Jeff Pelline's Sierra Foothills Report

Those “S.F. values” are just not to be underestimated:

“The rest of the nation mocked, abused and laughed at Giants fans, calling them over-the-top homers for stuffing the ballot box and voting for anyone in orange and black, healthy or not,” the San Francisco Chronicle is reporting.

“The fans got it right.

“‘Thank you,’ Matt Cain said with a celebratory chuckle, the winning pitcher in the National League’s 8-0 victory over the American League in Tuesday night’s 83rd All-Star Game. ‘That couldn’t have been any better. I appreciate that, especially on my end of it, to get that lead early with Panda hitting the triple.

‘”I can’t thank the fans enough to be able to vote them in. That shows the support we have in the Bay Area.”

The rest of the article is here.

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Now that Judge McManus’ retirement has been formalized, as expected, I wonder if the people who signed the petition to recall her will stop their efforts. Around here, you never know.

Judge McManus has been on medical leave since March, 2011, and was subsequently found to have sustained a traumatic brain injury in a fall.

The copy of the notice to recall Judge McManus is here.

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I received this press release from Sean Metroka of the Courts:

The request of Judge Julie A. McManus for disability retirement was approved by the Commission on Judicial Performance and the Chief Justice, and became effective on July 2, 2012. Judge McManus filed for disability retirement on December 15, 2011.

Judge McManus was appointed to the Superior Court of Nevada County in December 2005. She ran unopposed in June, 2008. Her term was due to expire in 2014.

The vacancy will be filled via appointment by the Governor. There is no timeline for the Governor to act on this appointment.

The Court acknowledges Judge McManus’ commitment to the children and families of Nevada County. Prior to appointment to the bench, she was a Deputy District Attorney for 15 years, handling cases involving child sexual and physical abuse and child homicide. Additionally, she was a Deputy County Counsel for 5 years, representing Child Protective Services. Her dedication and exemplary work-ethic were a significant part of her long-standing service to the citizens of Nevada County.

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City of Grass Valley Administrator Dan Holler is up for a performance review at tonight’s City Council meeting:

II. ANNUAL PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION (pursuant to Government Code 54957)
Title: City Administrator, Daniel C. Holler

The outcome should be closely watched. I hope he gets a positive review. It would be unfortunate if the Council somehow tried to pin Grass Valley’s complex problems (and criticism directed toward the City from outside circles) on the City “Administrator” and make a change.

In fact, Dan has gone along with some pretty controversial policy decisions, such as the City joining a lawsuit against the County over an airpot land-use decision (that was mandated by the FAA).

Dan has helped pursue revenue-growth initiatives, worn “many hats,” and he’s been an aggressive cost cutter at City Hall.

He’s proud of Grass Valley — one memory was his presence at the annual Grass Valley-Nevada City “pastie toss” on a Saturday morning, taking photos that were posted on the city’s Facebook page.

When it comes to Grass Valley “going its own way,” as I’ve reported here before, there should be widespread accountability — at the Council level and among some “old guard” civic and business leaders.

Voters and residents should pay close attention to any negative development from this closed-door session.

They should watch for any fallout from the unfortunate adage, “Nice guys sometimes finish last,” and they should demand widespread accountability from public leaders.

Good luck Dan!

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