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How much does a City Council seat cost?

by Jeb Bing

Former Councilwoman Kay Ayala and community activist John Carroll, both committed council watchers and frequent speakers, showed up at the Pleasanton City Council meeting last Tuesday to complain about hefty campaign donations being given to certain candidates in the current municipal races. Ayala spent much more than her allotted three minutes reviewing $1,000 donations being made particularly to Erlene DeMarcus, a transportation consultant, who is one of three seeking election to the City Council on Nov. 6. Two others are also in the race for the two available seats: Planning Commission Chairman Jerry Pentin and the candidate Ayala and Carroll support, Karla Brown.

In reading the lists of contributors, Ayala emphasized investor James Tong, whose offices are on Hopyard Road and whose firm has worked with developers to build millions of dollars of commercial and multifamily housing here and in Dublin. He also was/is the man behind building homes in Oak Grove, a project Ayala, Brown and others successfully fought in a referendum to stop. DeMarcus, by the way, works for Tong's firm.

What I found disturbing in the short 10-minute diatribe Tuesday night wasn't so much the Ayala/Carroll campaign "disclosures," which are posted regularly on the city of Pleasanton web page for all to see, but the steady bashing of a City Council candidate who wasn't even in the chambers. Mayor Jenifer Hosterman, who's usually quick with the gavel to warn speakers when their three minutes are up, allowed Ayala to continue. If the candidate being blasted had been mayoral candidates Jerry Thorne or Cheryl Cook-Kallio, who were both on the dais, I think Ayala would have been stopped in her tracks. Hosterman did say when the commentaries were finished that city law allows $1,000 contributions as long as they are disclosed and nothing prevents an individual who works for an investment firm, or a real estate firm as Brown does, from running for public office.

When you look at the DeMarcus campaign, she has received $31,075 to date in her bid for a council seat. Jerry Pentin has raised $30,993, but Brown has only received $14,755 in contributions. As for the mayoral candidates, Cook-Kallio has $27,665 with Thorne slightly ahead at $32,139. Although most of the contributions are in the $100 range, there are a few that might raise more than just Ayala's eyebrows. Among the heavy hitters for DeMarcus are a number of Tongs, presumably related to the investor, and who, like James Tong, also gave $1,000 to the DeMarcus campaign. They include Celestin Tong, Jennifer Tong, Michael Tong, Rebecca Tong and Ronald Tong.

Ayala pointed out that several others who also contributed $1,000 as individuals include Chi Wong, John Wong, Hong Yao Lin and Mei Lin. There's nothing to say that because these donors have Chinese-sounding names that they are part of the James Tong financial dynasty, but Ayala may be on to something. Even so, there's not much to "buy" in a candidate for Pleasanton City Council when the hundreds of donors include many others with possible special interests.

Cook-Kallio has support from Dutra Enterprises of Fremont ($400), E&S Ring Management Group of Los Angeles ($500), and the California Apartment Association of Sacramento ($1,000). The owner of Del Valle Business Park, Frank Auf der Maur, contributed $1,000 in $500 segments to Jerry Thorne's campaign. The Capillas -- Frank, Michael and Muriel -- gave a total of $650. ERFI Associates of Los Angeles contributed $1,000.

Some may question why any candidate for local office in a city the size of Pleasanton needs $30,000 in a war chest. Except for printing hundreds of costly yard signs and a few window posters, and, of course, "Vote for Me" ads in the Pleasanton Weekly, local candidates don't face the huge costs of television ads. $30,000, give or take a few thousand, even Brown's $14,000, strikes me as an adequate fund base to get your name better known to the voting public.

Posted by Jill, a resident of the Birdland neighborhood, on Oct 19, 2012 at 10:29 pm

I am so glad the local media has finally made the statement that was in this article:

"DeMarcus, by the way, works for Tong's firm."

The amount of money she has received from Tong and company for this campaign is staggering. Obviously, Tong is investing on a seat on the Council to further his business interests in Pleasanton by having somebody who works for him to run to a council seat. Several years ago Tong was fined for illegal money laundering for campaigns in Fremont. He obviously does not feel that laws apply to him. If Demarcus gets in, she will be involved in all the closed sessions of the Council and will be able to feed to Tong everything that the city is doing to fight the lawsuits of Tong and Lin. You definitely don't want Demarcus to be elected!

Posted by well, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Oct 19, 2012 at 10:41 pm

What is so sad is that it doesn't seem to cost very much to buy a seat on the council. A few thousand dollars and the gain is huge.

I really am wondering who the idiots are who vote for these candidates. I mean the local ones are a joke, but Stark too - how on earth does he keep getting re-elected. Who votes for him? Why aren't they paying attention?

Posted by Tony, a resident of the Country Fair neighborhood, on Oct 20, 2012 at 7:21 am

Since there are no TV ads in a Pleasanton election, can she possible spend all of that money? So after the election is over, what is going to happen to all of the extra cash in her account?

Posted by Pentin's the ONE !, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Oct 20, 2012 at 8:16 am

These days, unions buy their candidates in most races from city hall, to state house, to white house. Which is why any thinking person will vote yes on 32, to stop to union theft of worker's paycheck for assorted political campaign's....unless a worker grants specific and voluntary permission.

Also, editor is a bit misleading. Pentin is supporting Pentin. As a concerned citizen myself, I am casting a single vote for Jerry Pentin, period. I am sure he'll not be voting for anybody except Jerry Pentin. One of the other two will fill the other seat, and he likely wouldn't want another union vote from DeMarcus. However, Karla has other extreme positions. To be such those two extremists in their own ways don't both win, and squeezed out THE ONE and ONLY of the three, wno has served on a long list of Pleasanton boards and commissions, like a decade on Parks & Rec, Pres of No.Pleasanton Rotary, current Chair of Pleasanton Planning Comm. He has long helped create Pleasanton, understands and worked in many areas of life in Pleasanton, a longtime Pleasanton small business owner. No way would I gamble the other two squeeze out the one who has done more for Pleasanton than the other two combined. (the Mike listed first on your ballot, long ago dropped out) Jerry's name was drawn for last position in ballot placement.

Council...one vote for JERRY PENTIN ! !

Posted by Jill, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Oct 20, 2012 at 10:12 am

If I would cast a single vote, it would be for Karla Brown. She is the only candidate that has stood up to the developers Lin & Tong. She has been going to City Council meetings for a long time and has been an active volunteer in our community. Karla has been volunteering since our kids were in 2nd or 3rd grade, and they are in college now. Karla is probably the most knowledgeable candidate on the pensions issues and unfunded liabilities and she showed it at the local debates very well.

However, the main thing is that we keep Tong out of our city council by not voting for Demarcus. Demarcus, as the paper said, works for Tong. If you want to see what Tong wants to do in Pleasanton, one only need to look at all the homes in Dublin near Lowes. That is one of Tongs projects.

If you want to learn more about Tong's illegal campaign financing, you can see the FPPC (Fair Political Practices Agency) press release at Web Link which talks about the 8 counts against him that he was charged and sentenced in. You can also go to Web Link and scroll down to case 91/376 to see how the FPPC found him guilty in money laundering in Fremont.

A vote for Demarcus is a vote for Tong.

Posted by b, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Oct 21, 2012 at 7:00 am

My alert system went up the moment I read Kay Ayala's name. Naturally, she's whining that her candidate (Karla) couldn't raise as much as Demarcus. Boo hoo. After seeing how one-sided Karla's position was on the Tong development, it would be an absolute disaster to have Karla Brown on this council. She's all about what's good for her, not what's good for Pleasanton.

Posted by Gerald, a resident of the Parkside neighborhood, on Oct 21, 2012 at 11:36 pm

Karla stood for what most of Pleasanton stood for, Permanent Ridgeline protection! Not Jerry Pentin and not DeMarcus. They both tried to peddle that sham QQ and Save Our Park when there was no Park at all, just sloped land that the Lin's could build upon.

BTW, chair of the Planning Commission is a rotation position. It is Jerry's turn, soon it will be someone else's turn. You don't earn it, it just rotates and your get your turn.

We all know Hosterman picked Pentin for Planning Commission because she felt sorry for him when he got skunked running against Cindy and Matt, so let's not oversell the facts.

Posted by Appalled Fact Checker, a member of the Amador Valley High School community, on Oct 22, 2012 at 8:35 am

Wow, do facts matter anymore in journalism???

First, Erlene DeMarcus DOES NOT work for Jim Tong. Second, "presumably related". Really? Suggestions by Kay Ayala, innuendo, no proof or fact checking. Now anyone who has a Chinese-sounding name is related to Tong? Jeez. Third, Editor says he is "disturbed" but has no problem repeating the diatribe. Fourth, campaigns are expensive because mail is still the number one way to reach voters and postage costs keep rising. There are 40,000 registered voters in Pleasanton. It costs money to get your message out to them. There is an expenditure limit in Pleasanton amounting to approx. $1 per registered voter.

Disappointed in the Weekly. Where is the journalistic integrity?

Posted by Unbelievable, a resident of the Danbury Park neighborhood, on Oct 22, 2012 at 8:58 am

Anyone worried about the undue influence a former councilmember has in this community? One who ran against Hosterman and lost, one who has a personal vendetta against Mr. Tong because he contributed to her when she was on council but chose to contribute to Hosterman when she ran for mayor. One who has cost this community millions of dollars in lawsuits because she misrepresented a development? Did anyone actually check to see if the allegations were true?

Posted by Jill, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Oct 22, 2012 at 10:05 am

To "Appalled", even Demarcus has stated she works for Tong. She is on record at our city council speaking on behalf of somebody who works for him and also in Dublin there was a photo shared recently when Tong and Demarcus together at a Dublin City Council meeting, lobbying to get more housing.

I am glad we have people in this community who actually are watchdogs for government. Left unchecked, many of the politicians would be exceeding their authority. The reason we have all the lawsuits is because of Lin and Tong refusing to accept the decision of the voters and the judges. This is the norm for them. When they lose, they intimidate others using lawyers. This is not just a Pleasanton thing but has happened in Dublin, Livermore, and Alameda County. Probably other instances that we don't know about. So the blame for the costs is Tong & Lin and their employees/agents (including Demarcus). Since Pleasanton has been fighting their lawyers, and not rolling over like they wanted, they now are buying a seat on the council to get what they want. The voters already approved the protections and the judges agreed.

Posted by Chicago Politics, a resident of the Carriage Gardens neighborhood, on Oct 22, 2012 at 10:54 am

Wow, Chicago has nothing on Pleasanton when a City Council seat can be bought here also! I am glad citizens are paying attention to bring attention to this.

My vote will be anyone but Demarcus!

Posted by Pentin's the ONE !, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Oct 22, 2012 at 10:33 pm

I about choke every time I read a 'ridgeland' comment, when discussing the East side. There is no ridge on the East side of town...only some very gentle rolling hills, barely hills. The only Pleassanton ridge is just West of Foothil. Some of you try to make a mountain out of a molehill !!!!

Posted by To Fact Checker, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Oct 22, 2012 at 11:26 pm

Dear Appalled, I hope you are not trying to split hairs about if DeMarcus was a contractor to Tong/Lin or if she was an employee of the Tong/Lin Dynasty. The main difference is how she pays her taxes, not if she draws her paycheck from them and if she supports their way of doing business, including lawsuits by intimidation.

Of course Kay Ayala dislikes the whole group - he tried to sue her and intimidate her as well. Would you like someone that does business like that to you? Now he is trying to buy a Council seat. If you had 1/2 a brain, you would never support this type of underhanded tactics.

And finally, on the 460 most of the Tong/Lin donations were made on the same day- August 30th. Maybe the 2 families had a big party for her and everyone wrote a $1000 check, or maybe one guy wrote all of the checks on their behalf. Suspicious for sure.

Posted by Lins sue everyone, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Oct 23, 2012 at 2:29 am

Hong Yao Lin that Demarcus has received contributions from is the same Kevin Lin that has been involved in suing the city multiple times, suing Alameda County, etc. Sometimes it is under Shea Homes like this one --

Web Link

The Lins have been accused of Federal tax fraud for bogus optional basis tax shelters and been fined for $20 million from the IRS. Along with suing Pleasanton, the Lins are in the process of suing other people in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Seems like they make a living off of suing others.

Case Number: BC453994

Filing Date: 01/28/2011

Future Hearings

10/26/2012 at 09:30 am in department 72 at 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Conference-Informal Discovery

11/20/2012 at 02:30 pm in department 72 at 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Motion Hearing (FOR AN ORDER COMPELLING ANSWERSTO DEPOSITION QUESTIONS* DEMURRER TO PLAINTIFFS' SECONDAMENDED COMPLAINT)

Documents Filed | Proceeding Information Parties

LIN CHANG SU-O - Plaintiff/Petitioner

LIN HONG LIEN - Plaintiff/Petitioner

LIN HONG YAO - Plaintiff/Petitioner

10/05/2012 Brief (bried regarding plaintiffs' fifth set of requests for production )Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

09/20/2012 Request for Judicial Notice (IN SUPPORT OF ITS NOTICE OF DEMURRER TO PLAINTIFFS' SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT ) Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

09/20/2012 Miscellaneous-Other (CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE ) Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

09/20/2012 Demurrer (TO PLAINTIFFS' SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT ) Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

09/10/2012 Second Amended Complaint Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

08/24/2012 Notice of Ruling Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

08/23/2012 Reply/Response (reply in support of the plaintiffs' supplemental memorandum of points and authorities re: plaitniffs' motion for an order compelling Suzanne Blach and Andrew Gantman)

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

08/16/2012 Miscellaneous-Other (certificate of service )

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

08/16/2012 Miscellaneous-Other (supplemental memorandum in support of third parties' opposition to plaintiffs' motion to compel answers to deposition questions )

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

08/16/2012 Request for Judicial Notice (in support of its demurrers to plaintiffs' first amended complaint or in the alternative motion for judgment on the pleadings )

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

08/16/2012 Reply/Response (reply in support of defendant's demurrers to plaintiffs' first amended complaint or in the alternative motion for judgment on the pleadings )

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

08/16/2012 Declaration (of Tracy M. Clements in support of supplemental memorandum (filed on behalf of third parties Suzanne Black Griffith and Andrew Gantman) )

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

08/10/2012 Notice (of depositing of jury fees )Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

08/02/2012 Points and Authorities (supplemental memorandum of points and authorities in support of plaintiffs' motion to compel answer deposition questions ) Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

08/02/2012 Request for Judicial Notice (in support of opposition to demurrers )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

08/02/2012 Miscellaneous-Other (statement of non-opposition to the motion to strike ) Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

08/02/2012 Opposition Document (memorandum of points and authorities in opposition to the demurrers to the first amended complaint or in the alternative motion for judgment on the pleadings)

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

07/18/2012 Notice of Ruling (--partially granting and partially denying-- defendant KPMG's motion to quash plaintiffs' notice for deposition )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

07/16/2012 Miscellaneous-Other (position paper re plaintiffs' motion for an order compelling Suzanne Black Griffith and Andrew Gantman to answer deposition question )

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

07/13/2012 Response (response and objection to plaintiffs' "additional request for judicial notice in support of opposition to defendant's motion to quash plaintiffs' notice of deposition or alternatively)

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

07/13/2012 Stipulation and Order (TO CONTINUE HEARING DATE ON DEF'S (1)MOTION TO STRIKE AND (2)DEMURRER )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

07/12/2012 Reply/Response (reply brief in support of their motion for an order compelling Suzanne Black Griffith and Andrew Gantman to answer deposition questions )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

07/10/2012 Notice (of erratum in additional request for judicial notice )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

07/10/2012 Reply/Response (reply in support of motion to quash plaintiffs' notice of deposition of KMPG's person or persons most qualified or in the alternative for a protective order )

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

07/10/2012 Request for Judicial Notice (additional request for judicial notice of opposition to defendant's motion to quash plaintiffs' notice of deposition or in the alternative for a protective order)

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

07/06/2012 Demurrer (TO PLAINTIFFS' FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT,OR IN THE ALTERNATIVE, MOTION FOR JUDGMENT ON THE PLEADINGS )

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

07/06/2012 Notice of Motion (TO STRIKE A PORTION OF PLAINTIFFS' FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT )

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

07/06/2012 Request for Judicial Notice (IN SUPPORT OF ITS NOTICE OF DEMURRERS TO PLAINTIFFS' FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT OR IN THE ALTERNATIVE MOTION FOR JUDGMENT ON THE PLEADINGS )

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

07/06/2012 Miscellaneous-Other (CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE )

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

07/06/2012 Opposition Document (third parties Suzanne Black Griffith's and Andrew Gantman's opposition to plaintiffs' motion to compel answer to deposition questions )

Filed by Interested Party

07/06/2012 Declaration (of Michael E. Lisi in opposition to plaintiffs' motion to compel answers to deposition questions )

Filed by Interested Party

07/06/2012 Proof of Service

Filed by Interested Party

07/03/2012 Opposition Document (memoradum of points and authorities in opposition to the defendant's motion to quash the plaintiffs' notice of deposition or alternatively for a protective order)

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

07/03/2012 Proof of Service (global proof of service )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

07/03/2012 Declaration (of Peter M. Morrisette in support of opposition to the defendant's motion to quash plaintiffs' notice of deposition or alternatively for a protective order )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

07/03/2012 Request for Judicial Notice (in support of opposition to defendant's motion to quash plaintiffs' notice of deposition or alternatively for a protective order )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

06/25/2012 Declaration (OF PETER M. MORRISETTE IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION FOR AN ORDER COMPELLING SUZANNE BLACK GRIFFITH AND ANDREW GANTMAN TO ANSWER DEPOSITION QUESTIONS )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

06/25/2012 Miscellaneous-Other (SEPARATE STATEMENT OF QUESTIONS IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS' MOTION FOR AN ORDER COMPELLING ANDREW GANTMAN TO ANSWER DEPOSITION QUESTIONS )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

06/25/2012 Proof of Service (GLOBAL PROOF OF SERVICE )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

06/25/2012 Notice (OF LODGING OF ANDREW GANTMAN AND SUZANNE BLACK GRIFFITH'S DEPOSITION TRANSCRIPT )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

06/25/2012 Notice of Motion (FOR AN ORDER COMPELLING SUZANNE BLACK GRIFFITH AND ANDREW GANTMAN TO ANSWER DEPOSITION QUESTIONS )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

06/25/2012 Miscellaneous-Other (SEPARATE STATEMENT OF QUESTIONS IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS' MOTION FOR AN ORDER COMPELLING SUZANNE BLACK GRIFFITH TO ANSWER DPEOSITION QUESTIONS )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

06/25/2012 Request for Judicial Notice (IN SUPPORT OF THEIR MOTION TO COMPEL ANDREW GANTMAN AND SUZANNE BLACK GRIFFITH TO ANSWER DEPOSITION QUESTIONS )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

06/13/2012 Notice of Motion (TO QUASH PLAINTIFFS' NOTICE OF DEPOSITION OF KMPG'S PERSON OR PERSONS MOST QUALIFIED,OR IN THE ALTERNATIVE, FOR A PROTECTIVE ORDER VACATING THE DEPOSITION NOTICE)

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

06/11/2012 Proof of Service (via federal express )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

06/11/2012 First Amended Complaint

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

06/11/2012 Notice (of entry order re stipulation to permit filing of first amended complaint )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

06/08/2012 Declaration (of Hong Lien Lin in support of filing the first amended complaint containing cause of action under the Consumers Legal Remedies Act in compliance with civil code section 1780(d))

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

04/27/2012 Order (TENTATIVE RULING RE: MOTION FOR A PROTECTIVE ORDER )

Filed by Court

04/27/2012 Notice of Ruling (DENYING PLAINTIFFS MOTION FOR PROTECTIVE ORDER )

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

Click on any of the below link(s) to see documents filed on or before the date indicated:

TOP 04/20/2012 09/30/2011

04/20/2012 Objection (TO DEC. OF HOLLY B.BIONDO )

Filed by Attorney for Pltf/Petnr

04/20/2012 Reply/Response (MEMO /PLFTS )

Filed by Attorney for Pltf/Petnr

04/20/2012 Reply to Motion

Filed by Attorney for Pltf/Petnr

04/18/2012 Notice (RE: FINAL STATUS CONFERENCE )

Filed by Attorney for Deft/Respnt

04/18/2012 Notice of Ruling (RE REQUEST TO CONTINUE HEARING ON ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE RE CONTEMPT )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

04/17/2012 Request (TO CONTINUE HEARING ON ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE RE: CONTEMPT ORDER )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

04/17/2012 Notice of Ruling

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

04/16/2012 Declaration (DEC. HOLLY B. BIONDO IN SUPPT. )

Filed by Attorney for Deft/Respnt

04/16/2012 Opposition Document

Filed by Attorney for Deft/Respnt

04/16/2012 Objection (IN SUPPT. OF ITS OPP TO PLFTS MTN. )

Filed by Attorney for Deft/Respnt

04/03/2012 Request for Judicial Notice

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

04/03/2012 Motion (FOR PROTECTIVE ORDER, ETC. )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

04/03/2012 Reply/Response (KPMG LLP'S REPLY BRIEF )

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

04/03/2012 Notice of Ruling (ON PLAINTIFF'S APPL. FOR WRIT OF POSSESSION )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

04/03/2012 Notice-Case Management Conference

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

03/29/2012 Objection Document (TO NOTICE FOR DEPOSITIONS, SUBPOENAS, ETC. )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

03/27/2012 Proof of Service (of order to show cause re contempt )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

03/27/2012 Opposition Document (memorandum of points and authorities in opposition to defendant's further motion to continue the trial )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

03/16/2012 Brief (RE: PLAINTIFF'S EX PARTE APPLICATION FOR AN ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE RE: DAVID GREENBERG'S FTA FOR HIS DEPOSITION )

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

03/16/2012 Order (ORDER ON OSC RE: CONTEMPT )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

03/16/2012 Supplement (BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFF'S EX PARTE APPLICATION FOR ISSUANCE OF ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

03/16/2012 Ex-Parte Application (FOR ISSUANCE OF ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE RE: CONTEMPT AGAINST DAVID GREENBERG )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

03/16/2012 Proof of Service (re defendant's brief regarding plaintiffs' ex parte application for an order to show cause regarding David Greenberg's failure to appear )

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

03/02/2012 Notice of Motion (TO FURTHER CONTINUE THE TRIAL )

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

03/02/2012 Miscellaneous-Other (CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE )

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

11/14/2011 Stipulation and Order (RE: HONG LIEN LIN'S MOTION TO COMPEL HEARD BY THE COURT ON 10/26/11 )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

11/09/2011 Stipulation and Order (RESCHEDULING THE CONTINUED HEARING DATE ON PLAINTIFF HONG LIEN LIN'S MOTION TO COMPEL )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

11/07/2011 Cit & Proof of Service (CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE )

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

10/31/2011 Notice of Ruling

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

10/25/2011 Order (TENTATIVE RULING RE: MOTION TO CONTINUE TRIAL )

Filed by Court

10/19/2011 Reply/Response (to KMPG's memorandum of points and authorities in opposition to Hong Lien Lin's motion for an order compelling further responses to amended requests for production of documents)

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

10/19/2011 Miscellaneous-Other (supplemental request for judicial notice in support of plaintiff Hong Lien Lin's motion for order compelling further responses to amended request for production of documents and sanctions)

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

10/19/2011 Supplemental Declaration (of Peter M. Morrisette in support of Hong Lien Lin's motion for order compelling further responses to amended request for production of documents and imposing monetary sanctions)

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

10/18/2011 Miscellaneous-Other (certificate of service )

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

10/18/2011 Objection Document (to plaintiffs' request for judicial notice submitted in support of plaintiffs' opposition to motion to continue the trial )

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

10/13/2011 Miscellaneous-Other (certificate of service )

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

10/13/2011 Response (response to plaintiff Hong Lien Lin's separate statement in support of motion for order compelling responses to amended request for production and imposing monetary sanctions)

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

10/13/2011 Request for Judicial Notice (in support of defendant's opposition to plaintiff Hong Lien Lin's motion for an order compelling further responses to amended request for production and imposing monetary sanctions)

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

10/13/2011 Opposition Document (to plaintiff Hong Lien Lin's motion for an order compelling further responses to request for production of documents and imposing monetary sanctions )

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

10/13/2011 Declaration (of Holly B. Biondo,with attached exhibits,in support of opposition to plaintiff Hong Lien Lin's motion for an order compelling further responses to amended request for production)

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

10/12/2011 Opposition Document (memorandum of points and authorities in opposition to defendant's motion to continue the trial )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

10/12/2011 Request for Judicial Notice (in support of plaintiffs' opposition to motion to continue trial )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

10/04/2011 Miscellaneous-Other (messenger certificate of service )

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

10/03/2011 Proof of Service

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

10/03/2011 Notice of Motion (FOR AN ORDER COMPELLING FURTHER RESPONSES TO AMENDED REQUEST FOR PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS AND IMPOSING MONETARY SANCTIONS AGAINST KMPG,LLC AND IMPOSING MONETARY SANCTIONS)

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

10/03/2011 Declaration (OF PETER M. MORRISETTE IN SUPPORT OF MOTION FOR AN ORDER COMPELLING FURTHER RESPONSES TO AMENDED REQUEST FOR PRODUCTION AND IMPOSING MONETARY SANCTIONS )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

10/03/2011 Request for Judicial Notice (IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFF'S MOTION FOR AN ORDER COMPELLING FURTHER RESPONSES TO AMENDED REQUESTS FOR PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS,SET ONE AND IMPOSING MONETARY SANCTIONS )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

10/03/2011 Miscellaneous-Other (SEPARATE STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFF'S MOTION FOR AN ORDER COMPELLING FURTHER RESPONSES TO AMENDED REQUEST FOR PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS AND IMPOSING MONETARY SANCTIONS)

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

Click on any of the below link(s) to see documents filed on or before the date indicated:

TOP 04/20/2012 09/30/2011

09/30/2011 Miscellaneous-Other (of service )

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

09/30/2011 Motion (TO CONTINUE THE TRIAL )

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

06/29/2011 Stipulation and Order (PROTECTIVE ORDER RE: CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

05/12/2011 Answer

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

04/13/2011 Statement-Case Management

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

04/12/2011 Statement-Case Management

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

04/08/2011 Notice (of entry of order of stipulation and order to extend the deadline to respond to the complaint )

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

04/04/2011 Stipulation and Order (TO EXTEND THE DEADLINE TO RESPOND TO THE COMPLAINT )

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

04/01/2011 Declaration (of Kirk A. Patrick in support of stipulation to extend the deadline to respond to the complaint )

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

04/01/2011 Miscellaneous-Other (certificate of service )

Filed by Attorney for Defendant/Respondent

03/04/2011 Ntc and Acknowledgement of Receipt

Filed by Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

02/10/2011 OSC-Failure to File Proof of Serv

Filed by Clerk

02/10/2011 Notice-Case Management Conference

Filed by Clerk

01/28/2011 Complaint

Click on any of the below link(s) to see documents filed on or before the date indicated:

TOP 04/20/2012 09/30/2011

Case Information | Party Information | Documents Filed

Proceedings Held (Proceeding dates listed in descending order)

09/14/2012 at 10:00 am in Department 72, RUTH ANN KWAN, Presiding

Telephonic Conference - Completed

09/06/2012 at 10:00 am in Department 72, RUTH ANN KWAN, Presiding

Motion Hearing (FOR AN ORDER COMPELLING ANSWERSTO DEPOSITION QUESTIONS) - Matter is heard, matter continued

08/23/2012 at 10:00 am in Department 72, RUTH ANN KWAN, Presiding

Hearing on Demurrer (TO PLAINTIFFS' FIRST AMENDEDCOMPLAINT OR IN THE ALTERNATIVEMOTION FOR JUDGMENT ON THEPLEADINGS* MOTION TO STRIKE FIRST AMENDEDCOMPLAINT) - Sustained in part

07/19/2012 at 09:30 am in Department 72, RUTH ANN KWAN, Presiding

Motion for an Order (COMPELLING ANDREW GANTMAN ANDSUZANNE GRIFFITH TO ANSWERDEPOSITION QUESTIONS) - Matter continued

07/17/2012 at 02:00 pm in Department 72, RUTH ANN KWAN, Presiding

Motion to Quash (NOTICE OF DEPOSITION OF KMPG'SPERSON OR PERSONS MOST QUALIFIED) - Granted in Part

07/16/2012 at 09:30 am in Department 72, RUTH ANN KWAN, Presiding

Court Order - Completed

06/08/2012 at 08:30 am in Department 72, RUTH ANN KWAN, Presiding

Court Order - Completed

04/27/2012 at 09:00 am in Department 72, RUTH ANN KWAN, Presiding

Motion for Protective Order - Denied

04/17/2012 at 10:30 am in Department 72, RUTH ANN KWAN, Presiding

Conference-Informal Discovery - Completed

04/10/2012 at 09:00 am in Department 72, RUTH ANN KWAN, Presiding

Motion (TO FURTHER CONTINUE THE TRIAL) - Granted

03/16/2012 at 08:30 am in Department 72, RUTH ANN KWAN, Presiding

Exparte proceeding - Completed

03/07/2012 at 04:45 pm in Department 72, RUTH ANN KWAN, Presiding

Telephonic Conference - Completed

11/15/2011 at 09:00 am in Department 72, RUTH ANN KWAN, Presiding

Motion for an Order (COMPELLING FURTHER RESPONSES TOREQUEST FOR PRODUCTION (PART I)) - Off Calendar

11/09/2011 at 09:00 am in Department 72, RUTH ANN KWAN, Presiding

Motion for an Order (COMPELING FURTHER RESPONSES TOREQUEST FOR PRODUCTION (PART I)) - Continued by Stipulation

10/26/2011 at 09:00 am in Department 72, RUTH ANN KWAN, Presiding

Motion for an Order (COMPELLING FURTHER RESPONSES TOREQUEST FOR PRODUCTION) - Matter is heard, matter continued

10/25/2011 at 09:00 am in Department 72, RUTH ANN KWAN, Presiding

Motion (TO CONTINUE THE TRIAL) - Granted

04/28/2011 at 08:30 am in Department 72, RUTH ANN KWAN, Presiding

Conference-Case Management - Trial Date Set

03/10/2011 at 10:30 am in Department 72, RUTH ANN KWAN, Presiding

Court Order - Completed

Posted by Pentin's the ONE !, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Oct 23, 2012 at 9:10 am

So Karla has a Berkeley environmental lawyer as her Treasurer and partner in suing cities.

I'm passing on both of the others.

I'm voting ONLY for common sense Pentin, who has proven himself time and again on numerous Pleasanton committees, commissions, and boards for several decades.

Posted by Lins sue everyone, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Oct 23, 2012 at 10:20 am

The Lins have used millions of dollars to influence the political process to the Lins own favor in the Tri-Valley. They have brought 30,000 more commuters in the midst through the development of East Dublin in land that was zoned agricultural. They want to develop 1,400 acres in Las Positas Valley (30,000 more people) as well as parcels in the Tassajara Valley, land that was also zoned agricultural.

Demarcus as a consultant for the Lins has literally transformed Pleasanton into the city it is today by bringing cars and trucks of 30,000 commuters in East Dublin onto our Pleasanton roads.

The citizens and taxpayers who must live with the consequences of these developments have voted some of them down and approved some of them. It's called the democratic process, something that someone who leads a "Do Not Sign Petition" project as a cog in the Lin's development machine apparently does not understand (Pentin).

Posted by Jill, a resident of the Birdland neighborhood, on Oct 23, 2012 at 12:37 pm

Looks like some disgruntled people on Pentin's campaign. I was thinking of voting for him but now not so sure. I also just went to his recently filed campaign disclosures and see $1,000 in donations from PACs from outside of Pleasanton. One of them is the Associated Builders and Contractors PAC. Plus some donations from some developers. So is Pentin working with the developers now?

Posted by Pentin's the ONE !, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Oct 23, 2012 at 1:31 pm

I don't know where Jill's looking...guess she's trying to start something about Pentin. He's still the ONLY one getting my vote.

Posted by Jill, a resident of the Birdland neighborhood, on Oct 23, 2012 at 4:11 pm

Here is the direct link to the campaign finance filing by Pentin with the information: Web Link

You can get to all the campaign finance reports by going to the City of Pleasanton website, go to Campaign Reports under Government, then Public Access Portal. Then check the box next to the 11/06/12 Election. You will see Candidates and see links to all of their reports.

I do see that Demarcus has not filed her latest filings while others have. I assume we are at the end of a reporting period but not sure the deadline.

Posted by john, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Oct 23, 2012 at 4:25 pm

Hey "Lins ...",

I've lived in Pleasanton for 14 years and have never had a problem with the traffic. I don't know what you are talking about. I'm glad there was growth in Dublin, and glad that BART came to Pleasanton and Dublin and hope it goes to Livermore.

Posted by Suzy Q, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Oct 23, 2012 at 7:51 pm

I am just glad that the Town-that-Tong-built (east Dublin), is NOT Pleasanton!

Hey dude that supports Pentin, yes, we have lots of Pleasanton ridges and we want to keep them that way! Just in case you are not looking beyond your TV/PC, go to the Bernal Park and turn 360 degrees. Drive down 680 from Dublin and look south to your left. OR go to Dublin and look south. They are gorgeous and they are part of why my family moved here. So if you don't like them, move.

Posted by Ridges, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Oct 26, 2012 at 6:07 pm

Word, Suzy Q! I just walked up the ridge off Bernal as I do most days and worked up quite a sweat, which is odd since that ridge and the many others visible to the east are not supposed to exist. Also, I don't know anything about Tong, but East Dublin is sure gross. I remember when it was all green and beautiful.

Posted by Angry, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Oct 30, 2012 at 6:52 am

One of the candidates that is running for Mayor stopped by my house this weekend. Her name is Cheryl Cook-Kallio. While she was talking she said she supports Erlene DeMarcus, the sell out lady running for council that took tens of thousands of dollars from the sue happy developer.

I told Cheryl, if she is backing Erlene, I am not going to vote for either one of them. If they are that close, then they both have poop on their hands.

Vote Jerry Thorne, Karla Brown and Jerry Pentin!