Mark’s Soap Box

City Attorney Mike Aguirre is at it again. This time he is attacking the local PBS station. Now I am no fan of PBS or it’s local affiliates; however, doesn’t Aguirre have more important things to worry about? I would think that the pension fund scam, the council’s complete disregard for ethics, and the assault on the city by eco-nazis is a bit more important. Guess not.

My question is: where does he get off going after a station? It’s not a city entity, as far as I know.

Aguirre responded (to the complaint by an unnamed person) by directing (Deputy City Attorney) Lastomirsky to submit three requests for records under the California Public Records Act, a formal process by which anyone may request information from a public agency. Two requests went to KPBS station manager Douglas Myrland and one to Stephen Weber, president of San Diego State University, which operates KPBS.

Remember Mike Aguirre has a history of overstepping his authority under the most dubious of excuses.

City Attorney Michael Aguirre wants to know the story behind KPBS’ decision to cancel its public affairs TV show “Full Focus.” He also wants to know how the public broadcast station selects participants for its “Editors Roundtable” talk show, which is carried on radio and TV. (MARK: This show is usually critical of the City Attorney, hmmm)

Usually it’s about publicity for him.

In addition to seeking documents related to “Full Focus,” Aguirre also requested documentation of the station’s 20 largest donors for the past two years. (document list here)

Oh! Well lookey there! Hmm is this a fishing expedition? Sure seems that way. Is he going to start attacking those donors?

Aguirre spokeswoman Maria Velasquez said the inquiry should not be misinterpreted in a way that suggests any wrongdoing.

Yea, right.

Lastomirsky said the request was not unusual, especially because a member of the public had approached the City Attorney’s Office with concerns. Asking for information about the cancellation based on financial matters and the donors’ list falls within the city attorney’s watchdog role, Lastomirsky said.

I see, so the lazy “member of the public” could not do their own research, so they went whining to the San Diego City Attorney? Or is it that Aguirre is pissed off at KPBS for skewering him on the show “Editors Roundtable”.

Aguirre’s interest in “Editors Roundtable,” where panelists often needle the city attorney, was not something Lastomirsky wanted to discuss, however.

“I’m not prepared to get into any of the details,” he said.

The City Attorney’s office needs to start using some common sense. Just because someone complains does not make it a worthwhile cause to run with, even if you think it’s an opening to attack your critics. Incredible transparent.

Don’t we have real criminals to go after?

Tags: Michael Aguirre, san diego, pbs, city attorney, kpbs