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COMMENTARY: Try not to irritate Lon Allan

June 17, 2008

By DANIEL BLACKBURN

I have a recurring dream in which the local media crowd works in concert to slay the dragons of government corruption and to cultivate an environment of informed citizens. And then I open my eyes, and my Tribune, and realize what a far-away fantasy that really is.

It is a closely-held belief of mine that newspapers assume a public trust when they publish, and that applies to UncoveredSLO.com. That’s why Trib columnist Lon Allan’s latest love letter to his Atascadero political cronies in today’s issue is oddly disconcerting.

The headline on Allan’s piece is “Gadflies to shoo away – and to praise.” He bemoans the reporting by UncoveredSLO.com of a verbal altercation between city council member Tom O’Malley and Mayor Mike Brennler that threatened to degenerate into a fist fight. Allan calls the article “another hit piece.”

This is a report which has triggered more than 530 responses from readers. Some of those are arguably nonsensical, to be sure. But that number of comments suggest that a lot of San Luis Obispo County residents not only have an enormous need to know, but a hunger to make known their own views, too. Until today, there had been no word of this incident in The Trib. Allan exploits Trib white space to criticize people who believe elected officials’ public behavior is subject to news coverage.

“Knowing O’Malley as I do, I’m sure he regretted his actions as they were happening,” wrote spinmeister Allan. Sure O’Malley did. Like Eisenhower regretted launching D-Day.

Of course, Allan can be forgiven for trying to provide smoke and mirrors to cover for his old buddy. What really makes this whole thing amazing is that some editor allowed Allan to get his cheerleader puffery into print without asking the columnist the obvious question: What the hell is this all about?

When community newspapers are so openly soft in news selection, and allow beat reporters, columnists and editors to become socially entwined with the public officials and community personalities whose activities they cover, it’s a formula for an informational vacuum and an uninformed citizenry.

In a real newspaper, Allan’s kind of drivel would be relegated to the “Letters to the Editor” section. Despite the fact that no one but the most attentive insider has any idea what he’s talking about, Allan castigates a gaggle of citizens he calls “gadflies.” These are people (and one unnamed ‘alternative news Web site’) who apparently disrupt Allan’s Utopian vision of a peaceful Atascadero community by (gasp!) involving themselves in city affairs and commenting freely on those affairs.

It’s a disservice when a community newspaper doesn’t properly cover the news (Estate Financial and Hurst, the Cal Poly Saudi deal, cushy county employee deals with vendors, questionable FEMA applications in Atascadero, to name a few others). It’s also a disservice to publish article after article about how rosy things are in certain SLO County business environs that fly in the face of fact. But when a newspaper pundit criticizes regular, involved citizens because they are viewed as picking on his hot-tempered pal, it borders on being hugely irresponsible.

Allan should re-read some of his own words: “Thomas Jefferson made reference to the need for a vigilant press and public.” This is a columnist who can’t define a vigilant press and doesn’t much care for that vigilant public.


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By: Anonymous on 6/21/08

Kelly put everthing he has a title to on the market when this story broke a few months ago. I use the term title to since to imply he owns anything is kind of ridiculous since he went out and over borrowed on almost everything. I doubt his personal residence is any exception. One thing nice about the internet one can keep up even from Ohio right Kelly.

By: Anonymous on 6/20/08

I heard on KVEC today that Kelly Gearhart has put his house up for sale in Atascadero. Does he need the money for legal bills or is he planning on splitting town????

By: Anonymous on 6/20/08

"I don't know Tom Comar from a hole in the ground."


It's easy to tell the difference: Comar is the type of hole that can get hemorrhoids.


Joking aside: I think your WalMart tells a lot about your income level. People to whom money is dear appreciate and want the savings of that type of store. People to whom ideals are more important than money want to block that type of store.


In blocking WalMart, a case could be made that "saving" sweatshop Chinese laborers comes at the expense of American families struggling to keep Froot Loops in the cupboard, or whatever.


A case might also be made that if the Chinese sweatshop labor wasn't making the crap sold at WalMart, maybe they would not be making anything at all. Putting our 1st world labor ideals on a 3rd world situation struggling to eat doesn't make a lot of sense.


Otherwise, I concur with Norske. Let your conscience be your guide. But please try to educate your conscience.


By: Anonymous on 6/20/08

I would venture to say that I know better than most how undocumented immigrants are used and abused in this country. As to the rest, rationalize away, I care not.

By: Anonymous on 6/20/08

to norske


Well Comars proposal does not stop WalMart it just prohibits the grocery component. Are those groceries coming from China? So whats the problem with selling food?

By: Anonymous on 6/20/08

norske

Do you do a background check on every business or product that you buy? Have you ever researched how the legal and/or hard working illegal mexicans get screwed everyday in the US? If it were not for them it would be difficult to own a home, pay for food and receive the other services that they provide.

Wal Mart may not be perfect but then on the other hasnd who is?

By: Anonymous on 6/20/08

I don't know Tom Comar from a hole in the ground. If one were to research Wal-Mart's history, subsidies, business practices etc. just in this country, that would probably dissuade most people with a conscience from shopping there. But when you add in the slave conditions under which a large number of their products are made, it raises it to a whole other level. At least for me. True, a lot of big box stores sell products made in China, third world countries and U.S. protectorates, I don't shop in those either. But Wal-Mart has brought the sweat shop biz to a whole new level what with their own factories operating with ruthless efficiency. It takes very little effort to find out the information on where the products you wish to purchase were made and under what conditions. If knowing all of that people still choose to shop at Wal-Mart then more power to them. Money is not everything and saving a few bucks on cheap clothing is not worth perpetuating the misery of others. For me. To each their own.


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By: Anonymous on 6/20/08

To wheres the money


You forgot the necessary field trip to Santa Cruz to check out the medical marajuana industry by Ellen Beraud

By: Anonymous on 6/20/08

Ramrod may be new to Atascadero. Where would the money go? That is really simple to answer. First off there would be a study, most of them cost around $100,000, to determine where the money should be spent. Then the city council would vote themselves a pay increase so that they could study the study to see where the money should go. After determining where the money should go another study would be performed to ascertain how that would be incorporated. Tom Comar would discover that some of the increased revenue was being spent on merchandise from China and would set in motion another initiative for Atascadero. The city council would then conduct another study to analyze the effects of the initiative on the city.

Then due to the stress of all of the studies the city council would then give themselves a benefit package equal to that of city manager Wade McKinney and provide themselves a membership to Kennedy Fitness Center by matching the $44 per month fee that is paid out monthly to Wade McKinney to keep him in shape.

Now do you understand Atascadero?

By: Anonymous on 6/20/08

If Atascadero had more sales tax revenue, what exactly would be the money used for? … or what wouldn't get done without it? My guess is the money would go for more bureaucrats … or to keep the ones we have.

By: Anonymous on 6/20/08

wallace


I don't find partial-bith abortions funny, but, that is what, no doubt, sets us apart

By: Anonymous on 6/20/08

Anonymous – you are so funny. But from now on I make the rules around here, and you don't. Got it?

By: Anonymous on 6/20/08

norske


what grounds spefically…the same rules that apply to Wallace, apply to you


what ehtical/moral grounds? Is Wal-Mart doing partial-birth abortions in the back room or what?

By: Anonymous on 6/20/08

to Wallace


That took a while Wallace. Was Toms phone busy?

By: Anonymous on 6/20/08

To Anonymous: Ha! What wit!


To Insider: Thanks for so promptly proving my point.


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By: Anonymous on 6/20/08

I am against Wal-Mart coming to A Town purely on ethical and moral grounds. If people to the research and DD and still decide that a Wal-Mart is a good thing then so be it. I don't belong to any group and speak only for myself.

By: Anonymous on 6/20/08

to Wallace


Us corporate shills (consumers on the north end of town that would like access to groceries) would like to ask you UNION shills why you think this 14,000 sq.ft. of limited basic essentials is being advertised by your great leader as having the potential of closing the other grocery stores that total over 300,000 sq. ft. I will give you a little time so you can e-mail or call your party headquarters and get the talking points from your great leader Mien Comar.

By: Anonymous on 6/20/08

Wallace…you must be specific to play and this game, and you weren't. Be specific in you accusations or don't play

By: Anonymous on 6/20/08

Wow – what is with all of you corporate shills for Wal-Mart? No wonder Atascadero gets such a bad name – just looking at this string of comments, you use fear, intimidation, name calling, slander, deceit, misinformation . . . no wonder the city is in trouble with people like "insider" hating it so much, and bringing what could be a constructive debate down to such a low level. Try using honesty once and see if that might work better for you.


By: Anonymous on 6/20/08

What would people this of an IKEA in Atacadero? At least there is SOME quality to IKEAS products. Also, if people demand purely quality products, doesnt that create less demand for crap, then less demand for energy.

By: Anonymous on 6/20/08

Is the Atascadero city council going to serve the citizens or THEIR special group of supporters-OWM? In these very difficult economic times, which appear to be here for a long time, does the council have a responsibility to protect its citizens. Will they allow for competitive shopping for our daily needs?

Will they cut down on the use of gas to provide neighborhood shopping? Will they plant the seed so that other businesses will take the HIGH RISK of coming to Atascadero to do business? Also a positive approach will only initiate the turn in downtown and help it to recover to a valid downtown and not just a bunch of empty buildings.

OR, will the council follow in the footsteps of THEIR socialist supporters and authors of the Shield Initiative? The majority of this current city council has shown their true colors in the past by attempting to take away our property rights. Will they now make an attempt to take away the rights of free enterprise?

By: Anonymous on 6/20/08

"There is no sales tax on groceries so no income to the city."


True, but the opertunity to do ALL your shopping and save on discounted groceries as well as gas is very attrctive.


BTW, I got a kick out of Lee Perkins, a sheild advocate who ststed in the trib that Paso, AG, SLO and Santa Maria all have what amounts to a sheild against big box stores…AND, they all have a Wal-Mart


By: Anonymous on 6/19/08

To its not about walmart


Are you stupid or just pretending.

By: Anonymous on 6/19/08

There is no sales tax on groceries so no income to the city.


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By: Anonymous on 6/19/08

If it's not about Wal Mart why is there a restriction on the size of a grocery store? Who in their right mind would be against the product that EVERYONE has to purchase? Wal Mart will provide that product at a competitive price and still make a profit. Food is more than likely going to follow in the footsteps of oil prices. So along comes Comar, Luna, Beraud and Brennler who are against a new grocery store in town that may provide us all with our daily needs at possibly the lowest price. There is nothing better than good old American competition.

Why are our local socilists against an American tradition? Vert scarry in my mind.

By: Anonymous on 6/19/08

to Its not about Walmart


Then why does no other store have any restrictions. Just WalMart. Tom Comar represents the UNIONS when are you going to figure that out. Or admit it I should say.

By: Anonymous on 6/19/08

the shield initiative will not stop walmart. Since the submittal by walmart is already under 150,000 square feet it will only restrict the grocery space to less than 7500 square feet.

By: Anonymous on 6/19/08

This entire escapade is about Wal Mart, unions, Tom Comar, George Luna, Ellen Beraud and Mike Brennler.

I ask, if the dollar store across the street from the Wal Mart location were the applicants would all of this be taking place.

The store appears to be doing quite well. They pay low wages, they undercut every business in Atascadero and a good amount of their products are from, you guessed it, China. Why havn't the OWM people gone after them? It's really simple what this is all about. The current council is preparing to stick it to the city that I call home and may ruin it for some time.

I detest attorneys and lawsuits although if the city council adopts the initiative without a people's vote I hope that Wal Mart sues them all and takes them down so that we all can just start over.

By: Anonymous on 6/19/08

To Shield Initiative Supporter


Lets see if your people don't try and get the Council to make it an ordinance rather than go to the ballot. It will be on TV, watch it I'm sure they will make every attempt to avoid the ballot. You say they want a vote of the people. Right. I say they want to shove it down our throats.

By: Anonymous on 6/19/08

The reason for the Shield Initiative is to put it on the ballott and let the majority decide. But that takes the wind out of some peoples sails (like Insider). You would rather continue your slime and slander. You would have to shut up if you excepted that the intention is to put it to a vote of the people. Go ahead and keep up your spin. You and your friends are soon going to be the laughing stock of Atascadero, actually you already are a joke.

By: Anonymous on 6/19/08

Whats most interesting is the vote of no confidence this is for Luna, Brennler, and Beraud. If thier supporters believed in thier ability to govern why would they go forward with this initiative. They have a majority of the council in place yet they feel they need to force there hand. The point is the Comar gang will not let Luna, Brennler, and Beraud exercise thier own judgement as elected officials. Now thats what I call being someones puppet. We will get you elected but if you don't do exactly as we say we will neuter you.

By: Anonymous on 6/19/08

Where is the news media for the Shield Intiative hearing in Atascadero. This could be the making or breaking point for Atascadero. Dr. Watkins just told the "leaders" that their city is in a crisis. Dr. Watkins said that large commercial projects were knocking on their door to come to town. Dr. Watkins said the city badly needed sales tax revenue. So come Tuesday the true colors will come out of who is sleeping with who. Of course Beraud will vote no. Luna will probably go no because it supposedly goes along with the General Plan and Brennler will probably follow when George pulls his puppet strings. This evening will send a very strong message as to where the future of Atascadero is headed. And remember OWM strongly endorsed Luna, Brennler and Beraud. This should be a case to see about what to do with campaign reform.

The media should be following this before the meeting and not after the vote. Give credit to the Tribune, they did do an editorial on the subject.


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By: Anonymous on 6/19/08

The blog was initiated in response to the lack of creditable reporting on the corrupt activities within Atascadero. I too do wonder at times but only out of frustration why there is no other media to reveal and report what is going on in Atascadero. Every article in uncoveredslo.com that mentions Atascadero goes completely off the scale with responses. There is a reason for that. The people are not only disappointed with their city council and management but have nowhere else to express their views.

Insider you don't really bother me, I think your comments are interesting and for the most part accurate. So far the majority of the city council in Atascadero hasn't taken away our freedom of speech and therefore I along with others should exercise that right.

By: Anonymous on 6/19/08

All roads lead back to OWM, Brennler Smokey the finger waggling Bear, Ellen "the Turtle" Beraud, and Tom Comar. Peace existed to some degree until these individuals arrived with the sole purpose of undermining our economy and taking away our limmited property rights.

By: Anonymous on 6/19/08

and what about insider's 1st amendement rights…you gonna slime them?


Oh, you're on of those guys who likes an appointed mayor rathe rthan elected

By: Anonymous on 6/19/08

I see insider has managed to slime another blog. For those who want to stay on topic and know who Buban, Jackson & Burbach are we generally don't respond to insider unless we agree. Insider is most likely one of the people I just mentioned. Insider has slimed many blogs here, consistantly trying to turn every subject into WM, Beraud or Brennler.

By: Anonymous on 6/19/08

Dollar to a Donut Beraud wants to adopt the OWM initiative as is and proclaims its to save the City the $4000 of the ballot even though she is willing to spend tens or thousands on trust workshops and $100,000 on economic consultants. What a joke. :') LOL

By: Anonymous on 6/19/08

It would be nice is we could stay on topic.

By: Anonymous on 6/19/08

Ellen Beraud is a turtle. She lives in a shell and only pops her head out for a NO vote and a handout from OWM.

By: Anonymous on 6/19/08

Ellen Beraud is not funny. For the best of Atascadero, Beruad should stay at home with her children when she is not at ASH. She only does discredit to Atascadero.

Case in point. After 5 hours of public input regarding the APPLICATION ONLY for Wal Mart Mayor Brennler closed public comment. Ellen Beraud, without taking a breath, called for the meeting to be adjourned-WITHOUT TAKING A VOTE. Now that is what I would say is scarry and not funny.

I'm surprises O'Malley didn't challenge her to something.

By: Anonymous on 6/19/08

I hate to see people poking fun at Ellen(No Vote). Remember, she is a mother and a dietician.

By: Anonymous on 6/19/08

"Why do so many LIBERALS shop

at the Paso Robles Wal-Mart ?"


Because their welfare checks wiil go farther at Wal-mart. It's true!


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By: Anonymous on 6/19/08

John Galt is SM Bill.

He has about 20 nics he posts under. To afraid to come from under his rock.

But Congalton sits at his feet and waits for his next hateful jewel.

By: Anonymous on 6/18/08

to John Galt


No one cares who John Galt is the real speculation is who is the insider?

By: Anonymous on 6/18/08

Who reads Lon Allen any way and who really cares about Atascadero, except the people who live there. Everyone needs to get there panties out of a bunch and remember Shakespare's "Much Ado About Nothing" That is what is going on in Atascadero.

By: Anonymous on 6/18/08

to Would Like to Know


Espionage

By: Anonymous on 6/18/08

Why do so many LIBERALS shop

at the Paso Robles Wal-Mart ?

By: Anonymous on 6/18/08

The majority of the current city council IS the special interest group that is behind OWM. Look at the OWM webpage, all you see is George Luna, Ellen (vote no) Beraud and Mike Brennler.

Tuesday should be very interesting. The first rock will have been thrown for the next election.

By: Anonymous on 6/18/08

then we can know that they are not insider puppets.

By: Anonymous on 6/18/08

So OWM after 6mo of badgering every friend, foe, and nieghbor as they went to the supermarket each weekend have finally come up with 1500 signatures. Not enough to call for a special election like they wanted but enough to get on the November ballot. Lets now hope our City Council has the huevos to stand up to this special interest group and put this on the ballot for the community to decide. We will soon see if Comars puppets can think for themselves.

By: Anonymous on 6/18/08

Your yawning is part of what's wrong with Atascdero. Unfortunately things have gotten so bad that nobody cares anymore. Our current "leaders" have brought us to this point. This article reflects that there appears to be partisan reporting not only in Atascadero but in the entire county. Like yourself, most people in Atascadero are yawning when now is the time to stand up and let your opinion be known, whether it's for or against. Like in the past, the yawner's will usually come out after the fact and ask the question, "what happened?"

By: Anonymous on 6/18/08

So what..I'm yawning here

By: Anonymous on 6/18/08

Where is Tom. For sure you would think that he would have been on sound off by now. A real man would have stood up for what he thought was right or would have admitted his mistake, apologized and moved on. Tom evidently wants to keep all of the comotion wound up in Atascadero.

Then Tom never would go on the Congleton show which is probably not a supporter of Tom's. Congleton vs. O'Malley would be very interesting at this point though.

Tom could even write a Viewpoint for the Trib. Beraud wrote an article and it made no sense at all except to confirm that she too knows nothing. Tom could probably do better than Beraud. Maybe.


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By: Anonymous on 6/18/08

I was hopeful that the new editor at New Times would at least try to go back to hard news reporting. No such luck. Rucker keeps pulling the strings and it's just Soft Times.

By: Anonymous on 6/18/08

Excellent point, Mr. Clean. By now, no one is surprised when the Trib misses, ignores, or buries a story, but what has happened to New Times? They seem to have become a left-leaning clone of the Trib. Uncoslo is now doing the job that New Times used to do, and I say "more power to 'em!"

By: Anonymous on 6/18/08

Where has Mr. Clean, Tom O'Malley, disappeared to. It seems that he was always on the radio or in the paper telling all of us what a great job he was doing. Since more and more about the doings of Tom O'Malley have come out (thank you Mr. Broadwater)it appears that the truth about Tom has reduced his support to next to nothing, obviously why he didn't run for county supervisor which was his goal. It's truly shameful that the Trib, KSBY and even the New Times didn't jump on the potential fisticuffs at city hall. Tom should now be taking partial credit for the position that Dr. Watkins has placed Atascdero in- A CRISIS.

Where is Tom now?

By: Anonymous on 6/18/08

The Tribune motive in Atascadero is simple and clear: Business first. Business always. They want the Wal Mart built. They want economic development. They want Brennler out. They'll give O'Malley a pass anytime.


Someone told me that Chip Visci at the Trib takes home $400k annually. If he were to take a pay cut, one or two of those editorial people could keep their jobs.


How about it, Chip?

By: Anonymous on 6/18/08

If you truly want to decipher Tribunes motive in not covering this story consider fact that O'Malley is in tight with the EVC which includes Rottman Group, Wal-mart and Trib exec Chip Vichi.


Let's say this story happened in Pismo and Bill Rabinalt was involved. Since it is obvious that the Trib has a dislike of Rabinalt we can only assume that such a story would have been front page news.


Food 4 Thought

By: Anonymous on 6/18/08

"This is a report which has triggered more than 530 responses from readers. Some of those are arguably nonsensical, to be sure. But that number of comments suggest that a lot of San Luis Obispo County residents not only have an enormous need to know, but a hunger to make known their own views, too."


Well done, Mr. Blackburn. You and I may know that the Atascadero fistfight story was almost pure tabloid, but we've got to spin it as "the public's right to know." Say, wanna buy some photos of Dave Romero bathing topless? Perfect for Page 3.

By: Anonymous on 6/18/08

The ongoing saga of a dysfunctional Atascadero. Lon and Tom are good freinds since Tom "works" the historical society which Lon is actively involved in. I wish that Lon would be more objective regarding the current conditions of Atascadero and its "leaders." The mudhole is rapidly drying up. Today's editorial in the Tribune is something that ALL citizens of Atascadero should read and carefully monitor what the "leaders" of Atascadero will do. Dr. Watkins was very polite in referring to Atascadero being in a "crisis." It appears that the only ones that are not getting the drift of where Atascadero is and is heading is the city council of Atascadero. So in the future I hope that Lon will report the facts and not lean either left or right towards his personal favortism and provide what really is happening in Atascadero.

By: Anonymous on 6/18/08

Lon Allen reminds is the doddering grandpa – essentially out of it and irrelevant, but still trying to control the family. The kids and grandkids have moved on, but still he complains at the pets.


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By: Anonymous on 6/18/08

to holly cow


Thought K & D brought us the news for our commentary….if not, it's just another left leaning blog.

By: Anonymous on 6/18/08

to Lamont Cranston


No but its told your doing a three way with Tom Comar and David Broadwater.

By: Anonymous on 6/18/08

Is it true that Lon Allan and Tom O'Malley have applied for a marriage license under this new California ruling?

By: Anonymous on 6/17/08

Good, thoughtful editorial.


In terms of Eric Gruening, yes, he's is a gentle, sweet spirit. But I challenge anyone to list a single thing Eric has accomplished in all of his speeches before different public bodies. He speaks softly, but has no impact. Say what you will about Broadwater, he knows how to shake things up.


In terms of the Tribune, they are restricted by the economic reality that no one under the age of 50 is reading a traditional newspaper any longer.


But it runs deeper than that. Sandra Duerr has been there ten years and I think she's run out of ideas as editor. She doesn't know how to inspire her reporters any longer, so no one is out there doing the tough stories. Morale has got to be terrible once the staff found out that Sandy tried to leave to become the head of the journalism department.


The Tribune needs to reinvent itself for the 21st century. Sandy needs to go to a think tank somewhere or a university and let someone else lead the newsroom.


Lon Allan should retire and go write a book about local history. His column is a joke and nobody takes him seriously in A-town.

By: Anonymous on 6/17/08

I read the TT daily and find that it hardly wakes up a cup of coffee anymore. Lon's column is from the day's of hand set type. The real NEWS in Atascadero is ripped off investors from Hurst and Gearhart, not to say other issues aren't relevant. Your neighborhood is a bit dirty Mister Rogers. Where are you Lon, whose pouring the wine?

By: Anonymous on 6/17/08

Dan I'm very disappointed with you on this one. Lon simply pointed out that you failed to see O'Malley's possition at all. You appear to have chose a side on this one instead of sticking to reporting. Lon's contrast of Broadwater vs. Greening was excellent as was his notice of O'Malley haters. I think you took this a little personal and missed the forest for the trees. The OWM will be knocking on your door soon for your continued support. I find a wooden cross and a little holy water to be most effective in warding them off. I will forgive you for a little thin skin since you have brought some serious matters to light in the community.

By: Anonymous on 6/17/08

I thought Paso Guy was talking about Lon Allen's article and its placement in the Tribune.

By: Anonymous on 6/17/08

To Paso Guy:


The piece is clearly labeled "Commentary." And guess what? This is Dan and Karen's site, and if they want to comment on something, they do so. You really don't understand this?


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By: Anonymous on 6/17/08

Lon Allan choose to build a case that the special Atascadero City Council meeting was in an explosive state, "emotions were running high," to excuses O'Malley's behaviior. To futher justify O'Malley's behavior, Lon then brings in the other issue, "that about the same time" another City council member walked out because his wife was insulted by being charged with actions that were proven to be false years ago. I'd walk out too.


I was at the City Council meeting where the "glee" was supposed to have been evident. There was no "glee" but concern about inappropriate behavior of a City council Member who has yet to apologizie, but is being painted as the victim. Where is the "remedy [of] its defects" in E. G. Lewis's words.


By: Anonymous on 6/17/08

This ain't news. this belongs on an editorial/opinion page. Very disappointing

By: Anonymous on 6/17/08

Cindy,


I don't understand what the Trib has to gain by whitewashing. I like conspiracy theories as much as the next guy, but I can't get any air under this one.


Action sells papers. The Trib is in the business of selling papers. So I don't see any motive for them publishing oatmeal stories.


I believe it's less conspiratorial and more sloth-based. They simply don't have the drive and cajones that uncoveredslo does.


Except for Cuddy. I believe Cuddy is capable and interested in writing more than pap. If his Trib gig ever dries up, he would fit right in here.

By: Anonymous on 6/17/08

Even for a small town newspaper the Tribune really sucks. Lon Allan has never written anything of interest that I have read. You guys are really doing this community a good service, keep it up!

By: Anonymous on 6/17/08

Yes, but they need ads.

By: Anonymous on 6/17/08

Amen! I think if things continue going this way the Trib is going to have to fire MORE staff, and Uncoveredslo will have to HIRE more staff!

By: Anonymous on 6/17/08

Well said, uncoverdslo! If we had any decent press around here you might not have such a lock on covering important news and issues of keen interest to us. Informed long term residents miss what the Trib used to be; I suppose that sort of devotion to the time honored tradition of real news reporting is never to return to our fish wrapper.

By: Anonymous on 6/17/08

WOW,

If I could write like Dan, thats what I would have said, but I was thinking it, every bit of it. Thanks Dan & Karen.

By: Anonymous on 6/17/08

Well said Dan. I couldn't agree more. This problem has existed with local news way too long. The white washing of hard facts and soft reporting in SLO county has brought us all to the mess we are facing today. The FBI is investigating many factions of dishonest public figures through out our county. Some truth (or fear of the truth) would and could have gone a long way to a better today. I think people should do what I have done, make a statement and cancel your subscription to the Tribune.


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