Marinwood CSD President Leah Green threatens and interrupts speakers to provoke arrest

Leah Green violates Civil Rights with Fake Meeting Minutes

Leah Green violates the civil rights of citizens by approving false and misleading reports of the public record and refusing to correct them despite video documenting the actual meeting,  The Marinwood CSD minutes are manipulated to create a false public record and to propagandize the CSD.   Ms. Green was elected president by the CSD board unanimously (except for Jeff Naylor who was mysteriously not present) Green later  cryptically refers to Naylor as "not wanting to throw him under the bus".  The Marinwood CSD violates the laws of transparency and government accountability virtually every month and may have violated  laws that could result in severe criminal penalties.

Public asks questions about Marinwood Maintenance Shed but no Answers

Marinwood CSD refuses to answer simple questions from neighbors about the Maintenance Shed project .   Eric Dreikosen, Marinwood CSD manager evades the direct questions and Leah Green, Marinwood CSD board member refuses to acknowledge.  The board is abusing the public process by holding sessions outside of the view of the public and will not divulge basic budgets.  There are serious problems with the functioning of the Marinwood CSD.

Can you TRUST the Marinwood CSD director and CSD Management?

Leah Green CSD Board President

Eric Dreikosen, CSD Manager

The Marinwood CSD has IGNORED community input for a massive maintenance compound that will cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.  At 4400 square feet, the sprawling design will replace existing facilities.  It is being designed by former CSD Director Bill Hansell, who coincidentally hired Eric Dreikosen with a huge boost in pay from his previous employment.  Now Eric is working with Bill Hansell to push through his design.

In 2017, the Parks and Recreation Commission held an open forum on the facility and the room filled to capacity. Most residents had objections to the current facility and wanted to submit input.  The PUBLIC HAS BEEN IGNORED.  

In 2018 only 3 residents were given access to a private presentation of Bill Hansels "Taj Mahal" maintenance compound facility.  What happened to the "Public Input"?

We only have 3 full time staff, a truck and several small vehicles and they can be easily be housed in less than 1200 square feet. Virtually EVERY COMMUNITY IN MARIN uses modest prefab structures for their landscaping staff.  Not a single community devotes an full acre of prime real estate for their modest, utilitarian garages. Hansells design is over 150 feet long and spans two housing parcels.  It is roughly 3 times the size of the  average ranch style home that is common on Quietwood and Pinewood.  

The "Taj Mahal" maintenance shed is a comically large project which will be a source of ridicule and shame for decades to come if it is allowed to be built.

At the very least the community needs to see "Story Poles" to see how much space is being sacrificed from Marinwood Park.  The worst part is the long narrow design means that vehicles will constantly need to be moved inside the shed and a wide clear pathway running the length of the structure.  There will be no room for material handling of gravel and dirt and debris and will still take place outside the facility.

The footprint for the building will increase and block pedestrian access
  
Ironically it was Bill Hansell, as Marinwood CSD director who argued for eliminating the maintenance department in 2014 and tearing down all of the facilities.  Hansell will earn handsome fees for his impractical design in 2018.

The Marinwood CSD has issued a notice of a public meeting to discuss the facility as is legally required only hours before comments from the public are due.  It is a cynical attempt to keep public comments to a minimum.  Furthermore, the Marinwood CSD is CANCELLING its July Meeting which I believe is to keep the public in the dark until the last possible moment.

The Marinwood CSD board of the directors and Eric Dreikosen have displayed a contempt for the public process and is trying to dupe the public.  While they are attempting to comply with the minimum legal requirement, they are violating the spirit of open, transparent government.

Here is the notice of the July 26, 2018 meeting at 5:00 PM.  The notice was sent on Friday, June 29th before the holiday and while county workers are on strike. 
 http://www.marinwood.org/sites/default/files/publicnotice_negdechearing.pdf

Could the CSD pick a worse time for the public to attend?  This should tell you about their intent to conceal information from the public.

I had asked Eric Dreikosen, CSD Manager specifically about the submission of plans on June 12, 2018 for review. I specifically asked him if he was still planning submission by the end of June  He was evasive and said no plans will be submitted prior to a public meeting.

Two days later on June 15, 2018 he submits an 108 page document for environmental review.

http://www.marinwood.org/sites/default/files/marinwoodcsd_draftnegdecinitialstudy_6-15-18.pdf

Is Marinwood Park for the people or is it for oversize buildings, construction materials, landscaping debris?

We deserve GOOD HONEST GOVERNMENT that is open and transparent with the people.  It is time for change.

The World Largest Abandoned City -Ordos

Leah Green claims her "brain isn't working and she will not listen to the public"

Leah Green, Marinwood CSD interrupts, bullies the public AGAIN.  Leah Green claims her "brain isn't working and she will not listen to the public" towards the end of the meeting.  It is disgraceful that the Marinwood CSD allows this to happen.

Linda Barnello makes a simple request for a communication policy from Marinwood CSD manager, Eric Dreikosen and he laughs. Marinwood CSD President Leah Green refuses to answer also and interupts the speaker and claims' I don't have a brain" None of the other Marinwood CSD managers even look up from their desk and express outrage at this insulting, arrogant display of the President and CSD manager. Linda ihas been a major benefactor of the Community and the Marinwood Fire Department. There is no excuse for this behavior from our staff and elected officials.

Marinwood CSD President Green "I don't have a brain and will not listen"

Linda Barnello makes a simple request for a communication policy from Marinwood CSD manager, Eric Dreikosen and he laughs.  Marinwood CSD President Leah Green refuses to answer also and interupts the speaker and claims' I don't have a brain"  None of the other Marinwood CSD managers even look up from their desk and express outrage at this insulting, arrogant display by President Green and CSD manager Dreikosen.   Linda has been a major benefactor of the Community and the Marinwood Fire Department.  There is no excuse for this behavior from our staff and elected officials.

How much was the Marinwood Brew Fest Gross Revenue?

Asking a simple question about the Marinwood Brewfest held on July 22, 2017 gets an evasive response.  While a similar brewfest held in Novato recently made $40,000, the brewfest in Marinwood made only "about $400" for an estimated 315 attendees despite the FREE BEER DONATIONS.   

Tickets for the event were $15. which entitled a small sample of beer.  More beer was available for additional cost.  Also, childcare was available for $10 for the five hour event.  At the very minimum the event brought in $4750 in gross revenue but it is likely to be double that amount through additional sales.  Many of the beer pourers were volunteers and so the cost of the event was quite low.   The tent rental was $1000 and the bands were paid an unknown sum by the CSD.    Notice how pointed questions were evaded by the staff and the board. Chief Roach interrupts  the public saying that "we don't know the costs". Leah Kleinman Green, Marinwood CSD director, claims that there is no need to know the  details of the event since EVENTS ARE NOT MEANT TO MAKE MONEY. 

Strange answers from a board who claims to look after the public interest and manage our CSD revenue.

This absolutely deserves further investigation by an unbiased higher authority.  Why isn't our General Manager, Eric Dreikosen asking the same questions?

Leah Kleinman Green reminds the public that SHE IS IN CHARGE and doesn't need to respond to public demands for accountability.

A look back at 2013 " CSD Directors have a champagne toast to themselves and we pick up the tab. (Highlight Video 1 minute 20 seconds)

See related story in the Marin IJ HERE

From Leah's NextDoor posting on 11/11/2013:

Leah Kleinman-Green from Lucas Valley/Marinwood said:

Gerald, that is insulting to say the least. I chose my infant daughter over campaigning and we all know the CSD has not a shred of jurisdiction over housing issues. Please start attending the CSD meetings to see for yourself instead of attacking people like myself who you've never taken the time to meet or contact. I have spent 4 years getting sitters so I could volunteer my time for our community as a member of the board. It's this kind of unneighborly and uncivil behavior that can lead to no good. The vocal tea party minority may have "won" the election. There will be a steep learning curve for the new board members and I assume the community will be holding them to the same standards. My husband and I have been frankly horrified by the ignorant rhetoric around low-incoming housing and it appears that well educated, open minded folks who want to make the world a better place through education and housing for all, even if that means paying a few extra b ucks for it, are sadly, few and far between. If I learned anything in graduate school it was that economics matter. Social justice matters. We are all only here for a short time - why not work to make the world a better place for all than hold on so tightly to a closed minded self righteous attitude? I ask you, how does it make you feel to attack someone you've never met in a public forum? do you think that has gained you friends, followers, respect? As a mother of 2 young girls, do you think I should teach them that this is how one responds to differences in opinion?

See related post from 11/11/2013 Marin IJ Story  HERE

and residents letters to the editor reacting to the story  on 11/13/2013 HERE

The champagne toast is over and now we must pick up the tab.

Leah Kleinman-Green is "Terrified"!

Leah Kleinman-Green , Marinwood CSD director expresses her support for the elimination of a "leash optional" area of the park due to her "terror".  Listen as she lists her fears of off leash dogs,  the danger to the park, the danger to children, danger from strangers and lawyers with lawsuits.  This park has been "leash optional" for sixty years with almost ZERO incidents.  The room was packed with responsible dog owners who want to maintain their freedom.  Justin Kai and Izabela Perry also voted for the ban.

Marinwood approves leash requirement for popular multiuse trail

A sign in San Rafael showing Marinwood Park rules includes a requirement that dogs stay on a leash.Alan Dep — Marin Independent Journal

By Stephanie Weldy, Marin Independent Journal

POSTED: 02/10/16, 6:56 PM PST | UPDATED: 7 HRS AGO

2 COMMENTS

Marinwood community leaders tightened the district’s leash law this week, saying liability concerns inspired the new requirement on multiuse trails.

Marinwood Community Services District directors voted 3-2 Tuesday to extend the leash requirement to multiuse pathways such as the popular Panhandle Trail south of Quietwood Drive, along Miller Creek. Board members Jeff Naylor and William Shea were opposed.

The ordinance can now be enforced by the Marin Humane Society on the Panhandle, the only multiuse trail in the district. Off leash violators are subject to citation and a $76 fine.

Board member Izabela Perry said she understood the ordinance may come as a shock for those who have walked their dogs unleashed for years on the trail, but safety was key in her decision to approve the restriction.

“My decision was influenced mostly by the concern for the safety of our residents and children in the community,” Perry said. “There were reports of adults and dogs being intimidated and attacked. Some of these incidences resulted in the necessity for medical treatment. That’s concerning.”

Perry, along with board member Leah Kleinman-Green and board president Justin Kai said they wanted to insulate the district from lawsuits.

“My decision was based on airing on the side of caution and working toward limiting the district’s liability if instances of any tragic incidents of attack were ever to occur in an area made known to us as having issues,” Kai said.    See the full story HERE

Marinwood Village Project Takes it's Toll on Careers. Who's Next?

The Marinwood Village affordable housing project has taken it's toll on careers and political ambitions over the years.  The site, located on an ancient Miwok Village settlement has been plagued with toxic waste allegedly from Prosperity Cleaners, high levels of benzene gas, radiation from microwave transmission towers,  and developers losing millions from ill conceived plans.

Bruce Anderson, Marinwood CSD Director
ousted in landslide election in November 2013

Lisa Brady, Marinwood Village Project Manager left
Bridge Housing suddenly after the Toxic Waste hearing in February 2014.

Leah Green, Marinwood CSD Director
ousted in landslide election in November 2013

Rick Fraites, longtime aide to Susan Adams
suddenly retires in 2014

Stacey Laumann, Marin County Planning Manager
left the county for greener pastures in 2013 .

Jerry Hoytt, Owner and Developer 

of Marinwood Plaza 1924-2012

Brad Wiblan, VP Bridge Housing hopes to build a 50 million dollar apartment complex on Marinwood Plaza
that pay less than $6500 taxes annually for schools, roads, police and fire.
According to his estimate, it will bring 160 students into the school system at a
cost of $1.5 million dollars annually. yet pay no additional school fees  

 Susan Adams hopes to be re-elected as Supervisor in June 2014  

Cows not Condos!

We will Save Marin (again)

Marin IJ: Marinwood ousts incumbents; housing issues took center stage in election discourse

By Megan Hansen

Marin Independent Journal

Justin Kai, winner CSD Director

Concerns about housing drove Marinwood's election and some believe the ousting of all the incumbents highlights the community's growing fear of high-density, affordable development.

Tuesday's election came during a perfect storm of housing issues, when residents are fretting about the regional housing effort Plan Bay Area, priority development areas, the county's housing element and plans for the still-undeveloped Marinwood Village property near Highway 101. With tensions high, three vocal newcomers opposed to high-density, subsidized housing stepped forward and swept the polls.


Justin Kai, a 33-year-old real estate agent, garnered the most votes on Election Night. He said the No. 1 topic residents are talking about is affordable, high-density housing.

"Residents are concerned about large tax-exempt developments and how it will impact the community," Kai said. "Our community is very much in support of doing our part for providing affordable housing for the county, we just want to make sure it's done responsibly in a way it can sustain itself. Not in a way where it's fully dependent on the rest of the community having to pick up the slack."

Bill Shea, winner, CSD Director

Kai was followed in the polls by Bill Shea, a 62-year-old accountant, and Deana Dearborn, a 43-year-old facilities project manager and architect, who secured a two-year seat in a second race for a community services district position.

Shea said he believes the government shouldn't subsidize anything and doesn't want to see the "projects" he grew up seeing in San Francisco come to Marinwood. He said he's opposed to the proposed plan for Marinwood Village, which has most of the 82 units slated to be affordable, and doesn't want government agencies dictating where multifamily housing should go.

"The idea now that they want to put high-density, low-income housing in a rural area, I just think it's a horrible idea," Shea said.
He said people are looking at the apartment complex being built at the former WinCup site on Tamal Vista Boulevard in Corte Madera — which will be market-rate units — and fearing a massive development like it could be built in Marinwood.

Deana Dearborn, winner, CSD Director

Ousted incumbent Leah Kleinman-Green, 35, said people's fears of having affordable housing in Marinwood won the three aligned newcomers their seats. She said the community appears to be so afraid of change and different demographics that they'll let their emotions trump reason.

"Housing is completely outside the purview of the community services district," Kleinman-Green said. "The (newcomers) think they are going to be able to do things that they can't."

The district, which provides fire protection, park maintenance, recreation programs and street lighting for about 1,750 households, doesn't make housing decisions. The county Planning Commission and the Board
of Supervisors make those calls.

Supervisor Susan Adams
Campaigned on No Grow in 2002:

This is something county Supervisor Susan Adams said voters didn't understand about the race.
"Any campaign promises that were made that the community services district was somehow in a position to make a decision about the (Marinwood Village) project was misinforming the public," Adams said. "There's been a lot of misinformation provided that has created fear."

Adams winning campaign slogan was
"Cows not Condos" in 2002.
She created the Marinwood Priority Development Area
 in 2007 and voted for the Housing Element in 2013
 that gave us 71% of all affordable housing for
unincorporated Marin and may grow our community by 35%

She said everybody in the community will have an opportunity to weigh in on the plan for the project during community outreach sessions.

Bruce Anderson,
has been lobbying for housing
since 2004 as CSD Director now
claims housing is not
of interest to the CSD
See Bruce promote Marinwood Village
as CSD Director HERE

Bruce Anderson, a 66-year-old retiree who has served on the board for 10 years and lived in the district for 27, said it may have been his ties to Adams and support of affordable housing projects that lost him re-election.


He said the newcomers are anti-affordable housing and led voters to believe housing issues could be addressed by the district.

"Tying the whole community services district to the housing issue turned people off," said Anderson, who also cited low-voter turnout as an issue. "I don't yet think the (newcomers) understand what they're getting into."

Dearborn, who could not be reached for comment, states on her website that she knows housing developments are not within the district's jurisdiction. She also said the Marinwood Village project needs to be changed, according to the site.

"I fully expect the community services district to review any development proposals and to ask for impacts under their purview to be mitigated by either modifying building designs or through monetary means," Dearborn wrote.

Leah Kleinman-Green former CSD Director is disheartened that
her neighbors are unable to accept low income people.
In August 2013 she had plans to move to Ross but changed her mind.
See Leah submit her resignation in August 2013: HERE.

Kai agreed and said it's not that he and his fellow election winners are against affordable housing, it's that they're concerned tax-exempt builders will place a financial burden on the district and residents.

"A large portion of the district's budget comes from property tax," Kai said. "By bringing in hundreds of new residents without the proper funding to support them, who does the rest of that bill fall onto?"

Appointed incumbent Michael Dudasko, a 56-year-old environmental consultant, was ousted by Dearborn in the election. He couldn't be reached for comment.

Kleinman-Green said it's horrifying to her that people feel so entitled to live in Marinwood that they are unable to accept low-income people living in the community. She said the attitude seems to be: "I worked hard. I made it here. It has to stay this way."

"It's been disheartening," she said. "There's no acknowledgement of change and other people having that same dream of living here."

What if you ran your family budget like the government?

Here is a funny explanation of the Federal Debt.
Another explanation.

Is it fair to ask them to pay for our choices?

It's 2013 and Marinwood CSD is still broke





 

Bruce Anderson
CSD Director
2013 President

Leah Green, CSD director, 2012 President



Tarey Reed,CSD director



Bill Hansell, CSD Director

Cyane Dandridge
CSD Director resigned
in October 2012 replaced by Michael Dudasko in January 2013

[Editor's Note:  It is 2013 and now Bruce Anderson has moved up to CSD President after taking over from Leah Green. Together they have presided over a $1.2 million dollar deficit- the largest amount in CSD History.  After concluding a three year contract with the Fire Union in 2012 that locks in generous pay and benefits with few concessions, it is now up to the board to make adjustments to the budget with the rest of the CSD. Many creative solutions have been offered but no actual decisions have been made.  The remaining staff volunteered cuts which went into effect in June 2012 but further cuts remain to balance the budget.  We hope that the CSD looks into improving operational efficiencies/ profit centers before releasing any of our highly trained  and valued staff. ]

In the 52 years operating a fiscally sound organization,  the CSD has only failed to meet it's budget three times. Once, after lowering the retirement age for firefighters from 55 to 50 years old  (One of the lowest age retirements in Marin County), they forgot to calculate the cost to the pension system and were suddenly $250,000 in arrears for the pension payments.   The other two years were 2011 and 2012 where "suddenly" more money was spent than received from tax receipts.  In 2011-2012, we lost an important $350,000 in contract revenue from San Rafael Fire Department  JPA where our Marinwood Fire Department would operate as a first responder to North San Rafael.  That revenue loss was to be "cured" by an increase of parcel tax voted in 2011. Additional aggressive cost cutting measures were to be proposed.  After a year long review, the special "Sustainability Committee" recommends the reorganization and outsourcing of certain staff functions.  The Parks and Recreation staff volunteerly took pay cuts and furlough days to help make up for the losses BEFORE the sustainability committee reached its findings.  At present, the CSD is allowing itself an additional period of review and analysis before any specific action is recommended.

The combined loss to net assets of both fiscal years is $1,274,066. For a small 21 person agency with a total budget of $4.2 million dollars, the loss is a staggering 25% of net assets. CSD directors have floated the idea of a bond but to infuse cash into the district that is having cash management problems, it may only hide the problems for longer. Clearly it is the decisions and management by the CSD board which have resulted in two years of back to back failures. 

Rigorous financial and managerial help will come in 2013 from an accountant tasked with quarterly reviews to alert staff when budgets get off course during the year.  Last year the another auditor delivered the CSD board a stern review, especially criticizing the cash accounting methods instead of the modified accrual method required by state statues.  Modified accrual accounting methods provide the CSD a better understanding of costs and cash flows.

All of the current CSD board have been appointed.  The last "election" was announced on a Monday morning in July 2011 in legal advertisement in 6 point type.  Subsequently, no one challenged the board and all sitting board members won by default.

Michael Dudasko, Parks and Recreation Committee Chair and Sustainability Member was has been appointed in the seat  vacated by Cyane Dandridge.   We wish Michael the best.

Six other candidates with strong qualifications also applied and we look forward to seeing them in next November's race.  (Remember to submit your paperwork by August 1st).

We asked the board to consider the challanges poised by growing our community by 20% in affordable housing without significant additional tax revenue will have on the CSD.  Board President, Leah Green quickly quelled discussion claiming that "we aren't talking about that" and offered no response.

Clearly the CSD Board has serious challenges ahead.

If you are concerned about the growth of affordable housing and a solvent CSD.  If the impact to Dixie schools with the additional enrollment of children without significant tax revenue bothers you, join us for our Monday meeting to discuss.  All are welcome.  Email us at savemarinwood@gmail.com


P.S. The 2011 and 2012 audits are available at the CSD office  We'd post them here but blogger doesn't allow PDF attachments. 

Another reason not to vote for incumbent Marinwood CSD directors-Double Standards....

None of the CSD Directors were willing to help promote the Marinwood CSD Candidate's night on September 17, 2013.  It could have been provided at no cost through email and posting on signboards used for community events. The request was ignored. The candidates were forced to pay for the rental of their own "community" center.

 Later, when incumbent Bruce Anderson slipped behind in the race, he insisted on a debate one week prior to the election. The Marinwood CSD found that they could provide the room for FREE and help promote it. Unfortunately, only Bruce Anderson was available on the nights available and the debate did not occur. It is yet another example of the double standard by the Marinwood CSD Board of Directors.

It is time for change.

Vote for Bill Shea, Deana Dearborn and Justin Kai.

Double Standards for CSD Directors?

Good Reasons to Vote Out Bruce Anderson and Leah Green (and not vote for Izabela)

Bruce Anderson refuses to accept Leah Greens resignation and explains they will be able to appoint her successor.  It appears to be a political stunt designed to give the incumbents a chance to appoint a successor.

Bruce Anderson refuses to address the question of ethics in the former CSD Director, Cyane Dandridge's "no-bid" contract estimated to be worth $250,000 to $350,000 until AFTER the election. Questions have been raised on the unanimous vote for the contract for a sitting CSD director. Later they modified the contract outside a public meeting which appears to be in violation of the Brown Act for open government.  They were put on notice one year prior that the unusual contract will be scrutinized if it was pursued.

The Marinwood CSD discusses the sale of the Marinwood Village center in 2012. Then CSD President, Leah Green shuts down discussion of the project and all members deny financial involvement or any CSD responsibility for the project. The clip is a typical example of Leah Green's rude treatment of the public at the CSD meetings when people ask clarification or express viewpoints not shared by her.

 Cyane Dandridge (seated far right) received a "no bid" solar contract by the unanamous vote of CSD board worth $250,000-$350,000.  She was on the June 2011 committee to select 70% of all affordable housing for unincorporated Marin to be located within Marinwood/Lucas Valley.  More information HERE.

Several important things happen in the clip of the September 26, 2006 meeting with the Board of Supervisors. The speakers are Dave Mitchell (former CSD Director President), Bruce Anderson and future CSD board member Cyane Dandridge.

Dave Mitchell announces that the Marinwood CSD CONTRIBUTED MONEY to the development of the Marinwood Plaza Vision plan.  Bruce Anderson, enthusiastically ENDORSED the Marinwood Plaza Vision plan as a CSD Director and Vice President of the Marinwood Association (now discovered not to be a legitimate non profit community association). Cyane Dandridge also enthusiastically ENDORSES the Marinwood Plaza Vision plan and offers services for free.

All of these statements contradict what we are hearing today from Bruce Anderson and Leah Green that the CSD has NO role in the Marinwood Village Project. Bruce, Leah and other CSD board members have been deeply involved in bringing affordable housing into the community in concert with efforts by Susan Adams and the Board of Supervisors.




Izabela announces that she wants to run for Leah's seat (but curiously not for Bruce Anderson's seat) at the September CSD 2013 meeting.  In October 2013, Leah Green changed her mind and announces that she is running after all.  Izabela received an enormous financial boost through a single donation from the firefighters union.  She may be running the most expensive election in CSD's fifty year history. We wonder how she will plan to vote on union contracts. Other candidates have turned down the money, opting for town hall meetings and door to door campaigning.

Vote for change with the hardworking Bill Shea, Deana Dearborn and Justin Kai.