transparent-tracy

Are Politics Stopping DA Ron Freitas from Charging Tracy’s Former City Attorney?

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 18:57:00 GMT

It goes without saying that County District Attorney Ron Freitas is dedicated to law enforcement and has a stellar track record as a prosecutor.

As a politician, however, his record is muddier.

This brings us to his decision not to prosecute Tracy’s disgraced former City Attorney, Bijal Patel, who admitted to the State Bar of California that she practiced law with a suspended license back in 2023.

That’s right, she admitted to breaking the law in an official document she filed in a State Bar disciplinary trial! Read more here.

It’s an issue that was raised with the DA’s office back in August 2023 by former Tracy Mayor Nancy Young.

Freitas chose to do nothing then, and he continues to choose to do nothing now.
The reason why is likely connected to his political ties with Supervisor Robert Rickman, former Tracy City Council Member Eleassia Davis, and current City Council Member Dan Evans.

Our site has documented the Tracy political cabal of Supervisor Rickman, Tracy Council Member Dan Evans, former Tracy Council Member Eleassia Davis, Tracy Planning Commissioner Alice English, and Tracy REACH’s Rosario Arulappan. This cabal ran an unsuccessful political ticket that included Davis for Mayor of Tracy, English for the Tracy City Council, and Arulappan for the San Joaquin Delta College Board of Trustees.
If successful, Davis and English would have maintained Dan Evan’s working majority on the city council, a majority that defended Patel’s illegal actions as a “fix it” ticket and then awarded her a substantial raise during the period she practiced law without a license. Read more here.
Evans subsequently refused to accept her resignation, which had been submitted under threat of being fired for her illegal actions. Read more here.
DA Freitas, nonetheless, was seen at various events with the candidates, including Alice English’s campaign kickoff (see below).

While it’s no surprise then that DA Freitas didn't bother to investigate or prosecute Patel, it is well within the County DA’s authority to pursue legal action against Patel, and such action should be taken considering the seriousness of the offense.
California Code, Business and Professions Code - BPC § 6126 Current as of January 01, 2023 | Updated by FindLaw Staff (a) Any person advertising or holding himself or herself out as practicing or entitled to practice law or otherwise practicing law who is not an active licensee of the State Bar, or otherwise authorized pursuant to statute or court rule to practice law in this state at the time of doing so, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in a county jail or by a fine of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment.

Freitas has a duty to protect the public from individuals providing professional services when those individuals are not correctly licensed.
The public is directly harmed when people without law licenses practice law or people without medical licenses practice medicine, yet Freitas is missing in action.
Perhaps he is trying to pay back his political supporters?

The DA’s failure to act against Patel is a significant political misstep by Freitas, eroding public trust, as the DA’s main duty is to serve as the public prosecutor for the entire county.

Freitas, it turns out, has his fair share of political mishaps and controversies.
Alleged Collusion Targeting SUSD Trustee
During the recent trial of Stockton Unified School District Trustee AngelAnn Flores, The Stockton Record reported that a defense witness testified that Freitas and Motecuzoma Sanchez, founder and publisher of 209 Times, allegedly conspired to target Flores.
According to the witness, Sanchez and Freitas, then a candidate for District Attorney, met to discuss “what they could do for each other.”

The 209 Times’ editorial team later endorsed Ron Freitas for DA.
After the election, Freitas targeted Flores.
The main assertion against Flores involved political corruption related to her role as a school board trustee, but the DA also included a strange and unrelated insurance fraud issue. A former San Joaquin County prosecutor called the handling of the case ‘highly unusual,’ and thought that the DA’s office was elevating the level of crime. Read more here.
According to knowledgeable attorneys we spoke with, the DA’s office has historically refused to prosecute insurance fraud cases because it needs to focus its limited resources on addressing major crimes.
Insurance fraud matters can be settled through civil litigation filed by the insurance company.

Hiring Former Campaign Spokesman; Paying $270,000 in County Funds
Newly elected DA Frietas began his term in controversy after hiring the company of his former campaign spokesman, Lee Neves, and paying them $270,000 within eight months under the agreement.
The Stockton Record reported that the no-bid contract went unnoticed until they revealed it, which guaranteed Neves’ firm $7,000 per month for media and public communications work.
Even more shocking was that the money used to pay Neves’ firm was out of a fund dedicated to gang and drug prevention.
Although Neves is no longer hired as the DA’s communications firm, there remain questions about the amount of money paid with no public accountability. Read more here.

Freitas needs to stop playing politics, something he’s clearly not good at, and focus on being the county prosecutor.

It’s in the public’s best interest for him to file charges against former Tracy City Attorney Bijal Patel.
Flores denied the DA’s claim and was found not guilty of violating public trust and integrity.
Patel has admitted in the State Bar courtroom that she violated public trust and integrity yet is not being prosecuted.
Without considering his supporters in Tracy and Stockton, how does Freitas explain the different approaches to justice?

Private Facebook Page Raises Questions About Nonprofit’s Political Use

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 17:04:00 GMT

Following the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors’ recent approval of a $10,745 grant to the nonprofit managed by former political candidate Rosario Arulappan, questions are now being raised about whether taxpayer funds are being used for political purposes.

An investigation by Transparent Tracy has uncovered that Arulappan’s nonprofit organization may be involved in political campaigning activities.

Under the Internal Revenue Code, all organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) are strictly prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in or intervening in any political campaign on behalf of or against any candidate for elective public office. This ban applies at the federal, state, and local levels. Violations can lead to loss of tax-exempt status and financial penalties.

Despite these restrictions, Arulappan used his nonprofit’s Facebook and Instagram accounts to promote political candidates, including himself.

Transparent Tracy obtained screenshots of Instagram posts that demonstrate direct involvement in electoral politics, raising concerns about whether the organization has maintained its required nonpartisan status.

Further investigation uncovered that the nonprofit is operating two separate Facebook accounts – one public and one private.

The private page, recently reviewed, showed a name change as recently as September 23, 2025, just six days after our initial story broke.

At one point, the page’s name was briefly switched to 'Patrick Rosario' before being reverted, suggesting a possible effort to present a more 'Americanized' identity ahead of future political campaigns.

The nonprofit’s public Facebook account can be found here .

The nonprofit’s private Facebook account can be found here .

The existence of both public and private accounts, coupled with the documented political activity, raises serious questions about transparency and accountability.

Taxpayers deserve to know whether public funds provided through the County grant are being used in compliance with federal law. Arulappan should make his private Facebook page public to reassure residents that his nonprofit is operating responsibly and in compliance with the law.

Ultimately, the findings reveal a troubling conflict: while nonprofits play vital roles in the community, they must operate within clear legal boundaries.
The situation highlights the need for stricter oversight to ensure that taxpayer-funded organizations do not use their resources to promote political agendas.

Did Supervisor Robert Rickman Spearhead a County Donation to a Political Group Fronting as a Community Non-profit?

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 17:07:00 GMT

On September 5 ^th , the Tracy Press ran a story, “Supervisors approve grant for cultural group,” detailing Supervisor Robert Rickman’s effort to secure a $10,745 grant for Tracy REACH (Residents Empowered Advocates of Change).

Tracy REACH’s president is Rosario Patrick Arulappan.
The following is excerpted from the non-profit's Mission Statement, as posted on its website.

It's worth highlighting the statement, "We work with our elected officials and advocate for important issues for our citizens. We believe in mobilizing our residents...", as it sounds more like lobbying and political organizing than charitable work.

Arulappan, a political ally of Supervisor Rickman, ran for the San Joaquin Delta College Board of Trustees this past November as “Rosario Patrick.”
While he lost the race against Dr. Catalina Pina, who received 70% of the total votes, he did receive an endorsement from Supervisor Rickman, which he posted on his Facebook page.

In addition to making political posts on his personal Facebook page, Arulappan also campaigned on Tracy REACH’s Facebook page.
Below are several of those posts, including one for Eleassia Davis’s mayoral campaign.

Did Arulappan's use of his registered nonprofit corporation with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status to campaign during this past November election violate state and federal campaign laws?

A registered 501(c)(3) organization has more stringent restrictions on political campaigning at both the state and federal levels.
In fact, according to the Council of Nonprofits, a 510(c)(3) charitable nonprofit must not engage in any political activity. See below.

According to IRS records, Arulappan's Tracy REACH received its tax-exempt status in April 2024, well before the November 2024 General Election.

A search on the County’s Public Portal for Campaign Finance Disclosure did not return anything for “Tracy Reach,” meaning the organization did not disclose any reports - expenditures, contributions, or otherwise.
In addition, Arulappan made several political posts on social media that failed to the "Paid for by..." disclaimer required by state law.

All of this is to say that Arulappan’s social media page for his nonprofit did engage in political activity this past November, and none of it appears to have been reported.
And, while some of this could be dismissed as political amateurism, it takes on a more serious tone when taxpayer monies are being distributed to the entity by the County Board of Supervisors.

TRACY REACH Corporation’s Registry Status with the State Attorney General’s Office is Listed as “Not Registered.”

The “Not Registered” status for Arulappan’s nonprofit raises further questions.
First, WHY is the nonprofit listed as “Not Registered?”
It may be as simple as missing a filing deadline or a fee.
Nonetheless, the nonprofit is currently not in good standing with the Attorney General’s office.
Second, did the County Board of Supervisors know of this status before approving the grant?
Regardless of whether the nonprofit is up to date with the Secretary of State’s office, which we can confirm that it is, shouldn’t someone at the County be doing some due diligence before authorizing grant monies?
We inquired with the Attorney General’s office about the status and are awaiting a response.
We’ll report more on that as new information comes in.
Finally, how will the expenditures for the nonprofit be tracked?
This is a critical question given that Arulappan, while indeed hosting community events through his organization, is also partaking in political campaigning.
How can taxpayers be assured that the grant money will not be used for Arulappan’s political endeavors?
A $10,745 political spend would go a long way in a local election.

The State Bar's Charges Against Disgraced Former Tracy City Attorney, Bijal Patel, Are Serious

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:40:00 GMT

The charges filed by the State Bar of California hold potentially significant consequences for Tracy’s disgraced former City Attorney, Bijal Patel.

As previously reported, the State Bar filed formal disciplinary charges against Patel in June.
The charges stem from Patel allegedly continuing to act in the role of city attorney despite her license having been suspended by the State Bar between July 1 and August 1, 2023.

Patel had failed to complete her legal education requirements and file a report with the State Bar by the February 2023 deadline.

Shockingly, she deliberately hid this fact from the city council and continued to act as the city's attorney, as though she was in good standing with the State Bar.

It’s essential to note that every licensed attorney in the State of California is required to complete this task, and they are given ample time to do so.

The State Bar issues numerous notices to negligent attorneys, urging them to comply with the law. In this case, these notices were sent to Patel at Tracy City Hall.

There was no basis for confusion.

Everyone understands you can't perform surgery if your physician's license is invalid, and you can't practice law if your attorney's license is invalid.

In other words, there was no good excuse for her lapse of judgment.

There was also no justification for hiding this serious issue from her employer, the city council.

Patel’s bigger lapse of judgment, however, was not failing to do her paperwork but allegedly continuing to practice law while her license was suspended.

The consequences for Patel could be significant.
If found guilty, she could face:

Suspension or involuntary inactive status immediately halts her ability to practice law.
Financial sanctions, with penalties of up to $5,000 per violation.
Disbarment, the most severe penalty, permanently strips her of her law license.

The State Bar of California’s Actions Against Patel are Rare

According to a local attorney that we contacted, there is rarely any enforcement activity against local attorneys by the State Bar.

However, it does take the matter of practicing law with a suspended license seriously.

A Stockton attorney, for instance, was placed on probation for a year for using an attorney with a suspended license to perform legal services for clients.

The attorney went on to say that most cases are settled, and that only the most extreme violations are ever heard by the State Bar Court of California.

Sign of the Times: The Tracy Press Chases TT

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 00:57:00 GMT

It’s not too often that we get the opportunity to brag about our local news blog.
Still, in the case of breaking the story about the State Bar’s disciplinary charges filed against Tracy’s former, controversial City Attorney, Bijal Patel, we deserve all the credit.
We posted the story over a week before the Tracy Press (TP).
It’s a sign of the times.
Traditional media is losing the news race to social media.
The TP is doing the best it can with the bare minimum resources it’s been given.
One reporter cannot be everywhere all at once.
Nor can that reporter afford to be critical of the City of Tracy, which it relies on heavily for information.
While Tracy has its issues, it is a quiet bedroom community where most of the news comes from the local government.
Maintaining trusted sources is critical for newspaper journalists, as this former paid journalist can attest.
The TP is in a Catch-22, as are many local newspapers.
This is why TT got started, and why this publication continues to deliver hard-hitting reports, most often about the issues transpiring at City Hall.
We devote resources to investigating behind-the-scenes activities, rather than merely reciting what happened in public after the fact.
This is also why we stay anonymous. Without our anonymity, neither we nor TP would have discovered the formal State Bar complaint about Patel.
Tracy needs a resource that critically examines what's happening at City Hall, something TP is either unwilling or unable to do.
The attacks against this publication are irrelevant; both residents and elected officials can keep guessing who is behind them.
We face criticism from special interests because truth threatens their pursuit of power and wealth.
When the same advocates for special interests attack us, it confirms we've hit the mark.
What is relevant is our continued reporting of what is happening at City Hall, both in front of and behind the public’s eyes.
Tracy, as we know, is a major commuter community with many taxpaying, voting-age residents who are too busy and tired to attend council and commission meetings.
However, these residents still deserve to know what is going on with their local government.
This is why we will continue to provide the hard-hitting stories, whether they are popular or unpopular with City Hall or our elected officials.
We will continue to report on the Bijal Patel story and the implications for City Hall.
We do this for the betterment of Tracy.
On that note, we appreciate your readership and are grateful for the news tips we receive, and we remain dedicated to keeping all sources anonymous.

FORMER TRACY ATTORNEY BIJAL PATEL IN TROUBLE WITH STATE BAR – AGAIN; FORMAL DISCIPLINARY CHARGES FILED

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 12:57:00 GMT

BREAKING NEWS:

In late June, the State Bar of California filed formal disciplinary charges in the State Bar Court against Bijal M Patel, the former but still embattled Tracy City Attorney.
The action follows her unexplained license status changing to “inactive” in March of this year.
While the details about the charges are not yet known, the State Bar’s timing does raise questions about whether they are related to her time with the City of Tracy.
Patel’s last day with the city was on December 31, 2024.

DISCIPLINARY CHARGES FILED BY THE STATE BAR ARE RARE. ATTORNEYS FACE SUSPENSION OR DISBARMENT IF FOUND GUILTY OF MISCONDUCT OR SERIOUS CRIMES.

According to the State Bar’s website:
“The State Bar Court hears charges filed by the State Bar’s Office of Chief Trial Counsel against attorneys whose actions allegedly involve misconduct.
The State Bar Court has the authority to recommend that the California Supreme Court suspend or disbar attorneys found to have committed acts of professional misconduct or to have been convicted of serious crimes.”

All of this follows the State Bar's suspension of Patel’s license in July 2023 for noncompliance with MCLE requirements.
It appears to be beyond dispute that Patel continued practicing law as the City Attorney while here license was suspended.

Read more about her previous issue with the State Bar here .

News of charges filed against Bijal Patel by the State Bar will certainly unnerve Councilmembers Dan Evans and Mateo Bedolla, two of her most ardent supporters.

Both Evans and Bedolla, along with former Mayor Pro Tem Eleassia Davis, voted in December 2023 to give Patel an 8.9% pay raise despite knowing that Patel’s license had been suspended.

The raise boosted Patel’s annual salary to $279,807, a salary higher than that of the Governor of California.
You can read more about that controversial pay raise here.
The actions taken by Councilmembers Evans, Bedolla, and Davis, along with City Attorney Patel, led to a San Joaquin County Civil Grand Jury investigation and report titled “City of Tracy: Public Trust Still Not Restored,” released in June 2024.

The four subsequently dismissed the findings and recommendations in the Civil Grand Jury Report at a public hearing.
You can read more about this here .
This latest news of Patel’s problems with the State Bar is just part of this ongoing saga that began with the election of Dan Evans to the City Council.
Several questions raised by the public regarding the former city attorney and the council, led by Evans, Bedolla, and Davis, remain unanswered.
Time will tell if the charges filed against Bijal Patel will help provide answers or generate more questions.
We will keep you posted as always.

English Should Resign Planning Commission Seat

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 23:12:00 GMT

Alice English should not be a Planning Commissioner. She is both unfit and unqualified to serve on such a powerful city commission that makes crucial decisions and recommendations regarding future development in Tracy. English built her reputation as a watchdog of city hall, advocating for her stance on issues, challenging those who oppose her, and accumulating political enemies along the way, including being escorted out of a city council hearing by Tracy PD for disruptive behavior.

Every community has an Alice English, and in many respects, every community needs an Alice English; an unwatched government is a dangerous one. But this edgy and controversial role doesn’t mean Alice English should be appointed to a leadership position in the city.

Alice English is a community gadfly, not a community leader. She instigates chaos and disruption rather than thoughtfully advancing Tracy.

Community Gadfly English cannot separate herself from Planning Commissioner English. English attends nearly every city council meeting. Depending on the city’s stance on an issue, she confronts any elected official or city staff who oppose her views. This undermines any belief that she will assess planning matters fairly and impartially. Dan Arriola is the primary target of English’s most recent attacks; however, Steve Abercrombie and Dotty Nygard have also felt her pressure. English spent years criticizing former Councilmembers Veronica Vargas, Nancy Young, and Rhodesia Ransom, among others.

She has also confronted and tried to intimidate other residents and speakers who have taken different positions from her. It’s who she is – an attack dog lacking constructive ideas. Even this publication became a target of her rage after it began calling out the misdeeds of her allies at City Hall.

TRACY CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE ENGLISH ON THE PLANNING COMMISSION MAKING CRITICAL DECISIONS, THEN TURNING AROUND AND ATTACKING COUNCIL AND CITY STAFF AT EVERY MOVE

English cannot have it both ways. Either she is an independent-minded Planning Commissioner focused on improving the community in a positive, logical, and collaborative manner, or she is an angry Community Gadfly. Based on her history, it’s clear that she is only the latter. For this reason, she should resign from her position on the planning commission, or the city council should act to remove her.

ALICE ENGLISH’S APPOINTMENT WAS A STRATEGIC POLITICAL MOVE BY COUNCILMAN DAN EVANS

In his effort to exert control over the city’s local government, Councilman Dan Evans spearheaded the appointment of Alice English to the important Planning Commission. He did so, knowing she lacked the background, experience, and temperament to be an effective planning commissioner. It was a political appointment intended to improve her chances of winning a seat on the city council. Because Evans, along with Mateo Bedolla and Eleassia Davis, controlled the majority of the votes on the city council, her appointment was guaranteed.

Tracy lacks effective criteria for commission appointments that can be implemented, unlike those in other cities. An untrained but belligerent gadfly lacks the background and demeanor to be an effective leader. Certainly, her repeated defeats when running for city council confirm that the community understands her lack of qualities necessary to be effective as a public official. Tracy is striving to move forward after the Bijal Patel disaster created by Evans and Bedolla (remember they refused to accept her resignation as city attorney). To continue progressing, it needs to remove Alice English from the Tracy Planning Commission.

Community Input Needed: Schulte Road Warehouse Environmental Report

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 23:40:00 GMT

The City of Tracy has released a Recirculated Draft Environmental Impact Report (RDEIR) for the proposed Schulte Road Warehouse project, and community feedback is encouraged. The project would develop a 217,466 square foot warehouse – including office space – on approximately 21.92 acres at the southeast corner of West Schulte Road and Hansen Road. The site is currently agricultural land within the Tracy Sphere of Influence and would be annexed into the city.

The RDEIR outlines several potentially significant and unavoidable impacts, including to air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, aesthetics, transportation, and energy usage. These concerns were identified following public feedback during a prior comment period in 2024. In response, the city revised its analysis and added new sections addressing energy impacts and climate change.

Residents now have a second opportunity to review and comment on these critical updates. The 45-day public comment period runs from March 21, 2025 through May 5, 2025 . Comments must be submitted in writing by 5:00 p.m. on May 5 to Scott Claar at the City of Tracy, either by mail (333 Civic Center Plaza, Tracy, CA 95376) or email ( Scott.Claar@cityoftracy.org ).
The full RDEIR is available at the City of Tracy Planning Division or online at:
City of Tracy Environmental Documents
Your voice matters—review the updated report and share your input by the deadline!

Villapudua Family Political Favors and Miscalculations

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 03:01:00 GMT

The younger Villapudua brother isn’t the only family member capable of generating headlines and creating controversies.
Edith Villapudua, fresh off her defeat in the Assembly seat race, was hired as an aide to newly elected District 1 Board of Supervisor Mario Gardea.
Supervisor Gardea’s office recently made headlines when his former Chief of Staff, Augustun Telly, was arrested in January on suspicion of felony solicitation of criminal acts. ( Read the article here.)

The hiring of Edith Villapudua raised eyebrows inside county offices, as Gardea is the only County Supervisor with multiple aides.

Gardea replaced former Supervisor Miguel Villapudua, who replaced his cousin and then Supervisor Carlos Villapudua. Carlos appointed Miguel as a County Planning Commissioner to help his supervisorial campaign.
It’s apparent that Edith’s hiring is a political favor for the Villapuduas. The aide job will help give her political experience, something voters saw as lacking.
However, even with Edith’s hiring, it’s a low point for the recently prominent political powerhouse Villapuduas.

A Mess of Their Own Making

After Carlos turned down a chance to run for the open 5 ^th State Senate District seat, he encouraged Edith to run, which she ultimately chose to do.
Miguel Villapuda, meanwhile, announced he was running for the 5 ^th State Senate District seat. (He declined to run for the State Assembly against his cousin, Carlos.)
When East Bay Insiders asked about a Villapudua running against a Villapudua [Edith], Miguel said, “As far as the family name, I don’t know what to say. Carlos has done a great job as an Assemblymember. Unfortunately, we’ve had our differences, and we don’t communicate well. That explains why Edith is running.” ( read more here )
Ouch.

To avoid furthering a major family rift, Miguel’s brother, criminal law attorney Armando Villapudua, whose wife is a Superior Court judge, apparently brokered a deal for Miguel to drop out of the race for a promised state job after Carlos's re-election to the assembly.
However, things became more complicated and uncomfortable after Carlos and Edith decided in December 2023 to switch places, following polls that showed Edith significantly trailing former Tracy City Council Member Rhodesia Ransom in the state senate race. After the Villapudua style of musical chairs, Edith was thrust into a new Assembly race, which smacked of political opportunism. Carlos, meanwhile, was pitted against the formidable former U.S. Rep Jerry McNerney for State Senate.
We’re all familiar with what happened next.

Edith finished in last place for the AD13 March Primary race to eventual winner Rhodesia Ransom and the controversial Republican Denise Aguilar Mendez. (You can read more about Mendez here and here .)
Carlos also lost his State Senate bid in the March Primary to Jim Shoemaker and Jerry McNerney.

What looked good on paper for the Villapuduas did not sit well with voters, who let their doubts speak for themselves at the ballot box.

In one fell swoop, all the Villapuduas were embarrassingly out. No Assembly District. No State Senate. No high paid position in Sacramento. No San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors.
It was a classic case of miscalculations and assumptions by the Villapuduas, who thought their name and popularity were stronger than they were.
Now, the family is left Stockton City Councilman Brando Villapudua to carry forward the family’s political name.
But as we highlighted in our previous article , that’s not going well for the family either.

Stockton Councilman Brando Villapudua on the Hot Seat

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:54:00 GMT

If there’s one constant in San Joaquin County politics, it’s that, at any given moment, a member of the Villapudua family will be involved in some kind of controversy.

Stockton Councilman Brando Villapadua, the brother of former Assemblyman Carlos Villapudua, is the latest Villapudua who cannot stay out of the headlines.
The Stockton Record reported recently that Brando was recently cited by Stockton police for expired registration and failure to provide proof of insurance. ( Read the article here. )
This follows the February 13 ^th Stockton Record story reporting that the Stockton City Council will proceed with censuring Brando for flipping off a resident during a council meeting. ( Read the article here .)

Brando’s troubles have prompted Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee and others to call for Villapadua to resign. Watch the ABC10 story here .

I t was right to call for Brando Villapudua's resignation. His actions show that he is not fit to be an elected official. It’s clear that he won on his family name, not his experience.

However, based on Brando’s response to both incidents, Stockton taxpayers won’t see his resignation any time soon.
Regarding the expired registration and lack of proof of insurance citation, Brando simply said he “forgot.”
That response resonates the same as when former Tracy City Attorney Bijal Patel said that she “forgot” to renew her license to practice law with the State Bar of California.
It is an unacceptable response for an elected official two years into his city council term.
His threat of censure for flipping off someone from the public during a council meeting solicited a similar response from Brando: indifference.
It’s evident that Brando feels he’s entitled to the council seat because of his last name.
That’s not good enough for a city that desperately needs leaders to guide it in a positive direction.
Brando, like Tracy’s Councilman Mateo Bedolla, believes that he deserves the utmost respect from the community.

Yet, both elected officials respond to criticism from the public like school yard bullies.
Both fail to understand that respect is earned, especially when it’s coming from the people who voted to put them in their positions.
Taxpayers could care less about their titles.
They care about results – not childish antics.

Eleassia Davis Bails on Tracy

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 23:39:00 GMT

It’s official: Eleassia Davis is bailing on Tracy for greener pastures.
The one-and-done city council member and failed mayoral candidate is not wasting time either. She already has a “pending” offer on her home, and based on the description of their online listing below, they can’t get out of town fast enough.

So much for her “Community First” slogan!

It’s clear all of Eleassia Davis’s talk about being a community advocate who cares about our children and their futures was just that – talk.

An Eleassia Davis campaign post from this past November.

It’s another good reminder to be careful who you vote for, as people’s motivation to run for public office is never certain.
Davis’s quick departure makes it clear that she was always in it for herself and the minimal perks that go with being an elected official.
We know this also to be true for Mateo Bedolla. He launched failed campaigns for Assembly and Tracy Mayor while still in his first term on council.
The verdict on Evans is still out.

Either way, Davis’s departure marks the end of the Bedolla-Evans-Davis ill-fated alliance, which is good news for Tracy taxpayers.

For what it’s worth, the word on the street is that she’s headed to the Lone Star State.

You Get What You Elect; Plus, Signs Tracy City Hall Is Turning a Corner

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 01:55:00 GMT

The previous city council meeting almost went without controversy – almost.
Mateo Bedolla’s antics toward the end of the meeting bolstered the arguments for those who opposed his appointment.

He cannot work with others as a mature adult, uses the meetings as a forum to express his petulant insecurities, and is rudderless without former City Attorney Bijal Patel telling him what to think.

The issue triggering Bedolla was Mayor Pro Tem Abercrombie’s reasonable request to bring two important and time-sensitive matters regarding the Temporary Emergency Housing Facility to the city council. The alternative was to first submit them to the Tracy Homelessness Advisory Committee and delay these important city-wide decisions.
Bedolla and Abercrombie both serve on the Committee.
Here’s an excerpt of what went down –

Bedolla never offers a solid argument or justification for why the matter should go before the THAC. He likely knew there wasn’t a good reason to delay a matter that would go before the full city council anyway, where Bedolla would have a full opportunity to express his opinion.

In the end, what angered Bedolla is that Mayor Pro Tem Abercrombie acted without him, and based on Bedolla’s reaction, he did so with good reason.

What’s more embarrassing is that Bedolla clearly knew ahead of time that Abercrombie would make the motion. Bedolla did not speak extemporaneously; he read prepared scripted comments. His outward frustration and outrage were performance art, not good government.
His actions were why, as an incumbent, he did not win outright this past November. Tracy voters are tired of public temper tantrums interfering with the conduct of city business. Bedolla either needs to start acting like an adult or go sit back at the kiddie table.

TRACY CITY HALL TURNING A CORNER?

While it’s too early in the year to say that things have completely changed, things are indeed looking up at City Hall.
Notwithstanding Bedolla’s antics, the Council Chambers overall had a positive, productive feeling.
Even Bob Tanner had positive things to say (there’s video proof).
A lot of the positivity stems from a more confident and competent mayor and majority city council ready to set aside petty disagreements and work for the good of the community.
This new council attitude is also infecting city staff in a positive manner.

The City Manager looks to have new, renewed energy without having to exist under the former City Attorney’s oppressive and retaliatory behavior.

The new Assistant City Manager and interim City Attorney are also getting things done.
Let’s hope this honeymoon lasts.
Tracy was set back by the previous majority council and city attorney, and with Evans and Bedolla still on the council, it’s a constant reminder that things can still turn for the worst. In the meantime, we’ll continue to watch and remain hopeful.

Councilmembers Bedolla and Evans Attempt to Stop City Attorney Patel’s Resignation; City’s Vacant Council Seat Scandal

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 21:32:00 GMT

While Bijal Patel’s resignation as the City Attorney is good news for city, there is more to the story than her simply walking away.
It turns out that Councilmembers Mateo Bedolla and Dan Evans attempted to stop the city attorney’s settlement agreement with the city for her “voluntary” resignation. If they had been successful, then Patel would have remained at City Attorney.

Councilmembers Mateo Bedolla and Dan Evans failed in close session to keep City Attorney Bijal Patel.

Make no mistake, a vote of abstention is the same as a no vote. Also, someone doesn’t negotiate a settlement when they are “voluntarily” resigning. Patel was being forced out and Bedolla and Evans tried to stop it. One might argue that it only makes sense the two would attempt to derail her resignation. Afterall, both voted to give full authority over the city to Patel, as well as giving her a retroactive pay raise increasing her salary to $279,807 per year, which is more than the Governor gets!

By attempting to stop her resignation, Bedolla and Evans showed their lack of judgement and common sense, especially after both losing big time in the recent General Election.

Over 87% of the electorate voted against Mateo Bedolla retaining his city council seat, and every one of Dan Evans’ endorsed candidates lost – including Eleassia Davis and Alice English. The voters spoke volumes at the ballot box, and it was an overwhelming referendum against the political agenda advanced by the alliance of Patel and Councilmembers Bedolla, Evans and Davis.

The Grand Jury report was damning against this cabal and voters made it clear that enough is enough. It’s clear that Bedolla and Evans still don’t get it. Elections, according to them, don’t have consequences.

THE VACANT COUNCIL SEAT APPOINTMENT SCANDAL

If voters needed yet another reason to celebrate the exiting of Bijal Patel as city attorney, then all they need to point to is the timing of Dan Evans’ amendment to the city’s policy on appointing new members to the vacant council seat one month before the November election. The City Attorney somehow, burdened by a massive backlog of work identified by the Grand Jury, was able to turn around the proposed policy amendment in time for their next council meeting – two weeks before the General Election. Coincidence? We think not. Why? Because the Grand Jury highlighted a pattern of collusion amongst the city attorney and the majority council members. Evans was clearly hedging his bet by proposing and ramming through this amendment. He was banking on Davis winning the mayor’s race and, at the very least, Alice English (his candidate) placing third in the crowded council race. Evans’ lost his bet, but it did position Mateo Bedolla to take the seat as the third-place vote getter. The issue, however, is that voters elected for change on city council – not more of the same.

Voting to change the policy amendment just weeks before the General Election was lazy legislating, with the potential implications not fully vetted. You don’t change the rules in the middle of an election!

Mateo Bedolla did not get elected to that vacant seat as recently suggested by Dan Evans (who is scrambling to win the support of Bedolla who he dumped in favor of Alice English). Read about the final results here . Bedolla does not deserve to be handed a seat that he lost outright as the incumbent. The new mayor and city council needs to do right by the voters and suspend a policy amendment that shouldn’t have happened in the first place. Appointing a failed council member and a failed candidate, Bedolla is an affront to the 87% of the public that rejected his at the ballot box.

Councilman Bedolla verbally attacks a member of the public who spoke at the August 20th Special Meeting regarding the Tracy Civil Grand Jury report.

LATE BREAKING NEWS: City Attorney Bijal Patel Resigns Following Tracy Voters’ Resounding Rejection of the Status Quo at City Hall

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 00:47:00 GMT

Tracy voters have sent a clear message.
The people are dissatisfied with the city’s trajectory under the leadership of Eleassia Davis, Mateo Bedolla, and Dan Evans. Recent findings from the Civil Grand Jury Report underscore the glaring issues, yet this majority chose to dismiss them outright.
Rather than focusing on the needs of Tracy’s residents, the council majority prioritized opposition—blocking Mayor Nancy Young’s efforts at every turn and handing undue power to City Attorney Bijal Patel. Patel's overreach stalled progress and disrupted city operations, for which she was rewarded with an excessive retroactive pay raise.
For two years, this council has been embroiled in political infighting, leaving the people of Tracy to pay the price.
The results? A city in decline. Streets and parks feel less safe, opportunities for growth have stagnated, and promises of new restaurants, retail spaces, and jobs closer to home remain unfulfilled. Parents lack safe, enjoyable places for their children, and faith in local leadership has eroded.
Tracy deserves better. The people have made it clear: they want leaders who prioritize public safety, family-friendly amenities, and real opportunities for growth. It’s time for leadership that works with the people, not against them.
The era of gridlock and missed opportunities must end. Tracy’s future depends on it.

Elections have consequences.

While writing this article, we received the news that Bijal Patel issued her resignation last night, with her final day being December 31st, 2024.
Council accepted the resignation on a vote of 3 in support and 2 abstentions.
The beleaguered city attorney understanding the implications of the election, saw the writing on the wall and is stepping away.
The news is a sign to voters that the change and reform they are seeking is already happening.
It’s now on the new city council to start cleaning-up the messes Patel created over the last two years.

Alice English and Eleassia Davis Aligned with Convicted Welfare Fraudster, Assembly Candidate Denise Aguilar

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 00:58:00 GMT

POLITICO.COM STORY DETAILS THE ASSEMBLY CANDIDATE’S GUILTY 2020 CONVICTION; CAMPAIGNED WITH ENGLISH & DAVIS

In a breaking story, Politico.com highlights the guilty conviction of Assembly candidate Denise Aguilar Mendez. Read the article can be read here. An excerpt from the article reads:

It continues…

The controversial candidate served 20-days in jail for her crime along with community service. The article also mentions Aguilar’s attending the January 6 ^th , 2021, riot in Washington DC.

The article raises serious questions for Planning Commissioner Alice English and Mayor Pro Tem Eleassia Davis. As the old saying goes, “You are who you surround yourself with.”

Did they know about Aguilar’s conviction before they placed themselves on a ballot ticket with her? Did they know about Aguilar attending the January 6 ^th riots in DC?

In every aspect, it shows poor judgement by Davis and English.
Perhaps they were attracted to Aguilar’s dismissive attitude towards her crimes. It’s reminiscent of Davis’ and English’s dismissiveness to the scathing Grand Jury report that blasted the majority council and another one of their allies – Attorney Bijal Patel. You can read more about that here.
Perhaps they were just too lazy to do their homework.
Perhaps they just don’t care.
Or, even worse, perhaps they think the rules don’t apply to them and their friends.
But welfare fraud? Supporting a candidate that was incarcerated 20 months ago for welfare fraud? That abject bad judgment disqualifies them from serving in public office.

Eleassia Davis’ Grand Blunder

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 16:46:00 GMT

THE CONSPIRACY THEORY LADEN RESPONSE BY THE MAYOR PRO TEM TO THE CIVIL GRAND JURY REPORT REVEALS DAVIS’ TRUE CHARACTER

Eleassia Davis wants to be Mayor of Tracy, but more than anything she wants Nancy Young to not be Mayor. Davis has made the past two years a personal vendetta against Nancy Young, who Davis feels wronged her in the last mayoral campaign. She found allies with co-conspirator Dan Evans and the hapless Mateo Bedolla. The trio have denied Young’s motions at every turn and even voted to censure her. But Davis’ hatred for Young goes deeper, more personal. Her response to the San Joaquin County Civil Grand Jury Report illustrates how her obsession with Mayor Nancy Young has gotten dangerous. Davis believes that Young “…undoubtably had an unfair and unjust influence over this investigation…” She rambles on about “whisper” and “shadow campaigns” and “cronyism” and “nepotism” and questions just how far up the political ladder the conspiracy goes. She spends more than two pages on her rant against Young and the injustice of it all and how she wants the FBI involved.

The Civil Grand Jury Report gave Davis an opportunity to show us her leadership qualities. She could have admitted mistakes, demonstrated humility, and laid out her plan to help guide the city back on course. It was a chance to rise above the fray and pettiness. It was a gift given to her during an election year, but that’s not what she did because that’s not who she is.

Davis is not a leader. She lacks leadership qualities. Her response to the Grand Jury shows nothing more than conceit, vengefulness, and delusion.

Instead of leading by example, she took the opportunity at a public hearing to lambast her political “rival” in a written-out response which she read word for word. Her response was not one of passion in the moment during a heated exchange. It was a thought out hit piece. Davis fully believes her own conspiracy theory that Nancy Young is controlling jurors, judges, and everyone in between. If you didn’t know better from Davis’ rant, one would believe that Nancy Young is a mafia boss with people in her pocket. Need more proof? Below is another example of Eleassia Davis’ character straight from the August 20th hearing –

It doesn’t take a federal investigator to know of whom on council Davis was referring. However, beyond the blatant passive aggressive language used by Davis, the laughable aspect of her statement is that it came after she read her written response to the Grand Jury report in which named Nancy Young directly several times over.

Eleassia Davis takes zero ownership for the discord and disrespect on Tracy City Council or at City Hall. She dismissed all merits of the Grand Jury Report other than to lay all blame on Mayor Nancy Young.

The fact that the majority three on city council – Eleassia Davis, Mateo Bedolla, and Dan Evans – are dismissive of the Civil Grand Jury report is not surprising. Where Tracy City Attorney Bijal Patel goes, they go. As a reminder, these three are the same individuals who gave the city attorney an 8.9% annual retroactive raise after she got her license suspended by the State Bar of California. What is surprising is that Eleassia Davis is so blatant in her disregard for a Civil Grand Jury Report that most people in Tracy find troubling, especially as she’s asking voters to elect her mayor.

With Davis in control of the Tracy City Council for the remainder of this year, taxpayers and voters should keep their expectations low. Very low.

Tracy is all the talk in San Joaquin County and not for the right reasons. The question people most often ask is, “What the hell is happening at City Hall?” It’s a legitimate question given the recent scathing Civil Grand Jury Report which chastised the city council and the controversial Tracy City Attorney Bijal Patel. The report’s findings, although incomplete, were justified. Over the last 18-months there has been an unprecedented number of city staff departures, the ousting of another City Manager, stonewalling of the business community, verbal attacks by elected officials against citizens speaking at public hearings, Brown Act violations, political backstabbing, childish squabbles, FPPC filings, lawsuits filed, etcetera, etcetera. Tracy City Hall is a mess, and everyone knows it except those who have control.

Tracy City Attorney Snubs Civil Grand Jury Report

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 01:28:00 GMT

THE CONTROVERSIAL AND DEFIANT BIJAL PATEL SEEKS TO BRUSH COUNTY GRAND JURY FINDINGS UNDER THE RUG

The city has scheduled a very late-noticed Special Meeting for Tuesday night to discuss the city’s response to the San Joaquin County Civil Grand Jury Report ( link here ) which blasted the city for numerous issues, including several major concerns related to the City Attorney’s office. The embattled City Attorney Bijal Patel provided the Grand Jury and Tracy taxpayers her summary response to the report’s findings regarding her actions and performance as follows:

Her terse and conceited response is something taxpayers have grown accustomed. Patel believes wholeheartedly that she is better and smarter than everyone in this small Central Valley bedroom community. She’s an educated East Bay elitist lawyer after all who is gracing our community with her mere presence.

Taxpayers should, according to Bijal Patel, do as Councilmembers Eleassia Davis, Mateo Bedolla, and Dan Evans have already done – bend the knee and shut up unless told otherwise.

For the past year, business owners have been speaking at “Items from the Audience” during council meetings stating the city attorney’s office is not responding to their application issues, etc and can council help. The City Attorney’s response: She wholly disagrees with this finding. In fact, you will find it hard for Patel to agree with anything in the Grand Jury report beyond her office being understaffed. The chaos, massive staffing turnover, and in general divisiveness and unpleasantries have nothing to do with her – just ask her. Patel, if you remember, took the same tack with her failing to renew her license with the State Bar of California that resulted in her license getting suspended for a month. She never admitted doing anything wrong. In fact, she would have never told anyone in the city it happened had it not been brought to light.

Insulting as Bijal Patel’s disregard for the Grand Jury Report is, nothing is as insulting as the 8.9% retroactive pay raise given to her by Councilmembers Davis, Bedolla, and Evans despite knowing her license got suspended.

This is the greatest insult of all to Tracy taxpayers.

While You Were Sleeping…

To help understand the corruption happening at Tracy City Hall, one can point to the last second Special Meeting notice given to Tuesday night’s meeting. The meeting notice came out late Friday afternoon. Patel and her flock of council members don’t want the public to discuss the Grand Jury report findings more than they have already. It’s a calculated rush job by the one person who controls the council agendas – Bijal Patel. All things go before the Tracy City Attorney not the City Manager. She wants this matter done and over with. She believes that she’s done no wrong. She is leaving it up to council to decide if they feel they’ve done anything wrong or not. Taxpayers will have wait until November to give their opinion on the matter. Until then, we’re all just living in Bijal Patel’s world.

Tracy Taxpayer Dollars to Fund City Attorney & Council Members' Legal Defense!

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 02:20:00 GMT

The hypocrisy of Eleassia Davis, Mateo Bedolla, and Dan Evans knows no bounds. The three council members responsible for creating what the Civil Grand Jury calls a “toxic work environment within City Hall” voted to spend taxpayer dollars to cover their personal legal costs in defending their head scratching approval of a retroactive pay raise for City Attorney Bijal Patel. Local Attorney Steve Nicolaou’s lawsuit alleged illegal actions by the council, claiming a retroactive raise for City Attorney Bijal Patel violated the Brown Act. Voting 3-2 to hire high-priced legal firms to protect an illegal and unprecedented pay raise to the city attorney will end up costing taxpayers’ tens-of-thousands of dollars and blatantly misuses public funds. Their plonkish and tawdry decision should infuriate voters on several levels.

First, considering giving the embattled City Attorney Bijal Patel an 8.9% retroactive pay raise should have never been on the table in the first place.

After the State Bar of California suspended Patel’s license for the month of July 2023, she failed to notify the city council (or anyone at the city for that matter) that she was ineligible to practice law, and, in fact, she continued to serve as the city’s attorney which is illegal. Patel only fessed up after private citizens brought her suspension to the council’s attention. Patel violated several terms of her employment agreement with the city. These terms provide that she was to be terminated “immediately” for being ineligible to practice law. But rather than follow the terms of the contract and immediately terminate Patel Council members Davis, Bedolla, and Evans stated publicly that they wished to pay Patel more than the retroactive 8.9% raise. We observe in this instance an outside attorney hired by Patel at taxpayer expense was assigned to advise the Council. Let that sink in again.

Second, this entire situation could have been avoided if the three council members would have simply rescinded the retroactive pay raise and then rescheduled a public hearing.

Attorney Nicolaou gave the Davis, Evans and Bedolla an opportunity to do the right thing, but they refused. The refusal of Davis, Bedolla, Evans, and Patel to admit any wrongdoing is reflective of the dysfunction surrounding the city council and city as highlighted in the damning Civil Grand Jury report.

Third, why does Bijal Patel get the high-priced law firm charging $450 per hour versus the law firm representing the council members that charges substantially less per hour?

The answer is simple: Patel controls the hiring of all outside attorneys per her revised duties approved by Davis, Bedolla, and Evans. Patel evidently feels that she’s just a bit more important than the three who’ve given her so much power and authority.

Fourth, how much is the three council members’ decision to give City Attorney Bijal Patel a retroactive pay raise dating back almost a year costing taxpayers? It cannot yet be calculated.

There might not be another resident in Tracy who has ever gotten an 8.9% retroactive pay raise. The raise alone made Patel one of the highest paid government workers in the entire state. If you then start to add all of the city staff time and now outside legal costs spent and that will be spent on defending this decision, the total amount could easily surpass the $1 million mark for taxpayers. As a reminder, Patel was already making $241,020 per year when the three council members boosted her salary to $279,807 per year making it retroactive to April 2023. (To place this into context, she makes just $693 less than John Roberts, chief justice of the US Supreme Court.) The pay raise was giving in December 2023. This meant that taxpayers paid Patel the difference in her salary with the raise for that 9-month time period. She is getting this money; shouldn’t she pay for her own attorney instead of the taxpayers to protect this unprecedented raise? We taxpayers are paying twice. Once when the retroactive raise was given and again when paying for the attorneys to defend the retroactive pay raise.

Finally, the one remaining question is how much more damage can the City Attorney and Councilmembers Eleassia Davis, Mateo Bedolla, and Dan Evans do before the November election?

Actions speak louder than words and thus is the case with these four individuals running our city. The city is in far worse shape than it was even two years ago under this failed leadership. Business is bad. Morale is bad (the turnover of staff at City Hall is at a historic high). Public trust is non-existent. Our taxpayer dollars being wasted.

County Civil Grand Jury Lambastes City/Council Again

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 17:01:00 GMT

THE TEN PAGE REPORT CALLS OUT THE CITY’S DISFUNCTION AND DISCORD THAT IS CAUSING PUBLIC DISTRUST & UNFRIENDLY BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

The County’s latest Civil Grand Jury report ( access here ) released this week lambastes the City of Tracy, the Tracy City Council, and Tracy City Attorney Bijal Patel. The reason for the Civil Grand Jury investigation is self-evident:

Issue #1 – The Removal of City Manager

Things at City Hall started to get ugly following the attempt by Councilmembers Davis, Bedolla, and Evans to change the city’s ordinance for removing the City Manager from a super majority to a simple majority, contrary to instructions issued by an earlier and critical Grand Jury report. In 2023, the three council members wanted to remove Michael Rogers because they viewed him as an ally to Mayor Nancy Young. Dan Evans, for instance, in specifying why Rogers should be removed, whined in frustration that Rogers didn’t return emails in a timely manner. The focus on Rogers was a strange 180 degree turn for council who in December 2022 gave him a very positive employee review and a 6% pay raise, with Eleassia Davis noting it was “appropriate.” ( see article here ). You can read more about his forced resignation here and here.

The reality is that Rogers was used as political payback by Davis and Bedolla, who both lost their mayoral bids to Nancy Young.

The thinly skinned Davis in particular was furious over several “hit” pieces during the campaign that she attributed to Young. Evans too cried injustice over the mischaracterization of him during the campaign, with he too blaming Young, so the three joined forces to oppose anything and everything Nancy Young. In doing so, as the Grand Jury report highlights, the three threw the city’s Code of Conduct into the trash, and ugly council battles commenced. The cornered Young chose fight instead of flight and thus the resulting chaos left taxpayers to watch the sad circus show happening over the last 18 months.

THE MAJORITY CONTROLLED COUNCIL OF ELEASSIA DAVIS, MATEO BEDOLLA, AND DAN EVANS IS AT THE HEART OF THE CITY’S PROBLEMS.

Young is far from innocent in this debacle, particularly highlighted by her inability to let something go after she has already made her point, causing council meetings to go ad nauseum. But the fact of the matter is that under Tracy’s form of government, she does not control council, nor does she have the authority to veto decisions made by the majority. The implication being that, if Tracy is in a state of chaos and turmoil, the blame falls on the three councilmembers in control—merchants of mischief – Davis, Bedolla, and Evans.

Issue #2 – Tracy City Attorney Bijal Patel

The constant theme of issues identified in the report focuses on controversial actions of the combative Tracy City Attorney Bijal Patel. Everything from Patel’s taking control over every department’s actions, to her berating city staff, to her allowing her license to practice law to lapse ( read here ), to her stonewalling business ( read here ), to her cause of getting the city sued ( read here ) is broadly covered in the report.

The Civil Grand Jury rightly points out that, “ If a complaint is filed against the City Attorney, the City Attorney has the sole authority to hire outside counsel for an investigation, if warranted. If this is not a conflict of interest, there is an appearance of one. ” There is more than an “appearance” of a conflict of interest here, as Patel controls any complaints that get filed against here by staff. This is just part of the long laundry list of issues and problems caused by Patel’s power grab that was encouraged and supported by Eleassia Davis, Mateo Bedolla, and Dan Evans.

COUNCILMEMBERS DAVIS, BEDOLLA, AND EVANS CHOSE TO GIVE PATEL A RETROACTIVE 9% PAY RAISE DESPITE ALL OF THE ISSUES AND LAWSUITS SHE HAS CAUSED. THIS IS THE GUT PUNCH TO TAXPAYERS!

Make no mistake about where the blame lies in terms of the state of the city. Bijal Patel is only getting away with all her actions because she has the undying support of Councilmembers Davis, Bedolla, and Evans. The clearest evidence of this is with her “retroactive” pay raise approved by these three councilmembers which included the period of time she was ineligible to practice law but failed to tell the City about her suspended license.
She is their “parliamentarian” and their leader. It will be interesting to witness the response of these three councilmembers to this scathing report. It’s more than likely that they will dismiss it, as they’ve done with any other criticism against them. We will continue to probe further into the Civil Grand Jury report and anxiously await what comes next.

Controversial Tracy City Attorney Bijal Patel at the Center of Another Lawsuit Filed Against the City

Wed, 22 May 2024 22:21:00 GMT

THE LATEST LAWSUIT FILED BY LOCAL ATTORNEY STEVE NICOLAOU IS THE THIRD BASED ON BIJAL PATEL’S MISDEEDS

In normal cities, the role of the city attorney is to keep the city out of legal trouble, not create it. Tracy, as we know, is not your normal city. As reported by the Tracy Press , local attorney Steve Nicolaou is standing-up for Tracy taxpayers and voters by challenging the 8.9% retroactive pay raise given to Bijal Patel by Councilmembers Davis, Bedolla, and Evans. The retroactive pay raise made Patel one of the Central Valley’s highest paid city administrators with an annual salary of $279,807 with benefits. To put this into context, Tracy a city of 97,000 people pays its city attorney $279,000 while Los Angeles, a city of 3.9 million people, pays its city attorney $299,000! (The average salary of a city attorney in California is ~$187,000.) All three councilmembers made the inconceivable statements that they would have given Patel an even higher pay raise if they had the budget.

Why Councilmembers Davis, Bedolla, and Evans rewarded Patel with a pay raise after getting her license suspended by the State Bar last July is suspect and reveals a lack of character and good judgement by the three electeds.

Talk about “rewarding bad behavior!” Let us be blunt: Davis, Bedolla and Evans awarded Patel an 8.9 percent merit salary increase retroactively for the month she was ineligible to practice law. Patel’s license suspension last July by the State Bar of California is the focus of the second lawsuit filed against the city. That lawsuit focuses on Patel’s suspension violating her employment agreement with the city (something this publication has argued extensively here and here ). Once again, Councilmembers Davis, Bedolla, and Evans shielded Patel and her “slight oversight” in renewing her law license.

The fact that Patel violated her contract with the city is bad enough, but for the three councilmembers to overlook Patel’s carelessness and unprofessionalism for someone in her position is unforgivable. To give her an 8.9 percent merit salary increase for this misbehavior is astonishing and shocking. Davis, Bedolla, and Evans are the same three who ran off former City Manager Michael Rogers because he didn’t return their emails in a timely manner and felt he was too close to Mayor Nancy Young.

The dependence on and protection of Bijal Patel by Councilmembers Davis, Bedolla, and Evans is a dangerous precedent for Tracy residents. The apparent collusion between the four is even more alarming.

One just has to watch a Tracy City Council meeting to attest to the reliance the three councilmembers have with Patel. Eleassia Davis and Mateo Bedolla often speak directly to Patel during meetings, particularly if the item is controversial on any level, as if they need her positive reinforcement that what they’re saying meets her approval. She’s a safety net for the three who are clearly in over their heads.

In an election year, Tracy voters will need to decide if they want to elect real leaders or to keep Patel’s flock in power and continue to accept the controversies and lawsuits that go with it.

And for those keeping track, the third lawsuit involves the land dispute the City Attorney started between local developer Surland Companies. Patel has gone to war with Tracy’s local developers and businesses with the support of Eleassia Davis and Dan Evans, creating the worst business environment Tracy has experienced in decades.

Food Poisoning, Bread & Water for Easter Dinner Reported at Tracy Homeless Shelter; Homelessness Chair Davis Remains Silent

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 16:22:00 GMT

CITY OFFICIALS HAVE NO ANSWERS TO HUMANITARY AND HEALTH ISSUES RAISED BY HOMELESS AND HOMELESS ADVOCATE

In the most recent troubling news coming out of the Tracy homeless shelter, an unidentified homeless advocate addressed council on April 2nd during items from the audience with the following questions:

Interim Assistant City Manager Kimberley Murdaugh reported that “The Food Canteen” provides food services at the shelter but could not confirm what was served on Easter nor if any reports of food poisoning have been filed. Ms. Murdaugh went on to say that she was meeting with Shelter Director Luis Ayala the next day and would report back to the woman.

The speaker then asked about Homeless Services Manager Virginia Carney. In her words, “Why is she never there but is making really good money?”

(According to the city’s Master Salary Schedule, the Homeless Services Manager’s annual salary ranges from $120,001.70 to $145,862.60 depending on experience.) Ms. Murdaugh again had no answers. It’s the second council hearing in a row where questions about Carney’s lack of presence at the shelter was raised.

The one person that should have had more answers but said nothing was Mayor Pro Tem Eleassia Davis, who serves as the Chair for the Tracy Homelessness Advisory Committee. She said nothing.

For two council meetings in a row, a homeless resident and homeless advocate are reporting problems at the city’s homeless shelter. One would expect Homelessness Advisory Committee Chair Davis to take onus and provide some explanation or even feign empathy towards the speakers. Eleassia Davis has served on the committee since 2021 and its chair since 2023. She is the senior ranking council member on the committee. She advocated for herself and Councilman Bedolla to remain on the committee this past January. Davis, more than anyone, should know as much about what is happening at the Tracy homeless shelter as Virginia Carney, the missing in action services manager. Instead, what the homeless community and taxpayers got from Eleassia Davis was silence.

While Davis stayed tight-lipped on the troubling accusations at Tracy’s homeless shelter, she had plenty to say about the Skyview Aviation mixer she attended.

“Party Girl” Davis is once again making her priorities clear by attending more mixers, crab feeds, street fairs, and more.
Case in Point: Davis cancelled the April 18th Homelessness Advisory Committee meeting even after hearing of these issues at the homeless shelter ( read more here ).

It’s safe to assume that she's been enjoying more than bread, butter, and water. If only Tracy’s homeless were so lucky.

Mayor Pro Tem Eleassia Davis Cancels April Homelessness Advisory Committee as Issues at Homeless Shelter Mount

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 21:13:00 GMT

TRACY HOMELESS SHELTER HAS BEEN ROCKED BY ACCUSATIONS OF POOR TREATMENT AND MISMANAGEMENT WITH NO RESPONSE FROM CHAIR DAVIS

The accusations coming from Tracy’s homeless shelter managed by the Tracy Salvation Army at $2.6 million per year continue to grow.

Homeless shelter residents being threatened by Salvation Army staff
Homeless shelter residents afraid to report issues for fear of being kicked out of shelter.
Homeless residents from Stockton being brought to Tracy’s shelter.
Homeless residents caught with drugs given slaps on the wrist.
Homeless residents being forced to remove their vehicles off the property.
Homeless Services Manager Virginia Carney never seen at shelter.
Reports of issues to the city going unanswered by staff.

These are just a few of the issues reported to the Tracy City Council over the past few meetings, the likelihood of additional issues remains high. The Homelessness Advisory Committee, meanwhile, consisting of Mayor Pro Tem Eleassia Davis and Councilman Mateo Bedolla, despite learning of these troubling accusations, canceled last night's April meeting.

If ever there was a critical time for a Homelessness Advisory Committee hearing it is now.

The inaction and lack of concern by Councilmembers Davis and Bedolla over the accusations at the homeless shelter is failed leadership at its highest level.

Tracy’s homelessness is the city’s biggest issue of concern, and the two council members who fought to remain on the committee are nowhere to be found. (Perhaps we should look at the next crab feed, mixer, or party in the park.) The way that committees are now conducted under the Bijal Patel controlled city, there is zero accountability for the council members who serve on them. It is up to the committee members to choose whether staff should provide a report to the full city council or not. A report at council will be on video and accessible to more residents. It will allow for questions to be asked and people to be held accountable.

The Homelessness Advisory Committee has not given one update presentation to the full city council since Eleassia Davis has been chairperson.

In fact, the only words spoken about the committee of recent was Mateo Bedolla, who reported to the council that the staff update presentations made to the committee have always been available to the full council. It’s apparent that Eleassia Davis and Mateo Bedolla believe they are doing an outstanding job in dealing with Tracy’s homelessness. Again, they reappointed themselves to the committee in January.

It’s also apparent that the two do not feel the accusations being made at the homeless shelter are of their concern. The two do enjoy being part of the majority control on city council and both enjoy the protection by City Attorney Bijal Patel. Both also want to be Tracy’s next mayor. The prospect of either running the city for the next two to four years is as troubling as what’s happening at the homeless shelter. Tracy voters, taxpayers, and homeless all deserve better than either Eleassia Davis or Mateo Bedolla can offer. One just has to look at their track records.

Homelessness Committee Chair Eleassia Davis Says Nothing to Shocking Accusations Made by Homeless at Tracy Shelter

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 03:46:00 GMT

HOMELESS SPEAKER TAKES RISK IN REPORTING BULLYING TACTICS BY THE SALVATION ARMY; SAYS STOCKTON HOMELESS BEING HOUSED AT SHELTER

A resident at the “Temporary Emergency Housing Facility” reported troubling accusations in the treatment of residents by the The Salvation Army during the Items from the Audience segment of the council’s March 19 ^th meeting. Here is the man’s testimony in his own words:

The Salvation Army has a $2.6 million a year contract to manage the homeless shelter on behalf of the city. The contract was initiated in October 2023.

City staff had no response or answers for the issues raised by the man, other than to say they would investigate it. Mayor Young pressed the issue stating that the full council has been kept out of the loop with the Homelessness Advisory Committee’s dealings, to which Councilman Bedolla stated that their agendas and minutes are made available to council each month.

The Homelessness Advisory Committee Chair Eleassia Davis, however, remained silent and gave no reaction to the speaker’s accusations. The city’s senior ranking member dealing with the homeless issue literally had nothing to say.

Here’s what the resident at the homeless shelter had to say before council again during Items from the Audience on April 2nd:

Tracy taxpayers should be more than alarmed at what is allegedly happening at the homeless shelter which is costing millions of dollars to manage and operate. It’s even more alarming that the council members assigned to the Homelessness Advisory Committee – Eleassia Davis and Mateo Bedolla – had nothing to say to the accusations. Davis in particular has served the longest on the committee. Her silence begs many questions.

Does Elessia Davis not care about the treatment of the homeless being housed at the shelter?

Why are Davis and city staff so disconnected to the happenings at the homeless shelter?

What is the Homelessness Advisory Committee doing beyond listening to staff reports each month?

It may be that Davis and Bedolla don’t have much to say given that the committee has canceled 8 of its 15 scheduled meetings dating back to January of last year. Homelessness is Tracy’s biggest ongoing issue. Alarms are being raised about treatment and conditions at the homeless shelter by the homeless themselves. Eleassia Davis and Mateo Bedolla are failing the homeless and failing taxpayers.

Did Bijal Patel Function as Tracy City Attorney While Her License Was Suspended Remains Unresolved

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 15:00:00 GMT

Steve Nicolaou Long Time Tracy Resident and Attorney Shines Spotlight on City Attorney and Council Ethics

Tracy taxpayers are footing the $279,807 annual salary for embattled and controversial city attorney, Bijal Patel. Her ineptness resulted in the State Bar suspending her license and ordering her to cease practicing law until she met minimum standards, and the public is still left with unresolved question about whether Ms. Patel broke the law by providing legal counsel to the city while her license was suspended.

For those needing a refresher on the issue, we covered it extensively here and here .

The most recent city council hearing did shed some light on what happened during the July 5 ^th Closed Session meeting that caused alarm in the community, including with prominent local attorney Steve Nicolaou.

On March 5 ^th , Nicolaou submitted a letter to the Tracy City Council calling out the city on a Brown Act Violation in major part because Patel attended the meeting while her license was suspended by the California State Bar. Here is what Nicolaou said:

The city’s outside counsel, Jon Natalizio from Best Best & Krieger in southern California, makes the case that the city was legally represented during the Closed Session. (Why Patel selected an unremarkable junior associate from a big firm in Los Angeles to represent Tracy in this matter remains a mystery. Wasn’t there anyone in Northern California willing to take on this case?)

Kevin Siegel of Burke, Williams, and Sorensen, who was retained to defend the city in Mary Mitracos’ lawsuit against the city, was present in the Closed Session meeting as representative for the city. According to Natalizio, this covers the city from Nicolaou’s claims.

Here is where things get murky.

Natalizio admits that Patel attended the July 5 ^th hearing but not as the City Attorney, instead as an appointed staff member, who had the right to attend.

The fact that Bijal Patel attended the July 5 ^th Closed Session or did any city business at all during her suspension by the California State Bar is at the heart of this issue. She should have never been in the room in the first place.

Just to clarify: the city’s stance is that Patel, the council appointed Tracy City Attorney, attended a meeting involving litigation with the city not as an attorney but as a city staffer. How is this possible? As of July 5 Patel had not yet told the City that her right to practice law had been suspended.

To quote the great George Strait: “If you buy that I’ll throw the Golden Gate in free…”

Instead, it’s very, very unlikely that Patel did not operate as Tracy’s City Attorney in the July meeting given that she withheld disclosing her suspension by the California State Bar from others.

She wouldn’t need to withhold providing legal advice if no one knew that she was suspended. On this front, Mayor Young and taxpayers have a right to be angry. Patel’s tight lips is not just unethical, it also put the city in threat of litigation.

One question we will not get answers for is if Bijal Patel would have been allowed to attend the meeting in July had she disclosed to the entire city council and outside counsel, Kevin Siegel, beforehand?

The answer is likely no. Siegel, if anyone, might have advised the council and Patel to not attend out of caution. But there is no legal basis under the Brown Act for a non-attorney, that is “an appointed staff member” to attend a closed session on pending litigation. Ironically the defense raises another Brown Act violation. Hindsight is everything but, in this regard, and for this fact alone Bijal Patel should have been fired. It’s not too late for the city council to do the right thing and move on from Patel. Again, let’s hope for the taxpayers sake, that local attorney Steve Nicolaou continues to press this matter forward, so more information can be made public.

28 Deaths at the Lodi Parachute Center – Likely More

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 14:29:00 GMT

Transparent Tracy covered an ABC10 story three years ago following the tragic death of Sabrina Call, who then was the latest victim of an accident at the Lodi Parachute Center.

According to the story, someone reported seeing Ms. Call’s parachute tangled as she plummeted towards the ground. She, at that time, was the latest death in an unknown number of deaths that have occurred at the center since its opening in 1964. ABC reported the following –

The SFGate’s latest coverage of the Lodi Parachute Center reports that there have been now 28 deaths from deadly accidents since 1985.

The frightening reality is that no one – not the ownership or even the County’s Medical Examiner’s Office – knows the exact number of fatalities at the Lodi Parachute Center. No one.

The article continues, “…there’s no central repository to track the deaths, and no federal or state agency specifically tasked with investigating what happened.” And even more alarmingly –

California is the leading state in terms of government regulations. As reported by Ascend Magazine in July 2023, “State RegData datasets ranked California as America’s most regulated state each year from 2019 to 2022…there were 403,774 regulatory restrictions on the books in California in 2022.” While this statistic isn’t a surprise for most Californians, it does raise questions about how sky diving operations have such lax regulations given the number of deaths and injuries incurred.

People are literally putting their lives in the hands of strangers in an unregulated industry that is lobbying to remain unregulated.

According to SFGate, “…the United States Parachute Association, a private industry and lobbying group…is currently lobbying against a federal bill that would increase requirements for plane maintenance, which was written in response to the Hawaii tragedy.” The Hawaii incident happened in 2019 when a skydiving plane crashed and killed 11 people. Many are asking themselves how many people must die before something is done. The Lodi Parachute Center alone should have caused county or state legislators to do something – anything. It won’t happen anytime soon.
The response from county to SFGate reporter was as follows -

This tells you everything you need to know why this business remains open today.

[Story cover photo by Andrew Chamings/SFGate]

Tracy City Attorney Bijal Patel Retains Outside Law Firm to Defend City’s Handling of Her 8.9% Retroactive Salary Increase

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 18:13:00 GMT

Tracy resident and local attorney Steve Nicolaou is once again calling out Councilmembers Eleassia Davis, Mateo Bedolla, and Dan Evans, this time for their handling of their vote to approve Tracy City Attorney Bijal Patel’s retroactive pay raise to a salary of $279,807 per year. Mr. Nicolaou delivered a Demand Letter to the on January 11 ^th , 2024, directing the city council to “correct or cure” its actions that resulted in a Brown Act Violation. Patel, in response, personally retained Los Angeles-based attorney, John Natalizio, to assure the city that it “cured” the problem raised by Nicolaou by holding a public hearing on December 19 ^th and therefore making sure her huge salary increase survives. Here’s Patel in her own words:

While we don’t know the specifics of the conversation between Patel and Natalizio, we can speculate Patel directed Natalizio to confirm that the city was correct in granting her this generous pay raise. We can also speculate why Patel had to go all the way to Los Angeles to find an associate in a big law firm to agree with her. Couldn’t she find someone in Northern California to agree with her?

How the Tracy City Attorney is allowed to hire outside counsel to “independently” review a matter where she financial benefits is perplexing and unethical.

But, let’s be honest, ethics has been thrown out the door under the Patel controlled city and troika of Davis, Bedolla, and Evans.

Natalizio, it’s worth noting, functions as a “…deputy attorney for numerous other cities throughout Los Angeles County and Orange County. He helps municipalities and special districts navigate through a variety of complex legal issues that arise from the Brown Act…” He’s a hired gun. And, per the Tracy Press ( read here ), Natalizio provided the answer Patel was looking for, that the city may have erred in closed session, but they fixed the problem by holding a public hearing. It will be interesting how Mr. Nicolaou will react to Natalizio’s response letter that was supported by Mayor Young, Davis, Bedolla and Evans.

Taxpayers in Tracy can urge Mr. Nicolaou to pursue litigation over this matter. He is standing up for Tracy residents where San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas has not.

Planning Commission Supports Lennar Homes’ Appeal; Rejects City Attorney’s Efforts to Again Delay Project

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 21:25:00 GMT

In a rare win for the Tracy business community, the Tracy Planning Commission voted 3-2 at their last meeting in support of Lennar Homes/Tracy Hills’ appeal of the City Engineer’s denial of their requested amendment to the Condition of Approval of the Final Map for the Tracy Hills KT-Hillview Project. The implication is significant, as it was an important victory for the business community in the era of city control by Bijal Patel and the troika of Councilmembers Eleassia Davis, Dan Evans, and Matteo Bedolla. Common sense for once prevailed at Tracy City Hall.

After 3+ hours of back and forth, Commissioners Atwal, Orcutt, and Boakye-Boateng remained unconvinced by City Attorney Bijal Patel’s and city staff’s ambiguous arguments.

The core arguments being made by Patel, Assistant City Manager / Interim Development Services Director Karen Schnaider, and the city staff were not compelling. Their agenda, however, was clear. Delay the approval for the sake of delay.

Patel and Schnaider continue to villainize the development community in Tracy, insinuating that developers are trying to pull a fast one on the city, as they’ve always done. Both argue that they need to review these approvals more and make sure all the i’s are dotted and t’s crossed. It’s a line they and their councilmembers have used repeatedly. While due diligence is always required, Patel is targeting agreements that were approved by previous city councils. She is attempting to undue these development agreements at all costs. The majority council applauds her efforts. However, it’s the residents and the business community who are suffering from their actions.

The Tracy Hills project is not some under-the-table deal. They are not trying to sneak new homes into the community. They are simply seeking approval to continue building the homes and park that they were granted approvals for – period. We applaud the Planning Commission’s decision.

The backstory gets complicated because of Patel.

There’s too much to unpackage here so we’ll just keep it simple and summarize it as such:

The Tracy Hills Specific Plan was approved in 1998.
Development of the project did not commence until 2016.
City Council approved a “Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map” to create 214-single family homes and park site in November 2020.
A Condition of Approval in the first Final Map is that the developer will complete and have city approval for the park within 18-months following final inspection of the first dwelling.
The first dwelling unit inspection happened on October 2022 and 18-months following that date is April 2024.

Here’s where things get complicated.

The city is now claiming that some but not all the Conditional of Approval have been met, and they directed the Building Department to stop final inspections until the park is complete.
Lennar/Tracy Hills asked to modify their agreement with the city allowing them additional time to complete the “Raymond P Morelos Jr. Park” by September 2024.
The City Engineer denied this modification claiming the amendment will impose an additional burden on residential lot owners.

What’s missing from this timeline is the hiring of City Attorney Bijal Patel in April 2022. All things related to Tracy Hills (and development in general) came to a complete standstill. There was no communication, no processing of applications, nothing.

Her actions alone created chaos in what is otherwise a normal, straightforward process. These were agreements in place and approved by the previous city councils. Patel’s delays have prevented Lennar/Tracy Hills to continue building homes that are approved. The developer is not seeking to build additional homes beyond what is approved. She delayed reviewing and processing the park plans; she alone is to blame for the issues with timing.

Commissioner Alice English – a city council hopeful – is as out of touch, as she is out of her element.

Community gadfly Alice English has no business on this commission. Listening to unscripted English trying to argue her position is worse than listening to nails on a chalkboard or Mateo Bedolla in any situation. Her support team did a poor job prepping her. She spoke in circles while trying her best to support Patel. Alice English has been outspoken against development and developers for years unless she sees a benefit for herself. The Planning Commission is a critical commission to every city because it deals with complicated matters with lasting implications. She is unqualified and in over her head. Commissioner Don Penning is not much better. He’s a Dan Evans mouthpiece and nothing more than a foot soldier for this majority council’s agenda.

Error of Judgement: Judicial Candidate Devencenzi’s Fundraises at Convicted Felon’s Home

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 22:37:00 GMT

In what can only be deemed as an “Error of Judgement,” San Joaquin County Superior Court Judicial candidate Peter Devencenzi held a fundraiser on his behalf at the home of convicted felon and controversial businessman, Matt Davies.
Davies, you might remember, served several years in prison for a federal drug conviction. While his arrest and conviction made national headlines, he is more closely remembered as the man dressed as Pennywise the Clown who terrorized a Stockton family on Halloween in 2018.

You can find some refresher stories covering his arrest here and here .

The fact Davies harrassed a child with special needs while out trick or treating with his family should not be forgotten by anyone, especially candidate Peter Devencenzi.

Devencenzi, however, is not trying to hide his relationship with Matt Davies in the least bit. On his campaign website , he lists Davies’ endorsement under “Community Leaders.”

Only Devencenzi would make a person convicted of violating federal drug laws and later arrested for harassing a child with special needs into a “community leader.” It’s not a good look for Devencenzi, who is asking San Joaquin County voters to trust him with the county’s highest legal authority. Voters are already living through some of the worst crime in their cities in years, with many pointing to progressive District Attorneys as a major part of the problem.

“You Are the Company You Keep”

Mayor Pro Tem Davis Seen Partying for the Holidays After Cancelling Homelessness Advisory Committee Meetings

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 22:52:00 GMT

While Tracy’s homeless suffered through the holidays, Tracy Homeless Committee Chair Eleassia Davis was full of Christmas joy at local holiday parties after cancelling the remaining meetings for Tracy’s most important committee. Apparently there was time for egg nog and tasty snacks but no time to conduct the People’s business.
The last time the committee met was on October 19th, 2023. They also canceled the most recent committee hearing scheduled for January 18th.
Eleassia advocated for cancelling public hearings during December because the holidays are a “busy time for families,” and she didn’t want people to miss an opportunity to have a voice at city council. This is “the people’s chamber’ after all,” she declared, so it wasn’t fair to the people.
Bless her heart.
But, true to her word, Eleassia was more than busy this holiday season. It can’t be easy hitting every holiday mixer in town, but it sure seemed that she was up to the task.

Notice any familiar faces? ( The image sources are the social pages for our elected officials.)

Meanwhile, while the parties went on, so did problems with the city’s homeless.

Below are snapshots from the recent police blotter posted on the Tracy Press website:

Yes, yes, yes. We understand that the 8 repurposed shipping containers arrived in late December. Better late than never.

The issue here is the top person at the city assigned to dealing with the homeless issue decided to cancel all meetings right before the holidays. The problems of homelessness do not disappear because it’s the holidays. They aren’t packing-up and heading home to their families. There were a multitude of calls to the police to deal with homeless issues between November, December, and now. Davis was AWOL at holiday parties.
It is 97 days and running since Council Member Davis last chaired a Homeless Committee meeting. Does she think the homeless crisis is over? Is it more important for her to have a holiday spirit with her buddies Evans and English? She owes the public an explanation.

The Homelessness Advisory Committee meetings should have been continued in November, December, and January. There should NOT have been 7 cancelled meetings in 2023.

It's failed leadership on her part.

Councilmembers Davis, Bedolla, and Evan’s Early Christmas Gift to Tracy City Attorney Bijal Patel

Sat, 16 Dec 2023 23:40:00 GMT

Update: Council Votes 3-2 to approve Patel Salary Raise.

Beleaguered Tracy City Attorney Bijal Patel, who has received numerous complaints filed about her conduct to the State Bar, the District Attorney, and Grand Jury, and who had her license suspended by the State Bar in breach of her contract, and who continued to practice law with a suspended license and did not tell the Council she was prohibited from practicing law, is teed-up to receive a retroactive 8.9% salary increase thanks to her minions on city council – Mayor Pro Tem Eleassia Davis, Councilman Mateo Bedolla, and Councilman Dan Evans.

Have you ever heard of someone getting an 8.9 percent raise without meeting any performance objectives and not receiving a performance review? Only Davis, Bedolla and Evans would do this with taxpayer money.

The incompetence demonstrated by Davis, Bedolla, and Evans empowers Patel to the point that all city related matters go through her before going forward. The three are responsible for creating this bureaucratic morass in the city attorney’s office, where all business applications and matters are bottlenecked and processed at the city attorney’s will. Good luck to those who are in Bijal Patel’s crosshairs; your application is likely to never see the light of day. (See Mike Sousa’s comments at a city council meeting.)

Patel's enablers - Councilmembers Davis, Bedolla, and Evans

The Tracy Swamp continues to grow under the leadership of Davis, Bedolla, Evans, and Patel. The four, coupled with likes of Tracy government stalwarts, Karin Schnaider ( $264,764 annual salary ) and Brian MacDonald ( $264,764 annual salary ), are running the city as they see fit, bloated salaries and all. If anyone questions any of these individuals, City Attorney Patel pounces on the ready. Watch any of the city council videos where Patel doesn’t like the direction of the conversation or questioning.

Tracy City Attorney Bijal Patel’s 8.9% increase to her $241,020 annual salary puts her new salary of $279,807 steps above the California Governor’s measly salary of $224,020 and his 2.5% annual increase.

It’s very unlikely that any resident in Tracy is set to get an 8.9% salary increase. We’d venture to say that in this economy a good percentage of hardworking people will get no annual salary increase. Leave it to the City of Tracy led by Davis, Bedolla, and Evans to give a massive salary increase to our city attorney, who failed to renew her license to practice law that every attorney is required to file. Merry Christmas indeed, Ms. Patel!

We leave you with this to ponder, as we anxiously await the hearing on Tuesday night ( link here ) to hear what the council members will have to say in justifying this raise, are Tracy taxpayers getting their money’s worth with Bijal Patel?

Councilmembers Davis and Bedolla Cancel on the Homeless in Time for the Holidays

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 23:07:00 GMT

Tracy’s homeless can only hope things will get better in 2024, as Mayor Pro Tem Eleassia Davis and Councilman Mateo Bedolla cancelled the Tracy Homelessness Advisory Committee’s remaining meetings for this year. The last meeting for the Committee was on October 19 ^th .

The action signals that Davis and Bedolla either a) believe that they’ve done all they can do for the homeless this year, or b) are busy prepping for the holidays, or c) are busy glad handing for their re-election campaigns, or d) All of the Above. (The answer can be found at the bottom of the page.)

The decision to cancel the remaining meetings is on Mayor Pro Tem Eleassia Davis, the senior ranking Committee Member.

Davis, you’ll remember, posted an impassioned response to this publication’s placing the city’s Homeless Shelter failures on her ( read here ). Below is an excerpt from her post where she claims:

“I bust my behind to protect the interests of the citizens of Tracy every single day. And if anyone doubts that, then you are more than welcome to meet with me face to face, and we can discuss facts like real adults. I will use every moment of my last year in office to protect my community.”

Davis clearly forgot to include the following disclaimer, “…every single day…EXCEPT for the holidays.” You can read her complete post with analysis here .

The hardcore fact is that the Committee, consisting only of Davis and Bedolla, will go at least 75-days without meeting.

If Davis is working hard to protect the interests of Tracy citizens every single day, then it’s perplexing why she cancelled the remaining Committee meetings, which deal with Tracy’s most pressing issue. Maybe Eleassia Davis doesn’t consider the city’s homeless as “citizens?”

Davis needs to invite people facing problems involved in homelessness, both the homeless and local residents suffering from a diminution in the quality of life, to meet face to face and ask them if they feel she is doing everything in her power and in their interest every single day .

Answer key: d) All of the Above

Are Lives Being Put at Risk by Bijal Patel Doing What She Does Best: Nothing?

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 21:38:00 GMT

One would think that with a base salary of $241,020 (more about that here ), Tracy’s City Attorney Bijal Patel would be a happy, high performing public employee. Yet, the public comment period at city council meetings increasingly is used by business community members to implore the city council to intervene on their behalf and instruct the belligerent city attorney to do her job and process simple agreements. Failing to process these simple agreements in a timely manner, according to these businesspeople, prevents them from opening businesses, costing them substantial amounts of money, or both. It creates an atmosphere that Tracy is anti-business.
The latest complaint comes from Nord Sordstrom, Director of Construction for DaVita Inc. For those that don’t know, DaVita specializes in dialysis and kidney care. Mr. Sordstrom spoke during the “Items from the Audience” segment at the council’s November 7th hearing.

We’re no experts in kidney disease or dialysis, but we think it’s safe to say that local residents suffering from these types of diseases are not benefiting from Patel’s incompetence. Can’t the city have some level of compassion and empathy for residents suffering from this debilitating disease? Shouldn’t we expect and demand more from our government?
But the city’s anti-business stance is richly illustrated by a major corporation’s attorney sending a letter that we’re certain highlights their legal rights and potential recourse, i.e. litigation. DaVita never should have need to send this letter.

Isn’t the city attorney’s job to keep the city out of legal problems not get into them? Bijal Patel doesn’t seem to care.

DaVita’s complaint follows those issued by several local cannabis businesses, Prologis, Ellis, Tracy Hills, and others. The focal point of each complaint is the city attorney’s inability to process simple agreements. And these are just the businesses that have come public. Who knows how many unsettled items are piled up on Patel’s desk? This is likely a case of out-of-sight, out-of-mind, with Patel working from her tony home in San Ramon. Her office is already short staffed with one disgruntled Assistant City Attorney quitting after working a short time with Patel.

The bigger issue for the business community, however, is not that Patel is ignoring their issues, it’s that Council Members Dan Evans, Eleassia Davis, and Mateo Bedolla refuse to hold her accountable.

The Tracy City Attorney’s Office does at it pleases. The “Incompetent 3” have handed the keys to the city over to Patel, so she does whatever she wants. And, by all accounts, that means doing nothing. It is time for her annual review. In the last year, the city council has received countless complaints about her conduct, as have the State Bar, the District Attorney, and Grand Jury. The State Bar suspended her license to practice law, but she continued practicing without a license until she was caught in the act. How will Evans, Davis, and Bedolla evaluate her performance? If they say everything is fine and award her a healthy raise then we know the situation is hopeless. In contrast, Mayor Young and Councilman Arriola to their credit have tried to question Patel on why her office is bottlenecking the business community, amongst other issues, to which they’ve gotten this response:

If this is the best that Bijal Patel can do, then taxpayers are not getting their $241,020 money’s worth.

The 26.75 Million Square Foot “Bomb” Being Dropped on South Tracy

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 19:35:00 GMT

Mike Sandhu and his Mega-Industrial Warehouse Project is back with a vengeance.

New Multi-millionaire local developer, Mike Sandhu, the self-proclaimed one-percenter, is back with his mega-warehouse project and controversial university proposal, and, based on the recent Manteca Bulletin Editorial, it’s clear that not everyone is happy about it.

Here’s an excerpt:
“Pacific Gateway is ‘a bomb’ being dropped on rural south Tracy to obliviate agriculture and the countryside lifestyle while providing the City of Tracy truck traffic fallout while at the same time undermining their economic future. It also will have a negative ripple effect on the quality of life in Manteca and Ripon.” The goal is to turn 1,600 acres of almond orchards and row crops into a place that can support the equivalent of eight of the Mother of All distribution centers — Amazon’s Project Big Bird."
T he full editorial can be accessed here .
No one is benefiting from Tracy’s political dysfunction more than Mike Sandhu. Since February of this year the antics of Tracy’s City Attorney, who makes more salary than the Governor ( see here ), and her three councilmember puppets have dominated local headlines. And not in a good way. Patel is the subject of multiple complaints filed with the District Attorney, the State Bar, and the Grand Jury. Yet, three councilmembers unconditionally and blindly follow her lead. The perfect storm of incompetence and political wrangling by Tracy’s electeds has allowed Sandhu to stealthily move his mega project forward, leaving everyone in the south county to scramble. This publication is just as guilty for letting this happen.

You Can Put Lipstick on A Pig…

Sandhu’s newly named “Pacific Gateway” project was once called the “GoldenState Logistics Hub.” It received a cold reception from Supervisor Rickman, something we covered back in 2022 here . Others, like Assemblyman Villapudua, who released a statement in support of the proposal, expressed excitement about the ‘university’ aspect of the project. However, TT uncovered the shadiness of the University of Silicon Andhra as part of our Sandhu-U series. For those needing a refresher on the series can access them here . The school’s controversial president is tied to extensive corruption allegations in India and the ‘university’ is composed of a few thousand students and a curriculum focused on promoting the language and culture of a subregion of India. Since Rickman’s cool response to the project, Sandhu went and hired I Street Public Affairs out of Sacramento and Annie Hoagland of JB Comm, Inc. As the Draft Environmental Impact Report was being completed, the project was given the slick makeover and thus was born the “Pacific Gateway” project. Here is a flier from their community meeting this past June.

If approved, Sandhu’s Project will make San Joaquin County the Warehouse and Diesel Truck Capital of Northern California.

Resident can surely kiss their home values goodbye. And they can kiss their air quality and quality of life in general goodbye. The number of diesel trucks plowing through Tracy, Ripon, and Manteca, as they make their way to the Bay Area and beyond, will be incomprehensible. The Manteca Bulletin Editorial continues: “As for the number of cars that Pacific Gateway will be sending down congested freeways, city streets and narrow country roads, consider that 14,400 vehicles is a sixth of the average daily traffic count for the 120 Bypass.” It will be diesel truck, after diesel truck, after diesel truck.

To Call the Pacific Gateway Project a “Bomb” is an Understatement. The Project will be a Complete Disaster for Tracy and for South County.

Eleassia Davis Deflects: Avoids Addressing Homeless Shelter Failure

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 21:50:00 GMT

Stealing a Page from the Political Swamp of Washington DC, Tracy’s Mayor Pro Tem and Chairperson of the Homeless Advisory Committee Does Her Best Political Spin to Date.

Below is Mayor Pro Tem Davis’ response to our previous post, “ Mayor Pro Tem Eleassia Davis Owns the Tracy Homeless Shelter Failure.” We break it down part by part.

Our previous post clearly struck a sensitive chord with Eleassia Davis, as she doesn’t want to own the homeless shelter debacle (particularly with an upcoming election year), but the facts speak for themselves.

FACT: Eleassia Davis is the senior ranking and longest serving member on the Homeless Advisory Committee.

Mayor Pro Tem Davis has served on the Committee since March of 2021. The Committee itself was established in March 2021. She has since been named Chairperson of the Committee and saw to the appointment of the hapless Council Member Mateo Bedolla.

FACT: Eleassia Davis and her “Community First” campaign promised to fix the homeless issue where her counterparts failed. She has not fulfilled that promise.

During her mayoral campaign, she spoke ad nauseum about how if her fellow council members had listened to her plans, then the homeless issue would have not been as bad as it is.

FACT: Eleassia Davis, along with Dan Evans and the hapless Mateo Bedolla, have majority control over the Tracy City Council.

Instead of getting things done, the three are obsessed at laying blame for all the city’s woes on lame duck Mayor Nancy Young and every business and developer in the city. The three’s biggest accomplishments so far: censoring Nancy Young, handing all decision power to the Tracy City Attorney, and running off Michael Rogers. Otherwise, the city’s major issues – homelessness, crime, poor infrastructure, etc. – persist. The majority in control are the ones accountable for city affairs.

FACT: The Tracy Homeless Shelter situation is an ongoing bureaucratic disaster with no accountability and no end in sight.

Two years of meetings, fancy powerpoint presentations, commitment of local, county, and federal funds, and grant monies, and yet the building of the homeless shelter is no closer to being built than it was when the Committee was formed. Mayor Pro Tem Davis has been on the Committee since its inception, and she campaigned on getting things done. She has failed in that promise and is being called out for it based on facts.

Tracy’s issues are too important to be caught-up with political campaign promises and backroom dealings that have been demonstrated thus far by Mayor Pro Tem Davis and her majority council. Actions speak louder than words, especially words straight from the swamp!

Mayor Pro Tem Eleassia Davis Owns the Tracy Homeless Shelter Failure

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 17:22:00 GMT

In short, Davis was going to fix Tracy’s homeless issue if elected mayor.

As we know, she lost the mayoral race, but she achieved the two next best things – title of Mayor Pro Tem and Chairperson of the Homeless Advisory Committee. She further positioned herself as the homeless czar by joining alliances with hapless Councilman Mateo Bedolla, the same man who cost her the mayoral election. She even worked to get him assigned on the Homeless Advisory Committee. The alliance has given her majority control over the city council and city itself. Yet, here are the headlines regarding the homeless shelter development –

It doesn’t take one reading between the lines to figure out that a) a lot of money has been thrown at the ‘development’ of the homeless shelter and b) a lot of nothing has been done. And, no, let’s not get too excited about the County of San Joaquin helping to close the homeless shelter funding gap. Davis had nothing to do with this happening. It is all Supervisor Rickman’s doing, as he runs for re-election. He’s already claiming credit for the move in true Rickman fashion and why not? It’s an easy political victory for him. It’s not the case for Davis, where Tracy residents are still dealing with the homeless issue.

Mayor Pro-Tem Davis is positioned to accomplish everything she promised in her “Community-First” Plan. So why hasn’t she?

There are a few things to speculate here. First, she is dealing with incompetent city staffers. There is definite truth in this statement, as Tracy suffers from the incompetence of department managers. Perhaps it’s because the city lacks a City Manager and is now being led by an absent City Attorney, enjoying her lattes in her multi-million-dollar home in tony San Ramon. But real leaders get over these hurdles to accomplish the dirty work. Afterall, the Mayor Pro Tem Davis has majority control over the council, so she could direct staff accordingly. Yet, she does not.

The second thing to speculate is that homelessness and the development of the homeless shelter is not pressing for Davis, as she lives in south Tracy, far removed from where the true problems lie.

Homelessness is a northside problem. The newer, nicer communities in the southside aren’t being subject to the day-to-day issue generated by the homeless. Out of sight, out of mind as the old saying goes. The southside residents are worried about their aquatic center, new parks, new fire stations, and new schools. Their biggest problems are dated roads that need expansion or repaving. The older, working-class neighborhoods of north Tracy have bigger issues – drug addicts, homeless, diesel truck traffic, noise issues, etc. You name it and it can be found in north Tracy.

Davis promised that she would solve the Tracy homeless problem where others have not. So far, she is failing in that promise.

Was Tracy City Attorney Bijal Patel Paid While Her License Was Suspended?

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 21:03:00 GMT

Forgotten in the ongoing saga with the absent, embattled Tracy City Attorney Bijal Patel is whether she was paid her bloated salary during the month of July while suspended by the State Bar of California.

Patel’s base salary is $241,020 per year not including benefits (putting it over $300K). That puts her salary higher than every ranking state government official in California including the Governor.

If Patel was indeed paid her salary, then either she hid the fact of her State Bar suspension from the city, or the city council chose to disregard the suspension, or both. In either scenario, the taxpayers of Tracy lose.
The fact that Councilmembers Dan Evans, Eleassia Davis, and Mateo Bedolla continue to try and sweep the City Attorney debacle under the rug is an even bigger loser for taxpayers. The lack of transparency and ethics is alarming.
This is backroom politics at its worst.

Again, this issue is not as simple and dismissive as the majority three council members are making it to be. There are many unanswered questions that each are focused on their inaction.

Why isn’t the city council holding a public hearing for Bijal Patel’s actions of allowing her legal license to get suspended by the State Bar of California?
Why isn’t the city council investigating whether Bijal Patel broke the law while practicing law while her license was suspended?
Why didn’t the city council immediately terminate Bijal Patel once her license was suspended as stipulated in her Employment Agreement?
Did the city council authorize Bijal Patel to be paid her full salary and benefits while her license was suspended by the State Bar?
How much about Bijal Patel’s issues with the State Bar did the city council know and when?
What is the justification for the city council to cover for Bijal Patel on this matter?

One explanation for the city council’s inaction: the majority three’s handing over all power to the city attorney.
Councilmembers Evans, Davis, and Bedolla handed the keys to the city over to Bijal Patel earlier this year. As things now stand in Tracy, all things must go through the City Attorney’s office. Even if the city council decided to retain outside legal counsel to investigate this matter, Bijal Patel will have to approve of the action.
Make no mistake about it: Bijal Patel is the most powerful person at Tracy City Hall.
It wasn’t complicated how she went about it either. The majority three, especially Davis and Evans, have been so obsessed about clipping the wings of our lame duck Mayor, that they were willing to do and sacrifice anything. Patel saw the opportunity to snag power and she took it.
Patel orchestrated the ousting of Michael Rogers. Patel orchestrated the censoring of Nancy Young. Patel directed all community development matters to go through her office. Patel wrote the playbook to take out the mayor and all she asked in return was control over City Hall. The majority three gladly gave her the power when they amended her responsibilities.
The collusion between the city attorney’s office and Councilmembers Evans, Davis, and Bedolla is the one transparent thing at City Hall; everything else is being hidden behind closed doors.

Tracy’s City Council Remains Tight-Lipped in Bijal Patel Cover-up

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 23:15:00 GMT

In a classic case where the cover-up is worse than the crime itself, Councilmembers Evans, Davis, and Bedolla remain steadfast in their support of embattled City Attorney Bijal Patel.

Or Ex-Tracy City Attorney as we see it...

In the first public hearing since their closed session meeting regarding Bijal Patel’s suspension by The State Bar of California, a clear breach of her Employment Agreement with the City of Tracy, the majority three chose to ignore calls from the community to explain their inaction against Patel. The taxpayers of Tracy are being wronged.
The lack of transparency behind why there was no action taken against Bijal Patel by Councilmembers Evans, Davis and Bedolla is the worst display of unethical behavior by councilmembers that our city has seen in years.

Their silence speaks volumes and sends a clear message that these three don’t believe they owe anything to taxpayers. It’s reminiscent of Sacramento where the majority Dems do as they please, taxpayers be damned. But this is a precarious stance taken by the majority three, as there are implications to Bijal Patel’s failure to renew her licensure with the state.
The most serious offense is Patel breaking California law by practicing with a suspended license during the month of July. The facts are clear:
1.) Patel was “not eligible to practice law in California” on July 1st, 2023, 2.) Patel participated in the July 5th Closed Session and Special Meetings as the Tracy City Attorney.

This is illeg al and not something the city can just dismiss. Patel knew that her license had been suspended, as she failed to renew her licensure by February 2023, yet she sat in meetings as the Tracy City Attorney and provided legal counseling to the city council. As far as the public is aware, Patel did not communicate this with anyone in the city. This action alone should justify some action by the city council. But not with this bunch. (BTW – didn’t Michael Rogers get run out of town for playing favoritism?)
On a city level, the majority three’s blatant disregard for the violation of terms in Bijal Patel’s Employment Agreement with the city is dangerous.
We covered this matter in one of our previous posts ( read more about that here ). From our perspective, Bijal Patel is no longer Tracy’s City Attorney, as her contract terminated the moment (the word used in the employment contract is “immediately”) she was suspended by the State Bar of California. Why the three are turning a blind eye to what everyone can read with their own eyes is politicking at its worst. Are all contracts with the City of Tracy irrelevant or subject to political whim? The three must be held publicly accountable for their actions.
She was hired as an attorney, she was suspended as an attorney, but never told the city about being ineligible to practicing law. How can the city trust her in the future?
Councilmembers Evans, Davis, and Bedolla have gone around town claiming the moral high road, while at the same time trashing anyone who is against their political agenda. It’s clear that Bijal Patel is a key part if not the central part of that agenda. Afterall, they handed the keys to the city over to her by amending her scope of authority earlier this year. But things are different now. This unfinished episode with Patel reveals that these three lack the ethics and character they’ve been claiming. Instead, it is all about grabbing power.
By the way, Bijal Patel was nowhere to be seen at last Tuesday night’s public hearing. It’s an interesting turn of events from a City Attorney fighting to get rehired. More on this to come.

Ex-Tracy City Attorney Bijal M. Patel?

Sat, 05 Aug 2023 21:12:00 GMT

Ex-Tracy City Attorney Bijal M. Patel?

In an interesting turn of events regarding Bijal Patel’s failure to renew her licensure with the CA State Bar Association and subsequent suspension from practicing law for the month of July, a clause in her contract Agreement with the city makes clear that Patel’s contract was terminated on July 1st or the first day of that suspension.
Below is a section taken from the April 2022 public hearing wherein the city council and Patel agreed to the terms of her contract. Highlighted below is the clear language regarding immediate termination of the Agreement.

The language clearly states that an “act” causing suspension from the CA State Bar Association results in termination. In the case of Bijal M. Patel, her “act” was failure to renew her licensure back in February 2023 which led to her ultimate suspension in July.
Based on the language in the Agreement, there is no room for negotiation or interpretation, and Patel is terminated from her position with the City of Tracy.
Patel will certainly argue that this was a simple clerical mistake that could happen to any busy attorney. However, she was given several notices to renew her licensure leading-up to the February deadline which she ignored. She then went another five months without taking any action which then caused the CA State Bar Association to suspend her license. Patel has no one to blame for this situation other than herself.
Monday’s closed door hearing will be one to keep an eye on.
Mayor Nancy Young called for a hearing to discuss personnel matters involving Bijal Patel. While the public won’t be privy to the closed door session, the outcome of the meeting will be of great interest to the residents of Tracy.
Again, there are a lot of unanswered questions about all city activity done by Bijal Patel as City Attorney while her license was suspended by the CA State Bar. Who else in the city knew that Patel’s license was suspended, or did Patel hide the matter? Was there a cover-up inside City Hall and who will be held accountable?
Does Bijal M. Patel have a job at all?
How will each of the city council members spin this issue to benefit their self-interests? There are lots of questions with too few answers. A signed Agreement is binding but perhaps not at Tracy City Hall where it’s often the wild west.
But based on our reading of the Agreement, one answer is clear for Patel:

Tracy City Attorney’s Bijal M. Patel Bar License Suspended

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 20:56:00 GMT

Tracy City Attorney’s Bijal M. Patel Bar License Suspended

Tracy City Attorney Bijal M. Patel’s license to practice law in the State of California was suspended between July 1st and August 1st, 2023, according to a breaking story by KCRA3 ( access the story here .) According to KCRA, Bijal failed to complete her legal education requirements and file a report with the state bar by the February deadline. Every practicing attorney in California is required to do these requirements every 3-years.
In what could be a major cover-up at Tracy City Hall, the conceit by Patel, arguably the most powerful city executive thanks to Councilmembers Evans, Bedolla and Davis, to fail in completing her state legal requirements while still conducting city business is beyond negligence. It is unethical for certain. It may be illegal.
The entire issue begs several critical questions that must be answered -
Who knew what and when and why wasn’t it made public? Was there a cover-up?
Based on the KCRA article, Mayor Young was not aware that Patel’s license had been suspended by the State Bar. Did Patel hide this information from the city council? Did any of our elected officials know about her license suspension? Did the acting City Manager? Did the City Clerk?
If there are others inside City Hall that helped cover it up, then they need to be terminated immediately.
Did the city attorney receive a paycheck while her license was suspended?
According to the article, Patel was not able to function as an attorney while her license was suspended. However, she’s a salaried position with the City of Tracy. If she couldn’t practice law, then she couldn’t perform her duties as City Attorney. Did she still get paid with taxpayer dollars? Was the city still paying health and retirement benefits?
What city business did Patel partake in while her license was suspended? What are the implications if she did?
We can confirm from the city’s website that there was a July 5th Special Meeting and Closed Session Meeting that Patel partook in. There also was an August 1st Special Meeting, though we cannot confirm if Patel was in attendance or not. In the Closed Session meeting there was legal matters discussed in which Patel advised the city council as the city attorney. If her legal license was suspended, then she was illegally providing legal advice. The same goes for the regular public hearing. What are implications for the legality of those proceedings?
Patel must have known her CA State Bar license renewal was up. It was a conscious decision on her part to not renew it. It calls into her question her professional code of conduct. It also calls into question her decision making and management skills.
More on this story to come...

Prologis' Topgolf Plans for Tracy Revealed

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 16:51:00 GMT

ALICE’S ENGLISH’S PRA UNCOVERS PROLOGIS’ TOPGOLF PLANS PRESENTED AT A MARCH 2022 WESTSIDE DEVELOPMENT PLAN PRESENTATION TO THE CITY.
Kudos to former Tracy City Council candidate Alice English for providing tangible proof of Prologis’ future plans for a Topgolf in Tracy. The city posted Ms. English’s PRA ( link here ) regarding a Topgolf and in the city’s response were several documents reflecting the envisioned Topgolf.
In a document titled, “IPC Phase 3_Development Review Set 24x36,” we see several site plan designs for the golf center. We present the following –

Please note the project applicant “Prologis c/o Tom Martin” and the “GOLF DRIVING RANGE DEVELOPMENT PLAN REVIEW Tracy, CA.” The next slide shows the exact location of the proposed Topgolf adjacent the International Park of Commerce.

If you still want more proof, then there’s this…

Which is very similar to this image taken from the Topgolf.com website –

Now, before you naysayers start going off about nothing in the presentation stating “Topgolf,” we kindly reply with the old cliché, “If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck.”
We found only one other company like Topgolf in the U.S. called “Drive Shack,” with locations in Raleigh NC, Richmond VA, Orlando FL, and West Palm Beach FL. So, yes, there was an outside chance, very outside chance that it was going to be a Drive Shack.

We’re going to stick with our source that told us it was indeed going to be a Topgolf, and that it is indeed currently dead thanks to City Attorney Bijal Patel.

Tracy City Attorney Bijal Patel

You can read more about the city attorney's stonewalling of local businesses here and here . While we’re grateful for the help of Alice English, we are a bit surprised that she’s been disingenuous about Prologis’ plans for a Topgolf in Tracy. Afterall, she was at the March 2022 public hearing and spoke in support of the idea –

Former City Council candidate Alice English

A Topgolf WOULD HAVE BEEN GREAT for Tracy, Alice. Maybe when you’re talking with Tracy City Attorney Patel, as she sits in her multi-million dollar home in San Ramon, you can put in a good word for the project.

Misconceptions of a Key Community Contributor

Mon, 15 May 2023 17:04:00 GMT

Our article from a couple of months ago now titled, “Tracy City Attorney’s Power Trip Hands Manteca $Millions,” which focused on how City Attorney Bijal Patel’s anti-business agenda cost Tracy a TopGolf, generated a significant amount of misguided comments suggesting that Prologis isn’t a valuable member of our business community. These commenters will have you believe that Prologis forced their way into Tracy against the will of the people. But this wasn’t the case at all.

In fact, Prologis was welcomed with open arms by previous mayors and city councils, who were the ones that voted to bring them here.

The reason our city officials wanted Prologis here is for the quality jobs and revenue it would create for the city. Business Facilities reporter Heidi Schwartz, covering the 2015 ground breaking of the Prologis International Park of Commerce, quoted then Tracy Mayor Brent Ives as saying, "This project will allow many of our residents to improve their quality of life by ending their daily commute and securing a job in Tracy.” Read the article here .

By all accounts, Prologis has been a positive contributor to Tracy, and has above and beyond met the expectations they promised when they came here. A recent piece by Donna Baker in the Tracy Press titled “The Real in Real Estate – Prologis and the Tracy community” encapsulates the positive impact Prologis has had on our city and illustrates why Bijal Patel’s attack against businesses in Tracy is misdirected and harmful.

Below is a quote from Ms. Baker’s piece:

“In 2021, Prologis and its customers created over 10,000 jobs in SJC and over 5,400 jobs in Tracy. In fact, more than 94 percent of the jobs created by Prologis and its customers since 2014 are permanent operations jobs. Through their partnership with WorkNet, a local workforce development agency, Prologis has provided training for logistics careers to over 650 Tracy residents and placed 355 individuals into logistics-specific jobs. These positions offer sustainable career pathways to hundreds of residents and directly support the local economy…”

You can read Ms. Baker’s entire Tracy Press piece here .

Is Tracy Opening the Door to a Stockton Cannabis Takeover?

Thu, 04 May 2023 17:29:00 GMT

The Tracy cannabis conundrum, spearheaded by Tracy Assistant Director of Development Services Bill Dean, continues to be a bureaucratic nightmare for current and potential permit holders. Even despite a proposed amendment to the municipal code lowering the city’s threshold for background checks to the State’s permissible levels (see the May 2nd agenda item 3.D. here ), levels to which majority of current permit holders meet, there is no guarantee they will be given the greenlight to officially open their doors.

We focus on this issue because it is the most public display of the City’s continuing efforts to thwart local business.

Part of the hold-up is in City Attorney Bijal Patel’s office, who continues to sit on the required CBAs. We covered this issue in previous posts . Nothing in city’s current process requires Patel to turn around CBAs. This remains a major problem for local business permit holders particularly given Patel’s antagonistic do-nothing attitude toward the local business community. This is staggering because many of the permit holders are long time business community members. But there’s an even bigger concern among local cannabis business seekers related to Bijal Patel and Bill Dean.

The City Attorney's office remains a major hurdle for local business owners.

What we’re hearing from the cannabis community is that Patel and Dean want to have the current permit holders fail, so that Stockton based retail cannabis businesses can step in, take over the permits, and pay the City of Tracy more money.

While this concern is pure speculation (there is nothing in any document that we came across referencing Stockton cannabis firms), several informants are each pointing their fingers at Stockton attorney Zach Drivon, who specializes in representing the retail and wholesale cannabis industry in exchange for a piece of the action. The word on the street is that Drivon is making the rounds in Tracy to solicit opportunities for his clients. Information about Drivon’s firm can be found here .

It only takes a few Google searches to know that if a cannabis permit issue is happening throughout San Joaquin County, Zach Drivon is not far away.

Stockton Attorney Zach Driven source: https://www.drivonconsulting.com/team

Drivon attended the city’s hearings on commercial cannabis back in 2019 that even found him quoted in the Tracy Press. “If you look at our agricultural infrastructure and our transportation infrastructure, this region and businesses that are established in this region have the opportunity to play a major role in the cannabis industry in California and nationwide.” Read the article here . As we’re told, Drivon is a cutthroat businessman for his clients. He’s far more educated on the industry than the inept Bill Dean, and Patel is likely enticed by controlling the permitting herself and bringing in more cash for the city.

It's important that Tracy residents are reminded that Council Members Davis and Bedolla tried to pass a moratorium that, if passed, would have killed many of the current permit holders’ chances of opening their doors.

Council Member Davis is no friend to local cannabis business owners.

Although the city is doing the right thing in amending the municipal code to meet the State’s own background standards, current Tracy permit holders, most all of whom are part of Tracy’s business community in one form or another, still face an uphill battle in opening their doors for business. Time will tell how it all turns out but, in the meantime, it is worthwhile to keep your ears and eyes open for Zach Drivon wondering the corridors at Tracy City Hall for Stockton business interests.

But this represents another and very public example of the city staff mistreating local business owners.

City Sidestepping Real Cannabis Issues

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 18:18:00 GMT

It is clear the city is ignoring the concerns expressed by Tracy residents and business owners as it relates to cannabis. One just has to look at tomorrow night’s city council agenda to understand the issue. For the past several weeks, small business owners have spoken at public comment during council meetings begging the elected officials and city staff and the police department to finish processing their applications to allow them to open business. We have posted a couple of these testimonies and will continue to post more.

These businesses are losing tens-of-thousands of dollars in their investments because the city will not move. Several of these businesses will not open because they will run out of money.

Yet note that the cannabis situation is just the tip of the iceberg. Every day difficult city officials thwart the efforts of dozens of local, family-owned businesses, but because these disputes are not played out in front of the city council, we don’t learn about stress and pain suffered by these local businesses. Nevertheless, the cannabis situation highlights the extreme anti-business bias held by certain public officials.

Kimberly Cargile of Tracy Cannabis Collective

The city council, meanwhile, has been waving a carrot in front of these businesses, saying they are taking up cannabis issues on April 18th. However, tomorrow’s agenda (link here ) will deal with only one part of the bigger picture problem:

The issue at-hand is that the City of Tracy’s policy is more stringent for cannabis owners than defined by the State of California. The city is requesting “Live Scan fingerprinting” to provide the Tracy Police Department both their California and Federal Criminal Records. The problem is that city staff hadn’t worked out all the details when city council made their final decision, and now the city, including the Tracy Police Department, are being denied access to the Federal database, with no resolution to the issue in site.

This is government bureaucracy at its greatest – a conundrum of issues with no clear resolve!

Bill Dean, Asst. Director of Development Services

The implication as read in the staff report, and as has been heard at council hearings, is that this is causing infinite delays. It’s a tricky issue and one that should have been dealt with before the city started doling out cannabis permit applications. Or, put another way, the city should have hired an expert in putting the cannabis program together versus relying on Bill Dean, who clearly was out of his comfort zone in the whole process.
We covered this debacle back in October of 2021 (read more here ).

The stonewall in the City Attorney Bijal Patel’s office that is single-handily stopping several permit applications from moving forward purposely NOT on the agenda.

Patel’s anti-business agenda is the serious issue in City Hall that is being side-stepped. One wouldn’t be surprised to think that Patel has directed the police department from processing the cannabis permits. All things must go through Patel’s office and, yet nothing ever comes out on the other side!

Patel doesn’t care if these small businesses owners run dry or not! She doesn’t live in Tracy, so why the hell should she care? It’s not the first time Tracy taxpayers have had to deal with an out-of-towner making serious decisions for the residents for better or worse. Several members of city council continue to praise City Attorney Patel for ‘playing hardball’ with the business community, so she feels more emboldened now than ever. This is dangerous territory for a city with poor and lacking infrastructure, as well as much needed public amenities.

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished in Tracy

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 20:12:00 GMT

Since we broke the news of Tracy losing Topgolf because of the city attorney’s unwillingness to work with Prologis, Transparent Tracy has received several tips of additional roadblocks businesses are experiencing at the hands of Bijal Patel. Of the information we’ve received, however, the most alarming and perplexing issue involves the Tracy Fire Station 95.

At the core of this issue is the following: why hasn’t the city attorney’s office taken legal control and liability for Fire Station 95 that was approved by the city council in February 2022?

Source: https://www.tracyruralfire.org/fire-station-95

On February 15th, 2022, the city council approved without discussion, as part of the consent calendar, Resolution 2022-13 (see below).

Fire Station 95 opened with great fanfare in August of 2021, and reflected a successful development partnership between local developer Tracy Hills and the City of Tracy. As part of the agreement, Tracy Hills funded $6.9 million for the construction costs of the city designed project with the intent to dedicate the land to the city and the station to the South County Fire Authority to provide fire services upon completion. The terms were laid out in a 2019 Irrevocable Conditional Offer of Dedication (ICOD) agreement.

In short, Tracy Hills met the terms of the ICOD which was accepted and passed by the city council in February 2022. (The timeline and additional background can be found in the Tracy Rural Fire Protection District Board of Director’s agenda meeting item 4.4 here and the February 2022 city council agenda staff report agenda item 1.D here .) The private-public partnership was a success and brought about positive press with the local media ( read here ). Everyone should be happy, right? Not so fast.

Source: https://tracyhillslife.com

The City Attorney has left Tracy Hills shouldering the liability for the station for over a year now. And, just as the folks trying to open their small cannabis businesses in Tracy cannot get cooperation from Patel’s office, no one can figure out why. The question Tracy Hills residents, as well as the Fire Authority should be concerned with, is just how long is Tracy Hills willing to be on the hook before they take drastic action?

An even bigger concern for Tracy is how City Attorney Bijal Patel is running her office. Perhaps she’s in over her head?

It’s far-fetched for us to think that Ms. Patel is in over her head. She is a very intelligent educated person, who served as a Fulbright Scholar and Ford Foundation Scholar while in graduate school ( read here ). Further, City Attorney Patel has an Assistant City Attorney, Nancy Ashjian, and a Deputy City Attorney, Riana Daniel, to help service the community, so we cannot assume it’s a workload issue. The implication is that, if it’s not a capability issue nor a workload issue, then it is a political issue.

Tracy’s City Attorney is playing politics with the business and development community in the city, which is a dangerous precedent to set.

It is the same mentality the exists in the City of Oakland from where Ms. Patel came to Tracy. The strategy is clear: delay, delay, delay. But it’s biting the hand that feeds you. Prologis and Amazon are exactly the reason the city is in position to bring public amenities, along with Measure V revenue, to fruition. Tracy Hills is the reason we have Tracy Fire Station 95. Tracy businesses are now being punished for doing good things here in Tracy, do we really want to treat our Tracy businesses like Oakland does?

Why is City Attorney Patel stonewalling small businesses?

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 21:08:00 GMT

In our previous post about Tracy City Attorney Bijal Patel’s anti-business stance costing Tracy a Topgolf and its millions of dollars in sales tax revenues ( read here ), several readers missed the point entirely and instead tried to lay blame on ProLogis. How a company like ProLogis, who has invested millions in Tracy already, creating a significant number of local jobs, as well as generating a significant amount of money for the city coffers is to blame escapes us. (Yes, there is a broader diesel traffic issue plaguing Tracy and the surrounding area to which ProLogis plays a part, but they are not solely to blame.)

Tracy City Attorney Patel

The point missed by some is that our City Attorney has taken an anti-business stance which is not good for our community.

Why should we care about small business thriving in Tracy? In 2022, Forbes Magazine provided the answer:
“According to the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA), small businesses …make up 99.9% of all U.S. businesses and 99.7% of firms with paid employees. Of the new jobs created between 1995 and 2020, small businesses accounted for 62%—12.7 million compared to 7.9 million by large enterprises. A 2019 SBA report found that small businesses accounted for 44% of U.S. economic activity . Without small businesses, the American economy and workforce would be a pretty wild landscape to imagine.”

If you’re still not believing the City Attorney’s actions to thwart small business, then we encourage you to go back and review the “Items from the Audience” portion of last Tuesday’s city council hearing. Several residents attempting to open retail cannabis operations in Tracy, following the guidelines laid out by the city, state, and federal government, are being stonewalled by city staff.

Speaker Kimberly Cargile, co-owner from the Tracy Cannabis Collective is losing $10,000 a month in lease costs while waiting now over a year for the city to sign off on approvals, including a Community Benefits Agreement. The CBA is sitting somewhere on the desk of City Attorney Patel, who is not responding to the applicants per their testimony. A second business is also waiting for Patel’s office to draft a CBA so they too can open their doors for business. It is taking two years for them to go through the entitlement process. Note that the speaker stated they will have to abandon the business soon if they do not get their permits.

Kimberly Cargile, Tracy Cannabis Collective

Regardless of your support or opposition to retail cannabis in Tracy, the point is that Patel is playing a critical part in creating a bureaucratic juggernaut for businesses like what occurs at her previous employer, the City of Oakland.

Ast. Director of Development Bill Dean botched Tracy's cannabis permitting from the beginning.

Oakland is notorious for being a difficult place to do business and it all starts at City Hall. The city in general is a nightmare for developers, with a permitting process that is exhaustive and slow. It’s apparent that Patel is bringing this mentality to Tracy. Slow things down. Hold multiple meetings. Fill out many forms. Hold more meetings. Rinse and repeat. Take a trip to downtown Oakland and let us know how many new businesses you see operating. Eventually, many developers or small businesses get frustrated and leave. Top Golf, for instance, gave up on Tracy and located in Manteca. This is already taking shape in Tracy!

Our city council needs to wake-up and stop fawning over the city attorney before more business is lost.

Tracy City Attorney’s Power Trip Hands Manteca $Millions

Sat, 04 Mar 2023 22:16:00 GMT

We’re only a few months into the New Year, and already we’re learning of disarray in Tracy City Hall, this time out of the City Attorney’s office. The word on the street and from City Hall insiders is that Bijal Patel, our City Attorney of less than a year, is on a mission to search for problems not solutions and has pumped the breaks to stop the orderly processing of plain vanilla type construction permits. As a result, construction permits, and other permits have been stopped in their tracks. Her baffling actions have major implications to Tracy residents and our local economy. For example:

Sources close to City Hall are telling us that Patel’s standoff with Prologis has cost the city a new Topgolf project to Manteca, resulting in a loss of significant family wage jobs and millions of dollars sales tax revenue opportunities.

Patel has apparently decided to deal with developers in Tracy on her own, by-passing the more business friendly City Manager. Her strategy involves shutting down discussions with groups such as Prologis, who are trying to bring jobs and business to Tracy. It’s clear Patel believes her experience as a government land use bureaucrat allows her to bully people trying to create economic opportunity and jobs in our community. Minor permits, critical to construction activities, sit on her desk for months or are strangely “lost.” If losing Topgolf is any measurement of how this strategy is going, then it’s fair to say that Tracy is in trouble. Big trouble.

Power-hungry City Attorney, Bijal Patel.

The loss of Topgolf is huge for our community that is longing for public amenities that never come to fruition.

Anyone who has gone to a Topgolf knows that this is a major lost opportunity. These facilities provide hours of fun entertainment. The food and drinks are good. And they are popular. Try going to one on any given evening and you’ll see for yourself. Plus, they are cash cows for cities. The City of El Segundo estimates that total revenue over the terms of the lease will be in excess of $100 million ( source here ). Now, because of the City Attorney, Manteca and not Tracy will get that revenue. Ouch!

Image Source: Topgolf

Manteca is winning the public amenities race!

In the public amenities race, Manteca is blowing Tracy out of the water. They landed Great Wolf Lodge and its $129 million for the city over 30 years ( source here ), Big League Dreams and its millions of dollars in annual gross revenue, and now they’ve recently built the Courtside Sports Manteca, a 25,714 indoor sports facility. Manteca clearly understands the benefits of building public amenities for its residents, as well as being a regional draw that generates millions of dollars for the city. Tracy, meanwhile, is still trying to figure it out.

Tracy cannot afford to have another rogue city official like City Attorney Patel!

Our city has suffered enough from past overpaid city officials who commute from the East Bay and run roughshod over the community. We need progress, not the ever-cyclical lost promises and incompetence that has gotten our city nowhere, while a city like Manteca moves forward without issue.
Our elected officials need to get Patel back in line. The City Attorney needs to be reminded she is not in charge, nor is she the voice of the community. If it’s true her actions have cost the city Topgolf, then she n eeds more than just a reminder. She needs to be fired.

Will This Be the City Council to Get Things Done?

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 22:28:00 GMT

You may have noticed we have been quiet for a couple of months. That is because we are about good government, not election campaigning. Since we are essentially apolitical, we decided to let the election run its course and then reengage about City Hall activities and all too frequently shenanigans. So, let’s get started!
We start by reflecting on the implications of the November election results. Tracy has a lot of unfinished business at hand when it looks to 2023. The question on everyone’s minds is will it be another several years of the same talk-but-no-action city council or will it be one that gets stuff done? Here are a few of our thoughts about the results and current situation.

Community amenities mandate.

The majority win by the incumbents does indicate certain mandates the public desires. The most significant of those is the community amenities. Every one of these elected officials have indicated in some public forum or event their support for more public amenities, including the completion of Legacy Fields , the Multi-Generation Recreation Center , the Aquatic Center , the upgrades to Ritter Family Park , and the Nature Park . The public clearly wants these public benefits now it’s time for the city to come through. Councilman-elect Dan Evan’s clearly gets it.
Evans attended the community workshop for the rec center held recently at North Elementary School. He posted about it on his Facebook page. There are a lot of questions about the project, particularly as it relates to the funding. However, it’s his response to questions that should make residents feel good about his election.

The make-up of the council didn’t change much, but significant enough.

The terming out of Veronica Vargas is huge for the residents of Tracy, particularly with newly elected councilman Dan Evans taking her place. The two couldn’t be more opposite, and it’s the only change to the council voters made, but it’s a significant one. As Transparent Tracy has documented for the past several years, Vargas brought controversy, toxicity, and animosity to the city council driven by her personal agenda. It can be said that Veronica Vargas alone drove the likes of Evans and English to run for city council. Like her disgraced husband, Patrick Vargas, Veronica cannot exit stage left soon enough! Evans is a welcomed change!

Termed-Out Councilwoman Veronica Vargas and Councilman Elect Dan Evans

Mateo Bedolla is this election’s biggest conundrum.

On the surface it looks as though Bedolla is without a doubt 2022’s biggest loser. He got blown out of the water in the State Assembly race, and he finished dead last in the mayoral race. It’s too close to the holidays for us to sit around and ask ourselves, “why?” Or more specifically, why did he run in the first place? However, with all that said, he is still on city council for another two years, and he now has a chance to rehabilitate his reputation and be considered a positive influence to improve Tracy. The question is: did he learn the lesson of 2022?
This November election reflected that good amenities and good development go together. The candidates who supported the comm unity amenities won; those who didn’t, or at least made it clear, lost. If Mateo demonstrated anything this past election, it’s that he lacks a base. He needs to decide whether he will work collaboratively with his fellow council members on projects the city wants and needs or continue being an unfocused Don Quixote.

Lathrop Fire District's Dirty Laundry Aired

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 21:42:00 GMT

The San Joaquin County Civil Grand Jury recently released a damning report involving the Lathrop-Manteca Fire District and former Fire Chief Gene Neely. As reported by the Stockton Record, the grand jury investigation stemmed from complaints following a now infamous staff retreat in Napa ( read article here ).
According to a November 2021 Manteca Bulletin article, “The organization that reimbursed the expenses – which totaled more than $25,000 and included massages, dinner with alcoholic beverages, and personal care items for sale at the resort – was the California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee” ( read article here ). The expenses including multiple massages and alcohol for the District’s attorney, Neumiller & Beardslee attorney Lisa Blanco Jimenez, who grew up in Tracy. Ironically, part of the so-called training involved ethical issues.
Following the Napa debauchery, several staff members who attempted to complain about the retreat to the Fire District Board of Directors were met with harassment and intimidation by Fire Chief Neely and other managers. The grand jury even uncovered that several staff were denied pay raises until they signed non-disclosure agreements about the retreat. Neely resigned his post in April of 2021, following the District finally hired two independent investigators to investigate several of the complaints.

The grand jury report ( read the report here ) details even more alarming information about Neely and his management team including:

Members of the firefighting and administrative staff reported they felt intimidated, threatened, or harassed to the point of taking medical stress leave, while some resigned their positions.

There is at least one legal action filed (Superior Court of California−Case #STK -CVUCP-2021-0009068) involving the District which cites multiple occurrences of intimidation and harassment.

The San Joaquin County LAFCo sent a letter to the LMFD Board of Directors on January 29, 2019. Members of the LAFCo executive team wrote that they felt they were being harassed and intimidated by two LMFD chiefs while at the San Joaquin County Administration Building.

Employees also expressed concerns related to nepotism existing in the District where family members were hired for key positions or given preferential treatment…There have also been allegations of cronyism where preferential treatment or promotions were given to employees who were favored by the Chief.

What is perhaps even of greater concern from the grand jury report the incompetency and ineffectiveness of the Fire District Board of Directors, whose sole purpose is to prevent the toxic work environment created by Neely and others. Let this be a warning to Tracy!

At the end of the day, Neely felt he could do whatever he wanted, to whomever he wanted. Case in point, after Lathrop City Council member Minnie Diallo voted against appointing Neely to a committee, Diallo claims that Neely and his wife accosted her after the meeting. According to Diallo, Neely “verbally threatened” her ( read the article here .) The interaction was so troubling to Ms. Diallo that she filed a restraining order against Neely and his wife Rozelle with the San Joaquin County Superior Court. The judge issued the restraining order on October 25th.

As a reminder, Neely resigned in disgrace in April and several months later he is allegedly accosting a female city council member.

Diallo ultimately withdrew her request in December because Neely indicated he was moving out of Lathrop.
This Fire District operated outside of the public eye and with little or no supervision by elected officials who answer to the public. We need to be vigilant and make sure this doesn’t happen in Tracy.

Lathrop City Councilwoman Minnie Diallo

Sandu U Is Not for Me (Or You)!

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 19:28:00 GMT

Currently the for-profit private college represents the most financial invasive, damaging, and destructive Ponzi scheme around. This is one of the many reasons we are deeply troubled by Mike Sandhu’s intellectually dishonest “college campus” that simply a bait and switch scheme to build millions of square feet of warehousing on prime agricultural land without normally city services and will clog local Tracy streets and the highway with thousands of trucks.
The so-called college Sandhu intends to locate near Tracy is a college in name only. We pointed out it isn’t really college click here . Basically, its classes are exclusively limited to promoting the language and culture of a subregion of India and no classes are offered to teach college level skills needed to prepare a student for the technology focused 21st Century economy. The fact the founder and president dropped out of college supplies a rich and ironic illustration of what is going on.

The University of Silicon Andhra in Milpitas, CA.

What is going on? For profit colleges encourage lower- and middle-income student to take out large student loans to pay for the college tuition. In the
case of a for profit college like Sandhu U, tuition is just another word for profits. They take the tuition money from the student loan and the student is saddled with a huge debt. The for-profit college promoters don’t care if any students graduate or get family wage jobs. They just care about getting the profitable tuition money.

Once colleges like Sandhu U get the tuition money funded by the student’s loan they don’t care if the student gets an education and a high paying job that can pay back the debt. The statistics prove this point. According to a Temple University study almost 40 percent of full-time undergraduates who enrolled in the 2011-12 academic year accumulated debt but did not have a degree in six years. Being saddle with student loan debt but without a college degree has serious consequences: according to the US Department of Education over 4.65 million young people are in default of student loans. This number represents over 1/3 of all the current student loans. And these loans are not dischargeable in bankruptcy. The borrower’s credit rating is ruined and their hope for a better future dashed.

Harvard Law School - 2019

The Guardian - November 2018

Offsetting this human misery is the increased wealth of the promoters of for-profit colleges, like Mr. Sandhu.
So, we perceive Sandhu’s plan as bad public policy for lots of reasons. We don’t need millions more feet of warehousing that creates low paying jobs and massive amounts of truck traffic and parking issues. We don’t need to convert more prime agricultural land. We don’t need a huge industrial park unconnected to city services.

And we certainly don’t need a faux college in name only designed to saddle innocent young people with substantial debt, no college degree or family wage job and dashed hopes of a promising future. We hope leaders like Supervisor Bob Rickman continues to ask the hard questions and keep the developer’s feet to the fire. And we hope mislead politicians like Assembly member Carlos Villapudua will take a second and hard look at this Trojan horse development scam.

President of Sandhu-U: College Dropout & Money Laundering Accusations?

Tue, 24 May 2022 15:41:00 GMT

The President of the University of Silicon Andhra (aka Sandhu-U), Anand Kuchibhotla, is ironically a college dropout. We’re not making this up. In his Linked-In profile, Kuchibhotla lists his secondary education experience as the following:

In one regard, it’s good karma to be honest about dropping out of The Wharton School, which is a really good school. On the other hand, it should give pause to anyone considering writing checks to the University. While the school is a registered nonprofit in California (see below), as is Kuchibhotla’s other affiliated nonprofit, Silicon Andhra, nothing is as perfect as it seems.

With a total student enrollment of 20 students in 2020, the University is clearly not making money off of tuition and fees. However, if the realization that the founder and head of an ‘accredited’ University is a college dropout doesn’t concern you, then perhaps his controversial dealings with a hospital he cofounded in India does.

Charges of money laundering and patient deaths at the Ravi Prakash Silicon Andhra Sanjivani Hospital in Andra Pradesh, India.

Based on information that we came across when looking into Mr. Kuchibhotla’s affiliation with the hospital in Andra Pradesh, he could have used those business classes at Wharton. According to several news articles, the hospital which was built to help serve the poor villages in the area, an investigation was launched after several donors grew concerned about how their donations were being used. As reported by The Hindu, Pamarru MLA K. Anil Kumar was denied access to the hospital with the purpose of, “enquiring about the donations received from the NRIs and the funds spent on hospital infrastructure.” (read full article here ). According to Mr, Kumar at the time -

Adya News reported similar alarming developments regarding use of the donations (read full article here ).

And in the most alarming report coming from the hospital from the online source - greatandhra.com - one donor died from a lack of care at the hospital (read full article here ). According to the article, Prakash and Kuchibhotla went around raising huge donations from people in Kuchipudi, promsing them a “lifetime of free healthcare” by specialist doctors from the U.S. But, according to inquiries from local officials -

It is worth noting that Ravi Prakash was later arrested for his dealings with the TV Little Hearts scandal. We were not able to come across any follow-up developments regarding the hospital scandal and any subsequent investigations, so we can only assume that the investigations continue. None-the-less, we will continue to monitor so long as the University of Silicon Andhra is part of local developer Mike Sandhu’s misleading logistics warehouse development is south Tracy (read more here ).

The University of Silicon Andhra is a small, specialized school that serves a particular populous focused on cultural retention and development. As far is it demonstrating any job enrichment and benefits to Tracy, it is, as with most Mike Sandhu proposals, falling short.

Is Sandhu-U Nothing More Than a Ruse?

Fri, 06 May 2022 18:59:00 GMT

Local multi-millionaire developer Mike Sandhu, the self-proclaimed ‘one-percenter,’ with a dozen luxury cars and a 17,000 square foot mansion, wants everyone in Tracy and south San Joaquin County to believe he is a good guy, who only proposes development projects that are for the good of the community. But time and time again, after one stops and takes a moment to investigate what he proposes (Measure M, Measure Y, Tracy Gateway, Tracy TOD, etc.), residents and more importantly voters realize each of his proposals are geared to only benefit Mike Sandhu. It’s no different now with his latest proposal in south Tracy with the GoldenState Logistics Hub.

Sandhu does not want anyone to focus on the “Logistics Hub” portion of the proposal, which makes-up roughly 95% of the entire 1,573-acre project, including a variety of buildings ranging from 100,000 square feet to just over 1,800,000 square feet.

Over 1,000,000 square feet of warehousing is targeted for ‘super-regional distribution facilities.’ That means minimal, low paying jobs with mediocre salaries and crummy benefits but with lots, and lots, and lots of additional diesel trucks driving and parking in and around Tracy. Setting aside the fact that perhaps outside of the homeless problem in Tracy parks, the number one issue for Tracy residents is traffic related – poorly kept congested roads beat up by more and more diesel trucks. How does creating low paying dead end jobs and generated thousands of new truck trips daily benefit our community?

According to Mike Sandhu the answer is because Tracy gets a major international University to education our young folks. And give Sandhu credit: he pulled the wool over the eyes of a lot of people who should know better (or looked the other way because of political contributions)! Yes, Sandhu was smart when he announced this development. If you didn’t know any better, one would have thought Harvard University pulled up stakes and left Massachusetts for Tracy. Even Assemblyman Villapudua called it, “…a major win for everyone [in San Joaquin County]” in the 209Times.com and in the Tracy Press in September 2021 (read the 209Times article here and the Tracy Press article here ). Local Fox 40 reported, “The Golden State Logistics Hub is a 1,500-acre education site planned for San Joaquin County.” Carlos should know better or at least not be blinded by political contributions. The project name has logistics hub in it, but the entire property is an education site? Good grief.

It was as though all media outlets just took Sandhu’s press release and turned it into an article without asking any questions. All poor reporting set aside, we decided to look into the proposed school, the University of SiliconAndhra (which we affectionately have named “Sandhu-U”), a bit further. Here's an excerpt from the University’s website -

“SiliconAndhra is a non-profit organization, established in 2001, with the goals to maintain, preserve, and perpetuate the Telugu Culture, Literature and Tradition among the Telugu speaking people around the world especially involving the youth. SiliconAndhra intends to organize unique cultural and literary events that depict the rich cultural heritage, traditions and arts from the state of Andhra Pradesh in India.”

In short, the school offers courses in three areas: Telugu Indian dance, Telugu Indian music, and Telugu Indian languages. According to the website, in 2020 the school had a total of 20 students. Not a typo: 20 total students. It’s mission statement reads, “Its mission of providing the highest quality academic programs is inseparable from its mission of developing new understandings of ancient Indian Arts, Languages and Culture.”
Will Sandhu-U really “…provide a high-quality education to a broad base of students from underrepresented populations,” as Assemblyman Villapudua stated? Will this kind of higher education prepare our children for the future? Is this the best Tracy can do? We may be missing something, but there doesn’t seem to be a high demand for graduates with degrees in traditional Indian dance, Indian music, and Indian languages. And we say this with no offense to the University of SiliconAndhra or anyone who has attended its school. We can only assume that students are receiving a stellar education in those fields of study. If Sandhu wants to build this new campus, then so be it. That’s not the issue.
Indeed, celebrating our rich ethnic diversity is a good thing and we have no quarrel with an institution promoting Telugu dancing, music and language from the Andhra Pradesh region of India. But it is false and misleading to characterize this institution as a four year university that can prepare our children for the 21st Century work force.

The issue is that Sandhu should not get away with misleading the public and several gullable politicians into thinking that this is a traditional 4-year institution with traditional degrees! The types of degrees that are in demand by employers.

He should further not mislead the community by trying to divert their attention away from the massive warehouse component of the proposal, which is really all this proposal is about. It’s unfortunate that Sandhu plays these games with the residents of Tracy. He really believes he is smarter than everyone else because he has more money. It shows that Sandhu has no connection or understanding of the wants and needs for everyday residents of Tracy. It shows he doesn’t care about people like you and me.

At the end of the day, here are the million-dollar questions:

Will the County Board of Supervisors see through this boloney by rejecting a development that would build millions of square feet of warehouse space and blow up the capacity of our roads by introducing immeasurable amounts of truck traffic? Will the City of Tracy wake up and realize that it gets all the burdens of this development while the County gets the benefits? Will Supervisor Rickman use his substantial skill and acumen to lead the Board to reject this crazy idea?
Tracy deserves better than Sandhu latest scheme to make money and ruin the City.

Supervisor Robert Rickman

City Manager Rogers’ to Call Tracy Home

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 19:11:00 GMT

Tracy’s newest City Manager, Michael Rogers, has done something that neither of his predecessors did and that is to live in Tracy. Former City Managers Jenny Haruyama and Troy Brown did not call Tracy home. In fact, the current list of high-paid city executives who do not call Tracy home is longer than you would believe. We give then kudos to Rogers for choosing to live in Tracy, which is more than just symbolic.

GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS SHOULD LIVE UNDER THE RULES THEY MAKE.

It’s a simple bromide, but applicable to those who work in city government and make decisions impacting the lives of ordinary people living in the city. It is too easy for a city executive to decide going against the best interest of the residents when that official will not experience the impacts of that decision.

Haruyama, for instance, had no issue pushing forward the Tracy TOD proposal, despite the will of the voters, who overwhelmingly rejected the core tenants of the proposal. At the end of the day, she didn’t live, shop and recreate in Tracy, so what did she care if people were outraged. Based on her actions, she didn’t care and that’s the point.

People view things differently when the live in the community. They experience issues and community problems in common with their neighbors. They understand the day-to-day happenings in the community differently than someone isolated in City Hall from Monday thru Friday.

Setting a new precedent for city executives.

Here’s to hoping that the decision by Rogers to live and work in Tracy is precedent setting for the city’s future executives. As we’ve touched upon before, the salaries for city staff and management is above average. And, while that is a different issue altogether, the least these government workers can do is to live and shop in Tracy. They should want to become part of our community given the investment taxpayers are making in them. If a majority of all Tracy municipal employees lived in Tracy, then (in our opinion) there would be fewer controversies in City Hall. So we extend our appreciation to City Manager Rogers and his family for moving to Tracy and offer them a warm welcome to great little community.

Supervisor Rickman Standing-up for Residents

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 19:28:00 GMT

The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors were recently updated on local developer Mike Sandhu’s GoldenState Logistics Hub development proposal on county land adjacent to south Tracy. The proposal would encompass 1,500 acres of land on predominantly prime agricultural land that is intensively farmed. Sandhu proposed using the property for logistics companies, a satellite private university campus, and commercial uses. But despite all the positive aspects about the project presented to the Supervisors, with particular attention to the university and VFW building, Supervisor Rickman had done his homework and expressed well founded skepticism.

Here's Supervisor Rickman in his own words -
"We’ve seen here in the City of Tracy, or in the Fifth District, back in 2018 and Measure M – exemption to the growth management program that we have here in Tracy – and it was talking about housing, and that failed by 78% . And that was property owned by Mr. Sandhu. Also, on Measure Y, the growth management exemption for workforce housing, it was transit oriented development, Measure Y in November 2020 and the voters again favored no with 54.9% of the vote. Some of this growth would have occurred on Mr Sandhu’s property. And, Mr Sandhu owning, I don’t know how many thousand acres he owns around Tracy, so you’re talking about precedent. So this has been tried twice , not on this magnitude, but converting agriculture lands, it has failed through the voters. If we are going to go forward, we need to include the City of Tracy, we need to include the residents and reaching out. And not after we are already in the process and spending millions of dollars. I don’t understand why the county or the developers cannot go out and speak to the voters or the residents now. Wouldn’t that save you time? At least what history has shown, residents don’t want a huge industrial or more growth or whatever it may be, shouldn’t they be the decision makers, except just these five people on this board or the developer because they have a plan and the money to do it?"

Rickman’s comments came after hearing concerns from residents who live in the proposed development area.

Neighbors voice their concerns and opposition to the Logistics Hub

Below are excerpt comments submitted to the County by residents who live in the proposed development area.

Not one of the comments submitted to the County by residents supported the project!

Sandhu’s Gun to Your Head Approach

Supervisor Rickman asked if there is no industrial component to this project, will there still be a university and VFW built? Staff responded that the development of the university and VFW Post without the industrial component made the development infeasible. The reason, as one speaker pointed out, is that the university and VFW account for only 5% of the total development. The remainder of the development is for industrial, commercial and (assumed) residential.
The industrial or “Logistics Hub” portion of the proposal is significant. It encompasses approximately 1,496 acres of the total 1,573-acre project. It anticipates developing a variety of buildings ranging from 100,000 square feet to just over 1,800,000 square feet. Buildings over 1,000,000 square feet will be targeted as ‘super-regional distribution facilities.’ In short, Sandhu’s development is an industrial project with a few other amenities!
It's worth noting that Supervisor Rickman was open about supporting a university and the VFW Post; however, he stated multiple times that he supports it as it relates to the proposed Gateway development. In fact, he stated that he and Sandhu sat down with the university folks at one point about locating the university at Gateway. It was clear he is frustrated that Gateway is no longer in play for Sandhu!

Infrastructure Issues Galore in District 5

Supervisor Rickman highlighted the significant number of infrastructure issues occurring in South San Joaquin County and Tracy without adding this proposed massive industrial development. He stressed that his office receives calls “everyday” from residents voicing frustrations regarding traffic and truck parking issues. The impacts over diesel trucks are the number one issue cited by residents. In addition, there remain water and air quality impacts that cannot be mitigated with a development of this size.

Rickman Insists Tracy Must Be Part of the Discussion

As Supervisor Rickman said multiple times, Tracy residents have loudly spoken time and time again about not wanting our city to become massive industrial parks that exacerbates problematic diesel truck traffic. While the property is in unincorporated Tracy, the impacts will be felt by Tracy residents. If south county residents and Tracy do not want this massive industrial park development, then it shouldn’t happen.
We are grateful for Supervisor Rickman standing up for Tracy. He asked all the right questions and was a strong voice for the residents. That is called leadership.

Souza’s Much Deserved Honor

Sat, 12 Mar 2022 20:49:00 GMT

It was nice to read about Mike Souza being awarded the Tracy Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year (article here ). His acknowledgement by the Chamber is much deserved. As the article highlights, Souza is much more than just a local developer. He is active with charity causes and local organizations that help make our community as great as it is. It helps that he’s from Tracy, and his story is a goal for our city’s future. Mike went away to college and came back to work and raise a family. Tracy needs more job opportunities for smart people like Mike to come back and thrive. For instance, he successfully negotiated the Tracy Hills project through the always challenging Tracy process. Souza is working to make Tracy a better place. Congratulations to Mike and also to Param Gill, who was also awarded Citizen of the Year.

A Step in The Right Direction - Finally!

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 23:08:00 GMT

For the first time in a long time, the Tracy City Council made a unanimous decision that will help shape our city’s future in a positive manner for many years to come. Allocating Measure V funding for key community benefit projects - Legacy Fields, the aquatic center, the multi-generational recreation center, the upgrading of Ritter Family Ball Park, and the nature park - by council was a breath of fresh air. There was no squabbling, no stalling, or indecisiveness that is typically dominates council proceedings when it faces big decisions.

Give credit where credit is due.

Kudos to Finance Director Karin Schnaider for presenting and recommending a more aggressive, fiscally sound strategy for financing these projects now. Her approach was logical and well thought out, making it almost impossible for council to say no. It’s a win for Tracy and an example of local government working for the people!

The completion of Legacy Fields is critical.

The fact that it has only been partially built is embarrassing. We could sit here and point fingers about why it is only partially complete, but the key point is that it will be done sooner than later. This development will be a year-round draw for athletic events bringing more people to our community to shop at our local stores and to eat at our local restaurants, etc.

The same goes for the aquatic center.

As was mentioned by the speakers during the public hearing, the aquatic center has been discussed for 20-years. Year after year the public continues to state support for a water park in our community. Some of Measure V’s loudest proponents were swim folks. This project is long overdue and it’s good to see it moved forward on a more streamlined timeline. The only hang-up involves the developer Surland Companies.

Surland needs to put their money where their mouth is!

According to staff’s report, Surland guaranteed $10 million toward developing the aquatic center. So where is it? If, after initially approving the design and cost of the project, the city had been more aggressive by immediately collected that money from the developer, then perhaps we would be swimming and not talking about building an aquatic center. Get the money now and start making it work!

An early win for new City Manager Michael Rogers.

This was an easy one for the new city manager, with staff handing this to him on a silver platter. It is challenging to walk into a new community and have to start making critical decisions that affect thousands. He will have much rougher waters to charter, but he was smart by getting out of the way. It was also a win for Tracy. Politics and personal bickering were sidelined. And while it was only a recommendation to staff on how to proceed, they chose the right recommendation.

Sandhu At It Again

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 23:13:00 GMT

Millionaire local developer Mike Sandhu is back before city council with his latest industrial-housing led proposal – the Westside Specific Plan Project. Sandhu, the majority property owner within the Specific Plan area, along with the other minority owners changed the project name from “Tracy Gateway” following plans to refocus the development into huge warehouses and single-family residential.
In July of last year, the city solicited feedback from the community regarding multiple development options for the Westside Specific Plan. However, Sandhu and other property owners did not like the feedback they heard from the community. Council Member Vargas lobbied on behalf of Sandhu, which she has done from the beginning, but did not do enough to win support (read more here ). Council Members Arriola and Davis advocated to protect the gateway to our community with a compromised plan but that too was shot down. The council could not reach consensus and directed staff to come back with a new plan.

Sandhu now presents only one development option for the city council to consider. By doing so, his message to the community is clear: your opinions do not matter!

Sandhu is indifferent if the gateway to our community is filled with giant warehouses! He is indifferent to minimal number of low wage jobs they produce and the associated impacts from diesel truck traffic congestion and air pollution. The real winners of warehouses are the property owners, who ink lucrative leasing deals or sell the warehouses for multi-millions of dollars. The real loser is Tracy.
The Gateway project was only approved because it promised high paying family wage jobs for local residents currently facing lengthy commute times. But Sandhu proposes replacing high paying jobs with low paying warehouse jobs and then convert much of the job creating uses into high density housing This proposed high density residential development coupled with warehouses that depend on intensive truck traffic will result in traffic congestion, as well as impacts to water levels and impacts to schools. Industrial parks and residential developments built adjacent to each other is not smart planning. Again, the only winner in this situation is Sandhu!

Council Member Veronica Vargas must absolutely recuse herself in the Westside Specific Plan matter!
In the previous discussions regarding the Westside Specific Plan, Vargas did the appropriate thing and recused herself because she represented business interests within the development area. As we previously reported (read here ), Vargas stated that she represents Patterson Petroleum; however, she went on to say that she would be free to vote on this issue starting in 2022. But whether or not her contract with Patterson Petroleum has lapsed is irrelevant. She was paid to support their economic interest! The conflict remains.
Given Vargas’ past ethical issues, how can the city and its residents believe that she no longer has a conflict of interest on this matter? Even if her contract with Patterson Petroleum ended, the public cannot be secure in knowing whether Vargas made any deals or agreements with Sandhu, the other property owners, and Patterson Petroleum. She does land use entitlement work as a profession, which is alarming alone (see FPPC issues with Trumark Homes), and she has been a brazen proponent for Sandhu’s plan.
It has and always will continue to be ‘my way or the highway’ with Mike Sandhu. Vargas is but a pawn, but a dangerous pawn that new City Manager Michael Rogers must be aware.

Vargas’ Attack on First Amendment Rights

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 23:21:00 GMT

The truth hurts. No one understands that more than Tracy City Councilmember Veronica Vargas. The public transparency about conflict of interest magnet Veronica and her recently terminated Division Fire Chief husband - Patrick Vargas - has driven the councilwoman to Nixon-esque levels of paranoia against the media.
In an unprecedented move at the Feb 2nd, Tracy City Council closed session meeting, Vargas demanded her fellow council members support her call for public hearings to learn who is behind Transparent Tracy. Even more astounding, her witch hunt targeted without any evidence Council Member Davis as being the author of the site. Watch below –

There is a lot to digest in this less than two-minute undignified and jarring screech. First, Interim City Attorney, Gregory Rubens, quickly admonished Vargas that this topic could not be addressed in a closed session and as anyone with half-a-mind knows, she cannot call for a public hearing on such matters. Vargas believes she has Congressional Authority to summons anyone from the public to answer before her. She doesn’t. Second, she accused Councilwoman Davis not once but twice in less than a minute of being the author of Transparent Tracy. Thank goodness Councilwoman Davis responded in a dignified and professional manner. Third, if the postings of a single website can rattle the highly paid management and staff at Tracy City Hall from doing their jobs, then taxpayers should certainly be worried. Their reaction may prove the old bromide that “Where there is smoke there is fire.”

Don’t be fooled by Councilwoman Vargas’ playing the victim card. Her attack against Transparent Tracy is nothing short than an attack against the public and an effort to trample the First Amendment. She wants to silence the public. She wants to silent the truth about her conduct and her husband’s conduct.

But let us be clear, Vargas is not concerned about the health and wellness of city staff. She is concerned about herself. As a land use lobbyist, she is concerned about her future ability to sway city staff and council members after she is termed out of office. In order for her to maintain her high-profile clients like developer Mike Sandhu, she needs access to City Hall well beyond her final day on the dais. She cannot do that when people are watching her actions. Watch below -

Vargas wants to silence Transparent Tracy – period. She is angry and wants to use her public position to impose revenge. We cannot help but quote the famous passage from “Alice in Wonderland” -

“All the time they were playing the Queen never left off quarrelling with the other players, and shouting ‘Off with his head!’ or ‘Off with her head!’”

We hate to disappoint her, but we at Transparent Tracy kindly decline her request to reveal ourselves and intend to keep our heads! People may not agree with everything we print, but we have done our best to focus on the happenings within our local government that may not otherwise be covered by the mainstream press. The Tracy Press does its best with its limited resources, but they do not have the capacity to cover the backroom dealings and issues of City Hall. While we have, at times, been guilty of hyperbole, we have done our best to stick to the facts and vetted the information provided to us.
As always, we thank our readers, supporters, informers, and even our detractors. If we are creating conversation about issues impacting the lives of Tracy residents, as well as shedding light on the actions of our elected officials and city staff, then we are doing our jobs.

Schnaider’s Hidden Trash Tax

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 23:37:00 GMT

Local governments throughout California love to disguise hidden taxes in the form of “fees.” Tracy is no exception and, in fact, sets the standard for hidden taxes in what it does with its Assessment Districts, CFDs, and LMDs, impacting new and existing residents, but we’ll save that for another day. The latest proposed hidden tax, or what we should aptly call the “Schnaider Hidden Tax,” was buried within the proposed rate hike for solid waste services that council considered this past December.

On the surface, given that Delta Disposal fees have not been adjusted in 10 years, plus a growing population, and state mandates such as SB 1383, an increase to pay for expanded services is not controversial. In fact, it is a normal course of action for every municipality. However, as we know, nothing is easy in the City of Tracy.
Council ultimately rejected staff’s recommendations, as reported by the Tracy Press (read here ), that would have increased rates over the next five years for consumers by upwards of 87%. It recommended a 21% month to month increase in the first year alone. At the end of the day, council was concerned with the impacts to residents and businesses. It was a prudent move by council to direct staff to find alternative fee structures that will not have such a burden on residents.

Tracy Director of Finance, Karin Schnaider

So exactly why was staff recommended rate fees that would nearly double existing rates over just five years? Here’s where the “Schnaider Hidden Tax” comes into play.

Karin Schnaider, the Director of Finance, and Don Scholl, the Director of Public Works, both approved the fee increase and recommendation to council. However, ask anyone at City Hall, and they will tell you that Schnaider is the brain behind Tracy’s “fees.” In this case, taxpayers are being asked to fit the bill for road improvements, as it relates to the additional Delta Disposal trucks hitting the roads each week. See below from the Dec 21 staff report.

Leave to a government funded report to come back with an analysis that the waste trucks will cause an estimated $2 million of annual wear and tear on our city streets. There are a several issues at play here.

First, the estimated cost impact is outrageous. Not once has the issue of refuse trucks trashing Tracy’s roads been discussed. While Tracy’s streets are far from perfect, one cannot point to the Delta Disposal trucks as a major culprit.

Second, even if we go along with the premise that the impacts and estimated costs are legitimate, aren’t our property taxes paying for these roadway improvements already? The General Fund is funding Public Works Department for road improvements as it is, so why do taxpayers need to pay more for services that we’re already getting?

Third, and most importantly, how can taxpayers be assured that the “Schnaider Hidden Tax” will actually go to improving road impacts and not into increasing staff salaries, hiring more staff, and other non-road related matters?

The public policy predicate is obvious and straightforward: Tracy staff impose hidden taxes in the form of “fees” to fund public services customarily funded by the general fund. General fund tax dollars are then diverted into salaries to support a bloated bureaucracy and eye-popping retirement payments. Over time the only purpose to impose property taxes is to fund staff salaries and luxurious retirement payments. Basic services will be funded through fees, CFDs and other funding mechanisms. Is this really what we want in Tracy?
The new City Manager needs to get a handle on this issue. The solid waste service fee increase proposal has not gone away. Schnaider, Scholl and staff will look to get that revenue in one form or another. It will be up to taxpayers to look for those hidden costs and to call it out.

The Patrick Vargas Termination and SSJCFA JPA Committee Ordeal

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 15:52:00 GMT

It's early in the new year and already there are fireworks surrounding the South San Joaquin County Fire Authority (SSJCFA). As we posted earlier this week, Chief Bradley announced that Division Chief Patrick Vargas has been terminated. The news follows an extensive internal investigation regarding Vargas. According to sources, there were alleged issues involving sexual harassment and an affair by Vargas that led to his dismissal. The termination of Vargas marks the end of a controversial 32-year fire career that included being found guilty of felony wire fraud from the Tracy Fire Department.

The dismissal of Vargas is a step in the right direction for the Fire Authority and also the City, which needs to do more in identifying and dealing with inappropriate behavior and actions by city staff and management.

The announcement of Patrick Vargas' termination came right before Tuesday night's city council meeting, where council was determining the committee assignments for 2022. Of all the committees, only the SSJCFA Joint Powers Authority Committee generated any comments and discussion. The entire controversy surrounding the committee was caused by Mayor Young, who made the recommendation to appoint herself and Mayor Pro Tem Veronica Vargas to the committee.
For the past 7 years, Veronica Vargas has tried to get an appointment to the fire committee. And, for the past 7 years, she was not given a spot because her husband was a Division Fire Chief for the Fire Authority, thus presenting a clear conflict of interest. To appease Veronica, council has made her an alternate on the committee. However, now that her husband Patrick has been terminated from the Fire Authority, Veronica no longer in her eyes has a conflict of interest. Many people disagree, including the Tracy Firefighters Association. Engineer Ryan Gall, on behalf of the Association, expressed these concerns.

Tracy resident Dan Evans also spoke in opposition to Vargas' appointment to the committee.

Young's decision to appoint Vargas over Council Member Davis, who worked on the JPA Committee in 2021, and who played a major role in the JPA formation, was perplexing. Below is what Mayor Young had to say in making her recommendation.

To summarize, Mayor Young recommending appointing Vargas to the JPA Committee to be nice. She wanted to be nice because Veronica is termed out and this is her last chance to serve on the committee. The Mayor chose to overlook the fact that Veronica's husband was just terminated from the Fire Authority; she chose to ignore the concerns raised by the Tracy Firefighters Association, in particular concerns about retribution for those involved with her husband's investigation; and, she chose to ignore the opposition spoken by the community.

Mayor Young needs less focus on her "Team Tracy" and more on making pragmatic and ethical decisions which is why she was elected as Mayor in the first place. It is naive of her to put trust in Council Member Vargas, who has done nothing to earn the trust of the taxpayers. Young needs to do better!

Fortunately, Council Member Arriola was the voice of reason in stating that, regardless if there is a conflict of interest or not, the optics of Vargas' appointment to the JPA Committee did not look good. The right thing to do was to place Davis back onto the committee and assign Bedolla as the alternate. Vargas conceded to Arriola and she was ultimately removed from the committee. A bullet dodged but one that didn't need to happen in the first place!

Pensions and Peacocks

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 17:06:00 GMT

An interesting question was asked at a recent city council meeting that is: What is Tracy known for? The question was asked by a woman new to Tracy. Prior to and even after her recent move to Tracy, the most she has heard about our city in the news is the city’s peacock problem (more on that here ).
In the city’s defense, the peacock problem is a unique story. Peacocks are, according to SFGate, “…wreaking havoc in the Redbridge and George Kelley Elementary School areas…” The birds are even going as far as charging residents. So, yes, it’s an interesting albeit unexpected story for this Bay Area bedroom community.
What is Tracy known for? It's possible that it's not known for anything. The implication being that Tracy has an identity crisis.
But, we digress, let’s get back to the question at hand. In our opinion, there is no immediate, natural answer to this question. As mentioned, Tracy is a bedroom community to the Bay Area. However, that is a general statement applied across the spectrum of small communities surrounding a major urban city.
According to the City, “Locals know the secret: as one of the friendliest little cities in California, Tracy is a place to kick off your shoes, hang your hat, sit back and relax. The opportunity to live the good life still exists here, and family, faith, education and the arts are still valued within the community.” It’s hard to be known for something if it’s a secret.
Perhaps Tracy should be known for its generous salaries and pensions for its city employees? Tracy pays its city workers well, really well. With the hiring of the new City Manager, we decided to take a look at some of the salaries being doled out by the city. Thanks to the good folks at Transparent California, we found salaries with benefits. See below -

The data only goes back to 2019 but it gets the point across that it pays to work in Tracy. According to the U.S. Census Bureau table below, Tracy managers are making up to three-times the average median income in San Joaquin County and ten times the average individual income.

An even greater perk of being a high-salaried manager at the City, is that you are not required to live in Tracy! There are more cases of this than one would believe. However, it’s not just managers who are doing well. Some of the lowest level workers at the city are making good money.

How does the city afford such good salaries and benefits? The answer is by continuing to find creative ways to pay themselves. Take 2016’s Measure V money. Taxpayers passed Measure V with the understanding that the money will fund necessary amenities for the city. However, since it’s passing, the city has only funded two things with that money - a new parking lot and staff salaries.

The city is also benefiting from a new influx of cash from Amazon. They are using this money to hire new positions at the city and to pay the salaries and pensions of staff.
At the end of the day, Tracy taxpayers need to ask themselves if they are getting their monies worth from these high-salaried city staff assistant directors, directors, assistant managers, managers, etc!
One thing is for certain, it’s going to be a very Merry Christmas for these high-paid staff employees at the city!

The Unanswered Burning Questions Surrounding Division Fire Chief Patrick Vargas

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 17:16:00 GMT

In June of this year, we reported that embattled Division Fire Chief Patrick Vargas was placed on administrative leave for reasons not made public ( read article here ). It is now six months later, and the public still does not have any answers. The South San Joaquin County Fire Authority never released a statement about it, nor did the City Attorney, the City Manager’s office, or any other local agency. Equally troubling is the local paper, the Tracy Press, did not investigate the matter at all, which is the responsibility of the media.

It is apparent that only in Tracy can a senior staff member be placed on administrative leave and no one cares! The problem is that people should care what is happening at City Hall, particularly when it comes to departments dealing with public safety, as is the Tracy Fire Department. Below are some questions the Tracy Press and others should be asking about the Patrick Vargas suspension.

Has Patrick Vargas’ wife, Council Member Veronica Vargas, formally recused herself from this matter?

It’s a fair question given that Councilwoman Vargas is a senior member on council, and who had close ties to then City Manager Jenny Haruyama. And it is without argument that Veronica has influence over city staff, who often bend to her will. Further, as we have documented extensively, Veronica has demonstrated that ethics mean nothing to her in order for her to get her way. She has been reported to the FPPC multiple times and in May 2021, she was found guilty of violating the state’s ethics rules ( read more here ). The FPPC further ruled that she has conflict of interest in making contract decisions related to the Tracy Fire Department ( read more here ), something Veronica continues to argue against.

Is Division Fire Chief Patrick Vargas still on paid Administrative Leave?

The taxpayers deserve the right to know if Patrick Vargas remains on paid leave, perhaps enjoying life at home while waxing Veronica’s Maserati. Patrick’s base pay level is $184,553.20, according to the City’s Master Salary Schedule effective November 7, 2021. This does not include the other pay and benefits, which brings his total pay to over $300,000 per year. That is a lot of money for someone to be paid while sitting at home.

Why was Division Fire Chief Patrick Vargas placed on Administrative Leave?

It takes a serious charge for a senior staff member to be placed on Administrative Leave. That means that Patrick allegedly did something egregious enough to be sent home pending further investigation. It is fair for the public to know why he was placed on leave and have any additional steps been taken on the matter? After all, this is not the first offense by Patrick with the Fire Department. He had a harassment charge filed against him by a fellow firefighter and, of course, no one can forget his felony conviction of wire fraud with department money. Also left unanswered is why is it taking so long to conclude an investigation into the events that resulted in the city placing Vargas on administrative leave?

Why does the Tracy Fire Department continue to protect Division Fire Chief Patrick Vargas?

It is understandable that firefighters and police officers cover for their own. These are high stress, high risk jobs, which require reliance and trust in each other. So, it is relatable that they naturally work to protect each other. However, when is enough-enough? The public expects ethical behavior from the people charged with running and protecting the city. They are getting paid by the taxpayers. They have a moral obligation to the public to deal with unethical staff members accordingly. Patrick Vargas, however, seems to be an exception to the rule.

Did Division Fire Chief Patrick Vargas ever pay back the city the money he stole that got him a felony conviction?

We asked this question in the past and will continue to do so until we get an answer. Did Patrick Vargas pay back the $138,000 stole from the Tracy Fire Department back in 1995? He was convicted of felony wire fraud and spent four months in jail, only to be reinstated by the Fire Department ( read more here ). While he did his time, that was taxpayer money.

Council Ignoring Harassment Complaints of City Executives?

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 16:24:00 GMT

City Hall insiders are telling us that tensions between city staff and the City Council are at an all-time high. The issue we’re hearing is with the Council’s lack of holding its executives accountable for their actions, most significantly with Finance Director Karin Schnaider.
It is alleged that Schnaider has had multiple harassment charges filed against her since her hiring in 2017. One of the incidents apparently led to a settlement with the City. Our attempts to verify these alleged incidents with the City have so far gone unanswered. None-the-less, it does raise a lot of questions about the timing of this news.
City Attorney Leticia Ramirez just recently announced her resignation. Insiders have told us that Ramirez too has been frustrated with Council and other issues happening in City Hall. Former City Manager Jenny Haruyama jumped ship as well after only a few years on the job. Perhaps things at 333 Civic Center Drive are worse than we thought!
If the harassment issues brought against Karin Schnaider are true, then it raises serious questions about the City Council. Have they brushed this issue under the rug?
The public deserves to know if these alleged harassment charges are true or not. Once again, where there is smoke, there is fire. Who on the Council knows of these alleged charges and, if so, then why has nothing been done? Where is the accountability?
Taxpayers cannot afford to have a toxic work environment at City Hall. And no one should be made to feel unsafe in any work environment. We will continue to investigate this troubling issue.

Your Taxpayer Dollars Hard at Work

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 19:18:00 GMT

It is generally not the policy of Transparent Tracy to disclose its readers, but there is an exception to every rule. When we received this notice from Facebook about our newest follower we decided to share this news with you. Our article on Mr. Dean and his mind numbing treatment of marijuana dispensers and fumbling of housing projects and the aquatic center must have caught the attention of City Hall. See the notice we got:

Interestingly, not long after the City of Tracy followed our page, we received a complaint notice from Facebook about our cannabis post. Coincidence? Not likely.
While we’re flattered that the City is monitoring our page, we are certain there are better things staff can be doing than wasting taxpayer surfing Facebook and Twitter.
Not all change is bad, particularly when it comes to Tracy City Hall.
It’s been a busy year of shake-ups at City Hall. Former City Manager Jenny Haruyama left for Oregon this past summer and, in late October, City Attorney Leticia Ramirez announced her resignation effective November 14. Sources at City Hall tell us that Ramirez is frustrated with certain members of city council. To say that she is ‘frustrated’ by certain council members is likely understated. No one in her position would walk away from a job she has had for five years just for being ‘frustrated.’ Things must be bad. Really bad.

However, the departure of Ramirez is not terrible for Tracy. Ramirez moved forward Haruyama and Vargas’ agenda too often, ignoring the will of the people. She is as guilty as anyone working in City Hall who have created an environment where nothing gets done. In the end, her departure, like that of Haruyama’s, will be good for Tracy in the long run.
As the paper indicated, the City has narrowed down the City Manager candidates to four. Fortunate for taxpayers, the City hired a recruitment firm to assist with the process. Perhaps this will remove Vargas from being tempted to meet personally with any of the candidates, as she did with Haruyama when she was a finalist.

The next position the City needs to focus on hiring is a full time Development Services Director. The Interim Development Services Director is Bill Dean. The city cannot afford to keep Dean in this position, and instead needs to hire someone who knows how to manage a growing city of Tracy’s size. Or, put another way, someone who isn’t influenced by the likes of Veronica Vargas or Mike Sandhu.

Bill Dean, Interim Development Services Director

A POT SHOP ON EVERY CORNER

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 16:44:00 GMT

Tracy City Council in their infinite wisdom moved forward by amending the city’s Cannabis Ordinance to allow 1 storefront retailer for every 10,000 residents. If all 10 applicants make it through the permitting process, Tracy will have double the number of cannabis retailers than Stockton. Stockton’s population is roughly 315,000, while Tracy has about 95,000 people. If the proposed amendment goes through, which council has indicated it unanimously supports, then Tracy will have more legal pot shops than Stockton. Let that sink in for a minute.
A September 17 letter to the Tracy City Council from the four companies who received a conditional Cannabis Business Permit from the Tracy Chief of Police in June 2021 outlined how Tracy’s proposed amendment will put Tracy atop of the State in terms of permits per population. Here is the chart they provided below:

Before we all shout, “We’re Number One”, answer these questions. Tracy does need to create jobs but are these the jobs we want to create? Will it actually create that many jobs? Are they sustainable incomes that will afford the employees an opportunity to buy homes in Tracy? Is this what we want Tracy to be known for? This isn’t a knock on these cannabis businesses, but we must temper our expectations. And while it’s easy for municipalities to look at cannabis retailers as cash cows for their coffers, they should pause a moment to reflect on the implications of that many cannabis retailers in Tracy.
Where will they all go?
Again, proponents may argue there is no guarantee all of these ten applicants will get permitted. But by authorizing 10 available permits eventually all ten permits will issue and ten stores will be operational. With that in mind, where will they be located? Tracy does not have that many commercial corridors. Do we want several in downtown? Do we want them in residential areas? This was a concern raised back in early 2019 when the city began considering allowing cannabis businesses in Tracy. We argue that it’s an even bigger concern now.
With Bill Dean at the head of Development Services, residents should be concerned. As we highlighted previously, Dean isn’t the person to be leading the charge with permitting these businesses. Development Services is a mess that has been led around on a leash by Councilmember Vargas with the support of then City Manager Jenny Haruyama. Right now, the City has an interim City Manager and an interim Development Services Director. Those are big shoes to fill.
Four permits are enough - period.
As opposed to amending the city’s Cannabis Ordinanc e just to appease rejected applicants while at the same time scrambling to better define the community benefits requirement, the city should a) hire an outside consultant to help remedy the clear issues with the screwy process Dean created and b) open the application process again with the original four allowable permits. While this will not sit well with the original four chosen in June, it fixes what was wrong from the start, makes it a more transparent and honest process, and eliminates t litigation risks. The approval committee also needs to be expanded beyond Dean and staff. At the end of the day, there is no rush to permit these cannabis businesses. (The delay won’t cause Tracy’s economy to go up in smoke.) They will all still be here in six month’s time if that’s what it takes to do it right, but it’s better for them and the community to do it right from the start, not make it up as we go like Bill Dean is famous for doing.

Dazed and Confused: Tracy's Cannabis Conundrum

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 17:04:00 GMT

It’s safe to say that anyone following or actively involved with the city’s retail cannabis permitting efforts has been left, well, dazed and confused. In less than three month, the city has gone from vetting and selecting four retail operators (per the existing code) to suddenly proposing an amendment to the municipal code to allow up to eleven storefront permits. Noted public policy expert Jeff Spicoli must be pleased.

To understand how we got here one must look no further than the disfunction at Tracy City Hall.
Interim Development Services Director Bill Dean has spearheaded the city’s cannabis permitting process. Dean and staff have worked on this matter dating back to early-2019. In January 2020, council then agreed to allowing only four retail operators or 1 for every 23,000 residents, as well as choosing an evaluation system versus lottery system (used by other municipalities) to award the four cannabis retail outlets.
Fast-forward eighteen months (nothing happens quickly at Tracy City Hall) to June 2021 and the city’s selection of four applicants after months of vetting. The city narrowed the original 41 applications for permits down to 10 which scored 80% or higher. Applicants were then required to submit community benefit plans (amongst other items) until the final four were chosen. As part of the selection process, however, Dean included an appeal process for applicants. Here’s where things get messy.

Jeff Spicoli

Seven of the applicants filed appeals citing issues with the selection process and most specifically issues with the community benefits and economic inclusion portions. Numerous applicants complained that Dean either misapplied or ignored the very rules he established. Because of Dean’s inability to explain why he followed the rules for some applications but not others, or other times simply ignoring his own rules altogether, opened the door to pressure from local influence peddlers that led to the proposed Ordinance Amendment. Sometime in between the June selections and the September 7 Special Council Hearing, the city proposed wholesale changes to a process agreed to 18 months earlier and thereafter followed by 41 applicants. Perhaps the most important change was increasing the number of drug dispensary outlets to 10 from four.

Bill Dean, Interim Development Services Director

The City’s sudden change in tack is a red flag and makes it clear that Bill Dean is managing with unconscious incompetence.
At the two public hearings in September and the one in early October, Dean stressed several times that they were learning as they went and will continue to do so until they get it right. Really? How much is Dean paid to “learn”? Tracy isn’t the first municipality to license cannabis retail. Further, there are professional consultants who advise city’s on how to do this. The city is happy to spend millions of taxpayer dollars on private consultants to prepare Vargas-Sandhu’s Specific Plan proposals, but they decline to hire consultants for cannabis, which is complicating and controversial given the nature of the business.

Dean is clearly out of his element. It’s difficult to know how much taxpayer dollars have gone into developing cannabis policies, vetting the applicants, etc but the City staff admits the amount is huge. For better or worse, Dean is the city’s cannabis expert. Why no one in City Hall, particularly the City Attorney, didn’t red flag some of these issues only further points to the city’s incompetence.
Staff incompetence, led by Bill Dean and enabled by the City Attorney painted the City Council into a corner. To cover up his misdeeds and ineptness and the City Attorney’s lack of mindfulness, Dean proposed increasing the number of cannabis outlets from 4 to 10. This makes Tracy a veritable Marijuana Mecca in the Central Valley.
Fearing protracted litigation from unsuccessful applicants disgruntled with Dean’s inconsistent and arbitrary application of rules he established, the City Council had few viable options. Meanwhile, Tracy residents will have to process how its city will have the lowest ratio of permittable retail cannabis businesses - 1 for every 10,000 residents - in the state. (More on this in our next post.)
However, the debacle over the cannabis permitting is just another issue, in a long line of issues, where Tracy City Hall failed its residents. The quick about face by City Council only highlights their mistrust that Bill Dean knows what he’s doing. The Council directed Dean and his department to get money from Surland to move forward with the Aquatic Center and yet nothing has been done.
More likely than not the failure to make progress on the Aquatic Center and the failure to build affordable housing in Tracy rests at the feet of Bill Dean. And that’s the sum of it, nothing gets done in Bill Dean’s bureaucratic neighborhood!

Is Bob Adams the Fixer that Tracy Needs?

Sun, 03 Oct 2021 17:21:00 GMT

It turns out that interim City Manager Bob Adams is a Winston Wolf for cities. He has quite the resume for it, having served as a City Manager for nearly 28-years, including 12 years with the City of Manteca. (It’s worth noting that current Mountain House Community Services District General Manager, Steven Pinkerton, succeeded Adams as Manteca’s City Manager in 2008 through 2011. Perhaps Tracy needs to look to Manteca for direction?)

Interim Tracy City Manager Bob Adams

After retiring from Manteca, he guided the City of Vallejo through its bankruptcy filing, followed by guiding the City of Desert Hot Springs away from the brink of bankruptcy. In short, he’s a fixer, and he might just be what Tracy needs given its current political environment.
Tracy is in desperate need of someone who can get things done.
While Tracy is in good shape financially, many critical issues require action. Take the homelessness issue in Tracy’s city parks, where the homeless have taken over, making them both unsafe and unsightly. El Pescadero Park on Grant Line Rd is a poster child example of the City losing control of City owned property. It is where the homeless have taken over, where there is a self-proclaimed “Mayor of El Pescadero Park,” a homeless man hailing from Stockton. He, along with his enforcer, runs the show at the Park. Both the City and the police know about him and yet nothing has been done. It is a complete breakdown of the social order.

The Tracy City Council acknowledges there is a homeless problem at our city parks, but they have yet to light a fire under the City staff to take tangible steps to address the issue. The police are hamstrung by homeless activists who decry disbanding the homeless camps as being insensitive. Further, if you move them to one place then they just go to another. It will take someone of Mr. Adams’ skillset to develop a plan with measurable results to take back our city parks, allowing families, particularly those with small children, to feel safe at their local park.
Manteca now has Great Wolf Lodge. It’s now time for Tracy to build the entire (not part of it) Aquatic Center now!
Why doesn’t our Council collect the eight million dollars Surland said they would give and get the aquatic center built? Mr. Adams’ highest priority should be to move the Aquatic Center forward to construction. Our community has waited long enough for the Aquatic Center. It is time for the endless studies, reports, and council workshops to end! In the words of that venerated philosopher Larry the Cable Guy, “Git-R-Done.” Former City Manager Jenny Haruyama didn’t succeed in moving either project to construction. The result (as shown by local resident Dan Evans) Tracy residents now must travel to Manteca’s Great Wolf Lodge to enjoy a water park, spending on average over $200 per visit in Manteca. That’s both expensive and a missed revenue opportunity for Tracy.

We can also look to Manteca’s sports fields, such as Big League Dreams, and wonder when Tracy will follow through with its own high class facility for its children. We hope Bob Adams, who helped create a “Can Do” philosophy in Manteca can share that culture with the poky and bloated bureaucrats running our City.

Vargas Is Making the Rounds for the Westside Specific Plan

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 18:03:00 GMT

A source inside City Hall tells us that embattled City Council Member Veronica Vargas is working hard to secure a third vote for the Westside Specific Plan, targeting specifically Councilman Arriola. Vargas knows there isn’t majority support for Sandhu’s Plan to build massive warehouses at the gateway to Tracy. She needs a third vote and believes that Arriola will move her way.

But what is more concerning is that Vargas still believes that her conflict of interest with Patterson Petroleum will no longer prevent her from voting on the matter starting in 2022. (Read more about it here .) Based on her public comments, we can infer that her contract with the company is coming to an end. However, with Vargas’ habitual unethical behavior as an elected official in Tracy, does anyone remotely believe that she is telling the truth?

Vargas is seeking to secure Arriola's vote.

Vargas’ Trumark Homes and Surland Companies’ Controversy
To help answer that question, we should start at what led Vargas to be found guilty by the FPPC this past May (read more here ), in her scandal with Trumark Homes and Surland regarding the Ellis development. Vargas worked for Trumark Homes when she was elected to Tracy City Council. Trumark wanted to buy land to develop homes in Surland’s Ellis project. Vargas, in turns out, was acting the mediator in the negotiations both as an employee of Trumark and as an elected official of Tracy.
Vargas worked hard to cover her blatant conflict of interest issue regarding Trumark Homes. She sent emails to the City Manager asking to be removed from any correspondence, etc. But then she turned around and sent emails to the city from her Trumark Homes email account asking specific questions about the project. She even went as far as attending meetings between the city, Trumark and Surland. As a local developer in Tracy, Surland stood to benefit from making Council Member Vargas happy, as developers know it pays to have friends on council, and if the City Manager didn’t have an issue with it, then why should they.
The word of Vargas’ conflict issue with Trumark Homes eventually was brought to light by local attorney Steve Nicolaou, who reviewed emails from a public request and then filed an ethics complaint with the FPPC. (Read more about it here .) The Ellis deal never came to fruition for Vargas, Trumark and Surland. The reasoning behind why it didn’t come together are unknown. However, it’s safe to say that no one would believe Vargas or the developers anyway, so the reasons don’t really matter!
Vargas’ Unethical Behavior Cannot Go Unchecked
Vargas should not be allowed to vote on the Westside Specific Plan. Once a conflict of interest, always a conflict of interest. Interim City Manager Robert Adams should be on full notice not to trust her. She has been associated with, pandered to, and brokered deals on behalf of nearly every major developer in Tracy, including the Westside Specific Plan property owner Mike Sandhu. Tracy residents must continue to call for transparency on Vargas’ business dealings, particularly as it relates to the major development projects like the Westside and Downtown TOD Specific Plans. A small fine by the FPPC will not deter Veronica Vargas from moving her agenda forward. Tracy residents beware!

Vargas and Sandhu

Tracy City Council's Westside Specific Plan Debacle

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 18:19:00 GMT

The city council's previous meeting on the Westside Specific Plan was muddled from the outset, with staff and their high-priced consultants giving deference to and seeking direction from council on how to proceed forward with the Plan’s development. In short, staff asked council to give them a land use (zoning) designation for the 536-acre project allowing them to study and prepare the impacts of such designation for their [council’s] future consideration. It seems a simple enough task but not for Tracy’s city council.
Vargas recuses herself until next year?
Veronica Vargas never fails to disappoint. After the Mayor introduced the matter, Vargas was quick to jump in to recuse herself, as she did back in April, because her client Patterson Petroleum LLC owns land in the project area. There are many questions that surround Vargas’ recusal, something that we wrote about last April (read more here ), including the very suspicious timing of her recusal. For instance, why hadn’t she recused herself during the Tracy Gateway discussions and council actions? However, as you’ll see in the video below, Vargas dropped a short but significant statement at the end of her recusal.

Vargas is indicating that in 2022, Patterson Petroleum will no longer be her client, thus allowing her the freedom to vote on the Westside Plan. But does this really clear her conflict of interest? Won’t she still have prejudice given her past dealings with them? Won’t she want to help them for future business? Is there anything stopping her from going off their payroll for a couple of months, vote in their favor, and then return to their payroll? It would seem to set a terrible precedent having a developer give a sitting council member money, terminate their business contract, then the council member voting in favor of their project. Isn’t that a bribe? If it walks like a duck and sounds like a duck…
Given Vargas’ history, including a guilty verdict by the FPPC for failing to disclose a business affiliation with council matters, is there anyone who trusts that Vargas does not have any financial ties to the Westside development. Once she has a conflict of interest, it should remain in place. She needs to continue abstaining on anything related to the Westside Specific Plan. She took money from one of the developers. She can’t claim the conflict expires.
The “panhandle” or, as it’s more commonly referred “the gateway,” land use designation is at the heart of the issue.
The “panhandle” portion of the property (seen in the blue boxes below) shares a border along the 205.

Developer Mike Sandhu wants to build industrial warehouses in this area arguing that there is no longer a market for office space, etc. The problem, however, is that NO ONE - not residents nor the majority of council members - wants industrial warehouses along the 205. Staff and Kimley-Horn, therefore, as a means of compromise, decided to give residents two land use designation alternatives from which to choose: a) Business Park Industrial or b) Residential - Medium High. The survey results indicated that a majority of residents prefer Alternative A versus B, though again stressing they do not want industrial warehouses, distribution centers, etc. Here’s where council stumbled over themselves on Tuesday night.
Stalemate!
For hours staff and council went round-and-round in circles debating how to proceed forward. Council members Davis, Bedolla and even Arriola made it clear they do not support industrial warehouses within the “panhandle.” Bedolla made a motion, seconded by Davis, to support (in general) an office space-hospital/healthcare specific land use designation, thus ruling out the possibility of warehouses. Mayor Young and Arriola, however, voted “no” to the motion, noting that it was too narrow of scope and that the land owners would never agree to that motion.
Arriola then made a motion, seconded by Mayor Young, to support Alternative A: Business Park Industrial in the “panhandle” with the condition of no industrial warehouses along the 205. Both Davis and Bedolla voted against the measure, both with opposition to ‘industrial’ use definitions. Staff, for instance, showed industrial parks that were not ‘warehouses’ but, for the most part, the building examples all looked similar to warehouses minus the significant amount of trucks. But both Davis and Bedolla rightly so remained skeptical with Alternative A. Why? Look no further than the same land use designation for the Cordes Ranch Specific Plan.
The Cordes Ranch Specific Plan has a Business Park Industrial (BPI) land designation within it. The BPI zoning includes all of the things that a majority of residents are looking to avoid at the gateway to Tracy. It’s therefore hard to believe that the property owners will agree to conditions that limit the primary uses designated within the BPI zone.
At the end of the night, Mayor Young took the advice of counsel and made the motion to table the matter, allowing staff/consultants time to come back with more concrete options/direction for council. From one perspective, one could applaud council for listening to the community by not supporting industrial warehouses in the “panhandle.” From another perspective, it was clear that council had no idea what to do.

At the end of the night, Mayor Young took the advice of counsel and made the motion to table the matter, allowing staff/consultants time to come back with more concrete options/direction for council. From one perspective, one could applaud council for listening to the community by not supporting industrial warehouses in the “panhandle.” From another perspective, it was clear that council had no idea what to do.

Tracy does NOT want to be Hayward (no offense).
Give former Mayor Rickman credit where credit is due. He said from the outset that Tracy does not want the gateway to the city to resemble what has happened in Hayward. If one is traveling north on 880 into Hayward, the gateway to their city is nothing more than non-descript industrial buildings and warehouses that are as much uninviting as they are unsightly. The below image illustrates from above the massive amount of industrial buildings surrounding 880 from the southern part of Hayward through central Hayward.

Aerial view of Hayward's gateway along 880

There is nothing inviting for people passing through this portion of 880 in Hayward. There is no shopping, restaurant, etc options to pull people off the freeway and into the community to spend time and, more importantly, money. Rickman wanted to avoid the same thing happening to Tracy, thus encouraging the city to move more towards what Dublin has done along their freeway access points.
Dublin has done the opposite of Hayward in building desirable and inviting commercial, retail, and mixed-use options along 580 that draw people into their community. People commuting through Dublin and residents throughout the Tri-Valley area frequent the commercial centers in Dublin. It’s working as new, upscale grocery stores and businesses continue to open in these centers in Dublin. We encourage Tracy’s City Council to take a drive to both Dublin and Hayward to determine which community they would prefer to emulate.

Don’t Let The Door Hit You On The Way Out…

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 18:38:00 GMT

Jenny Haruyama’s last day as Tracy’s City Manager was yesterday. Her tenure will forever be tied to that of City Council Member Veronica Vargas, who in tandem pushed forward Vargas' agenda for wealthy private land developer client like Mike Sandhu, political allies such as the Mitrocas’, and protect her husband from his questionable activities as a public employee. As mentioned in our previous post, Haruyama’s departing gift to the taxpayers was moving forward Sandhu’s warehouse project the Westside Specific Plan. (The Tracy City Council is set to discuss that matter in tonight’s public hearing. More on that here .)

She also played a significant role in shoving the Downtown TOD Specific Plan down the throats of Tracy taxpayers. Fresh off the majority of voter overwhelmingly rejecting Measure Y, Haruyama, at the beckoning of Vargas and Sandhu, secured another $500,000 of taxpayer money to push forward the taxpayer rejected Plan. Haruyama even had the audacity to place the item on the Consent Calendar of the March agenda until concerned residents caught her in the act. (Remember her fealty to Vargas started during the city manager interview process. See our article here .)

Haruyama departs for Beaverton, Oregon with her conscious at ease knowing that she did all that Council Member Vargas asked of her. What happens to the several projects still in limbo is now not of her concern. Tracy’s gateway and downtown and eastside are no longer her concerns. Her departure for Oregon could not have come soon enough, as the soon-to-be termed-out Vargas will do whatever she can to get her business interests’ projects approved. Let’s hope the next City Manager will be as pragmatic as they are an independent thinker. (Note that the City Council will look to announce an interim City Manager at tonight’s meeting.)
What will Haruyama’s departure do for Vargas’ power structure? It will be interesting to see how deep her tentacles go into City Hall and staff in particular.

It’s an interesting question given that Vargas is losing a major ally in City Hall. Vargas has no apparent allies on City Council (though some members on council are softening on Vargas right before everyone’s eyes), so she cannot rely on them to support her agenda. However, we’ll all know soon enough if it was Haruyama directing the clones in the Community Development Department to do Vargas’ bidding or if it’s been Vargas driving the bus all along. Over the last several years, staff has been enthusiastic about Vargas backed projects and much less enthusiastic over others. Time will soon tell what Vargas is able or not able to accomplish without Haruyama's help. None-the-less, we should all be watching to make certain she doesn't wrap herself around the interim City Manager, as it will be months before a permanent replacement will be found.

Council Member Vargas in better times.

Do you trust the Gateway to Tracy's future with Vargas and Sandhu?

Sat, 14 Aug 2021 18:45:00 GMT

Tuesday Night's City Council Hearing On The Westside Specific Plan Will Further Determine The Development Area's Land Use Designation And Future
Outgoing City Manager Jenny Haruyama's swan song to the residents of Tracy is pushing forward the Westside Specific Plan (aka "Tracy Gateway") on behalf of Council Member Vargas and wealthy private developer Mike Sandhu. Haruyama approved holding a community meeting (61 people attended) and to launch an online survey (421 total responses) in late July during the summer break to gather public input. It's worth noting that Tracy has a population of 100,000 people, so it will be interesting to hear how Kimley-Horn Associates spin the outreach effort and response.

It's no secret that majority property owner Mike Sandhu wants to build an industrial park filled with warehouses. Sandhu does not view things in the same way as regular Tracy residents. He views everything through the lens of dollar signs. From his perspective, massive million square foot warehouses at Tracy's Gateway are a thing of beauty, ultimately because it means big money for him. 24-hour, 7 days a week non-stop diesel trucks burdening the roads? A small price to pay, he'll argue, for the business and job creation. (But just ask around if warehouse jobs will afford you a new house in Tracy?)
As for Veronica Vargas, serving in her last term as an elected city council member, her interests are that of Sandhu's. What he wants, she wants. It was no doubt Vargas' recommendation to rebrand "Tracy Gateway" in order to meet Sandhu's desire to build warehouses. "Tracy Gateway" was meant for office parks, retail, a hospital, etc to generate vibrancy and sustainable jobs for Tracy residents. That's not enough ROI for Sandhu and the other property owners, so Vargas has led the effort to meet their interests with the Westside Specific Plan. The concerns of the resident s living in the area, the daily commuters, and those who feel that Tracy can do better than warehouses fall on deaf ears with Vargas, despite what she might say on the dais.
The implications of Tuesday's Council Meeting on the Westside Specific Plan are significant.
While the agenda item is to "provide direction to staff," the wheels are already in motion for Vargas and Sandhu. Per the staff report -
"Following tonight’s City Council meeting, City staff will incorporate direction from the City Council in working with KHA and the property owners to develop a Draft Specific Plan and a Draft EIR for public review...Once the Draft Specific Plan is prepared, staff anticipates approximately two months of public review, followed by public hearings by the Planning Commission and City Council prior to final adoption. If significant policy or land-use changes are proposed or warrant City Council review, additional updates or direction from City Council will be scheduled."
Staff hopes to bring the matter back to City Council before the end of the year. That's a quick time line and, at that point, will be difficult for residents to alter/stop the project.
Please attend Tuesday night's meeting and let your voice be heard!
The meeting starts at 7:00 PM and can be attended online if you cannot make it into City Hall.

A copy of the agenda and staff report can be accessed here .
The meetings are streamed online which can be accessed here .

Westside (aka Tracy Gateway) Specific Plan’s Poorly Timed Community Meeting

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 18:51:00 GMT

The City/Kimley-Horn’s decision to solicit community input for one of Tracy’s largest potential developments – the Westside Specific Plan – during the summer break was a bad albeit strategic decision. Local governments are notorious for pushing through controversial projects during times that people are most occupied – July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. The summer is no different. The kids are out of school and people travel. And people are traveling even more this summer following a year of lockdown from Covid. With all this in mind, it isn’t surprising then that the City encouraged their consultants to solicit community input during this time.

The City is also moving expeditiously on this project given that City Manager Jenny Haruyama is heading out the door. Council Member Veronica Vargas and wealthy independent developer and major Westside property owner Mike Sandhu want to do as much as they can before Haruyama leaves for Beaverton, Oregon. (Read more about their relationship here .) Vargas has spearheaded moving through Sandhu’s development intentions for the former Tracy Gateway site with the help of Haruyama. The City Manager has the final authority to put items on the council’s agendas, so as long as she’s in office, the taxpayers are at her mercy.

Still time – but not much time - to have your voice heard!

The City is still accepting public feedback until August 4th. To submit your comments and to take the survey click here .

Per the community meeting, planning staff indicated that they intend to bring the recommended land use designation before the city on August 17th. The City Council is the deciding body on the future zoning and land use designation for the Westside Specific Plan.

· August 4th – Public Comment Period Closes

· August 17th – Target Date for City Council to Make Decision

Westside major property owner Mike Sandhu wants the land use to be industrial/warehouse zoning.

Mike Sandhu wants warehouses, Prologis or otherwise, developed on that site. He also wants dense housing. If he can’t have housing, then he wants warehouses. The amount of diesel truck and additional vehicle traffic warehouses will generate is not his concern. Safety is not his concern. He doesn’t care about the neighbors that live in the area. His main focus is revenue generation for Mike Sandhu. More background on this issue can be found here .

Tracy Gateway was not sold as industrial development.

The main reason a majority of residents were in support of Tracy Gateway was the objective to bring sustainable, well-paying jobs to Tracy. Tracy does not want to be a bedroom for the Bay Area. The city lacks high paying jobs that will allow residents an opportunity to live and work comfortably in the city the live. Warehouse jobs are not high-paying jobs. Warehouse jobs do not allow people to buy a new home in Tracy, a city which is short on affordable housing options.

The Westside Specific Plan area is a major gateway into Tracy. The last thing the city needs is for massive warehouses to welcome people into Tracy. Tracy needs sustainable jobs, growth opportunities, and additional retail options.

Patrick Vargas Placed on Administrative Leave

Sat, 26 Jun 2021 18:58:00 GMT

South San Joaquin County Fire Authority Division Chief Patrick Vargas has officially been placed on administrative leave. Sources indicate that Vargas was placed on leave following an internal investigation that Transparent Tracy reported on back in April. Read more about that here . There are rumors abound as to why Tracy City Council Member Veronica Vargas’ husband was placed on leave but, until the Fire Authority makes a public statement about the matter, we will not speculate as to the decision behind the sordid affair. Nevertheless, it’s not looking good for Vargas.

Of course, this isn’t the first time Patrick Vargas has been on the hot seat with Tracy Fire. He was given a 1995 felony conviction for wire fraud of $138,000 from the Tracy Fire Department. That’s right, he stole money from his own department who, in one of the most corrupt and confusing decisions by then Tracy Fire Chief Chris Bosch, kept Vargas employed during his four-month stint in prison. You can read more about this here .
The breaking news of Vargas placed on administrative leave follows Veronica Vargas giving her husband a romantic message at the last city council meeting. See below -

On the upside for the Vargas’, they can now spend several days together celebrating their anniversary, as there is no rush for Patrick to get back to work!
We’ll keep everyone updated as we learn additional information. In the meantime, keep sending us tips.

Let Stockton’s City Manager Hiring be a Warning to Tracy

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 19:44:00 GMT

Tracy City Manager Jenny Haruyama’s departure for Beaverton, Oregon opens the door for new City Hall management. Her successor will be a critical choice for Tracy taxpayers. As previously reported, Haruyama was instrumental in getting Vargas’ pet projects, i.e. the Downtown TOD and Gateway Specific Plans, on the city’s agenda. (The backstory about the Haruyama-Vargas untoward alliance can be found here .) Both of those projects will come back for public input and city council consideration at some point in the near future, so having an unbiased City Manager in place will be critical. It offers a chance to correct a fixed decision recommended by a staff unduly influenced by Vargas.
While Tracy looks to fill its top management position, it can look to its neighbor in Stockton to see how NOT to hire a City Manager.
The last thing you want with any new hire is controversy, but that’s exactly what Stockton got when hiring Harry Black. In January of 2020, Black was hired as City Manager and given a $270,000 per year contract with benefits. Stockton City Council made this decision despite the fact that Black’s only City Manager experience was in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he resigned on the afternoon before a council meeting where he was expected to be fired, following weeks enflamed by a public and toxic tussle with Cincinnati’s Mayor John Cranley, who hired him in 2014.

Black alleged a hostile work environment and left open possibly filing legal action against the City of Cincinnati. Black further accused Mayor Cranley, in a memo to the city council, of making shady backroom deals with developers. Meanwhile, a deputy city manager came forward and accused Black of requiring employees to swear loyalty oaths to him. See the link here .
Mayor Cranley countered these accusations by claiming that Black’s strongest supporter on city council was telling people that Black had a drinking problem and needed to attend AA meetings. Subsequently, when asked about Black's drinking problems, the council member didn’t deny it and instead explained that he “always responds to people’s struggles with compassion.” See the link here .

Stockton City Manager

It makes one ponder how Les Nessman would report the Harry Black scandal at Cincy City Hall?

Although Black’s contract omitted a severance package, the Cincinnati City Council ultimately agreed to pay Black a severance package worth about one year's salary. Later, however, council added more money to the pot with a legal settlement that increased Black's total compensation to $644,000. Ouch!
In 2019, Black was a finalist for the City Manager positions in both Corpus Christi, Texas and Gainesville, Florida but was ultimately not hired. Although details of those city’s hiring decisions were not made public, it likely came down to character and lack of experience. The City of Stockton, however, didn’t blink an eye to any of these issues. Former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs was thrilled with the hiring of Black. But it’s safe to say that Stockton voters were not thrilled with either Tubbs or Black.

Tubbs was soundly defeated for reelection and left town. His best friend was defeated for reelection as a school board member and left town. Tubbs' other main supporter on the school board resigned and left town. A major supporter and recipient of school district and city contracts was indicted for child molestation. Yet Black remains.
Tracy taxpayers must demand that the hiring of the new City Manager be transparent.
Tracy faces critical issues beyond even Veronica Vargas’ pet projects, including dealing with a COVID related revenue shortfall. The City needs strong leadership coupled with a wise and supportive staff.
Ultimately, having an unbiased City Manager will help move the City in the right direction. Let’s hope some lessons are learned from Stockton’s mistake.

Former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs During Happier Times

City Manager Haruyama Walks as House of Vargas Burns

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 20:34:00 GMT

In the midst of controversy after controversy in City Hall at the hands of Council Member Veronica Vargas, City Manager Jenny Haruyama is retiring from the city after accepting the newly created City Manager position in Beaverton, Oregon. Read the news here .

Retiring Tracy City Manager Jenny Haruyama

Her retirement comes as a shock given how hard Haruyama worked to return to Tracy. She previously served as the Administrative Services Director for two years before leaving in 2014. She returned in early 2019 as City Manager, so it makes one wonder what is happening in Tracy City Hall for her to walk away from her cozy $254,800 annual salary after just two years?
Haruyama’s retirement means Vargas is losing her key ally in City Hall.

Veronica Vargas cannot be happy with this news. She worked hard to get Haruyama hired, even holding separate closed-door meetings during the interview process to give Jenny the leg up in securing the City Manager position. (More on that here .) Vargas’ efforts paid off, as Haruyama pushed forward Vargas’ agenda on behalf of her wealthy developer clients and associates since being hired. (It’s certain that developer Mike Sandhu is not too happy about this news as well!)
Perhaps carrying Vargas’ water became too much for Haruyama; she’s getting out while her reputation is still good.

It would take someone deaf, dumb and blind to not know that Veronica Vargas is toxic. Where she goes controversy follows ( fellow council members beware! ). The recent FPPC rulings against Vargas over her lack of ethics and conflicts of interest is just more fuel to the already burning fire. Haruyama is smart enough to see that sticking with Veronica means going down with the titanic. She’s getting out. But her brief legacy will still be felt. From Measure V to the Downtown TOD and Tracy Gateway Specific Plans, Haruyama and Vargas have cost Tracy taxpayers millions of dollars and residents are not in the clear yet. Vargas still has two years remaining before she is termed out. Additional damage can still be done!

Embattled Council Member Vargas

Residents must call on transparency in the hiring of the next City Manager.
Taxpayers cannot afford to allow Vargas to manipulate the hiring process as she did with Haruyama. There is a lot at stake for the next few years. Vargas has her personal agenda that she and Haruyama have already set in motion. If her agenda goes unquestioned, and Vargas gets in with the new City Manager, it could have last implications on the city. At this point, few city staffers can be trusted. It’s hard to say who else Vargas has gotten to. The new City Manager must come from the outside.
Adieu, adieu, adieu…
While Haruyama’s sudden departure raises many questions, her departure will prove critical in stopping Vargas’ not-so-hidden agenda. And for those who feel bad for Haruyama’s retirement – don’t. After 25+ years employment in California local government, Haruyama’s ‘retirement’ means that she’s fully vested with CalPERS, meaning she’ll collect retirement money from California while working full-time at her $180,000 per year job in Beaverton, Oregon. The ridiculousness of how that can possibly happen is for another day!
For now, let’s just sit back and watch to see if Haruyama’s departure is the first of others feeling the heat.
Side Note: Thank you for the tips about this story before it broke in the Beaverton press!

FPPC to Vargas: You Have a Conflict of Interest

Sun, 30 May 2021 22:13:00 GMT

In a win for Tracy taxpayers, the State’s ethics body – the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) –with the power to rule on the ethical conduct of elected officials recently ruled that it is unethical for Veronica Vargas to participate in any decision involving contracts between City fire personnel and the South San Joaquin County Fire Authority. The ruling is timely given the City is currently reviewing the draft plan that will, in short, officially join the City’s Fire Department personnel with the Authority. This is the second FPPC ruling against Vargas within the last several weeks. Read about the other decision here .

Veronica Vargas

Patrick Vargas

Because Council Member Vargas is a ‘public officer’ who is married to Patrick Vargas, a Division Fire Chief in the City’s Fire Department, her interest in the contract is sufficient to prevent her from participating in any manner concerning the contract. (If you would like to learn more about Patrick Vargas’ felony conviction for wire fraud of $138,000 from the Tracy Fire Department click here .) Below is an excerpt from the FPPC’s decision -

The ruling is an obvious setback for Veronica, who has managed for years to avoid having to recuse herself from Tracy Fire Department matters by the FPPC. In 2015, the conflict of interest issue came up between Vargas and other council members, as to whether she should recuse herself from making any policy decisions involving the department. As reported by the Tracy Press, then City Attorney Sodergren said it was up to the FPPC. (Read the article here .)

The FPPC response was that as long as any agreements didn’t result in “new or different employment for her husband” then she could participate. However, they continued by stating that “elected officials should use common sense” and that they should, “Err on the side of avoiding potential conflicts of interest, as opposed to putting oneself into the potential of an appearance of conflict.” Advice Vargas has clearly chosen to ignore in all her years as a Tracy elected official!
In January 2019, the issue arose again after the City Council inexplicably chose Vargas as an alternate to the Authority Board. The Board provides oversight to the appointed Chief Executive Officer/Fire Chief for the Authority, as well as setting budget and strategic priorities. Again, the FPPC ruled that as long as any decision, “…would not have a reasonably foreseeable, material effect on her personal finances” then she could participate.
Why the FPPC Decision Matters
The FPPC’s decision has significant implications. First, it prevents Veronica Vargas from trying to influence any decisions that can benefit her personally. It goes without saying that if her husband gets a raise, then she gets a raise. And, as we’ve attested, she lacks ethics when it comes to making decisions that benefit her clients and business associates. In short, she will stop at nothing to move her personal agenda.
Second, the decision may save the South San Joaquin County Fire Authority from falling apart. Rumblings from City Hall tell us some, Veronica Vargas included, oppose unification of the City Fire Department with the Tracy Rural Fire Protection District. Why? It’s difficult to say definitively. Some fire fighters prefer being an autonomous entity from the City. Other sources tell us Veronica believes her husband Patrick should be the Fire Chief. If she can’t make that happen with the Fire Authority, then perhaps her goal is to make him chief of the District with the help of her pal the City Manager. No matter her motives, Vargas will find it harder to influence these decisions by having to recuse herself. Third, she has demonstrated a history of disrespecting ethical conflicts. She was recently found guilty of omitting her income from Trumark Homes, a Bay area developer looking to build in Tracy. We understand she was a full time salaried employ of Trumark. How do you forget where you go to work every day? And, while she said she would recuse herself from voting on Trumark matters that were placed on the City Council agenda, the Tracy Press reports that City Hall emails show she continued lobbying the City staff on behalf of Trumark. So, her statement that she never voted on a Trumark matter is technically true but leaves a false impression: she continued to advocate for Trumark’s economic interests while serving on the City Council and drawing a salary from Trumark.

Vargas Found Guilty by FPPC

Tue, 18 May 2021 22:23:00 GMT

The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) found City Council Member Veronica Vargas guilty of violating the state’s ethics rules for failure “…to timely report a source of income on her 2015 and 2016 Annual Statements of Economic Interest, in violation of Government Code Section 87207.”

Vargas didn’t even argue or deny the charges and instead signed the following statement, “I acknowledge that the violation(s) of the Political Reform Act described above have occurred…(and I)…voluntarily waive any and all procedural rights to contest this matter in an administrative hearing.”
Vargas’ guilty verdict by the FPPC is only a small bit of justice but justice none-the-less.

Embattled Council Member Veronica Vargas

The FPPC investigation dates back to December of 2018 when Tracy Attorney Steve Nicolauo filed a complaint over Vargas’ allegations that she used her role on City Council to benefit her former employer Trumark Homes. Transparent Tracy reported about this previously in our March “Vargas’ FPPC Investigation Rolls On” post ( read here ).
The fact that Vargas chose not to contest the accusations in any manner speaks volumes about her lack of ethics as an elected official. She knew that she was guilty and chose to acknowledge it only after it was brought to light by Nicolauo. She took an oath and violated the public trust in the process. Remember, this is the same council member who rejected a proposed ethics policy (that she proposed ironically), because she thought it went too far in its reach.
What else has Vargas failed to report?
The FPPC verdict validates our claims that Veronica Vargas is using her position as a city council member to push forward the agendas of her professional affiliations. Vargas’ blatant pandering to the wealthy private developer Mike Sandhu and her close friends in real estate Mary and Pete Mitrocas is without debate. One only has to look at the major development items and political Measures she has pushed and backed over the last several years. (We welcome you to review our previous posts if you don’t know what we’re referencing.) Only recently has Vargas recused herself on an item for a conflict of interest she has with Patterson Petroleum ( more on that here ).
The FPPC verdict also begs the question as to what else Vargas has failed to report? Her source of income and her W-2 form were from Trumark Homes! How did she “forget” who she worked for? By omitting Trumark Homes from here statement of economic interest she could serve as a council person and advocate with City staff for Trumark’s development interests. This type of conniving lead her to make certain to help get Jenny Haruyama hired as City Manager. That is why she positioned herself on the Valley Link Board of Directors. She forgot she worked for Trumark and now forgets she works for us.

From Minivan to Maserati Part II: It’s Life in the Fast Lane for Vargas

Sun, 16 May 2021 22:29:00 GMT

Following our previous “From Minivan to Maserati” post ( read here ), we received several emails confirming that Veronica Vargas is driving around Tracy in a Maserati. When one considers that Vargas lives in a home valued over a million dollars, it’s not so shocking that she is driving around in such a car. Still, Maserati’s are expensive - really expensive. We cannot confirm the model Vargas has, but the least expensive model on the Maserati website is the Ghibli which starts at $74,740 up to $104,890 for the Quattroporte. None-the-less, with the 2019 median household income in Tracy was $92,046 according to the U.S. Census Bureau, it’s safe to say that Vargas is living life in the fast lane based on Tracy’s standards.

Source: MaseratiUSA.com

So how did the small business owner Vargas, who is married to a firefighter, come into driving a Maserati? It should be no surprise that it has ties to Mike Sandhu.
Friends in High Places.
A source tells us that Vargas was introduced to Jay Gill of the Gill Automotive Group by Mike Sandhu. Mr. Gill owns, amongst several other dealerships, Maserati Livermore. Apparently, the trio were exploring another Sandhu development in Tracy that would include a Gill-owned dealership (there are two already in Tracy). In addition, according to the source, Gill hired Veronica’s Agora Land Consulting company to help get a dealership built in Dublin, California. The Gill Automotive Group website doesn’t list a Dublin dealership, so we cannot verify if anything came to fruition from this collaboration.

The Sandhu Money Train
Without a doubt, Vargas’ supporters from Tracy Rant & Raves will come to her side claiming that there is nothing wrong with her driving a Maserati and that we’re just jealous… First, yes, we are jealous! Second, the point of this post is to highlight that Vargas has direct ties and links to Tracy’s major landowners and developers. Third, she is clearly benefiting from these relationships given her rise in status in Tracy. Fourth, Vargas is the focus of an ongoing FPPC investigation into unethical behavior on city council. Fifth, Vargas was one of the deciding dissenting votes on adopting an ethics policy in Tracy. Sixth, and most importantly, this has all happened DURING her time on Tracy City Council.
Vargas was elected in 2014. She started her company, Agora Land Consulting Inc, in 2017. The Vargas’ bought their current house in 2017. And while this all could be coincidental, with Veronica we know that it is not. When Veronica became a Tracy Planning Commissioner and later City Council Member, in 2014 she was working for Trumark Homes. In 2017, Vargas left Trumark Homes and soon began working with Sandhu affiliates.
Once Vargas went off on her own, her activity on council became significantly more active and calculated. She used her role on the Valley Link Board of Directors to push the City of Tracy to include Sandhu’s property in the Downtown TOD Specific Plan, when his property isn’t even in downtown. She directed the City to push Measure Y that would have benefited Mike Sandhu. And even though Measure Y lost in November, she continued to push through the Downtown TOD Specific Plan study and funding. She also directed the City to changing the Tracy Gateway project to benefit Mike Sandhu and at the cost to taxpayers.
When one starts to add all of Vargas’ actions on behalf of Mike Sandhu alone, it becomes clearer how a soccer mom goes from minivan to Maserati!

From Minivan to Maserati: Why We Must Watchdog Our Elected Officials

Mon, 03 May 2021 16:11:00 GMT

“Show me a man that gets rich by being a politician, and I'll show you a crook.” - President Harry S. Truman

President Truman’s words of wisdom still ring true today. At the Federal level, it’s difficult to monitor the gained wealth of those elected officials because of the propensity by American voters to elect wealthy individuals into office. However, at the local level, it is somewhat easier to track the happenings of our elected officials.
We see our city council members in our community, eating at restaurants, attending school events, shopping at the local grocery store. In general, the average resident does not pay that much close attention to their council members. The hope is that we do not have to pay close attention! We like to think that these individuals have the best interests of the City in mind and that they govern ethically. But Tracy residents cannot be so laissez faire.
Tracy City Council’s Ethics Struggles
It says something about a City when it takes a San Joaquin County Grand Jury and Judge to force the city council to adopt a “Code of Conduct” because of actions by its elected members. To know one’s surprise, Council Member Veronica Vargas was at the heart of the Grand Jury’s investigation. In 2017, a local resident became concerned with conflict of interest issues Vargas’ had between her then employer’s development efforts in Tracy and her role as an elected official. (It’s again worth noting that the FPPC investigation into Vargas’ actions is still pending.)
The Grand Jury thought it serious enough to investigate the matter further and, coupled with the amount of public animosity demonstrated between the council members during public meetings, to “…determine if the adoption of an Ethics Policy could provide the necessary guidance to help avoid such missteps, real or perceived, from occurring in the future.” In short, the Grand Jury determined that the lack of any adopted ethics policy in Tracy was problematic and needed to be adopted.

In April 2017, the Tracy City Council voted 3-2 to reject the adoption of a then proposed ethics policy. It shouldn’t come as a shock that Veronica Vargas was the deciding vote against adopting the policy, even though she was the council member who proposed that staff draft a policy in the first place. According to the Tracy Press article, “Vargas said she felt the proposal infringed on her ability to vote on issues as an elected representative.” Read the article here .
It wasn’t until October of 2019 that the City adopted its “Code of Conduct” policy.
It took the City a year following the Grand Jury report and direction of Hon. Linda Lofthus, Presiding Judge San Joaquin County Superior Court to adopt the policy. There are many questions as to why it took the City of Tracy to adopt such policy but, in short, it comes down to the City’s lack of desire to do anything until forced to do so. It shouldn’t have to be that way but that is why the citizens must pay attention to its elected officials and City’s actions.
Here is the City’s Code of Conduct policy that we encourage you to read.

However, below is an excerpt from the report that we would like to highlight the “Appearance of Impropriety” section. It’s very relevant when considering some of the actions by key council members just this year alone.

Our obligation to watchdog our elected officials
There are good people on Tracy’s city council. However, even good people do bad things. Tracy is in a continual struggle to define itself. Certain wealthy individuals want the city to become ‘their’ vision of Tracy. They are using their money and influence to persuade the city council to act on their behalf. It is important that we watch our council members to make certain they are not gaining financially from these lobbying and backroom deals. So keep an eye out for elected officials going from minivans to Maseratis!

Trees Over Children

Sun, 18 Apr 2021 16:25:00 GMT

One of the reasons Transparent Tracy was started is that the average resident is too busy - too busy with their families, their jobs, their commutes, etcetera - to have to then also monitor the happenings at City Hall. The majority of people don’t want or have time to attend planning commission meetings or city council meetings. The meetings are boring and long. Items are deliberately placed on the agenda in a deceptive way. The problem though is that decisions are being made in these meetings that either directly or indirectly impact everyone’s lives in Tracy. Sure, some decisions are bigger than others, but they all matter to some degree. Take the issue over Measure V funding as an example.
At one of the recent city council meetings, the allocation of Measure V funding was a key agenda item. Measure V is the half-cent sales tax that voters approved to fund major city projects, such as Legacy Fields. As you see below, the projects the council discussed funding have been ongoing for years. The aquatic center funding or lack of funding has been going on for 15+ years.

City Council eventually agreed with Council Member Dan Arriola’s recommendation to prioritize funding for Legacy Fields. This decision is sensible because it prioritizes the needs of our youth. Little league and youth baseball are popular in Tracy. Parks where children can play sports and be active are a necessity in Tracy. Tracy also needs an aquatic center and rec center for our City’s children. But this is where things get interesting and also back to our main point. In the Tracy Press’ article, “Council puts Legacy Fields as top Measure V priority” article of the Tracy Press, the paper made a passing yet significant reference to funding for a nature park. Read the full article . Here’s the excerpt –

It should of no surprise that the council member who brought-up and supported this recommendation to divert a significant portion of the Measure V funding from youth activities is none other than Veronica Vargas. Transparent Tracy can neither confirm nor deny whether Vargas is a park loving outdoors woman. But what we can confirm is that the main proponents of the Nature Park are Vargas’ close friends and supporters, Mary and Pete Mitrocas.

Without a doubt, the Mitrocas’ brought their desire for the Nature Park to Vargas, who has then made it her priority to secure funding for the estimated $50 million cost for the park, plus an annual maintenance fee of $1 million. She even put the Nature Park issue on the agenda in February of this year where the City adopted a master plan for the project. When the discussion of funding came about, Vargas’ minion City Manager Jenny Haruyama jumped in. The Tracy Press reported –

Read the full article here.

Haruyama does Vargas’ dirty work by recommending that a capital facility project be added to the City’s Capital Improvement Program even when the capital improvement costs for the project are unknown. Who does business like that? This only happens with insider dealing and backroom deals. As we pointed out earlier Vargas tipped the scales in favor of Haruyama getting appointed city manager, see the article here, and now Haruyama is paying back the debt. Much like Vargas did with the Downtown TOD Specific Plan funding, she got another project tee’d-up for taxpayer funding to benefit her interests. Vargas doesn’t care if the aquatic center or rec center ever get funded and built. Neither of those projects benefit her clients or friends. She doesn’t bat an eye in working to divert millions of dollars to fund the Nature Park. Pete Mitrocas wants trees, then Vargas will make the children and community skip baseball during the Spring and swimming during the Summer. It’s trees over children for her. This is why we’re keeping focus on this master manipulator of Tracy City Hall. This is why we’re watching, researching and informing the community. The elected City Council should put the community first, not their private interests.

How well do you know your elected officials?

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 16:36:00 GMT

Why people choose to run for elected office varies; some do it for making change in or giving back to their community; others do it for power and influence. No matter the reason, it is a difficult decision to make, as it is a thankless position (particularly at the local level) that opens yourself up to public scrutiny, media inquiries, and personal attacks.
In general, people vote for candidates based on trust. They trust that the person they’re voting for will deliver on their promises. They trust that the candidate is well intentioned. And, once elected, they trust the official is working to improve their community. Unfortunately, elected officials make decisions or take actions that break the public’s trust. It gets people to start asking questions. Tough questions like, “How well do I know this person?” or “Is this person doing what they say they’re doing?” or “Who is this person working for - the people or special interests?”
In the case of Tracy, City Council Member Veronica Vargas has done enough questionable things to make many people ask tough questions about her.

One such question is whether Vargas is qualified to co-chair the City Council Ad-Hoc Fiscal Sustainability Committee? There are the big picture reasons why people question her role on such an important committee. Her efforts to use taxpayer dollars to pay for Specific Plan studies on behalf of majority property owner Mike Sandhu are well documented. Vargas, in short, works hard to benefit her friends and clients. However, another reason to question her role on the Committee have come to light thanks to another anonymous concerned resident in the City.
It turns out that Vargas has a history of not paying her taxes. Copies of two State of California tax lien filings for Vargas, then Veronica Richey, were provided to Transparent Tracy.

Should Tracy trust that Vargas is fit to make tough financial decisions with taxpayer dollars when she has a history of not paying her own taxes? As the old saying goes, there are only two certainties in life death and taxes. People make choices to not pay their taxes.

Word on the Street…

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 17:41:00 GMT

A source inside City Hall has told Transparent Tracy that Division Chief Patrick Vargas is under an internal investigation by the South San Joaquin County Fire Authority. No details about the investigation were provided but, as with most internal investigations, the outcome is likely not good for Vargas.
In case you’ve forgotten, Patrick Vargas has a long history with the Tracy Fire Department, including a 1995 felony conviction for wire fraud of $138,000 from the Tracy Fire Department. That’s right, he stole money from his own department who, in one of the most corrupt and confusing decisions by then Tracy Fire Chief Chris Bosch, kept Vargas employed during his four-month stint in prison. You can read more about this here .

The question on our minds is whether Patrick Vargas will resign before the investigation is concluded?
This is a nightmare scenario for his wife, City Council Member Veronica Vargas. If Patrick is fired and/or charges are filed against him, it will cause reverberations for her future political aspirations. Stay tuned on this one!
Keep Sending Us Your Tips
We will end corruption at City Hall by continuing to expose the inner workings of our local government. Are these elected and appointed officials who they say they are? Are they keeping their word? Are they doing the work of the people or for special interests? We will continue to shine light on these issues with information provided by the public.

Transparent Tracy remains anonymous so that people feel comfortable sending us tips like the Patrick Vargas investigation. We thank you for the tips and suggestions and support that we’ve received thus far. Please keep them coming!
Got something worth sharing? Email us at info@transparenttracy.com .

Vargas’ Recusal Raises Questions

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 16:15:00 GMT

At Tuesday night’s city council meeting, embattled City Council Member Veronica Vargas finally confirmed our concerns that she has a conflict of interest on certain land use projects by recusing herself from the Westside Specific Plan update agenda item. Vargas indicated in her recusal that Patterson Petroleum LLC is her business client and one of the applicants of the commercial portion of the Gateway area. Watch the video below –
Her recusal raises more questions than it answers.
While Vargas’ recusal in itself was refreshing, the timing of her recusal raises serious questions that City Attorney Leticia Ramirez should investigate further. Ramirez and the public deserve to know the answers to the following issues.
How long has Patterson Petroleum LLC been a client of Veronica Vargas? Did she seek to influence City decisions while she was negotiating to work with Patterson Petroleum? What work does a land use development consultant perform for an oil company?
The answer to this question is significant. The Westside Specific Plan, formerly known as Tracy Gateway, has been worked on by the City before Vargas’ time on city council. Yet Vargas was at the forefront of modifying the original plans on behalf of her benefactor Mike Sandhu in 2018 that has cost taxpayers $500,000. Transparent Tracy contends that Vargas is employed by Mike Sandhu, the largest property owner in the Westside Specific Plan. However, Vargas’ recusal on behalf of Patterson Petroleum raises the same concerns, which is that she has been using her role as City Council Member to influence the Westside Specific Plan on behalf of her clients.
Did she report working for Patterson Petroleum LLC?
Per the FPPC, “Every elected official and public employee who makes or influences governmental decisions is required to submit a Statement of Economic Interest, also known as the Form 700…It provides necessary information to the public about an official’s personal financial interests to ensure that officials are making decisions in the best interest of the public and not enhancing their personal finances.”
If there is an elected official in Tracy that were concerned over ethics and transparency, it’s Veronica Vargas. We’ll be digging into this more.
Why is Patterson Petroleum LLC an applicant for the commercial component of the project?
Patterson Petroleum is an oil drilling company that is based out of Texas. The company’s LLC is not listed on the CA Secretary of State website. Their parent website does not give any indication that they are investors into commercial properties. It’s suspicious unto itself.

Community Voices Making A Difference
After months of raising the issue about concerns over Veronica Vargas’ conflict of interests, the communities voices are finally getting through to City Hall. The fact that Vargas recused herself on the Westside is significant! It’s the result of hard work by community members such as Alice English, who is a regular watchdog of City Hall. Great work to everyone and keep up the hard work!
Keep sending us those leads and we’ll keep working to uncover the truth!

Here We Go Again…

Fri, 02 Apr 2021 20:04:00 GMT

Veronica Vargas is pushing forward another one of her client’s projects to the forefront of City business with the support of City Manager Jenny Haruyama!
Veronica Vargas and Jenny Haruyama are back at in prioritizing the Tracy Gateway project, now known as the Westside Specific Plan, on behalf of the wealthy, private developer Mike Sandhu. It’s not a coincidence that in a short span of three months, Vargas has gotten the City to first consider her close friends’ - Pete and Mary Mitrocas - Nature Park in February, then got the budget authorization for the downtown TOD Specific Plan in March, and now the Tracy Gateway project on Tuesday for her business client, Mike Sandhu.
How does Vargas do it?
As we’ve touched upon before but bears repeating, the secret to Vargas’ sauce is City Manager Jenny Haruyama. Vargas met with Haruyama in several behind closed-door meetings during the interview process for City Manager. The meetings obviously paid off, as Haruyama was hired without a glitch and got a nice pay raise from her previous job in Scotts Valley.
Haruyama is now paying back Vargas by driving through Veronica’s busy agenda items that are threatening to change the development landscape in Tracy for a generation. And they are funding it with taxpayer dollars at the benefit of a wealthy private developer.

History in the making and not in a good way!

Never in the history of Tracy has there been an initiative that failed on Election Day, then has the City turn around and pass a development plan that contains the primary merits of that initiative, and then charge taxpayers to fund it. Veronica Vargas has done it not once but twice!
Measure Y was defeated soundly by voters this past November, yet City Council approved moving forward with the proposed downtown TOD Specific Plan as is in March. It’s worth noting that they didn’t change a thing about the Specific Plan following the initiative’s defeat. Nothing.
Now, this upcoming Tuesday, the City Council will consider moving forward with the Tracy Gateway - aka Westside Specific Plan - despite voters rejecting Measure M. The only difference here is that significant changes are being requested here but not from anyone in the City. No, it’s the majority property owner himself - Mike Sandhu.
Mike Sandhu is the majority private property owner for both the downtown TOD Specific Plan and the Westside Specific Plan. Both Specific Plans are City Projects.
As such, the City fronts the money for the Specific Plans and also assumes all the risks therein, such as a CEQA lawsuit. Should that happen the City will be on the hook to pay for it. This is also unprecedented. Developers trying to develop their lands assume the costs on behalf of the City. It happens every day throughout the state but not in Veronica Vargas’ Tracy! Westside Specific Plan aka Tracy Gateway Project - What is it? And why do we care?
Tracy Gateway Business Park was envisioned to ‘re-sculpt’ Tracy into a center of business rather than a bedroom commuter city for the East Bay and beyond. The plan included a hospital, retail, high rise office space, a 200-room hotel, and the planned infrastructure to support it. Phase 1 was set to begin in 2010. Read more about it here . The economy, however, had other plans and the project was stalled.
In 2018, at the direction of Veronica Vargas, the City agreed to spend $500,000 to study the initial planning stage for the property. Later in 2019, the majority property owners that includes Mike Sandhu, decided to change plans for Gateway by proposing significant residential development. (The timing of this plan followed the failed Measure M initiative sought by Sandhu.) The property owner’s plans received lukewarm response from the City Council, who instructed staff to continue working with the property owners. Read more about it here . Per the article, council directed staff to work out a reimbursement plan for the $500,000 of taxpayer money. That takes us to the upcoming Tuesday public hearing.
There are two significant issues related to the Westside Specific Plan issue before city council on Tuesday. The first issue is that the City still does not have a reimbursement plan for the $500,000. This can only mean that there was never an agreement established beforehand with the property owners to get reimbursed. The implication being that the City may never get reimbursed.
The second issue is a certain property owner’s (aka Mike Sandhu) desire to rezone a third of the Westside Specific Plan development area as “Industrial.” The implication of this proposed zone change could be significant on the future development of the original vision and intent of the Tracy Gateway Business Park. Read the staff report here .

Industrial zoning equals warehouses. Warehouses equal diesel trucks. Lots of diesel trucks. In addition, and more importantly, warehouse jobs would be a far cry from the higher salary, more sustainable hospital and office jobs, that would allow Tracy residents to afford living and working in the city for years to come.
This is why Tuesday night’s upcoming City Council meeting is significant.

*** GET INVOLVED ***
Residents cannot afford to sit back and let Veronica Vargas get another sweetheart deal for her client Mike Sandhu. City Manager Jenny Haruyama is driving this bus and Veronica Vargas is giving her the directions. It’s an inside deal for a private wealthy developer Mike Sandhu.
We’re asking people to contact the elected officials. Tell them that the intent and vision of the Tracy Gateway Business Park development was to create a sustainable future for Tracy residents and their children. Tracy should not be content being a bedroom commuter community for the East Bay! We need to attract businesses that will create high paying jobs that will allow people to buy homes in Tracy. This is about Tracy’s future and we shouldn’t let one man dictate what is done here! If Mike Sandhu wants to develop warehouses, then let him submit plans to the City on his own dime. Let Mike Sandhu carry the risks.
Email and/or leave a voicemail for the council members before Tuesday night’s 7pm meeting.
To contact individual Council Members:
Mayor, Nancy Young Nancy.Young@cityoftracy.org Mayor Pro Tem, Veronica Vargas Veronica.Vargas@cityoftracy.org Council Member Dan Arriola Dan.Arriola@cityoftracy.org Council Member Eleassia Davis Eleassia.Davis@cityoftracy.org Council Member Mateo Bedolla Mateo.Bedolla@cityoftracy.org All Mayor / Council Members tracycitycouncil@cityoftracy.org
To leave the City Manager, Mayor and Council Members a voicemail:
(209) 831-6000
Click here to link directly to the City's website.

The Fox Guarding the Hen House

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 21:15:00 GMT

Nancy Young is a great representative as Tracy’s mayor, but everyone knows that Veronica Vargas is running City Hall. It’s not a knock against Mayor Young. She is a strong woman of faith and dignity, who believes in morals and ethics. But in politics those attributes don’t often translate into power. And this is exactly why Vargas with her broken moral compass runs City Hall and no one else.
With Rickman gone from Tracy City Council, Vargas is free to do as she please. She is outmaneuvering both Arriola and Young, the two veterans on council, on critical issues before the city. The placement of the Downtown TOD Specific Plan funding and authorization on the Consent Calendar is a perfect example. Vargas never blinked at the defeat of Measure Y. While it was a setback for her wealthy client Mike Sandhu’s UR1 plans, she always knew that the Specific Plan was going to get moved forward regardless if Measure Y won or failed. In short, she’s always a step ahead of everyone else on the dais.
Vargas has taken a page from perhaps California’s most notorious morally corrupt yet powerful politician, Willie Brown.
Brown built himself alliances, jumped on opportunities when he saw them, controlled the California legislature through his closed-door meetings and became fabulously wealthy while exercising unchecked and raw political power. It’s been said that Brown never went to a vote without knowing the outcome beforehand.

Vargas worked hard to get Mary Mitracos appointed on city council in 2016. Read about the controversial appointment here . (It’s worth noting that realtor Mary Mitracos stands to benefit greatly from the Downtown TOD Specific Plan’s approval. She is also an ardent supporter of Vargas, acting as her Treasurer during Vargas’ campaign for Supervisor.) Now Mitracos and her husband Pete have been calling into council meetings voicing their support for the Downtown TOD plan and echoing the words of Vargas. Vargas and Pete are also colluding together to take millions of Measure V dollars, money intended to build baseball fields, gyms, and swim centers for our children, to fund their Nature Park. More on that later.
Vargas was also key in getting Jenny Haruyama hired as City Manager. For those of you who don’t know, Haruyama replaced then City Manager Troy Brown. Haruyama had earlier been involved in conspiring to get a city manager fired. Read more about it here . While the firing of Brown was controversial and opposed by many, Haruyama’s hiring was fast but less than clean.
According to sources in the city, Vargas and Haruyama had several closed-door meetings throughout Harayuma’s interview process.

When city council is interviewing people for City Manager, they are ethically obligated to not meet with candidates, as it could be perceived those candidates obtain unfair insights and advantages. Whether Vargas improperly coached Haruyama or not is irrelevant. What is relevant is that Vargas’ actions were unethical. She saw an opportunity to make Haruyama’s beholden to her and she seized that opportunity. And by all accounts, Vargas does have Haruyama’s trust and support. All one has to do is look at the City Manager’s support of the funding and inclusion of Mike Sandhu’s (one of Tracy’s wealthiest private developers) properties in the Downtown TOD Specific Plan and the now Tracy Gateway.
In short, Haruyama is doing Vargas’ bidding and Tracy taxpayers are paying the price for it - literally.
It’s without question that Veronica Vargas has higher political aspirations. She is termed out in 2022, so she needs accomplishments that she can point to in the future. Those two projects are the Downtown TOD and Tracy Gateway. Both help her politically and both help her client, Mike Sandhu, who happens to be one of Tracy’s wealthiest residents. Right now, no one on council seems willing and able to stop Vargas.
There are no alliances on the Tracy City Council which works to Vargas’ benefit. Mayor Young is not an ally of Vargas’, in fact the two have been on opposing sides for years on many critical matters, but she has not taken control over the council. But Vargas has the city manager’s ear and Young does not.
Arriola has the skill set to address Vargas’ ethical excesses but inexplicably takes on a Sargent Schultz “I see nothing” attitude. Davis and Bedolla are new and finding their own footing. The more experienced Vargas mistreats Davis and Bedolla while each of them genuinely work to learn the city council ropes.
The question is when will the other four city council members wake-up to stop Vargas’ agenda? If not, then get ready for Tracy to become the East Bay’s biggest bedroom community!

Tracy's "Hamburgergate"

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 19:20:00 GMT

City Managers have a unique way of getting into hot water. Too many of them seem willing to cut corners for personal gain. Take, for instance, former Tracy City Manager Leon Churchill. Mr. Churchill apparently had a habit of charging room service meals, especially hamburgers with all fixing, on the City credit card and not reimbursing the City coffers. This habit became known as “hamburgergate” around city hall and eventually the city council in a closed session told him to quit this nonsense.

But like Wimpy, the allure of a hamburger was too strong, and Mr. Churchill continued charging his room service burgers to the City credit card.

At last, it became too much, and the City Council dismissed Mr. Churchill. You can read more about that here . But Mr. Churchill’s city manager colleagues have their own approaches to using taxpayer money for personal gain. For instance, Michael Tubbs’ personally appointed city manager, Kurt Wilson, attended graduate school while he was Stockton City Manager, taking multiple days off at a time to participate in person in graduate classes held at Northeastern University located in Boston. He did not claim these absences as vacation days and was full paid for attending the classes.
After he received his Ph.D. Mr. Wilson asked the City to reimburse him for $120,000 in educational costs! We learned this from recent public court filings by the City in response to the unlawful dismissal lawsuit Mr. Wilson filed against Stockton.

Wilson can thank Stockton taxpayers for his personal education!
According to the public court documents the City Council paid a portion of Wilson’s tuition, but we cannot tell how much. Why? Because Wilson kicked the City Attorney out of a closed session and then wrongly advised the City Council that it could pay him the money without telling the public. No one but Wilson and the City Council knows how much taxpayer money Wilson received for missing work. Wilson was eventually fired by the City Council. You can read more here .
This repeated misbehavior by city managers leads us to question some strange circumstances surrounding the hiring of Tracy’s current city manager, Jenny Haruyama. More later!

Why Won’t District Attorney Dan Arriola Question Veronica Vargas’ Business Dealings?

Sun, 21 Mar 2021 19:27:00 GMT

Why Won’t District Attorney Dan Arriola Question Veronica Vargas’ Business Dealings?
No matter how you feel about Dan Arriola, one cannot argue that he is an intelligent and principled individual. He went to UCLA and then to USC’s Gould School of Law. Arriola passed the California Bar and returned to Tracy with the intention of giving back to his community. He’s an elected city council member and is a Deputy District Attorney for San Joaquin County. And he’s done all this at the ripe age of 32.
That’s is why it’s perplexing and outright infuriating that this Officer of the Court is not demanding Veronica Vargas to disclose her business dealings as it relates to real estate development and land use issues and decisions that come before the city council?
In order to practice law in the State of California, every attorney is required to take an Oath. The entire Oath is as follows:
“I solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of an attorney and counselor at law to the best of my knowledge and ability. As an officer of the court, I will strive to conduct myself at all times with dignity, courtesy, and integrity.”
If anyone should be demanding integrity on the Tracy City Council, it should be Dan Arriola. If anyone should be concerned with ethics and transparency on the Tracy City Council, it should be Dan Arriola. And if anyone should be concerned with issues of conflicts of interest on the Tracy City Council, it should be Dan Arriola. So why is he turning a blind eye to the dealings of Veronica Vargas?
If Arriola thinks that Vargas is an ally of his, then he suffers from short-term memory loss. Does anyone remember the hit piece that Vargas put out right before the 2018 council election?

The Tracy Press did an entire article about it that you can read here . Arriola was quoted in the story stating, “This was done purposely and with the intent to demean particular candidates including myself. The fact that there are outright lies on this piece is really disappointing.” Vargas’ camp also questioned Arriola’s values because he is a member of the LBGT community.
Nothing is too low for Vargas when it comes to getting her way and this mail piece is a reminder of her values.
And as we have seen in the years since the 2018 election, it is Vargas whose values should be questioned and examined and brought to light. The right person to expose and to question Vargas is District Attorney Dan Arriola. Will he uphold his sworn oath as an Officer of the Court and do it before it’s too late? Only time will tell.

Guess Who’s Been Coming to Dinner at Veronica’s?

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 19:40:00 GMT

The rumors of City Council Member Veronica Vargas hosting questionable dinners at her home have been going around for some time. The fact that she is hosting dinner is not newsworthy or even interesting. It’s who has been coming to these dinners that is interesting. Let’s start with last November’s election.
Word has it that Veronica hosted several candidates for city council at her house before the election. We also heard that she met with candidates at the offices of one of the property owners in the Downtown Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) area. Veronica was apparently seeking support and endorsement for her ballot Measure Y in writing. One can assume this quid pro quo agreement was signed support for her measure to get her endorsement. We’d like to know who signed those agreements!
We’ve also heard that Pete Mitracos has been a regular at the Vargas’ house. It’s well known that Veronica is close with Mitracos, after all Pete’s wife Mary served as Veronica’s Treasurer for her 2018 council race. More information on that here. Veronica and Pete’s relationship isn’t significant until, as word has it, one learns that the Mitracos’ have financial ties to the TOD. That might explain why Pete campaigned so hard for Measure Y . (Transparent Tracy will be investigating the Mitracos’ link to the Downtown TOD further.)

But perhaps the strangest dinner guest at Veronica’s house has apparently been none other than City Council Member Dan Arriola. The same Dan Arriola who opposed Measure M but supported Measure Y. The dinner was said to have taken place following the November election. Arriola joined Vargas in moving forward the additional $500,000 of taxpayer dollars to move forward with the Downtown TOD Specific Plan. It was the same meeting where Arriola expressed that it didn’t matter a majority of voters rejected Measure Y. In essence, to him, the TOD is bigger than the majority will of the voters, a sentiment shared by Vargas.
A few takeaways. First, there is a common theme with Veronica Vargas lobbying hard for and on behalf of property owners et al who stand to benefit from the Downtown TOD.
Vargas will NOT answer the question if she is taking money in her professional capacity from any of these players - Sandhu or Mitracos. Until she is transparent with her financial ties with regards to the TOD development, Transparent Tracy will continue to question all of her actions - including dinners at her home.
Second, takeaway, is the odd alignment of Vargas and Arriola. Why is a Deputy District Attorney aligning himself with Tracy’s most controversial and unethical elected official? It deserves more focus.
* Blog Photo by News10's Amy Jacobson Kurokawa

The Wealthy Truly Have It better!

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 20:45:00 GMT

Millionaire farmer and developer, Mike Sandhu, is one of Tracy’s wealthiest residents – a self-proclaimed One-Percenter – who is enjoying taxpayers subsidizing his development investments thanks to Council Member Veronica Vargas.
Millionaire Mike Sandhu is benefiting from the City Council’s 4-1 vote on March 2nd to spend an additional $499,942 of taxpayer dollars on preparing Vargas’ Downtown Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Specific Plan, of which he is a major landowner. He is also benefiting from the preparation of the Westside Specific Plan (formerly known as Tracy Gateway) of which $500,000 of taxpayer money has also been allocated. Sandhu is one of the major landowners in that development. Read more about it here.
This stuff happens all the time, right?
No. But then not every developer has a City Council Member like Veronica Vargas in their corner. The common practice is for developers such as Sandhu to pay for the necessary studies required for their project. Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) are expensive. It is because they are so expensive that developers pay for the studies on behalf of the cities in which they are trying to build. That is the normal process in planning departments throughout California.
And as we have highlighted in previous posts, Millionaire Mike Sandhu already has concept site plans done for DeNovo to use as part of the TOD Specific Plan. The same goes for Westside. He understands that these Specific Plans are doing the dirty work for him saving him significant amounts of money.
Millionaire Mike Sandhu’s $10-million 34,500 square foot 19-bathroom, 15-bedroom home (read more about it here) .

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire! And, so it goes with Veronica Vargas.

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 21:00:00 GMT

City Council Member Veronica Vargas’ code of ethics or lack thereof is a constant issue not only for the City, but also for the constituents she’s elected to represent. While it is true that she has supporters both in the City and the public (after all she got elected twice and was recently chosen Mayor Pro Tem), but her entire time on council has generated controversy.

She consistently and repeatedly tests conflict-of-interest principles, both ethically and transparently, while her city council actions make her a regular subject of FPPC investigations. And there is no better place to look at her broken moral compass than her dealings with the South San Joaquin County Fire Authority (SSJCFA), where her husband Patrick Vargas serves as the Chief Administrative Officer.

For those of you new to Tracy, Patrick Vargas has a long history with the Tracy Fire Department, including a 1995 felony conviction for wire fraud of $138,000 from the Tracy Fire Department. That’s right, he stole money from his own department who, in one of the most corrupt and confusing decisions by then Tracy Fire Chief Chris Bosch, kept Vargas employed during his four-month stint in prison. Read more about it here. It’s worth noting that Bosch was later fired in 2010.

Many, many questions remain as to why Patrick Vargas was not fired from the Tracy Fire Department after stealing $138,000 of taxpayer money. In fact, he’s had quite the career trajectory since then. But perhaps the most significant question is whether Patrick and Veronica were ever required to pay the stolen money back to the taxpayers?

The Tracy City Council makes decisions on Fire Authority matters. Over the years, questions over whether Veronica should recuse herself from these matters have risen. And, over these many years, Veronica has fought tooth and nail from recusing herself. In 2017, Steve Nicolaou called out Veronica on her making decisions about the Fire Authority of which her husband is paid. Read more about it here.

Nicolaou went so far as proposing a policy that would have restricted the members’ ability

to vote on issues that directly affect them and their relatives. It was none other than Vargas who, with the support of Young and Ransom, directed staff to draft such a policy for the city council to consider. However, when the drafted policy came back to council to consider, Veronica Vargas was the third vote to kill the proposal stating, “This is an additional restriction that we will put ourselves into if we choose to adopt something like this.” Read more about it here.

The issue was later raised again in 2019 but this time by now Mayor Nancy Young. Read more about it here. According to the article, Young asked, “I just have a question as far as a possible conflict of interest, because this particular position falls under the fire department, and just because Councilwoman Vargas’ husband is a Tracy Fire Department person, I’m just wanting to make sure if there was any type of conflict.” Veronica did not recuse herself.

Young’s point both in 2017 and again 2019 is that Vargas should recuse herself if anything from just an optics perspective. It doesn’t look good if a council member is voting on issues involving their spouse. It doesn’t look good. As quoted from the above article from an FPPC spokesman explained, “Err on the side of openness and transparency instead of secretiveness…Err on the side of avoiding potential conflicts of interest, as opposed to putting oneself into the potential of an appearance of conflict.” Openness. Transparency.

Veronica Vargas doesn’t get it. One can say that Patrick Vargas doesn’t get it either.

Arriola In The Hot Seat

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 20:57:00 GMT

Council Member Dan Arriola has found himself in the crosshairs of angry Tracy voters following his support of Veronica Vargas' Downtown TOD Specific Plan that comes with a hefty $707,962 price tag to taxpayers! As part of Arriola's justification in moving forward with the Plan, he downplayed the significance of this past November's Measure Y's results. Big time. Watch for yourself:

In other words, Arriola could care less if the majority of voters rejected Measure Y! In his mind, the Measure was defeated by only a few thousand votes and that there are a lot of people who did not vote. Really? He's giving deference to all the people that choose NOT to participate in the core foundation of our democracy - voting.
Maybe we should apply the "Arriola Standard" to his own 2018 election results?
As you can can see below, Arriola received 4,605 votes in a City with a population of almost 100,000. That was only 601 more votes than Veronica Vargas' vote total and a narrow win margin overall. Based on the "Arriola Standard," with over 95,000 non-voters and a narrow margin of victory, Dan's election results hold no significance.

Online Petition Launched
Some residents are taking it a step further by launching an online petition calling for Dan Arriola's recall. Yesterday, 209 Times posted about people's anger over Arriola's stance on Measure Y. Today they revealed that an online recall petition has been launched against Arriola. Click here to see the petition.

Council Member Arriola is a smart individual, a successful attorney, and to many a promising political future.
So it's puzzling why he was so quick to dismiss the majority of voters who opposed Measure Y. It was the will of the voters. Why is he aligning himself so closely with Veronica Vargas and her Downtown TOD Specific Plan?

Vargas’ FPPC Investigation Rolls On

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 21:04:00 GMT

Believe it or not, the FPPC investigation we’re referring to does not involve her conflict of interest in voting on Fire Authority matters. No, this FPPC investigation dates back to December of 2018 when Tracy Attorney Steve Nicolauo filed a complaint over Vargas’ allegations that she used her role on City Council to benefit her former employer Trumark Homes. The FPPC confirmed that a final determination has still not been reached.

According to the Tracy Press article , “He alleged not only that Vargas acted in conflict with the city’s interest but also that she failed to disclose that she worked for Trumark in her annual Statement of Economic Interest form.” Oops.

Vargas claimed the failure to disclose her work with Trumark as an oversight. However, there are a few things that don’t add up. First, the FPPC responded to a request by then City Attorney Bill Sartor on June 13, 2017, “…for advice on behalf of Tracy Mayor Pro Tern Veronica Vargas regarding the conflict of interest provisions of the Political Reform Act (the "Act").” The conclusion was that, “Because these decisions would have a financial effect on Trumark, the Act would preclude Mayor Pro Tern Vargas from any involvement in these decisions.” However, according to what attorney Nicolauo found, most of the issues in question happened in 2016.

Second, Vargas is the Principal of Agora Land Consulting, which specializes in land entitlements for their developer clients. One would assume that, in order to prevent accusations such as the Trumark Homes matter, that Vargas would have been hypersensitive to filling out her Statement of Economic Interest forms.

Transparent Tracy’s ongoing concern is that “oversights” might still be happening at City Hall. Despite her claims that Gateway and the Downtown Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) were driven by the “council,” it’s well-known at City Hall that Vargas was the driver of both projects. She hasn’t filled out any Statement of Economic Interest forms for either of those projects. Time will tell.

With ongoing FPPC investigations involving ethics, it makes one wonder why any of the sitting council members would want to partner with Vargas?

Tracy Taxpayers Pay for Sandhu Brothers' Site Plan and Environmental Studies

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 21:09:00 GMT

On Tuesday night, the City Council agreed with Vargas that taxpayers should subsidize the Sandhu Brothers' site plan study and environmental impact report (EIR) as part of Vargas' Downtown Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Specific Plan. The Sandhu Brothers are wealthy well-connected landowners who own a huge chunk of property within the Downtown TOD. The TOD Specific Plan hands them a blueprint to build small low-cost medium and high density residential in the downtown area. The normal line of business is for developers to pay for the reports and studies prepared by the City. However, in Tracy, if you are Veronica Vargas’ friend, then she figures out a way to have the taxpayers subside your business expenses. Here are the maps Sandhu has shown City officials:

The above map shows the entire Downtown TOD Preliminary Planning Concept that DeNovo has just been given a $500,000 contract to study. You’ll note the “Mike Sandhu Development Areas” are designated as Medium Density and High Density Residential. Below narrows in on what the Sandhu’s envision with the approval of the Specific Plan.

You’ll notice four villages with a lot of residential and a little commercial right in the downtown area. The bottom line is more houses, no new jobs and more traffic.
What about Measure Y? Or Measure M? Or, what about Measure A?
Great questions. The majority of the city council, led by Councilman Arriola and Councilwoman Vargas, decided that while the majority of residents voted to NOT circumvent Measure A, it is still important to continue to study ALL options related to the envisioned TOD area designed before Measure Y. In a future article we will expose Arriola’s reason why the will of the People as expressed in the election didn’t matter. In short, they don’t care what a majority of voters said, only Councilwoman Davis stood up for the taxpayers and voters! (More on this issue to come…)

Why Won't Vargas Answer the Question?

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 21:12:00 GMT

At the most recent city council meeting, a resident questioned Council Member Vargas' business relationship with local landowner Mike Sandhu as it relates to the Gateway project and the failed ballot Measure Y. Watch the video.

Vargas is deflecting the question: so, you tell us, do you think she is working for Sandhu?

$1 Million Of Tracy Taxpayer Dollars Spent

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 20:18:00 GMT

Consultants for the Downtown TOD Plan and the Tracy Gateway Specific Plan Costing The City Millions
Talk is cheap, consultant are not. Kimley-Horn Associates were retained for the Gateway project.

And De Novo Planning Group received a similar contract from the City.

While other consultants received similar contracts (read above) the one thing that both the Kimley-Horn and De Novo agreements have in common is Veronica Vargas. How? Vargas has been the major driver behind both efforts, using her position and experience from her personal company (conflict of interest?) to advise staff.

In addition, Veronica Vargas' efforts have benefited one specific individual land owners as it relates to the properties specific to both the Transit Center Measure and Gateway. His name is Measure M's Mike Sandhu.

Yes, that Mike Sandhu. As we know, Mr. Sandhu has sought exemptions for land to develop in Tracy for years. It appears that he's at it again with Vargas' Transit Measure. More to come.

Ulterior Motives Behind Vargas Measure?

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 20:26:00 GMT

Residents are raising serious issues about who is behind Measure Y on Nextdoor.

The residents of Tracy need to #FollowTheMoney and will as well.

Brief History of the Cannabis Business Tax Measure

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 20:31:00 GMT

It's the City's second attempt to tax legal cannabis in Tracy

On December 5, 2017, the Tracy City Council directed City staff to develop a regulatory ordinance to allow two non-store front (delivery only) medical cannabis businesses, and a tax ordinance for all cannabis business activities. Staff returned on March 20, 2018 with the proposed maximum tax rates for commercial cannabis activities allowed under Proposition 64: Medicinal and Adult Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (“MAUCRSA”).
The City Council directed staff to return on May 1, 2018 with a resolution to place a Special Tax Measure on the November 6, 2018 ballot. The City Council further directed staff to commit the revenues generated from this Special Tax to be used to mitigate the police and code enforcement services associated with enforcement of Proposition 64. Staff prepared the necessary documents to place the Special Tax Measure on the General Municipal Election, however, the Special Tax Measure failed to receive the required 2/3 voter approval for a Special Tax.
Shortly thereafter, Council provided direction for staff to develop a regulatory permit to allow all commercial cannabis activity with the exclusion of outdoor cultivation. A series of meetings and draft ordinances have been provided for Council consideration. Staff anticipates receiving final approval of the permit application, which will allow commercial cannabis businesses to submit applications starting summer 2020.
On April 21, 2020, the City Council directed staff to proceed with the documents required to place a general tax measure on the ballot for the General Municipal Election on November 3, 2020 to mitigate the potential impacts on the community related to the passage of Proposition 64. Unlike the 2018 special tax measure, the draft tax ordinance is a general tax measure and requires a 50% plus one vote for approval.
On May 19, 2020, the Tracy City Council voted 5-0 to place Measure W on the ballot to ask Tracy voters if the City should enact a tax on commercial cannabis and industrial hemp activities (“Cannabis Business Tax”). The maximum tax rates proposed by Measure W are:

$12.00 annually per square foot for plant canopy for cultivators;
6% of gross receipts for retailers;
2.5% of gross receipts for testing laboratories;
3% of gross receipts for distribution businesses; and
4% of gross receipts for all other businesses.

If approved, the Measure would levy a tax on all cannabis and industrial hemp businesses (cultivating, transporting, dispensing, manufacturing, producing, processing, preparing, storing, testing, providing, selling, or distributing cannabis or industrial hemp, products containing cannabis or industrial hemp, cannabis accessories and any ancillary products) that operate within Tracy. The City of Tracy requires cannabis businesses operating in Tracy to comply with all state and local regulations including obtaining a City Cannabis Business Permit.

Something is Rotten in Tracy

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 20:33:00 GMT

Who stands to gain the most by Vargas' Measure?

Remember this 2018 Tracy Press headline - "Vargas Under Investigation"? Perhaps it's time for another investigation into Vargas' role behind the controversial transit center measure. Here's why:

With any land use related issue pushed by Vargas, the residents of Tracy should ask if her company - Agora Land Company - is tied in any way to the issue. On Linked-in she says the company provides "Entitlement Services." Or, put another way, she gets projects approved.

Vargas' Measure on the November ballot includes a lot of land that will be designated for development. Including the land around the transit center, according to the Tracy Press reported , "The plan the council discussed last week would also include 760 acres just east of downtown, between Mac Arthur Drive and Chrisman Road, known as Urban Reserve 1, where at least 5,600 houses and apartments could be built, as well as the former Heinz factory at 11th Street and MacArthur Drive."

In addition, according to the article, there are "...at least two more transit-oriented development areas, including one a few miles west of downtown, where the town of Ellis stood...and another closer to Mountain House."

That's a lot of property whose land owners stand to benefit. The question remains: Who are these land owners? Is Vargas tied to any of these land owners thru Agora Land Company?

As a reminder, Vargas pushed the November measure forward earlier this year. It has her fingerprints all over it beyond just her position on the Tri-Valley-San Joaquin Regional Rail Authority.

A "VOTE NO on Y" Facebook Page Launches

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 20:36:00 GMT

Social media account highlights concerns over the controversial Measure

A Facebook page against Measure Y was created on September 28th. The "About" section of the page states:

VOTE NO on Measure Y! •Great for developers, BAD for Tracy •Brings high Density housing to historic downtown •Massive soil abatement cost, est. $100 million dollars •Poorly written allowing many loop holes •Bypasses measure A

It's clear that not everyone is on board with Councilwoman Vargas' Measure. More to come!

The City Lacks Transparency About Cannabis Business Tax Measure Details

Sun, 27 Sep 2020 20:38:00 GMT

Leaders remain vague on how the revenue from the tax will be used by the City if it passes

After failing to garner the 2/3rds vote needed from residents to approve a cannabis sales tax in 2018, the Tracy City Council voted 5-0 in May 2020 to place Measure W on the ballot to ask Tracy voters if the City should enact a tax on commercial cannabis and industrial hemp activities. If approved, Measure W would levy a local sales tax on cannabis businesses in Tracy not to exceed $12 per canopy square foot for cultivation, up to 6% of gross receipts for retail, and up to 4% for all other businesses.
According to the City, the taxes are expected to arguably only raise anywhere between $350,000 and $700,000 each year for the city. The revenue raised from the tax would go into the City's General Fund and could be used for any municipal governmental purpose.
When asked for more detail on what this new tax revenue will go towards, the City only vaguely said that the City Council will decide (based on community need) how funding will be earmarked for City operational or capital needs, such as public safety services and facilities, youth and senior programs, roadway improvements, and the maintenance and operations of recreation facilities. Why won’t the City Council do what many other Cities have done with similar cannabis tax measures like earmarking and setting aside some of the funds for public health and safety programs, youth drug prevention or police services?
Why is the City trying to downplay that the City Council and the General Fund will benefit at all if Measure W passes? Mayor Robert Rickman told the Tracy Press that “he expected that any money raised would cover the city’s costs for cannabis permitting and regulation.” Really?! So, it will cost the City $700,000 per year to provide one time permits for a handful of businesses (that those same businesses have to pay for on top of this proposed tax BTW) and to “regulate” these handful of businesses every year? That doesn’t really pass the smell test.
Why is the City going out of his way to stress that $700,000 per year in new tax revenue, that will go to the General Fund for the City Council to do whatever they want with, will be a wash for the City? Mayor Rickman told the Tracy Press “This isn’t a moneymaker for the city. The reason there is a tax on this is because the city as an entity is the one that’s going to regulate the industry,” Rickman said, adding that the state regulates tobacco and alcohol, but much of the regulation for cannabis falls on localities. “We can’t be in a position to subsidize an industry. It wouldn’t be fair to other businesses that are hurting.”
Again, this doesn’t pass the smell test. Why try so hard to put a cannabis tax on the ballot in 2018 and again in 2020, if the City isn’t going to benefit from it? And if the City and Mayor Rickman are to be believed, If the permitting and regulation of these handful of businesses in the City will really cost $700,000 per year to maintain, why not earmark the tax revenue to specifically pay for all administrative expenses incurred for regulating these businesses and then mandate that any remaining funds be put towards drug prevention programs or police services?
Pretty sure the answer is because the City will in fact benefit and receive a windfall in new tax revenue if Measure W passes, and the current City Council wants to have a blank check to do whatever they want with that new tax revenue. The fact they aren’t being transparent about it is suspicious at best.

"Yes On Y" Supporters Launch Facebook Page

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 20:42:00 GMT

Self-proclaimed grassroots effort kicks off support for the Transit Center Measure

The supporters for the transit center measure have launched a Facebook page . In the "About" section it states:
Grassroots led group of Tracy Citizens in support of Measure Y: Transit Oriented Development. Let's ease our commute, spend more time with our families and create more jobs!
The group is producing yard signs and social media ads, so it's no doubt they are a well-funded grassroots group!

There is a lot of additional development associated with the Measure, so one could conclude that developers are backing this effort. Regardless, it's giving the voters of Tracy additional information in helping to make the best decision for our City.

transparent-tracy

Are Politics Stopping DA Ron Freitas from Charging Tracy’s Former City Attorney?

The DA’s failure to act against Patel is a significant political misstep by Freitas, eroding public trust, as the DA’s main duty is to serve as the public prosecutor for the entire county.

Freitas needs to stop playing politics, something he’s clearly not good at, and focus on being the county prosecutor.

Private Facebook Page Raises Questions About Nonprofit’s Political Use

Taxpayers deserve to know whether public funds provided through the County grant are being used in compliance with federal law. Arulappan should make his private Facebook page public to reassure residents that his nonprofit is operating responsibly and in compliance with the law.

Did Supervisor Robert Rickman Spearhead a County Donation to a Political Group Fronting as a Community Non-profit?

Did Arulappan's use of his registered nonprofit corporation with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status to campaign during this past November election violate state and federal campaign laws?

TRACY REACH Corporation’s Registry Status with the State Attorney General’s Office is Listed as “Not Registered.”

The State Bar's Charges Against Disgraced Former Tracy City Attorney, Bijal Patel, Are Serious

Patel’s bigger lapse of judgment, however, was not failing to do her paperwork but allegedly continuing to practice law while her license was suspended.

The State Bar of California’s Actions Against Patel are Rare

Sign of the Times: The Tracy Press Chases TT

FORMER TRACY ATTORNEY BIJAL PATEL IN TROUBLE WITH STATE BAR – AGAIN; FORMAL DISCIPLINARY CHARGES FILED

BREAKING NEWS: ﻿

DISCIPLINARY CHARGES FILED BY THE STATE BAR ARE RARE. ATTORNEYS FACE SUSPENSION OR DISBARMENT IF FOUND GUILTY OF MISCONDUCT OR SERIOUS CRIMES.

Both Evans and Bedolla, along with former Mayor Pro Tem Eleassia Davis, voted in December 2023 to give Patel an 8.9% pay raise despite knowing that Patel’s license had been suspended.

English Should Resign Planning Commission Seat

Alice English is a community gadfly, not a community leader. She instigates chaos and disruption rather than thoughtfully advancing Tracy.

TRACY CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE ENGLISH ON THE PLANNING COMMISSION MAKING CRITICAL DECISIONS, THEN TURNING AROUND AND ATTACKING COUNCIL AND CITY STAFF AT EVERY MOVE

ALICE ENGLISH’S APPOINTMENT WAS A STRATEGIC POLITICAL MOVE BY COUNCILMAN DAN EVANS

Community Input Needed: Schulte Road Warehouse Environmental Report

Villapudua Family Political Favors and Miscalculations

The hiring of Edith Villapudua raised eyebrows inside county offices, as Gardea is the only County Supervisor with multiple aides.

A Mess of Their Own Making

What looked good on paper for the Villapuduas did not sit well with voters, who let their doubts speak for themselves at the ballot box.

Stockton Councilman Brando Villapudua on the Hot Seat

I t was right to call for Brando Villapudua's resignation. His actions show that he is not fit to be an elected official. It’s clear that he won on his family name, not his experience.

Eleassia Davis Bails on Tracy

It’s clear all of Eleassia Davis’s talk about being a community advocate who cares about our children and their futures was just that – talk.

An Eleassia Davis campaign post from this past November.

Either way, Davis’s departure marks the end of the Bedolla-Evans-Davis ill-fated alliance, which is good news for Tracy taxpayers.

You Get What You Elect; Plus, Signs Tracy City Hall Is Turning a Corner

He cannot work with others as a mature adult, uses the meetings as a forum to express his petulant insecurities, and is rudderless without former City Attorney Bijal Patel telling him what to think.

In the end, what angered Bedolla is that Mayor Pro Tem Abercrombie acted without him, and based on Bedolla’s reaction, he did so with good reason.

TRACY CITY HALL TURNING A CORNER?

The City Manager looks to have new, renewed energy without having to exist under the former City Attorney’s oppressive and retaliatory behavior.

Councilmembers Bedolla and Evans Attempt to Stop City Attorney Patel’s Resignation; City’s Vacant Council Seat Scandal

By attempting to stop her resignation, Bedolla and Evans showed their lack of judgement and common sense, especially after both losing big time in the recent General Election.

THE VACANT COUNCIL SEAT APPOINTMENT SCANDAL

Voting to change the policy amendment just weeks before the General Election was lazy legislating, with the potential implications not fully vetted. You don’t change the rules in the middle of an election!

LATE BREAKING NEWS: City Attorney Bijal Patel Resigns Following Tracy Voters’ Resounding Rejection of the Status Quo at City Hall

Elections have consequences.

Alice English and Eleassia Davis Aligned with Convicted Welfare Fraudster, Assembly Candidate Denise Aguilar

POLITICO.COM STORY DETAILS THE ASSEMBLY CANDIDATE’S GUILTY 2020 CONVICTION; CAMPAIGNED WITH ENGLISH & DAVIS

The article raises serious questions for Planning Commissioner Alice English and Mayor Pro Tem Eleassia Davis. As the old saying goes, “You are who you surround yourself with.”

Eleassia Davis’ Grand Blunder

THE CONSPIRACY THEORY LADEN RESPONSE BY THE MAYOR PRO TEM TO THE CIVIL GRAND JURY REPORT REVEALS DAVIS’ TRUE CHARACTER

Davis is not a leader. She lacks leadership qualities. Her response to the Grand Jury shows nothing more than conceit, vengefulness, and delusion.

Eleassia Davis takes zero ownership for the discord and disrespect on Tracy City Council or at City Hall. She dismissed all merits of the Grand Jury Report other than to lay all blame on Mayor Nancy Young.

With Davis in control of the Tracy City Council for the remainder of this year, taxpayers and voters should keep their expectations low. Very low.

Tracy City Attorney Snubs Civil Grand Jury Report

THE CONTROVERSIAL AND DEFIANT BIJAL PATEL SEEKS TO BRUSH COUNTY GRAND JURY FINDINGS UNDER THE RUG

Taxpayers should, according to Bijal Patel, do as Councilmembers Eleassia Davis, Mateo Bedolla, and Dan Evans have already done – bend the knee and shut up unless told otherwise.

Insulting as Bijal Patel’s disregard for the Grand Jury Report is, nothing is as insulting as the 8.9% retroactive pay raise given to her by Councilmembers Davis, Bedolla, and Evans despite knowing her license got suspended.

While You Were Sleeping…

Tracy Taxpayer Dollars to Fund City Attorney & Council Members' Legal Defense!

First, considering giving the embattled City Attorney Bijal Patel an 8.9% retroactive pay raise should have never been on the table in the first place.

Second, this entire situation could have been avoided if the three council members would have simply rescinded the retroactive pay raise and then rescheduled a public hearing.

Third, why does Bijal Patel get the high-priced law firm charging $450 per hour versus the law firm representing the council members that charges substantially less per hour?

Fourth, how much is the three council members’ decision to give City Attorney Bijal Patel a retroactive pay raise dating back almost a year costing taxpayers? It cannot yet be calculated.

Finally, the one remaining question is how much more damage can the City Attorney and Councilmembers Eleassia Davis, Mateo Bedolla, and Dan Evans do before the November election?

County Civil Grand Jury Lambastes City/Council Again

THE TEN PAGE REPORT CALLS OUT THE CITY’S DISFUNCTION AND DISCORD THAT IS CAUSING PUBLIC DISTRUST & UNFRIENDLY BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

Issue #1 – The Removal of City Manager

The reality is that Rogers was used as political payback by Davis and Bedolla, who both lost their mayoral bids to Nancy Young.

THE MAJORITY CONTROLLED COUNCIL OF ELEASSIA DAVIS, MATEO BEDOLLA, AND DAN EVANS IS AT THE HEART OF THE CITY’S PROBLEMS.

Issue #2 – Tracy City Attorney Bijal Patel

COUNCILMEMBERS DAVIS, BEDOLLA, AND EVANS CHOSE TO GIVE PATEL A RETROACTIVE 9% PAY RAISE DESPITE ALL OF THE ISSUES AND LAWSUITS SHE HAS CAUSED. THIS IS THE GUT PUNCH TO TAXPAYERS!

Controversial Tracy City Attorney Bijal Patel at the Center of Another Lawsuit Filed Against the City

THE LATEST LAWSUIT FILED BY LOCAL ATTORNEY STEVE NICOLAOU IS THE THIRD BASED ON BIJAL PATEL’S MISDEEDS

Why Councilmembers Davis, Bedolla, and Evans rewarded Patel with a pay raise after getting her license suspended by the State Bar last July is suspect and reveals a lack of character and good judgement by the three electeds.

The dependence on and protection of Bijal Patel by Councilmembers Davis, Bedolla, and Evans is a dangerous precedent for Tracy residents. The apparent collusion between the four is even more alarming.

In an election year, Tracy voters will need to decide if they want to elect real leaders or to keep Patel’s flock in power and continue to accept the controversies and lawsuits that go with it.

Food Poisoning, Bread & Water for Easter Dinner Reported at Tracy Homeless Shelter; Homelessness Chair Davis Remains Silent

CITY OFFICIALS HAVE NO ANSWERS TO HUMANITARY AND HEALTH ISSUES RAISED BY HOMELESS AND HOMELESS ADVOCATE

The one person that should have had more answers but said nothing was Mayor Pro Tem Eleassia Davis, who serves as the Chair for the Tracy Homelessness Advisory Committee. She said nothing.

While Davis stayed tight-lipped on the troubling accusations at Tracy’s homeless shelter, she had plenty to say about the Skyview Aviation mixer she attended.

Mayor Pro Tem Eleassia Davis Cancels April Homelessness Advisory Committee as Issues at Homeless Shelter Mount

TRACY HOMELESS SHELTER HAS BEEN ROCKED BY ACCUSATIONS OF POOR TREATMENT AND MISMANAGEMENT WITH NO RESPONSE FROM CHAIR DAVIS

BREAKING NEWS:

The fact that Bijal Patel attended the July 5 ^th Closed Session or did any city business at all during her suspension by the California State Bar is at the heart of this issue. She should have never been in the room in the first place.

The backstory gets complicated because of Patel.

FACT: Eleassia Davis is the senior ranking and longest serving member on the Homeless Advisory Committee.

FACT: The Tracy Homeless Shelter situation is an ongoing bureaucratic disaster with no accountability and no end in sight.

Tracy City Attorney’s Bijal M. Patel Bar License Suspended