My best to you and yours, Lew

Part L as in LAST!  FINALLY!  MEETING blah blah blah IS FINISHED!   IS it me, or did this meeting really drag?

Yup.  Distrust is a horrible thing.  Makes everything so much more complicated than it has to be.  Probably been going on since humans began recording their history on cave walls with charcoal.    (Yeah! Right!  My fire disappears during the night and then yours suddenly appears out of nowhere!  Dog vomit!   I don’t believe you!”)

Anyone notice the occasional searching for words on “sensitive issues”?  Having to phrase something perfectly correct?   You know, if someone is being forthright who cares how perfectly it is expressed?  The word parsing conditions one to think the worst.   DONE!   DONE!   DONE!    I am going outside to work – no more computer  (for now), later!

My  best to you and yours, Lew

PART K, as in KRAPPA.

Perhaps it is because I listen to these meetings over and over and over when making these videos anyway, but it sure seems like this last one wasted a lot of time talking about insignificant issues.

The PRIORITY IS TO BE PREPARED WITH THE BARGE/FLOAT PUMPS IF OUR LAST PERMANENT INTAKE PUMP FAILS!  The rest is babble.  Last century equipment?  Dear Lord.  Word games to disguise the deceit and fraud against MR WECs for the last 37 years.  Excuses and denial of responsibility for why district equipment and facilities have been so neglected for DECADES – yes, the proper use of the word.

Providing water to properties OUTSIDE THE MERCED IRRIGATION DISTRICT PLACE OF USE FOR MERCED RIVER WATER HAS BEEN A MAJOR FACTOR IN PREVENTING THE PROPER FUNCTIONING OF THIS SPECIAL DISTRICT AND LIKELY ONE IN PREVENTING A MORE SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPMENT OF THE SUBDIVISION.  One of the best selling points was being stolen from the subdivision and subdivision property owners were/are paying for the theft!

AFFORDABLE QUALITY WATER in a drought prone area such as these beautiful Sierra Nevada foothills?  A blessing which should have been defended and protected years ago from those who exploit such RESOURCES for the sole purpose of personal/business monetary gain.

They didn’t want LAKE DON PEDRO subdivision property with water. 

They wanted LAKE DON PEDRO subdivision water on their property. 

Pure and simple.  

Decades of special interest influence and manipulation of this district culminating to the point where a fledgling employee 20 years ago could be returned as a president of his own management company and mighty BOARD DIRECTOR on the CALIFORNIA SPECIAL DISTRICT ASSOCIATION (CSDA) to reconfigure our SURFACE WATER TREATMENT PLANT into a GROUNDWATER SUBSTITUTION FACILITY.   Why?     So as to circumvent state restrictions on MERCED RIVER WATER use and supply groundwater for annexations to the district KAMPA advocated 20 years ago.  All with public funds and government grants intended to assist existing customers during unprecedented drought.

An extreme minority of land developers and real estate interests manipulating this district to the injury of thousands of Lake Don Pedro property owners with no clue to what was/is going on with their water company to which they are also mandatory customers due to property ownership in the subdivision.  What a scam.  Built-in victims to fund a GROUNDWATER SUBSTITUTION PROGRAM for property owners not entitled to MERCED RIVER WATER.     Great neighbors.

My best to you and  yours, Lew

I think it would be best if viewers take a look at the topic of discussion first before entering the blah blah blah realm of meeting discussion.

Although I am quite sure I have written about the following VERY DISTURBING POSSIBILITY I am not sure if I posted such.  (As I have joked before, what is actually posted is only a portion of what is composed – so be thankful for that!  lol)

No doubt the following is a shockingly horrible thing to suspect but when you consider and compare it to other KNOWN ACTIVITIES THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE WITHIN THIS DISTRICT (arson of the administration office at top of the list) it certainly remains a strong possibility. —  Frankly I would not be surprised in the least if some of the difficulties with our DISTRICT (especially LAKE INTAKE) are the result of internal district sabotage in an effort to further push the groundwater well projects.  There.  I said it, no reason to belabor the point because as we all know suspecting something is a long way from conclusively proving it as fact.

OK, let’s get started with the BINKLEY ASSOCIATES letter to the General Manager/Treasure and his Board of Directors.

Yes, I underlined some portions in red to STAND OUT!  lol

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

OK, with that delightful good news out of the way, let’s return to the August 21st, 2017 meeting via PART J where discussion is going to begin regarding this letter.

PART J, as in Johnson,

that’s Board President Danny Johnson.

Video is a little longer than I had anticipated….still didn’t finish the meeting subject of BADLY NEEDED LAKE INTAKE REPAIRS & REPLACEMENT.  What a shame our district was hi-jacked and denied such a fabulous opportunity.   Various California state water agencies and the Federal Government through the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) offered reduced interest loans/grants so  water purveyors such as the Lake Don Pedro Community Services District (LDPCSD) could make MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THEIR SYSTEMS during the devastating drought emergency that they (water districts) otherwise could never afford.   Essential projects that languished for the substantial

FUNDING and OPPORTUNITY FOR CONSTRUCTION ACCESS.

DISTRICT COMPONENTS USUALLY BELOW THE WATER SURFACE WERE EXPOSED WHEN LAKE McCLURE DROPPED TO ITS LOWEST POINT IN HISTORY THUS PROVIDING WORK ACCESS TO AREAS USUALLY COVERED WITH WATER.

Our permanent intake pipes (tubes) and baskets for example.  No way to work on them when covered with a million acre feet of Merced River water impounded by New Exchequer dam creating Lake McClure.  Past LDPCSD MEETING MINUTES TWO DECADES AGO [WHEN PETE KAMPA WAS HERE THE FIRST TIME INCIDENTALLY] documented how crucial INTAKE REPAIRS & REPLACEMENT had to WAIT FOR LAKE LEVEL TO DROP for access so the project was always side tracked for “some other time”.

FINALLY!   FUNDING AND OPPORTUNITY FOR ACCESS ARRIVES!

DURING THE “GREAT DROUGHT” certain application and permitting processes were streamlined to expedite the process for districts to  secure the money to make major improvements and get the construction done AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Certain regulations and requirements were also suspended or waived in order to FAST TRACK these needed infrastructure repairs/improvements to make systems run more efficiently for the public they served.

BUT WHAT DID PETE KAMPA,

his for profit KAMPA COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS llc aka KAMPACS MANAGEMENT COMPANY,

and the

LDPCSD BOARD OF DIRECTORS DO?

FOCUS ON GROUNDWATER WELL PROJECTS so Kampa could finally furnish an ALTERNATE SOURCE OF WATER to property annexations with which he was personally involved 20 years ago when starting his infamous water career at the LDPCSD (1994-1998).

perhaps you’ve heard this somewhere…..?

Since MERCED RIVER WATER could not be served outside the residential subdivision, groundwater substitution was used to circumvent VERY CLEAR PLACE OF USE REGULATIONS IN water license 11395.

OPPORTUNITY GIVEN TO THIRD PARTY INTERESTS?

MERCED RIVER WATER ENTITLED CUSTOMERS (MR WECs) may have lost a once in a lifetime opportunity to finally address very serious district problems that have existed for decades with their SURFACE WATER TREATMENT PLANT (LIKE SUBSTANTIAL UNACCOUNTED FOR WATER LOSS – BOTH RAW AND TREATED) – all for the special benefit GROUNDWATER SUBSTITUTION program REQUIRED for Kampa’s old annexations into the district 20 years ago.

And the traditional INSULT to INJURY? ….

MR WECs have PAID for this special benefit GROUNDWATER SUBSTITUTION WATER SERVICE outside the water license place of use for 37 years and counting!  

Very sad and unjust.

HERE’s THE VIDEO:

My best to you and  yours, Lew

Part I:  as in an: Insincere Individual Introducing Intentionally Inadequate Information?

Distrust is a horrible thing, like some kind of cancer that eats away the part of you inside that still wants to believe in another despite their documented past betrayals.

My best to you and yours, Lew

PART H, as in HALF-TRUTHS and HOGWASH.

Whoa, what a wonderful temperature drop!  Now,…if only these fires could be extinguished…..

0700 hrs, 84 degrees already!  Actually appears slightly less smokey this morning.  Same wind direction as the other morning as can be seen in the photo.  Starting to forget what the horizon looks like without all the smoke.  Don’t know about you folks but being outside for a while sure stings my eyes.

Well, here’s the next installment of the CSD meeting held August 21st with very little “play time” – I promise.

Part G, as in GROUNDWATER.

My best to you and yours, Lew

Well, today is Sunday, September 3rd, 2017 and the atmosphere outside doesn’t look much different than yesterday.  Heavy smoke from Yosemite National Park.  Rather like a thick winter fog – except for the fact this fog can sting your eyes after a while.  Ahhhh, wet winter fog – sounds lovely huh?    Think I will call today another inside the house/AC day.  Yup, very nasty outside.  Hope all of you are managing this smoke satisfactorily.

My best to you and yours, Lew

PART F, AS IN …..FRAUD.

(You didn’t really think I would “F bomb” you again?  Sorry for that incidentally.  Although certainly no excuse for bad language this whole PUBLIC AGENCY BETRAYAL stuff is quite frustrating.)

No sense in going over it all again now. Suffice it to say no doubt most of us would enjoy all the latest “bells and whistles” of new equipment, software, processes, etc., but must curb our desires with life priorities and other financial responsibilities. All things considered, perhaps a more conservative approach right now is called for by the CSD while demonstrating mastery of the “old school” procedures and techniques in completing such work satisfactorily first?   This would also provide further evidence of the general reasonableness for such techno-convenience-upgrades?   Kampa seems to throw money at everything he perceives as a “problem”.  Some of these “problems” were clearly manufactured by Kampa himself.  No issue prior to his arrival…..then  HEY!  “WE” HAVE A PROBLEM!

Seems like clockwork:  research, create problem, blame others (Red Flag attack), quickly propose an expensive solution that Kampa is prepared to provide, then get paid for fixing what he broke while researching and creating more problems in need of expensive solutions that only Pete Kampa can furnish (because he knows the problem better than anyone else!  lol)

Of course we all realize it is also always easier to spend the money of another especially when “they” do not seem to care about how much or for what. [Ever been in a casino and fortunate enough to be playing with “ahead money”?  (“ahead money” is not technically “winnings” until you’re home with cash in hand!  lol)   You know, making larger bets than you normally would, or playing a more expensive machine because, after all, it was “ahead money” and you were on a streak?)   He’s just playing with CSD Kampa Kasino funds and other public resources.  But what about results, damage or harm done?  Doesn’t matter.  Win, lose or draw Kampa, and his associates,  get paid very well.    Why do individuals organize as limited liability companies and corporations?   (Hint:  the descriptive name is the benefit because if something goes very, very wrong and others are illegally harmed, the individual’s assets are generally protected against acquisition in a civil trial judgement for damages.  Of course, as we know, there are always exceptions to any rule, right?   Look at WL11395 Merced River Water Place of Use restrictions – didn’t mean squat thanks to GROUNDWATER SUBSTITUTION.)

Speaking of computers and technology….editing was a bit more difficult with this post due to all the experimenting with features and different combinations. Still haven’t scratched the surface of what this software can do, would probably work better with a more powerful computer but this one works.   I’m just running out of  time.  Seems there is never enough.   Multiple video/audio track editing is tricky but I am starting to recognize some of the patterns and pitfalls. You know what is the most time consuming? Spelling and grammar errors. I’ll believe I am ready to actually “produce” to a video format but decide to check one more time. Sure enough there is another mistake or other obvious correction to make. Here’s the kicker…..sometimes even a slight change can cause a ripple-like affect through the whole project so if you do not review the entire video you end up with a bunch of unwanted consequences. Move a clip wrong and everything is reduced or increased in length just that much – different options react differently – some of the more complex functions take longer to process and another selection made before completion of the first can screw up all processing.   60% seems to be the “hump” to over come.

I’ll be watching the processing percentage go up steadily as the CPU clunks along with fan whirling at high speed, then it hits 60% and the counter stalls, either for a second or two, or much, much longer…..sometimes ends up with the message: “program is no longer responding”- always wonderful news when you thought the project was nearing completion.

Naturally “save” time is dependent upon the complexity of the command.  That’s one thing I learned many years ago when AutoCad came on the scene…..do it regularly….save, save and save – especially with complicated command functions which often resulted in much “thinking time” for the CPU.    True, constantly saving a file takes time but if I hit a snag and “crash” it is much easier to redo only a little work rather than a lot.

If I catch most of the mistakes prior to uploading to youtube…..GREAT!   Otherwise, if it is a major mistake that requires correction…..I could be looking at hours of lost uploading time to youtube along with the additional hours in uploading the material again.  Bummer.  Another good reason for keeping projects short.

Live, play, learn…..blah blah blah – blah blah.    Still kind of fun – just wish I were younger.

Let’s put this “F ‘n” post to bed shell we?       lol

My best to you and yours, Lew

Part E, as in Expensive.

RECOMMENDS ELECTRONIC FIELD TABLETS – why not?

Sure, such computer equipment might indeed be helpful and more convenient in the preparation/execution of a maintenance/repair/replacement project but shouldn’t traditional, dependable, tried and true, “old school” procedures and techniques be successfully demonstrated first – prior to launching a very expensive technological upgrade for convenience?

Think of it this way, no doubt most of you reading this blah blah blah right now would benefit in a number of ways with the acquisition of a new motor vehicle with all the “bells and whistles” available for a 2017-2018 model.  (Visual monitors at different perspectives?  Automatic parallel parking – can you imagine that convenience in a high density parking limited urban area?  GPS navigation, on board diagnostic displays, communication/internet/entertainment systems, etc.)

Seriously, who wouldn’t appreciate a new motorcycle, ATV, sports car, pickup, or motor boat?  Heck, why stop there…..(especially when paid for with money from others) … how many might use and enjoy their own personal aircraft or helicopter with which to commute back and forth to work?   Perhaps literally “drop the kids off at school” —  with required “top of the line” age/height/weight appropriate parachute and/or glider of course) then maybe zip over to a semi distant metropolitan area for some shopping and/or rest and relaxation activities?  Maybe a quick vacation out of state for the weekend?  Heck, if jet propulsion maybe out of country?   Perhaps some day…….<I digress>

Unfortunately, most of us do not have the disposable income required to rush out and purchase a new vehicle (or whatever) every year on a whim, – no matter how desirable or appealing the newest “bells and whistles” might be.  Nope, for most of us there are other bills and financial obligations that must be considered and dealt with first to avoid such dire consequences as bankruptcy or developing a very close personal relationship with creditors and the IRS.

Kampa, on the other hand, can afford to recommend all the “bells and whistles” one might imagine because if board approved, those costs are simply passed on to customers.

Do not forget that such “upgrades” will ALSO CERTAINLY benefit existing, and encourage greater, “management opportunities” with increased compensation.

Yup, whether necessary, prudent or even successful,  Kampa will still get paid, and paid more with every new “bell and whistle” he can talk the board into approving – all the while increasing the financial burden on the economic shoulders of <MR WECs>.

Kampa also mentioned communication from the field to the office?  Surely he is aware of the communication difficulties in these foothills – doesn’t he remember the AMR (automatic meter reading) project that has struggled for decades due to topography, line of sight signals and integration of differing technologies?

Yes, in a perfect world I can easily imagine such field tablets working seamlessly with other equipment, software and as a benefit to our workforce and hopefully one day that will be the case, but seriously, consider the “reality” of the LDPCSD situation for a moment.  (Rather like Kampa slipped the word “reality” in during meeting discussion of the failures at lake intake – more time….more money.)

The REALITY is, even after 37 years of operation as a nonprofit local public agency, the LDPCSD still cannot simply provide water to the designated Merced River Water entitled customers of the subdivision according to a variety of very clear rules, regulations and water license place of use restrictions.  Will an “electronic tablet” provide ethical management?

THE “WE” EVENTUALLY TRANSFORMS TO “U$”

For only $_____ “WE” could this!  And “WE” could that!

“WE, WE, WE……all the way home”

– to another near bankruptcy or substantial rate and fee increase?

(3 little pigs, right?)

Isn’t it peculiar how that “WE” inevitably turns to “U$” when the time comes to pay for these “improvements” and “upgrades”?    Who is going to organize and prepare all those old documents (that were allowed to remain AFTER THE ARSON OF THE ADMIN OFFICE), maps, and miscellaneous paperwork for downloading into these “field tablets”?

[Will this help assist in yet another attempted RE-WRITE OF LDPCSD HISTORY?  “that’s what it said on my tablet”] 

Who will repair and upgrade software revisions for these tablets?  What about additional insurance against damage/loss?  Employee device training?   I wonder, do employees (or rather, soon to be “employee”) actually want the added responsibility of caring for a piece of semi-sensitive electronic equipment in their often extremely rough working environment?  (Someone might ask before we have zero operations employees.)

Seems to me, even with “old school paperwork”, the material should already be organized and available for such anticipated work.   When I replaced the hard drives in my computer (something never done before) I had already developed a “battle plan” before opening the computer case and potentially damaging sensitive components with a static charge due to touching things I should not.   I researched the topic on the internet, downloaded instructions and helpful images – even watched some educational videos on the procedure, before starting the job.  Sure, there is never a guarantee of success, however,   P P P P P P!

(Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance)

SECURITY ISSUES?

Imagine all the information that could be wrongfully utilized if only one of these “loaded tablets” were lost or stolen?  Our entire district infrastructure, complete with its vulnerabilities, would be in an easy to disseminate digital format ready for delivery to some God forsaken third party with malicious activity and destruction as a goal?  (Perhaps for another modest additional fee, Kampa will also design and implement an ongoing security program to protect his “crop of customers” from unwarranted attack by other hostiles?)  lol

Sounds like the LDPCSD is being positioned into ultimately having to create its own technology department or perhaps an “IT Specialist” management position.  (One which would undoubtedly also answer directly to our “remote” general manager.   You know, one of those positions where IT employees could also compete and fight in the CSD “EMPLOYEE GLADIATOR PIT“ in an attempt to obtain yet another coveted position, endorsed, created, and perpetuated by King Kampa himself?

INTAKE PROJECTS

Amazing.  Kampa talks about lake intake and how things should be done yet I’m afraid the LDPCSD’s big chance for funding and timely completion of such projects may have passed.  (The streamlined permitting and approval process allowed by the government during the emergency drought and obtaining available grants for the work has passed.  That opportunity was already used to create Kampa’s “alternate source of water” necessary to circumvent the water license restrictions for Merced River water under WL11395.  I still believe had the “will been there” we could have continued with pumping lake water – but Kampa’s “Dog and Pony show” of saving the community from drought with his special interest groundwater wells, was paramount to their surreptitious “bait and switch” plan .)

FAILING PRIMARY DISTRICT EQUIPMENT WAS IGNORED DURING KAMPA’S ATTEMPT TO SERVE  MORE GROUNDWATER TO ANNEXATIONS QUIETLY APPROVED DECADES EARLIER.

Why conceal the fact the LAKE SHORE RANCH proposed subdivision was annexed by LAFCo in 1995 during Kampa’s first tour of employment with the LDPCSD?  LAKE SHORE RANCH was only one of many annexations outside the MIDPOU with which Kampa was involved that required an expanded groundwater substitution program for completion.  Good grief, what was Kampa’s reason for concealing that information unless an attempt to prevent the recognition of his personal involvement and pursuit for further expanded district water service 20 years ago?  The nickname “Sneaky Pete Kampa” appears accurately descriptive and very well earned.

Now we have groundwater arsenic and other contaminants to contend with along with much higher treatment plant costs.  Monitoring equipment, reporting, contaminant removal, change in our state water license, etc. with all costs passed on to the innocent  <MR WECs> of the Lake Don Pedro subdivision.

Despite the fact our failing primary infrastructure has been ignored (including the two pressure vessel filters Kampa allowed to go CRITICAL despite his past experience with them in 1997 before leaving the first time) Kampa now announces he is prepared to address the very serious issues at lake intake?   What?   Sorry, he has already quite clearly displayed where his allegiance was when those funds were available:  SPECIAL BENEFIT WATER SERVICE OUTSIDE MIDPOU.

Sorry, but based on his past documented history of deliberately misrepresenting district facts and misleading people to obtain what he wants, I do not trust him what-so-ever and have voluntarily admitted this fact.   Always have – since DAY ONE of his highly unethical Board of Directors appointment as GM and Board Treasurer – with access to $1 million of hard saved district funds – money which in no small part was obtained through a successful PROP 218 which simply raised customer water rates.  Customers will always pay – but for what?

No doubt Kampa already has a variety of carefully designed “solutions” complete with lengthy supporting narratives, lectures, color charts, and promises of wonderful benefits raining from the sky for all – and the only thing he requires to make such advertised great achievements a REALITY, is a few more years of paid “remote GM time”; a continuing acquiescent board of directors; and a gullible customer base deliberately kept in the dark like mushrooms sustained with regular feedings of steaming Kampa Krappa.

My best to you and yours, Lew