Putting polite back in politics

Fletcher/DeMaio war of words notwithstanding

Welcome to the state of political discourse in the 21st century. A rumor pops, sending political junkies scrambling to determine if this is a game-changer, or the game changer.

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Wednesday, March 28,2012
Spin Cycle

Plaza de animus

Balboa Park and the battle for the ‘soul of San Diego’

By John R. Lamb

A hell of a headache” is how project coordinator Gordon Kovtun described the daunting task that he and the well-heeled Plaza de Panama Committee have decided to bite off in time for a citywide celebration. Much is riding on this gambit at a cost that Kovtun said fast approaches $5 million.

Wednesday, March 14,2012
Spin Cycle

Will the next mayor take on SDG&E’s monopoly?

Renewable-power advocates favor a sort of local energy cooperative

By John R. Lamb

The topic of high residential utility rates has received little attention from the top contenders in the race to become San Diego’s next mayor.

Wednesday, February 22,2012
Spin Cycle

Eric Bidwell’s back

The dreadlocked one is running again for mayor

By John R. Lamb

“Every revolution was first a thought in one man’s mind.”—Ralph Waldo EmersonThe signature cigar-thick dreadlocks now flow a good two feet longer, down past the knees. The T-

Wednesday, February 8,2012
Spin Cycle

Bryan Pease wants Sherri Lightner’s job

Animal-rights activist rejects the spoiler argument

By John R. Lamb

Sure, call him a carpetbagger. Yes, he is a new resident of District 1, having recently rented a modest apartment in the UTC area. You can also call him determined, as in he plans to win.

Wednesday, January 25,2012
Spin Cycle

San Diego is ego-friendly

Who’s your daddy now—Mayor Knows-Best or Papa Doug?

By John R. Lamb

Mayor Sanders' media machine was on full defensive alert this past weekend, when hotel mogul Papa Doug Manchester used his latest purchase—the town’s major daily, recently renamed U-T San Diego—to encourage readers to "think big" about San Diego’s future.

Wednesday, January 11,2012
Spin Cycle

Another trio for San Diego mayor

Three additional candidates would like the media’s attention

By John R. Lamb

Spin Cycle presses on with its effort to recognize all candidates running to be San Diego’s next mayor. While most media would have you believe that only those named Carl, Nathan, Bonnie and Bob are worth hearing from, the list of folks who’d argue otherwise has now grown to 16 candidates. Here’s a glimpse into three relative newcomers to the race:

Wednesday, December 28,2011
Spin Cycle

Resolutions from Doug Manchester, Irwin Jacobs and Tony Krvaric

Imagined New Year’s promises are most likely DOA

By John R. Lamb

Spin Cycle presents “New Year’s Resolutions that Would be Great to Hear but We’re Not Holding Our Breath.”

Wednesday, December 14,2011
Spin Cycle

The race to replace Marti Emerald

City Council District 7 contest considered a toss-up

By John R. Lamb

In District 7, there are few bold predictions. Voter registration is now fairly evenly split among Republicans, Democrats and independents and words like “down to the wire” and “swing district” crop up frequently in conversations.

Wednesday, November 30,2011
Spin Cycle

Early fireworks in the race for the 79th Assembly District

Shirley Weber is prodded on leadership style

By John R. Lamb

It began recently when a longtime community activist sent out an email questioning the leadership qualities of former San Diego school board member Shirley Weber, the most familiar name in a growing field seeking the newly shaped 79th District seat.