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In December, I wrote two pieces to kick off
my new Internet column, Only in Auburn. . .one about the continuing
struggle between the Downtown and Old Town business districts and
the second about the new “Stealthmobile” hot rod just
purchased by the Auburn Police Department.
I was really gratified by the level of response I received.
It is amazing how many people really care about what is happening
in Auburn, and it is encouraging to learn that I am not the only
“wild hair” residing in this town. There are many
people who either share my opinions or are at least motivated to
learn more about the issues I have written about. With just
a few exceptions, everyone acknowledged my right to express my views;
most encouraged me to continue writing.
Whenever a column was published on the Internet, I heard about it
for at least a week from customers who came into Carpe Vino.
What surprised me most was how many people agreed with the points
I made in my columns. Some people many not concur with my
politics (and I probably won’t hear from them), but nearly
everyone was offended by the increasing air of totalitarianism resulting
from the oppressive tactics of the Auburn Police Department.
The biggest single issue: the new vehicles and policies are
not directed at fighting crimes such as drug offenses; instead they
are being employed directly against the citizens of this community.
Also revealed in letters and conversations is the disdain so many
people hold for the Auburn Journal. There is no question I’ve
got personal issues with the newspaper’s management and small
town papers are often easy targets for criticism, but I was genuinely surprised
by the sheer number of people who feel like the publication is devoid
of engaging content. Bottom line, the Auburn Journal is a
daily three-minute read that is a collection of softball stories,
mostly fluff and very little substance. Its prime mission
is to not offend anyone who might purchase advertising. Most
disturbingly, it ignores substantial issues and serves as an automatic
booster for Auburn’s imbedded power structure.
Two front-page stories in the January 2 issue are good examples.
The paper credited the Police with a quiet holiday because they
had four extra officers on duty. “. . .only two minor
incidents in Auburn” was the headline. Since when is
the lack of arrests a story?
The other was a cheerleading piece showing Police Chief Valerie
Harris rolling out the new Stealthmobile. It was just unbelievable.
The Auburn Journal is nothing more than an extended public relations
tool for the Police Department. The piece was an example of
lazy journalism at its worst.
What also comes across clearly in the discourse spawned by my columns
is the opportunity for our community leaders to hear what regular
people are saying. Our council members do a good job of getting
out into the community, but my observation is that they are often
talking to the same people—business owners, heads of community
organizations as well as the same gadflies who show up at every
Monday evening session.
What follows are the emails I have received, along with my responses.
I’m using a format created by one of my journalistic heroes,
Mike Royko, a long-time, nationally-syndicated Chicago newspaper
columnist who passed away several years ago.
A couple of notes and caveats:
--There is a ton of stuff that follows, and I don’t expect
anyone to sit and read it all (though I know some people will!).
For the future, I’ll be posting my email on a website that
I’ll be launching to archive my columns and commentary from
readers.
--I have purposefully not included the names of my correspondents,
and I have edited some letters to protect their identities.
All of these letters are unsolicited.
--Please keep in mind that the opinions expressed by my readers
are theirs, and in many cases I may disagree. I especially
diverge when it comes to some of the comments below regarding Downtown.
No question I have take issue with some of the actions taken over
the last year by the DBA, but I hold no ill will for any person
or any business located there. I have many friends and colleagues
Downtown, and I wish them all success.
--My original plan was to have some fun writing about the quirky
nature of living in a small town, and in my last Window on Old Town
enewsletter for Carpe Vino, I listed a number of columns I’m
planning covering topics ranging from “single in a small town”
to “surviving as a couch potato in the Endurance Capital of
the World.” Though it may not have come through brilliantly
in my first two efforts, I do have a sense of humor that I’d
like to reveal more fully.
--If you did not receive my first two columns, please let me know
and I’ll be happy to forward you copies:
It is nice to have someone with some backbone to tell it like it
is in Auburn. The Auburn Journal is a joke as a newspaper. It
has gotten worse, never improved. You are very
correct in the statement of rehashed, reworked, line news from other
agencies!! I really doubt if they will send you
a Christmas card, more like a threatening letter for for
telling it like it is, although their management will categorize
the statements as derogatory remarks!!!!!
Thanks for the insight on DBA vs OTBA. I had no idea that
was going on. I will surely pass through downtown without
stopping from now on.
The old saying, "if you can't say anything nice, don't
say anything at all". I hope that does not squash
your column. We enjoyed it!!!!
Thanks for taking the time to write; I appreciate your thoughts.
This is about two issues: The Auburn Journal has ceased to
be a community newspaper—it’s simply a profit center
for Brehm Communications. Secondly, the Downtown/Old Town
controversy has simmered for years, and the story has been ignored.
Now, the DBA is playing hardball, and it was time to say something.
My intent is not to stir the pot, though I seem to have the knack
for it. My hope is to bring some of these issues to light
in the only really powerful venue available to me—the Internet.
I will continue writing, mostly because it is what I do.
Now you've done it. You’re waving your Liberal flag in a town/county
that doesn't want your pinko thoughts spoken of much less put in
print. There is HOPE. I am a little to the right of Attila the Hun...and
I still like ya. You know ...I have lived here for 27 years and
have never understood why anyone would visit Downtown. Yeah the
soda fountain is cute and there is a good barber. But what else
is there to attract me. It's DULL and listless. There is more charm
in the California Club than Downtown. Now Old Town is a little touristy..but
that's what it should be. Tourist = $$$. I miss the Shang. I know
you and I differ on this point. Yet Old Town didn't die losing one
and then several businesses. The Heart of Auburn is Old Town. The
intestines of Auburn is Downtown. (there is hidden meaning in the
last sentence) So keep spouting your left wing thoughts/politics.
You don't stand a chance....here. Besides you’re one of those
rare Lefties (my thoughts) who speaks from the Brain not the jerking
knee. Sooooooooooooo pull someone’s beard and don't stop.
I have every confidence that if we sat down independently with the
same list of issues, you and I would match up more frequently than
you could imagine.
Love hearing from you because you have a finely-honed sense of humor.
And you get most of it right. . .except for being so brutal about
Downtown. I’m not feeling the love here.
Your hometown Pinko
Enjoyed your first installment, shared with me by my wife. I would
like to be on your list.
Gary, I'm really disappointed to find you not only to be a liberal
(I happen to favor a more conservative myself) but one with an obvious
grudge you are harboring. While I respect your right to your
view, promoting it to others, using the list created for what
I believed to be a perfectly sound business is something else entirely.
Two things: First, please remove me from the 'Only in Auburn'
list. Second, an opinion. If you really think your disclaimer
will protect Carpe Vino from the effect of your opinions, you are
as sadly mistaken as you are misguided.
Sorry to disappoint you, but my beliefs are widely known and I’ve
shared them liberally with my readers during the three years I have
written “Window on Old Town.” I’d venture
that the vast majority of the 2,700+ people on my email list are
aware of my opinions, and they are comfortable with me expressing
my views (on a wide range of subjects). Worst case, they find
my work entertaining. Those who do not tune out by unsubscribing,
which I am happy to do for you.
I do not harbor grudges, though I would admit to having a huge chip
on my shoulder.
Finally, I am not worried about the impact any of this may have
on my business—it’s never been better. We have
created a unique venue with Carpe Vino, and people come from all
over to avail themselves of our services. But thanks for your
concern.
:
Loved your debut article.
Keep up the great job and continue to stir up Auburn politics!!
:
Very good.
Well we have the same issues between the city of Cupertino and my
little town Monta Vista. Monta Vista has charm. The city on the
other hand has no face or main down town.
Need I go on?
:
I do agree with your thoughts. I also support your liberal
opinions and the right to voice them. I have lived in Weimar
for 14 years now (and Weimar makes Auburn look like Manhattan!)
and have witnessed some amazing sights. All in all, the people
in the foothills are friendly, the land is lovely, and the deer
don't talk back- and that is why we are living here. But,
don't take-on the "conservative stronghold" politically!
I have learned to avoid political conversations.
I was very sad that Charlie Brown did not win his campaign...
I am still shocked that Bush was re-elected and am a firm believer
that he never won his first term. I believe that our government
had these leaders murdered to silence them: Martin Luther
King, JFK, RFK, and John Lennon, among others. I am amazed
that wars continue to be waged
and fought in this day in time. I agree with Rodney
King "Can't we all just get along?!"
Gary, I like your column lots and will pass it onto my friends.
I also like the wine business that you and Laura founded; and am
glad that Drew is now managing it. You know what we call "the
Journal"? It's "the Urinal". I rarely
read it because it angers me so often... Gary, I encourage
you to be careful with your actions and words. I would be
sad if any harm came your way because of your fine beliefs and your
courageous writing. Sad to say, malicious actions do occur
over our
"freedom-of-speech" rights. It's a fine line
and it needs to be walked with the greatest of balance.
Keep your column coming, sir!
:
Really appreciate your note. I know there are many people
who live in and around Auburn who share my views on many topics;
it's just not always the brightest move in the world to express
those thoughts. I've been doing it for a long time now, so
it's no longer a surprise for my more conservative neighbors.
Can't say I share your fears about the demise of MLK and the others,
but there is no question our government has eliminated prominent
foreign leaders in the name of "national security."
They know how to do it.
And, I'm not worried about any reprisals. While there are
many folks who may not like my thinking, I can't imagine anyone
being moved enough to get physical. Not a problem at home;
I sleep alone unless you count my good friend, Mr. Sig Sauer, who
watches over me from my bedside table.
Thanks for being supportive. Hope to see you in Carpe Vino
sometime soon.
:
Congratulations on your courage, Gary!
Your column is very revealing and further explains a lot of what
I’ve been witness to over the past year and a half.
As a transplant from Mill Valley in Marin County, I’ve been
astonished at the level of ‘conservative thinking’ that
exists in the community and downright, steadfast opposition to change…
almost of any kind. I have spoken to several new business
owners in Downtown and Old Town Auburn and each has complained about
the picayune and sometimes absurd restrictions and barriers to their
new business venture. It’s almost as if ‘they’
(DBA and OTBA) are more invested in their failure than success!
Having said that, I believe Auburn has tremendous potential to be
something really special and inviting to all comers. However,
it also appears unlikely that will ever happen given the level of
apparent ‘fear-of-change’ imprinted in the DNA of those
in control. I have struggled mightily attempting to find reasons
to stay in Auburn, but of late moving to the Napa Valley where culture
abounds and businesses are encouraged to flourish seems the best
option for me and is made even more imperative given the disturbing
and sad details you’ve provided in your column.
Good luck to you in whatever you undertake.
:
In my view, both of the business associations in town are vested
with the goal of improving opportunities for new and existing businesses
to grow and thrive in Auburn. Dealing with the City and County
bureaucracies, on the other hand, can be a true challenge, and I’ve
often wondered about whose side they are on.
Whatever the issues, though, none is sufficient to cause me to ever
consider leaving this community, and I’m sorry to hear that
you are pondering doing just that (and I bet Napa offers its own
set of headaches). I’m optimistic that Auburn will change
as more and more people launch new enterprises here. The new
Auburn Alehouse setting up in the former Shanghai building is a
good example. A young entrepreneur with excellent experience
and a great idea will transform the space into an anchor hospitality
venue that will attract many visitors to Old Town and potentially
elsewhere in Auburn. It is this kind of investment—not
unlike what we have done at Carpe Vino—that is essential for
real, measurable change to occur.
And it has to happen one building at a time, one block at a time.
And that takes time.
Hope you reconsider.
:
I LOVE IT! GREAT JOB! I guess the liberal in me is glad
to see someone not afraid to speak the truth. And you are
not an outsider looking in - you are right in the thick of it all,
talking from a very personal, "hands-on" experience.
It's time for this kind of info to come out. I was not aware
about the request to route the parade through Old Town - and its
denial. I did know about the AJ ad prices skyrocketing, which
is why I refuse to support them with my money either.
The Wine Festival - man - that one really sucks! Old
Town took it through the baby years and then DBA takes over when
it's a success!
You said it best in the end when you mention that people go to Old
Town because it's the real thing. The "ambiance"
of Downtown is horrible - it's caught in the 50's with no charm
or character. You walk or drive through Old Town and you can't
help but get caught up in its flavor.
:
Good Stuff !!!
My impression has always been that most Auburn Biz owners really
do not understand SERVICE and caring about CUSTOMERS…Not many
seem to go out of their way to show APPRECIATION… The
idea that the Downtown Boys would try hurt the Old town Boys doesn’t
seem far fetched by any stretch…
Maybe they should try and live by one simple mantra “Do the
RIGHT thing so that EVERYONE you meet wants you to succeed.”
Old town is the DRAW…it is the KEY…it’s is what
we fell in love with and why we moved here…It tiz magical…and
should be made MORE magical EVERY month…Parades should end
and or start there…Chestnuts should be roasting… Decorations
should be dramatic…More music…more outdoor fairs…more
Ice cream…more coffee shops …ENERGY and more ENERGY
focused there…but I digress
Downtown which is VERY nice is like many other small City Downtowns…
So the PULL to Auburn is OLD Town…and Auburn NEEDS to push
that …AND then NEEDS a strategy that says “ALSO, Take
walk Uptown and see Blah blah balh” (or a cart ride…or
some cute girl traffic cops that say “Make sure you visit
these great places in BOTH areas…maybe Gold Rush apparel…and
Not all the time…but on week-ends ..and summer evenings ..)
…and get that Shanghai building FILLED !!!
…and START a Pub Crawl !!! (of course at Carpe Vino).
:
Thank you for your article. I totally agree with
your letter. Keep up the good work making Old Town what it
should have been for a long time like Grass Valley or
Nevada City. And yes, it is a shame to see a guy like Doolittle
being reelected.
:
Great idea to go directly to the folks who know and appreciate your
business. Our gain is the "Auburn Urinal's" loss....
:
I wish you much luck in your efforts to unite Old Town and Downtown.
Having been very active in Auburn for many years, I know the challenge
well. Having been involved in the Festival of Lights
Parade, it is one event I believe would have a lot
of challenge in getting floats into and out of Old Town.
There will always be some events that are better suited to either
Old Town or Downtown such as the Old Town Antiques Fair twice a
year, Old Town Christmas, and others. Perhaps it would be
a more mutually beneficial approach to coordinate these functions
so they are part of an overall season event and not focused so much
on Old Town or Downtown, but on Auburn! You could have the
parade in Downtown as is customary, and follow up with Old Town
Christmas. That way we would keep folks in town much longer,
and they would get to know there are two parts of Auburn.
As I leave this town that has been home to me for 24 years, it is
my view that rather than trying to make all events orchestrated
at one location or the other, both should provide attractions that
will complement each other and keep people in town longer.
I have loved being in and working in Auburn. It is a great
town and I really don't separate the two parts of Auburn.
I wish you all luck and thank you all for being active in such a
fabulous town. I will miss the community very much, but will
be very content in Connecticut being near my entire family.
Warm wishes to all of you for a very healthy, happy holiday season.
:
I think you are exactly right. . .coordinating events between the
two districts and creating “umbrella” programs for all
of Auburn would make a whole lot of sense. That happened in
a formative way this year when Ty and Nell from Bootleggers organized
a Christmas program in Old Town as a lead in for the Festival of
Lights Parade.
All of this assumes that a dialogue is encouraged and sustained
across town. And while certainly not an impossible goal, a
solid line of communications has not been a hallmark of the business
districts. It is encouraging to note that people are talking,
though, so we’ll see what develops.
Sorry to hear that you are leaving, though the prospect of being
with family is compelling. Every town is in desperate need
of people who care and who are open minded.
Best wishes to you and your family.
:
Friends were kind enough to forward me a copy of the inaugural issue
of your online column, “Only in Auburn.” I have
now subscribed to your column and look forward to many interesting,
informative and thought provoking--and probably otherwise provocative--issues
in the future.
Frankly, Gary, you and I probably don’t share much common
ground when it comes to politics (for example, I think “liberal
sensibilities” is an oxymoron), but that doesn’t keep
me from enjoying an alternative point of view. I admire your
spunk. Keep up the good work.
:
Great reading!!! Keep this type of commentary coming. Old
Town needs visionaries like you. For my wife and me, Old Town is
Auburn and the so called downtown, especially north of I80, is
nothing but urban sprawl. You, Laura and Drew at Carpe Vino, J and
Don Baker and sons at Awful Annie's and the Browning family at Old
Town Pizza along with all the other merchants of Old Town represent
the true flavor of this great little city.
:
A friend recently forwarded your first edition of the above article
(along with your spirited introduction!). My wife
and I would like to be included in your future editions.
I don't know if this makes you feel any better, but we had a great
time at the 2005 Auburn Wine Festival and were looking forward to
the 2006 version, going as far as making plans for the baby to be
watched, which is no small undertaking with a first born in a land
of relative strangers. In any case, as the event approached
and the details became known to us, we were greatly disappointed
in not only steep price increase, but even more the lack of Old
Town being involved. Make no mistake, we clearly enjoy Downtown,
but LOVE Old Town, much in part due to your and Ty's and Reese's
establishments.
Here's to hoping the lower and upper towns are joined more closely
in the near future (as I've heard rumors for the 2 years we have
lived here) in both a physical and relational sense!
:
I received your column today; interesting take on the problems.
I was part of the original "Historic Auburn Business Alliance"
effort that was started informally with the DBA, which the city
tried to co-opt in an effort to kill off the OTBA. HABA was
originally a meeting of the boards of both groups and a lot of progress
was made in developing cooperation between the two areas.
The reality is that the DBA area is very jealous of the assets the
OTBA has in location and foot traffic. That has improved somewhat
with the Monkey Cat and Club Car's draw in the evening, but the
truth is that their businesses have no advantage in staying open
late - they have tried it and failed. On the other hand, our
businesses have stayed open later and on certain occasions it works
for them.
You will get a million and one reasons why the route of the parade
won't change (except for going uphill instead of down - an effort
by the DBA to have people hang around downtown after the parade
is over). The truth of this effort by the DBA is that it will
fail. The parade is heavily attended by families with children.
By the time the parade is over, the kids need to go to bed.
Also, given the age of some of the vehicles in the parade, I wonder
how many will be able to make the uphill trek to downtown.
I am willing to bet this experiment won't be repeated.
In any event, there are areas where the OTBA and DBA can work together.
Putting together promotional dollars to get into larger ad markets,
etc., is the best example. I believe an effort to tie the
two districts together for foot traffic is doomed to failure, at
least on the uphill side of the equation and it will never catch
on for young families, although I don't want to discourage the city
from making streetscape improvements as large areas of the downtown
district look seriously dowdy.
The reality is that Downtown needs to promote itself more to get
the foot traffic it needs to survive. That will naturally
lead to rivalry with Old Town because of our easy on/off access
to I-80. I can't tell you how many out-of-towners have been
surprised when I tell them there is a "new" downtown district
(okay, it is only 10-20 years newer than Old Town, but our buildings
are 30-50 years older).
Old Town really needs to watch its finances, as that will be the
lever the City will use to wipe out or seriously limit our voice
if the OTBA goes broke. The new merchants need to be involved,
which is tough with any new business and though tact may be lacking
sometimes in expressing opinions, the older businesses need to listen
and not be dismissive just because something didn't work 20 years
ago.
Anyway – that’s my two cents.
:
I have received a ton of mail based on the two "Only in Auburn"
columns I have written, but yours is the richest in perspective,
ideas and context. Your only point with which I do not concur is
your fear that the Old Town Business Association may go broke.
Since a move is afoot to dramatically increase BID contributions
from all businesses in the Old Town District, it is likely the organization
will enjoy significantly increased funding for 2007. We'll
see.
By the way, way your "two cents" is more like five bucks
worth. Thanks!
:
A very interesting article. I want to subscribe to it.
Having moved to Auburn about 18 months ago, I was not aware of this
"war" going on.
I just did things in Auburn, not in downtown or in old town.
I don't event know where the boundaries are located.
Is there a fence? I found out about Carpe Vino from an article
you wrote in the Auburn Journal when I bought a copy one day because
there were no more USA Today papers left in the news rack.
I love the Carpe Vino wine dinners.
An interesting aside: When I was in the Raleys market on Saturday
evening, the clerk asked me if I was going to the festival of lights.
I said: "No, what city is it in?". She seemed
astonished that I did not know about what she was speaking.
:
Actually, I would not characterize the situation between the business
districts as a “war.” It’s more like something
in between a police action and a spat between sibling rivals.
And you are correct, there is no fence or even an invisible force
field that separates Downtown from Old Town. I find it so
interesting that newcomers can live here for a long, long time with
no awareness of political geography or even geography for that matter.
At the end of the day, Auburn is a singular place. For people
landing here or just passing through, it starts out as a random
collection of streets and buildings and people.
:
Not sure what point you're trying to make....the Government is basically
wasteful? That cops are on an ego trip? (neither of which would
I disagree) however, you come across as disgruntled and somewhat
pathetic figure. What you failed to mention is the "smaller
engine" version is only slightly less $$...I know which one
I'd get for the extra bucks....anyway...
Excuse me. . .I am wondering how you can characterize me as “somewhat
pathetic.” It would seem to me that one is or is not
fully and completely pathetic. On the other hand, sir, you
are correct in your assessment that I am a disgruntled individual.
And I am delighted that fact was clearly communicated to you, though
I am so very sorry I was unable to distill the key points in my
column to a level which you would be able to comprehend.
To your observation about the smaller engine: I did not add
more richness to the piece by noting the Hemi option adds about
$2k to the sticker price of the Charger. The significant point
is not the savings in purchasing a less powerful vehicle; it is
the sensibility of matching the vehicle to the needs of the patrol
area while avoiding the “collateral damage” that is
associated with hyper-fast police cars.
Save the supersizing for your next drive-through at McDonalds.
:
I am in agreement with all of the issues that you voiced.
Further – as a woman, I would be very unlikely to pull over
for something like the vehicle you described. I would be scared
to death that it DIDN’T house law enforcement. It
brings to mind pictures of the drug dealers and “gang-banger”
cars that we see in every community. I have always been under
the impression that the blacked out windows were illegal –
at least after a certain point, but I see them everywhere. Apparently
in the Stealthmobile as well….
I could go on and on in my concurrence with your opinion, but I
think a quick note is enough to suffice. I can just simply
shake my head in disbelief and say “What were they thinking?”
:
Last week, on a tour of the Auburn P.D. and the Placer County Jail,
Valerie Harris, our Police Chief, explained that the Dodge Charger
was the only car available, as Ford has halted production of the
Crown Victoria, the usual choice. Valerie was the Day Coordinator
for the
Auburn Leadership 2007 members monthly all day tour/meeting. Actually,
I want to encourage you to take a fresh look at Auburn. We
have been here slightly under three years, but really love it. Take
the challenge to know it better by signing up for Auburn Leadership
next year.
:
Thanks very much for your note.
Some people take at face value what they are told; I don't.
If you want to believe that a 150-mph, blacked-out Dodge Charger
is the only police vehicle available in the marketplace, go ahead,
but it simply is not true. Auburn does not have the kind of
patrol requirements that call for this kind of equipment.
For the CHP, County or City of Sacramento, perhaps. For Auburn
it is simply overkill, and less expensive, less powerful, less potentially
deadly, marked vehicles would serve our needs fully. And there
are many options.
Two things really disturb me: First, the Auburn Police Department
is spending money wildly on vehicles and equipment that could be
better utilized elsewhere. Second, while this equipment is
positioned as being purchased to use in fighting crime, it is actually
being employed against us, the citizens of this community.
The Stealthmobile isn't being used to catch drug dealers, it is
patrolling the streets for traffic arrests.
What I am doing with "Only in Auburn" is taking a fresh
look at Auburn. I have taken the challenge to get to know
Auburn better by working for three years as a member of the Economic
Development Commission. I have served this community in many
ways as a volunteer and through my business.
What I am not, though, is a cheerleader. Like every community,
Auburn has issues that most people don't care to discuss.
I don't mind at all, especially if bringing these issues to light
results in communitywide discussion and potentially needed change.
While Auburn Leadership is a great program for many people, leadership
is not something I aspire to. I am not a "joiner";
I am an observer and I contribute to the community in my own way.
At the end of the day, we both believe that Auburn is a wonderful
place to live and we seek the best for it. Deal is, though,
I don't own rose-colored glasses.
:
Great expose, funny too. I'm no crusader, but I think you are right
on about the "need" for this vehicle.
Comment:
Gary - of COURSE you haven't seen the new Charger but twice - it's
the Stealth model, stupid! I laughed out loud at the helicopter
part. Thanks so much for doing this!
Comment:
I love it! A group of us just recently used a similar Barney Fife
reference regarding our beloved PD. Love your writing.
:
Gary, What a right on article!!!! Major kudos to you.
My neighbor is a police officer. One day I was out raking
up the many leaves that constantly fall from storms this time of
the year and lo and behold he pulls into my driveway with this subject
beast. I about sh*t in my pants!!! What on earth does
APD need with a car like this when they really only have an approx.
five mile radius patrol area? He commented that they often
are called on to assist PCS and CHP calls. OH, OK!!!
How often do they need to go off road with the Dodge Durango SUV
they have? Another expensive ride not needed. In my
opinion APD has about twice as many officers than are needed.
I guess it’s for all the crime Auburn is exposed to!!!
Your article is great and the Journal needs to bring attention to
what the taxpayers are contributing their hard earned tax dollars.
Like that will happen.
:
I could not agree more. I have seen the phantom Dodge running
around the airport area. Do we need this? No!
It sends the wrong message.
:
Gary, You should send this to the Urinal in hopes that they might
publish it, if nothing else as a letter to the editor. The
Auburn public needs to be duly warned to run and hide if they see
this thing coming down the street. You are right on, the odds of
this vehicle being in the hands of a driver that is incompetent
are very high, there is no justification for owning this unit and
they will be wise to detune it as far as they can. I’ll
bet that you can find them out on I-80 in the early morning hours
“testing” the acceleration on this beauty.
On the other hand, I have a vehicle that will reach 196MPH in a
matter of a few seconds which compelled me to take a driving class
to keep it in good working order. In my previous life a skid
pad and high speed course were the basics to staying out of trouble,
I don’t know if Auburn’s finest have done this.
One of these days I will take you for a ride in my little La Bomba
and let you feel what that kind of power is capable of doing.
:
What I’d like to know is why is an old man like you driving
a rocket ship? Maybe the APD does need Chargers after all,
but they would still be 50 mph short in catching your ass.
The Auburn Journal doesn’t like me anymore, so I’m not
sending quality stuff like this to them for free. Sir, I am
a professional journalist, but I make no charge to subscribers of
“Only in Auburn” because it’s all about the love.
Can you feel it, too?
I’ve heard reports of the cops “testing” the new
Charger right on our hometown streets. One of my customers
saw a cop smoke the tires in town and race a couple of blocks away
to back up a traffic stop. I just hope no one gets hurt with
this vehicle, but it seems like a time bomb ticking to me.
I appreciate the offer for a ride in “La Bomba,” but
how about if I drive? I’ll even bring cigars (on the
odd chance you smoke in your vehicle). Keep the shiny side
up and an eye on the rearview mirror.
:
Man that is some funny sh*t you are writing!!!! Keep up the good
stuff, see ya for some wine.
:
Good stuff… I was an SHO owner…and that WAS fun.
My son has a new Chrysler 300 and it has PLENTY of power…
I think the car is OK for APD as long as I get to drive it “on
a date”… once a month…
Maybe they would also like a Jensen Healey or two for the STEALTH
thing ??? (One IS for sale)
PS
It DOES seem a bit of overkill…I loved the Barney Fife reference.
:
When you're right, you're right. Good writing, thanks.
:
If they do take your advice and get the Apache, do you think they
would give me a little “stick time” on it? I could
show them some NOE (Nape of the Earth) flying techniques that would
be useful in surprising those burdensome pot smokers hanging out
in the American River Confluence; or, precision landing techniques,
allowing them to land in just about anyone’s backyard at night….the
ultimate in stealthy surprise! Best of all, the Charger may be faster
than the Apache straight out, but the Charger would be no match
for the infrared guided rocket that could slip up its tailpipe…a
no brainer for the Apache. Auburn PD might loan this Bad Boy
out to other community law enforcement agencies, charging enough
to off-set the fuel and oil charges this mother would eat….not
to mention the mileage on the Charger.
Finally, imagine the pride that the APD will show when they trot
out the Apache for the next Festival of Lights Parade. Awesome!
I think you’re on to something here!!!
:
Thanks, Gary, that was informative. I work for a Bay area
Police Department and when I played the attached video of the 'stealth'
car, the officers were rolling on the floor laughing. Thanks
for the belly laugh.
:
Time kept slipping away from me and then my mind kept slipping away
until I finally remembered that I felt strong enough about your
new column that I wanted to send you a note. Excellent job.
Trying to work with the AJ is an utter waste of time... it's a rag,
the worst of small town news reporting (oh, I've got stories from
my wife who works in marketing and as a PIO at an educational institution
here in the county).
On the downtown front.... I had a young friend who opened a record
shop in downtown a couple of years ago. This was after he
worked for the old record shop that had been downtown for years
until it closed it's doors. In his new shop, this young energetic
hard-working man tried to do everything he could to make the business
work. He joined the DBA with great anticipation that it would
be the right thing to do to stimulate business for him.... and even
felt he had some fresh ideas for other businesses downtown.
So, being my curious self (and knowing what a dead in the mud, stuck
in time, Mon-Fri 10am to 5pm of a downtown it has always been) I
would ask him how it was going with the DBA. He quickly became
disillusioned by the "old school" thinking of the good
ol' boys club where he had no impact with his ideas or thoughts.
He eventually closed the shop and moved his work/business out
of Auburn altogether.
Okay, I actually didn't mean to go on and on. You hit a truth-nerve that reverberated
with me. Just wanted you to know that I appreciated your work,
and your honesty, and I couldn't agree more with you on so many
of the issues you discuss.
Keep up the fight!! I enjoy your thoughts and perspective.
Hey Gary,
I just wanted to let you know that so far, I think your 'Only in
Auburn' is fantastic. I relate and agree with your opinions
on the Old Town vs. Downtown, as well as your most recent Charger
knock down. I've got to say I like your sarcasm.
It’s not to say I agree with the way you state every opinion,
but hey, that is what free speech and journalism is all about.
Thanks for not joining the mindless majority in your viewpoints.
I look forward to your continued articles.
:
Sometimes it seems to me that you go out of your way to be the antagonist,
rather than take the calm, measured approach, for example when the
new development went in on the west side. Please do not find yourself,
in my opinion, disappointed in love, yet joyful in your accomplishment
at CV but confused in your total outlook. Ask yourself,
do your loyal customers REALLY care about a police car and money
management at the city level ( right or wrong) in the City of Auburn.
Your first article about the divide between OT and DBA really hit
home and was a good example of your breath and talent as a writer,
but cop cars was a bust...at least to me.
THANKS for your efforts.
:
What, me an antagonist? Surely you jest. What me, disappointed
in love? What me, confused? These seem to be rhetorical
questions.
There is no question, however, that my customers do care about police
cars and local politics as evidenced by the ton of email I
have received.
Thanks for your compliment, I think.
:
Ok, thanks for filling us in. I was wondering what the h-e-double-toothpicks
that was when I saw it cruising down the festival of lights parade
a couple Saturday nights ago. I said to myself, "Self, could
that really be a police vehicle???" Personally, I like the
Charger a lot, and would like one of my own (hold the aviator glasses).
You never know, our sleepy little town may be in for more grandiose
doings in the future...
More comments from the peanut gallery - I enjoy your subversive
column. It reminds me of college days when just about every campus
had an "underground" newspaper. Fun stuff. Keep it up.
And Finally. . .
:
Sir, My partner and I have held most of our business
meetings at your establishment for the past year and a half. We
felt like this was a great way to relax while discussing our
business affairs. After reading your most recent "news"
letter containing your condescending distain for our local law enforcement,
I have decided that we will stop frequenting your business.
If karma works its magic, may be the officer driving that Charger
will be the one to save you or your family’s life someday.
If that ever happens I hope you say, "thank you officer for
getting here so quickly."
Reply:
I knew there was a risk that I would offend someone, and I’m
sorry it was you, though I don’t know who you are. How
many business meetings did you hold here, anyway?
Actually, I prefer customers who are open minded, so it looks as
though Carpe Vino was not a good match for you in the first place.
My hope is that you find another venue that is less offensive; perhaps
the 160 Club or the California Club is more suitable.
I appreciate your well wishes regarding karma working its magic.
Karma for me would be having an Auburn copper run my ass over while
out on an emergency doughnut run.
If that ever happens, maybe at least I’ll get a nice hot Krispy
Kreme out of the deal.
Have a nice day.
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