Saturday, June 15, 2013

KPIX5's New Bay Bridge Dilemma


KPIX will run a program on June 22 about the safety of the new eastern portion of the Bay Bridge. Sounds like a good idea given the numerous press accounts that the bridge is beset with problems and is unsafe.

Here's the kicker: KPIX is also the semi- official local TV station of the new bridge and is promoting the scheduled Labor Day opening. In addition, the station aired this program on the night after the Super Bowl.

Is there something wrong here?

I'm not suggesting that PIX is in cahoots with CalTrans to get the bridge opened up on time so it can take advantage of all the PR associated with this massive project. In fact, the more you read and hear about the very legitimate safety issues, (or lack thereof), the more you think PIX and its suits probably wish they weren't associated with this $7B potential white elephant.

I'm just wondering aloud how the local CBS O and O can execute such a difficult balancing act without the slightest appearance of some sort of conflict of interest. It's a legitimate question that deserves some feedback don't you think? I do.

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177 comments:

  1. Conflict of interest?

    You readily and summarily dismiss any possible conflict of interest with respect to your position as a blogger who hosts a radio talk show on a small-market station who frequently critiques Bay Area and national radio talk show hosts and uses his blog to tout his own radio show.

    You talking about a possible conflict of interest with KPIX is the pot calling the kettle black.

    Unless you're prepared to accept the oft repeated charges made against you, you had best change the topic so as not to lose face and what little credibility you might have left with a few readers.

    If this strikes a raw nerve and you decide not to post this message fine. I will have made my point and you will have acknowledged that it struck a little to close to home for your comfort. That's fine with me, Big Dick.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I will address your comments even if they make no sense.

      1. I do a radio show and have a blog. If other TV/Radio hosts/reporters want to get their own blog and write about me, whether to praise or rip, fine, I got no issues with that and have stated as much.

      2.Your analogy of me having a "conflict" and the KPIX/Bridge issue is ludicrous and devoid of thought.

      The Bay Bridge is used by 300,000 commuters on various weekdays. This is about safety and the potential calamity if the structure is flawed.

      Go back and think it out.

      Delete
    2. He has a point, Rich. Just saying.

      Delete
    3. Is flawed or "if" flawed?

      Which is it, in your opinion?

      Delete
    4. I said it may be difficult for Rich Lieberman, a Bay Area media blogger who, on one hand, promotes his own radio talk show ... and on the other hand, trying to be objective about commenting about other radio talk show hosts, that's it. I can't be more clear.

      Delete
    5. Sorry--there is no comparison here!

      I am really worried about the bridge. I hope they can get a truly independent assessment, and only open this bridge when it's brought up to true safety standards.

      Delete
    6. I agree 100% that Rich has a blatant conflict of interest by presenting himself as a neutral observer of the local media industry while simultaneously attempting to compete in the same market.

      Delete
    7. Auntie L:

      An "independent assessment?"

      We have it already, as Rich has shared with us via his talk radio program, in which he has interviewed Professor Abolhassan Astaneh-Asl, a world renowned expert in bridge engineering. The professor has brought to our attention numerous serious defects in the new bridge's design and construction.

      Delete
    8. For some reason Lieberman doesn't understand what conflict of interest means. 10:44 and 11:59 are exactly right.

      Lieberman somehow doesn't get the concept of what a conflict of interest is. Instead he claims, "Your analogy of me having a "conflict" and the KPIX/Bridge issue is ludicrous and devoid of thought".

      No, it's a perfectly apt analogy. Someone who himself has a built in conflict of interests appears hypocritical when he accuses others of the same.

      Delete
    9. wow. Rich.


      you getting trolled hard by the shills. blatant shilling by panty wadded nerds faking an agenda in the guise of an argument.

      never seen that on here before.


      keep her going RL, you gotta 'em on the run.

      Delete
  2. San Francisco TV News ReporterJune 15, 2013 at 10:50 AM

    "Here's the kicker: KPIX is also the official local TV station of the new bridge..."

    That's what you said, but what's your source?

    Can point to a specific reference and post it to document the claim that CalTrans has bequeathed this honor on KPIX?

    If such a public pronouncement has been made, I missed it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They said it.

      And on the night of the SuperBowl, they, (KPIX)ran a special direct from the bridge with the governor no less.

      Delete
    2. I rarely watch KPIX, and even I've seen their ads. Seriously, SF TV News Reporter, are you working for PIX and want to distance yourself from it or do you work somewhere else and never turn the channel?

      Delete
  3. How would you love to be KPIX? The 'official" Bay Area TV station of the "New Bay Bridge?'

    KPIX-TV is facing a huge lawsuit for its prominent role in touting this unsafe boondoggle!

    ReplyDelete
  4. OMG! Huge conflict of interest. The involved parties can say whatever they want. But anyone with an ounce of brains can figure this out.

    This Bay Bridge nonsense has been one big boondoggle. From the amount of time and dollars it took to design, the bolts and now this.

    And let's not forget the west end. I see that the Wordpress guy is giving $1 million to fix the lights. Why doesn't that guy put the money towards employing more writers? If he wants to feel good, that's what he should do.

    Oh yeah, there's the issue about naming the bridge after the mayor of self-importance. From caps that said Da Mayor to that ego-boosting dribble he writes in the Chronicle. I hope the legislators vote that down in a heartbeat.

    This situation really tells the tale about this country. It's a sad one at that.

    Time to sit in the dandelion patch to take a break with Opus and the other members of Bloom County.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks to Mr. Lieberman, as always, for connecting the dots even if it means putting himself in the direct line of fire of one of the big TV networks. It's David vs. Goliath.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous 11:17 AM - - Nice plug for the big guy and he needs one now and then, but I wouldn't go that far!

      Delete
    3. 11:17 | PUH-LEEEEZE spare us the drah-muh.

      Delete
  5. Hmmm...

    I don't think we have to have psychic powers to sense that another marathon of interviews on the Rich Lieberman radio show with the long-winded Persian bridge professor, with Rich hyping the imminent collapse of the new bridge, is in the cards. Go for it, Rich!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, and if you listen to the guy, he makes a lot of cogent points. Maybe the Caltrans people should listen up.

      Delete
  6. OMG! We need you back on KSCO 1080's "Saturday Special"--the sooner the better. Any chance that MZ will make you the permanent host?

    ReplyDelete
  7. You state that, from your point of view, KPIX is NOT conspiring with Cal Trans in order to "take advantage of all the PR associated with this massive project."

    Is it that the station that has been promoting the new bridge has the audacity to air an upcoming special regarding safety concerns with the eastern span of the bridge. What's wrong with that?

    What, specifically, are you insinuating is the alleged conflict of interest or the appearance of one here?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "Insinuating"? Strong word.

      I said it may be difficult for the station, on one hand, promoting the new bridge...and on the other hand, trying to be objective about reporting on the very legitimate safety issues, that's it. I can't be more clear.




      Delete
    2. So they should not air the upcoming special regarding safety issues with the new bridge?

      Why don't you wait and see what they report before casting judgment?

      If they do a white-wash on what you believe to be legitimate safety concerns in your opinion, you can call them on it.

      But if they report the same concerns you have raised on your radio show, what's the problem?

      You've put the horse before the buggy. Think about it.

      Delete
    3. This one will fall down without a quake.

      Delete
    4. Politics, nothing to do with the safety of those who cross on a daily basis; pure unadulterated politics.

      Delete
    5. Even if you drive over the bridge everyday the chance of getting killed on it in a collapse are remote. Just open the damn thing!

      Delete
    6. Unless of course it's you driving on it.

      Delete
  8. Rich:

    Come out and say it:

    Is there a REAL conflict of interest here

    or just the appearance of one?

    Has KPIX-TV, CBS 5,

    lost all credibility in your eyes?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think my post speaks for itself. Why don't you read it. I'm not being nasty here.

      No, I don't think KPIX "has lost all credibility," but some people may view it differently.

      Delete
    2. I read the blog and I see that Rich was clear that there might be the appearance of a conflict of interest and nothing more. Nothing really to get worked up about. The entire matter is a tempest in a teacup; an effort to inject some controversy into a slow news day.

      Delete
  9. Rich

    Do you think the bridge should:

    a) be opened on before Labor Day.

    b) not be open until repairs and retrofitting can be completed.

    c) torn down and rebuilt using a safer design & safer materials?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A. Absolutely not--would you drive over that bridge based on what you've read?

      B. Yes, of course.

      C. I have no clue on this yet but I'm hoping they can find some engineers that makes this unnecessary.

      Delete
    2. Well since only 1/3 of the very large bolts failed, it should be good enough for the opening day.

      Delete
  10. This proposed bridge's inadequacies undermine the public interest. It would be a monumental eyesore, it would fail to meet present and future transportation needs, and its conceptual flaws would endanger lives. The public and its representatives have overwhelmingly expressed dissatisfaction with the proposal approved by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. Many have came forward with grave and serious concerns about the project which MTC and Caltrans, in their own public process, have ignored. These concerns have not been addressed by the officially approved proposal, and, due to its essential characteristics it is physically impossible for it to be modified or improved to satisfy them.

    ReplyDelete
  11. 14 percent of the span has been condemned by experts in seismic response, notably Professor Abolhassan Astaneh-Asl of the University of California at Berkeley, and Professor Manabu Ito, University of Tokyo, emeritus, Japan's most eminent bridge engineer.

    This conceptual failure is particularly lamentable in that the only purpose served is (according to Caltrans officials) an aesthetic "purpose."

    ReplyDelete
  12. How many millions does KPIX stand to gain from this?

    That's the question you neglected or were too afraid to ask.

    There I said it. Come out of the shadows and into the antiseptic light of the brilliant sun.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I am glad someone has come out and written about this Rich.
    This whole situation, sponsoring the bridge opening party and then their responsibility to be objective reporters, smells to high heaven.
    KPIX when were you hired as the public relations department for Caltrans?
    What ever happened to your journalism integrity?
    Integrity in journalism?
    Don't expect to see that in your local media.

    ReplyDelete
  14. This project, however--one of the most corrupt but also one of the most potentially lucrative--was the sole survivor as part of a settlement with the union representing state-employed Caltrans engineers.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I would add that the selected concept has numerous additional failings, among them: inherent instability of the suspension structure which prompted its condemnation by two eminent experts in the seismic response of bridges; failure to include rail options and bicycle and pedestrian path as essential, thus severely compromising attempts to backwardly engineer these elements into the proposal; numerous rigid, high-mass concrete elements in the viaduct portion; the splicing of two dissimilar structures having distinct seismic behaviors; the inclusion of a suspension structure which serves no function other than the spurious ones outlined above; unnecessary excessive length and curvature which complicates earthquake engineering.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Piedmont Pete, if you are going to copy and paste, word for word, from someone else (http://www.oaklandbridge.com/navy.html) you should attribute the source. Otherwise you are plagiarizing.

      Delete
  16. Mr. Lieberman:

    Do you think it is likely that the new bridge (as presently configured) will collapse with or without an earthquake and therefore, poses an imminent health and safety risk?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Based on what I've read and having interviewed the UCB engineer, yes, I do think there's cause for massive concern.

      Delete
    2. Professor Astaneh-Asl has been aggressive in branding his plan and has gone as far as copyrighting it and dubbing it "Astaneh's Solution." He's far from objective. Anyone who's been following this story for the past 15 years, knows that he has an axe to grind. He's been on a rampage against CalTrans, enlisting anyone who'll listen, ever since his own bridge plan was rejected, which he took as a personal affront.

      Delete
    3. The I-5 bridge collapse north of Seattle raises serious about the safety of the Bay Bridge, as if seismic safety concerns weren't enough.

      Delete
  17. You have disclosed the conflict of interest and that the new bridge "IS" unsafe. In any case, the conflict of interest was not disclosed to contestants in their competition materials. Indeed, who would be foolish enough to enter a competition against the jury? No contestant except the participating jurors, of course, knew the dismal truth.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Alas, what we got is as ugly as the deed that produced it, a grotesque monument to irrationality and incompetence, a frightening portent of decadence and corruption yet to come.

    ReplyDelete
  19. The most dangerous defects


    in buildings and bridges


    are bad foundations.


    And, as it turns out,


    processes, too,


    can come crashing down


    on shaky foundations.

    ReplyDelete
  20. To save face, KPIX needs to answer directly, forthrightly, and publicly the serious questions raised by the writer of this blog, and they must do so without delay.

    Feel free to chime in, Rich.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KPIX quaking in their boots?

      Doubt it.

      They won't bother reading this blog, let alone respond to it.

      Sorry Rich.

      At least we believe you.

      Delete
  21. Since it behooves the media (in this case KPIX-TV) to accurately inform the public, I hereby challenge them to a public debate with Mr. Richard Lieberman on the air about their apparent conflict of interest with respect to cashing in on touting this ill-conceived, dangerous and unworthy proposal.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Engineers and architects will have to tell their children to ask the political-science professor to explain this bridge. Here is a bridge which is in two dissimilar pieces for no reason, a bridge which heads away from its destination just to make a statement. And what statement is that?

    We need a bridge design that will comprehensively address seismic safety rather than repudiate it. Tomorrow "The Oakland Bridge" will evoke the bizarre and corrupt works of man, as the Winchester Mystery House, or the L.A. Metro do today.

    The fraud can be perpetrated that here is a safe and beautiful bridge. But once it is opened, it will be a laughing stock.

    ReplyDelete
  23. A "signature bridge" conceived and executed to serve an aesthetic purpose -- Caltrans' official justification for it -- violates the most basic tenet of architecture: Form follows function.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Denmark, a tiny country with a population of five million, recently completed and opened the Great Belt Bridge, a suspension structure with a center span greater than a mile, and a total length which could reach from Oakland to Yerba Buena.

    Why can't our own Bay Area, the nation's center of high technology and international tourism, do at least as well?

    ReplyDelete
  25. "We appreciate what Professor Astaneh has to say, but we don't share the same level of concern [about seismic vulnerability]," says Caltrans Chief Deputy Director Dan McElhinney, who is overseeing the new bridge project. "A good many engineers and others have looked at the design and have determined that the bridge will be safe."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I guess what's being said here is "trust us" (CalTrans) and relying on a show of hands to determine whether or not the bridge is safe. That doesn't work for me.

      Delete
    2. No, I don't think Caltrans is saying "trust us." They are saying that you shouldn't necessarily rely only on Professor Astaneh in forming your opinion.

      You say that "relying on a show of hands to determine whether or not the bridge is safe," doesn't work for you. Well unfortunately sometimes experts disagree about certain issues. Sometimes it's necessary to move forward even if the decision is not unanimous.

      Delete
  26. If, God forbid, a tragedy should occur on that span someday, I don't want anyone to say Rich Lieberman who knew better didn't do enough to speak up.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Isn't a bridge anywhere in a seismically-active area like the Bay Area fraught with risk no matter how much advanced technology and engineering safeguards are baked into it? As for the next major earthquake, it's not a question of if but when. Wake up and smell the coffee.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 12:26

      What you say is undeniably true, if unpleasant to acknowledge.

      The reality is that no bridge or facility can be constructed that can withstand any earthquake. At the right time and place, the effects of a major earthquake can be devastating beyond belief.

      What if the next major quake has as its epicenter Treasure Island or the surrounding area, not Loma Prieta 50+ miles away?

      Delete
  28. Astaneh has been a constant critic trashing the new bridge ever since his own bridge design proposal was rejected by the MTC. Sour grapes. Talk about a conflict of interest. Other esteemed seismic safety engineering experts, including U.C. Berkeley professors, no less, have taken exception with Astaneh's self-promoting rants. Will Rich consider asking for a "second" or "third" opinion on his radio show or continue to grant Astaneh an exclusive soapbox?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous 12:31

      That's a low blow against Rich that is totally uncalled for and shows your invincible ignorance or your venomous hatred of the man.

      Delete
    2. Dr. Astaneh's views and assessments are widely regarded, most notably by Bill Wattenberg, a physics/engineering expert with a doctorate from Berkeley.

      It was Wattenberg who helped right the ship with BART and its transbay tube safety issues. Wattenberg too agrees with much of Dr. Astaneh's opinion regarding the new eastern span.

      Delete
    3. Wattenburg, it should be noted in fairness and public disclosure, has a radio talk show aired on KSCO, which is owned by Michael Zwerling, who also provides Richard Lieberman with a daily three-hour talk show on sister station KOMY.

      Delete
    4. That cranky old Dr. Bill backs up Astaneh, which may or may not be the case, doesn't equate to "widely regarded." Sorry Rich.

      Delete
    5. I have no reason to question Dr. Astaneh's expertise BUT he is only a single authority. There are many others with different views.

      I am not in a position to evaluate who's position is more credible BUT NEITHER IS RICH LIEBERMAN.

      By having one expert on his radio show, with no competing view points, and then embracing those views, hook, line and sinker, Lieberman pretends to have some engineering expertise that he clearly lacks.

      A credible journalist would present competing opinions and not suggest conclusions unless he were qualified to do so.

      Delete
    6. so are you saying there is an engineer who is willing to go on the air and say the bridge is hunky-dory,shorn bolts and all? who?

      Bill Wattenberg is a brilliant engineer and physicist who has often been called in to apply his brainpower to difficult state transportation crises. I don't care if he's young, middle-aged, old, bubbly or cranky. Do you?

      Delete
    7. Bill Wattenberg has an undergraduate degree in physics from Chico State. Don't see how that makes him a brilliant "physicist."

      Unless of course you think Christine with her law degree from "the McGeorge School of Law," makes her a brilliant lawyer.

      Delete
    8. He has a PhD from somewhere or he wouldn't be DR. Wattenberg. He has also had a long and distinguished career since getting his undergraduate degree. Probably learned a little something along the way, don't you think???

      Delete
    9. Bill Wattenberg has double doctorates, was a key player in nuclear weapons design and research,a major designer of the rocketry used to get this country victories in the space race, and has consulted and designed fixes to several of the state's catastrophic road and bridge collapses.
      You might want to check him out a little better than your usual poor level of research.
      As for me, I've never made any claim to be a "brilliant lawyer". If you have a problem with McGeorge, you might want to take that up with Justice Kennedy, our former con law prof.
      I'm sure you will feel no angst whatsoever crossing that bridge day in and day out. What could possibly go wrong?

      Delete
    10. Christine, to someone like you, who can't even spell his name correctly, I suppose Wattenburg's graduating from Chico State with and undergraduate degree in physics would make him a "brilliant physicist."

      Yes it's true that Justice Kennedy once taught at humble little McGeorge School of Law. Jim Harbaugh once coached football at University of San Diego. That doesn't say anything about the quality of football players that institution produces. Nor can one say much about the quality of lawyers coming out of McGeorge.

      No, I'm not worried about crossing the new bay bridge when it opens.

      Delete
    11. Wattenburg has double doctorates...physics and engineering....read the sfgate.com profile,learn something.

      Delete
  29. Rich claims that "PIX and its suits probably wish they weren't associated with this $7B potential white elephant."

    Really? No one in their right mind believes that KPIX has any significant connection to the new Bay Bridge. Whatever the upshot of the safety concerns of the new bridge are, it will have no impact whatsoever on KPIX.

    ReplyDelete
  30. The new bay bridge is a boondoggle.
    This whole mess rests squarely on the shoulders of that miserable failure of a governor Jerry Brown.
    Jerry Brown at the call to line the pockets of his friends in union jobs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Check your history, 1:19. George Deukmejian was Governor when the 1989 earthquake hit. Planning for the bridge replacement began under his watch. Subsequently, there were three other governors (Wilson, Davis, Schwarzenegger) before Brown took office in 2011.

      There are many heads that should roll on this one, and not just the governors!

      Delete
    2. It was Jerry Brown, while Mayor of Oakland, who insisted on a "Signature Span" for the Oakland side, rather than a concrete viaduct that Schwarzenegger wanted.

      Delete
  31. Writing about the new Bay Bridge has been akin to catching a tiger by the tail because the project has been in a continual state of flux and debate.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Getting in late here #1 as I see it. 415 Media is run and owned by Rich Lieberman. I do not know what his $$ cost is Also it is not My Business. If RL wants to Pimp the Radio Show here and Pimp 415 on the show,that is between him and MZ. #2 The bridge is His Yours and Mine. We should all be upset with the Time and cost So we now must all pay for a bridge that could very well be unsafe. #3 As I see it What would make 415 better would be if we all used a user name I looked at all 55 comments, but it is hard to tell who can carry on a argument with Anonymous Screen name

    Thanks Drive By Opinion

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello "Drive By Opinion." An your not anonymous with that moniker? Come on. Get real.

      Delete
    2. I am not asking for Full name and Blood Type. You are welcome to do as you want.I just like to go back and forth with someone I get to know.

      Delete
  33. This stuff about Lieberman having a conflict is thoughtless nonsense. Does Howard Kurtz have a conflict because he hosts Reliable Sources on CNN? By that logic, the only way to avoid any and all conflicts is to not broadcast, publish or blog.

    Regarding KPIX, I think my former station is quite capable of avoiding a conflict of interest. Full disclosure, solid reporting and a brick wall between the news special and the bridge promotions will help insure credibility.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. NO because Howard Kurtzman is not a news reporter. If he was a news reporter and also hosted a show that evaluated news reporters, he would have a conflict of interest, just like Rich Lieberman.

      In case you don't know what a conflict of interest is, a judge can't hear a case when he has some interest in the outcome for one side or the other. It doesn't matter whether he's a nice guy or trying to be fair. There is a built in conflict.

      Delete
    2. The first part of answer is spot on, Mr. Russomanno, and I laud you for coming to Rich's defense.

      The second part of your answer, however, is naive and wishful thinking driven by your connection with KPIX. Rich is right in what he posted about a conflict of interest. You should acknowledge this.

      Delete
    3. The question isn't about coming to Lieberman's defense, it's about whether a person in Lieberman's dual roles has a fundamental conflict of interest, WHICH HE CLEARLY DOES.

      Rich's unsophisticated followers don't seem to understand what a conflict of interests is. It's not about whether Lieberman is an honest guy, etc. it's not even about him personally. It's whether anyone placed in the same two roles would be motivated by competing interests. The answer is YES.

      Delete
    4. 6:05 PM

      You missed the obvious: Is Rich too unsophisticated himself to understand what a conflict of interest is? He's not exactly Michael Krasny.

      Delete
    5. 2:33-- Kurtz was a national affairs correspondent, NY bureau chief and deputy national editor at the Washington Post before he started writing about the journalism business. Most recently, he was Washington bureau chief for The Daily Beast, covering media and politics.

      4:48-- Yes, I can be terribly naive, but note the word, "capable." I'm saying it's possible, IF care is taken. If you are in or follow the business, you may recall that these guys fired me. ("Laid off" for budgetary reasons, along with a few other good people. The effect is the same.) I have no particular love for the place, but the news director is a solid, professional journalist who tries to do what's right. I very much doubt he would devote paper-thin resources and approve a news special on bridge safety if it was going to be a cheesy marketing promotion. Beyond that, really, would any journalist whitewash a life and death issue like bridge safety for the sake of advertising? Who would want to carry that knowledge around with them for the rest of their lives? The safest, most weaselly course would be to do nothing, but I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

      Also, I don't want to be seen as a Rich apologist here. I only spoke up on one specific issue because of what I saw to be uninformed and inaccurate information. I am certainly not defending (or criticizing) anything else he has said or done, and after this I'll probably go back to just being an occasional reader.

      It used to be that people getting started in broadcasting would make their mistakes out of town, e.g., working for minimum wage at a sundowner AM in some out of the way burg with an audience that hashed in the ratings. That pretty much was KSCO and a lot of other small independents until internet streaming came along. Now, your "signal" online is as strong as if you were working for a 50kw clear channel. Rich is a loose cannon and has a lot of things to learn, but I give him credit for figuring out how to get started.

      Delete
    6. Currently Kurtz is a news media commentator who is not a participant in the exact same activities that he commentates about.

      Rich Lieberman on one is a media commentator who writes extensively about local radio, the personalities in local radio, the quality of programming in local radio while at the same time has his own radio program which he is actively working to promote and achieve greater success in the very same market.

      Kurtz has no conflict, Lieberman does.


      Delete
  34. >> I'm not suggesting that PIX is in cahoots with CalTrans to get the bridge opened up on time so it can take advantage of all the PR associated with this massive project. <<

    Oh, go on, make it. I dare you.

    Otherwise KPIX will be the only liberal mainstream news outlet that is NOT in cahoots with the ruling Democrat government when it comes to reporting the news.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 4:40 PM

      Aside from stating that he believes the bridge is unsafe based on statements made by an engineering professor, Rich is being guarded in what he writes, posing questions and insinuating things (as another poster said) might be true without stating anything definitive, which would open him up to a lawsuit by KPIX and its owner the CBS TV Network. He's hoping we'll take the bait and do his dirty work for him. Good try, Rich.

      Delete
  35. Does Astaneh have a conflict of interest inasmuch as his own design/proposal for replacing the bay bridge was rejected by the MFC?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 5:02 Great question! Certainly, a much stronger argument can be made for a conflict of interest here than with KPIX. Astaneh stood to gain personally and financially had his bridge plan been selected. He has tenure as a Berkeley professor, which means he can't be fired for his controversial views about the bridge and CalTrans officials. So he has nothing to lose.

      As for KPIX having a conflict of interest, well, that's ludicrous. Wait and see what they report in their special program next week before leaping to conclusions. Is Rich privy to some inside information that he hasn't shared with us? I doubt it.

      Delete
    2. " So he has nothing to lose".

      Uh, hang on a minute. Why would an esteemed expert in a narrow field want to undermine his own reputation by making false statements or misleading comments? The list of folks that have Astaneh's knowledge of both bridges in general and this particular project could probably be counted on one hand. Every one of them could have their views undermined and called prejudiced if that was the caltrans pr objective.

      His design was turned down years ago and if that blemished his rep in any manner, it's been long forgotten. Why was his design turned down? Politics? Safety? Cost? Appearance?

      I listened to some of his appearance on rich's show and don't recall him stating "see, they should have used my design". His comments were very matter of fact. He stated that the eastern span could be retrofitted for 1/3 the cost of a new bridge, so he wasn't exactly clinging to the necessity of his design and it being the only or best option.

      Apparently KPIX has some sunk costs in time, money, or rep that they won't let go. I'd drop any association with the project if it were left up to me.

      Delete
    3. Experts can disagree for various reasons and some experts end up not being as much of an expert as everyone believed. I think Bernie Madoff was something of an expert too.

      I don't know how you're in a position to say that Astaneh is an "esteemed expert," and frankly how many real experts spend hours and hours on Rich Lieberman's radio program?

      Delete
    4. Astaneh's reputation as an expert has been established by his peers, not a random internet blogger. It may not square with you, but that's how it is.

      I'm quicker to question your motives, rather than the good Doctor's.

      Delete
  36. I'm taking Rich's advice: Trust only your mother!

    ReplyDelete
  37. FACT
    A report by the Sacramento Bee has uncovered numerous inconsistencies in the construction of the San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge, which could indicate the structure is unsafe in the event of an earthquake.

    FACT
    Records provided to the Sacramento Bee by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) indicate one particular section of concrete may not be up to safety standards. The concrete was used in the base of the main span’s tower.

    FACT
    Most troubling is the foundation for the bridge’s main span tower, which may include concrete that did not harden properly. If this were the case, the bridge could potentially be susceptible to a major disaster, such as an earthquake.

    ReplyDelete
  38. All this emphasis on the Bay Bridge hides the disturbing reality that San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose rated near the top of the list for major metropolitan areas with the highest percentage of structurally deficient bridges, according to the Federal Highway Administration.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Ironically, the new bay bridge is probably safer than many of the aging, rusting bridges around the Bay Area. But, sadly, that's not saying much.

    Anyone who lives here knows that most bridges here aren't safe. Every time I go over any of them, I'm worried for my life and just hope I get to the other end.

    And every time I keep saying, "please don't let there be an earthquake, please don't let there be an earthquake, etc." until I'm off.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad I don't go thru life like you. You got whats called "negative goal setting".

      You want to die old, bald, playing cards all day in a home and wearing diapers? Be my guest. I rather go in a sensational way...bridge catastrophe, eaten by a bear, bad parachute, etc.

      Life was meant to be lived!

      Delete
  40. My brother was on the GG bridge, in a GG transit bus, when the Loma Prieta struck and didn't know there was an earthquake until he got home and found his neighbors gathered outdoors listening to a transister radio. Granted that was a while back, but I understand both major bridges were refitted afterward. I am confident the new bay bridge is safe. If it isn't, Governor Brown and CalTrans will not open it until it is.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was on the GG Bridge during the quake. It was tough not to notice. First I though I had a flat tire then OMG I have four flat tires. I came to a stop when I realized it was a quake. Then I saw the bridge pavement roll at me in a small waves as the cables lifted the pavement in response to the quake. I looked around and no one else was moving on the bridge where I had stopped. I remember looking at a few of the other drivers and there were a lot of big ole deer eyes looking back at me. After the quake I continued across the bridge in blissful ignorance of what was happening at that precise moment on the Bay Bridge and the Nimitz. I just wanted to get home to see the game.

      Delete
  41. A government which chooses to build a bridge to nowhere, rather than maintain the existing bridges. Is there any hope for us?

    ReplyDelete
  42. The real story: High tax state ... massive bridge tolls and they still can't keep up the roads.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Incompetence, corruption, and fiscal mismanagement strike again.

    ReplyDelete
  44. This is because SF govt is corrupt and inept. They start with a near 7 Billion dollar budget, about the same budget as 20 states, and they hand most of it over to contractor friends of city hall, to a bloated and oversalaried/overbenefited army of public employees, and hundreds of millions to inept and corrupt non-profits. The SF govt wants to borrow money to fix streets. The point is they have tons of money to fix bridges, they simply choose not to.

    ReplyDelete
  45. They collected bridge fees for decades and diverted the money. Then the bridges got in bad shape so they raised the bridge fees... and diverted THAT money too. I swear to god. And now, we're building the new Bay Bridge with Chinese steel. There was a made in America clause in the offer and Davis wrote it out. Then swartzenegger downgraded the bridge into something you would see in China and it't was over budget the moment the contract was awarded. Literally. The moment the contractor got the contract he started a list of change orders because the scope of work written by the state was was nonsense.

    So now we have all the stimulus money rhetoric and where does it go? To state agencies and cops. There's about as much trickle down from that as there is from Republican policies. Bottom line is to keep the government workers plates full.

    ReplyDelete
  46. You may be surprised to find out how many other bridges in the United States are just as bad. Over the years, we have chosen as a nation to not spend the money on our infrastructure. Now, we must pay the price.

    P.O.ed in Danville

    ReplyDelete
  47. This new east span of the bridge is more sound, because it employs a lot of new technology and thinking.

    There were issues with the permits because some people were whining over a shadow on some famous dead guy's house.

    Also, there was nothing there when they built the old bridge, and it wasn't as intricately designed.

    Seriously, look at what they've built and compare it to the old one.

    This will be the safest bridge in the area, if not the world, and it will be able to stand tall and proud even when the big one hits.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Next time type "sarcasm" at the end of comments like that. Some idiot might actually believe what you've written.

      Delete
  48. Rich,

    Assuming for a moment, there is a conflict of interest (real or perceived), what, from your perspective, is the right and honorable thing for KPIX to do in the circumstances to minimize/avoid such conflict or the appearance thereof?

    Lawyer in Oakland

    ReplyDelete
  49. > Seriously, look at what they've built and compare it to the old one.

    > This will be the safest bridge in the area, if not the world,
    > and it will be able to stand tall and proud even when the big one
    > hits.

    What are your engineering credentials? Could you post a link to your CV and a list of the bridges you've built?

    ReplyDelete
  50. Let's say, for the sake of argument, the new bay bridge is structurally deficient as you and Astaneh allege.

    Structurally deficient, from an engineering standpoint as used by Astaneh, means that a bridge requires repair or replacement of a certain component.

    Being structurally deficient does not imply that the bridge is in danger of collapse or unsafe to the traveling public.

    Therefore, you need to stop the needless fear mongering about the bridge. You're acting irresponsibly and should stick to what you do best: gossiping about Bay Area TV and radio personalities and stations.

    ReplyDelete
  51. The travel lanes are too narrow, and the merge lanes are too short. The signs are too hard to see, and the on- and off-ramps are too close together.

    There's no room at all to stop in emergencies. Speeds vary wildly. And traffic? Daily use by cars and trucks long ago surpassed maximum design limits.

    Big trucks running side by side on the bridge have less than a yard of space between them.

    I would welcome a fix to the bridge, even if it causes years of construction chaos.

    ReplyDelete
  52. I am thankful to Dr. Astaneh, the eminent Berkeley professor, for pointing out the dangerous condition of the bridge. Everything that has been reported has been found to be correct and it is good that the matter has been highlighted before it is opened and a major mishap takes place. It is the fault of the engineers as well as the contractors for allowing this to go unnoticed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How are the contractors responsible? They build as specified/designed with furnished materials and their work is subject to rigorous inspection. Welds are xrayed and concrete batches are destructive tested. None of that happened 50 years ago. You no nothing about projects...zero!

      Blame the bureaucrats...politicians and their appointed project oversee'ers. They steered the project to the outcome they wanted, rigged the design process, shipped steel work overseas, and hold nobody accountable. Not one single name, not one, has been named as to being responsible for the decisions that got us to this point.

      The type of people responsible for the bridge fiasco are working towards control of health care. This should be very interesting...

      Delete
  53. It is the responsibility of the engineers of Cal Trans to supervise the works entrusted to contractors with most sincere and responsible manner.

    ReplyDelete
  54. A word to the wise: corruption causes every thing to disintegrate.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Will just a transfer suffice in this case..... this ignorance is equivalent to attempt to murder where some major mishap was waiting to happen.....

    ReplyDelete
  56. Thanks so much Republicans! Taking care of the people at home, aren't you? (Taking care of themselves is what they're doing.)

    We've had people die sitting in traffic under bridges because big chunks of concrete fell off the bridge and smashed through their car.

    Republican government in action: corporations get everything, the American people die.

    ReplyDelete
  57. We fund the biggest military the world has ever seen, yet we can't keep existing bridges from collapsing or succeed in building a new bay bridge that is safe?

    ReplyDelete
  58. You have to wonder why.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Herein lies the problem: There is no consensus on how to tackle the problem of the $7 billion albatross or how to pay for proposed solutions. Professor Astaneh says the only solution is to dismantle the new bridge and rebuild it from scratch.

    ReplyDelete
  60. President Obama has called for spending $50 billion to pay for bridge and road construction, as well as setting up a national infrastructure bank — an idea that's gained little traction so far in Congress.

    o The solution of Republicans? Cut spending and the free market will magically fix everything.

    o The solution of the Tea Party? Deny that there is a problem and blame the liberal media for orchestrating a conspiracy to raise taxes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Do you really think all this manufactured political debate serves to do anything but to keep the citizenry divided against ourselves?

      Do you really believe that the citizens will do anything to force a change a government that has become
      little more than legalized corruption if we are busy squabbling with one another over every contentious subject from abortion to Zionism?

      If you do then that would suggest you have been duped. Sensationalizing anecdotal evidence far beyond what the empirical evidence shows is a classic propaganda tactic. Dividing a populace against itself
      is a classic totalitarian tactic. The example which first comes to mind is the governance, if you can call it hat, of Saddam Hussein.

      Apply your passion to the struggle that matters most. The real struggle is to regain a government of, by and for the people.

      Delete
  61. Do you want to see your tax dollar wasted by bureaucrats to repair and rebuild bridges or would that money be better spent erecting a fence to secure our southern border?

    ReplyDelete
  62. Keep up the partisan politics. Uh huh.

    It helps the 1% divide us so they can keep all the power and wealth for themselves.

    The catch is we can expect this type of crumpling infrastructure to become the norm.

    MFL

    ReplyDelete
  63. rich,

    tell me, what's the difference between waving around a little read book, mein kampf, quoting marx/lenin, and really loving the declaration of independence?

    you write about the bridge being unsafe and a conflict of interest for kpix.

    honestly, look hard at america.... its not a place, its people and people have rights to safe bridges and clean water.

    and we can pay for those things by taxing those that hide 40% of america's wealth behind the narrative of constitutional freedom and patriotism.

    ReplyDelete
  64. The majority of bridges were build during an era when people understood the necessity of higher tax rates to support community infrastructure.

    Thanks to inappropriate government allocation of funds (for example starting unnecessary wars) and the cost the government has to spend to cover the exponentially increasing greed of the medical providers and drug makers, we now have this group of holy rollers who are out to "flush the government down the toilet".

    You see, the GOP longs for the moral code of the past yet they do not understand that the past had REVENUE provided by the people who actually have the money.

    Furthermore those before us understood the concept of community without the desire to label it "socialism". They understood that those tax dollars put people to work building and repairing PUBLIC, not private infrastructure.

    Join me, Rich Lieberman, and others in promoting the third way.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Billions of dollars are being collected in gas taxes for California's roads and bridges, but it's going somewhere else.

    Jerry Brown and Democrat Party hacks have been stealing from the gas tax fund for decades in order to paper over state budget deficits and divert funds to their pet social welfare programs, the Marin ferry, and union backers.

    This--the unsafe $7 billion bridge--is the payback.

    ReplyDelete
  66. THANK YOU!!! Gov't does not have a lack of revenue (our tax money), but a spending problem!!! Heard that there is a gov't grant to teach fish how to avoid preditors. There are studies of how aunts dig wholes. There are grants to colleges as a PAYMENT for a campaign donation.
    Not to mention, the multiple 10 yrs of war. ANd not to mention that we buy our war supplies from other countries making them rich because business don't want stay in the US because of tax and min wage/ObamaCare etc. etc.
    My question is what did Pelosi spend $5 Trillion on?

    ReplyDelete
  67. When the Interstate highways were built in the 1950's and 60's, the roads and bridges they replaced were only 20-30 years old. Now it's 50-60 years later and we're still driving over those bridges. You don't have to be a genius to figure that one out. Critical infrastructure needs to be maintained, and yes, replaced on a regular schedule. These aren't medieval cathedrals that can just sit there looking good for centuries.

    ReplyDelete
  68. As an engineer, I must conceded that I am not objective. Yes, I am biased.

    To paraphrase Ike, am a member of the industrial/infrastructure complex; I put food on my table building things like roads and bridges.

    BUT ... that being said, there is no excuse for bridges to
    collapse.

    It is outrageous.

    Civil works are the backbone of Civilization.

    Roads and bridges are what literally tie us together.

    ReplyDelete
  69. How many bridges would the cost of the wars have built?

    ReplyDelete
  70. I drive and I cross bridges - I don't want to drop into the San Francisco Bay or anywhere else.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Is the new Bay Bridge safe?

    No bridge can built--even using the latest technology and advanced engineering and unlimited money--that can withstand the most powerful seismic event in close proximity.

    Consequently, no registered professional engineer will state unequivocally that the new bay bridge or any of the alternative proposals considered is "safe."

    If you want to live in complete safety, don't live in an area that is seismically active or prone to wild fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, etc.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well of course, you are right. But when so many of the reinforcing rods and bolts are demonstrably faulty, to call it "reasonably safe" might be more PR, than truth.The problem is also that there is no money to start all over again. All they can do is fab up "fixes", which considering such factors as the modulus of elasticity, are instantly questionable.

      Delete
    2. So was that your solution Christine, start over?

      "All they can do is fab up "fixes", which considering such factors as the modulus of elasticity, are instantly questionable."

      So now Christine is an expert of "modulus of elasticity" too? I should have known. Christine, maybe the bridge designers were suffering from Asperger syndrome? You're an expert on that too.

      Delete
    3. Maybe she thinks we should all carry guns with us when we cross the bridge. That's something else she encourages.

      Delete
    4. What about dogs, the great love in Christine's life?

      Delete
    5. I'm not claiming to be an expert on either Asperger's Syndrome, or metallurgy. I've represented clients with asperger's and have considerable familiarity with how disabling a condition it can be.
      Secondly, the modulus of elasticity is a basic concept one learns about in fundamental science ed. It means here generally that once something is irretreivably f--ed up and bent out of shape, no matter how pretty you try to make it look again with braces and buckles, it's permanently defective.
      I am not charmed by the prospect of using either the old,or the new bridge.Fortunately, I rarely have to.
      There is no solution, that part is pretty obvious. Let me try again. There is NO money for another attempt and they can't fix this mess. So they will "retrofit" and spend more billions and open it up and use it , fundamentally and fatally unsound. Spokesmen will claim that the "fixes" actually make the structure stronger than it was originally envisioned. It'll be a lie. There are many defective bridges and roadways in the nation. Few of them are brand new, multi-billion dollar structures.

      Delete
    6. "Secondly, the modulus of elasticity is a basic concept one learns about in fundamental science ed."

      Right Christine, I'm sure all of us remember learning about "the modulus of elasticity" in grade school... LOL

      Delete
    7. Let's remove the lipstick from the pig and boil it down.... Christine has some conversational knowledge gathered from the same sources that we all read/watch/listen to, and a few (subjective)concerns.

      Regarding KPIX whoring themselves out, It's nothing new and they're no different from any other outlet. Example: Bridge pr is no different from political ads during campaign time. They both have a self serving agenda and both are attempting to manipulate perception. KPIX happened to be the low bidder...the cheapest whore.

      The only difference is that political ads are paid for VOLUNTARILY by contributors while the bridge pr bill gets crammed down the tax payers throats.

      Delete
    8. dear 8:42, I'm sorry your mommie and daddy couldn't afford to send you to college where you could take some basic science classes and learn some basic scientific concepts.
      I also live in Sacramento where Caltrans is based and have more than what you call "conversational knowledge" about the bridge and California road projects specifically. Have you ever heard of CC Myers? You might not know, but he has done work on this bridge, garnering many bonuses for work done on the quick. Would it surprise you to know that there have been many worker's comp claims over the years involving defendant CC Myers? I'm talking about lost limbs and other horrible injuries for workers scrambling to hurry up work so that bonuses could be issued. Did you know I was a wc lawyer who worked at the firm handling the most prominent of those cases for the injured workers? I have also represented other Caltrans IK engineers.
      As for subjective concerns, you'd have to be a moron not to have them. As Jerry Brown says, he too goes across that bridge.
      As one of the myriad of t.v. reporters who directly saw the carnage at the Cypress in 1989, it's not an unsupported concern.
      As for the PIX problem, if they don't assiduously report on the real issues, they'll have a credibility hangover. simple.

      Delete
    9. So demolition work is extremely dangerous...not news to anyone and not germane to the construction discussion.

      CC Meyers? Before you vilify them, appreciate the good they do to keep the roadways operational. For clarity, please list their involvement with the eastern span shortcomings before you make libelous insinuations.

      Sorry your mommy and daddy wasted their money sending you to college.

      Delete
    10. Christine, you've outdone yourself.

      Aside from your idiotic claim that "the modulus of elasticity is a basic concept one learns about in fundamental science ed,"

      you've now said something even dumber and offensive to boot: " I'm sorry your mommie and daddy couldn't afford to send you to college where you could take some basic science classes and learn some basic scientific concepts.

      What a truly disgusting comment that reeks of elitism. You suggest that if one's parents are poor, their children won't know anything. Nice view of the world Miss Know-it-all. Only rich kids are well educated.

      Obviously that's nonsense. Christine grew up on a fancy golf course and apparently never learned a thing, oh, except about her advanced knowledge about "the modulus of elasticity."

      Delete
    11. the contention was that I didn't know anything more than the average bear about CALTRANS, road engineering,and bay bridge issues. You were and are wrong. You go kiss CC Myers ass, I'll pass.

      Delete
    12. "Would it surprise you to know that there have been many worker's comp claims over the years involving defendant CC Myers?

      No, nor does it surprise me that Christine would mention something totally irrelevant in one of her typical unfocused rants that serves no purpose other than attempt to create the mistaken impression that she actually knows what she's talking about.

      Delete
    13. You must be thinking of a different Christine Craft. I grew up in San Marino,not on a golf course. My parents bought a house on the eighth green at spyglass shortly before my mother died. I didn't grow up there.

      I never suggested one learned about such concepts as the modulus of elasticity in grade school, as I was accused of doing. But it really isn't arcane or elitist. It's basic,beginning collegiate science ed, if not sooner.

      is this really the first time you've heard of the modulus of elasticity? really.

      When I attended the University of California, there were students there from all walks of life and all incomes in first year science classes.The only thing barring someone from any economic background from attending a UC campus in those days wasn't tuition, but rather bad grades in high school. Tuition was nominal, unlike today. Are you saying that people who are "poor" are incapable of studying? Have you heard of Abraham Lincoln?
      Any average handyman or woman knows that if you take one of those metal tube legged chairs and collapse it and then straighten it out, it'll look fine,but it can no longer support the weight of say, CC Myers. capice? that's your old modulus of elasticity in action,a non-elitist,simple concept.

      Delete
    14. You just can't handle it that a girl actually took beginning physics in college and knows what the modulus of elasticity is. Further, it really annoys you that a lawyer who has represented injured workers and independent contractor engineers working on road and bridge projects in the state of California might be privy to information you don't want to know about.Pity

      Delete
    15. Oh, so now you learned about in physics class. Perhaps you've forgotten your original ridiculous claim:

      "Secondly, the modulus of elasticity is a basic concept one learns about in fundamental science ed."

      I suppose Ms. High and Mighty assumes that University of California physics classes are fundamental science ed.

      But the best part of your ineffectual response is "[y]ou just can't handle it that a girl actually took beginning physics.

      Why must you always play the gender card? This happens to be about a pretentious know-it-all who makes some ridiculous statement about "the modulus of elasticity." Gender plays no part in it.

      It's sad that Christine is so eager to attribute all her failures to the imaginary bias of others. Of course Christine, it's all because you're a female; your obnoxious personality has nothing to do with it.

      Delete
    16. "beginning physics" ...is that what they're calling it these days?

      This exchange reminds me of the bar scene in Goodwill Hunting, except christine is convincingly playing both the know it all with a pony tail and the lunkhead affleck.

      Stick to spelling, something you actually seem to know.

      Delete
    17. Here we go again, there is a numbskull poster who insist on reminding everyone that they're lawyer.
      Are we supposed to be impressed?

      Delete
    18. Actually, I was very impressed by your sentence structure and sleek zen-like elimination of necessary words and letters. You are so inscrutable!

      Delete
  72. Retired in Cordelia JunctionJune 15, 2013 at 9:14 PM

    The TOO BIG TO FALL BRIDGE or the HOLD-YOUR-BREATH BRIDGE: Which name is more fitting for the east span of the new bay bridge?

    ReplyDelete
  73. Impressive post, well supported. You've unleashed a firestorm of controversy. Thanks for the good read.

    ReplyDelete
  74. Rest assured. The bridge will not be opened if it is deemed dangerous to the public.

    ReplyDelete
  75. This is par for the course nowadays in the U.S.
    Environmental impact statements, gouging unions and contractors, NIMBY idiots, diddling politicians....

    ReplyDelete
  76. The bridge may not be up to current earthquake hardening standards, but those standards cover the possibility of an earthquake the size which hasn't been seen in this area, ever.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This made me chuckle- a little. Reminds me of a time, shortly after the Loma Prieta e-quake. Caltrans was in the midst of a massive project, erecting soundwalls up and down major freeways. I recall interviewing a project supervisor at one of the construction sites, and asked about earthquake safety, and what magnitude the walls might withstand. Without pausing to blink, or think, he said "Well, we know they can stand a 7.0."
      I think then, and now, it means- we'll just have to see.

      Delete
  77. It's disappointing that bloggers and media outlets repeat erroneous claims from so-called "experts" without fact-checking anything.

    It's like Manti Te'o's girlfriend all over again.

    What's worse about this, unlike that other story where fact-checking failed, is that this story has immense implications for millions of Bay Area residents and visitors.

    ReplyDelete
  78. Was it Abolhassan Astaneh-Asl who dubbed the new bridge, "the scary of scaries?"

    ReplyDelete
  79. There was no redundancy. If one piece breaks on the entire bridge, the bridge goes straight down because there is no other structural support ... to hold the bridge up.

    ReplyDelete
  80. Anywhere you drive, you’ll come across a bridge that desperately needs work. It’s a problem everywhere. These are bridges in the worst condition, with the most urgent need for repair – and with the greatest risk of disaster.

    ReplyDelete
  81. Sorry, I just don't see how there's a conflict of interest, here. Rich has no duty to remain impartial, but has not tried to hide his radio show in any way (quite the contrary). Even still, Rich hosts a radio show and is here talking about television, another medium altogether.

    Don't confuse blogging with journalism.

    ReplyDelete
  82. Did it ever occur to you that the Bay Bridge program was something CalTrans planned and partnered with KPIX for public outreach?

    ReplyDelete
  83. CBS is IN partnership with CalTrans on this. CalTrans is paying for it...it is the main sponsor of the show (and has been of past shows). The only reason CBS is the offical bay bridge station is because CalTrans is paying them to be).

    ReplyDelete
  84. These "Official Station Of ____________" deals are always paid deals. KPIX paid for to be the official station. I'm not sure what they get but there it is.
    And it's a fact that some bolts meant to hold the bridge together in an earthquake have failed. Typically there is a bit of a fudge factor in engineering, even if the day of the computer. How big it is is the question.
    Phil Brown

    ReplyDelete
  85. What I find interesting is, given the concentration of media in the Bay Area, it took a Sacramento newspaper to break the story of the Bay Bridge flaws. Guess they were too busy giving traffic on the 5's or 8's in the City.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So your assumption is that radio stations break big news stories? When has that happened? Radio stations don't pay investigative reporters these days. Newspapers do. Your joke would be funnier if you had called out the Chronicle or Tribune, but still not funny. - DW

      Delete
    2. or because CALTRANS is based in .......Sacramento.

      Delete
    3. "it took a Sacramento newspaper to break the story of the Bay Bridge flaws"
      The answer is quite simple, the Bay Area media is to freighted of bringing any negative publicity to the New Bay Bridge.
      Go ask the producers at KPIX.
      Here is just a sample of the discussions at KPIX's editorial staff:
      Scandal? What scandal?
      Design flaws? Don't expect me to report on this.

      Delete
  86. First it was not meant as a joke but as a comment. Radio can do investigative pieces. You see all good reporting is investigative. Might want to check out the Edward R Murrow awards to see the kind of work radio can do. Fortunately some stations and owners realize that, at least in part, the license is a public trust.

    The eastern span of the bridge has had problems starting with the original design. While CalTrans is based in Sacramento the MTC, which has also overseen construction is based in …… Oakland.

    Sorry if I posted this multiple times. I had trouble getting BlogSpot to recognize the post.

    ReplyDelete
  87. CC Myers set the standard for early finishes, rushed work and big bonuses on California bridges and roadways built for Caltrans. See today's Merc . about California legislators calling for investigations into American Bridge/Fluor Enterprises negotiating for a 20 million dollar bonus for finishing the Eastern span earlier than required. Of course, this is just little me, who knows nothing, ranting on and on about things that aren't germane. I somehow suspect that rush jobs for profit may have bearing on the multi-billion dollar unsafe boondoggle that is the new Bay Bridge eastern SAS span.
    On another matter, of course it's not surprising that heavy construction and demolition work is dangerous and that people get injured. However, what they were ordered to do when there was a clear danger and inappropriate safety measures were deliberately disregarded...is a much different matter .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. FWIW, the topic is the coverage of the eastern bay bridge span by KPIX

      Also, house keeping matters. Please position your off topic comments appropriately...only as a REPLY to clarify a previous thought.

      If you're going to be a troll, be a well mannered troll. Okay sugar?

      Delete