September 19 
Ants Un-Nerved
The Red Ant regrets that her instincts (and facts) were right on proposed Ordinance #22 - next Monday night's big discussion at City Council that will update a long-standing land use code section concerning the combination, redevelopment and demolition of "multi-family unit dwellings" (condos, townhouses, etc.) and tighten the exemptions that owners have liberally enjoyed for years.
September 17 The Red Ant is scratching her head. A vortex is spinning and we're now in it. We've heard a lot these past two days from many of you asking about proposed Ordinance #22 - next Monday night's hot topic at City Council, which, if passed, is slated to become law thirty days afterward.
In short, Ordinance 22 seems to update an old law that stipulates affordable housing mitigation for the redevelopment/demolition/ combination of units of "multi-family dwelling units." The effect is to make it almost impossible to
September 11 The recent, and thankfully withdrawn, proposal for a doubling of Council salaries triggered some surprising statements on August 25 and 26 from the Mayor about our City government:
- Mick feels that the mere doubling of salaries suggested by Jack Johnson is woefully inadequate, but, given the current economy,--
September 7 Anatomy Of A “Language Error”
The now-infamous Burlingame Brochure and its outrageous financial misrepresentations are continually explained away by the City as “language errors.” But what exactly is a “language error?” History paints a vivid picture. Famous “language errors” help inform us. To wit:
“I did not have sexual relations with that woman.”
“It depends on how you define ‘alone’.” – President William Jefferson Clinton
“Mission Accomplished.” – President George W. Bush
September 6 Some called it a "punch in the stomach," others "complete incompetence," but Thursday, most of the volunteer professionals of the Burlingame Construction Experts Group expressed surprise and dismay when informed that the City had essentially granted bullet proof veto rights to current Burlingame homeowners to prevent density beyond 236 units! The group, working for the past three months to increase Burlingame density was informed that any increase will require a 100%* (yes, unanimous!) vote of the homeowners! (Could even a March powder day garner a 100% affirmative vote in Aspen?
September 2 In a fun experiment to extend the reach of our message, The Red Ant is filming a few Grassroots TV shows focused on the amusing activities in the Ant Hill at Hopkins and Galena.
Tune in and give us feedback and ideas for future shows. The first two shows air this week, beginning this morning on Channel 12 locally. ADDITIONALLY, simultaneous video streaming on the internet at
August 29 The Words We Were Waiting For
Tuesday's Ant Alert merits an update. Citizens' quick response seemed to move the Council to do the right thing, and drop both ill-conceived last minute surprise ballot proposals. Between Monday's and Tuesday's meetings, we heard from Council the words we'd all wanted to hear for months about the premature and reckless ballot measures. Those welcome words---WITHDRAW and POSTPONE.
Doubling Council Salaries--WITHDRAWN
August 26 |
Two controversial topics of strategic importance are being decided today at a 4 p.m. special Council meeting. The time-sensitive decisions are regarding whether to include measures on the November ballot to:
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