District 2 San Diego City Council Candidate Forum (Coconut Water at the Beach)

(Illustrative Only)

Todd and Sally
each have their opinions.
So they want to
know more about the
candidates before
making a choice. 

Drinking delisious coconut
water while being
informed citizens. 

They think best when at the
beach. 🙃

 Understanding the issues that matter to communities—and how potential candidates approach them—helps create a more informed citizenry. When examining the challenges communities hope to address and the goals they aim to achieve, it is important to consider multiple perspectives and how those viewpoints are shaped. This includes analyzing the reasoning candidates use to propose solutions, where they place their priorities, and what outcomes they seek. Approaching these discussions without preconceived notions allows for a more balanced and thoughtful evaluation, encouraging a genuine effort to understand both the issues and the diverse ways people attempt to resolve them. Before soldifying your conclusions on who you would vote for just take a moment to reflect and gain more insight. Active and open listening is a positive approach.

This meeting and discussion were hosted by the following two organizations. Please review the summary below, and if you notice any inaccuracies, feel free to send a message—I would be happy to make corrections.

Point Loma Association: Caretakers of Point Loma

San Diego League of Women Voters: Empowering voters and defending democracy.

The Candidates: 

Richard Bailey: Former Mayor of Coronado and financial analyst.
Joshua Coyne: Former city employee and educator.
Nicole Crosby: Deputy City Attorney and PTA president.
Mandy Havlik: Planning board member and community volunteer.
Jacob Mitchell: Fourth-generation San Diegan and policy researcher.
Paul Supa: Focused on budget reform and public safety data.

Budget and Fiscal Management:

Richard Bailey argued that the city has a spending and management problem, not a revenue problem, noting record tax collections alongside a structural deficit. Paul Supa specifically targeted police spending, claiming it consumes over 32% of the general fund—double the national average—and suggested reducing overtime to close the budget gap. Nicole Crosby emphasized her experience managing government grants and budgets to deliver reliable services.

Measure A: The Vacancy Tax:

Support: Nicole Crosby and Joshua Coyne supported the tax to address the impact of short-term rentals and vacant homes on community stability. Jacob Mitchell gave a "yes," though he questioned the city’s ability to enforce it.

Oppose: Richard Bailey called the tax intellectually lazy and likely unconstitutional. Mandy Havlik argued the city should instead focus on fining corporate interests and billionaires rather than homeowners.

Housing and Density:

The candidates criticized the city’s implementation of density bonus programs. Mandy Havlik and Nicole Crosby argued that "one-size-fits-all" zoning ignores the unique needs of coastal communities and puts strain on infrastructure. Richard Bailey criticized "Complete Communities" for allowing high-rises without parking. Jacob Mitchell highlighted "loopholes" that allow developers to build ADU complexes that bypass the safety and habitability standards required of traditional multi-family housing.

Candidate Priorities:

Joshua Coyne stressed the need for a leader who can navigate City Hall to end the homelessness crisis. Mandy Havlik positioned herself as a grassroots neighbor rather than a career politician. Jacob Mitchell advocated for data-driven solutions and pre-approved multiplex designs to create "missing middle" housing. Nicole Crosby pledged to be a champion for neighborhood-led leadership against outside interests.

Candidate Closing Statements (Summary of Themes):

Bailey: Focuses on fiscal accountability and opposing new fees.
Supa: Focuses on re-prioritizing the budget away from excessive police overtime.
Havlik: Emphasizes her years of local service and "people-powered" campaign.
Mitchell: Advocates for pragmatic, data-driven solutions for housing and homelessness.
Crosby: Promises to be a "champion for neighborhoods" and protect quality of life.
Coyne: Highlights his experience inside City Hall to address the homelessness crisis and cost of living.

Couple of Other Sources:

San Diego Council candidates clash over Midway Rising, Liberty Station, empty homes tax

D2 candidates face-off on Liberty Station leasing, Midway Rising and mayor’s budget at forum

Who Will Represent the Peninsula? District 2 Candidates Take Questions at Liberty Station

The Allegory of the Clan: From Systemic Abuse to Institutional Renewal

(Illustrative Only)

"We can easily forgive

a child who is afraid of

the dark; the real tragedy

of life is when men

are afraid of the light."

Plato

Vote your conscous.

Economic and social systems depend on the ability to uphold shared values that benefit society as a whole. At times, however, individual cases can reveal deeper systemic issues such as corruption, which can have lasting negative effects on economic development and social cohesion. This can be illustrated through a hypothetical learning thought experiment called the"Allegory of the Clan” in which an in-group targets and exploits out-group members—damaging reputations, leveraging social and professional networks, misuse of public funds to harm others, and retaliating against those who report wrongdoing. Over time, patterns of abuse emerge, including intimidation of witnesses, normalization of mistreatment, and enrichment of those responsible, often fueled by bias, extremism, partisanship or discriminatory beliefs. Such environments tend to marginalize victims further, particularly when differences in race, religion, or political perspective are involved, despite existing legal and ethical standards meant to ensure fairness (Discardable for the right price and ism). Some fail to grasp the significance of it and that can be an issue.

These dynamics are not confined to any one place and can occur in various contexts worldwide. However, individuals and institutions that remain committed to ethical principles and accountability play a critical role in challenging misconduct. The vast majority of officials and decision makers know the importance of strong shared values and seek to uphold it. Those that don't have few checks and balances creating systemic problems that have reduced trust as issues take precedence. In the allegory, once corruption is confronted, positive changes follow: economic conditions improve, social cohesion strengthens, and overall quality of life increases. This underscores a broader truth—corruption and exploitation ultimately harm entire communities, even if perpetrators fail to recognize it. While such systems may initially resist change, accountability and sustained ethical action can lead to institutional reform, reduced crime, and stronger, more resilient societies built on trust. Or not? 🤷

The "Allegory of the Clan" is for learning so come to whatever conclusion you wish in so long as you thought about it. 

You may be interested in this piece below....

 Managing A Hostile Court Environment: Common Challenges And Recommendations

• Hostile court environments often arise in corruption cases where powerful defendants can influence proceedings, delay trials, and pressure legal actors.
• Three primary challenges are identified: bias, delays, and threats, each affecting fairness and efficiency in judicial processes.
• Bias may stem from judicial discretion, lack of accountability, limited expertise, resource constraints, and external pressures such as bribery or career concerns.
• Delays—whether justified or not—can weaken cases over time by reducing evidence quality, losing witnesses, and diminishing public interest.
• Threats against prosecutors, investigators, and judges can be overt or subtle, including intimidation, surveillance, reputational attacks, or career interference.
• Recommended strategies include building strong, evidence-based cases, planning early for hostile conditions, and documenting proceedings carefully.
• Institutional improvements such as specialized courts, better case management systems, and performance monitoring can reduce bias and inefficiencies.
• Addressing delays requires clearer procedural rules, better scheduling practices, and systematic tracking of case timelines.
• Mitigating threats involves collaboration, distributing responsibility across teams, engaging media strategically, and ensuring personal and organizational security measures.
• Broader support from international organizations and networks can strengthen resilience and provide protection for those handling sensitive cases.

U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre. (2018, August 7). Managing a hostile court environment: Common challenges and recommendations. https://www.u4.no/managing-a-hostile-court-environment-common-challenges-and-recommendations

'Enjoy Escanaba Facebook' at Community Branding Example

(Illustrative Only)

Waldo has a permit to sell
his flowers downtown
Ludington. He has a
small farm and greenery.
He obtained a permit to
have his flower cart on the
 sidewalk as long as he moves
it every few days to a
different location.
The goal is to attract people
to different downtown
areas raising awareness
and business for everyone. He posts
his flower arrangements
on social media.
He loves to do themes
for football, sailing, 
etc. to match local activities.
He even auctions flowers
to raise funds for local
good causes who buy
flower raffle tickets.
Residents have made
a game out of it
and play "Where is 
Waldo". Waldo
also gives away
a free flower
to tourists making
their day special 
and memorable
in a way that raises
positive experiences.
He will even sell the flowers
for other greeneries and
take a commission cut raising
awareness of their offerings 
as well. 
Local businesses love it
when he parks outside their
store because of
the beauty and eye catching.
People sometimes stop their cars, 
check out his flowers, 
and often frequent the 
businesses nearby. 
He also agreed
to check on the health
of the flowers downtown
and ensure they are
healthy in exchange for
the permit thereby
cutting back expenses.

If you are looking
for flowers
check out Cheniers Greenhouse

Social media plays a central role in how people discover products, services, places, and events, and it also shapes how communities build their identity and brand. While individual businesses use social media to promote themselves, entire locations—such as downtown areas or small cities like Escanaba, Michigan—can also develop a shared brand through collective online presence.

For example, community-driven pages like “Enjoy Escanaba” on Facebook showcase local businesses, new openings, and events. This type of content is less formal advertising and more organic, with residents and business owners sharing updates that create a sense of community. As more people become aware of what a place offers—whether in Escanaba or nearby areas like Gladstone—they are more likely to visit, explore local websites, and make purchases. Over time, this collective visibility contributes to a stronger regional brand, benefiting both individual businesses and the broader community.

A key strength of this approach is its authenticity. Because the content is driven by social interest rather than formal marketing campaigns, it tends to resonate more with people searching online for things to do, places to visit, or products to buy. Message credibility is higher. Simply sharing updates about new stores, services, or offerings increases awareness and can influence future consumer behavior. Many people discover businesses this way and make a mental note to visit later, demonstrating how even simple posts can have meaningful economic impact.

There is also a network effect at play. Local businesses benefit from promoting shared community platforms because attracting visitors to one business often leads them to explore others nearby. This clustering effect—where businesses support each other’s visibility—strengthens the overall commercial environment and attracts the right customer base for multiple establishments. Businesses supporting each other leads to a total net gain for all.

From a broader perspective, social media should be viewed as a system made up of different platforms serving different purposes. Some pages promote events and new developments, while others—such as community “rants and raves” groups—provide feedback and highlight areas for improvement even if one has to look at the theme versus the specifics. Additional platforms may target investors or tourists by showcasing attractions and opportunities in the area. Together, these channels contribute to a more complete and dynamic picture of the community’s brand. Those who are searching information benefit from multiple avenues. 

Ultimately, coordinated and organic use of social media can play a significant role in revitalizing small and medium-sized business environments and downtown areas. By increasing awareness, fostering community engagement, and promoting local offerings, these platforms help attract visitors, support entrepreneurs, and encourage new investment.

Enjoy Escanaba Facebook

Here is the study....

Influence Of Social Media On Business Performance Of Small And Medium Enterprises

• Examines how social media marketing affects the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly in the convenience store sector
• Uses the technology acceptance model to explain how perceived usefulness and ease of use influence adoption of social media strategies
• Employs a qualitative descriptive design with semistructured interviews of eight SME owners in the Midwestern United States
• Identifies key themes including cost-effective social media strategies, increased customer base and revenue, and improved brand awareness
• Finds that social media marketing enhances customer engagement, communication, and relationships between businesses and consumers
• Demonstrates that effective use of platforms like Facebook and Twitter can expand market reach and improve sales performance
• Highlights that many SMEs underutilize social media, leading to missed opportunities for growth and competitiveness
• Recommends that SME owners adopt structured social media strategies to increase brand visibility and overall business performance
• Suggests positive social change outcomes, including business growth, job creation, and stronger community engagement

Calvert-Antoye, A. J. (2024). Influence of social media on business performance of small and medium enterprises (Doctoral dissertation, Walden University). Walden University ScholarWorks. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=18756&context=dissertations

Economic Signals From Michigan: Growth, Uncertainty, And Opportunity In 2026

 

(Illustrative Only)

James builds custom
robots and Jane
wants to angel fund
a start up to increase
returns. 

Places like Escanaba
might provide the 
right balance between 
labor skills and 
start-up investments
opportunities. Local
community colleges
and universities can
help foster human
capital development.

Start Up and Incumbent
Firms

Hedge Funding Start-Ups

Predictive Analysis Human
Capital

The 2026 Michigan Economic Outlook, presented on January 13, offers a useful snapshot of the state’s economic conditions, even if some details may have evolved since then. The report highlights several underlying challenges, many of which center on human capital. While the mid- and long-term outlook appears to be improving, wage growth in Michigan has not kept pace with national averages, suggesting room for improvement in workforce development, productivity, innovation, and overall compensation.

Addressing these gaps is not solely about increasing pay. Non-financial factors—such as quality of life, community environment, and access to amenities—can also play a significant role in attracting and retaining talent. At the same time, major manufacturers in the state appear to be adopting a cautious, “wait-and-see” approach due to uncertainty around policy and market conditions. This is especially evident in the transition toward electric vehicle (EV) strategies, which has generated both momentum and opposition, likely leaving some firms unsure of their next steps.

Although the outlook reflects conditions from a few months ago, the broader trends remain relevant and generally optimistic. One potential strategy for businesses is to consider investment in smaller or mid-sized communities, encourage the sparking of start-ups to test new ideas/lines, and fostering specific human capital skills that can help support their and other businesses. For example, Escanaba has experienced growth in tourism while also developing a localized economic ecosystem where manufacturing, quality of life, and affordability reinforce one another. This kind of environment can create a sustainable and attractive setting for both businesses and workers.

For companies evaluating domestic or international expansion, these types of communities may offer compelling advantages. Locations with strong infrastructure, a skilled workforce, lower costs of living, and supportive local communities can provide a more balanced and strategic foundation for long-term investment and returns. There is much more than dollars and cents in raising ROI and employee satisfaction that can attract strong talent.

You may want to watch and review and highlights from the event. 

Summary of the 2026 Michigan Economic Outlook.......

2026 Economic Outlook Survey Results

• Confidence is returning to Michigan’s business community, with a three-year outlook score of 75 on a 100-point scale.

• Positive sentiment regarding the state's economy rose to 48%, up from 43% the previous year.

• Business friendliness remains a concern for leaders, with the metric edging down to a score of 62.

Wage and Income Statistics

• Michigan has experienced a long-term decline in wage competitiveness, moving from 10% above the national average in 1990 to 4% below it in 2026.

• Residents currently earn approximately 87 cents for every dollar earned by the average American.

• The state’s national ranking for per capita income has fallen from 16th in 1999 to 40th today.

Employment and Labor Market Trends

• Labor data shows a contradiction: resident employment dropped by 30,000, while payroll employment rose by 40,000.

• Economists predict a "soft patch" or growth pause in the labor market for the first half of 2026.

• A pickup in hiring and economic activity is expected in the latter half of 2026 and into 2027.

Automotive Industry and Policy Impact

• The average cost of a new vehicle has reached $48,000, with tariffs expected to add another $3,000 to that price.

• Recent changes to fuel economy standards (CAFE) have removed financial penalties, which may temporarily benefit the Detroit Three.

• Major manufacturers are managing significant capital risk, including $6 billion to $7 billion in redirected investments due to shifting EV strategies.

Current Business Sentiment

• Policy uncertainty is cited as the greatest hurdle to business growth and capital investment.

• Survey respondents are polarized regarding federal policies, with 55% viewing them negatively and 35% positively.

• Despite statistical challenges, industry leaders remain optimistic about Michigan's talent pool and its high-ranking research universities.

Detroit PBS. (2026, January 13). 2026 Michigan economic outlook [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-3VKXZmkso

Fiscal Analysis of San Diego: San Diego County Tax Association 2026

It is important to stay current on taxes and public spending. Many cities are struggling to maintain balanced budgets—driven in part by rising pension obligations and increasing costs—and returning to fiscal health will require meaningful changes. Looking beyond San Diego, examples of recovery can be seen in both large and small cities. The reemergence of Detroit and the growth of Escanaba illustrate how attracting investment and strengthening economic fundamentals can improve financial positioning. These challenges are not new; they reflect long-standing structural issues and trends. Addressing them effectively requires systematic thinking, careful forecasting of future market needs, and disciplined fiscal management.

More broadly, cities should consider which sectors and strategies are most likely to generate sustainable revenue over the next two decades+ and align their policies to strengthen long-term positioning. At the same time, short-term tax decisions should be made cautiously to avoid undermining future growth. Recognizing that cities function as systems—with interconnected inputs and outputs—can help leaders better understand how internal adjustments can improve outcomes and support lasting fiscal stability.

You may be interested in this analysis by the San Diego County Tax Association,

(Illustrative Only)

Charles the beachcomber
thinks of taxes and
where the money is
spent. 🙃

He puts his pennies
in a jar and saves up. 

Fiscal Analysis Of The City Of San Diego

• The City of San Diego faces significant fiscal strain, including over $7.8 billion in infrastructure needs and at least $1 billion in deferred maintenance
• Municipal staffing has grown about 29% since 2011, far outpacing population growth of roughly 7%, increasing per-capita costs for taxpayers
• Personnel expenses dominate the budget (around 72% of the General Fund), limiting flexibility during financial shortfalls
• The city has consistently overestimated revenues since 2020, masking structural deficits and contributing to unsustainable spending
• Projected General Fund deficits are expected to reach between $91.5 million and $139 million annually in coming years
• Growth in middle management roles has significantly outpaced frontline workers, while overtime costs—especially for first responders—have surged
• Pension obligations continue to rise, reaching a record $563 million annually and further constraining the budget
• Deferred maintenance increases long-term costs dramatically, with delays potentially raising repair costs up to 600%
• Capital improvement spending is inconsistent and underfunded, worsening infrastructure deterioration
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) show many city services failing to meet targets, indicating weak alignment between spending and outcomes
• Future demographic trends suggest population decline, limiting the city’s ability to grow revenue and sustain current spending levels
• The report recommends personnel realignment, realistic budgeting, increased capital investment, and stronger use of KPIs in decision-making

San Diego County Taxpayers Association. (2026). Fiscal analysis of the City of San Diego. https://www.sdcta.org/studies-feed/2026/4/7/fiscal-analysis-of-the-city-of-san-diego

Photography and Shaping Reality: Photos of Ship, Ocean Beach, and La Jolla

Photography is an art form that doesn’t just capture reality—it shapes it. Artists often notice details and perspectives that others might overlook, revealing new ways of seeing the world. Sometimes a photograph can be striking enough to change how we think; other times, it quietly stirs emotion, connecting us to memories, senses, and experiences we’ve had before.

The images below focus on ocean and nautical scenes. They may remind you of time spent by the water—the smell of the ocean, a trip with friends or family, or simply the sense of freedom the sea can bring. I took these photos over the weekend around San Diego as part of a hobby I truly enjoy. I also aim to donate at least half of any proceeds from my photography.

A few of the images in my collection/gallery will be submitted to a local art association, which has shown interest in my previous work. If any of the photos resonate with you, feel free to send me a message or leave a comment. There’s also a Google Photos link where you can explore more of my work—though I still have many more images I haven’t yet had time to organize.

If you’re interested in the relationship between reality, perception, and photography, I recommend taking a look at the study included below the images.

You can see other photos at Google Photos You can also check out my Art Page

Star of India

Ocean Beach 

La Jolla

Photography and reality: reflections around the role of the photographer among photo students in Russia and Sweden

• Explores how photography students in Russia and Sweden understand the relationship between photography and “reality,” emphasizing that images are not neutral representations but constructed interpretations.
• Highlights differing cultural and educational perspectives, showing how social context shapes students’ views of truth, authenticity, and the photographer’s responsibility.
• Finds that students increasingly see photographers as active creators who influence meaning, rather than passive documenters of reality.
• Discusses tensions between documentary traditions (capturing “truth”) and more subjective or artistic approaches that embrace manipulation and interpretation.
• Suggests that contemporary photography education encourages critical reflection on ethics, authorship, and the power of visual storytelling in shaping public perception.

Åker, P. (2025). Photography and reality: Reflections around the role of the photographer among photo students in Russia and Sweden. Visual Studies. https://doi.org/10.1080/1472586X.2025.2510318

The Just World and Greater Duty Through the Lends of the Allegory of the Clan

(Illustrative Only)

Each time we accept wrongdoing
and fail to correct we take
 a piece from the foundations. 
Do not sell out your soul,
your society, or future
generations just because
it is politically convenient
or caters to an in-group's
extreme distortions. Oaths
and shared values have had
a purpose since the founding. 
Vote your conscious and
pick the best and brightest
while rejecting the most
connected.

Create a just world. 

Plato's Cave
as a Thought Experiment

Duty matters more than the consequences shaped by those who support hate and corruption. If we abandon our oaths and values, we are left with fragments of past greatness instead of the ongoing work of building a more perfect union grounded in shared ideals. We should always strive for something greater, stronger, and better, no matter where we stand. The development of a strong economic platform and social enlightenment that matches the challenges of our time seems to be the wiser of choices. Despite this there will be some who undermine our long-term health for specific group gain and various ideological isms. Let us consider...

Idealists imagine better worlds, while those driven by corruption or prejudice often pursue personal gratification. One path calls for sacrifice for the greater good and future generations; the other sacrifices others for self-interest (which they do not have the right to do), ultimately weakening the stability of society. In the end, it comes down to choosing the deeper values that guide purposeful action. Such choices have a profound impact on the next generation. 

Consider a hypothetical “Allegory of the Clan,” in which a small group of corrupt officials—distinct from the vast majority—engages in repeated misconduct against those they view as inferior. They spread rumors, follow individuals, make threats, violate privacy, provoke conflicts, retaliate against whistleblowers, and establish patterns of abuse that create additional victims. Institutions meant to provide accountability turn a blind eye, despite clear violations of constitutional principles and fundamental human and civil rights, including freedom of religion, speech, and political participation. In the process, others are dehumanized. 

Victims are seen as liars and further targeted with immunity and impunity. Years later, some individuals continue to create conflict, attempting to intimidate people who have no connection to them and have done nothing to warrant such treatment (i.e. the superficiality and distortion of hate and selective attention of generalized information that reflects the pepetrators inner latent functions. Such latent functions can be statistically measured to show significance and pattern.-The Theory of the Mirror. ).

Those who stand firmly for their beliefs are guided by a deeper sense of responsibility than those who act for praise or recognition. External validation can mislead, because what truly advances society is not money or flattery but a commitment to higher principles—the larger values over the smaller ones. Standing for others is rooted in our shared social conscience and provides a path for people to support and protect one another.

For this reason, when partisanship, race, religion, or money are used as tools for manipulation or personal gain, they fail to serve the common good. Integrity helps keep systems aligned with their highest purpose and protects those who might otherwise be harmed by a lack of accountability and checks on power. Trust erodes when attention shifts away from that greater purpose and becomes entangled in technical disputes rather than the core intent of laws and principles.

The misuse of power and resources for personal enrichment should never be tolerated when ethical alternatives exist. While freedom of speech and religion are not always fully respected in practice, there remains a responsibility to uphold shared oaths, values, and a collective sense of purpose. Only by standing for what is right can we keep our systems moving in the right direction.

While the vast majority of officials strive to act with integrity, there are moments when a few do not. Those moments often define the long-term health and credibility of institutions. When trust declines, it signals a need for reflection and improvement. Wise stewards of society must be guided by principles that rise above the shifting currents of partisanship. The risks to the next generation and our sovereigty as a constitutional system governed by the people and for the people (all the people of this country) appear to be growing. 

This leads to a deeper question: what does it mean to live in a just world, and what duties do individuals carry in helping to create and sustain it?

The “Allegory of the Clan” is intended as a philosophical thought experiment. Its elements can be reinterpreted or rearranged, with the goal of encouraging reflection and independent conclusions.

Chapter Two – The Why and How of Defending Belief in a Just World (Hafer & Rubel)

• The chapter explains the just-world hypothesis, which is the belief that people generally get what they deserve and deserve what they get.
• It argues that people maintain a belief in a just world because it helps them see life as predictable and meaningful, and supports long-term goal planning.
• When people encounter events that contradict fairness (such as innocent suffering), this belief is threatened and creates psychological discomfort.
• To reduce this discomfort, people use just-world defense strategies, including blaming victims, reinterpreting events as deserved, distancing themselves from victims, or believing in eventual or supernatural justice.
• The belief in a just world is described as psychologically useful because it supports motivation, effort, and persistence in long-term goals.
• However, it can also lead to negative outcomes such as victim blaming and reduced sensitivity to social injustice.
• Overall, the chapter shows that defending a just-world belief is a common psychological process used to preserve a sense of order and fairness in life.

Hafer, C. L., & Rubel, A. N. (2015). The why and how of defending belief in a just world. In J. M. Olson & M. P. Zanna (Eds.), Advances in experimental social psychology (Vol. 51, pp. 41–96). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.aesp.2014.09.001