some of the thingies in your heart then "Is there any heart surgeon in the house?"
Why do we hate Gaddafi but love our Dear Leaders sooooo much?
Dorothy (or Wendy): "Toto, I Don't Think We're in Costa Mesa Anymore."
The puppet master and his bully right hand man,
Sent dumb beaver somewhere to build a damn,
Told little drunk leprechaun stay with his drink,
Picked the hatchet-man and made him a king.
The king brought in many of his friends,
Told them "We share this gravy train".
For running this place like a private business,
They sure know how to share the profits.
Oh, Roeder, Katrina, and Sandy,
Come to help Wendy, please.
Come to save this city once more,
Because "We don't think we're in Costa Mesa anymore!"
Your statement "I DON'T make 6 figures, no way near it and I am at the bottom of the totem pole; I barely survive." is hardly the truth. In fact, it's a bold faced lie.
Your salary is well into the 6 figure range. You live in a really fancy house, but not in Costa Mesa. Looks like you are moving on up, and are enjoying a lifestyle many of the Costa Mesa taxpayers can't afford! Those Costa Mesa taxpayers are the ones who are financing your fine living and dining arrangements. We think you should get yourself a real job. A job like we have. One where you actually work. A job that is way below six figures (for real).
Sissy, you were the first person to report Huy's death. What a coincidence! Were you the person who pushed him off the roof? You almost tripped over your feet running for the Internet to start ranting and raving. That's bothered me ever since you started shooting your mouth off. You protested too much my dear. You should be the first person investigated.
You need to understand something Ms. Casper, you work for us, the taxpayers, it's not supposed to be the other way around. You have a job that requires zero education, minimal effort, no brains and you are overpaid beyond belief. It's no wonder you are freaking out about potential job loss. Anybody could do your job (yes, even dumb old me). You will never be able to replace that job. Therefore Sissy, you are the problem.
I hope those nasty old city councilmen you love to hate so much will axe your job first! You are a prime example of why the layoffs are absolutely necessary.
cc: Entire Costa Mesa City Council
Wow ! Ok "Irate Taxpayer" you win.
That is the most vile, sickening, inflammatory, and hate filled post that I've read this week.
I would suggest you seek help but I'm afraid you are well past that point. But have a nice day anyhow.
Seems to me the "rabble' has been roused.....and as much as I would like to take credit for it .......it wasn't me who roused them.
Mr. Taxpayer (we have to take his words for it) wrote: "Anybody could do your job (yes, even dumb old me)." Wow! You're totally convinced me Mr. Taxpayer, especially the dumb part!
Is anyone else more than a little creeped out that "An Irate Taxpayer" (and who knows who else) knows the details of a City employee's personal finances and, apparently, the location of her residence?
Let's level the field, Irate. Why don't you post your real name, your home address, and your exact income and other compensation information? I wouldn't blame you if you don't - I wouldn't want to be subject to that kind of privacy invasion and intimidation, either. Gives you an idea how OUR (as Costa Mesa residents and taxpayers) employees feel.
Irate Taxpayer- Say what you will, the blood is on the hands of the City Council and will always be period. You can write whatever slander you may; however, the facts will remain the same: City Council (minus Wendy) caused the unfortunate death of Huy Pham. (Be careful what you write sir as I have forwarded this to my attorney.)
My daughter and I stopped by the candle/flower memorial at Costa Mesa Civic Center this morning where Thuy Pham died. Right, wrong, or whatever, as a parent of two 20 somethings like Pham, I couldn't help but feel bad about his demise.
Gary Monahan: Show some decency. Stop trying to cover up your screw-up, fall on your sword like a man of honor and resign.
Steve Mensinger and Jim Reighmer: Tell your puppetmasters you just can't continue with the Plan and you too want to do the honorable thing and resign in light of this kid's death.
Per hiring Lobdell: Given our current financial situation do "we" really need to hire a PR man??? The description of his job duties "to chart a communication path to make this city the most transparent "......give me a break!! Who thought that brilliant one-liner up??!! Puhleeez!!
You've got to go to youtube and type in "costa mesa press conference." I didn't think the city could sink any lower. As the reporter yelled at the end of the press conference: "this is a sham" and "you should be ashamed." So let me get this right: the City Manager (I refuse to call him a CEO) and council layoff 200+ workers. . .then the City Manager announces he will spend tens of thousands of dollars outsourcing the PR (for this press conference?) to a consultant without even having a RFP bid process. Yes, Mr. City Manager and Council, you should be ashamed. Way to go hiring a former reporter to clean up your PR mess. . .what experience does the religion editor of the LA Times have guiding communications programs for public or private entities?
agnesmngt, I included a link in this post. Here it is again: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qltKkCUhezA
... the focus of the presser was to be on Huy Pham and his family, why the need for CEO to slip in the Lobdell hire? Seems to have taken some of the "focus" away. Not really a shocker for this group.
Sorry, but these guys are just asking for it now. Geoff, you gotta find out which one of these guys is good friends with Lobdell. Everyone coming in the door is a 'friend'. Heck, even CEO was a 'friend' long before the hire. So much so, they didn't even bother to recruit. Is Lobdell out of a gig right now - in need of some extra cash?
Why hire Lobdell when CEO has already brought in a Public Relations Manager? Uh oh, two people doing the same job? How efficient is that? Who is the new PR guy friends with?
Transparency can be a real b****! Good luck huntin'.
City Council including the Mayor receive a pension for life.
City Council including the Mayor does not pay one cent toward their pension- employee's pay substantially
City Council including the Mayor also receives social security- employees do not have that option
City Council including the Mayor have taken -zero- in salary, medical benefits cuts. Employees took numerous cuts not limited to unpaid furlough, no cost of living raises for 4 years, doubled pension costs for employees.
City Council including the Mayor simply gave out PINK SLIPS without looking at the books and HIRED AND KEEP HIRING CONSULTANTS with money out of the taxpayers pockets.
City Council including the Mayor is spending money on redecorating the lobby on the 5th floor and 1st floor with taxpayers money
City Council including the Mayor is spending money on $500 a month to VOLUNTEERS so they can have a catered meal while working on projects- this is paid by taxpayers money
OPEN YOUR EYES taxpayers- you are being played for the fools. The City Council and Mayor want you to blame the taxpayers- we are the scapegoat. If you don't believe me- all you have to do is ask the City Council. This is public information. USE YOUR BRAINS!!!
Prediction:
Bully Boy Mensinger will try to become mayor after Monahan resigns.
Joe, I seriously doubt that Gary is going to resign, --- just because you want him to do so.
Are you planning to strong arm him?
Irate tax payer....is very disturbed! I'm sure if we ran a rap sheet on him it would be a mile long. Care to give us your name?
Tax payer is a perfect example of someone who probably tried to get a city job and was denied due to criminal or psyche problems. This person could never pass a background check to become a city employee. Probably is one of our 290 reg....sex offender.
Keep talking I find your little rants entertaining like all the city employees.
By the way tell your little friends hello,,,riggy, mensinger, monahan and hatch. Play your cards right maybe they will hire you as a consultant!
Just a note to say "THANK YOU", to Huy's coworkers, employees of the city, members of churches across Orange County, and everyone, for your thoughts and prayers for Huy and his family.
<3 ~Huy's friend~
No Joe......Monahan will step down, for some "reason", and Righeimer as Mayor pro tem will become King.
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