Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Support for 'undocumenteds' a slap to citizens
Click title for letter to the editor regarding the prospect of pouring unbudgeted money into the Shuffleboard Court building. Here is the back up for the item that appears on tonight's City Commission agenda.
When the item last appeared on the City Commission agenda (under "Consent Agenda"), the item was pulled and discussed. There was a lot of talk about what is triggering the need for the improvements, why the improvements haven't been done anyway, why this wasn't considered before entering into a lease and prior to the opening of the center, how the certificate of occupancy could be pulled in a month if the improvements are not funded, where the estimates came from and who would do the work, etc., etc.
All of these items are questions worthy of discussion. The staff back-up does little to address these issues other than to provide a rough breakdown of the proposed expenditures. There is a suggestion that some of the work would be done by the City's own labor force - but if that happens what are they being taken away from that might be of a higher priority. And, who gave the bids and how did that abide by our procurement procedures?
By way of contrast, look at Compass and the work they are doing to the former Senior Center. They, not the City, are putting in at least $1.5 million into a city building in the way of mold eradication, installation of an elevator, and other building improvements without any compensation from the City's coffers. Another non-profit that has a favorable lease due to the services they will provide the community.
Now, according to the regime in charge on the dais now, anyone who raises any question about the "resource center" is a racist or a "sleazy lackey for corporate greed and fascist xenophobia." How can we expect to address any of the pressing issues that face our City if we rely on divisiveness to reign on our Commission? I wish more people had thought through their vote before casting it for the likes of Commissioner Cara Jennings et al.
But I can see how the voters could be fooled by Commissioner Jennings - on the campaign trail it was an "employment center" - one that everyone in the City could use and one that was needed in this tough economy.
Yeah, right.
How about we all meet up there and see what sorts of services are rendered for the benefit of all citizens?
When the item last appeared on the City Commission agenda (under "Consent Agenda"), the item was pulled and discussed. There was a lot of talk about what is triggering the need for the improvements, why the improvements haven't been done anyway, why this wasn't considered before entering into a lease and prior to the opening of the center, how the certificate of occupancy could be pulled in a month if the improvements are not funded, where the estimates came from and who would do the work, etc., etc.
All of these items are questions worthy of discussion. The staff back-up does little to address these issues other than to provide a rough breakdown of the proposed expenditures. There is a suggestion that some of the work would be done by the City's own labor force - but if that happens what are they being taken away from that might be of a higher priority. And, who gave the bids and how did that abide by our procurement procedures?
By way of contrast, look at Compass and the work they are doing to the former Senior Center. They, not the City, are putting in at least $1.5 million into a city building in the way of mold eradication, installation of an elevator, and other building improvements without any compensation from the City's coffers. Another non-profit that has a favorable lease due to the services they will provide the community.
Now, according to the regime in charge on the dais now, anyone who raises any question about the "resource center" is a racist or a "sleazy lackey for corporate greed and fascist xenophobia." How can we expect to address any of the pressing issues that face our City if we rely on divisiveness to reign on our Commission? I wish more people had thought through their vote before casting it for the likes of Commissioner Cara Jennings et al.
But I can see how the voters could be fooled by Commissioner Jennings - on the campaign trail it was an "employment center" - one that everyone in the City could use and one that was needed in this tough economy.
Yeah, right.
How about we all meet up there and see what sorts of services are rendered for the benefit of all citizens?
Monday, December 1, 2008
Pictures from World AIDS Day - Lake Worth
These were taken today in what was the largest display of the AIDS Names Project Quilt in the state. The panels were to be displayed outside, but the threatening weather all day necessitated the move indoors. A good move it was too as many who passed through the sanctuary at Calvary First United Methodist Church commented that it looked as if the church was filled with the spirits of those represented on the panels. Eric Miller, Co-Chair of the Names Project South Florida Chapter spoke at the candlelight vigil. Along with Scott Fox, Executive Director of Compass, Eric presented a panel dedicated to the late Micheal Brown who was murdered earlier this year. Micheal Brown served on the board of directors for the South Florida chapter of the NAMES Project, bringing the AIDS Memorial Quilt to distant locations such as South Africa, in addition to cities all over the United States. He is the only person known to be memorialized with a panel that did not die from HIV, the virus which causes AIDS.
More pics are available by clicking here.
Sheriff's Helicopter as seen over Columbia Drive today...
This was going on for about an hour or so today - flying in the same circle. Anyone know what was going on?
Later the same day...I just heard that the Sheriff's department caught the group that was burglarizing College Park today. Over 20 homes had been broken into during the day over the past couple of months.
Lake Worth politics: Change gives mandate to Jennings
Classy article by Tony Plakas in the Sun Sentinel. Click title for link.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Upcoming City Commission Meeting - 12/2
Here is the agenda for this coming Tuesday night. We have the pledge of allegiance being led by Commissioner Jennings. That is always a thrill to see/hear which words she chooses to say. Sometimes she does say "...and freedom and justice for all..." or she'll just come in a little late and miss the opportunity entirely.
Since this is the first regular meeting after the results of the elections are known, they will go through the decision of who is Vice Mayor and Vice Mayor Pro Tem. Basically ceremonial titles, they do come into play when the Mayor is absent and cannot run a meeting. If that's the case, then the Vice Mayor takes the gavel. Likewise if the Mayor wants to make a motion, he can pass the gavel to the Vice Mayor to run the meeting while the motion is made. Since the Vice Mayor can be absent as well and the Commission can still have the required quorum when three elected officials are in attendance, we also need a Vice Mayor Pro Tem. Watch for a power play by Commissioner Jennings to get her "favs" those titles. The current Vice Mayor is Commissioner Lowe.
They also will run through the list of various outside organizations where the city of Lake Worth has a seat at the table and re-assign places, if necessary, to accommodate the new Commissioner.
Under presentations, the most notable item listed there is an update from Greater Bay on the Beach property redevelopment project. The Mayor will also present a slide show about his trip to Haiti and put in motion steps for the creation of a sister city relationship.
Under the Consent Agenda, these items pop out. One is the appointment of people to boards where there are existing vacancies. There is a vacancy on the Planning and Zoning et al Board for the last alternate among the list of positions. It will be six more months at least before those seated now have to reapply if their term ends this year. Applications will be taken starting in April or May most likely for the general public.
Under unfinished business, we have the return of the item related to what are now $300,000 worth of necessary improvements to the shuffleboard court building in order to house the day labor center. This is down from the $350,000 that first appeared on a consent agenda previously, but still a significant amount. More on that later before Tuesday's meeting.
Under new business, there is an important item related to the updating of our historic districts through the use of grant funds. This is something that I have been a big proponent of doing. Time does not stand still and as each year passes structures age and more pass into the minimum 50 year age necessary to be a contributing structure in a historic district. The update will also include a look at some of the historic preservation portion of the code and recommend various changes and updates. Long past due but no time like the present.
Expect a lot of conversation about payment of fees to FMPA our electric co-op.
Absent on this agenda is the appeal by Mr. Celi of the Planning Board, HRPB latest decision on the Gulfstream Hotel improvements. Perhaps postponing it until January will dilute some of the reaction from people when they are reminded of Mr. Celi's contributions to Commissioner Jennings and Mulvehill campaigns. He individually contributed $1,500 total in support of their campaigns and so did someone else aligned with his cause. Pay to play anyone??
Since this is the first regular meeting after the results of the elections are known, they will go through the decision of who is Vice Mayor and Vice Mayor Pro Tem. Basically ceremonial titles, they do come into play when the Mayor is absent and cannot run a meeting. If that's the case, then the Vice Mayor takes the gavel. Likewise if the Mayor wants to make a motion, he can pass the gavel to the Vice Mayor to run the meeting while the motion is made. Since the Vice Mayor can be absent as well and the Commission can still have the required quorum when three elected officials are in attendance, we also need a Vice Mayor Pro Tem. Watch for a power play by Commissioner Jennings to get her "favs" those titles. The current Vice Mayor is Commissioner Lowe.
They also will run through the list of various outside organizations where the city of Lake Worth has a seat at the table and re-assign places, if necessary, to accommodate the new Commissioner.
Under presentations, the most notable item listed there is an update from Greater Bay on the Beach property redevelopment project. The Mayor will also present a slide show about his trip to Haiti and put in motion steps for the creation of a sister city relationship.
Under the Consent Agenda, these items pop out. One is the appointment of people to boards where there are existing vacancies. There is a vacancy on the Planning and Zoning et al Board for the last alternate among the list of positions. It will be six more months at least before those seated now have to reapply if their term ends this year. Applications will be taken starting in April or May most likely for the general public.
Under unfinished business, we have the return of the item related to what are now $300,000 worth of necessary improvements to the shuffleboard court building in order to house the day labor center. This is down from the $350,000 that first appeared on a consent agenda previously, but still a significant amount. More on that later before Tuesday's meeting.
Under new business, there is an important item related to the updating of our historic districts through the use of grant funds. This is something that I have been a big proponent of doing. Time does not stand still and as each year passes structures age and more pass into the minimum 50 year age necessary to be a contributing structure in a historic district. The update will also include a look at some of the historic preservation portion of the code and recommend various changes and updates. Long past due but no time like the present.Expect a lot of conversation about payment of fees to FMPA our electric co-op.
Absent on this agenda is the appeal by Mr. Celi of the Planning Board, HRPB latest decision on the Gulfstream Hotel improvements. Perhaps postponing it until January will dilute some of the reaction from people when they are reminded of Mr. Celi's contributions to Commissioner Jennings and Mulvehill campaigns. He individually contributed $1,500 total in support of their campaigns and so did someone else aligned with his cause. Pay to play anyone??
ESA and Surfrider update
Contest: The next ESA Palm Beach County District contest, sponsored by Ocean Magic Surf Shop in Jupiter, is set for Sunday, December 7th in Jupiter. Entry deadline is 5 P.M. Wednesday, December 3rd. All ESA divisions will compete for Regional qualifying points. Backup date is the weekend of December 13th and 14th. Entry forms are at pbc.surfesa.org, Ocean Magic, or your local Palm Beach County Surf Shop. ESA Palm Beach County District Directors Jen Surgener, Jim Miller and Tom Warnke remind everyone that in order to qualify for Regional slots at Sebastian this spring, all memberships must be current or renewed in December! PBC District info line is 561-324-2812.
Legal ruling: This week ESA will receive the judge's ruling on the legal battle to save surfing at the Lake Worth Pier. ESA, Surfrider Foundation, The Snook Foundation and the City of Lake Worth have all been battling in court over plans by the Town of Palm Beach and DEP to bury the areas surrounding the Lake Worth Pier with poor quality, muddy, dredged material. After weeks of court hearings, and many thousands of dollars in legal fees, December 3rd is the deadline for the judge to rule on this precedent-setting case.
Party: By coincidence, December 4th (Thursday evening) is the "Respect The Beach Party", hosted by the Palm Beach County Surfrider Foundation Chapter. It's an open-to-the-public fund raiser for that same legal battle, and includes the presentation of four "Ocean Warrior Awards" for people who have significantly helped protect our local ocean, waves and beaches. The awards will be presented to Kane Baker, Ed Tichenor, Don French and Jay Cashmere during the party. A week in Tamarindo Bay, Costa Rica, fishing trips, scuba trips and a new surfboard will be part of the items offered at the raffle and silent auction. The Respect The Beach Party is at The Palm Beach Steakhouse, 191 Bradley Place, in Palm Beach, (on the island) from 5:30 until 9:30, and dress is business casual. For more info click on surfriderpbc.org or call 561-236-0155.
Legal ruling: This week ESA will receive the judge's ruling on the legal battle to save surfing at the Lake Worth Pier. ESA, Surfrider Foundation, The Snook Foundation and the City of Lake Worth have all been battling in court over plans by the Town of Palm Beach and DEP to bury the areas surrounding the Lake Worth Pier with poor quality, muddy, dredged material. After weeks of court hearings, and many thousands of dollars in legal fees, December 3rd is the deadline for the judge to rule on this precedent-setting case.
Party: By coincidence, December 4th (Thursday evening) is the "Respect The Beach Party", hosted by the Palm Beach County Surfrider Foundation Chapter. It's an open-to-the-public fund raiser for that same legal battle, and includes the presentation of four "Ocean Warrior Awards" for people who have significantly helped protect our local ocean, waves and beaches. The awards will be presented to Kane Baker, Ed Tichenor, Don French and Jay Cashmere during the party. A week in Tamarindo Bay, Costa Rica, fishing trips, scuba trips and a new surfboard will be part of the items offered at the raffle and silent auction. The Respect The Beach Party is at The Palm Beach Steakhouse, 191 Bradley Place, in Palm Beach, (on the island) from 5:30 until 9:30, and dress is business casual. For more info click on surfriderpbc.org or call 561-236-0155.
Historic Lake Worth Postcards
I put together a quick YouTube video of the postcard collection I scanned. These are in addition to the ones that you have seen before that appear in the upper right hand corner of the blog. There are some duplicates, but I wanted to keep these all together. I'll have more commentary later, but this will give you a taste of what we were. Feel free to share with friends and family.
Woman found dead in Lake Worth apartment
Click title for link to article. A neighbor in the area where this happened is out of town for the holidays. She just called me - a little frantic - to tell me about this.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Thinking and thanking...
I'd like to share a couple of thoughts and things that are floating around in my mind over this holiday weekend. More than anything, this great American holiday is a time to recollect, honor traditions and find those things that we may overlook as "givens" and offer our thanks for their existence. One of those things is the intangible of health. Right now, there are some people that I know having some health challenges that seemed to come upon them suddenly. For them, this time is about waiting for test results, praying for the easing of pain and healing. Life is unpredictable and the "not knowing" part makes things more difficult to understand and to adapt to new realities. These are the people I think most about now and realize "but for the grace of God" go the rest of us that enjoy good health.
It's also a time that when I think about tradition, I also think about history and what has come before. On Thursday, for our Thanksgiving feast, I joined a group of long time Lake Worth people. One of the guests brought a collection of early and mid 20th Century postcards which were almost all about our city of Lake Worth. With his permission, I took the time to scan them to add to my digital collection. You will be seeing evidence of that coming in future posts.
Going through the images and some of the messages contained on the cards made me realize how history can be a surreal experience. The reality represented in these cards was one of Lake Worth being a tourist-oriented destination, one that took advantage of the weather and proximity to the ocean/beach to create wealth and sustain a way of life for the people who lived here. These people are the same people that lived in our homes, drove on our streets, walked on our sidewalks and voted for people to govern them just as we do today. But even though we share the same geographic space, our physical and social reality has changed on many levels. The seeds and saplings of what are today came from that time and place represented in those images and messages from the past. They represent a part of our trajectory as a city and part of our fingerprint, but it is not who or what we are today. How much different our present reality is from our past reality creates the degree of surreality that I mentioned before. I hope to be able to explore that notion as I blend this new collection into what is contained here. For those "old timers" that visit here, I welcome your input and anecdotes about the time that preceded our current reality.
What is revealed to me is that you cannot stop change; it's going to happen anyway. What you can do is act and plan so that you can adapt positively to the changed circumstances. If you aren't able to do that, then you place yourself in a position to be the victim of change.
On Monday, we will have a rare experience available to us right here in Lake Worth. Compass has been selected once again by the NAMES Project to display the largest selection of AIDS Memorial Quilts in the state on December 1 for World AIDS Day. This year, Compass will display 10 more panels than last year.
The 240 panels, sewn into 30 panels of 12 by 12 sq. ft. blocks, will be shown at the Calvary United Methodist Church in Downtown Lake Worth from 12pm to 6pm. In addition, a candlelight vigil will take place at 7pm, along with calling of names, induction ceremonies and a special musical performance by Jessica Alvarez from Javi Productions.
For more info click here, call Compass at (561) 533-7510 or visit www.aidsquilt.org
The event sponsored by Calvary United Methodist Church, The Names Project, Javi Productions, Walgreens and The Home Depot.
I hope to see you there.
It's also a time that when I think about tradition, I also think about history and what has come before. On Thursday, for our Thanksgiving feast, I joined a group of long time Lake Worth people. One of the guests brought a collection of early and mid 20th Century postcards which were almost all about our city of Lake Worth. With his permission, I took the time to scan them to add to my digital collection. You will be seeing evidence of that coming in future posts.
Going through the images and some of the messages contained on the cards made me realize how history can be a surreal experience. The reality represented in these cards was one of Lake Worth being a tourist-oriented destination, one that took advantage of the weather and proximity to the ocean/beach to create wealth and sustain a way of life for the people who lived here. These people are the same people that lived in our homes, drove on our streets, walked on our sidewalks and voted for people to govern them just as we do today. But even though we share the same geographic space, our physical and social reality has changed on many levels. The seeds and saplings of what are today came from that time and place represented in those images and messages from the past. They represent a part of our trajectory as a city and part of our fingerprint, but it is not who or what we are today. How much different our present reality is from our past reality creates the degree of surreality that I mentioned before. I hope to be able to explore that notion as I blend this new collection into what is contained here. For those "old timers" that visit here, I welcome your input and anecdotes about the time that preceded our current reality.
What is revealed to me is that you cannot stop change; it's going to happen anyway. What you can do is act and plan so that you can adapt positively to the changed circumstances. If you aren't able to do that, then you place yourself in a position to be the victim of change.
On Monday, we will have a rare experience available to us right here in Lake Worth. Compass has been selected once again by the NAMES Project to display the largest selection of AIDS Memorial Quilts in the state on December 1 for World AIDS Day. This year, Compass will display 10 more panels than last year.
The 240 panels, sewn into 30 panels of 12 by 12 sq. ft. blocks, will be shown at the Calvary United Methodist Church in Downtown Lake Worth from 12pm to 6pm. In addition, a candlelight vigil will take place at 7pm, along with calling of names, induction ceremonies and a special musical performance by Jessica Alvarez from Javi Productions.
For more info click here, call Compass at (561) 533-7510 or visit www.aidsquilt.org
The event sponsored by Calvary United Methodist Church, The Names Project, Javi Productions, Walgreens and The Home Depot.
I hope to see you there.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
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![Dr. W. H. Cotton’s ode: “Oh, My Lake Worth, Florida!” [circa 1920].](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUL75cv6zJQFjX15ojOIIz9AjnbqH4asHJTYSDhnGnYr7rJZRha1NcNTirj2xPcId158vkz5Hw-wXgOfrlztj8Zr8jLFFCfuEN6PyV44ZlpMRmJ68xbtFL9vzxNiG7xDs_HJvm/s1600/LakeWorthPioneers.JPG)
