After Deadline: Nava vs. The Bee

Denial ain't just a river in Egypt

All you are looking for is garbage. It happened over 10 years ago and yes I would still be angry about it. And for A! to say something is seriously wrong, how many truly terrible things has she said. Instead of being a reporter you let other people write for you. Your the cut and paste reporter. AA you are why no one subscribes to the BEE anymore.

Well, I guess if he was “well connected” with the “old guard” he would have never been charged and this sort of thing would have been swept under the rug.

I’m sure the “people” understand we all make mistakes.

This information will not affect him….

Denial ain't just a river in Egypt

Enough said.

Denial ain't just a river in Egypt

You are so right...All those areas are relevant in choosing people for public office.

I cannot remember what Christianson's response was during the last election regarding those issues.

So....

Could you please ask Sheriff's candidate Christianson about his conviction and bankruptcy and let us know his response?

face book site?

Please make sure you are asking these questions come the 2010 Sheriff's election.

Make sure you remember he [our current Sheriff]  has a theft of another's property on his criminal record.  Our future Sheriff felt at ease in relieving the proper owner of his personal property.  If he had not been caught and fingered as a thief he would have never come forward.

Make sure you remember that the [Sheriff] filed bankruptsy in his past.

Make sure you remember that he has many lawsuits filed agianst him and his staff. Remember [these] are  against his staff, not leftovers. These are people he hand-picked to lead his department. There can be no more passing the buck back in time.

Four years is a long time to "grow" into a position. The Bee's ED staff thought he was worthy they, believed he would have a "growing spurt".

Did he grow into the Leader all of you hoped for when you jumped behind him?

A lot of people would guess not. Are you big enough to admit it?

charge of conduct unbecoming an officer for incident with minority female co-worker.

Sorry....this topic reminded me of when the Bee endorsed Christianson for Sheriff.

Thanks Cadence and letmesaythis...you are right on!

I am not going to hold my breath for an answer from A_D.

If it does come it will be total lip -service. (prediction)

I would hate to read it from a person who has seen total political coruption, but here( Modesto), there, does it really matter?

Who signs the pay-check at the end of the week?

Who at the Modesto Bee is really ready to gut it out and dig for the absolute truth and then have the balls to tell it?

Candence, my face would be turning blue at this point, yours?

AA: Please let your readers know his response to all those very important issues.

I'm sure they will come up at public forums as the election draws near.

It would be great for the Bee to have already covered these areas.

Yes... I agree.

I just keep hoping someone, at some point will have the guts to ask, push, dig, and report what is going on.

Why hasn't the Bee covered the cost to the taxpayers so for the lawsuits???

Almost a MILLION DOLLARS???

That is HUGE!

But....nothing in the Bee.

Why???

Where is all that sunshine and truth Vasche loves to gloat about?

Is it possible they do not know that depostions have been going on all week?

Didn't County Counsel or Christianson notify the Bee about his deposition?

How about all the other dozen or so?

Is Heyne going to be next?

Maybe the Bee can grow...I mean...gather their wits...and ask some needed questions!

 Only in pug fighting back in the 30's....thanks for telling me, I will now take them out of my glove compartment.

BIG DEAL ! You do realize he is representing South Modesto, how else do you think he is going to slap some sense into those disrespecting gang members. 

 Seems to me he is ready to take them on.......heck I will join him. Sounds like one tough some bi....

Being jailed for petty crimes should not matter in an election. It would be different if we were in the Hamptons, but were not, were in SouthMo..........big difference.

Most of the citizens including women and unfortunatly some children carry GUNS! brass racks aint nothing.

"Newspaper journalism that attracts readership through sensational headlines and stories with emotional and populist appeal." The Nava v BEE Blog headline is tabloid journalism. And the budget for the city is $106.4 million. I know for people like you a million here and million there is not real. Do you ever get your facts straight or do get most things from the Facebook and the net. Yes, AA it seems you are a cut and paste journalist. Remember what happened to NYT reporter Jason Blair?

Is there some dispute of the facts or only that the article was written about Nava and not the Sheriff?  I don't read any dispute of the facts, only that some think it isn't a big deal.

So the BEE represents AA's position on Al Nava. This happened 11 years ago. and was expunged from his record 7 years ago. Yet the BEE wants to keep asking these questions.

"Their criminal histories, bankruptcies and their responses to questions about their past are all relevant in choosing people for public office." says AA. So in the AA world there is no statute of limitations, no second chances, only that we will continue muckrake and to sensationalize. Yes, AA, I would say you are a "broken record.", and from viewpoint a shoddy journalist. You like pigeonhole people as belonging to left leaning organizations. What does that mean?

for the police report to be publicized on the female that got raped by four guys which one of guys allegedly was the son of a MPD officer..........we were told the DA did not press charges, why not. wheres the follow up report?

AA are you covering up? I hope not because I actually took your word as fact.......maybe we need a follow up story after all.

This posting is about Nava's felony arrests (more than one), and his inappropiate response when asked, not about what others did.  Do I think all of these corrupt politians should be flushed out? Heck yeah, but let's not let another one take office just because we may have some there right now.  I would have had more respect for Nava if he admitted his mistakes, and followed up with the whole, "I paid my debt to society" phrase. Or if he would have said that the officers/D.A.'s made some mistakes but that "Justice prevailed in the end."  Both of these answers would have been acceptable, and we probably would have moved on.  Instead he acts like a child, curses, and refuses to take responsiblity for his actions.  There are enough politians that act like children in city government, I don't want another.

The way Nava answered the questions and using profanity while speaking to the reporter. Though I don't think a minor conviction of having brass knuckles is that big of a deal.

 Baseball bats and wrenches can be deemed as a weapon.

It does sound to me a vendetta against him had risen from the arrest. I will still vote for him unless further information comes out. Greer I believ is a developers shill.

AD....thanks for the blog summary regarding Al Nava and his sometimes not so politically correct way of expressing himself.  He is well known for his rants on Facebook, and it will probably cost him the election.  My concern is, if he reacts this way to a Modesto Bee Reporter asking the question asked of ALL candidates, how will he react in a public forum when challenged on his policy decisions?  Will he show the same contempt to the general public? 

Also, just a request to the other commenters on this blog, please leave the County Sheriff issues elsewhere.  This blog is about the City of Modesto elections.  Thanks.

Baseball bats and wrenches have legitmate purposes.  Why would one carry brass knuckles?  I think any attempts to justify this type of behavior weakens any other points you may be trying to make. 

his prior statements regarding the annexation of the land to the North of Modesto.

I think that current events regarding the purchase of potential City Councilman  is much more relevant than something that happened before a man went into the Navy and served his Country.

Well then TS, you probably haven't seen the posts on Al Nava's Facebook page, that are current.  He may be a nice guy, but he needs to mellow out on forums where people can see it.  It is turning people away.

Joe Muratore served his Country too by the way.

money and the changes it makes in what they stand for. Which joe Muratore has done times six.

are you talking about mtber?

Al Nava's sophomoric and absurdly immature responses to The Bee's article. He wrote on his Facebook profile that the Bee could go f**k off. 

How in the world do you justify such a response? I think Al Nava proves right there he's not ready for prime time.

His attitude is tantamount to unbridled arrogance. Witness his statements of "I was the most dynamic speaker at the youth commission forum." (held last Thursday, Oct. 1) He lambasted the other candidates' participation/personalities as being old.

Um, Al, Joe Cataline is 25/26, Jeff Perine is 29, Joe Muratore is 31. Al Nava is 34/35... 

Oh, and TS, why is it that even the Latino Roundable Committee, of which Al has been a membership for a while now, won't even endorse a Latino from the west side? That must say something about Al's candidacy, TS. 

I think we both agree on this, mtber: Al Nava comes across as an immature crybaby who tells the Bee to f**k off. Are you kidding me? Adam Ashton is dead on. 

I think it's rather obvious that Al Nava is not ready, and will never be ready, for prime time based on his sophomoric, idiotic statements. 

Just go to his Facebook page. You'll see what I mean. 

Meanwhile, TS won't even touch this issue. Instead, TS will just play dodgeball with the issue. 

unfortunately.  I liked Dave as a potential councilman until the we  found out his purchase price.

I don't want another council person who has their hand out like Kristin Olsen does.  I find that scary.

The council selling out to the highest bidder.

The question becomes, why don't you feel the same way?

support a candidate who has class, who has lived in the district for 22 years, and who actually has some good ideas to boot. 

What I find scary is a candidate who tells people to f**k off at the first sign of conflict. I find that unsettling and not worthy of anyone's vote. 

And I can't wait for the Bee's endorsement of Dave Geer. 

You still didn't address the issue of why the Latino Roundtable Committee didn't endorse one of their own, who sits on their frickin' board... and he still couldn't get their endorsement. That alone says a LOT about Al.

Just as I thought, TS, you won't touch this issue of Al's character. 

to F**k themselves. Don't people read. He said he was going to tell the police that. Again, he paid his dues and served his country.

Dave Geer is taking money from developers. What does that tell you?

Adam Ashton is the one who went to Facebook and started a Blog under the inflamatory title BEE v Nava. Whose side is he on. He isn't covering District 2, Ms Albrecth is.

I believe that AA is a muckraking journalist. What kind of journalistic standards are used by the BEE and Adam Ashton. I would say the National Inquirer but that would be to insult them. 

Even better, TS. What you have is an unrepentant, crybaby. Let's see what else Al Nava said:

"At tonight's Youth Action Commission of Stanislaus County, I connected & related best to the youth members. Some of the other candidates were 'too old', as in they did NOT connect. I also distinguished myself from the others by being the most dynamic & outspoken." Wow, talk about a humble guy, TS. 

More from the outspoken expert on everything: "My opponents are fearful & weak. I'll lead while they cower in fear." Al, you have one opponent, not plural opponents. I doubt Dave Geer is cowering in fear. 

"The ModFlea purposely continues their 'yellow journalism' about me. They always neglect to report my Military experience." Um, Al, The Bee HAS reported that you're a Navy vet, but we want to know your issues, your character, how you respond to adversity. Calling the Bee ModFlea tells me you shouldn't quit your day job. Oh, I forgot... he doesn't have a day job. Ouch. 

What has Dave Geer done in those 22 years. I have lived in the area for over thirty years and had never heard of him or any type of civic or grass roots activities.

In fact, he is a person who wants to build fence with Mexico and arrest parents of US citizen children. I do not question his patriotism as he has of others. See how that goes in District 2.

So you can tell the tone of the entr on FaceBook? It seems you want to get personal and nasty. You are the one who said to discuss the issues. I have problem with the BEE's lack of ethical standards. Adam Ashton was the one who started this Blog. And by the way, the Latino Community Roundtable is a political organization and does not represent the Latino community. Most of those individuals don't live in District 2. Many are associated with the developer community.

It's fair to question Dave Geer's involvement in District 2. But I have to give him credit: he didn't just move into the district like Al did, oh, back in May of this year. That speaks of political opportunism.

Before Kristen Olsen ran for Council, she was largely involved in professional and academic pursuits. Jim Ridenour was largely involved in the private sector. I don't recall people like Garrad Marsh being Citizen of the Year or having all kinds of civic-minded affiliations. By and large the volunteers that I know don't normally run for public office. It's people with business backgrounds that I tend to see running for office (Nick Bavaro, Vito Chiesa, Brad Hawn, etc.). 

I'm not as concerned about a person's background as I am with the issues. But a person's character does matter. And why wouldn't the Latino Roundtable Committee endorse one of its own, especially if Dave Geer joined earlier this year? That would seem like a no brainer to me. The first Latino to represent District 2... and the Latino Roundtable Committee, which is in the business of issuing endorsements, opts not to endorse anyone. 

I would also point out that Al Nava's Facebook is not private. Joe Muratore's Facebook is private. Many people set their Facebook or MySpace on private. Al had to know that at some point his inflammatory, incendiary and sometimes vitriolic rhetoric would come to light. And if he has left his Facebook profile public, it's fair game. 

Not to mention Al is also on MySpace and Twitter. He puts himself out there, yet we're not supposed to notice those things about Al?

I still think that it says a lot about a person who we know to be a candidate, who says things that are not humble or gracious. 

I personally vote for a candidate who conducts himself/herself with professionalism, maturity. In other words, act like an adult. Act like you're going to be representing one-sixth of the constituents in Modesto, the 97th largest city in the United States. 

And yet you blame the messenger (Adam Ashton), not the message. What was Adam trying to get across here? That we have a candidate who has not been above reproach, who has said some very unsettling things. 

And then he has the unmitigated gall to blame others? Is that who we really want on the City Council? I don't think so. And I think Modesto is too important to let a dangerous candidate like Al Nava on the City Council. 

Even though Rfmag set you straight...I asked 5 people at random at Raieys what they thought about the Bee...two said they didn't read it anymore and another said scr@w the Bee.

So if He had said it, which he didn't, 20% of a random sample would have agreed with him.

And to say you prefer a candidate who changes his mind for money...well...

is fair game. Yes, I am blaming the messenger because as a reporter, AA is to report not make general judgments. It was Al who wrote what he wrote. He is responsible. But Adam Ashton should not have been the one who started a Blog called BEE v Nava. What does that say about the Bee and Adam Ashton? It sounds like they are against Nava and for Geer. I do not defend hi comments but I do defend his right to say them. If you don't want to vote for him so be it. That is your right. 

Let's see, TS... 

* You're on The Bee's webpage now yet you bash them as being irrelevant. Slightly diametrically opposed and dichotomous eh? 

* If The Bee didn't exist, who would report local news? Anonymous writers like yourself who submit one-sided articles to The Voice of Modesto? In that, I'll gladly stick with the Bee (speaking as a nonsubscriber myself). And yes, I trust The Bee's reporting more than the nameless articles on Voice of Modesto who make no effort to report the other side. 

* Quote me where I said I prefer a candidate who changes his mind for money. Come on, TS, let's see it. 

* By the way, TS... are you justifying what Al Nava said on his Facebook page? He seems to reflect his unemployed status these days by talking like an unemployed, uneducated guy. 

In this day and age of the Internet, wouldn't it be wise for some candidates, like Al Nava, to keep their comments concealed? Holy smokes, you don't say those kinds of things and then expect to get elected. Don't tell people that you sound better, more dynamic and more sophisticated than the other candidate. Let people decide for themselves.

By the way, Adam was taking Al's own words and reporting them. Gone are the days when people could just write something on their own blog in a discreet fashion. Does someone need to remind Al about this? 

What's the old saying from Will Rogers? "Those who fly into a rage rarely make a good landing." 

Al moved back to the district after he got out of the Navy. He had been stationed at Pearl Harbor. He just got out and like many a veteran and other persons in the area has found the job market very tight. I don't see why you would mention that unless it was to be sarcastic.

Al's got the right to say what he wants, you're right. We also have the right to publicly disagree with him. As a person who is campaigning to be entrusted with a vote about our tax dollars, we have every right to disagree with him.

I would also cordially point out that you acknowledge yourself that you don't defend his comments. 

What's that old saying? Out of the wellspring of the heart the mouth speaks. Al's just reciting whatever's in his mind, his heart. And if that's the case, it isn't something to be proud of. 

You're right about it being a tight economy. My health deductible doubled from $1,500 to $2,700 because the company owner couldn't afford it. I know the economy's tight. 

I would just say that Al needs to present himself in a better light. I don't question his patriotism or his service for our country any more than I question my stepdad's service in the Army or my dad's service in the Navy. 

But let's get back to the issue here: Al needs to conduct himself with a lot more class. This is his election to lose. He hasn't done himself any favors so far by alienating The Bee. Hate to say it... they're the only game in town. They're the local monopoly. So whether you like it or not, you got to conduct yourself with just enough class. 

And so far, I haven't seen that or sensed that from Al Nava. It's more about an in-your-face approach to things. 

I agree with you about this day and age. I told you I don't like or agree with he said. But again, would we talking about this if AA had not posted BEE v Nava? Do you have something against the unemployed? It is not like he is on welfare. He also graduated form CSU Stanislaus. I do hope he takes your advice about sounding better. But I remember when I got out of the service it took me a while to talk like a civilian again. The type of language used in the military is well spicy. I am not making an excuse for Al; he should watch his words.

I just relayed what I found out during a trip to the grocery store.

And since you support Joe cataline I had hoped you made this decision due to his integrity and Olsens lack of it but apparently you used other criteria for your decision making.

You are right about his approach but sometimes in our area you need to have that attitude. Again, I am not defending it but I have to go see the game. Nice talking with you Eric.

I don't have anything against the unemployed. It's a pretty helpless situation at times- I was unemployed for about 3-4 months in 2006. Not fun. Fortunately I didn't burn any bridges, networked and before long, a good buddy of mine offered me a job at his company. I was very grateful for the opportunity. 

Thank you, rfmag, for putting things in perspective. Perhaps military people are allowed to speak and act a certain way in the military around other like-minded military individuals. But those days are behind Al. And he needs to step it up. 

You'd be surprised at how quickly people embrace someone that's gracious, easy to get along with, opposite of combative and defensive. 

Like I said earlier, it's his race to lose. There's no excuse for how Al has been behaving with statements like, "I was the most dynamic candidate tonight. I connected the best with people." Did Al do a survey after the youth forum on Oct. 1 when he said that? Did he have voter feedback measured afterward? I doubt it. 

Let's hope Al can be a bit more positive in his statements moving forward.