Did Paso Robles City Manager Ty Lewis manhandle losing City Council and mayoral candidate Michael Rivera at the City Homelessness Strategic Plan Working Group meeting on Nov. 6, as Rivera alleges? Rivera wasn’t part of the committee, but he was asked by committee member Ron Cuff to attend in his stead. When Lewis learned of Cuff’s request, he said that sending Rivera wouldn’t be appropriate. Rivera came anyway.
According to Rivera, in a letter to the city, “Mr. Ty Lewis came in and came directly at me aggressively with a big grin and said ‘Mr. Rivera you didn’t get the message and what are you doing here’ or something to that effect. After a couple more verbal exchanges he then came toward me grabbed be (sic) by the shoulder he continued squeezing my shoulder very hard after which he let go and Slapped me very aggressively on the shoulder.”
Did it happen like that? Crack investigators from the SLO County Sheriff’s Office are on the case, but it sure makes you wish they’d, I don’t know, record these meetings or something? I’m not sure the Sheriff’s Office has a stellar track record of policing their own.
Oh, did I forget to mention that Lewis used to be the Paso police chief? I imagine if he needed to subdue a septuagenarian, he could do it, but I’d also guess a former law enforcement officer would know what constitutes assault and battery and avoid it. If Lewis had a history of using excessive force, wouldn’t we know about it by now? Lewis also did a darn good job bringing the community together during the George Floyd protests and keeping things calm.
Then there’s Rivera’s track record.
Rivera was the secretary of the pro-eugenics group Californians for Population Stabilization, which the Southern Poverty Law Center labeled a hate group. That seems a tad unsavory.
Earlier this year, Rivera created a petition to remove Paso Robles Joint Unified School District trustee Joel Peterson from the board of directors because he was appointed under a state school code rather than elected, because he ran unopposed when no one else filed paperwork to run. Interestingly enough, after the untimely death of Paso Mayor Steve Martin, Rivera suggested that instead of holding a special election to replace Martin, the city should simply appoint him mayor.
“I believe I should be appointed mayor because I was the only one who ran against [Mayor Martin] in the last election,” Rivera said during public comment at the Sept. 5 City Council meeting.
The council appointed John Hamon instead, whose seat is up for reelection in 2026.
Look, if Lewis did what Rivera claims, he may be guilty of using his “jiu jitsu” and “grappling moves” to subdue a 70-year-old man who’s apparently hard of hearing with bad reading comprehension. If that’s the case, he should step down.
That said, Rivera’s hobby is being a thorn in the side of city government, which he’d really like to be in charge of. As he said in his 2022 mayoral candidate’s statement, “Paso Roblans have been overlooked. We need to focus on our permanent residents and their needs. Crime, roads, water, and weed are now major concerns in our city as is increasing taxation.”
Crime! Weed! Taxes! Rivera demands justice, people!
“I am a 70-year-old man and do not tolerate being physically abused by a much younger person like Mr. Lewis or anyone else for that matter,” he said in his statement. “My shoulder still hurts but my physiological condition after this is worse.”
Does he mean psychological? Probably. Well, you blew it, Paso. This dude could have been your mayor. Maybe you’ll wake up before the next election. I can already see Mike’s campaign sign: “Rivera 2026! My Shoulder Still Hurts!”
You know what else hurts? My future plans to ride my bike from San Luis Obispo to the beach on the Bob Jones Trail!
Look, I get that landowners along the proposed trail may not be interested in granting an easement so a bunch of fancy cyclists in neon tights can ride to Avila Beach along a paved path through the scenic SLO Creek corridor that will eventually bring “homeless encampments, garbage, fire danger, and noise and dust pollution,” according to the lawsuit filed by Ray Bunnell, Robert Kruse, Edward Pollard, and James Warren who own land along the remaining 4.5-mile stretch. But dudes! The county has $18.25 million in state money to spend here! And they must spend it by 2025!
Bunnell and his cohorts’ suit contends that the county plans to use eminent domain to seize their land, and they ain’t having it, see? You gov’mint types keep yer cotton-picking hands of our properties! Actually, the county’s general plan states eminent domain can’t be used to seize a trail easement across private properties, so there’s that assurance. So, what to do?
Don’t panic quite yet, cycling enthusiasts and unhoused campers. The county has an overly complicated plan to keep and spend the money and if not solve the problem at least kick it down the bucolic path until they can somehow finish the trail that broke ground in 2017. I’d explain it to you, but it’s too complicated.
Rest assured, it contains “the bookends alternative,” and if that doesn’t work, cyclists can ride on Highway 101’s shoulder. Δ
The Shredder’s brain hurts. Commiserate at shredder@newtimesslo.com.
This article appears in Holiday Guide 2023.
Shredder seems to think “State Money” is free money forgetting that all government money is extracted from you and me at the point of the government’s “gun” – i.e. you go to jail if you don’t pay your taxes.
Maybe all the money should be returned to the taxpayers instead of being spent as if it is a gift from others.
Gail: Not all collectivism should be demonized as “Communism and Marxism.” I, for one, appreciate going to a National Park or having police and fire protection without paying a billionaire rent-collector an exorbitant fee.
The special election that Rivera was part of regarding the school district covers more than what the public was told. At the time Paso Robles High School website was directly connected to dark web matter that was asking kids to get online and talk to pedophiles. A mothers group within the city limits attempted to jump these hoops and from my understanding it was not a high level of security. This issue a lot of folks will not talk about. This is a snooty community of locals and transplants that do not understand that Paso Robles is and always has been known for drugs and trafficking. Any day you can sit in our city and see the roaming users and young men and women who move it through our city. We have officers who are compromised and will not go against their order of command. Some of them already cover their badge numbers and names when servicing and in pictures on current social media. We dont need overpaid compromised men and women who have a hard time even living here. Whether gang land or white collar methods the rampancy of drugs in our fair city is only miles from yours. Furthermore no high school needs to tote their young girls as women these are lines crossed by some of the worst. PRHS has had issues in the past with those lines being crossed and unfortunately our community of youth carry those scares and damage. From PRPD their sergeant’s common stance is explaining how the PD has minimal training and C students make officers.
Additionally under Ty Lewis watch they chose to use no knock warrants one of which they are paying out to prevent lawsuit. There was also a case of more than 5 officers beating down a young man and there is documentation from the family asking for accountability of our police department, because there is none. One of the many reasons Ty Lewis stepped down as chief and doubled salary. Lawsuits and issues paid out over the last 5+ years should be enough for a change in order and people. $228k and he couldnt keep his hands to himself? Unacceptable
The special election that Rivera was part of regarding the school district covers more than what the public was told. At the time Paso Robles High School website was directly connected to dark web matter that was asking kids to get online and talk to pedophiles. A mothers group within the city limits attempted to jump these hoops and from my understanding it was not a high level of security. This issue a lot of folks will not talk about. This is a snooty community of locals and transplants that do not understand that Paso Robles is and always has been known for drugs and trafficking. Any day you can sit in our city and see the roaming users and young men and women who move it through our city. We have officers who are compromised and will not go against their order of command. Some of them already cover their badge numbers and names when servicing and in pictures on current social media. We dont need overpaid compromised men and women who have a hard time even living here. Whether gang land or white collar methods the rampancy of drugs in our fair city is only miles from yours. Furthermore no high school needs to tote their young girls as women these are lines crossed by some of the worst. PRHS has had issues in the past with those lines being crossed and unfortunately our community of youth carry those scares and damage.
From PRPD their sergeant’s common stance is explaining how the PD has minimal training and C
students make officers.
Additionally under Ty Lewis watch they chose to use no knock warrants one of which they are paying out to prevent lawsuit. There was also a case of more than 5 officers beating down a young man and there is documentation from the family asking for accountability of our police department, because there is none. One of the many reasons Ty Lewis stepped down as chief and doubled salary. Lawsuits and issues paid out over the last 5+ years should be enough for a change in order and people. $228k and he couldnt keep his hands to himself? Unacceptable
THE COMMUNITY OF PASO ROBLES & CITY COUNCIL OWES MR RIVERA AN APOLOGY,
If anyone in the community believes that a man has the right to put hands on a 70 yr old man for ANY reason? Let’s take a moment and check your heart. Sadly, Mr. Rivera is on the receiving end of Mr Lewis’ anger for an email I wrote to the City Council. My son was nearly killed by 6 Paso Robles Police Dept. Officer Neary punched him in the face. I made an Internal Affairs report that sat on Mayor Martin’s desk for nearly 5 months. It was reviewed by Sgt. Tod Rehner the video shows Officer Neary punched my son in the face and Rehner characterized it as deserved. My son was in a decompensating mental state after witnessing the JJs Store gang shooting as well as surviving the Wuhan Virus in early January before it was even called COVID. I am no fan of Ty Lewis as Police Chief as he and I battled on email about the government codes of residency vs guest. Arguing with the PD the difference between a Psychiatric Hold and arresting him. After this situation came to a head, PC Lewis’ decision was to press 10 assaulting officer charges on my son and he spent 60 unnecessary days in jail and 18 months on probation. My son is healthy, well, sober and absolutely a COVID long hauler, even lost some vision. When Lewis moved over to City Manager I was not happy. We commonly call this the Peter Principle in Govt service when a failed employee is promoted because they have hit their skill set. Why do I say he IS a failure? I digress, Ty Lewis was also Police Chief when he had an officer sexually assaulting women. My question is how did that officer get to resign with his pension and face zero charges for his crimes? None at all. So if Ty Lewis let him resign, and did not even have this officer face work disciplinary charges is he not complicit? I wonder how many women in our City are still afraid to come forward. I wonder how many small businesses or any business in Paso Robles has faced Ty’s bad decision making or bully behavior. After confirming with PRPD, that they indeed violated my son’s civil rights and they, thePRPD decided they did nothing wrong. I caught the attention of Dan Dow, DA and he asked me to forward my complaint. Since, has been with his investigator. Fast Forward to today, I have been a pain in the side of the Council, although Mayor Martin treated me horribly, I still went to Council to help the CIty in areas, while still pitching my plight to get my son’s name cleared.
When the District 1 seat opened, I was encouraged to apply for the job. I did so, in that process I learned a lot of how the Council operates, I was displeased to hear from many that Ty thinks he is the head hauncho of the City. I heard statements like, “Whatever Ty says goes.” “Be careful with him, he knows everything.” Surely I did NOT take heed to those statements.
We went through the interviews at the end of the interviews, Mr. Rivera who was present asked me if it were okay if he spoke up for me. When he was walking to the podium, I saw a change in facial expressions and Mr. Lewis showed straight hatred for the man. If you are even around City Hall, even a little bit it is a known fact that Ty Lewis hates Mr. Rivera. Mayor Hamon in that interview hired his neighbor Sharon Roden. In fairness to my district, I was disappointed in the antithetical choice of cronyism. I still contend that Liz Lee would have satisfied the Latino Voters in this district.
I pitched a fuss on Ms Lee’s behalf. Soon after, I found out on Next door app that Ty Lewis makes 228k a year and had a major WTH moment. That is the pay of a City Manager of a city of 68k constituents. I sent an email to the council questioning his pay, his residency. STOP .. HIS RESIDENCY.! I SENT AN EMAIL, Igave. Mayor Hamon kudos as he actually responded and said he was happy with his choice and that Ty lives in Paso Robles. Subject over.
SPEAKING Of salaries, Why is this Mr. Fortuni making 130 k a year and our Police officers only make approximately 90K. If you look at these admin salaries under Ty Lewis, there are pretty bloated. ANYWAY,
Also, our City Clerk, Melissa Boyer is involved in a court action and used her position to bolster a case for a friend. She is till in her seat.
The very next Monday I received a call from Mr. Rivera proceeded to tell me how Ty Lewis accused him of spreading the rumor that he does not live in the City. How Ty Lewis thought that Mr. Rivera told me? It is a leap off of the Grand Canyon. If you all care to read. One of the emails clearly invited Mr. Rivera to be there but he could only be an observer and report back.
So I ask between that invite and the actual meeting what changed for Mr. Lewis? That is the question. The answer is my EMAIL. Did he accost Mr. Rivera because Mr. Lewis was angry assuming Mr. Rivera told me he did not live in the City? Why he even confronted Mr. Rivera over who started a rumor? This is exactly as Mr. Rivera said. Ty’s hatred for him clouded his judgment that day.
Well i went to City Council and clarified for Mr. Lewis that I learned that information on Nextdoor and I hardly speak with Mr. Rivera. This is where everyone says.. OHHHHHH, Standalone what happened to Mr. Rivera sounds bizarre and petty. However, I have been receiving threats, and intimidation from Mr. Lewis’ closest friends and family. Lisa Lewis and Scott Howenstine fron Parkside Realty, a Sam Lewis and Sgt Ricky Lehr. Would an innocent man send his minions to intimidate me? All he has done is dig a bigger grave. I should not have to explain to anyone in this City what toxicity that Mr. Lewis emulated as Police Chief and City Manager.
Most Recently, he signed the Dixon Contract to continue the controversial parking program without a City Council Vote. That is to happen on November 21, 2023. I have conveyed all these names and story to the Detective investigating Ty. I have been saying for 3 years, but today ore than ever? The State of California and the City should have a ZERO Tolerance for Workplace VIolence. Like I said at City COuncil, Ty you had no right putting your hands on a 70 yr old man and if that were my dad? I would be in jail. Come on Paso Robles It is #TimeToTossTy805 before he hurts another person. Any Questions please reach out.
Mr. Rivera is not a person of integrity or truthfulness from what I’ve seen of his numerous public comments at City Council and School Board. He is always looking for a fight, attention, and to rile others up.
Steve,
Most of us would willingly give to service we want from our gov’t. Assuming that service we need and want would end if taxation ended is short sighted. Mkae taxes truly voluntary without the threat of prison and I firmly believe most of us would check off boxes supporting local, state and federal services we think are needed.
What would fall b y the wayside are those intrusions into our lives that we neither need or want.
gail
Lightfoot for US Senate 2024
I’m sure you few people who are writing hateful comments about our dedicated community leaders could serve our lovely community so
much better if you put your energy toward peaceful exchange and kindness. If a “70 year man” as you keep referring to him (why?) was injured by a touch on the shoulder, why weren’t paramedics called?…. Just one example of the hurtful and unnecessary comments being used to stir up anger in our community. What if you few folks take a deep breath and ask yourself why you are really so angry, and aren’t there more positive things you could be doing for the good of our community?
Steve,
England has a fine National Park system that is private.
DOonot assume taxation is the only way good things happen. It not.
Prior to the growth of the wefare state, charities abounded and both secular and religious charity met the needs of the poor. Not perfect, but neither is the wefare state. At least those charities were no dehumanizing.
I prefer and believe in voluntary systems.