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Decades ago, the Hayward Daily Review published an editorial that opened with “even a stopped clock is right twice a day.” So, it is with Rep. Fortney (Pete) Stark.
Stark “represented” most of Alameda County and southern Contra Costa in Congress after selling his Walnut Creek-based bank that was festooned with a peace sign. It accurately spoke to his liberal (now progressive) political views. In this case, he was praising Stark for his support on a public access to records bill back when Democrats supported the First Amendment.
That editorial came to mind when I read that Rep. Eric Swalwell, who defeated Stark in 2012, is supporting the recall of Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price. Swalwell worked as a deputy district attorney for Nancy O’Malley before his successful run for Congress that ended Stark’s 40-year tenure in Congress. I voted for Swalwell in that election before he embraced Nancy Pelosi and became progressive.
Until his recent announcement, I have found little in common with his positions. He’s right this time and went against the county Democratic establishment.
You can apply some of that thinking to AB 660 signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom that will change food labeling. Advocates argue that it will reduce food waste by clarifying and standardizing what “sell by” and “use by” mean.
After July 1, 2026, stores will be required to display “packed on” labels on food items. Quality or safety labels, “Best By” or “Best if used by” will be mandatory. Stores also will be allowed too label “Use by” or “Freeze by” to establish the safety margin for the product.
Good move all around.
There are letters circulating that praise Pleasanton Mayor Karla Brown and Councilwoman Valerie Arkin for their vote for a new plan for Lions Wayside Park and its vintage Chan Henderson Lions bandstand. The city broke ground this week (don’t you like October groundbreakings during election season). They’re probably hoping Costco pulls off a construction miracle (as well as the freeway road work) so it can open before election day.
The writer criticizes Councilman Jack Balch for wanting to move ahead with the master plan that had taken eight years to develop. There was no firm estimate on cost—staff members scratched out an $8 million seat-of-the-pants guess. The writer latched onto that without reporting that Balch simply wanted to continue the process and see what a budget with value-added engineering would be. He was trying to finish a long process and then make a knowledgeable decision. Instead, the other council members scrapped it and asked for a cheaper plan.
Telling the whole story makes a difference.
Incidentally, Arkin, in her role on the Democratic central committee, opposed the recall while former Pleasanton councilmember and county school board member Cheryl Cook-Kalio supported it.
It is the only rational decision Swalwal has made in all these years as our representative. Outside of this one decision, he has never earned his salary, while claiming to represent us.
How did he not “earn his salary?” Attacks on Rep. Swalwal state how bad he is, not earned his salary, etc., but they NEVER say specifics.
To back up my comments, I think Donald Trump is a bad man. Specifics: convicted felon 34 times, filed multiple business Bk’s, stiffed cities for the cost of his rallies. And, you know the rest.
It’s too bad he did not possess the courage to stand up and do the right thing in Washington.
P…..Are you aware that he voted to impeach Trump
What are you saying? Make no sense.
Swalwell has made his living attacking President Trump for years. It’s all he has, and the Democrat Party used him well for that purpose. Everything he brought to the table has been a lie. This guy is embarrassing, disingenuous, and useless unless you’re a Democrat. Lastly, @DublinMike, explain the 34 felonies you think they have and let’s break it down from there. Real crimes committed by the Biden family are never discussed.