Jim Acosta: Trump's speech hazardous to the truth, should carry Surgeon ...

A Witch's brew [see below]

Published on Jan 8, 2019

Views: 282,287

CNN's Jim Acosta says President Donald Trump's address to the nation about immigration and border security was recycled rhetoric from the President's rallies and should come with a Surgeon General's warning that it's hazardous to the truth.

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Blogger Note: Hours before the speech televised from The Oval Office, there was a gaggle of reporters that circled around The Senior Barbie-Doll in The White House's Office of Communications who wanted to steal some attention from Jim Acosta
Witch's Brew from Kelly Ann Conway:
Conway calls CNN's Acosta a 'smartass' during immigration exchange 
[AP video included from the source, MSN]
White House senior adviser Kellyanne Conway called CNN's Jim Acosta a "smartass" during a heated exchange over immigration.
Acosta asked Conway on the North Lawn driveway whether she could "promise the president will tell the truth tonight" during a primetime address on his demands for a border wall.
"Yes, Jim. And will you promise that you will?" Conway asked in response.
"I will, absolutely. I'm not the one with the alternative-facts problem like you do," Acosta replied, referencing a quote from Conway from 2017.
When Acosta challenged Conway again about whether Trump's speech could pass a fact check, the White House aide replied, "let me go back to your case because you're such a smartass most of the time and I know you want this to go viral."
She then defended her response to the White House's use of a misleading claim that 4,000 known or suspected terrorists were caught last year trying to cross the border to argue for a wall between the U.S. and Mexico.
 

Geopolitical analysis for 2019: Europe

Published on Jan 7, 2019

Views: 96,523

BAKU - As the wheel of time turns and nations become increasingly interconnected by land, air, sea and cyberspace, disputes ripple across regions. This is especially true in Europe, where new elections, treaties and events will reshape the continent. Here’s what we need to keep an eye out for in 2019.

 

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Dreams Become Real by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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Need A Vertical Lift? . . . New Bell Nexus eVTOL An Air Taxi For Everyday Use

PRESS RELEASE: FAIRFAX, Va. (PRWEB) January 07, 2019  
The Vertical Flight Society, the world’s leading non-profit organization working to advance vertical flight, salutes the unveiling of the Bell Nexus hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft today at CES 2019, the world's largest consumer technology show.

“The unveiling of the Bell Nexus concept highlights that the ‘Electric VTOL Revolution’ is gaining momentum,” said Mike Hirschberg, VFS Executive Director.

Since Bell flew its first helicopter in 1943, the company has delivered more than 35,000 helicopters and tiltrotor aircraft. Bell is now combining their deep understanding of vertical flight technology with hybrid-electric power to create a disruptive new VTOL air taxi for everyday use.

Bell unveiled its Nexus eVTOL air taxi on Jan. 7, 2019.

Bell executive Michael Thacker will give the keynote at the Vertical Flight Society's 6th Annual Electric VTOL Symposium Jan. 30 here in Mesa, AZ. (Bell image)

The Vertical Flight Society will host its 6th Annual Electric VTOL Symposium in Mesa, Arizona, on Jan. 29-31, 2019, where Michael Thacker, Bell’s Executive Vice President of Technology and Innovation will deliver the keynote address on Nexus and the company’s other autonomous and electric VTOL aircraft

This will be the first opportunity for Bell to present its Nexus air taxi to an aerospace audience. The Symposium will be held in conjunction with the 8th Biennial Autonomous VTOL Technical Meeting.

The combined event features more than 100 speakers on the promise, progress and challenges of autonomous and electric VTOL aircraft. More information is available at http://www.vtol.org/eVTOL2019.

The Vertical Flight Society has been strongly supporting the development of electric VTOL aircraft since initial flights were made in 2011. Since then, innovators both within and outside the aerospace industry have seized the opportunity to leverage advances in electric motors, batteries, hybrid-systems, control systems, low cost manufacturing and autonomy that have been developed by the automotive, aerospace and consumer unmanned aircraft systems (UAS, aka “drones”) industries. These technologies have revolutionized the creative design space for VTOL innovators, resulting in an incredible breadth and depth of new electric and hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft configurations that don’t resemble the helicopters that have dominated vertical flight for the past 75 years.

The Bell Nexus builds on the company’s rich heritage, including its experience developing and producing (with Boeing) the world’s only operational tiltrotor VTOL aircraft, the V-22 Osprey.

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VFS is the global non-profit society for engineers, scientists and others working to advance vertical flight. For 75 years, the Society has led technology, safety, advocacy and other important initiatives, and has been the primary forum for interchange of information on vertical flight technology.

VFS was founded as the American Helicopter Society in 1943 by the pioneers of the helicopter industry, who believed that technological cooperation and collaboration was essential to advance vertical flight. Today, history is repeating itself with the Society playing a similar role in helping to advance today’s Electric VTOL Revolution.

Follow the eVTOL News™ via the eVTOL eNewsletter or

via social media on

Twitter @electricVTOL and Facebook @electricVTOL,

and check out the eVTOL videos on YouTube @VTOLsociety.

New Face On The Mesa City Council

Going Rogue Again with Jon Talton: "GrowthGasms", Suburban Sprawl + The Water Fix

"The only way to address the Colorado River shortages is to stop the sprawl, indeed to reverse it. Anything else is a dangerous lie."
That statement is taken from the wrap-up paragraph in Jon Talton's latest post in his site Rogue Columnist.com that was published online 03 January 2019:  The Water Fix 
"The Arizona media have been producing many process stories (e.g. this one) about the federal government's insistence that states agree on a plan to use less Colorado River water at this time of historic drought. . . At the same time, the same media have engaged in their usual growthgasm stories about Arizona once again being one of the nation's fastest-growing states in population . . .

Yet I have yet to see any story connect the two.
The disconnect is staggering, matched only by the inattention to climate change as a prime driver of the ongoing Southwestern drought.
Arizona's "plan" is to keep adding people, no matter what. The entire economy's foundation is based on continuing large increases in population. Not only that, but to continue doing so in single-family housing sprawl far from historic urban centers. . . This is a dead end. Reality doesn't care what Grady Gammage or Elliott Pollack or "Sun Corridor" Michael Crow want or are selling. . . "
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Now c'mon Jon > Sprawl is a Money-Maker for the Real Estate-Industrial Complex - it's our Artificial Paradise here in the Southwest
  

Spotlight On Jon Kyl: BREAKING/IN-DEPTH SPECIAL REPORT: NOW (MOST OF) IT CAN BE TOLD

The In-Depth Special Report was posted by https://arizonaspolitics.blogspot.com/2019 on 04 January. It's nice to see some more fearless investigative journalism that focuses on just the politics here in Arizona - that's a real mine-field to dig deeper into for sure!
Like so many other Revolving-Door Arizona politicians in/out of Congress and high-paying influence-peddling positions [Matt Salmon among them], Kyl has been making a killing boosting his income that he's required to disclose: he's increased his Net Worth 7X. The eye-popping numbers come on the first page of the report (below) when the Senator lists his income sources for the past two years*. . .
It came the week after he left the U.S. Senate, but Jon Kyl has now filed the financial disclosure statement that all candidates and officeholders generally file before serving the public. In it, he discloses that:
(1) he had been involved with many companies that do significant business with the federal government
(2) his salary as a part time ASU professor averaged $64,000
(3) he provided previously undisclosed legal/advocacy services for APS, SRP and others (4) non-Senate life increased the Kyls' net worth by more than seven fold.

There had been much speculation in the media that Kyl was trying to avoid filing a financial disclosure statement at all, although Arizona's Politics recently pointed out he was still obligated to file the report by the extended deadline even though he would not be in office. 

Sure enough, the report was filed late yesterday evening . . . 

Here's a link to the source: https://arizonaspolitics.blogspot.com/

 

Review: Mesa City Council Study Session 03 Jan 2018

This was the first meeting this new year 2019. If you have the time, take a look and listen to the streaming Video that was uploaded to YouTube - five days later only 15 people have bothered to view it. Does that tell you anything about the continuing failure to engage and involve the public in the government you elected???
At the rate that is going it certainly looks like the same-old "business-as-usual" . . .SHAME.
The most time spent on a single item starts at 10:48 into the uploaded video supplied by Mesa Channel 11 that is inserted below: It's a whopping 191-page "clean audit" provided by an independent third-party accounting form that few people can understand. City Manager Chris Brady gives it a good-go as you can see by the smile-on-his-face, backed up Irma and Mike, while he fields questions and discussions around the table from just a couple of City Councilmembers. Today Candace Cannistraro [and "her crew"] might shed some light on the details taking another look at that single ITEM 6: Take action on the following recommendation from the Audit, Finance and Enterprise Committee:
*6-a File #19-0003
Accepting the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2018
Accepting the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2018.

Attachments:

1. Overview of Fiscal Year 2018 Comprehensive Annual 2. Presentation - Audit, Finance and Enterprise Committee 3. City of Mesa June 30 2018 CAFR

Today there's both another Study Session

FINAL AGENDA CITY COUNCIL MEETING @ 5:45 pm is inserted farther down [13 pgs] 
Source: Mesa Legistar Council, Committee & Board Research Center
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MESA CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION from Thu 03 Jan @ 07:30 am

Published on Jan 3, 2019

Views: 15

Streaming 47:10 vid uploaded to YouTube

 

Alternative option from City-owned Mesa Channel 11  please visit:http://mesa11.com/vod/?show=1722 

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City Council Study Session
Meeting Agenda - Final
Roll Call (City Council members participate in person or by telephone conference call.)
1 Review items on the agenda for the January 7, 2019 regular Council meeting.
2 Presentations/Action Items: 19-0006
Hear a presentation, discuss, and provide direction on the auction of City-owned property on the northwest corner of Thomas and Recker Roads. Item  2-a
3 Hear reports on meetings and/or conferences attended.
4 Scheduling of meetings and general information.
5 Adjournment.¹
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File #:

19-0006

Type:

Presentation

Status:

Agenda Ready

In control:

City Council Study Session

On agenda:

1/7/2019

Title:

Hear a presentation, discuss, and provide direction on the auction of City-owned property on the northwest corner of Thomas and Recker Roads.

Attachments:

1. Presentation 2. Council Memo

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Memorandum 
TO:  Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Karolyn Kent, Assistant City Manager
FROM: 
Kim Fallbeck, Real Estate Administrator
Angelica Guevara, Development Services Project Manager
SUBJECT: Thomas and Recker Land Auction
DATE: January 3, 2019
This memo is intended to provide information on the Thomas and Recker Land Auction.  The property is approximately 132.54 acres and is located at the northwest corner of Thomas and Recker roads. 
The City acquired the property in 1998 with General Obligation Bonds for $4,026,000 with the intent of using it for future open space needs and public use. 
The property has a current appraised value of $15,600,000. 
It has a sewer lift station accessed on Star Valley Street from Recker Road that will be carved out and retained by the City. 
Since the property was purchased by the City using General Obligation Bonds, $4 million of the sales proceeds will be used to pay down outstanding principal or invest in another project for public use within two years after the property transfer.
Based on the current interest in this property, and the surrounding development, residential land use is anticipated by City staff.  The final development patterns and densities will be determined as part of the land entitlement process.
Staff has reviewed the process that the Town of Gilbert used for a live auction and combined it with the City policies expressed in Management Policy 208. 
In addition to the City’s notice requirements, staff recommends following the Arizona Revised Statutes requirements for notice, which provide for more notice in the newspaper and additional physical property postings at the property for sale.  
Staff proposes the following schedule:
 January 16, 2019 Post Auction Notice on City Website and Post Site
 January 18, 19, and 20, 2019 Advertise in Local Newspaper
 February 4, 2019 Pre-Auction Conference
 February 19, 2019 Deadline to Receive Questions
 February 21, 2019 Deadline for Staff to Post Answers
 March 7, 2019  Auction and Review of Bids
 March 11, 2019 - tentative Open Escrow
TBD Council Reviews Proposed Purchase Contract from Highest Bidder

Bidders will be required to provide a $250,000 Cashier’s Check to participate in the auction which will be held on Thursday, March 7th. 
Bids will be made in $50,000 increments and the successful bidder will be required to provide an additional Cashier’s Check totaling 5% of the winning bid amount to open escrow upon review and approval by the City. 
March 11, 2019 is the tentative date for opening escrow.
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PRESENTATION Thomas and Recker Land Auction [10 pgs]
City Council Study Session
January 7, 2019
Christine Zielonka, Development Services Director and Beth Huning, City Engineer 
The Property
• Northwest corner of Thomas and Recker Roads
• 1/3 mile north of the Loop 202
• Approximately 132 acres
• NamoTalley located to the north and Red Mountain Ranch is located to the east
• Current appraised value $15.6M     

Future Land Use
• Interest From Residential Developers
• Use Will Primarily be Restricted to Residential
• Final Approval of Land Use and Intensity by Council
• Public Involvement
• Planning and Zoning Board Hearing for Recommendation

Development Review and Approval Process
•Entitlement application process can start while in escrow
•Public Participation/Public Hearings with the Planning and Zoning Board with City Council Approval for:
 -Minor General Plan Amendment
 -Rezoning -Subdivision Plat
•Close escrow after Council approves entitlements
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> ITEM 4: 16 Contract Awards all on the Consent Agenda

> ITEM 5: 6 RESOLUTIONS all on the Consent Agenda
Item *5-d 
Approving and authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Purchase Agreement and a Development Agreement with Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. for the development of approximately 2.5 acres of property, of which approximately 1.3 acres is City-owned, on the northwest corner of Country Club Drive and Main Street.
The Purchase and Development agreements will facilitate the development of a mixed-use, transit-oriented development. (District 4)

Attachments:

1. Council Report with Exhibits 2. Resolution 3. Development Agreement with Exhibits 4. Purchase Agreement with Exhibits

> ITEM 6: Take action on the following recommendation from the Audit, Finance and Enterprise Committee:
*6-a 19-0003
Accepting the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2018
Accepting the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2018.

Attachments:

1. Overview of Fiscal Year 2018 Comprehensive Annual 2. Presentation - Audit, Finance and Enterprise Committee 3. City of Mesa June 30 2018 CAFR

NOTE: Attachment 3 is 15.0 MB It's 191 Pages! ....takes a few minutes to download

_________________________________________________________________________
ITEM 7: Introduction of the following ordinances and setting January 28, 2019 as the date of the public hearing on these ordinances:

*7-a 19-0014 ZON18-00246 (District 4) 
Within the 400 and 500 blocks of North Center Street (east side); and within the 400 and 500 blocks of North Pima, North Lewis, and North Sirrine (both sides); and within the 500 block of North Pasadena north of 526 North Pasadena (both sides) (32.8± acres). 
Located east of Center Street and north of University Drive.
Rezone from RM-2, RM-2-HL, RM-4, DR-2, DR-2-HL, DR-3, DB-1, and LC to ID-2 and ID-2-HL.
This request will establish a zoning designation that reflects the historic development pattern of the area.
City of Mesa, applicant; multiple owners.
Staff Recommendation:  Approval with conditions
P&Z Board Recommendation:  Approval with conditions (6-1), as ratified on December 13, 2018

Page 9 City of Mesa Printed on 1/4/2019
January 7, 2019City Council Meeting Agenda - Final

*7-b 19-0032 ZON18-00688 (District 6) 
Within the 2100 to 2400 block of South Signal Butte Road (east side).  Located south of Baseline Road on the east side of Signal Butte Road (7.4 ± acres).  Rezoning from RM-2-PAD to RM-2-PAD-PAD; and Site Plan Review. 
This request will allow for an attached single-residence subdivision. 
Tim Nielsen, Farnsworth Construction Company, applicant
Sunland Springs Golf Company, LLP, owner.
Staff Recommendation:  Approval with conditions
P&Z Board Recommendation:  Approval with conditions (7-0), as ratified on December 13, 2018

*7-c 19-0034 ZON18-00692 (District 4) 
Within the 1000 block of East University Drive (north side).  Located west of Stapley Drive on the north side of University Drive (1± acres).  Rezoning from OC to RM-4. 
This request will allow for residential development.
Kempton Fuller, Arthereal Design, applicant
Wallin Holdings, LLC, owner.
Staff Recommendation:  Approval with conditions
P&Z Board Recommendation:  Approval with conditions (7-0), as ratified on December 13, 2018

*7-d 19-0035 ZON18-00693 (District 6) 
Within the 2800 and 2900 blocks of South Hawes Road (east side) and the 8400 block of East Guadalupe Road (south side).  Located at the southeast corner of Guadalupe Road and Hawes Road (10± acres).  Rezoning from RS-43 to RM-2-PAD-AF; and Site Plan Review. 
This request will allow for a multi-residential development.
Brennan Ray, Burch & Cracchiolo, applicant
Hawes Section Corner, LTD, Partnership, owner.
Staff Recommendation: Approval with conditions
P&Z Board Recommendation: Approval with conditions (7-0), as ratified on December 13, 2018

*7-e 19-0033 ZON18-00689 (District 6) 
Within the 3200 and 3300 blocks of South Power Road (east side).  Located north of Elliot Road on the east side of Power Road (9± acres).  Rezoning from LI-PAD to RM-2-PAD-AF; and Site Plan Review. 
This request will allow for a multi-residential development.
Brennan Ray, Burch & Cracchiolo, applicant
Garage Town, USA, LLC, owner.
For continuance to the March 18, 2019 City Council meeting.
Staff Recommendation:  Denial
P&Z Board Recommendation:  Denial (6-1), as ratified on December 13, 2018
> ITEM 8 Discuss, receive public comment, and take action on the following ordinances 

*8-a -18-1382 ZON18-00592 (District 6) 
Within the 10200 and 10300 blocks of East Hampton Avenue (south side).  Located north of U.S. 60, east of Crismon Road (17.7± acres).  Rezoning from LI and LI-BIZ to LC-PAD; Site Plan Review and Council Use Permit for multi-residence use in the LC zoning district. 
This request will allow for the development of a medical, commercial and residential mixed-use campus. 
Kevin Howard, Kevin B. Howard Architects, Inc., applicant
Ski Properties, LLC, VJ Crismon, LLC, Sterling Hospitality, LLC and Legacy Hospital, LLC, owner.
At the Planning and Zoning Board meeting, this request also included the consideration of Special Use Permits for a reduction in parking and assisted living. 
The Special Use Permits were approved by the Planning and Zoning Board subject to Council approval of the Rezoning, Site Plan and Council Use Permit.
Staff Recommendation: Approval with conditions
P&Z Board Recommendation: Approval (Vote: 5-0)