At the Lake Worth Post Office today...

Tomorrow is the Lake Worth Critical Mass Ride

Come one come all? Tomorrow, Friday, is the Lake Worth Critical Mass (CM) ride. The bike ride is always the first Friday of the month. Previous rides have departed Bryant Park (at the Gulf Stream Hotel) at 7:00 p.m., but there has been a change; now the ride is scheduled to depart at 7:30 p.m. I've been on four CM rides and I can attest they are a lot of fun. You don't have to be a highly experienced rider or an Olympic athlete to participate. The image below is from the CM facebook page. Note the arrow and where I highlighted "AT YOUR OWN RISK". Also it is noted that lights and helmets are "highly recommended". Lights are required, front and back or you risk your person and getting a ticket. Since the ride doesn't leave until 7:30 and it will be very dark along some of the CM route, especially with the time change.

Earlier in the week I cited an alarming news story on the spike of bicycling fatalities due to riding impaired, i.e., alcohol. You can read that article here. In 2012 for example 28% of all bicycle fatalities had a BAC of 0.08 or higher and 88% of the fatalities were male.

Now let's examine the largest issue of all: The CM loop route through Lake Worth, Lantana, and Lake Worth (once again) is problematic. First understand, I am a big supporter of CM and their efforts to promote bicycling and making the public aware of bicyclists. As it pertains to bicycling I "walk the walk" so to speak. Many trips, be it the Post Office, City Hall, the Municipal Pool, Publix and Winn-Dixie I do on my bicycle. The bicycle is integral to my daily life.

Now the problem with the CM ride tomorrow. I participated in the CM ride on October 3 and they took this treacherous leg: In Lake Worth CM rode 18th Ave South heading West to Federal Hwy, South on Federal Hwy and MERGED ONTO DIXIE HIGHWAY. The ride continued down Dixie HIGHWAY until finally taking a left (East) on the Lantana Rd extension into the city. Highways and bicycles are not a good combination. Note that this is at night and without any police or safety escort. In the future, I'll use the sidewalk instead of following the crowd.

Note the two following images. One is the CM route, step-by-step, and the other is a map of the route.

Crossing Dixie Highway on a bicycle is difficult any time of the day; riding a bicycle ON Dixie Highway is insanity. On the map you will see four highlighted areas with the numbers 1 through 4. Although I will likely participate in the CM ride tomorrow, I will not be part of the CM group during these parts of the ride:
1: Dixie Highway from Lake Worth to Lantana
2: Lantana Road heading West towards I-95
3: South 'A' St in Lake Worth and the roundabout at 'A' and Lake Ave
4: Dixie Highway between 19th Ave N and 18th Ave N

These four parts of the CM ride are too dangerous for a large group of bicyclists. Motorists, both cars and trucks, drive very fast on these roads and most typically well over the posted speed limits. Let's briefly examine one of highlighted examples, #4. By this time it will be approximately 8:30 PM. The CM ride will be proceeding East on 19th Ave North, making a right on Dixie HIGHWAY and then a quick left onto 18th Ave North (heading East). Were someone setting up a challenge to test one's bicycling skills, risking life and limb, this part of the CM route would make sense. For a large group of bicyclists with a wide range of experience and skill levels it is simply not safe.

As an aside, by the CM route taking 18th Ave North off of Dixie Highway, by one block they bypass the entire College Park area of Lake Worth, one of the more bike friendly and historic neighborhoods in the entire city of Lake Worth.

Back on topic, in all fairness CM has well trained and attentive "corkers" who monitor the safety of the riders and stop traffic when necessary. Corking is illegal; only law enforcement and a few other entities can lawfully obstruct traffic. However law enforcement for the most part looks the other way as long as things do not get out of control. Corkers can control many situations but managing a drunk driver on Dixie Highway, a tractor-trailer driver behind schedule, or somebody racing down the road texting are not safely managed, even by the most skilled corker.

In conclusion, the solution for future CM rides in Lake Worth to make for safer rides on safer streets for riders of all skills, ages, and abilities, I would strongly encourage the Lake Worth CM to coordinate with PBSO and the Lantana Police Department. If CM is truly about encouraging bicycling and being cycling "ambassadors", is inconveniencing the motoring public on public highways the best way to go about this effort? As an avid bicyclist and motorist (by necessity), my answer is emphatically "no".

So, along with many others in "ElDub", I am looking forward to a Lake Worth Critical Mass ride open and safe for everyone: Families, children, old, young, experienced bikers, newcomers to the bike world, and other generally quirky Lake Worthians looking to do something different tomorrow night.  And the riders are not just from Lake Worth. Many come from as far away as Broward County, Wellington or other places that aren't as bike friendly as our neighborhood streets are here.

AnnaMaria's list of events (11/6)

For a list of events and activities this weekend visit AnnaMaria's blog. It all starts tonight with the Thursday Night Peddlers. Due to the time change the Peddler's meet at 5:30 in front of the Gulf Stream Hotel and leave at 6:00.

Click here for more details.

Santamaria’s third-place finish shows power of two-party system | www.mypalmbeachpost.com

Lot's of Wednesday morning quarterbacking going on after Tuesday's election. Most of it concerned national politics, but there was also some grumbling about local politics. This was about a contested County Commission race, with three candidates. One candidate ran as an independent. Click title for link to article:

“I [County Commissioner Jess Santamaria] underestimated the power of the party and overestimated what I have done for the community over these past eight years,’’ he said.
Jess Santamaria shouldn’t have been surprised with the result, according to some political consultants.
Michelle Santamaria entered the race in June — nine months after McKinlay, who got an early start on securing endorsements and donations.
“Here’s a lesson learned for any candidate — the earlier you start, the better your chances,’’ said Rick Asnani, president of the West Palm Beach consulting firm Cornerstone Solutions.

Note the highlighted quote. That would tend to support our Commission's recent decision to move up the qualifying period which requires candidates to formally declare and put their name on the ballot about three months before the election. For a while, the deadline was only about six weeks away from election day.

Municipal Elections, Referendums & Political Committees 2015 General Election | 2015 ELECCIÓN GENERAL

CITY OF LAKE WORTH
NOTICE OF GENERAL ELECTION

NOTICE is hereby given that a General Election will be held in the City of Lake Worth, Florida, on Tuesday, March 10, 2015, (with a Run-Off Election on Tuesday, March 24, 2015, if necessary), for the purpose of electing a  Commissioner from District #2 and Commissioner from District #4, each for a two (2) year term.

Persons seeking election may qualify with the City Clerk from noon, Tuesday, November 25, 2014, until noon, Tuesday, December 9, 2014.

All citizens qualified by the Charter of the City of Lake Worth, Constitution, and laws of Florida who are registered voters in Palm Beach County and whose principal place of residence is the City of Lake Worth shall be electors.

The election shall be held in accordance with the Charter of the City of Lake Worth, Florida and the State of Florida Election Laws.

________________________________

CIUDAD DE LAKE WORTH
AVISO DE ELECCIÓN GENERAL

Con la presente se NOTIFICA que el martes 10 de marzo de 2015, se llevarán a cabo los comicios generales en la Ciudad de Lake Worth (y en caso necesario, votación para desempate, el martes 24 de marzo de 2015) con el propósito de elegir un Comisionado del Distrito #2 y un Comisionado del Distrito #4, por un período de dos (2) años cada uno.

Las personas que deseen postularse pueden calificarse con la Escribiente de la Ciudad, desde el mediodía del martes, 25 de noviembre de 2014 hasta el mediodía del martes, 9 de diciembre de 2014.

Los electores serán todos los ciudadanos calificados por los estatutos de la Ciudad de Lake Worth, la Constitución, y las leyes de la Florida y que sean votantes inscritos en el Condado de Palm Beach con residencia principal en la Ciudad de Lake Worth.

Los comicios se realizarán conforme a los estatutos de la Ciudad de Lake Worth, Florida, y las Leyes Electorales del Estado de la Florida

Discussion from last night's meeting (11/4) regarding attendance at the National League of Cities 2015 Conference

Vice Mayor Maxwell and Commissioner Amoroso will be going to the 2015 National League of Cities conference. Katie McGiveron had some questions, requests and queries as part of public comment on this item. The Commission gave some solid answers in response regarding the benefits of attending such events. Commissioner Amoroso mentioned the hour long Internet radio show he went on detailing some of the things he brought back to the city from the 2014 conference. The Mayor pointed out how the travel budget has been cut in half and there are limited opportunities for this sort of learning. She also pointed out, and I have found this to be true, that sometimes the best information is what information you get from other attendees between the scheduled sessions. Vice Mayor Maxwell did not like these sort of trips referred to as vacations and invited anyone to come along and be "attached" to his hip and they would see that it is a long day, going from session to session to session. Worth listening to.

Best Places to Eat Breakfast on the Beach | www.mypalmbeachpost.com

More from the Good News Department: Benny's get rave reviews for a beach eatery in Palm Beach County. Other locations just get a mention. Click title for link.

At Benny’s on the Beach, there are those amazing variations of French toast to savor — Stuffed Red Raspberry Granola, Nutty Almond, the Island version topped with strawberries, kiwi and coconut — not to mention seafood Eggs Benedict for every taste (choose your poisson: smoked salmon, crab cake, lobster).
But with the January arrival of executive chef Jeremy Hanlon, whose culinary chops include stints at Daniel Boulud restaurants in New York and Palm Beach, as well as a competitive slot on Food Network’s “Chopped” series, Benny’s has undergone a makeover that, while not as radical as the casino renovation just to its north, nevertheless breathes fresh ocean air into the 28-year-old landmark.

No mention of Mulligan's. I hear that they have a $14.95 breakfast buffet now. I have been there all of three times, all of them regrettable. No mention of John G's. I guess they are not oceanfront anymore. Oh, well.

Whitfield takes open seat on School Board | www.mypalmbeachpost.com

Yeah! A piece of good news from yesterday's election. Click title for link to article.

Whitfield came out on top of that pack, but not with enough votes to land the seat. It took another day to recount votes between Tom Sutterfield and high school social studies teacher Justin Katz before the November ballot was settled.
Whitfield, 36, was a relentless door-knocker with deep ties to a large voter base in Lake Worth. She had experience on local committees and clubs and knew the school district from the inside as its wellness coordinator for the past four years.

This is part of what the Sun-Sentinel reported:

Whitfield will represent District 4, which includes parts or all of Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Lake Worth, West Palm Beach, Palm Springs, Hypoluxo, Highland Beach, Atlantis, Gulf Stream, Manalapan, Ocean Ridge, Palm Beach, South Palm Beach, Lantana and the Village of Golf.
She will fill the seat vacated by Jennifer Prior Brown, who did not seek re-election and served only one four-year term. Whitfield will be the only School Board member with a child in a district-run neighborhood school.
Annette Whitehead, 48, of Boynton Beach said she voted for Whitfield. She said Sutterfield's close ties with charter schools was off-putting.
"That was a negative for me, said Whitehead. "It's about who is going to be thinking of what's best for these kids. I don't see him being impartial or being an advocate for public schools."

Lake Worth dismisses legal question, bans panhandling downtown | www.mypalmbeachpost.com

You can read Mr. Persaud's review of the meeting last night by clicking the title for a link. He got it mostly right. There are a couple odd recollections in it from the meeting. Former Commissioner Jennings made comments on the ordinance at the podium. She may have written something on the card that you submit to speak, but no one read from the card at the meeting. You can see this plainly in the video. He also comments that there were "several people argued against" the ordinance at the meeting. Several in this case was two. There was Cara Jennings and then, after some delay and after public comment closed, Pangiotti Tsolkas addressed the Commission.

There were two other people that came in with Mr. Tsolkas, but they did not speak. Again, the video clearly shows this. Not that big a deal, but it does make me question the acuity of Mr. Persaud's hearing and eyesight. The dictionary defines "several" (the term used in the article): being more than two but fewer than many in number or kind.

Also, it was interesting to note that City Attorney Torcivia pointed out that he had worked side-by-side with Attorney Jim Green on a number of issues and he had not received a call from him regarding any concerns with the ordinance. Again, watch the video to see what actually happened. This is how Mr. Persaud treats that part of the discussion.

Attorney James Green, with the local chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, has called the proposal unconstitutional because the First Amendment protects the homeless’ right to panhandle.
But city attorney Glen Torcivia has argued that similar laws passed around the country have held up in court. He mentioned Indianapolis and Worcester, Mass.

Here's the short video which will show what really happened. The Mayor gave a solid response to their concerns and enumerated the many programs the city and PBSO have initiated to deal with the homeless situation in the city.

From last night's (11/4) City Commission Meeting - South Palm Park NA Presentation

Joseph Stalin — 'Those who vote decide nothing. Those who count the vote decide everything.'

The Palm Beach Post editorial board is not satisfied with the response by the Supervisor of Elections Office regarding their provisional ballot policy. The way the office handles provisional voting was laid bare during the primary election and had a profound effect on the local Lake Worth question on the bond issue. Click title for link. Here is a bit:

In the November 2012 presidential election, Bucher and the canvassing board threw out 18 legitimate ballots solely because of errors committed by precinct workers, our analysis of federal election data shows. In this year’s August primary, aPost investigation found that the canvassing board tossed at least 14 legitimate ballots just in the city of Lake Worth.
Disturbed by seeing their residents’ votes repressed, Lake Worth city officials have been calling for Bucher’s office to stop this vote-tossing policy and to make the canvassing board’s actions more transparent.
But Bucher’s attorney demurred, claiming that the canvassing board cannot “establish its own procedures for a broad category of potential ballot errors.” This is an odd stance, because creating its own procedures — flawed ones — is precisely what Bucher’s office has done.
Bucher says that the office’s long-standing policy is that ballots marred by clerical errors need to be tossed when those errors create doubts about whether the voters cast ballots in the correct primary (Democrat or Republican).
But such errors create no doubts about whether these people were entitled to vote. State law specifically states that provisional ballots “shall be counted” unless it’s determined “by a preponderance of the evidence that the person was not entitled to vote.”

Let's hope we don't have a parade of snafus today at the polling locations. Off to vote now, so we'll see how that goes.

PBCHRC Voters Alliance Endorsements for the November 4, 2014 General Election

Please note that we have not made endorsements in every race and not all of the listed candidates will appear on your ballot

U.S. Congressman (Dist. 18) - Patrick Murphy (Dem.)

U.S. Congressman (Dist. 20) - Alcee Hastings (Dem.) 

U.S. Congressman (Dist. 21) - Ted Deutch (Dem.) 

U.S. Congresswoman (Dist. 22) - Lois Frankel (Dem.)

Governor - Charlie Crist (Dem.) 

Attorney General - George Sheldon (Dem.)

Chief Financial Office -  Co-Endorsement       
      Vote for one candidate, not both.
         Jeff Atwater (Rep.) OR Will Rankin (Dem.) 

State Senator (Dist. 34) -  Ellyn Bogdanoff (Rep.)

State Representative (Dist. 82) - Mary W. Higgins (Dem.) 

State Representative (Dist. 86) - Mark Pafford (Dem.) 

State Representative (Dist. 88) - Bobby Powell (Dem.) 

State Representative (Dist. 89) - Bill Hager (Rep.) 

School Board Member (Dist.4) -  Erica Whitfield 

County Commissioner (Dist.4) - Co-Endorsement        

     Vote for one candidate, not both. 

        Steven Abrams (Rep.) OR Andy O'Brien (Dem.) 

County Commissioner (Dist. 6) -  Melissa McKinlay (Dem.) 

Port Commissioner (Group 5) - Peyton McArthur (Dem.) 

Soil & Water Conservation Bd. (Group 5) - Karl Dickey (Lib.)

On the ballot initiatives, please vote as follows:

  

Amendment 1 - Water & Land Conservation Initiative - YES

Amendment 2 - Right to Medical Marijuana Initiative - YES 

Amendment 3 -  Prospective Judicial Vacancies - NO 

Countywide Question 1 -  Children's Services Council - YES 

Countywide Question 2 - Ad Velorem Levy for School 
      Operational Needs - YES  

This paid electioneering communication, which is independent of any party, candidate or committee, is produced, sponsored and paid for by the The Palm Beach County Human Rights Council Voters Alliance.

The Palm Beach County Human Rights Council Voters Alliance.

Post Office Box 267

West Palm Beach, Florida 33402

(561) 358-0105

  

The Palm Beach County Human Rights Council Voters Alliance  

is dedicated to electing candidates who will work to end discrimination  

based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. 

Town of Palm Beach "Cocoanut Row closed between Barton Ave and Clarke Ave."

Cocoanut Row is closed between Barton Ave and Clarke Ave due to an overnight structure fire. Drivers are encouraged to use County Road as an alternate route.

I endorse Michael Richard de Leon-Mungia for Mayor!

Click title for link. I have no idea about his stand on the issues, other than he seems to be running on an economic development and crime/gang fighting platform. I appreciate his youth and ambition. Greenfield's future seems bright.

Oh, and please don't forget to vote today!

Three major projects on the Planning and Zoning Board agenda this week

Here is the agenda, with the projects highlighted below:

These are all within the area known as the Park of Commerce. For more information and the entire Planning and Zoning Board packet this month, click here.

This is good to see for a number of reasons. It is proof that the local economy continues to recover and that Lake Worth is again on the map in terms of a place to invest and build. During the Great Recession, the city lost nearly 2/3 of its assessed property valuation. Construction in the Park of Commerce will increase values of property there, which will go directly to the General Fund.

If you can't make the meeting this coming Wednesday at 6 p.m., you might want to tune in to the live feed from the Commission Chambers.