The Adventures of Aaron Proctor

The Proc and Kelli went to a really cool spot in West Pasadena to check out this year’s Rose Bowl fireworks. (Video link)
It was a cool spot on top of Sequoia Drive over in the San Rafael part of West Pasadena. It wasn’t as crowded as, say, the Colorado Street Bridge - but it was pretty fun and interesting. We could also see Lacey Park’s fireworks as well as some from the racetrack and some from what I believe was South Pas.

West Pasadenans are so funny. Someone was setting off illegal fireworks (video link) and the neighbors were worried (I don’t blame them, I hate when people set off illegal fireworks - luckily Steve Haderlein didn’t let that shit last long in my neighborhood this year) - but it was so funny to be around so many West Pasadenans. They all had dogs, they all had 2.3 kids - with name like Audrey and Schuyler and Hunter, they all were driving hybrids. After the fireworks were over, I shouted “Yay! America!” and nobody said anything. Then there were these annoying stoner/frat boy types who put up lawn chairs and then left after like..5 minutes of watching the fireworks.

But it’s the 4th of July - and I was happy to be with my Kelli and enjoy a romantic moment and happy to watch the largest fireworks display in Southern California. So, you should definitely check out this spot next year.

**

I’m getting $5. I had a bet with a friend that I wouldn’t stay on Ann Erdman’s blog roll more than 2 weeks...I checked this morninig and I wasn’t there. I guess it’s the foul language I keep using. Sorry about that, Ann. Fuck. Shit. Cocksucker. God Damn. Jesus Christ. Tits.

Have a great weekend,

Be seeing you,

- AP

Congratulations to CM Punk. This guy became the WWE World Champion last night on what was an unusually amazing episode of Monday Night RAW. Not only did CM Punk work his way up from the independent ranks to do this (and became quite the fan favorite) - he’s a great guy to be representing WWE at the moment. You see, CM Punk - in real life and in character - is “Straight Edge”. No drugs, no cigarettes, no alcohol, nothing. Now, I’m not down with the no cigarettes/no alcohol/no sex before marriage lifestyle (actually I think being “Straight Edge” is pretty lame) - but with all the steroids shit going on in the WWE and other sports/entertainment, there’s nobody better to represent the company.

**

The Proc has been analyzing District 2 City Councilmember Paul Little’s recent blog entry lately:

Council passed the annual operating budget last Monday night. Mostly, from what I can see the budget is appropriate.

I do have one serious concern: they added nearly $4 million more to the city’s General Fund reserve. Ok. Reserves help with stability, and generally I don’t have an issue with a healthy reserve. BUT, Pasadena already has a very healthy General Fund reserve. So healthy, the city recently earned a AAA bond rating.

Here’s my gripe, when they were campaigning for passage of Measure D, which I supported, the Mayor, former city manager, current interim city manager and the Council said they faced an emergency if the Utility User Tax wasn’t extended. BUT, now that the have the UUT in place, the city leaders are taking cash and putting it in their own reserve funds. NOT using it for services. NOT using it for constituent support. NOT using it for anything at all. If there was an emergency in February and it no longer exists, it seems to me only fair that, rather than line the city’s bank account, the appropriate action would have been to rebate that $3.7 million to the folks who pay the Utility User Tax.

As for the argument that other cityies have higher reserves — those cities don;t enjoy a AAA bond rating. They also don;t have a utility company that generates mass quantities of money on a daily basis and that carries both a reserve and a working capital reserve valued together at more than 15% of the General Fund budget. Oh, and let’s not forget the Capital Projects Reserve and a host of other funds carrying balances to hedge against lost revenue or emergencies.

So, I have take my hat off to Martin Truitt and Wayne Lusvardi, who apparently were prescient when they said that the city didn’t have an emergency, didn’t need the UUT renewal and that city leadership was only going to fatten its own wallet with the money.

In times of economic stress, I do find it difficult to accept a city government that increases its own reserves rather than do what it can to relieve the stress on its citizens and businesses.

Well, duh. Measure D was such a fucking crock - but hardly anyone listened, did they? Paul Little’s entry is great and all - but I’m still wondering - why did he exactly support Measure D in the first place? Why didn’t he do his own research? He would have come to the same conclusion that Truitt and Lusvardi did. Right? Why all of the 20/20 hindsight now, Paul? You’re a big voice in this City, a lot of us tend to listen when you speak - why didn’t you take the time to see how big of a hornswoggle Measure D really was?

Speaking of being bamboozled - according to Rene Amy - the PUSD is proposing a $350,000,000.00 (yes that’s $350 million) bond measure to go on November’s ballot. And if that doesn’t outrage you - maybe Rene’s description should:

…folks may not actually realize that bonds are like a mortgage
that all property owners in the district must pay back through increases
in their yearly property taxes.

Such bonds are typically paid back over 30 year.

We’ve still got about 20 years left on paying the mortgage on Measure Y.

So, this next bond would be like a second mortgage - with extra added
payments due year in and year out….

Oh, what the fuck. $350 million? In Steve Haderlein math, that’s 70 Peppermint Gardens. (Take a shot). So, PUSD is going to try to be all cool and sneak this bond measure on the ballot with, ya know, the biggest Presidential election ever - and have people just blindly vote “yes” on it because they’re skipping everything else to go vote for the President.

Are they insane!? If we’re still paying money back on Measure Y - which I still have yet to see numbers supporting what exactly, if anything, Measure Y solved - are we, as citizens, going to shell out another $350 million so the geniuses at PUSD can bring gangsta rappers to show kids the way or pay Virginia Hoge more money to stroke their academic cocks?

Of course - I’m sure the same people who supported Measure D will tell us what a good idea this is. Then, a few months later, one of their main supporters will come out and tell us that they were basically a shill and that this bond measure is faker than most women’s tits out here.

Crimeny. Is there anyone with a brain left!?

**

Bloggers picnic photo. Courtesy WCGB:

Front row: The 99 Cent Chef, Pasadena Daily Photo, Ed Padgett.

Middle: Miss Havisham, Irina.

Standing in the back: Monrovia City Watch, WCGB, the cool dude Adam who hangs out with Brian Fuller, Kelli with an i, Ann Erdman, Susan Kitchens (who got me blogging in the first place).

The taller guys in the very back: Brian Fuller, Aaron Proctor, a space for Centinel, Frazgo.

Not pictured: The Sky Is Big In Pasadena, Alex Zucco (an FC Contributor), The Real Zajac

There’s also more coverage by Frazgo here on Metroblogging LA. Apparently that post was linked on MSNBC the other day - explaining another day of ridiculous web traffic for me.

Another group photo - by Frazgo

The pic is of the bloggers who willingly wanted to be shown on the net. That is the lovely Miss Havisham sitting on FCBlog co-owner, Centinel’s shoulder. To the right is equally invisible owner Publius. Invisible because no one knows who they are including those of us invited to post there know who they really are.

Speaking of bloggers - I found a really rockin’ blog out in Burbank called Valley of The Shadow. Thanks for the kind words!

**

We’re down to the #2 spot on my list of The Ten People Ruining Pasadena. Let’s go over what we’ve learned so far:

#10 gets crazy with Virginia Hoge.

#9 is straight outta North Pasadena with Joe Hopkins.

#8 wants money but won’t let you buy them lunch. The homeless of Pasadena.

There was something in the air that night, the stars were bright - Larry Wilson (#7)

#6 was too busy watching MTV to go out and vote on Election Day

#5 - Peter Dreier, whose beard is full of bong resin and potato chips

#4 makes me sick.

#3 kept me on hold for 72 minutes and transferred me 6 times.

And now……#2 on the list of The Ten People Ruining Pasadena. This next entry might not be a shock to most of you - the position on the list just might be a surprise, though:

Councilmember Steve “Maserati” Madison!

Ric Flair has Sting. Superman has Lex Luthor. Bugs Bunny has Elmer Fudd. Virginia Hoge has common sense. Everyone’s got their rival, their enemy, their arch-nemesis.

My arch-nemesis and product of all my polemics happens to have been a Councilmember for like the past 12 years now. His name is Steve Madison, he drives a Maserati, and he’s kind of a douchebag. I think, for the first time ever, other people in Pasadena are starting to see this as well.

It all began a long, long time ago in a land far, far away during the 2007 Election. Back when I was an eyeliner-wearing Goth kid who supported rent control running for Mizayor. Toward the end of the race, there was a debate over at the Neighborhood Church. Kelli and I arrived a little late and she accidentally went into the door for candidates with me. (It was a separate door from the spectators).

Unbeknownst to me at the time, Madison turned to Kells Bells and yelled at her “THIS DOOR IS FOR CANDIDATES ONLY!!!!!!!!!” Kelli was furious and snapped back with a comment explaining how she was with the Mayoral candidate.

Madison and I tried to bury the hatchet once or twice but all it ended up being was a dissertation from him about how I’m being “brainwashed” by the “right-wing” of Pasadena. Or how he didn’t like that I called his 20-something girlfriend a stripper because she looks like one. I guess he didn’t realize that I can think for myself and make my own choices and it was actually guys like him and Bogaard and stuff trying to exploit me for the benefit of Liberals. Oh - and I forgot to mention - I once sent him an Aaron Proctor pin as a peace offering - and he mailed it back to me.

So, the Sock on Madison campaign kind of started from all of that and never looked back. Here’s the real problem I have with Madison - he’s not an informed guy, he doesn’t really know what’s going on in Pasadena nor does he care because he puts his job before his constituents. He thinks of City Council as more of a playground than an actual important entity.

Last week at City Council, he had the audacity to make a joke about the electricity bill when Iron Maggie was just trying to figure out what she was actually voting on. A few weeks before that, he sent his henchman, Victor Gordo, out to try and make me apologize to Madison for claiming he was going to miss a month or so of City Council (after Gordo had sort of told me that’s what was going on). Madison can’t fight his own battles, claims he doesn’t read this website, and sends Moose from Riverdale after me.

So - after all of this - I think that definitely qualifies Madison to be on this list. When you’ve been elected to serve the people and blatantly disregard serving the people, you’re messing up the Crown City. Hopefully someone grows some balls and runs against him in 2011. That person would be my hero.

Wonder who’s gonna be #1 on this list? We’ll find out soon.
**

Better watch out..cause Sid’s a war machine…

It’s time for this week’s Sid Tyler Facts:

• When Sid Tyler wants an egg, he cracks open a chicken.
• The Monrovia Police originally thought someone had Sid Tyler in their trunk.
• Sid Tyler has a pet kitten - every night for a snack.
• Sid Tyler walked out of church when they were talking about the Rapture. He was overheard muttering “That’s not how I’m going to do it…”
• The Kama Sutra was originally known as “The Diary Of Sid Tyler”
• The real reason PBS has pledge drives is so they can hire protection from Sid Tyler. He’s not a fan of Upstairs, Downstairs.
• Sid Tyler uses staples as hair gel.
• Despite Sid Tyler’s rage, he is still just a Councilman in a cage.
• When in Rome, do what Sid Tyler does. Kill.
• Sid Tyler’s belly button is actually a power outlet.

Be seeing you,

- AP

This final weekend in June just flew by didn’t it? This is my favorite time of the year - as we’re coming up on America’s birthday.  Phillies won, Phillies lost, John Cena didn’t win (ha ha!), I found out what Sid Tyler does on the weekend - oh and…

There was another blogger get together on Saturday. This time, Frazgo hit a home run/scored a touchdown/made a slam dunk/insert other sports analogy here - and got us into the air conditioned Mayan Room of the Aztec Hotel in Monrovia. Special thanks to Kathie Reece for being such an awesome hostess (She was on Huell Howser - I knew it!).

The Proc was used to slap-dash (but fun!) snarks in the park - but the Bloggers Picnic IV: With A Vengeance was definitely a treat. That dude Frazgo’s got a lot of pull in the All-American City. The hotel provided us with some snacks and people from all over the blogosphere came out to have some food, drink, and merriment. We had a really good turnout - I’d say there was a point where about 20 people were there. Even the 99 Cent Chef showed up! (The cupcakes he made using only ingredients found at the 99 Cent Store were delicious!) Bloggers from all around showed up…and we had some celebrity guests, too: Ann Erdman (Pasadena’s PIO) and Assembly candidate Brian Fuller joined in on the fun. (I had an awesome discussion with Brian about the film “Beyond The Mat“). I had sooooooo much fun that I forgot to get my picture with a lot of people!

It was a cool venue - especially the Mayan Room:

There was a stage where someone eventually got our group photo.

I guess this thing is called a sunroof? I don’t know much about architecture. It just looked really cool with the different paintings of Aztec gods.

Ann Erdman and I. She brought me back a gift from Finland - which I’ll show you later.

Fun, candid photo with Ed Padgett. Excellent photography by Susan Kitchens.

Ed & Susan ham it up in the Aztec Hotel’s lobby.

Susan & me. She took a lightbulb off of some Christmas lights and was quite happy about that.

It’s Kelli With An I (a/k/a Kells Bells)!

Kelly with a Y.

Она попробовала продать меня 52 миллиона хором доллара.

Having a tea party with Miss Havisham

Here’s what Ann Erdman got me from Finland. Yes, it’s reindeer jerky. Mmmm mmmm, Blitzen.  I’m going to go eat this in front of a vegan while singing Christmas carols.
So a million thanks to everyone who showed up (and please drop me a line if I left you out of this list - I may have accidentally did): Frazgo, Frazgo’s wife and his daughter, Pasadena Daily Photo, The Sky Is Big In Pasadena, Alex Zucco (FC Contributor), Miss Havisham, The 99 Cent Chef, WCGB, Ann Erdman, Monrovia City Watch, Susan Kitchens, Brian Fuller, the cool dude Adam who hangs out with Brian, Kelli, Irina, Ed Padgett, The Real Zajac… thank you all!
Afterward, The Real Zajac, Kelly with a Y, Kelli with an I, and I went to the First Cabin to chill out and drink more (that place is so fun and so cheap!) - sort of like an afterparty.

Don’t take WCGB’s picture while she’s getting gasoline.

A fun time was had by all.  I know there was a group photo taken but nobody has posted it yet - so I’ll get that to everyone tomorrow or whenever it’s up.  It’s nice to meet a lot of my ilk in real life and it’s also nice to notice that the attendance of these get togethers keeps getting bigger and bigger.  I had fun being the co-organizer of this and am setting up another shindig for Saturday, September 27th.  I figure we’ll get through the summer and have another one when the weather starts to get a little cooler.

**

For the past 15 years there have been some funny prank phone calls targeting the airwaves of the entire AM dial in my hometown of Philadelphia.  These guys call themselves the Earl Ferrell Fan Club and they’re absolutely hilarious.

Earl Ferrell was a fullback in the NFL for the then-known-as Phoenix Cardinals (that name never made sense to me).  He had a dismal career and was haunted by demons of drug problems.  For some reason, he gained a following in the Philadelphia area.  I remember listening to talk shows on 610 WIP and stuff like that in the summer time and hearing these guys call in once in a while.

Well, apparently, they have a website now - with some of the latest calls - because the fan club is still going.  People all the way in Scotland are playing along and joining the revolution.  In fact, the advent of the Internet has made the Earl Ferrell phenomena spread like wildfire.  Places as far away as Texas have been “Ferrelled”.  Pasadena Weekly’s Andre Coleman and I even got a Ferrell caller once (I just played along..trying not to laugh).

These phone calls are great - you can listen to some of the latest calls (seemingly from the summer of 2007) at this link.  Let me just say that one of the tracks on there, where a caller discusses eminent domain and how they should make room for Highway 31, The Ferrell Freeway - had me literally in tears.  Anytime I meet a sports fan from Phoenix, I always ask if they know who Earl Ferrell is.  I hope this group actually tries to track down the real Ferrell someday!
Enjoy the man, the myth, the legend - Earl “The Squirrel, The Pearl, Gets All The Girls” Ferrell.

**

Happy Monday, Goodbye June.
- AP

Over at Ann Erdman’s blog, she has pics of a ceremony at the Pasadena Convention Center construction site. Included are tons of pictures of city dignitaries (sans The Proc) putting their tag on the final steel girder. Call the graffiti hotline at (626) 744-7622.

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There’s an article by Mr. Thursday Morning Andre Coleman in this week’s PW about how PUSD is going to have a tough time (as of right now) pulling the wool over people’s eyes when asking the voters to approve a new bond measure or parcel tax. I think some of us forgetting that people who are going out and voting blindly this November (trust me - there’s a lot of them here in Pasadena) might vote yes blindly on this tax/bond. PUSD knows this and is taking full advantage.

Of course, Barry Gordon was quoted in the article - who I’m sure was “randomly” selected to take part in the phone survey about the dealy-o. Right after they got off the phone with Ginny Hoge and Peter Dreier, I’m sure. Barry’s a nice guy - hey - he was the Nestle Quik bunny - and he’s also a guy who thinks taxes solve everything and throwing money at something not worth throwing money toward at the moment is going to make everything perfect in the world.

I happen to like to get my facts from Mary Dee Romney. It helps that she’s easy on the eyes and I don’t picture Donatello from the Ninja Turtles when she’s talking:

Thanks to Rene Amy for attending last Friday’s Facilities Master Plan Committee (FMPC) meeting when I had commitments to a family funeral.

I since have received accounts of Friday’s meeting.

All confirm what I reported earlier, i.e., that the FMPC is not a *real* committee but window-dressing for a push by Edwin Diaz, Stephen Brinkman and the PEF/BOE majority to hurriedly meet November ballot deadlines for additional new property assessments of $50 for every $100,000 of assessed value through a new General Obligation Bond (GOB) - approximately $500,000,000 in new indebtedness.

Any new assessments approved in November will be in “addition to” present debt service on Measure Y bond funding.

Recall that property owners still are paying $40.08/$100,000 for Measure Y
indebtedness ($240,000,000) - and will continue to pay until 2020.

[Note: Measure Y bond issues were refinanced in 2004 and 2005 yielding an
additional $5,125,000 and $9,635,000, respectively; along with Prop. 1A monies in the approximate amount of $30,000,000, Measure Y improvements have been funded at just over $284,000,000.]

What do Mr. Diaz, Mr. Brinkman and the PEF/BOE majority intend to do for public education with new bond money dedicated for facilities?

It is difficult to know.

Mr. Selinske asked Mr. Diaz during a recent BOE meeting how he planned to use any anticipated new tax monies.

Mr. Diaz rattled off a random “wish list” making it clear no plan/priorities had
been discussed for the spending of what could be half a *billion* dollars in
facilities funding paid by local property owners.

In the current economy, in a district with declining enrollment and excess
capacity with no clear demographic guidelines until the 2010 census, there are troubling clues as to how this money will be directed:

1) The FMPC will remain a window-dressing committee;

2) The district will need “appropriate facilities” at Muir for community
“alliances” and career/ technical academies;

3) Rose City Continuation School will need to build capacity (enrollment),
requiring that Oak Knoll students move to the Edison campus;

4) Health service partners (counseling/mental health) will require facility space at all three levels (elementary, middle and high schools) - including
administrative space;

5) Space will be required for after-school programs.

The above, apparently, are the programmatic justifications for a half-billion
dollar facilities bond to support local public *education.*

Of considerable concern due to the hurried push to meet November ballot deadlines (ballot arguments, translation, publication, etc.), is the staff imposition of equally hurried architectural site reviews and inventories for site project lists.

Mr. Brinkman has acknowledged that some site reviews were conducted by phone and by email.

With protests reportedly registered both from members of the FMPC and from the architects on the project that the November tax timeline is unreasonable, Mr. Diaz and Mr. Brinkman continue to march toward November with a “half-baked” work product.

Being new to Pasadena these two gentlemen apparently do not understand that local taxpayers too often have seen the PUSD’s chase for funds end in fallen souffles.

Again . . . Mr. Diaz, Mr. Brinkman and the PEF/BOE, in prematurely pushing a bond measure for the convenience of exploiting an uninformed electorate in November, will lose in trust what they hope to gain in funding.

Thanks to all who have shared their thoughts off-list on these matters!

Mary Dee

[NOTE: The BOE and senior staff have discussed at BOE workshop meetings that voters in general elections are less informed on local matters, the implication being that ignorant voters in a general election will be more inclined to support a school bond measure and thereby - by sheer numbers - overcome statistical unknowns revealed in surveys; therefore the big push by Mr. Diaz, Mr. Brinkman and the PEF/BOE majority for a *November* bond initiative.]

**

So - let me get this straight. Miss Havisham reports about trash and ends up getting a citation of some kind - en Espanol, no less.

I’ve got a few problems with this.

1. Why is she being penalized for doing her civic duty?
2. Why are we wasting money printing things in Spanish? Seriously. You know how much money we’d save if we didn’t translate City documents? At least thousands, I’m sure. Stop coddling people and get them to learn English. The best way is if we stop printing shit in Spanish and whatever the fuck Tagalog is. I also notice a lot of people who claim they don’t speak English can speak it all right when they’re complaining about something. Ever see Public Comment at City Council?
3. ¿Por qué?
4. I called Miss H’s Councilman, Chris Holden about the matter and this is all he had to say.
5. It’s her fault that some assclown is dumping trash on her lawn?

Way to investigate, Pasadena. It’s obvious this is just another one of those cash register fines. You know, the kinds of fines where they can pull the lever anytime to generate even more money from us regular folk. If you want to run the city like a turnkey operation, open a damn car wash. Comprende?

**

Time for another installment of everyone’s favorite morning comic strip, “You Can’t Fight City Hall!”

**

Nice article in the PW this week about Glendale’s proposed smoking ban. I find it funny that all over a place that considers itself “open-minded”, practically has decriminalized marijuana, lets two dudes marry each other, and harbors illegal immigrants can be so harsh and hardcore about smoking. I thought we were the “wacky, play by no rules” state. Nahhhh. Sometimes I wonder if the real reason why we’re banning smoking is because people are still pretty much “ok” with smoking cigarettes in the South and the Midwest and back East and we can’t be anything like those “anachronistic right-wing loonies.”

**

I spoke with Iron Maggie on the phone Thursday morning. I congratulated her on what she said/did to Steve Madison on Monday. At first, I think she thought I was mocking her (with her trademark “Aaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrron!” - imagine Colonel Klink talking to Hogan) - and then I let her know that she’s the whole blogosphere’s (and by whole blogosphere, I mean The Proc) hero this week and to keep up the good work. She let me know she had a long day and she was just doing her job - but come on - Maserati Madison got OWNED. Ownership!!!!!! Ham and eggs in his face and all over the place! I think I’ve had wet dreams about that. Hopefully more Councilmembers follow suit. I am making everyone around the dais an offer they can’t refuse:

$2.50 if you throw a cup of water at him. Onward, Pasadena soldiers!

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What is up with June 25th? On June 25th, 2007 - I received the most hits in a one day ever. Partially due to the fact people were Googling for more info on the Chris Benoit thing. Then, that record was shattered on June 11th, 2008 - don’t know exactly why. Now - both records have been completely erased - this past Wednesday, June 25, 2008 is now the date I’ve received the highest amount of traffic. UPDATE: That record was beaten by about 10 hits yesterday, June 26th! Maybe I should stop counting??? Thank you, thank you, thank you.

**

See you all at the picnic tomorrow!!!!! If you didn’t get an evite, let me know. Oh - and I think the Gold Line will end up going all the way to San Dimas. In 2052.

This chick’s a looker, huh? And she has a Russian accent.

And now you know. And knowing is half the battle.

- G.I. Joe, I mean…

- AP

Pick up a Pasadena Weekly as soon as you can! My newest “5 Questions” column features none other than Miss Havisham!

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So, if you haven’t heard by now, District 2 Councilwoman Margaret McAustin is my new hero - after her verbal bitchslapping of Steve Madison on Monday night. As Del Appledumplinggang will tell you, Madison was trying to be funny (and I mean really trying) and McAustin just layeths the smacketh down - AP style.

Here is a video clip of the event as well as the reaction Kelli & I had when we heard it. I love how the camera zooms in on Maserati Man looking all owned and baffled. It’s almost an award-winning performance by the District 6 Councilman….

A Ham And Egger Award winning performance, that is. Enjoy your award, Steve. You certainly deserve it this week. Maggie Mags: My hero.
**

My companion series to The Ten People Ruining Pasadena - The Ten Things I Love About Pasadena - continues on this Thursday morning with #7. This list was inspired by the good peeps over at When Are We Going To California? - who started a list of things they love about LA:

#7: Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles!

Located on the mini-restaurant row on North Lake Avenue, Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles is an awesome dining establishment. The idea of mouth-watering buttermilk waffles in syrup mixed with fried chicken might be quite foreign to some but - trust me - it’s good eatin’.

The waitstaff is always friendly and the place is always packed, especially if you go there on a Sunday morning or afternoon. The menu has just about every combination of chicken and waffles possible (and you can just get chicken or waffles seperately if you’re not feeling cavalier). Definitely the best place for Southern-style cuisine: the grits and cornbread are phenomenal. The walls are adorned with famous people (everyone from hip-hop artists to Steven Wright) who have graced the restaurant with their presence.

I’ve been living in the Crown City since the early part of this decade and I’ve probably been to Roscoe’s at least 50 times. I like to get two chicken breasts and two huge waffles and wash it down with a tall glass of milk (or a few tall glasses of milk). Not even the Waffle House chain popular in the Midwest and the South can compare to the yummy goodness of Roscoe’s. So, it’s no surprise that it comes in at #7 on The Ten Things I Love About Pasadena.

**

Does somebody want to loan me $52 million for this Pasadena home? According to Centinel on the FC Blog, that’s how much it’s going for. I wish I had $52 million to blow - I’d be like “Why the fuck not?”

Fiddy-Cents also wants us to come up with our own tag lines for the photo. Here are some of his:

Competing with Versailles is priceless.

When Hearst Castle just isn’t big enough.

Why 19 bathrooms? Three letters: IBS.

“Housing market? Why, yes, it does come with its own grocery store.”

Sid Tyler’s house.

Here are some of mine:

• “Ever wanted to live in the place that’s on the back of the nickel?”
• “If you were Steve Madison, you’d be home by now.”
• “Get from one side of the house to the other with your very own MTA light rail.”
• “Slaves optional.”
• “Where your monthly electric bill is almost as much as the cost of your home.”
• “Imagine the fucking ridiculous parties you’d have here!”
• “19 bathrooms for 19 wives.”

**

The balloon ban by Jack Scott has been stalled. Thank goodness. 3 people decided not to vote on it - which pisses of Steve Haderlein, according to the City Council Drinking Game - but still - I mean come on? Was this thing seriously going to pass? I never saw any god-damned evidence supporting this ban to begin with.

Jack Scott is an embarassment and I’m not going to be fond of him being a head honcho over at my (one of my)Alma Mater(s) when he’s done with his worthless political career. It just goes to show you that infringing on people’s personal freedoms might work on the hippy-dippy local level like in Pasadena or Santa Monica - but not at the state level. Nice try, dickweed.

**

Look who I ran into yesterday!  It’s Bill Bibbiani!  Former PUSD school board member and motorcycle enthusiast.  Bib (as he likes to be called) is a damn cool dude..and quite popular!  What an honor!  Was I overdressed?  (Photo taken by Mrs. Bib)
Be seeing you,

- AP

You’re my girl, Maggie Mags. Did anyone else see her verbally bitchslap my arch-nemesis Steve Madison last night? You’re my hero, Margaret. Instead of making it a new rule in the City Council Drinking Game, can I buy you a beer? Or two? Or three? Seriously. Keep up the good work. I honestly don’t even know what the whole issue was about - I just saw you rip Madison’s manhood out like you were a female Sid Tyler or something. Want to be my tag team partner?

**

Saturday - Saturday - Saturday! It’s the fourth get-together of all the local bloggers. This time it’s personal…nahh..actually, it’s just in Monrovia. If you haven’t received the super secret special E-Vite, please let me know and I’ll send it to you right away. If you’d like to be in a PSA, let me know, too.

**

The Proc can’t get enough of Rene Amy’s PUSD listserv. Rene likes to post a lot of thought-provoking articles from various publications, like this one from over the weekend in the San Francisco (*vomits in mouth a little bit*) Chronicle:

1997 saw the height of the Math Wars in California.On the one side stood educrats, who advocated mushy math - or new-new
math. They sought to de-emphasize math skills, such as multiplication
and solving numeric equations, in favor of pushing students to write
about math and how they might solve a problem. Their unofficial motto
was: There is no right answer. (Even to 2 +2.)

They were clever. They knew how to make it seem as if they were pushing
for more rigor, as they dumbed down curricula. For example, they said
they wanted to teach children algebra starting in kindergarten, which
seemed rigorous, but they had expanded the definition of algebra to the
point that it was meaningless.

On the other side were reformers, who wanted the board to push through
rigorous and specific standards that raised the bar for all California
kids. Miraculously, they succeeded, and they took pride in the state
Board of Education’s vote for academic standards that called for all
eighth-graders to learn Algebra I.

Whatever happened to just solving for x like a normal human being would? I know I’m just some “unenlightened right-wing dummy from Pennsylvania” - but I got through math just fine and would like to think I have exemplary mathematics skills.

But what do I know?!?!?!?!?

Why should I have to write some hippie dissertation about what 2+2 means to me? How does solving for x make me “feel”? Who the hell cares. Just do the math problem and move on.

The teaching methods are so wussified these days. We need to support our children and give them a good education - but - why are we such nannies, such hand-holders, that we have to take math and make it more complicated and philosophical?

Silly people. Can’t wait until the debate about whether odd numbers can legally marry other odd numbers. Maybe PUSD could give me $11,000 to figure this out. It won’t be a conflict of interest or anything.

**

The Real Zajac has a beautiful article up over at Foothill Cities about a hot topic in the blogosphere as of late: racism. Zajac discusses how - although it’s stupid to be a racist, we shouldn’t be trying to ban a line of thinking because, hey, like or not - that’s pretty “1984″-esque (I didn’t link “1984″ because if you don’t know the book, get the fuck off of my blog. Is that being book-ist?). Miss Havisham also chimes in with a powerful and personal story.

The word racism gets thrown around an awful lot in the Crown City. People who make fun of Muir are apparently racist. People who don’t want to develop homes in an area prone to being blighted are apparently racist. People who don’t like Indian food are racist, apparently. Some of our City Council members and other officials are apparently racist.

Hoge: Likes to use the “r” word

I recently read (and was inspired by) an article by Edwin Decker at the San Diego City Beat. I know I’ve mentioned this particular article before but he has a really, really good point that a lot of people in their high and mighty soapboxes forget: Isn’t everyone a little racist or intolerant of something or someone?

I sure know I am. So, for those of enemies who wish to use this as fodder against me..or for those of you who want to simply be amused - here’s a small excerpt of things/people/places I’m possibly racist or intolerant against:

• White people who treat me differently after they find out my father is black and I’m not 100% white
• Greenpeace.
• Stoners and drug addicts.
• Companies that don’t do drug testing.
• Kids with 20 piercings and 50 million tattoos who wonder why they can’t get a decent job.
• Goth kids who charge a higher cover charge if you’re not in “Goth attire” to their shitty little clubs with crap bartenders and slutty women that nobody wants to go to anyway..so be happy I’m fucking paying even $10 to get into your hole in the wall, you pathetic slags.
• Goth kids.
• Surfers. They’re not so tough. Oooooh they beat up the paparazzi. So what? Larry Wilson’s a surfer, apparently. Says a lot right there.
• Charities who stand outside of the 99 Cents Store and ask you for money. I’m shopping at the fucking 99 Cents Store..do you think I have any money?!
• For English, Press 1.
• “Sex In The City“, “Lipstick Jungle“, “Real Housewives of…“, “Desperate Housewives“, the WNBA, “How I Met Your Mother” and “American Idol“
• Armenian guys who tell you their name is Kevin but it’s really Kevork or something.
• And the Armenians in North Pasadena Heights who key cars of whites/blacks in “their” neighborhood and stole my girlfriend’s antenna ball.
• Black people who treat me differently after they find out my father is black (whether they’re nicer to me or not, it’s just not cool..treat me like a fucking human being..)
• Skinny blonde bitches in Paris Hilton sunglasses who still talk with a Valley Girl accent
• Skinny blonde bitches
• Gay guys who get drunk and make out with chicks and grab their boobs and then pass it off for the alcohol and not just being bisexual or a whore. You hear me, Lance????
• Chicks who get drunk and make out with chicks… Wait, no, I actually don’t mind that.
• Lakers, Dodgers, Raiders, Cowboys fans. You know what I’m talking about.
• People who make fun of you for not driving - until gas hit $4.00/gallon.
• Starbucks and all places like Starbucks. Gimme some gas station coffee, I’m fine.
• Latinos who say “Viva La Raza”. Dude, it would be like a white guy saying “White power”.
• “Business casual”. Unless you’re lifting boxes or working in a warehouse or somewhere where you get dirty a lot, we all should have to wear suits to our office jobs.
• Alhambra.
• Any race or nationality or ethnicity (including White people) living in the US in 2008 who says racism is bad but then only hang out with, converse with, deal with, date, etc. the people only from their race/nationality/ethnicity.
• San Francisco.
• Hollywood is starting to get on my nerves, too.
• Most of the Midwest and Southern U.S….and Arizona….and Oregon…and Delaware..and all the other states except California or Pennsylvania. Anyone not on that list is “ok”. Las Vegas is an exception. Maryland’s ok.
• 60-year-old hippie ladies that come to work, don’t do any work, pretend they are your supervisor, regale you with boring stories about doing drugs and going to see The Doors and all of that “Can Do 1960’s Attutide”, work from 12 noon to 9:45 p.m. and then you come in the next morning and find out they didn’t do any work and have to finish what they did, hide work from you so that they can “stay late” and then complain when you’re reading a newspaper for a few minutes, talking to your co-worker about sports or music, or go out for a smoke break - and they have somehow worked there for 3 years without reprimand.
• People who bum cigarettes when they don’t have any but then are stingy with their cigarettes when they do.
• Tori Amos fans. Why are they always crazy bitches who slit their wrists? Seriously. Name one hardcore Tori Amos fan you know that isn’t crazy. If she owns a couple CD’s, she’s not a hardcore Tori Amos fan.

I’ll start watching when a chick dunks…

Oh yeah - and illegal immigrants. Big time on that one.

Immigrants, I’m fine with. If you came to this country LEGALLY and passed a citizenship test and all that jazz..rock on…welcome to America…unless your family were Native Americans or taken over here by ships from Africa, your family also likely came through Ellis Island or somethin’ like that. Yay.

People jumping over borders and just slipping into the US, I’m *not* fine with.

Let’s face facts: Canadians aren’t jumping over the borders to take advantage of our liberal welfare system which helps people who are drug addicts and also helps people who aren’t even citizens but can’t help an actual American dude like me who falls down on his luck. So, I don’t think it’s racist to point out that it’s the Mexicans who are the main part of the illegal immigration problem.

Illegal immigrants come here with their hands already out. Illegal immigrants come here and expect US to suddenly learn Spanish. They complain about our schools and our public services and things not catering to them…well….guess what? You’re not a fucking American. We shouldn’t cater to you if you are an illegal. They come here and - yeah, some of them do “the jobs nobody else wants to do” but some of them also commit crimes and help out their families in Mexico. The US isn’t some kind of developmental territory to make Mexico a better place, I’m sorry.

Then, we try to vote against giving them any benefits here…the vote passes..and our Supreme Court overturns the vote.

Pisses me off.

Guess that’s somehow racist though - racist that I want to protect our country’s security and that I don’t want people to get a free pass in life..because I never did.

People always want to have a “dialogue” or a “talk” about race… I’d sure love to engage in one. I think talking about race makes some people feel more uncomfortable than ever (but not me!). Especially if you’re white - or perceived to be white, that is. The point is - racism sucks, racism happens, racism is still apparent. You’re doing a counterproductive thing, though, when you throw the word around too much and on too many things. I’m not trying to get people to sing “Love One Another Right Now” or anything - but - we sure do have to lighten the fuck up a little bit. That’s all I’m sayin’…I think people should be more honest and say what’s really on their minds. We’d probably learn that everyone’s a little intolerant of someone or something..and that there’s many exceptions to the things they’re intolerant of…I know there’s quite a few to things I’ve listed.
**

Sid Tyler wants you to conserve water and will seriously hurt you if you don’t read this week’s Sid Tyler Facts:

• Sid Tyler can get blackjack with just one card.
• If you watch City Council meetings on an HD TV, Sid Tyler can actually reach into your living room and punch you in the face.
• Sid Tyler hates rich people. And he’s rich. And he also hates irony.
• Sid Tyler can split the atom. With his bare hands.
• Sid Tyler’s battle cry is “Bingo!”
• Sid Tyler once bench-pressed the state of Ohio - and all of its residents.
• What’s black and white and red all over? Sid Tyler’s newspaper after the paperboy talked some trash.
• Sid Tyler can walk, chew gum, and kick ass all at the same time.
• After Monday’s meeting, Margaret McAustin can’t stop staring at Sid Tyler.
• Sid Tyler makes onions cry.

Shiiiiit (is that racist, Virginia?)

- AP

One of the best comedians ever, George Carlin, has passed away at the age of 71.

I actually discovered some of his material at a very young age. My dad had some of those K-Tel comedy records and one of them had Carlin on it, back when he wasn’t doing blue material. It was a sample of a skit from a longer record called “Wonderful Wino”, about a drunken radio DJ. The skit was absolutely hilarious - I mean, my brothers and I still quote it. “Here’s a protest song from Danny & The Dressmakers called…’Don’t Want No War!’……Don’t want no war….don’t want no war….don’t want no war…….don’t want no job neither!” When I was a kid, I never knew that Mr. Conductor on Shining Time Station would turn out to be such a hilarious, controversial, and thought-provoking comedian…maybe even more than a comedian: a real artist.
As I got older, I also began to enjoy Carlin’s appearances in films (particularly him in Kevin Smith’s Dogma and Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back - it’s the rule of the road!)

An extremely sad thing to wake up to read in the morning. Rest in peace, George - your comedy and entertainment and views you provided that definitely helped shape a young me and a others out there, I’m sure…..they will live on forever.

**

After the brutal ass-whipping the Los Angeles Angels Of Anaheim Whose Team Name Makes No Sense gave to my beloved Phillies on Saturday, I decided to go on an adventure. Kelli was down in Irvine seeing the American Wake, my air conditioning was broke (and so was I) - so I called up the only other person able to handle the non-stop-rockstar-politician-Aaron Proctor party-express person I know: Miss Havisham.

We traveled o’er to the foreign lands of Monrovia to hang out at the free artist reception at Montecito Fine Arts College of Design that Frazgo posted about on Foothill Cities. We looked at some pretty cool art, heard a really neat band called Celebutante - whose unique, Gary Numan-influenced sound brought me back to the Aaron Proctor Classic days (and included an ex-member of Berlin), and drank tons of free (yeah, you heard me) alcohol. There was a lovely piece of art I’d want for my living room - too bad I didn’t have $1,000. We also got to pet a Collie.

After that shindig closed down shop, we headed over to a place I’ve always wanted to go - a dive bar in Arcadia known as The First Cabin. Any bar which blatantly advertises its opening of 6 a.m. daily is fine by me. We lurked in and found the place was PACKED - like quadruple the amount of people the 1881 here in the Crown City would get for Saturday night karaoke. PLUS - you can SMOKE in there. And the drinks were pretty cheap and pretty damn stiff as well. Which was a blessing, since Miss H and I are both keen on pulling a Sid Tyler on alcohol.

Havisham and I snarked about the bar, talking local blogging and politics, bringing up this Saturday’s blogger get together and generally reminded people that Miss Havisham and The Proc were in the hizouse, so you’d all best know your roles. Seriously, this bar rocks. It’s a true dive at its core and a rockin’ in-house band plays called Pat O’Brien & The Priests of Love - who do covers as well as their own original music. Chris Holden walked in and said “shiiiiiit” and walked out.

Ain’t nothin’ like a Miss Havisham Tea Party.

**

Being a local dignitary means that occasionally you have to give back to the community some way, somehow. I give back by sharing my vast combination of book smarts and street smarts..ya know, for the children. Maybe I’m not helping conserve water or anything but I try to do this in the form of Public Service Announcements. Here are three more that I taped this weekend. Enjoy:

Cell Phones

Steve Madison

Crocs

**

I’ll keep this short today and leave you with one of my favorite Carlin routines, one about children: Click here.

- AP

Happy Birthday to my brother, Adam, who turns 26 today. Yeah, we’re the same age until July 11th. Since it’s my brother’s birthday, it also means it’s the 14th anniversary of the OJ Chase - a/k/a, the reason why people like Greta Van Susteren stay on television for as long as they do.

**

Pasadena just got a little sexier for a whole week. While Bogaard is out of town, trying to liberate Finland from the Nazis (Ann Erdman is playing Maria von Trapp) - Sexy Steve Haderlein, the Vice Mayor of Pasadena, is in charge. Last night, he became the first ever elected official to intentionally run a City Council meeting topless. Steve seemed to be having a good time up there - occasionally joking around and publicly noting how every agenda item comes back to traffic.

They actually did bring up a couple of good points at last night’s meeting. The first was whether to decide if AT&T U-Verse should be allowed in Pasadena. Duh! Of course they should. I’m tired of dealing with one cable company, specifically Charter - whose high-speed Internet service seemed to crap out on me for absolutely no reason over the weekend. They also tried to fuck me over with overcharges on the first bill - something I quickly rectified but I’m sure it’s something they do to lots of people. You can’t just threaten to quit and leave - there’s really no other alternative here in Pasadena. And - ya know - nothing says Podunk like only having one cable company to choose from.

The second item of note was a frank discussion about Pasadena Water & Power’s soaring prices. Maggie Mags made an excellent point that we (and by we, I mean they) need to be more transparent when it comes to rate hikes. Sending a little postcard just isn’t enough. How come PWP can’t put notices on the bills a few months ahead like every other normal company does? To paraphrase Councilwoman McAustin, a lot of people in this City go along with Pasadena’s crazy ass taxes - and they shouldn’t be dicked around (although this is the same person who supported Measure D, I’m gonna have to give her props for making a great comment like this). Madison (who - guess what? - phoned in) chimed in with the same thing - which was weak, boring and unoriginal - with a hint of douchebaggery. Has he been taking the Huell Howser class of repeating everything someone else just said?

I also enjoyed how everyone talked about a drought and wasting water while having big pitchers of water in front of them.

And - for those of you who don’t know - for the next whole week, I’m going to be the Interim Acting Deputy Vice Mayor. So, yeah, you’d better listen to what I have to say. Now go make The Proc a sandwich, no mustard.

**

If you didn’t know by now, Robin’s Wood Fire BBQ & Grill is the greatest restaurant in Pasadena, owned by a great man, Robin Salzer. Behind every great man is an even greater woman (although, in my case, sometimes I’m behind the woman, if you’re pickin’ up what I’m puttin’ down..) - and so I sat down with Ann Marie Villicana, all-star Realtor, former Pasadena City Councilmember, and - most important of all - Robin’s wife. The Aaron Proctor Interview Series continues….

The Proc: Have you ever sold someone a bridge in Brooklyn?

Ann Marie Villicana: No, but I’ve listed and sold 3 major properties immediately adjacent to bridges in Pasadena: an exquisite estate abutting the La Loma Bridge, the famous/infamous Vista del Arroyo bungalow property adjacent to the Colorado Bridge and a secluded estate right next to the Prospect Bridge. I guess I specialize in Pasadena Bridge properties! But not in Brooklyn. If I lived there, I might!

The Proc: What’s up with the WPRA? I wanted to start a wrestling promotion called the West Pasadena Rasslin’ Association once.

AMV: That sounds more interesting and maybe more accurate for the acronym.

The Proc: Which way is the right way to spell your last name? I’ve seen like 40 different spellings.

AMV: Villicana, sounds like a Villa, which is perfect for me selling homes.

The Proc: Who was cooler: Hardcastle or McCormick?

AMV: I don’t know either one, so they can’t be that cool!

The Proc: Remember that time you ran for Mayor?

AMV: Many still think I won and call me Mayor and ask me for help with the city! I rarely clarify the mistake! Ha ha

The Proc: Does your husband give you ribs shaped like cupid hearts for Valentine’s Day?

AMV: No, but this year could be a first due to your suggestion.

The Proc: How many different kinds of Villicana wines are there?

AMV: Many fine red wines in Paso Robles that are winning top awards…all served in glass bottles with corks. Sorry, nothing in card board boxes nor with screw tops! Go to Villicana.com for the scoop and directions.

The Proc: What do you think of Steve Madison?

AMV: The only man I think of is my husband, Robin Salzer.

The Proc: Why’d you make Robin shave his mustache off?

AMV: I knew he’d be much more handsome by revealing his face and great smile.

The Proc: Which is a better nickname for you? “AMV” or “The Ribmistress”?

AMV: A-MV is the nickname that many have called me for years, so it’s established and known.

**

Kells Bells came home with an awesome surprise for me this weekend. Look at the Beanie Babies she bought:

They’re so cute and appropriately named “Righty” and “Lefty“. Guess which is which? Now all I need is one of these to complete the set:

I’m 12 years old.

**

Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the blogosphere..Virginia Hoge’s raging hard-on for me and this website climaxes with an orgasm of crazy. I’d simply tell her to make a phone call to your local Wahh-One-One..but that would be letting Ginny off far too easy.

A few weeks ago, I snail-mailed Virginia Hoge the coveted Ham And Egger Award for the week. I snail mail everyone the award. Some were even so proud of it, they photocopied it for all their friends at City Hall to see. I found her address on this artistic website (thanks Google). Of course - after she received it in the mail it led to the following post o’er on her blog:

This came in the mail from Aaron Proctor last week, how nice of him to remember my birthday.He listed the return address as: Proctor for Mayor.com, 1559 S. Hill Ave., Pasadena, CA 91107 (what was written on the envelope)*

The post was titled something like “AARON PROCTOR BIRTHDAY HATE CARD!” Is this chick for real?! This is priceless. First, I’m no dummy - I used my old mailing address which now forwards to my brand new pad. Secondly, I had *no* idea it was her birthday - but that’s great. Third, she really really needs to know that Google is her friend and if she doesn’t want people sending her Ham & Egger Awards, to not have your home mailing address posted on some website.

All of these things has lead Virginia Hoge on yet another Anti-Proctor Crazy Bitch Crusade, leaving comments like these on blogs across the `sphere:

Aaron Proctor is a hench-man for the Right - he does not have a “political
future” - he exists only to stir up hate against all of our local
political “good guys” (like Syd Tyler and the Mayor) and support the “bad
guys” like Steve Haderlein (who he calls “sexy”).Its time the local blogging community recognized this, and realized that
they can do something about it.

I’m not a henchman. I’m a fucking leader. The other five Republicans in Pasadena walk a royal pace behind me and get me my Wendy’s. And, are you really that much of a half-wit, Virginia? Do you know anything about the Internet? You’ve never heard of Chuck Norris Facts - those are simply rehashed for Sid Tyler? And how the fuck is Steve Haderlein a bad guy? Did he get you and your hippie dippie friends kicked out of a park for trying to reenact the nude scene from “Hair”? Let the sunshine in - to your brain.

I think my political future is quite bright and I think that’s what scares you, Virginia. I think I’m waking a lot of people up - people dormant from Pasadena’s lull of a political scene before I came around. If you thought I was some flash-in-the-pan (or “One trick pony” as your buddy Larry says)…you probably wouldn’t be wasting your time “Trying to get the word out”. Don’t take my word for it - take the word of the ever-growing legions of The Proc’s fans out there:

Like him, dislike him people all over the SGV believe he is a guy to watch. He is a smart guy, he gets to the heart of matters quickly. Many believe when he controls the message delivery better he will have a pretty bright political future.

- Frazgo.

Anyhoo….there’s also this chestnut - a comment posted over on Frank Girardot’s blog:

Now I have received hate-mail from Aaron Proctor:

http://pasadenanewprogressive.blogspot.com/2008/06/aaron-proctors-hate-birthday-card.html

He is harassing me, the question remains, Why?

I have also noticed he is also harassing all of our local left-leaning politicians in town (like Syd Tyler and Steve Madison) on his blog.

Because it’s hilarious to see your reaction? Because every time you go on one of your crazy crusades, my blog hits go up and my site gets more attention? It’s no more clearer than that. You’d think a rational person would realize this.

But this isn’t rational, this is Virginia Olive Hoge - “legendary letter writer” and otherwise useless - she turns the crazy up a little, pulling a textbook liberal tactic, and begins calling me racist for the following comments. This wreck of a blog entry can only be described accurately by one man - and that’s WWE announcer, Jim Ross:

[in case anyone missed this, here is Aaron Proctor on John Muir high school - yes the alma matter of Jackie Robinson. I don’t know about you, but when I see racism like this existing in 2008, I wonder what Jackie would think, and I am ashamed that this level of racism is still happening today in Pasadena.]excerpt from Proctor for Mayor.com:

Ummm, I might be going out on a limb here, but I know that I’m pretty ashamed and embarrassed we can’t just make John Muir High School a part of La Canada or something. Yeah, I’m ashamed of having that school in my City. Yeah, I think that knowing 1+1 might just make you the Valedictorian of that school. I, for one, think it’s funny to badmouth and continue lambasting such a horrible school and school district to boot. It’s a cheap, easy, funny joke.

• Wanna know the way kids graduate for John Muir? Take the “f” out of way.

This is hilarious. How in the hell were my comments against John Muir High School racist again? Is it because black people and Hispanic people go there? Is that how it’s racist? So, with your enlightened logic, if I were to say that I can’t stand the Paseo - am I racist because I’ve seen a black guy there before? You know, I think that movie “Man On Fire” totally sucked. Am I racist because Denzel Washington was in the star role? What kind of idiot logic is this?

Virginia - you should really wake up. You’re not “getting the word out” about me. I do a damn fine job of that myself. What you’re doing are other things like “increasing my web traffic” and “showing Pasadena how much of a retard you are”. Thanks, Virginia. Christmas came quite early this year.

I thought we were past all of the grade school stuff - but it’s this simple, Virginia. You don’t like what I have to say? Don’t read my fuckin’ blog. You don’t like my views? There’s plenty of crazies out there who share the same ideas as you. You want to “get the word out about The Proc so they can see what a horrible person he is”? You’re doing a hell of a counterproductive job.

I swear, who knew a lil’ old picture of me holding a bunch of ham and eggs was going to drive so many people so insane? Common sense totally skipped over this woman. Can’t wait until she tries to get my blog shut down like she did to Rene Amy’s listserv a few years back.

By the way, did you see my public service announcements? More are on their way - but check this, this, and this out first!

**

When is Dave Allenstein taking over for Fred Ortega?!

Be seeing you,

- AP

Guess who wants MORE MONEY!? Mary Dee Romney warned me about this. Dormitas has already put in his beautiful two cents. Here’s the scoop from the PSN last week:

PASADENA - Voters in the Pasadena Unified School District slightly prefer a bond over a parcel tax to pay for campus improvements, according to recent surveys.

In two surveys conducted last month that sampled 500 voters, 61 percent said they would support a proposed $300 million bond measure.

By contrast, 60 percent of voters said they would go for a parcel tax.

PUSD school board members commissioned the survey as a way to gauge community support for either a bond measure or parcel tax on the November ballot.

A parcel tax would need a two-thirds majority to pass, while a bond measure would need 55 percent approval from voters.

Yep, PUSD wants more of our money in the form of another proposed tax that would head to the ballot in November - ya know, that big election where all kinds of idiots are going to come out of the woodwork to vote for Obama and just hit “Yes” on the parcel tax `cause it sounds good because they’re 18 years old and know nothing about politics. Why? Where would it be going, this time? Does someone in the PEF have a maid who needs a raise? Seriously? They just try to slip this shit in.

Much like others, I’d also like to know just who was surveyed? I’d also like to know who in their right mind would just throw their money away like this? Are these descendants of the people who funded the Titanic? You’re gonna get the same result.

I’m glad all of this has come up..because it’s time to reveal #5 on the list of The Ten People Ruining Pasadena.

Peter Dreier.

He’s without a doubt making a mockery of our political system here in Pasadena, under the guise of “trying to help public schools” - and not admitting that he and others who have made this list (like Virginia Hoge) are furthering their own Socialist agendas upon the Crown City.

To guys like Dreier, everything is simple. The schools are failing? Give them more money.

How are we going to get more money? Let’s slip a parcel tax or bond measure onto the November ballot.

Who is going to pay for this? Everyone in Pasadena, even people who don’t have children or don’t send their kids to PUSD.

Why? Because the schools are failing because of Republicans and illegal immigrants (one of the most hilarious arguments that he’s actually made).

Oh - and go ahead and try to grill Peter about the PEF and if they’re really the ones in charge. He’ll lose his friggin’ mind (and, hopefully, will shave off that nasty beard).

Peter is your garden variety Pasadena uber-liberal. Elitist, secretly racist, and possessing actually no common sense. He fits right in at the #5 spot on my list of the Ten People Ruining Pasadena.

**

You know, being a local dignitary and local treasure isn’t all fun and games. Because of the status I hold in this community, I sometimes am required - by an unwritten rule in the Pasadena Way - to do public service related things. It’s my way of “giving back” to the community that made me The Most Electrifying Man in Pasadena.

I’ve always been a fan of public service announcements or PSAs. They really get the point across, especially because celebrities know everything and we don’t know anything. I seriously didn’t know cocaine was bad until Dennis Franz told me on one of those “The More You Know” commercials I saw when I was 10 or 11 years old.

So, I filmed some of my own Public Service Announcements over the weekend. Enjoy!

Here’s one about alcoholism.

Here’s another one about the Internet sex trade. (19 people in Pasadena should have seen this one)

And finally, why the public library opens worlds of imagination.

**

We’ve got a new blogger in town.  Pasadena’s Closet Conservative.  Not quite sure if this is a parody or if this blog is 100% real - but whatever the deal is, there’s some really good stuff over on that site.

Which reminds me - did you get your invite yet to the upcoming blogger get together on June 28th?  If not, simply drop me a line by clicking on “Contact” at the top of this site.  I’ll send the invitation to your e-mail address.

**
Let’s start the week off right with some Sid Tyler Facts:

• Sid Tyler uses pepper spray to spice up his steaks.
• The elephant is actually the second official logo of the GOP. The first logo was Sid Tyler with a kitten in his mouth.
• Sid Tyler once challenged Lance Armstrong to a “who has more testicles” contest.  Sid Tyler won.  By 5.
• Sid Tyler doesn’t believe in Germany.
• Sid Tyler does not own an oven nor a microwave because revenge is a dish best served cold.
• Sid Tyler built Rome in one day.

Be seeing you,

- AP

Bye, Bye Ortega! Leftovers From City Hall reports on PSN’s Fred Ortega’s last day at this link. It looks like Jennifer McLain will take over West Covina reporting and some new guy named Don Edelweiss will be the newest Ham And Egger in Pasadena.

**

Time for another installment of my new comic strip, You Can’t Fight City Hall!

**

Kelly LC Russell is a writer. Kelly LC Russell is a grrlie. Kelly LC Russell likes to blather. Kelly LC Russell lives on the West Coast. So, it makes sense that she has a blog called West Coast Grrlie Blather. It’s not as much political as it is really, really good photography.

Let’s see what happens when this Pasadena photo-storian grapples with The Proc in the Aaron Proctor Interview Series:

The Proc: Why did Cynthia Kurtz steal your hairdo?

Kelly Russell: She wanted to be recognized in District 1.

The Proc: How do you think the blogosphere has impacted the local Pasadena political scene?

KR: Openness is good. Politicians and policy makers know we’re watching them, and we’re conversing with each other about what’s going on in a very public forum. Look at Paul Little—he left City Council and got a blog.

AP: What’s it like living in the Northwest?

KR: We always know where the tv remote control is, because we’re always turning the volume up to drown out the sound of helicopters. We don’t moan about it, we just do it.

AP: What’s the “LC” for?

KR: 150