rf g-r commented on Oct. 29
Miss Havisham commented on Enemy at the Gates
« October 11, 2007 | Main | October 14, 2007 »
Okay, it wasn't all work. I did drink deeply from the Weekly's bounty (read: open bar) last night.
Before it can be used against me ... yes ... that is in fact a pic of your humble host trying to get a taste of Big Carl, PW reporter.
Note to Proctor, this image will self-destruct with disastrous results if saved to your hard drive!!1 ;)
Who said I wasn't working last night?
Special meeting set for float controversy
Kenneth Todd Ruiz
Staff Writer
PASADENA — A special meeting of the City Council devoted solely to the topic of a controversial entry in next year’s Rose Parade will be held Oct. 29, according to City Manager Cynthia Kurtz.
The council will discuss a recent recommendation from its Human Relations Commission urging the city to take a stand on the poor human rights record of China, after growing complaints about the inclusion of a Beijing Olympics float in the parade.
“I'm going to get serious about reading the report,” Mayor Bill Bogaard said Friday afternoon. “It's a good report. Balanced and well stated.”
National and international human rights groups have sided with local residents and members of a spiritual tradition banned in China to decry the float as a propaganda tool for Beijing, which they feel would validate the Communist government’s human rights abuses.
Part of their criticism has focused on Bogaard, who helped bring the float to the parade and has avoided making any public criticism or acknowledgment of China’s rights abuses.
There will be international scrutiny of the council’s action, which itself has shown signs of division on the issue.
Some favor a critical review of Pasadena’s relationship with its sister city in Beijing, while others have suggested international matters should not be within the council’s purview.
Bogaard said Friday he wasn’t ready to comment on the particular elements of the report, but supported the current process as originally suggested by Councilman Chris Holden.
On previous external issues, such as the war in Iraq, Bogaard has opposed calls for the council to take a stand, but said Friday he “expressly and carefully reserved any position” on what action the council might take.
The council’s regular Oct. 29 meeting was going to be canceled, Kurtz said, creating the opportunity for a special meeting that night.
[TAG1]todd.ruiz@sgvn.com
www.insidesocal.com/pasadenapolitics
So, I painted my ant-stripe and snuck into the PW party as Aaron Proctor.
You go where the story takes you.
Or perhaps I was the guest of a certain adverserial reporter -- but either way, had a great time at the Weekly's Best Of party. Cynthia Kurtz was there with all of her infectious, nervous energy, as were City Council members Madison, Gordo, Robinson and Bogaard; and enjoyed harassing Victor CalPhil Venner, Weeky Editor Kevin Urich, and writers Joe P and Carl K.
(Yes I typed "infections" last night after violating blog rule No. 1: don't BUI -- Blog Under the Influence)
Apparently Jim Laris was spotted -- but I didn't find him.
Although I may reference certain blog memes and narratives out there, I can't perpetuate them. Like Aaron Proctor v. Steve Madison. I mean, all things aside, Aaron's been pretty unrelenting with his cruel and unusual blog torture of Steve, yet at the same time, not wholly out of bounds.
I have to give this week's Brass Pair award to Steve for not shying away from Aaron at the party. He walked straight into a diplomatic exchange with Kelli Proctor and Aaron of his own accord. Reports indicate he even apologized if Kelli was offended by an exchange earlier this year.
So, all in all, Big Grats PW, your weekly section is so great ... FOR ME TO POOP ON!