Nothing to show for in Eight Years wrote on Oct 5, 2008 6:40 PM:Council Member Sanchez has accomplished little or nothing for her two terms on the City Council. Most of Council Member Sanchez's accomplishments are preferenced by; "Stopped", "Delayed", and "Postponed". It is time to put progress and respect back in the Oceanside City Council.

YES for Esther wrote on Oct 5, 2008 7:17 PM:Go Esther!

YES wrote on Oct 5, 2008 7:35 PM:YES for Esther! Vote YES for Oceanside!

Accomplishments wrote on Oct 5, 2008 7:48 PM:Esther has accomplished more than any other council member! The Wyndham, beach resort, Oceanside Museum of Art expansion, California Surf Museum; the lowest crime rate in 30 years; lower response times. She voted against the ill-conceived Robertson's asphalt plant and is not supporting the the one planned next to the Francine Villas/Capistrano neighborhood. She truly cares about Oceanside! Vote YES for Esther!

YES Esther NO FELLER wrote on Oct 5, 2008 7:53 PM:Even up to last week, Feller couldn't think about us! He voted against re-opening Fire Mountain Park -- and we weren't asking for money and we weren't trying to stop the future (10 years? 20 years from now?) water reservoir from being built. He voted for an asphalt plant, is tied so tight to waste management that he (with the others) gives away the store, and he does not support our vision of El Corazon -- wants more residential and business and less fields. Vote NO for Feller, YES for Sanchez!

Oceanside Pirate wrote on Oct 5, 2008 8:03 PM:Esther has taken very difficult positions over the years, and each time she has been right. She opposed Manchester, and the Coastal Commission turned them down; she opposed the Rocky and Feller $2.2 million give away to Manchester, which would not have affected construction; she dared to question the city manager's recommendation on someone who wasn't really qualified as an engineer, and even the North County Times thanked her; she questioned stock-piling of dirt here in Loma Alta, and we found out that a city employee "signed off" on it on a Sunday; she was with us against Robertson's, and understands the value and worth of our coastal community and coastal land values. When you watch the city council meetings, it's obvious that she has studied the issues and is ready to ask the hard questions to make sure the projects are good for Oceanside and not just reacting to a campaign contribution. Esther cares about Oceanside, and so does Mayor Jim Wood and businessman Chuck Lowery. We need to send a message from the voters that we will not tolerate small-town giveaways to big developers and that we understand the difference between supporting big-time developers who do nothing for Oceanside and businesses who are helping us to make a brighter future. The time is now! Tell all your friends that their vote is so important to Oceanside's future! Vote Sanchez, Wood and Lowery!

Curious wrote on Oct 5, 2008 8:17 PM:It's curious that a write-up about Sanchez includes a statement from opponent Feller. I don't recall Feller's story including a statement from Sanchez. I've seen Sanchez mature over the years. Her passion is still evident, and it's obvious that she cares alot about our future. On the other hand, Mr. Feller has not changed, other than he tells less jokes about himself and talks alot about the growth of his family. The person who has really worked to make a positive difference in Oceanside -- obviously -- has been Sanchez. Her educational and legal background apparently help her to understand the issues and she articulates well the pros and cons. She really thinks about it all. Mr. Feller obviously doesn't. He seems to be a nice guy, but that's not the only qualification that I want for a council member. I believe its time to give Sanchez the opportunity to show us what greater things she can accomplish for all of us. That means retiring Mr. Feller and voting for the person she is supporting, businessman Charles Lowery. I think its time to move Oceanside forward into the future. While I don't think I was ready for mid-size buildings, frankly the only one who seems to be able to keep a balance is Sanchez. I trust her judgement. Let's give her a chance.

Truth is....... wrote on Oct 5, 2008 10:05 PM:Esther Sanchez has opposed every development in the downtown area. She opposed the Manchester settlement even though it put the next project in jeopardy and risk losing the El Corazon Land in the process. The Watson/Watanabe Traffic debacle was a manifestation of Sanchez’s desire to use neighborhood traffic calming as a campaign platform. And isn’t it funny we have heard nothing of the Barnwell dirt issue for months, perhaps the City Attorney wishes to keep a lid on it until after the election. I hear we are in line to pay developer Ritter a big settlement, so much for throwing accusations hastily. When you watch the Council meetings you see and angry and disrespectful person in Sanchez. Her demeaning nature has run off most of the managers in City Hall and given our City a bad rap.

I will vote for Sanchez wrote on Oct 5, 2008 10:25 PM:I spoke with two young men who were walking the neighborhood for her and trying to encourage our vote! They were professional and I feel represented the people who support her! Thanks Esther! You have my vote!!!

Detractors wrote on Oct 5, 2008 10:46 PM:Rocky has been going around, saying that Esther voted against key projects downtown. He especially emphasized Ocean Terraces, the first mixed use built in Oceanside, next to the theater. AT the last council meeting, Esther brought forward a businessman who had invested millions of dollars in a suite, in that same building. He was asking the city for help, apparently the project was built without enough parking for his 8 or 9 employees and clients. I believe he said that he only was allocated 2 parking spots for his whole business. Sounds like the "fix" will be the city stepping up and building more parking, so that businesses like his can succeed. Sounds like Esther had a reason for not voting for the project and that Rocky has short-changed the city, and its probably not the first time that he has done so. Esther has been right about alot of things, including Manchester, and then she tries to make things work regardless of what the majority has done. We need Esther. She will make sure the projects are good for Oceanside and not leave us with the bill. I'm not happy that the business is having these problems, and I'm sure not happy that Oceanside taxpayers have to pay for an uncomplete project. Rocky did not say a single word, while the gentleman pleaded for help. I guess that's all we can expect from Rocky's "leadership."

She is terrific wrote on Oct 5, 2008 11:20 PM:Esther has worked tirelessly to bring the best projects to Oceanside, train and retain our police and fire so we are one of the safest cities around, and has always been responsive to our neighborhoods. Yes, Esther Sanchez gets my vote. So do Jim Wood and Charles Lowery. They will bring civility back to the council once the troika of KFC is broken up. They care about us. Feller, Chavez and Gibson don't! Please look at our future and vote for the neighborhood friendly candidates.

Oceanside Pirate is right on wrote on Oct 6, 2008 12:05 AM:To those of us who do not drink the Feller, Chavez, Kern ( and Gibson) cool-aid, Esther has been in the last years the only constant voice of reason, showing her care for the community, the economical future of Oceanside and our quality of life (a dirty concept for KFC, a money making concept for most cities). The ignorant old boys KFC have over and over dismissed Esther legal warnings. She has been proven right over and over. Bye, bye Feller, go back to sleep in your own bed instead of falling asleep during city related meetings; you are just too tired and not skilled enough for Oceanside. Yes to Sanchez, Lowery and Wood!

Yes to Sanchez wrote on Oct 6, 2008 12:10 AM:Thank you for fighting for the future of Oceanside. You have always cared for the residents.

How about nothing to show in 3 years wrote on Oct 6, 2008 12:15 AM:KFC have done nothing for Oceanside in the last years. Esther is so much smarter than Feller, Chavez and Gibson.
We need a new direction, vote for Wood, Sanchez and Lowery.

from the back gate wrote on Oct 6, 2008 4:38 AM:I did not see or hear Sanchez or Feller or any of the others out trying to save our Hospital. It would seem to me that was more important than their petty argumenst and projects. If some of you people would go to council meetings or even watch them on television, you would see that Sanchez is a lot like Sterling on the TCMC board meetings, a lot of talk and not much action. It would seem that the only time Sanchez ever comes out on a subject is when it involves latinos. What happened to the rest of us? None of the candidates deserve my vote. I truly will be voting for the lesser of the evils this election. Not what I had in mind.

behind the scenes wrote on Oct 6, 2008 7:40 AM:I have had the displeasure of working with Esther on several projects...It might be interesting to know that she is against redeveloping the ghetto behind Oceanside High school...the one where all the gangs live. She is concerned that it might displace the illegals there! She is also against OPD using "any" of their time to find out if our criminals in Oceanside are here legally..She said she "doesnt think its a good use of OPD's time". There are many more, but this sums it up...Time to replace her with someone who will fight for Oceanside's saftey. Enough is enough with this vindictive politician!

What next wrote on Oct 6, 2008 7:56 AM:Oceanside had a $3 million surplus three years ago. Mayor Wood and Council Member Sanchez met with the Fire Union to give it "all" to Fire Service without regard to policing needs in our community, especially in the back gate area. We all pay a heavy price for these secrete deals.

Another YES YES for Sanchez wrote on Oct 6, 2008 7:59 AM:The article says "Sanchez has opposed road projects with strong neighborhood opposition" - how much more do you need to know? She is the VOICE OF THE PEOPLE, not the voice of the developers and business interests, and isn't that what a Council member is supposed to be?

Naasty Demeanor must go wrote on Oct 6, 2008 8:01 AM:Being on the receiving end of Council Member Sanchez baseless accusations and demeaning from the dais is something no one should have to put up with, let’s restore respect and decorum to the Oceanside City Council. Vote for anyone but Sanchez.

WS No Way wrote on Oct 6, 2008 8:01 AM:Woods and Sanchez need to go. The only people they care about are those in the vicinity of RDO. Oceanside needs to establish a district-based council so that everyone receives fair representation within the city.

To WS No Way wrote on Oct 6, 2008 8:19 AM:How will you feel about your so-called "district-based council" when it is your neighborhood that is being threatened? Could be you'll wish you had someone to turn to?

Bad behavior overshadows all wrote on Oct 6, 2008 8:26 AM:Council Member Sanchez's accusatory style and boorish behavior over shadow all that she does. Sanchez is an embarrassment to Oceanside and must go this November.

CPO USN-Retired wrote on Oct 6, 2008 8:57 AM:Esther Sanchez is one of three Council Members who's gone out of her way to meet me and listen to some of my concerns. Even though I have a strong predisposition against attorney's, she won me over with her straight foward approach and easy to understand language. Like a lot of people, I do not agree with everything she is passionate about, but I respect her opinion and I respect her results. Esther is an asset to Oceanside and has gone above and beyond in her fight for Oceanside. Why is it when a woman speaks her mind and has to raise her voice to be heard, people accuse her of being angry, bitter, strident, abrasive and/or abusive? When a Man does this, he's being assertive and influential? I say this as a man, a 20 plus year Veteran, a Vietnam Veteran and Veteran of a number of unnamed conflicts and an Oceanside Homeowner.

Appreciate your position CPO wrote on Oct 6, 2008 9:41 AM:Sanchez disposition is beyond you assessment CPO. It only takes one bad incident to detract from 50 goods ones. With Sanchez on the Council we are falling a quickly as the market. It really is time for a change to build respect and decorum back into City Government.

False accusations- Yes to Sanchez wrote on Oct 6, 2008 9:51 AM:Chavez and Feller would like you to believe that all the wrong in the city is because of Esther Sanchez. Unlike Chavez and Feller, Esther Sanchez knows the law and has saved the city a lot of money by bringing to light issues that would have cost the city much more in future litigations. I am so thankful to have Sanchez in the council, she is very qualified and she cares for all the people of Oceanside. Yes to Sanchez, Lowery and Wood.

To Truth wrote on Oct 6, 2008 10:04 AM:Esther's position against Manchester helped us recoup El Corazon, which had been part of the "giveaway" to Manchester as part of his 12 story, private beach project. Esther's work in helping to get Prop M on the ballot, as well as coming within a handful of votes of winning, is the reason we now have the opportunity to develop our own Balboa Park. Esther has been critical to the positive devlopment of Oceanside. We need to re-elect her and give her the help she needs by electing businessman Chuck Lowery.

You get what you pay for wrote on Oct 6, 2008 10:04 AM:In the "free market" (so loved by Feller, Chavez and Gibson) policemen and firefighters move to cities that pay them better. If we like to be safe in Oceanside, we better pay them competitive salaries. It is what the "market" demands: Sanchez, Lowery and Wood know it!

Maybe wrote on Oct 6, 2008 10:34 AM:Even IF her voice is still needed on the council, how about a little LESS of it? I have never heard someone more enamored with the sound of her own voice than Sanchez. Being a lawyer, perhaps that's to be expected. But, for heaven's sake, how about at least a modest attempt at brevity? You needn't opine endlessly on everything. After all, you have a council vote that can speak for itself.

To You get what you pay for wrote on Oct 6, 2008 11:30 AM:So that is why they have the highest salaries in the county? I do not think Oceanside needs to go bankrupt just to keep our Policeman and Firefighters happy!!!

email requests wrote on Oct 6, 2008 12:14 PM:Neither Wood or Sanchez have ever replied to any emails I have sent them over the years requesting a reply. I am an Oceanside taxpayer and deserve simple communication from these two elected representatives. We need to remember discourteous people at election time.

Fiscal Leadership Needed Now wrote on Oct 6, 2008 1:03 PM:We will look back on Sanchez’s tenure as the period of give away governance. At a time when the economy was slipping, Council Member Sanchez lead the efforts to enhance retirement for Oceanside’s General Employees costing City taxpayers over $1.8 million per year. This follows multi-year agreements with police and fire exceeding 5 percent a year. It was also Council Member Sanchez that insisted on filling all vacant position in City Government over two years ago. So here we are today with the State finally admitting that property taxes and sales taxes are down looking to redo the recently passed State Budget. What is Oceanside doing, way doesn’t Sanchez step up on this issue? If you can help create the problem you sure as well better get starting on fixing the problem Council Member Sanchez. How big is Oceanside’s revised budget shortfall and when will it be addressed, I am betting we do not discuss the problem before election day November 4.

Truth Is....... wrote on Oct 6, 2008 1:10 PM:Manchester's contract allowed him to develop El Corazon if the hotel failed. Sanchez position to “not settle” jeopardized the future of El Corazon. The settlement also allowed the City to acquire the two hotel blocks it did not previously own. The $2.2 million settlement gave us back El Corazon and the two beach side hotel blocks which are priceless. Sanchez wanted to look good on this deal no matter what it cost the City.

Latio Woman wrote on Oct 6, 2008 1:22 PM:The only Woman on council and also a Latino.
Also being an educated lawyer.

We need to keep this legal beagle, who cares for teh community.

She brings so much to the table.

That is why the others on council namely, Rocky & Feller want her off, because they are threatened by her.

NO To ROCKY & FELLER

VOTING YES ON ESTHER & LOWERY & WOODS

OCEANSIDIAN wrote on Oct 6, 2008 1:43 PM:Esther Sanchez is a breath of fresh air at Council meetings. She doesn't always agree with Kern, Feller and Chavez or even Jim Wood at times. We need a dissenter on the Council, a gadfly, someone who makes the Council look at all sides of an issue, not just the one they are pushing. A rubber stamp she is not. Those who characterize Esther negatively are simply people who don't like what Esther has to say and who bristle if anyone disagrees with them. Remember also, that Esther is a graduate of a prestigious law school and is a practicing attorney. Esther Sanchez has my vote to be reelected to the Oceanside City Council.

Spin Doctors wrote on Oct 6, 2008 2:09 PM:Esther Sanchez voted against 98% of every project in the redevelopment area; she is about "no". Just say "no" to Esther Sanchez!

Tell the Truth wrote on Oct 6, 2008 3:17 PM:Esther has voted with the majority most of the time. She understands the needs of the community but isn't willing to give away our precious land and assets to the first suitor who comes along. She is brilliant and gets the job done. My vote is for Esther Sanchez, Chuck Lowery & Mayor Jim Wood. These folks all grew up here and know what our vision for the future should be.

Agree with Maybe wrote on Oct 6, 2008 3:49 PM:Even when she's saying things I agree with (probably at least 50% of the time) it's difficult to listen to her.

NCTs got it right wrote on Oct 6, 2008 4:18 PM:The North County Tijme endorsenment of returning Jack Feller and electing new comer Gison was right on target. Enough of this diruptive disagrable force on the Council. It does not matter how educated you are when you can not apply the basics of what you learned in Kindergarden to working with others.

E wrote on Oct 6, 2008 4:24 PM:E! is for EXPIRED! Your term is up - now move out of the way so Oceanside can continue to move forward!

Jake wrote on Oct 6, 2008 5:42 PM:VOTE LOWERY, SANCHEZ and WOOD.

WOMEN UNITE wrote on Oct 6, 2008 7:32 PM:The "GOOD OLD BOYS" (KFC) DON'T LIKE WOMEN ON THE COUNCIL.....WOMEN UNITE ...
VOTE FOR ESTHER SANCHEZ the only WOMAN RUNNING FOR COUNCIL. OUR VOICES NEED TO BE REPRESENTED TOO!!!!!!!!WOMEN UNITE!
******************************************VOTE YES FOR ESTHER SANCHEZ*

Change Needed wrote on Oct 6, 2008 9:01 PM:Maybe we should ask one or more of the following their opinion of Sanchez; former City Attorneys, former City Manager, former Planning Directors, former Finance Directors, former Parks and Recreation Director, former City Engineers. You really have left a lasting mark on the City Esther. I sincerely hope you enjoy your retirement, and your private life, off the City Council after this next election.

Yes Esther wrote on Oct 6, 2008 10:44 PM:Republican lies about Esther abound in some of the posts. Vote for Esther and don't listen to the kool aid drinkers .

YES for Change wrote on Oct 6, 2008 11:57 PM:Vote YES for Sanchez, Wood and Lowery!

Truth is WRONG wrote on Oct 7, 2008 12:05 AM:Manchester ONLY GOT El Corazon if he developed the hotel project, as part of payment toward the hotel. Esther helped us get El Corazon back, and now we have a jewel! ... Vote YES for Sanchez and Lowery!

The real deal.... wrote on Oct 7, 2008 9:01 AM:Manchester had 10 days in his contract to pull the trigger to option his propose El Corazon Hotel and Golf Course. It definitely was one of the bases for the $28 million lawsuit. What followed was the misguided and divisive Measure M to turn El Corazon into Balboa north. Fortunately this economic disaster (Measure M) failed. What followed was a Terry Johnson lead Community Plan for El Corazon, including necessary development to provide the support funding. The Manchester settlement was the catalyst that allowed all development to go forward downtown, gave the City ownership of the Hotel blocks and return El Corazon to City control.

rush hour resentful wrote on Oct 7, 2008 1:25 PM:I have had plenty of time to contemplate my vote on the upcoming election as I sit stuck on Oceanside blvd. in the morning and evening trying to get to and from work and my home in RDO. Stalling interchanges that were built into the development plan for a reason is self serving.
Sanchez believes she is the "Queen of Oceanside" and her sense of entitlement will continue to cause a council that has become a joke to the communities that surround us, and serves one purpose only, her own.

Esther works for the citizens wrote on Oct 7, 2008 3:48 PM:Personal story. I had 3 council people come to a neighborhood meeting to help us solve a serious problem. Let me tell you that only Esther followed through until the problem was solved. The other two gave us lip service and did not follow through. If it were not for Esther pushing for our neighborhood we would still have the same problems. Most of my neighborhood love Esther. She is a true servant of the people and not just special interests. She can be a little rough at times but at least she is not sleeping like Feller on the dias. The all male Republicans just don't know how to handle a strong woman. I do I am married to one. You can not treat a strong woman by brushing them off and making them feel inferior. The women in Oceanside should be up in arms that they may have no women representing them in Oceanside, only all male like-minded Republicans. Tsk, Tsk, Tsk.

Bill W wrote on Oct 7, 2008 3:54 PM:Hey, lay off Esther. She's just what we need on the Council. She's boosted public safety and has exposed the nonsense of Feller, Kern & Chavez. Of course that makes them mad mad. Vote for Esther and Chuck Lowery for Council and Jim Wood for Mayor.

Eyes Wide Shut wrote on Oct 7, 2008 4:09 PM:Is anybody looking at the California Public Employees Retirement System (Cal. PERS) recent investment losses? Looks like the taxpayers will be contributing more than the $1.8 million per year thought necessary for the General Employees Enhanced Retirement Giveaway championed by Council Member Sanchez. No actuarial studies, no public scrutiny, just place it on the consent calendar, close your eyes and vote for it. We really deserve much better leadership and fiscal responsibility in these challenging economic times than Esther Sanchez is capable of giving us.

Democratic NO vote wrote on Oct 7, 2008 4:24 PM:I am a registered Democrat. Always have been. And I gag at the thought of voting for anyone with an "R" after their name.

However, I've seen Esther in action. And for her, I will break my longstanding aversion to voting for a Republican. She's a complete embarrassment to this city.

The Melba Bishop era has to end if this city is ever going to move forward. My vote will go to two candidates, and neither is Esther Sanchez. You've had your chance, and now it's time to move on.

Truth to Corruption wrote on Oct 7, 2008 5:06 PM:Corruption in our City starts with the 3 majority seats

Rocky, Feller & Kern

Here is the Proof,Friday, March 23, 2007 11:57 PM PDT NCT

City Councilman Jerry Kern said Friday he will ask his council colleagues to repeal an Oceanside law requiring people who lobby elected officials or staffers to register with the city.

Wood and Sanchez said Friday that the law had forced lobbyists to more clearly announce their intentions and had prevented developers or lobbyists from trying to cut backroom deals.

But Councilmen Jack Feller and Rocky Chavez, who both voted against the law last year, said lobbyists act the same way as they did before the law.


ASK YOURSLEF. Do you want to know what Lobbyist come to visit our Council.
I think its time we look at who we Need not to vote for which is Rocky, Feller and next Kern.

I am voting Esther, Wood and New Runner Lowery!!! Transparent and open to the public.

Jaque wrote on Oct 7, 2008 5:15 PM:Vote for an incumbent? You've got to kidding!

from the back gate wrote on Oct 8, 2008 4:47 AM:Whats the matter. No one wants to talk about our hospital problem and how we got there. City council pushing for a community health care facility. Hell yes, lets build a new mall and Oh yea, would you please build me a upscale resturant. Seems like our priorities have really hit rock bottom. Me, Me, Me, I, I, I.

Lawyer wrote on Oct 8, 2008 8:24 AM:I followed the Manchester debacle. If it hadn't been for Prop M and the Citizens for a Better Oceanside, Manchester would have sued the city for more money AND kept El Corazon. El Corazon's fate was sealed at the Coastal Commission hearing, which I attended. Even City Staff seemed embarassed to have to speak on behalf of Manchester. Yes, the fact that we have the potential for our own Balboa Park and Field of Dreams is because of people like Esther, who stood up against great money and who is always prepared. It is clear that her education and background is needed at city hall. Because of her, there IS a Wyndham, beach resort permits, El Corazon Senior Center, El Corazon Park. I'm having a really hard time coming up with what the other guys have done for Oceanside -- other than a concrete plant and more traffic congestion!

Tri City Medical wrote on Oct 8, 2008 8:36 AM:While I share your frustration, I'm not sure why you are turning it on city council members and not the Tri City Board and CEO. The city council does not have purview over the hospital -- they are not privy to closed session discussions about what is going on with the hospital. They certainly did not vote to have a "mail ballot only" special election, without community hearings. City council members are given the task of protecting us and raising revenues to pay for fixing our streets, park programs, youth and senior programs, etc. Perhaps a change on the board will help ensure better decisions.

Lawyer is dreaming wrote on Oct 24, 2008 1:25 PM:Esther Sanchez did cause the demise of the Manchester Project and when the dust settles on the current project you will see Sanchez demands were the cause of its demise as well. One of the basis of the Manchester lawsuit was the option to proceed on the El Corazon development without the Beach Hotel. It was the settlement that allowed everything in the beach area to move forward. And Sanchez held the Wyndham hostage, she facilitated nothing. As a matter of fact Sanchez was the architect of the divisive Measure M which was turn down by the voters, and when the current fiscal crisis is discussed we will final all be privy to what the Union giveaways have cost the taxpayer. VOTE SANCHEZ OUT.