Alameda County Politicians in tail spin…

This installment originally was to focus on criminal charges filed last week against the husband and wife team that operated Associated Community Action Program (ACAP). The subject was in following with a trend of installments here in the Back Story. Well that changed yesterday with another Matire & Ross stunner about a more well know husband and wife team in a very steep tailspin.

As if to continually seek her fifteen minutes of fame, Nadia Lockyer again tops local political news. A report in yesterday's Chronicle, if true, will surely end Nadia’s political career for good, and might take her husband, Bill Lockyer’s career with it. The Matier & Ross story took this unfolding scandal to a national level, as blogs and media across the country could not resist another Hollywood like scandal in California Politics. Arnold and the Nanny shocker had just faded from sight. The timing could not have been better for a media hungry to showcase how troubled the California Political machine truly is.

Matire & Ross’s report sheds additional light and connects dots on what became public earlier this month. Not surprising, the report rips more holes in Bill Lockyer’s original statement on the matter. It also seemingly confirms what many had suspected; that Bill attempted to use his position to influence the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office and seek special handling of this scandal. I do not believe the general public has access to that type of service. Ms. O’Malley may have some explaining to do? Considering Bill Lockyer’s very close ties to Kamala Harris and the Attorney Generals Office, which he controlled for many years, we would speculate Ms. Harris punts this matter to an independent investigative authority.

Additionally, the alleged attacker of Ms. Lockyer has apparently made further statements that portray a much different picture then that of Nadia and Bill’s public statements. Further, law enforcement has not named the alleged attacker, as he has not been charged with any crimes associated with the allegations. It was confirmed that the motel room was Nadia’s; contradicting Bill’s earlier implication, that Nadia went to the motel to help an ex-boyfriend in crisis. Keep in mind, as earlier reported Nadia’s 8-year-old son was with her at the motel. The alleged boyfriend has implied he was the victim of Nadia’s rage, and acted in self-defense, and that even to this day, Nadia maintains contact with him. Ms. O’Malley’s office has been rumored to have acted on Bill’s request to investigate, and determined the relationship between the boyfriend and Nadia was consensual. This was apparently supported by electronic communications and sexually explicit photos found during the investigation. There is also rumor of a “sex tape” floating about, though yet no proof has been provided. It appears Bill Lockyer may have received an advance copy of the tape for his viewing pleasure, special thanks to a thoughtful delivery from Nadia’s boyfriend.

And if not to take this scandal to new lows, Bill apparently called the boyfriends parents (the boyfriend is 35…doubtful his parents have much to say about who he dates or has a consensual relationship with) and apparently tried to persuade them to intervene and end the relationship that Bill labeled a “bad relationship”. Clearly that was Bill’s opinion, something it does not appear his wife agreed with. Remember, they were separated, as Bill admitted.  It also appears Bill may have sought to destroy evidence of the relationship…the timing of which could be very important if he knew an investigation was underway, for which he requested of Ms. O’Malley.

Another area of likely concern is Bill Lockyer’s security detail. Did Bill Lockyer use his State provided security detail paid for by taxpayer money, to act on his personal needs for private detective work? Nadia actually stated in a text message that special needs were possible via Bill’s security detail. Bill’s staff denied any such use.

Whether premature or not, there is much speculation on who will replace Nadia Lockyer. Not surprising, all the possible replacements being thrown around have excellent track records and solid grass root support. The names that initially seem to be grabbing attention are Ellen Corbett, Mark Green and Kevin Dowling.

As the voters of Alameda County digest these new revelations, and there are sure to be more, not only regarding the Lockyer’s, but numerous other local politicians currently in the cross-hairs of scandal, we would advocate voters take your rights to vote and the consequences of your voting decisions with a greater degree of responsibility in the future.

Alameda County, Voters must learn from their mistakes!

BREAKING NEWS, it has been reported by Matier & Ross that law enforcement sources report the Lockyer's eight year old son was with his mother (Nadia) at the Newark motel at the time of her alleged assault. In an earlier statement, Bill Lockyer stated his wife went to a motel late in the evening to help an ex-boyfriend who was a low level drug dealer with a criminal record during a difficult period. This new information raises serious questions which would seem to merit an investigation by Child Protective Services. It has also been reported the Alameda County DA has turned the entire matter over to the State Attorney Generals Office due to conflicts. It would also appear The State Attorney Generals Office might also have a few conflicts to deal with. We would not be surprised to see this matter turned over to the FBI for further investigation to avoid any question of political favoritism or meddling.

In August of 2011 when our first installment was written, we would never have predicted that in less then 6 months many former Alameda County politicians mentioned in our “Welcome” installment would find themselves again in the spot light. Furthermore, a number of current Alameda County politicians followed with shocking front-page headlines of their own.

It did not come as a complete surprise that Bill Lockyer, the most senior political power player from Alameda County had political connections with a few of the unflattering disclosures, the most shocking being his wife Nadia’s scandalous activities. Let us not forget Elihu Harris and the Peralta School District and questions of corruption. Don Perata interestingly kept a rather low profile after losing the Oakland Mayors race, though the long-term FBI investigation into his business dealings has taken its toll on the likelihood of any future political office. Bob Knox, who seemingly has taken refuge far from Alameda County, though continuing his close ties to Bill Lockyer, is himself in serious hot water, as the State of California’s Environmental watchdog is seeking to collect millions from him and his company(ies) for environmental damage and a resulting clean up. And of course Mary Hayashi and her shop lifting while texting and being treated for a brain tumor.

Is it any wonder when you analysis the history of some former Alameda County politicians, that current Alameda County politicians have taken to blatant criminal activity, drug abuse, lack of basic common sense and a general disregard for moral and ethical boundaries that most citizens of Alameda County understand and abide by.

Who is to blame, undoubtedly, the politicians are directly to blame for their transgressions, however, these troubled individuals would never be elected public servants if it were not for voters who elected them. The taxpayers of Alameda County have obviously been slow to learn from prior mistakes. If you were to look back and seek a potential reason why voters are slow to learn, it would be that voters wrongly associate the best candidate for the job with the amount of money the candidate spends “buying” their faith and trust.

Ironically, in California as a whole, this trend of candidates spending ridiculous amounts of money to buy voter faith, trust and their respective vote is showing signs of a revolt. The battle for Governor is a prime example. Meg Whitman by a large margin out spent Jerry Brown, though voters solidly elected Jerry Brown on his simple and much less expensive platform of solid reputation and track record.

Regrettably, the voters of Alameda County do not yet appear to be following the lead of California voters as a whole. The data that is available indicates that Nadia Lockyer’s campaign spent more per vote then Meg Whitman spent in her failed run for governor. Furthermore, over 90 percent of Nadia’s campaign funds came from OUTSIDE the district she was seeking election. The largest single funding source for Nadia’s campaign came from her husband Bill’s campaign war chest…nearly $2 million dollars. Apparently, Nadia’s campaign spent more money per vote then any campaign in California history. This was foreshadowed by Bill Lockyer’s promise during Nadia’s campaign to do whatever it took to get his wife elected. We would guess Bill might be having second thoughts right about now?

What can the people of Alameda County, especially those in District 2, learn from the unfolding scandal that surrounds Bill and Nadia Lockyer? Perhaps that local grass root candidates with a proven track record of leadership along with moral and ethical standards are more inclined to be the best person for the job, then a candidate whom mails dozens of glossy campaign packages that through mud at others, imply you are a Deputy District Attorney when you are not, and mention endorsements that are false.

We would suspect that voters and grass root candidates from District 2 are at this moment brainstorming on possible recall efforts of Ms. Lockyer. There is no question there is solid justification for such efforts.

The Lockyer’s Play “Spin” the Bottle….

Our final installment of 2011 spoke of hope for a better political 2012 and suggested past and present Politicians do a better job of leading Alameda County and the State of California. We made a point of specifically addressing Bill Lockyer and his wife Nadia in that installment. Apparently they were not listening (or reading) our blog.

Well, so much for Alameda County raising the bar in 2012. It took little over a month into the New Year for scandal to unfold…and quite a scandal it is. Paradoxically our opening installment of The Back Story(Welcome) foreshadowed much of what is being disclosed this week. Though we take no credit for the many published and investigative reports regarding the Lockyer’s troubling situation, we can say the situation surrounding Bill and Nadia Lockyer is not new to Alameda County politicians. Strangely as it might seem, the crisis hovering over the Lockyer’s may have been planted decades ago, fueled by the ego’s of the politicians of those days who demanded silence from insiders, and enablers who turned a blind eye in exchange for the benefits of political connections. Has Karma hit home? Many would state, absolutely!

As initially reported in the SF Chronicle earlier this week, and followed up with numerous further independent reports, Bill and Nadia Lockyer are in serious political trouble. Making matters worse, Mr. Lockyer made a classic (disastrous) attempt to spin the circumstances ahead of the most damaging disclosures. As is normally the case with a desperate politician seeking to save his career, reputation and least not forget the nearly 2 million invested to buy Nadia her Supervisors Seat, Bill went with a highly implausible story that even law enforcement hinted was less then accurate. On Tuesday, Bill’s implausible spin story hit bottom when his wife (at least for the time being) released a statement that in many ways contradicted her husband’s story.

What became seemingly apparent in Nadia’s statement is her husband’s spin story was as much about protecting his career and blaming an “ex-boyfriend”, as it was in hiding and/or enabling Nadia’s very troubling situation. Bill’s story implied Nadia had a minor drinking issue and a soft spot for an ex-boyfriend who Nadia went to help through a difficult period at a local motel. In actuality, there is speculation the motel room was Nadia’s and she had been staying there due to her separation from Bill. The minor drinking problem (the bottle) is actually serious chemical dependency which may include prescription pain medicine (a different type of bottle), and the ex-boyfriend is apparently Nadia’s lover for which she is (was) apparently having an affair. As for the allegations that Nadia was the victim of abuse, not even Nadia has actually publicly stated who is responsible. Bill Lockyer’s spin implied the responsible party is the ex-boyfriend/low level drug dealer whom has disappeared, though apparently local media have located him without much difficulty. Surely if the media could fine him, then law enforcement would have long ago found him if they were in truth looking for him. Furthermore, Nadia’s (ex) lover has made a statement challenging the Lockyer’s story (ies) and apparently made himself available to law enforcement, whom he implies does not seem very interested in speaking to him.

We would hate to speculate on what the financial cost to The State of California and Alameda County could be if the Lockyer’s made the grave mistake of attempting to scapegoat an innocent party. Nadia’s lover might have nailed (sorry, had to say it) the trifecta in this trashy and twisted political calamity. This could be a first….a male boy-toy of a female politician gets a big payday from not one, but two government agencies from within the State of California. Again, just speculation…however, not all that far reaching a possibility considering the power players and contradicting stories. We can imagine Gloria Allred having a field day with this love triangle.

Finally, in an all to similar (remember Mary Hayashi) attempt at deflecting blame, Bill Lockyer laid out the possibility that his wife Nadia may have also acted disgracefully not of her own accord, but as a result of a few simple (and perhaps hurtful) words spoken by Bill himself. We believe Nadia is a consenting adult legally capable of making adult decisions and managing adult conversations. Bill’s attempted projection of responsibility for his wife’s actions is just further evidence of how seriously out of touch with reality our elected officials truly are.

Some would argue Bill’s and Nadia’s private life is just that….private. Thankfully this is not the way the system works….and the Lockyer’s just provided lesson 101 on why the public has a right to know, and frankly, needs to know. If an elected public official cannot manage a marriage, a family, a career, prescription medicine and use good personal judgment and common sense, what on this earth makes you believe they can manage a County or State?

For those who question the motivations of the Occupy Movement, which ironically has a solid foundation within Alameda County, you need not look any further then the scandalous stories circling Sacramento and Alameda County politicians.

The voters of Alameda County ought to wake up and dispense with the political trash that is destroying the moral and ethical fiber of Alameda County.

Ms. Hayashi's Disrespect for Journalism Students

Ms. Hayashi’s true colors continue to show. A recent visit to her Sacramento Office by local high school students afforded the public and these students a genuine lesson in just how disrespectful a disgraced public official will treat our future leaders.

A group of Castro Valley High Journalism students prearranged a visit to Ms. Hayashi’s office recently, and did so via an assistant in Ms. Hayashi’s office. Apparently, the assistant was not aware the students were planning to practice their journalism skills…though that would seem immaterial under normal circumstances. Well, these are not normal circumstances for Ms. Hayashi’s…remember, she’s a Brain Tumor survivor….and god forbid she answer any questions from journalism students that might dig into her recent shop-lifting conviction that she publicly (via her attorney) attributed to her medical condition.

Ms. Hayashi ostensibly rebuffed and refused to answer any of the student’s questions, and left the journalism students to speculate and draw their own conclusions….which they did.

The Castro Valley High students gave Ms. Hayashi a textbook opportunity to step up, be a leader by example, set the record straight, and be accountable. These basic principles of good leadership are what every teacher and parent want their student/child to learn in California Public Schools.

Regrettably, Ms. Hayashi provided not only lack of good leadership, but glaring proof that not only do our elected public officials see little value in the public education system in California….currently ranked at or near the bottom, but apparently, Ms. Hayashi also believes she has no obligation to the students in our public schools when it comes to their rights to learn the truth and seek an understanding of what our elected officials are doing while on the payroll of taxpayers.

Ms. Hayashi’s impertinence for the students of Castro Valley High School is just a further example of arrogance and contempt by our elected officials concerning the demands of taxpayers and students in California. Ms. Hayashi’s actions differ very little from those of the Board of Regents when they walked out of a meeting during which pointed questions were asked by UC College students.

We advocate that every high school with a journalism department which sits within Ms. Hayashi’s district demand an interview with Ms. Hayashi. In addition, for those journalism students at Castro Valley High, we recommend you request Ms. Hayashi come to your school to answer all your questions. If you have learned anything from this experience it should be….DO NOT let our public officials off the hook when it comes to accountability. You have the right to ask the questions, so ask them, and seek the truth and accept nothing less!

GO San Francisco 49'ers

The success of the San Francisco 49'ers trumps Alameda County Back Story's this weekend.

We are off to watch the Game.

Look for us next weekend.

More Alameda County Spin….

The question is how low past or present Alameda County Politicians will go to avoid responsibility for their actions? The answer; there is no limit!

As is the case with a majority of scandalous disclosures associated with past or present politicians, there is the spin and blame game, deflection, denial, transference, projection….and as of recently….the brain tumor defense. Well, many thought Ms. Hayashi’s transference of responsibility was sick (pun intended)…not so quick! Bob Knox and his daughter (Kathleen Knox) appear to be taking the bar another step lower.

It has come to The Back Story’s attention via a respected Alameda County Political Blogger that Mr. Knox and his daughter are attempting to spin and blame their personal back-story, as written about here, on another family member.

As we researched what appears to be another far reaching attempt at transference in Alameda County, we could find no evidence the family member Mr. Knox or Ms. Knox were attempting to blame had a single role in any of the companies owned by either Bob Knox or Kathleen Knox that were mentioned in earlier installments.

The family member in question did not want to be identified or comment publicly due to concerns of retaliation and harassment. After review of an email written by Bob Knox to this particular family member, the concerns of retaliation were clearly merited.

In addition, this family member was also the subject of an anonymous death threat and harassing emails, which are very disturbing in their content. The timing and content of these anonymous communications does not appear to be coincidental.

It should also be noted that as reported earlier in The Back Story, Nadia Lockyer’s Chief of Staff seemed strangely focused on those whom were involved with The Back Story, and not on answering questions relating to Nadia’s and Bill Lockyer’s connection to Bob Knox. This would appear to further support the concerns of retaliation.

We would enjoy hearing Bob Knox’s and/or Kathleen Knox’s explanation. The Blog is open to public comment, and has been from day one.

As we dug deeper and looked back at Bill Lockyer’s history, if there is one thing Mr. Lockyer has a reputation for, is his ability to encourage his cronies to take on the pit bull role of the political battlegrounds.

We do wonder if Bill Lockyer is fully aware of what his cronies, (pit bulls) might be doing….on the other hand; he probably does not want to know….planned deniability is a valuable political asset.

The Verdict is in…..

California voters will soon demand access to the medical records of all potential elected officials and those seeking re-election prior to casting their votes at the polls. You ask why….well, Friday in a San Francisco Court Room, an attorney made it clear that unknown medical conditions of our elected officials can result in criminal activity.

Speculation is sure to grow in the coming weeks and months whether Ms. Hayashi is alone in her medical condition, as what we have seen out of Alameda County in the past two to three decades might lead a large portion of Alameda County to question the medical stability and judgment of their elected officials.

It appears safe to say that Ms. Hayashi’s political career is seemingly over. The No Contest plea for thief in conjunction with the revelation that a serious medical condition has impaired her judgment closes all elected public service doors. What levelheaded California resident would vote for a person who might steal from California and/or their residents without a word of remorse, then seek sympathy for their stupidity by claiming a medical condition that no one knew of, or is there evidence present the condition actually exists?

There appears little question a medical or personality disorder may exist of some sort, as her initial defense to the charges revolved around a “distracted shopper” theory. However, in court Friday that theory seemed to have gone the way of Ms. Hayashi’s overall judgment….and vanished!

Studies show most politicians have a higher degree of narcissism then the general population. This self-absorption results in a blurred view of the world around them, and hinders their ability to understand they are equals to those who have elected them to office. Therefore, when politicians break the law, as many of their constituents have in some form or another…from speeding tickets, DUI’s, thief, drugs and beyond, elected officials would probable score substantially more points with their constituents if they reflected the human aspect of their bad decisions (poor judgment)….that being accountability, remorse and the wisdom of the consequences.

When the voters of California start electing people who have the wisdom to accept their mistakes, own up to them, make right for them and learn from them, we the people of California may again be honored to be the State other State’s look up to….not the State for which many make the butt of their jokes….I feel confident Ms. Hayashi will make Lettermen’s top 10….just for starters.