The best part, or perhaps the most *interesting* part of any political process, are the visitors that come to the meetings. They usually have zero political background; do it because they have nothing else going on; and like to hob-nob with the celebrities. Except that the Ramona Community Planning Group is far from being on the A-List when it comes to celebrities - unless you work at the County Planning offices. Down there, the Planning Group is VERY well known and referred to in VERY colorful terms.
From the motley cast of characters comes Charlene Ayers, publisher of the email newsletter called Ranters Roost. It goes out to disgruntled folks and members of County Staff, with a fairly small circulation. She writes about things that catch her interest, spewing out misinformation and innuendo like it's candy. Typically, she tries to get friendly with the Chair of Planning Groups, or at least someone in the know, and wheedle information out whenever possible. Members of the Planning Group don't have the kindest things to say about her, except when they are using her to send out their personal agenda. A growing concern among planning group members is the apparent *secret* friendship between acting chair Helene Radzik and Charlene Ayers, and the number of letters and memos sent to the Planning Group that make their way into the Ranters Roost, even before the Secretary gets a copy of them. Banned from working with anyone at the County except for one key person, she's desperate to get her info where she can get it - from the Planning Groups themselves. Charlene lives in Lakeside.
