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Articles by Paul Coogan
Prisoncore Comes to San Diego
How we house the poor describes our humanity The Cuatro is one of projects that looks great on paper. Then the construction finished and you realize you have walled yourself into a prison. Press enter or click to view image in full size Architecural renderings from the Cuatro project website.
The Underfunded Finest City
Mayor’s Race Will Not Solve San Diego Press enter or click to view image in full size Looks pretty good from here. Photo by Author California is the land of gold rush mentality and after the yellow stuff was scooped up, it was agriculture, hospitality/entertainment, and tech that put gold in the coffers. The quiet boondoggle is real estate. A limited resource and ever increasingly in demand.
Pride Without Protest is Rainbow-Washing
A Head in the Sand Never Stopped a Fascist The decision by Rady Children’s Hospital to withdraw from the 2025 San Diego Pride Parade on July 19th is deeply disappointing. While I recognize the hospital’s intention to redirect the allocated funds for participation in Pride events to LGBTQ+ organizations, the gesture does not mitigate the harm caused by their absence at a time that calls for visibility, solidarity, and protest.
San Diego 2026 Budget is a Hope Killer
Less Library in Foreseeable Future For a period of time there was a small window where the City of San Diego could have aquired the perfect location for a new branch library that would have included retail and housing. With the target parcels now foreclosed and being held by the bank, hopes an alternate site have been dashed as the city is now proposing savage cuts to all capital projects.
The Political Geography of Wildfire Fire Risk
San Diego Fire Risk Map Shrinks in Areas of Developer Interest The Fire Hazard Zone maps that define the areas of high risk within the city of San Diego were previously defined by the city using criteria defined by the State Fire Marshall. This year the state will be defining all areas in one map rather than excluding incorporated cities as separate responsibility areas. Cities have the option to make additions to or increase the level of the risk rating but not decrease either.
Campaign Finance Payback is a Bitch
San Diego’s Budget Crisis Explained The City of San Diego is confronting a projected budget deficit of approximately $258 million for the upcoming 2025/2026 fiscal year. Is that the real number and how did this happen? First off, the $258 million is the shortfall on the operating budget. The real price tag needs to include the deferred maintenance and upgrades to infrastructure totaling $11.87 billion — with a ‘B’.
America’s Unaffordable City Explained
Housing Price Influences in San Diego The explanation of historically and notoriously high housing prices in California is usually attributed to the adage: “Location, location, location — everybody wants to live in the Golden State” or the “Econ101 Supply & Demand” argument.
San Diego Continues Red-Lining Efforts
A Literal Historic Footnote Damns the Mayor It looks like the mayor of San Diego has been caught red-handed with the red-lining ink staining his reputation once again. The Encanto area of San Diego is most recently known to be the center of devastating floods during the rainy season of 2023. The long-ignored flood channels overflowed leaving residents scrambling for high ground while the city of San Diego scrambled for state resources to clean up a mess that could have been avoided.
The Liability of Unspent Developer Impact Fees in San Diego
Tax and Spend Requires Both The collection of Development Impact Fees (DIF) paid by developers of new projects to fund city infrastructure and services is not unique to Sn Diego. These fees pay to offset the increased demands on infrastructure, parks, libraries, and streets. What is unique to America’s Finest City is the failure to use the funds already collected to improve the city where most needed.
San Diego to Institute Redlining
The Flawed Housing Action Package 2.0 The City of San Diego, like many U.S. cities, is attempting to build its way out of homelessness and spiraling rents. This simple supply and demand approach to real estate economics is an oversimplification that does not take into account the market manipulations of large corporate interests. The builders want “free dirt” and there are two ways to drive down the cost of land, depreciation of the parcel or increasing the revenue potential of what is built.
San Diego Land Rush
The city is having a fire sale but only for a few There is extensive debate about the housing crisis in California. Advocates of building our way out of overpriced, unaffordable housing tout this will solve homelessness as well. Anyone disagreeing is labeled a heartless NIMBY. I am here to shed light on the disingenuous marketing ploy underlying this land rush. The argument in favor of “build at any cost” is centered on the economic principle of supply and demand.
The Heaven & Hell Contract
By Paul Coogan Church Newsletter Musings from a toll booth on the highway to Hell We all know where we are going apparently and the menu only has two choices: Heaven and Hell. Well, yes there is purgatory but that is more like a light apéritif when considering the long-term commitment of the other two.
Super Spy 045
By Paul Coogan Rule of Law The new face of espionage Imag unsplash There is no doubt DJT is the worst President in the history of the United States but what if that completely misses the point? After reading the redacted Mar-a-Lago affidavit it appears the mission of Agent 045 was more successful than any by the revered 007.
Houston: "I'd tap that"
By Paul Coogan Culture Artist Amber Erceg stands figure drawing on its head If you have not been keeping up with the work of Amber Erceg you should read about her break-out work Dumpster Ballon as a way of fastening your seatbelt for the release of I'd Tap that. "I'd tap that" 2022 by Amber Erceg courtesy the artist Again Ms. Erceg works with photographic "Objets Trouves" (AKA "The Found Object") but...
Russian Artwork Seized in Finland
Art and War A peek inside the boxes Charles Edward Perugini , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons I recently read this article in the Washington Post that sparked my interest on several levels: Art, Finland, International law enforcement, art valuations, the story promised to be a smorgasbord of news right smack in my wheelhouse. That’s where short-form journalism failed me again.
Russia Wants a California State Park as Reparations
Insanity of War After 161 years Sonoma’s Fort Ross becomes the vanguard again. Reconstructed chapel at Fort Ross State Park. Phto by the author. Wait, what? The Russians want the fort back? It’s been 161 years since the Russians sold Fort Ross to John Sutter. 7 years later Sutter would be distracted by the California Gold Rush and nothing really much went on at the settlement in Sonoma until 1909 when it would become a State Park.
My Bionic Extension
Personal Tech I was not expecting this when I bought it The Mondain face is found in stations in Europe. Photo by the author. The first watch I ever had was a Mickey Mouse watch my grandmother bought me on a trip from San Francisco to Houston via train. It was Union Pacific back then and we waited in the hall while a Black porter converted the cabin from sitting to sleeping. She bought me the watch because I kept asking what time it was. She found out afterward I did not know how to tell time yet.
Sending Money to Ukraine via Airbnb
WAR AND KINDNESS Sending Money to Ukraine via Airbnb A guide for goodness Photo by Katie Godowski from Pexels It was on TikTok I first heard of sending money to Ukrainian citizens by renting an Airbnb without showing up and I thought it was quite clever. I had already donated to a non-profit group to support humanitarian efforts but it seemed so tangible to be able to reach out and hand someone money. After all, I donate to…
Presidents’ Day Reflections
U.S.History My Oval Office Rankings Photo by Maria Oswalt on Unsplash On Presidents’ Day 2017 I reviewed all 44 past and sitting presidents and was rewarded with an interesting perspective. My top-rated presidents at the time (5/5 stars) included: John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Harrison, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Barack Obama. Originally, 4 stars went to George Washington, James Madison, Ulysses S. Grant, Herbert Hoover, John F. Kennedy, and James Carter.
Hanging In an Old House
Home Work Hanging In an Old House Simple tasks are often not. Photo by Blue Bird from Pexels Hanging a framed mirror or artwork in an old house is a deceiving challenge. While concerned with placement there will be a cavalcade of gremlins assembling to thwart your every move. The mirror was inherited from a neighbor’s giveaway and would go in the part of the kitchen used as a breakfast nook in 1930.
Can We Talk Titles?
Wordsmithing We can do better by applying the basics Photo by Produtora Midtrack from Pexels Greetings fellow writers. I will start by saying I have found some great content here. Well written, good spelling and grammar, openly honest, thoroughly engaging, but that is not why I called you into my office today. Bad titles are killing my Medium experience and probably hurting your bottom line as well.
Crypto Context Both are founded in belief based exchanges Bishop with Iron Man arc reactor funded by indulgences. Photo by judit agusti aranda from Pexels NFT are the modern equivalent of the “indulgences” sold by priests to rich people before the Reformation. — Jim Francis It all starts with a small lie, a fib, a fabrication. The threads of the story grow stronger with each retelling and soon whole cloth is draped on an altar where virtue, sin, and penance are defined.
The Definitive Guide to Getting Work
Career Advice Keep this exit plan handy, it could be a rung on the ladder of success Photo by Laker from Pexels It may seem odd to publish an article about getting work when unemployment is at historic lows. Basically if you have a pulse you are hired but the question is whether the job is right for you. If like most people on a career path you want to have all the tools for success on your belt during both times fo fat and famine.
Party Like It’s 1962
Social Tech My experience holding an open house during a pandemic Image of and by the author Today is my 60th birthday and I am taking visitors all day. This should bring terror to you heart or at least concern for my safety. That was the challenge presented to me a few weeks ago. Following the proverbial advice of when life gives you lemons find the person with the tequila, I decided to make it a virtual birthday party. This worked to my advantage in several ways.
Writing on Medium is a Trapeze Without a Net
Writing The unsung value of an editor Photo by Maureen Sobrino from Pexels Writing is generally a personal and lonely experience. Each book on my shelf was authored by a single person but there is a key difference between these hardbound writers and me. No, not the fame or ability, too obvious. The difference is something valuable that I am not privileged to have. The light that revealed this gap to me was found in Dreyer’s English: an utterly correct guide to clarity and style by Benjamin Dryer.
Get the Best Readership on Medium
Writing These headlines will grab readers the right way Getting her Suess on. Photo by Josh Applegate on Unsplash There is much advice here on Medium on how to create an attention-grabbing headline whether through the magic of power words or piquing curiosity through brevity but I have found a magical commonality threaded through these stories. If you are looking for the magical formula, skip to the last part of this story where that one simple trick is revealed. Overused greeting the sun metaphor.
We Are All in the Donner Party
History of California California snowfall is a mixed blessing Snow in California means much more than skiing and winter sports. It is the source of the year-round water that is the lifeblood of the state. Droughts and resulting wildfires have dominated the news for several years now with stories of ever larger losses of forests, fields, and homes. Rainfall in the Sierra’s can refill reservoirs if sustained but withdrawals on the bank balance begin as soon as the last raindrop falls.
Finding Data Sauces
Nerdville SQL Statements or SQL Skewers? Photo by Farhad Ibrahimzade from Pexels In my line of work, my team is tasked with creating reports, some of which are the TPS variety. The hardest part of this whole equation, as any analyst knows, is capturing the data in the first place, especially when not everything we do is in the realm of bits and bytes.
The Evolution of the Cinematic Hero
Movies The heroes’ journey has miles to go The 1930s brought us handsome square-jawed leading men doing daring and dashing things. Johnny Weissmuller swinging from a vine in the jungle as Tarzan or Errol Flynn swinging aboard a ship with cutlass in hand or out of a tree in the Sherwood Forest. Tyrone Power was reknown for swinging a blade a swashbuckler or as Zorro. It seems leading men in Hollywood were swingers. The role of the hero in the 1940s was given to Humphrey Bogart.
12 Steps for Stupidity
Critical Thinking How to be an ally to Aristotle Photo by Anete Lusina from Pexels We’ve all done it. We’ve tried to sound smarter than we are and even as we speak the words we feel like we are reading aloud from the pages of Modern Jackass. Spoken like an authority, using volume, speed, and just enough jargon to sound credible. At least to the lay masses.
Faroe Islands Whaling & How Sea Shepherd Got It Wrong
Opinion Sustainability can be complex The town of Foroyar. Photo by Rav_ via Pixabay.com I am known as an animal lover and am regularly outspoken about the treatment of animals in commercial farming, trophy hunting, and just plain cruelty. I am also outspoken about the more insidious evils perpetrated against nature in the form of large scale commercial fishing, deforestation, and pollution from extraction industries. The list of crimes against nature fills volumes and deadens the soul.
Architectural Review: The Three Little Pigs
Architecture & Entertainment Exclusive interview with the famous Pig brothers The story of the three pigs is well known but our field reporter, Paul Coogan has scooped the real story behind the straw, sticks, and brick of the famous curly-tailed brothers. Paul: Before we talk houses, why did you change your names? Horst: Thanks for interviewing us, Paul.
University of Austin Anti-Woke Class Schedule
Satire Dumb in, dumber out. Student preparing for exam. Photo by Kamaji Ogino from Pexels The proposal by right-wing and fringe academics to create a new university from scratch in opposition to the status quo is satire plum ripe for the picking. If you are looking for what is real, and who the players are, read my previous story. I found the University of Austin course catalog in a Trump U. tote bag left outside the J.J. Jake Pickle Federal Building in Austin Texas.
Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan’s Wife Hospitalized After Being Hit By Car
By CBSBoston.com StaffNovember 1, 2021 at 9:42 am FALL RIVER (CBS) – The wife of Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan is in the hospital after she was hit by a car while on a bike ride. Mayor Paul Coogan said his wife Judi was on a group ride in Mattapoisset when a car ran a stop sign, hitting her and two others. Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan and his wife, Judi. (Image Credit: Paul Coogan) Judi broke several ribs, her collarbone, and punctured both lungs.
Filmmaking Danger Beyond Guns
Behind the Scenes Gun safety is the tip of the iceberg Photo by Carol M Highsmith from the Library of Congress The recent and tragic events on the set of Rust leaving one person dead and another injured left me saddened but not surprised. Film production is dangerous even under the most minimal of circumstances and it’s not just guns but let’s start there. I will not speak to the risks and events of Rust as I was not there.
Kevin McCarthy is an Alien Clone
Politics & Science Fiction Invasion of the Body Snatchers tells the real story Detail of poster for the movie. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons I recently noticed that Kevin McCarthy was the lead in Invasion of the Body Snatchers. This struck me as quite strange since the congressman was born in 1965, full nine years after the release of the classic sci-fi horror movie.
In-N-Out On the Outs
Politics & Food California burger joint shows the flip side of public health Hamburgler wears a mask Paul Stein from New Jersey, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons For those that do not live in or frequently visit California, In-N-Out is the premiere burger chain much like White Castle is in the Mid-West. The menu is so basic you might think it was created by Mark Rothko of the minimalist school. While the design of the restaurant has a more Roy Lichtenstein meets the Beach Boys feel.
First LGBTQ Animation
Entertainment Snagglepuss was the original, a mascot even Image courtesy of Pixabay via Pexels It is suggested the first gay animations were performances by Bugs Bunny in the 1940s due to Bugs appearing in drag. Note however that as much as Bugs is comfortable donning a female persona it is not a campy drag queen persona but is simply a comedic device to undermine the machismo of enemies.
Going Viral is Annoying Me
Medium Stats Skewed stats are not worth a buck and a half Photo by Mikael Blomkvist from Pexels Wow, surprise. I went viral. This one article keeps going like the Energizer Bunny. Am I doing a victory lap here? Hardly, 96% of the views are external so no income is getting generated and, since these are not Medium subscribers, they are not becoming my regular readers (do I have any of those?).
Blankity-blank-tober
Seasons Welcome to overcommitment month Inktober 2017 “Dissapearing”. Artwork by the author. Here is it is, October. Some say there are no seasons on the West Coast but in California, October marks the end of wildfire season and the dread of using an air-conditioner to survive a day in your home office. This month brings new dread, not of things that go bump in the night, but of extra tasks on the immediate horizon.
Calling It a Brain Freeze Offends Penguins
Science & Culture Using the proper term can ease pain Photo by Pixabay from Pexels It was cooler this summer as compared to last year, confirmed by the electric bill for the room air conditioners that look like the little robots from Silent Running. In fact, the three little coolers are named Huey, Dewey, and Louie in their honor. Silent Running is the best SciFi to ever hit the silver screen showing how human greed destroys our planet while stirring in us empathy for waddling robots.
NFT Art is Money Laundering
Art & Money Hiding under the guise of art hurts us all Photo by Artem Podrez from Pexels NFT is a complete sham. The digital art is typically not held on the blockchain due to size limitations, instead, the URL pointing to the asset is stored with no guarantees of long-term or even short-term stability. Copyright Versus Ownership Since the copyright is not typically part of the ownership, the creator has an option to mint additional identical assets in the future without legal repercussions.
Introducing the Three Words Writing Challenge
Writing Prompts A new publication for sparking stories Image by author Most writing challenges pick a theme or a keyword for the writer to run with. This challenge supplies you with three nearly random words and a location on planet earth for inspiration. The process is easy peasy, lemon squeezy. No need for me to dole out words.
Medium Changes Under the Hood
Something’s fishy and the water is murky Photo by Samson Bush from Pexels We don’t get to look under the hood at how Medium works. How it decides what is chosen for further distribution, also known as curated is some combination of algorithm and hand picking I am led to believe. However, we can figure out part of it by looking by sniffing the stats we do have.
My Thought Process on Getting a Dog
Pets A comprehensive checklist to ward off misery Photo by Joey Marrone from Pexels I have been wanting to get a dog since the passing of Chandler the Corgi in 2009 but my current lifestyle has not permitted it. Even so, my neighbor is fostering a rust and white Husky that is just a doll. Olive’s current caretaker has another Husky and is one of the best trainers I have seen in action. She is not a professional dog trainer but follows strict protocols that make for well-behaved dogs.
The Book of Revelations as Political Crowbar
Religion and Politics Meet and Greet with the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva from Pexels What’s with that fourth horse? Death is just mopping up after the other three did all the hard work. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse from the Book of Revelations describes a set of horses and riders who are to mett out God’s fury and judgment at the end of the world. Some real old testament wrath tacked onto the new testaments like an angry letter to the ex.
“Dumpster Balloon”
CULTURE Analysis and Interview with Houston Artist Amber Erceg Street Photography as a genre usually focuses on the human subject in urban settings to create emotion and connection in the viewer. Unlike a typical snapshot, these images are unposed observations where the artist is asking us to think profoundly about meaning. Before we go further, it is important to take a moment and just take in the art. Allow yourself to process without thinking.
Texas Abortion Ban, Annotated
Women’s Rights How Texas SB8 really works by looking at the source Photo by Karolina Grabowska & Scott Webb from Pexels There has been a flurry of news and commentary about Texas SB8 — the Texas Heartbeat Act, possibly the most ironic name ever conceived for a heartless law. Texas has outsourced economic harassment of those coming in contact with a pregnant woman by setting up a bounty system that places all the burden on the accused.
Living Small
Lifestyle Our Space Can Define Us Photo by Tatiana Syrikova from Pexels Living in a small house — not a tiny house I live in a small house. It is not a tiny house. The tiny house is an extreme lifestyle just above #vanlife. The small house I am referring to stems from the frugality of the 1930s. These homes were built after the crash of ’29 to provide just enough floor space for simple living.
Medium’s Disappearing Stories
Medium My reading list has been edited and not by me! Photo courtesy of Pixabay via Pexels The Medium reading list feature has always been excellent because we are greedy. We will always bite off more than we can chew and our wish list for reading is no exception. We also want to horde our reading material and fill the shelves with advice and instructions that will be useful later. Thus I was shocked and felt robbed that 13 out of my 50 “Reading list” stories are missing (26%).
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