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CAPSLO threatens whistleblowers in homeless inquiry

March 29, 2013
CAPSLO Executive Director Elizabeth Steinberg

CAPSLO CEO Elizabeth Steinberg

By CALCOASTNEWS STAFF

Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo (CAPSLO) is threatening more than a dozen persons who have come forward with information about wrongdoing at the nonprofit which serves the homeless in San Luis Obispo County.

These threats occurred shortly after several law enforcement agencies launched criminal investigations into treatment of the homeless by two non-profits.

CAPSLO has served a number of persons interviewed by CalCoastNews with a letter threatening legal action if they don’t retract the statements they made recently to the news service.

“They are trying to intimidate us so we will back down, but everything we have said is the truth,” said former CAPSLO employee Joette Sunshine. “I stick by what I have said 100 percent.”

A process server hand delivered the threatening letters over the past three days, amid at least two criminal investigations into financial mistreatment of the homeless.

CalCoastNews interviewed more than a dozen former employees of CAPSLO and others for a series of articles entitled “Keeping Them Homeless,” examining allegations of mistreatment of homeless individuals.

Several articles in the series reported on the case of Cliff Anderson, a formerly homeless man. Anderson lost his income when the Social Security Administration canceled his disability benefits because of alleged financial mismanagement by Family Ties and CAPSLO.

Because of this, Anderson has been without money for food or rent for nearly two months.

An investigation by San Luis Obispo County’s Adult Protective Services led the agency to ask San Luis Obispo police to investigate allegations of financial abuse of a senior, said Officer Jim Fellows. The Office of the Inspector General is probing allegations of Social Security fraud.

CAPSLO officials announced at a board meeting last week that they had fully investigated issues of financial wrongdoing against the homeless — as well as allegations that holiday gift cards were pilfered. They claimed no wrongdoing was found. But none of the sources quoted in the CalCoastNews articles were contacted by CAPSLO’s investigators.

The current ultimatum is based on assertions by CAPSLO’S management that CalCoastNews reporters and Atascadero private investigator Mike Brennler encouraged sources to lie. Both CalCoastNews and Brennler deny the allegation.

“When you look at the history of CalCoastNews, you’ll see that the news site has been targeted by people whose wrongdoing we have reported. The list of penalties imposed and prosecutions makes clear who tells the truth in these stories,” said Bill Loving, editor of CalCoastNews.

CAPSLO’s attorneys wrote in the letter that they were attempting to gather information for taking legal action against those making “defamatory” statements against CAPSLO or its employees. The Fresno office of Littler Mendelson, a law firm representing management in labor and business and boasting 57 branches worldwide, authored the letters.

“What happens next is to some extent up to those who are making the defamatory statements,” the letters read. “If the persons making these statements seek to correct their previous erroneous comments, CAPSLO may choose not to seek to enforce its legal rights against them. If this unlawful crusade of defamatory statements and publications continues those involved will be held legally responsible to the full extent of the law.”

Earlier this week, Dee Torres, who heads CAPSLO’s homeless services division, filed a lawsuit alleging that Brennler slandered her during an investigation into Torres’ alleged actions. The lawsuit claims “Brennler and Does 1-100 knowingly and willfully conspired to defame” Torres.

Over the past six months, individuals including San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Adam Hill, to whom Torres is engaged, have targeted CalCoastNews advertisers with emails and phone calls, encouraging advertisers to cancel contracts.

 

CAPSLO letter


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This word game can go on forever as far as I’m concerned but, most definately, the entire organization should not get one penny ot tax payer funding until there is a final resolve to all public allegations.


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Wow! This is going to get ugly! I don’t know who is advising CAPSLO, but they have opened a can of worms and I think they will regret it. I understand they are a non profit? Where are all the records of donations? Hopefully we will find out!


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Late on a Friday even.


“When someone makes a false statement about you representing it as fact, that is significant,” Ogden said


Would Adams e-mails be statements? Arron’s scree’s?


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It’s out there but still very one-sided, just like tha Razor,.


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Yeah, if only they could be “fair and balanced” like CCN.


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Good for you Homer, finally starting to see the light! What would be fair is someone taking the time to talk to and investigate what is being said, and I don’t mean CAPSLO, that ship has sailed!


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@KARMA2COME: We should be thankful to Homer because, if it wasn’t for posters like Homer and MrM, discussions for each of the articles about Dee Torres, Biz Steinberg, CAPSLO, Adam Hill, etc., would straggle off after about 3 pages of posts.


Thanks to Homer’s pot-stirring, he ensures that the topic discussions continue to go on.


You’d think Homer worked for Adam Hill’s campaign PR firm…clients like Hill ensure that campaign PR firms are busy-busy-busy throughout the years in between campaigns, too.


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MM, I challenge you to find a single post of mine that states whether I think what is presented by CCN is true or not. Pointing out the weakness of CCN’s reporting is not the equivalent of being on one side or the other. See, reporters aren’t supposed to be on a side. In every single story, they should call Dee Torres and report that either she couldn’t be reached or refused to comment. They should report they contacted Mike Brennler and asked who he was working for and his response. Reporters don’t hold cards back. They shouldn’t be part of the story.


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Well said!


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Homer I agree.

All I see on the tribe comment section regarding this story has been directed at Karen and calling her a liar. I have not read one comment that offers any explanation to the allegations of homeless donations being misused. In fact I see only a couple of opinions that are strikingly similar to one another and continue to find issue whit whether the PI was being paid by CCN! Who cares if he was paid by anyone…….it’s the fact that there have been reports by many saying there has been money and gift card miss management. They want to cause the messenger of being dishonest!

The real story here is what can be done to protect our homeless persons rights if not to speak out against those who chose to take advantage and cause harm under the vail of nonprofit…..cuz I see the potential for some serious profits to be had here.


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Basically, all I saw over there at the Trib comments was some Jazz-someone posting repeatedly against CCN and it’s crew (specifically Karen Velie). Now, I don’t hang out at the Tribune website much (I subscribe still, but probably not for much longer), but the comments there are more “sour grapes” against a competitor than actual discussion of the article. That leads me to believe the “commentors” are in league, one way or another, with the Trib or the folks who work there.


I would think we could have multiple, credible news sources here; I would never ask that any serious attempt at news coverage be silenced or ignored. However, the Tribune seems to often shoot itself in the foot, especially when it comes to high level corruption issues on the central coast.


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MrM,


There is another way this could be handled; voter initiative. If CAPSLO won’t do anything, perhaps that is the way to go. The voters of California have retained the power to correct things when recalcitrant governments or big companies that receive government funding won’t make the corrections themselves.


Generally, federal grant funds are handed to the states. The states then contract with the counties and cities. The counties and cities then have to have their City Council and Board of Supervisors approve contracts with CAPSLO.


However, the City Council and Board of Supervisors would not have the authority to approve the funding if the voters passed initiatives both in the City of San Luis Obispo and in the County of San Luis Obispo prohibiting such funding.


California is famous for its voter initiatives. Remember the Dalidio Ranch initiative — Measure J? The Superior Court said the people couldn’t do that. The Court of Appeal said yes they could. The California Supreme Court refused to take the case and let the Court of Appeal opinion stand.


The power of the city and the county to spend comes from the law. Laws can be tweaked. Perhaps Ms. Julie Rodewald, County Clerk Recorder, has an Initiative Guide someone can use to learn about how it is done? I’m not saying now is the right time to proceed, just that it could be done.


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Let me ask this;

I’m not an accountant so bear with me as I may be incorrect with the following questions however I am compelled to ask as this has been eating at me for some time.

If “Friends of Prado” donated gift cards then they should have a record of such a donation, yes? After all a group contributing to the services of a 501(c)(4) can write off any contributions as a “business expense” yes?

If donated gift cards were received by employees or Mrs. Torres there should be a record of this receipt as these cards are considered “cash”, yes? Also, these “cash” donations should be listed in CAPSLO’s audits as additional income, yes? From the previous year’s audit reports that I’ve looked at there is an accounting for “donations-unrestricted” so this tells me that my questions are valid and that there should be records to substantiate the receipt of “cash” items such as gift cards.

These are simple questions that should be easily answered by CAPSO and Friends of Prado. I’m all for the truth and if they prove the truth so be it.

This topic seems to have dropped off the radar


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You’re absolutely correct. They should give receipts and they should keep a record of that receipt. Donations are part of operating revenue and must be accounted for. Here is the rub, corporations like Wal-Mart, Ross, Union Oil (gas cards) and Von’s etc aren’t going to ask for a receipt. The fact that these businesses recorded the gift card as a contribution in their own books and the cards were eventually redeemed for product is sort of like a cancelled check for these companies. So if CAPSLO receives $1,000 in gift cards from Wal-Mart, maybe they record it or maybe they don’t since they claim that they’ll give it away anyway, although legally they are supposed to record it.


The second part of the rub is that what happens to the cards once Dee takes control of them is anyone’s guess. They are supposed to keep a record of who they distributed these valuable cards to but they claim that failure to keep those records was an oversight. Lets see how Dee feels when the IRS and the FTB exact a determination that she will have to claim anything she can’t prove as personal income. Funny that 2 (maybe 3) of her ex’s knew that there was no audit trail or accounting for these cards, I suppose that came up in an innocent conversation rather than on a spending spree?


They (CAPSLO) have been reported by many people to a variety of agencies, it will all be investigated.


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You dont’ think the donating companies would ask for a receipt? Don’t they write off the donations? I would be interested to see if CAPSLO did or did not record those donations. Maybe that is how Dee justified her pilfering? Then again, if there is no record of who received what donation, then no accountability leaves the open door for Dee’s free Burgers and Toys for her kids. IF anything gets fixed at CAPSLO, accountability for every donation needs to be on that list!


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Many people donate out of the goodness of their hearts.they drop cards off intended for the homeless, they hand them to staff and say Merry Christmas, and they are gone. They assume the cards will be distributed, but if those cards aren’t distributed, who’s going to know? No accounting or failure to account? Hmmm, if you don’t turn them in, there is nothing to account for , accounting only works if it is documented!


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Yeah, because they don’t spend enough time on paperwork as it is. I think that the staff should write a receipt for every item of cloths, each tube of hotel size shampoo, and each item of can food the Poly students drop off when they go home. Also, they should write down each towel, bottle of airplane hand lotion, soap, socks, sheets, pillow cases, shoes, gloves, hats, toys, books, magazines, stuff dumped after yard sales, glasses, jars, and, oh, Clients? Who has time for clients?

Wasn’t one of the major complaints by the ‘fired ones’ that when Dee became director that she required more time on paperwork and less on clients? I think the quote was sixty forty. By the way, was it Dee, or the federal government, or maybe, just maybe, it was the readers of cnn? I am not saying accountability is wrong, but just be careful what you are asking for.


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No one asked for an accounting of all the items such as clothes, shampoo, hair products or toothbrushes. What was asked for and is reasonable is the accounting for “cash” items such as cash and gift cards.

Now back to the other items, if you charge money for items that have been donated, yes there should be an accounting for the monies received as it is reportable.

Hope this clears up any confusion as to the main question.


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Denny is right, NO ONE is expecting an accounting of hand lotion or soap, unless of course they are being charged for it! It’s the $$ trail that is important. And gift cards are as $$ is.


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Hi Everyone,


Over the last few days the comments posted on this thread reflect the angst and anger amongst the folks convinced that the CCN allegations regarding CAPSLO, Family Ties, D Torres, and others are true; and that your collective voices are being silenced by recent legal events.


I understand.


What I do not understand is why, after all this time, that CCN has not produced or provided any evidence supporting their allegations to any investigatory groups or agencies such as the Grand Jury, the DA, etc.


Why continue to bemoan the current legal quagmire; and make claims of being ‘legally silenced’ when that legal game would fall away if CCN just produced their evidence? As CCN has so far not produced the evidence is very troubling; and to further claim that the evidence has been somehow hidden, destroyed, or concealed because of local Machiavellian politics is careless.


So let us get this matter resolved and encourage CCN to produce the evidence; for after all they are the organization driving this issue. We all need some piece of mind one way or the other.


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MrM, Have you NOT read any of the articles CCN has posted? They clearly state who said what, who accused who of what, who Witnessed what, who was taken advantage of by who. There have been no “alias” accusations here…so what else could you be searching for?


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Dan,

MrM is fishing……I guess when you’re faced with the realization that the folks are going to stand behind their truths, one scrambles to find a path out and self protect. I’m enduring and steadfast in the prospect that investigative reporting will uncover more of this behavior in the near future.

CCN, please don’t allow the bulling to dissuade you from continuing to seek the truth.

Final note: Mrs. Torres has not answered the question regarding the accounting of gift cards received through donated entities, why? The receipt of such items should be considered “cash” and thus should be accounted for. Now I understand that the disposition of said gift cards may not be recorded however the statements made regarding accounting for them up to this point are very suspect.


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I am not affiliated with CCN in any manner; that said, your assertion that CCN is “the organization driving this issue” could not be more wrong. CCN is the only organization REPORTING on these issues; as a reporting agency, it is not their job to take these issues to the proper authorities and present the evidence. Those of us who read these articles and find them credible can do our obligation as a citizen and ask those authorities to investigate, prod them on if they are not investigating, encourage them if they are to get to “the truth” about the allegations.

“Afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted” is a mantra that all media should embrace, especially when given evidence that wrong doing is afoot, doubly so when the accused is a governmental body or organization. CCN is doing the job of reporting; if you want to see more than that being done, get off your duff and ask our County D.A. what his office is doing, contact the Grand Jury and see if they are taking any action, call the Sheriff’s office to see what they are doing, the same with our State’s Attorney General’s office, the Social Security Administration and so on. Don’t get on CCN’s case for not taking this further; they are doing their job.


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Mr M, I do apologize, I did misinterpret your post. You are questioning why didn’t CCN go to the Grand Jury or DA with the evidence?

Why would they? ITs not their case to file. They are simply reporting what others have endured-experienced with CAPSLO. Seems the proper entities are already investigating. Why would you think it is CCN’s job to do that? CCN is merely the messenger. That’s why its such a JOKE that CAPSLO, DEE/HILL would threaten CCN for reporting what SO many witnesses are saying is the truth!

Thank God we have honest, upright, truthful reporting here on CCN! They are the only venue in this county that is not in bed with the government, and not afraid to tell us what is Really going on! Where else can the public find honest reporting, instead of the biased information we are fed by others.


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Hi LAH,


I do not doubt that CCN and its supporters are passionate about what they do.

I do not doubt that readers actively support what CCN does.

No need to convince me of that.


However, IMO CCN and its supports are the driving force behind this story; therefore CCN should file an official complaint laying out the evidence they have to responsible investigation organizations (Grand Jury, DA, etc).


In order to PERSUADE, CCN and its supporters have to do much, much more than make allegations. After all, CCN and its supporters are not uneducated, powerless or incapable of successfully resolving any political or legal intrigue.


If CCN is reticent or feels that they are ‘not required’ to file a complaint, then CCN should give the evidence to those folks or organizations that will fill an official complaint.


Filing a complaint is very easy. Anyone may file one. Anyone.


A proposition; If CCN provides all the evidence they have in a form that may be present

ed in a Grand Jury complaint, then I will file said complaint to the SLO Grand Jury myself.

If CCN is interested, then all CCN needs to do is post all the evidence / documentation they have to this site for all to see and use.


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I can’t answer for what CCN would or would not do, I am not affiliated with CCN, I am just a county citizen, concerned with my community. IMO, I still believe CCN has done what they have promised to do. I would find it Redundant for CCN to report to the DA when the investigations are already underway,(by those directly affected, witness of wrong doing, etc…) CCN did however report responsibly, adding names and circumstances behind their reporting. I am convinced as a concerned SLO county citizen, that CCN did so in the best interest of the county. Not withholding information in regards to probable retaliation, (something our county government is akin to) I will have to trust that the investigators, Social security and the authorities will do a proper investigation, without fear of Retaliation, and come to a clear and decisive conclusion of what has REALLY been going on with CAPSLO, DEE, Lisa and the entire mess they have created. Obviously, I am bias to believe there has been foul play within CAPSLO. My opinion and concern have increased with each article CCN has posted. Convinced because CCN has not failed to show of the names and stories of those directly involved. And because CCN has proven to not be swayed by mere association to those in the BOS or any other government entity.


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Your confused, the article above and the comments below are two different things, written by different people.


“Filing a complaint is very easy. Anyone may file one. Anyone.” Yes and a number of them have been filed but but no one thought to update you an anonymous complainer, how sad.


The agencies will make announcements when the time is right, you get to wait with the rest of us.


A proposition: stop trying to back seat drive, it’s not about what you want.


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No, MrM, CCN and the readers are not a driving force behind this matter. CCN, a news agency, is reporting news about the treatment of the local homeless; a matter of public concern. The “driving force” behind this “story” are the actors who did the things being reported that are a matter of public concern. The people who are supposed to be fiduciaries handling Social Security benefits for the homeless are actors here. The people who are supposed to be managing case management and handling any assets intended for the homess are the actors here. Those actors are the driving force and no others.


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No, MrM. It is not the role of CCN or the readers to “PERSUADE” anyone of the guilt of any of the actors. That is the role of a prosecutor handling some administrative or criminal enforcement case.


No, MrM. It is not the role of CCN or the readers to “successfully resolve any political or legal intrigue.” It is the role of CCN to report the news on a matter of public concern. Readers have the opportunity to express their concerns and opinions.


While “anyone” may “file” a citizens “complaint” with a Grand Jury, a previous commenter has looked into that and for various reasons, that is not a likely resolution at this time. In part, the Grand Jury is ending its current session. The Grand Jury’s jurisdiction is limited to the funds given by a public agency and not to the entire agency funds of CAPSLO. There are additional reasons.


For Elder Abuse and financial fraud against the elderly, the proper agencies to receive information and investigate is stated in the statutes. Those agencies are the local Adult Protective Services and the District Attorney. Adult Protective Services is already involved and has made a referral to the City of San Luis Obispo Police Department, the proper agency to investigate matters occuring within the city limits. From there, it would be referred to the District Attorney for further investigation and possibly the filing of criminal charges. The decision on whether or not to file a criminal complaint is solely within the discretion of the District Attorney. Citizens cannot “file” such complaints; they can be witnesses. Only the DA can “file” a criminal complaint.


As to the possible charge of representative payee misconduct, the local Social Security Office referred the matter regarding Mr. Anderson’s funds to Office of the Inspector General for further investigation. From there, it could be a matter of educating the representative payee, referring the matter to a Social Security administrative hearing procedure for resolution or referring the matter to the US Attorney’s Office for prosecution.


As to the matter of management of the homeless at CAPSLO and any missing donations, the matter was first placed in the hands of CAPSLO leadership. They have apparently responded denying any issues exist, but never interviewed the witnesses. There were no records kept of the donations and gift cards so further prosecution is unlikely. There may be some future repercussions in grant funding sources, future donations and possible effects on future elections. The changes with regard to issues of mismanagement may come slowly, if at all, with policy and personnel changes. If the civil lawsuits go to discovery and trial it could speed the pace of change, but it is unlikely to go that far.


When the pressure is on, it is a common diversionary tactic for some supporter of the actor in the limelight to cry that the news is only making allegations and that there is no evidence. Such trolls argue that the journalists have no evidence and therefore they are making false accusations. Evidencce, MrM comes from witness testimony and statements as to what they saw and heard. Evidence, MrM comes from examining the financial records kept in the normal course of business. Evidence, MrM comes in many forms and there has been much evidence reported in this series of news articles. However, the journalist has a different role in our society. The role of journalist is not to gather evidence for the purposes of criminal, civil or administrative prosecution. The role of the journalist is to report. But, SLO still has the character of a small town in some ways. You can be assured that the DA’s office knows of this matter. Whether or not the DA or any other prosecuting authority decides to proceed will be based on what they know. That universe of information will be much greater than what we know here.


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MrM says:”What I do not understand is why, after all this time, that CCN has not produced or provided any evidence supporting their allegations to any investigatory groups or agencies such as the Grand Jury, the DA, etc.”


How would you know one way or the other? you don’t. CCN has to prove to You that APS and the feds know about what is happening? lol


Besides CCN already showed you some evidence but you ignore it. So more evidence would also be ignored because you are not here about that.


Just another anonymous toon demanding things but really is here to cast aspersions.


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Or MrM is seeking names so letters may be delivered! If one looks at MrM’s previous posts the tone taken in this string seems out of character. Just an observation.


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DennySLO


Mrm says: “If CCN provides all the evidence they have in a form that may be present

ed in a Grand Jury complaint, then I will file said complaint to the SLO Grand Jury myself.”


ROTFLOL! Sounds like a fishing expedition to me.


I think you could be right there in your observation. They are making their list and checking it twice. Realized they couldn’t come up with 12 + names yet.


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Hi All,


From the many responses above the proposition is not being taken seriously; and I am instead unjustly ridiculed. Silly me for thinking that CCN supporters wanted to discuss the issue from all sides without rancor or premature judgement.


Nothing left to say other than a speculation; CCN just may be incorrect. If investigations prove so, apologies will be accepted.


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MrM,

Speaking for myself, I would love to discuss the issues however you’re asking CCN to provide “proof”. As its been reported numerous times and mentioned to you several times, CCN reports the facts surrounding allegations made by others. Now the impetus of answering to these allegations falls on the ones accused and when there is no dispelling proof provided, that’s when the authorities proceed with criminal investigations. My understanding at this time is that this is currently in process.

I personally welcome your answers and any “proof” you may have that will answer the many questions that have been posed here. I understand that you have an opposing opinion regarding these reports as is your right. I would ask you to please engage in what you feel is the defense of these allegations so we may have fair insight into your position.

Thank you


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I think MrM does not want to hear that, instead, he keeps offering up a silly question posed as serious.


Newspapers REPORT, not PROVIDE. What planet have you been on, MrM? You want PROOF, well, CAPSLO and Dee have started that process via their SLAPP and defamation suits. Hopefully, it will all go to trial, and during the discovery phase, the “proof” as we seek it will come out!


Let the courts decide guilt and innocence. Let courts demand proof. Newspapers (Trib or CCN) should only be reporting on what was said or written. Period. Expecting a news outlet to provide you with anything else is pretty silly.


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Yeah, for all we know Biz Steinberg may be MrM in drag.


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Rise above it, Mary. I know it is a sensitive issue for many, myself included, but comments like these (and I’ve made my share as well) really do not add anything, and only bring us down.


I think we’re in the “long stretch of time” phase while the courts slowly grind these cases/charges/motions.


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My bad it was a long day, and I got Trolled.


“Don’t feed the trolls.


They work by playing on more honorable people’s good will. They pose as people who just aren’t yet persuaded. No matter how crudely it’s done it seems always to work.


People offer evidence. Trolls demand further evidence. People tell them to STFU. Trolls claim they’re being suppressed. People call them names. Trolls claim that’s because they have no evidence.


People offer still more evidence. Trolls ignore the evidence they’ve been offered and demand evidence.


It never ends. I don’t know why people are so unable to resist engaging with trolls, but they are — it’s true on every public internet forum I’ve ever seen.”


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It’s alright, Kettle. I rather enjoy running into Trolls now and then because it gives me a chance to educate the public.


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Yeah, don’t sweat it……deception comes in many forms and many names, the truth is just the truth and this can be difficult for some to understand.

MrM, I’m sure is a razor blogger cuz the shoe fits!

Btw I’m not anonymous like some trolls


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It is easy to say “Don’t feed the trolls” after one has just *itch-slapped one.


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This is just a quick addendum to my last post. I checked out the LIttler law firm – something I suspect many CCN readers have done. Littler is big, with numerous offices in this and other countries, and their listed specialties include defense against whistle blowers.


For that reason, home insurance policy protections against defamation suits could be very useful to those CAPSLO is going after. A big law firm like Littler might have a lot of resources, but if they have to go up against the legal teams from a few humongous insurance companies like, (for example, Allstate, State Farm, etc.) – well – that sure does seem to level the playing field :)


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I’ve not heard of many providers of homeowners insurance who have done much else but try to settle for as cheaply as they can.


They aren’t really concerned with whether their clients or right or wrong, except as to how it impacts the total amount of resources they have to expend (and their attorneys’ time is quite a resource) to get rid of the case.


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I suspect that the service runs the gamut from good to bad, but I read some online accounts of people whose home insurance companies provided them with good and successful defenses against SLAPP suits.


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That is good info to know. Thanks.


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I understand that SLAPP suit defense attorneys often work cooperatively with the insurance companies. Given your concerns, maybe that’s the best way for most people to go. That way, no one has to depend solely on the home insurer.


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Not really a comment on CAPSLO, but rather an interesting tidbit from todays litter box liner (the Trib).

On page A4 – story about law school graduates suing their schools because they could not find jobs as lawyers.


I don’t pretend to have complete knowledge of what ‘irony’ means – but this has to be part of it!


With all the totally useless lawsuits going on or threathened to go on (this CAPSLO thing is just one among thousands) – I find it almost mind boggling that lawyers have a hard time finding a job. Unless, of course, they are worlhless or got finagled into spending their money or their parents money on a ‘law education’ from less-than-reputable universities.


But they are now putting this ‘hard-earned’ education to practice and suing the schools.


Now, aint this country great!!!!!!


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Is this a perk for elected officials in our area…join the board of directors…like ashbaugh, hill even debbie arnold of local agencies funded by taxpayer dollars and then begin to reap the benefit of the graft…..there is no accountability for the money….that much is clear….look at the theft by Lisa neissen, a welfare receiving county employee and dee torres. The taxpayers are being ripped off…we are enabling a giant welfare state where the folks on welfare are disguised as county employees


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It does all start to stink when one looks at it from afar, that is certain.


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Someone may have mentioned this before, but there are a lot of comments here, so I will just restate it. I have read that most homeowners’ insurance policies and many renters’ insurance policies cover defense against libel and slander accusations. I found this hard to fathom, so I checked my own policy, and, at least in my case, it is true.


In my home insurance policy, “Coverage L”, Personal liabiilty”, includes personal injury. In the iist of definitions that came with the policy, “personal injury” is defined as, “”injury arising out of one or more of the following offenses: …..libel, slander, defamation of character…..”


If those being threatened by CAPSLO check their own insurance, they may very well find that they are covered, and that their insurance companies will handle their defense in any lawsuits that CAPSLO might file.


If a person’s insurance does not cover this kind of thing, a law firm will likely require payment of the standard hourly fees until a suit is filed. A lawyer I spoke to (an anti-SLAPP expert) said that, “the California Anti-SLAPP law has a fee shifting provision that places the burden of paying a SLAPP victim’s defense on a losing plaintiff. Thus we are often able to represent clients at low or no cost.” The fee shifting provision kicks in once a lawsuit is filed.


I didn’t get too far into this, as I am not one of the people CAPSLO has threatened, but this does sound promising.


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Fascism has arrived in San Luis wrapped in the flag of the homeless. Non profits rule by intimidation in the name of “We’re here to help you.”


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Fascism/Socialism/Communism/Marxism = Progressivism. It’s always the same. The Nazi’s on one rail, Communism on another. While they hated each other, they were merely the tracks for the progressive train leading to starvation, mass-murder, and misery.


Oh, I’m sure it’ll be different THIS time, though.


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Angelus Novus is that you?


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