Observer Discovers New Tool. Batteries Not Included

The Observer’s new action figure’s name is Steven Sherry who is on the Fullerton Transportation Commission and is also a Democrat political consultant of some sort; meaning he is on some politician’s payroll, or desperately want to be. He doesn’t seem to have ever held a job outside of political wheedling and and political campaign hackery.
Gee, I wonder who put this person on a city commission. Any guesses?

He is the author of a recent post in the Fullerton Observer attacking the proposed lease amendment at the City-owned Santa Fe Depot with Bushala Brothers, Inc. The lease would activate the long dormant east end of the loading dock and would get rent for a derelict structure that would be adaptively reused.

Steven Sherry is not happy about it. And spells out numerous reasons why. They are nothing but unfounded opinions, typical Observer innuendo, and of course, outright falsehoods. The title of his screed is “Opinion: Fullerton’s Train Station Could Be a Jewel—If We Stop Settling.” Settling. That’s funny, Steve.
Let’s review Steve’s complaints one by one.
WASTED POTENTIAL. Steve claims Tony Bushala has reneged on all sorts of (undocumented) promises from 1989 (3 years before the lease started) and comically lists things that aren’t and never were in the Bushala leasehold. He cites no sources for verification for his allegations, as usual. We do learn of a place called “Trevors” is in the SJC depot. Hooray.
AN UNNECESSARY MIDDLEMAN. Steve asserts that the City should build out the loading dock and rent it out itself, eliminating a “middleman.” But poor dumb Steve seems to be unaware that the City controlled portion of the dock is the eastern, skinny butt-end – a mere 1000 square feet. Without the Bushala leasehold portion that far end of the loading dock is completely useless. Plus, the City doesn’t have the money to build a birdhouse and has no facility for property management; but let’s not let facts get in the way of a political essay.
LEGAL JEOPARDY. A recurring Observer theme. Because Albert Bushala is suing the rest of the Bushala family the City could end up in…LEGAL JEOPARDY. Forget for a moment that the City is ALWAYS embroiled in legal jeopardy because of its own actions with no complaint from the Fullerton Observer, the issue is irrelevant. What is relevant is that the rent is paid on time. If it isn’t, the tenant gets evicted. Pretty simple unless you don’t know what you’re talking about.
DOUBLE DIPPING. Bushala Brothers were recently paid by the City for exterior plaster and interior renovation. Over $100,000 for what should be obligated maintenance under the lease! What Steve doesn’t share with his readers is that The Bushalas responded to a solicitation by the City itself to do this work, work the City obviously considered outside the scope of routine maintenance in the existing lease. Another contractor bid significantly higher to do this work. Gee, Steve wants an audit!
LACK OF REVENUE. Steve complains about the current low-rent. What Steve doesn’t know, maybe because it happened before he was born, the Bushalas put in hundreds of thousands of dollars into the initial historic preservation and rehabilitation – money the City didn’t have to fork over at all. Over the past 30 years this investment is worth many times more.
Steve wants the tenants to share the wealth! Kick back a percentage of revenue says Steve. But Steve doesn’t seem to grasp that the loading dock has produced $0 revenue for the City over the past 35 years and without this deal, never will; but with renovation that loading dock would generate sales and possessory interest tax revenue to the City and County of Orange. Steve cites the Summit House restaurant – a completely different type of agreement.
QUESTIONABLE TERMS. All terms are questionable once they’ve been questioned. And Steve is trying, gosh darn it. Then he steps on his own weenie by citing rising land values thanks to “The Tracks at Fullerton” a project that really is mired in the inability of its conmen Johnny Lu and Larry Liu to perform to the agreement, two grifters who were never “audited” by anybody in City Hall and whose multiple frauds, crimes and, massive loan defaults have never been mentioned once in the Fullerton Observer. Fortunately the odds of this monstrosity ever getting built are very long.
Poor Steven never bothers to explain what elements of his essay would make the Santa Fe Depot a “jewel” if it isn’t one already. He says the cafe is “downtrodden,” whatever that means to him. It might be news to the proprietor of the establishment.
And so Steve Sherry pops up to join the tender young sprout Elijah Manassero, in a desperate attempt to twist language and logic in an effort to defame the Bushalas, and doing it at the behest of somebody else.
Bushala’s promises are documented from 1989 lol
Really? Where?
Yeah I’d like to know whose butt Stevie crawled up to come up with that. A statue? The only lobby to expand is the Amtrak leasehold. That’s not part of the Bushala lease.
I just googled right now “Bushala 1989 George h Fullerton” and it’s the top result: https://fullertonhistory.com/2024/07/15/headlines-1989/
Do you guys learn the facts before making arguments? This was a simple Google search.
I can predict the response now: “wahhh Fullerton observer wahhh” but you clearly didn’t know this existed or you would’ve mentioned it. Post-hoc rationalizing a poor argument
1989? How about 1889? What’s in the lease ya fucking idiot?
The original claim was 1989??? Are you dumb, or just insecure about the fact you didn’t do your research before doing your Bushala-simping blog pos
And the contract was signed in the 1990s. Are you that stupid?
So he didn’t fulfill the promises he spoke into existence (with no invitation)?
I asked some simple questions on AI and look what it came up with:
Stephen Sherry claims that Tony Bushala failed to deliver on his 1989 promises, including an outdoor arcade, an expanded indoor lobby, and a statue of George H. Fullerton in a fountain. However, a closer look at the developments reveals a different story.
Firstly, it’s important to note that 1989 was three years before the lease was signed, so these were visionary ideas, not contractual obligations. Bushala’s approach to urban planning and development was forward-thinking and focused on maximizing space and creating multifunctional areas.
Let’s break down the changes that Sherry mentioned:
Outdoor Arcade Expansion:
Bushala successfully expanded the outdoor arcade at the west end of the station, transforming it back into a waiting area. This involved demolishing walls that were added in the early 1960s by the Santa Fe Railway Co. These walls had enclosed what was once a jail, and Bushala’s renovation restored it to its original purpose as outdoor seating. This change significantly enhanced the station’s usability and aesthetic appeal.
Indoor Lobby Expansion:
The Amtrak counter was relocated 10 feet, and the vacant space behind it was converted into a cafe and retail area. This ingenious move allowed passengers to shop or dine while waiting for their trains, adding a new dimension of convenience and comfort to the station.
Elevated Bridge:
Bushala’s vision for an elevated bridge over the train tracks was realized in 1997, long before anyone else considered such a structure. People initially dismissed him as “nuts” for proposing a bridge before Metrolink even existed. This forward-thinking infrastructure project showcased Bushala’s ability to anticipate future needs and adapt to changing transportation dynamics.
Current Plans for the Loading Dock:
The ongoing plans for the loading dock will further enhance the area with new amenities, ensuring that the station remains a vibrant and functional space.
Artistic Tribute:
Bushala intends to create an art piece using an existing large electrical box outside the loading dock. A local artist will design a piece dedicated to George H. Fullerton, integrating local art into the station’s landscape.
These initiatives demonstrate Bushala’s commitment to repurposing spaces, enhancing user experience, and incorporating local art, all while maximizing the utility of the station’s available areas. Sherry’s criticism overlooks the substantial improvements and visionary planning that have been successfully implemented, proving that Bushala’s contributions have been both significant and beneficial to the community.
Did you ask the AI to be Bushala’s gimp or something? Why don’t you make the argument yourself? Facepalms all around
So according to this, the City contracted Bushala to perform maintenance that he should have been performing himself by the lease terms… so dumb
Also, both of the contracts state that Bushala proposed the contract. The author is just spreading blatant lies
The City wanted to spend the grant money. The Bushalas did the work and got paid. Case close. But thanks for reading our blog.
Oh ok. So your original claim was a lie.
Bushala contacted the City. Cased closed. Dum-dum
Irrelevant. The City put out restoration work and got a bid from somebody. Bushala found out and gave a much lower pirce.
Irrelevant that your original claim was a lie? Hahaha
The original claim was that the Bushala’s responded to a City solicitation. Which is true. Hahaha.
It is not true. The agreement states explicitly that Bushala initiated the negotiations. Do you have evidence to the contrary, or just blowing smoke for your daddy ?
Reading comprehension issues? Historic restoration is not “maintenance.”
Since when is ADA compliance called historic restoration?
I’m cracking up right now. Who are you guys and where do you get these arguments? They’re so bad
Ask the City. The Bushala’s weren’t on the hook for that, apparently, since the City paid for it.
Google circular reasoning dum-dum.
Using the outcome to justify the actions? that’s silly little buddy lol
Anything you say, Steve. Except that the fact that the City considered it outside the lease is proven by their bid solicitation. Sorry. You lose.
Circular reasoning again! Congrats, you have won most dumb person award! Please collect your reward at 136 E Santa Fe Ave, right below the $500 vending machine!
This blog post:
1. Ignores the terms of the agreement and the fact they were changed during the postponement period (when was the closed session negotiations on that?)
2. Deflects on legal exposure, doing a poor-man’s whataboutism in a shocking display of ineptitude
3. States Bushala is a necessary middleman because the City doesn’t have a property management department haha. This one is so stupid. If the tenant needs maintenance, they can deal with the City directly. What purpose does Bushala serve as a property manager? Collecting rent? haha
4. No revenue sharing because the empty loading dock isn’t generating revenue? What about the Cafe? His argument is that another tenant would follow through on promises of development, and actually have those development plans attached to the lease agreement. Did Bushala forget to attach that two meetings in a row?
This is just pathetic. This is either a sad man prostrating himself to a cheapskate millionaire, or Bushala himself defending his anti free-market cronyism that he’s benefited off of for decades.
Lame!
Thanks Elijah Manassero for reading the blog. Shouldn’t you spend your time finding a J-O-B?
I thought he worked for Connor Traut. Which is it?
You can’t consider working for Conner Trout a job. That’s serfdom.
Ooo haha. Sounds like you guys just make up bs that serves your daddy Tony
Oh, Stevie. So innocent.
1. That’s your claim.
2. There is no legal exposure, unless your lawyer is Sharon Kennedy who didn’t make it out of Fullerton College.
3. The City has no money to build anything. Bushalas are fronting the money for the improvements. Goddamn you’re ignorant. City maintenance is a joke – look at your Poison Park and the Stairs to Nowhere.
4. What promises are you talking about? Surely you can cite a reference for your claim. The development of the loading dock IS part of new lease.
Speaking of prostration, whose prostate are you massaging?
I’d like to apologize for my son Elijah’s stupid replies to this post.
Apology accepted Daddy Billy!
This post is such cope. Embarrassing
What is cope?
It makes me sad that my children manipulated me for my money
‘Stevie’ gets one thing right, the Sante Fe Cafe is a shithole
It looks like a shitty liquor store. The man has millions of dollars but can’t spend a few grand to fix the place up
Then don’t go there. Problem solved.
Thanks but I’ll make my own decisions.
I’d prefer if my City spend its money on business ventures that are ambitious, not lazy slobs that backpack off their father’s success.
Lets make Fullerton better and not just be a b**** for people who couldn’t care less about you
“I’d prefer if my City spend its money on business ventures that are ambitious”
Like the Trail to Nowhere and the Boutique Hotel to Hell. You go girl!
Bushala has had the train station for 30 years and has done what exactly? Expanded the Amtrak office a little bit?
How pathetic. Let’s give it to someone who actually wants to improve the property, and the City as a whole. People who just hoard and do nothing with their property are a blight on our city
You stupid idiot. Amtrak does not lease from the Bushalas.
Who said they do?
Or the wank on Wilshire!
1. That is my claim, do you understand what an argument is?
2. There is potential legal exposure, if the allegations against the proposed tenants are true. What horrible ethics and regard for the rule of law if these accusations are true, will definitely expose the City legally for no reason other than greedy hubris
3. The Bushala’s are fronting… $22k a year for 6k square feet. Wow, how generous LOL. Maybe we should let the free market decide, instead of City Council’s favorite campaign contributor
4. I believe someone linked you the promises Bushala made about the renovations in the past. Has this man developed anything? Couldn’t even put together a plan to attach to the proposal? That’s hilarious
I understand that argument isn’t based on irrelevant information, opinion, and the usual Sharon Kennedy innuendo.
Any future plan will have to be approved by the City. Why would the Bushalas make a plan without a specific tenant. Have you ever even rented a birdbath?
Why would the Bushalas make a plan without a specific tenant in mind? Have you ever seen a lease with the City before? Hahaha you are so bad-faith.
Are you being serious right now or purposefully dumb? This is ridiculous. Every City lease has a plan in mind, with or without a tenant. Is Tony just used to special treatment?
This blog has become really pitiful. I didn’t realize this was just Bushala’s mouthpiece.
What happened to reason? No logic? Just defending Bushala?
I can’t do this anymore
“I can’t do this anymore”
Yes you can! Try harder.
No I’m over it. This has crossed the line.
I’m over this petty bullshit
Stevie, Elijah, et al…
Sue if you feel that the Bushalas are not meeting the terms of the lease.
Since you are cowards, all you can do is complain in social media.
Keep up the good work in solving Fullerton’s problems!
If Bushala’s not a coward, he should let this property go to an open bid and let the free market decide
He’s got two ten year extensions and no one in their right mind would pay a plug nickel for that rump end of the loading dock!
Why don’t we find out? What are you so afraid of to let it go to an open bid?
You guys talk a lot of sh** but don’t back it up. If you truly believe this is a good deal, let it go to an open bid. It’s that simple.
If you deny that, you’re lying about your intentions
Wah Wah. Fullerton Boohoo hard at work. Let’s face it, your Wank on Wilshire was your high water mark.
Their high water mark Walk on Wilshire was crushed by Jung and Valencia. Credit goes where credit’s due.
Elijah, did you even glance at Section 2.2 of the Bushala/City lease? You conveniently posted it in the Observer. There are two ten-year options to extend the existing lease with the same terms. I actually read it, and guess what? It’s right there in black and white. I suppose the reason for such a long lease is that Bushala probably footed the bill for renovating the building out of their own pocket. But hey, who needs facts when you can spin a good story, right?
I think Bushala took over $100k from the City to do ADA compliance repairs and plaster maintenance. LOL. Why didn’t he pay it out of his own pocket?
He is a cheapskate who has not improved the property in the 30 years since being there. It’s time for a new tenant, a tenant that actually cares about doing business honestly. Not just lining the pockets of his favorite public officials for unfair deals. What a loser.
File a public records request with the city to obtain the proposals from other contractors who bid on the recent upgrades funded by Cal Trans. Once you have the bidding amounts from the other contractors, you can remove pleasantly your hand and arm from your anus and make an informed comment.
Why don’t the Bushalas just let this contact go out into open bid? If it’s such a great deal, let’s see what other people have to offer? What are you so afraid of?
I used to admire this blog for asking uncomfortable questions and exposing hypocrisy no one else would touch. Now it just feels like a PR outlet for one guy’s real estate deals. If the roles were reversed, and some other donor were getting a lease like this, this place would be tearing it apart. That’s what hurts the most, not that you’ve changed your tone, but that you’ve changed your standards. I think a lot of us noticed. We just didn’t say it out loud.
Oh, sweet young thing, you’ve never admired a damn thing except your own umbilicus.
Then don’t go there. Problem solved.
David Zenger is being questioned by the FBI in their investigation on Tony – I have seen him meeting with an agent at the Starbucks on Harbor. It’s collapsing around you Tony and it can’t come soon enough.
I heard the same. FBI has been poking around a lot lately and haven’t been subtle about it.
What goes around comes around and I’m at peace with it
Those weren’t FBI idiot. They were KGB. Thick accents and furry hats in the summer. Dead giveaway. Duh. Pay better attention moron.
I don’t know, something about this big FBI badges made me think they were with the FBI!?
I’m over all this bullshit. I got into this to cut spending and lower the City’s tax burden. Now this site is just petty arguments. I’m
over it
I’m over this. Always some stupid bullshit with you guys. Count me out
What has happened to this blog?
I can’t be associated with this any longer