Sarah Sends Her Thanks.
Old Northwood Neighborhood Association members (Jerry Shields, Matt Chambers and Louise Stoney) received information one of our police officers was in need of help and didn’t waste any time jumping into action and in a short amount of time organized a fund raiser for Officer Sarah Burgoon-Yoos, who is home from the hospital and recuperating. Two messages from Sarah can be read below.
I find her son, Cade’s medical condition heartbreaking.
Money was donated to purchase the appetizer’s, food, and drinks and Old Northwood residents prepared it all, with all proceeds going toward the Fund Raiser.
Residents busy with Christmas shopping took the time to drive to the Fund Raiser and drop off a check for the family.
From: Sarah Yoos <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 13, 2021 6:50 PM
To: Richard Morris <[email protected]>; Police Dept <[email protected]>; Police All Sworn <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Fund Raiser for Officer Yoos/ Sgt. Yoos and family.
“I would like to start by thanking everyone for all the calls, texts, and prayers we have received.
My son Cade is 16 and started to develop jaw pain a few months ago. After a visit to the dentist, it was believed the pain was from his wisdom teeth growing in and although he was uncomfortable it was a non-emergency. Just before Thanksgiving he had his pre-op appointment with his oral surgeon for the removal of his wisdom teeth. During this appointment a large mass was discovered in his jaw and cheek bone. The following day he was in CT scan and surgery to biopsy and relieve some of the pressure from the mass which at this point was causing him unbearable pain.
The week after Thanksgiving we received the results that the mass is a non-cancerous (thank God) yet very aggressive tumor called a Ameloblastoma. Due to the unfortunate misdiagnosis the tumor was left to destroy a large portion of his jaw and cheek bone.
We are in the beginning phase of his medical journey which seems to change daily. What we do know is he will have another surgery to remove the tumor and bone surrounding it, and a titanium plate inserted. Followed by bone grafts, the removal of teeth, and eventually plastic surgery to repair the facial distortion that will occur.
Thank you again for all the love and concern.”
Sarah Yoos
Text Thank you note read Saturday at fundraiser
“I am truly heartbroken I am unable to attend tonight, but so incredibly filled with love. I cannot begin to express how much this means to me and my family. To be supported by such an amazing community is an honor!!
My son is strong, he has a very long road ahead of him, but I know he is a fighter and will get through this.
To say I am blessed to have a community full of people I truly feel to be family is an amazing gift!!
So thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
You have to love it when a community comes together for one of their own. Thank you to all who assisted in making this event the success it was.
I saved the best for last! With very little time to organize the event, and get the word out, over $10,000.00 dollars was raised for the family. Good job WPB.
The end
PBC School Board Members Attempt to Quiet Parents/Residents
I attended the PBC School Board 12/15/2021 for one reason. The School Board is attempting to limit speaker’s voices. Many parents attend these meetings, and speak on issues that affect their children’s education, hoping for relief from School Board Members, that seldom come according to the parents, so they continue to appear and speak up over and over again and I listened to a child tell how he is bullied in school.
As I listened to parents many spoke with passion and a couple of people I could hear anger in their voices, and definitely related to them. I have appeared at every WPB City Commission meeting and have commented many times and when the people elected to make change look at you glassy eyed watching the clock to see your time run down. What to do? Repeat and do over.
What the board is attempting to do.
When many parents show up and each speak for 3 minutes that extends the meeting for hours and the board finds that unacceptable, so they want to limit public comment to one hour and each speaker is allowed 6 minutes, meaning 10 parents will be chosen to speak. Out of 10 speakers I can’t help but wonder how many of them will be “friends” of the board who speak their praises with pats on the back. Also, no speaker can mention a board member by name. Below is what I read at the board meeting.
“Full disclosure, I don’t have children or grandchildren in school. I don’t have children. I am concerned about the Palm Beach Co. School Board examining new rules for school board meetings.
I sent an email on 12/5/2021 @ 9:32 AM to all 7 School Board Members. It was a test.
“I wish to attend the school board meeting on 12/15/2021 and be allowed to make a public comment. Please confirm request received.”
School Board Member Alexandria Ayala responded to my email at 9:32AM. Don’t get any better than that. I want to feel free to make that comment and let her know I appreciated her quick response and allow those present to also appreciate her, while telling the other 6 board members I didn’t appreciate being ignored without actually mentioning it.
I also want to be able to say I am a strong believer in term limits and in my opinion, Ms. Robinson first elected in 2000 with 21 years on the board and up for re-election in 2022 has put her time in and should consider retirement.
I cancelled dinner with a friend to attend this meeting, drove to the meeting, and waited patiently to have my opinion heard and considered.
Please think where your decision will take us. If you successfully pass this other government officials will follow suit, and attempt to stifle residents. If you don’t agree with what I say, that is your right, and if I don’t agree with your decisions, that is my right also. It is also my right according to the First Amendment which allows me the freedom to speak my mind to elected officials.
Listening to these parents speak up I now fully understand the old saying “beware of coming between momma & pappa bear and their cubs.”
If they do pass these new rules, I am certain lawsuits will follow, and defending the lawsuit tax money will be used, taking even more dollars from schools already running on a shoestring.
I must end on this note. With the exception of 2 school board members, all removed their mask, and every word spoken could be heard and understood. My old ears appreciated the gesture. Thank you!
I’m looking at our future.
The end!
Her name is Sarah
Her name is Sarah Burgoon and she is married to Sgt. Yoos, who oversees the WPB K9 unit.
Sara and her husband are two cops we have watching over us, and now they need our help.
“An officer of our local police department, Sarah Burgoon, is currently home recovering from surgery and just learned that her child was diagnosed with serious and rare health issues which will require multiple surgeries. With these two unforeseen medical issues, the family is struggling financially. Many of you know Sarah. She has been deeply involved in crime prevention in the North End and was our local Community Response Officer for several years.
Old Northwood wants to step up and support Sarah by sponsoring a fundraiser. We are planning a cocktail party at the Clubhouse 3510 Spruce Street, Old Northwood, West Palm Beach on Saturday, December 18th from 5 PM to 8:30 PM. All proceeds will help this police officer pay medical and other related expenses.
We want to raise as much money as we can, so please consider making a donation – even if you can’t attend the party. So far we have raised a total of $2,500 from three anonymous donors. Let’s knock this out of the park and show our local police officers how much we value what they do!” Double click to enlarge picture.
Old Northwood Neighborhood Association is very much involved in the community and are in the process of purchasing toys for children to insure every child has a toy for Christmas.
If you are unable to attend please consider sending check to Gerald Shields, 423 26th Street, West Palm Beach, 33407. Checks should be made out to Old Northwood Neighborhood Association, and under memo please write Donation Sara Burgoon.
Donations are fully deductible. Old Northwood Neighborhood Association is a 501(c)3 and their Tax ID (EIN) 650343770.
Best,
Jerry Shields
Matt Chambers
Louise Stoney
The end.
Mayor Keith James Protects Wealthy Bristol Residents!
Dates are very important to the story
April 4, 2021 James is interviewed by 60 Minutes, and below are the hi-lights, and video can be seen below. Sound on Please.
60 Minutes reporter, Sharyn Alfonsi: “You were ready in West Palm Beach for the vaccine?”
Keith James: “Absolutely. And I even put my signature on the letter to let the governor and the county know that we were ready, willing and able.”
James told us after he and other mayors complained about the town of Palm Beach getting the 1,000 doses, the county’s health director took the blame, calling it a “miscommunication.”
Keith James: “Listen, the county health director has fallen on the sword on that and said it was her bad. Her organization’s bad. They made a mistake. But isn’t it funny that these mistakes only happen in communities that have that kind of wealth? They didn’t make a mistake and send a thousand doses to the poorest communities in our county?”
In West Palm Beach, Mayor James says he was still trying to secure vaccines for his town’s firefighters when he learned that at a nursing home in town, some board members and their wealthy pals got vaccinated. Even though those doses were only supposed to be given to elderly residents and staff.
Keith James: People were saying, “Listen, this is a resource and I know it’s out there and I’m gonna use whatever leverage I have to get that resource.” There were no rules.
Mayor James is among a number of community leaders who say the state’s vaccination rollout has favored the wealthy.”
See and hear the interview here, with just enough disgust and indignation in James voice and on his face. Sound on please.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzfSx8FYjAU
I watched 60 Minutes that Sunday night and was shocked to see James on the program being interviewed and recalled favoritism being shown to Andros Isle residents, where James calls home, and 36 days before 60 Minutes interview.
2/27/2021 Ms. Shalonda Warren managed to sponsor a Carona Virus testing sight in Andros Isle, which is located in District 4, and she was running for Commissioner in District 2. The message to residents read:
Sponsored by Shalonda Warren, a candidate for WPB City Commission.
Free testing for Andros Isle residents only. (proof of residency required)
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Appointment required. Read the WPB Watch story below.
https://wpbwatch.com/2021/04/60-minutes-vs-florida/
I received a phone call from a resident asking if I was aware of the City issuing the Covid-Vaccine to the residents of the Bristol Condominium and placed a PRR with the City Clerk for information. The Bristol sells apartments between $5.2 million, and one resident paid $42.6 million for an entire floor, combining two units at the top of the complex. Read what units are selling for below.
https://www.bexrealty.com/Florida/West-Palm-Beach/Downtown-West-Palm-Beach/The-Bristol/
11/23/2021 My PRR (Public Records Report) was sent to the City.
“On Jan. 20, 2021 WPB Fire Dept. issued the covid vaccine to residents of the Bristol Waterfront Condominium located at 1100 S. Flagler Drive.
I am requesting all records pertaining to the distribution of the vaccine such as:
The age of the recipients?
Official place of residency?
The name’s of the Fire Fighters who issued the vaccine to the residents?
Who directed the vaccine be issued?
How many doses were issued?
Thank you,
Sandy Matkivich”
I received a response from the City with an invoice for $59.82, and knew the tip was credible.
Dec 7, 2021 2 weeks later I received my PRR and missing were Who directed the vaccine be issued? How many doses were issued?
1/20/21 WPB Fire Dept. issued the covid vaccine to residents of the Bristol 74 days before the 60 Minutes interview.
I refuse to continue asking for the records the City wont release, and residents are aware the City is run by two people, Mayor Keith James, and City Administrator Faye Johnson, so we know “Who directed the vaccine be issued?
When you view the PRR below you will see many pages, most are useless. Here is what I am asking readers pay attention too.
First Page is the WPB Fire Dept. (ics Form 214 Version 2)
Three Fire Fighters/Paramedics were dispatched to the Bristol to administer the vaccine from 8:30AM – 12:30PM. I don’t know if other wealthy, or connected residents were invited to the Bristol, but 3 paramedics spent 4 hours issuing the vaccine. Honestly I don’t care if 10 or 1,000 doses were administered, James did exactly what he accused the State and County of doing “rollout has favored the wealthy”
The next 8 pages (actually 4 pages sent twice) and in no particular order I call your attention to page 3 where it states on 3 lines, vaccine dispensing–Bristol, can be found near the bottom of the page, left hand side.
5 pages “Paramedic Vaccination Agreement” City Forms (Blank)
2 pages “Covid-19 Vaccine Screening” City Forms (Blank)
I imagine the City wanted me to feel better about spending $59.82. I don’t, and the City legally robbed me, but it was worth it if it opens the eyes of voters when the time comes to elect a new mayor.
This may be my last story before Christmas, but you never know what I might be told to peak my interest, after all this story remained hidden for almost a year.
In closing a very Merry Christmas to WPB Watch readers, and all I want for Christmas is this story to end up in Governor DeSantis mailbox. HO HO HO.
The end
Mayor Has Resident Removed From City Hall.
I attended the City Commission Meeting on 11/29/2021 and Mayor James had me removed from City Hall by the police. My side of the story!
I addressed two issues on the Consent Calendar, and as always spoke my mind.
6.4. “Resolution No. 296-21 approving a Conditional Settlement Agreement
totaling $83,600 in the matter of Rosa Williams, Gary Frashaw, and
Thomas Hyland v. City of West Palm Beach.They contest the constitutional validity of portions of the City’s panhandling Ordinances.”
I witnessed that meeting when the Commissioners passed the Ordinances concerning Panhandling and the Homeless. Two Commissioners, Neering and Ryles opposed sections of the Ordinances, and the City removed sections of it. I mention Neering and Ryles for a reason which will become evident as you read the story.
6.9.” Resolution No. 316-21 amending the City’s Salary Plan for FY 2021-22 by creating the job classification of Internal Audit Manager; and Resolution No. 315-21(F) amending the FTE budget for the Internal Auditor’s Office.”
The IA (Internal Auditor) department has gone from 5-6 employees to 1 and the Chief Internal Auditors. Two people to audit the entire City.
Why I was removed!
At the start of the meeting I had a coughing fit due to my mouth being absolutely dry, and my bad smoking habit didn’t help. I knew I needed water, but hoped it would pass. It didn’t.
A police officer sent me a text at 5:18 with a message “Is it possible for you to come to the back a quick moment please?” My phone is always turned off at meetings, and I didn’t feel a vibration, didn’t read his message.
I walked out of chambers and headed for the water cooler, when the officer who sent me the text believed I was responding to it. He asked me to please put my mask on, and I told him I would as soon as the Mayor put his mask on. When walking back the officer was joined by a staff member who also requested I put my mask on. I repeated my previous message.
I returned to the chamber and at 46:57 James spoke and in part said “We have a clear and distinct mass mandate if your in chambers you are to be wearing a mask”
He then said he saw one person not wearing a mask, (me) He should have looked to his left and he would have seen his City Administrator, Faye Johnson was mask less until he gave this little speech, and her mask suddenly appeared, and asked his officers to remove me.
He said I could stay if I wore a mask. I stood and pulled my mask from my pocket and said I would put my mask on as soon as he put his on. James: “your out of order”, called for his officers and had me removed.
Full disclosure. While being removed I turned back and said ” James your a Son of a Bitch.” Am I sorry, absolutely not. James sits on the Dias and has never worn a mask. Good for the Goose -good for the Gander.
At 1:24:37 into the meeting James felt it necessary to make the following statement, which I never heard because I was gone, but question why he was compelled to explain himself.
”She was contacted privately several times and asked to put on the mask, and she absolutely refused to do so. I don’t want you to think that was a spontaneous eruption on my part. We tried to work with her but she blatantly refused to put on the mask and that is unacceptable”
Not true, I said I would put my mask on when he did.
City’s Civility and Decorum Statement reads in part:
“The City of West Palm Beach is committed to civility and decorum by its officials, employees and members of the public who attend this meeting.”
“Public comment shall be addressed to the City Commission as a whole and not to any individual on the dais or in the audience.”
Meaning you cannot mention a Commissioner by name, it could have you removed from the meeting. Here is what I witnessed.
A few years ago a resident walked to the podium and started addressing a Commissioner by name when she was interrupted by the former Mayor and was told she mentioned a Commissioner by name and a vote would be taken to have her removed.
Apparently a vote of at least 3 Commissioners are needed to remove a resident, and when the Mayor requested a vote, not one voted to remove, and the resident was allowed to finish her statement.
Mayor James did not call for a vote to have me removed.
WPB Watch has 5-7 attorneys who receive it and if anyone has a desire to sue the City they have me as a plaintiff, and if you win I don’t want a penny of the award, you win, you keep 100%. It’s not the money, it’s the principal.
Commissioners Corey Neering and Richard Ryles, 2 commissioner’s were up for re-election when they made the decision not to run again. Recently Commissioner Kelly Shoaf made the decision not to seek re-election.
What is going on when 3 Commissioners decide they’ve had enough under the rule of Mayor Keith James?
Final City Commission meeting held 11/29/2021 can be seen/heard below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezP5wXqYitY
The end