........hypocrites at work- RioLindaOnline

I have a question for you John Todd....in a moment.

Yesterday the local online "newspaper" must have had a bad hair day over there. It seems that John Todd was going around town taking pictures of stuff that he felt was a terrible presence for Rio Linda.

After posting this picture above with his smug caption.....his comment section lit up like the grand finale on an hot fourth of July night. These comments were going with the flow at first until some folks (including me) started to question Todd's actions for picking on a establishment. Read it below:

RioLindaOnline.com

Looks. Like. Crap. I hope that's a temporary sign, and I hope the permanent sign looks better than that.
This is what the Downtown Rio Linda SPA is meant to take care of. Making businesses conform to an appropriate, aesthetically appealing standard for appearance. This is just crap.
Sending this to our Supervisor's office right now.
http://tinyurl.com/orce3qw

What is wrong with this building? What is your ulterior motive for this story.............being asked by the majority of the comments on his site. Todd was claiming that he owned the site and can do whatever he pleases in terms of kicking folks out that disagreed with him. Dont bother reading the story now....Todd has edited the living hell out of it....including banning several commenting folks. He even took it off his main page as of late last night....but I found the post through the back-door on his site. Watch...it will magically reappear on the site's main page :-)


Here's my question to you John Todd:

How come you didn't bash this establishment that has a plastic banner out front? :-)  It's the brand new realty office right down the street from the smoke shop. Four blocks! It's looks swell..... as the one you have been bullying about. It is an identical situation. You cant spin this story ...no twisting the words around. This habitual bashing .......is it that you want attention? You feel like you are the Mayor. What?

Another line of of crap that you presented to the public.You need to stop degrading Rio Linda. Who is next John Todd? The old woman that had a stroke and let her yard go to hell? Maybe Granites hamburger stand because their picnic table needs to be replaced? Jeeze.....I bet next that you will be calling all the homeless women...... the lost Vets..... perhaps the mentally disturbed folks......."bums"?

So....are you "Sending this to our Supervisor's office right now" about this building? 

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Below is a partial of the comment section off of Todd"s website.....make sure to read the last comment. Remember....many comments were wiped away by editing.
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Mike Miller, Emily Randolph, Holly Griffin and 40 others like this.
    Shane Dakan Wow. Why would you even WANT to open your business that poorly represented. Pathetic and sad.
    20 hrs · 3
    Gus Gallegos Business to the right is not much better.
    20 hrs · 13
    April Donnel I hope it's not like mr. Nice guyz!
    20 hrs · 2
    Jules Nicole I had a cool spiderman sign when i had that spot....
    20 hrs · 1
    RioLindaOnline.com I don't think any dispensaries are allowed to open in Sacramento County any longer, April. This is the Nu-Way Market guys moving all the non-grocery items to a different storefront. I wonder, how many smoke shops does Rio Linda need?
    20 hrs · 9
    Ashley Quill Personal he makes alot of money. im sure he will make it look better I love his business and will continue to by from it
    20 hrs · 17
    Dolores Mendoza McDonald Well look how long it took that "Bullseye Plumbing" on Elkhorn to take down that "cheesy" looking sign... The one with the pigs in the front , between 6th St and Cherry lane.
    20 hrs
    Jeffrey Timmins Is it because it's a smoke shop? Sandy's sign looks just as bad.
    20 hrs · 21
    Butch Pfeiffer This picture makes it look like an old jail.
    20 hrs · 6
    Renee Elder I'm appalled at the rude comments by the representer of this this Facebook page. I was thinking this was a positive community outreach page for local information. Not a put my neighbor and local business down. I'm ashamed to live in Rio linda if this how we treat others in the community.
    20 hrs · 50
    Sasha King alot of businesses out here look just as bad .....bright side atleast he stayed in rio and opened ANOTHER business....jus saying
    19 hrs · 18
    Leilani Naylor All of the business in Rio Linda need a makeover, focus on the dilapidated Mar Val property for one.
    19 hrs · 10
    RioLindaOnline.com Yeah! Screw that Rio Linda Online guy! He's a jerk that makes fun of businesses that make our community look like crap!
    19 hrs · 9
    John Gomes At least this person has some ambition to try and start a business. Instead of complain about fences and signs..etc..etc. bravo to the small business, even if it helps people maintain a disgusting and cancerous habit. That's what people want. This post is out of line. Boo to you sir.
    19 hrs · 26
    Lori Fanning Agree. Thanks
    19 hrs · 3
    Mechelle Crites What if this could be a mural project? With a blank space above the door for businesses names? And for that matter there are lots of building around town that would be blank canvasses for muralists.
    I love the mural projects that I have seen going around. What if that could be a Rio Linda Thing? What other towns or cities have a virtual outdoor building gallery.
    19 hrs · 3
    Cody Riddle i would prefer a gym, or some type of work out place close to home.
    19 hrs · 4
    RioLindaOnline.com
    RioLindaOnline.com's photo.
    19 hrs · 6
    RioLindaOnline.com
    RioLindaOnline.com's photo.
    19 hrs · 5
    RioLindaOnline.com
    RioLindaOnline.com's photo.
    19 hrs · 5
    RioLindaOnline.com
    RioLindaOnline.com's photo.
    19 hrs · 5
    RioLindaOnline.com If he's making so much money, as Ashley noted, it should be well within his means to make an effort. The businesses above made an effort. They obviously care about their appearance. Why should one business be exempt from a standard of appearance?
    19 hrs · 4
    Jennefer E Mccormick-Hicks Its fuzzy what does the sign say
    19 hrs · 1
    Sasha King For every pic u post of a good looking business I can post 2 that look in need of a makeover ....all I'm saying is he's paying taxes to our community and that's better then the bums do.....and if you feel like reporting the horrible appearance please report mar vel...bowinkles.. The side of the 7\11 ...the business next to tummies(church of whatever) ....sandys... Oscars....and a whole bunch more....
    19 hrs · 13
    Shawna Ables The above mentioned businesses have been in business for a period of time and have had time to get their signage done. It all depends on who owns the building as to how long they have to get it done
    19 hrs · 2
    John Gomes I'd rather have the local cancer/drug utensil peddling businesses have small non descript, signage as not to appeal to youths. This sign does look temporary, and it does say grand opening on the place.
    19 hrs
    RioLindaOnline.com I don't disagree with you. We have a lot of needs. Obviously this person had a chance to do something appropriate, and he decided to do the cheapest thing possible. What does that say about their respect for the community? Aren't his customers members of the community? I don't expect much, but I expect more than that ^^^^.
    19 hrs · 6
    Shawna-Michelle Dellos Aren't these kind if pages supposed to support their community. Not put then down. Instead if posting something that says their fellow business owners looks bad why not post something that introduces the new business and encourage people to go check it out and support them to help get some new signs. This kind of negativity discourages people and hurts the businesses and community.
    19 hrs · 16
    Zella Jimenez He, s not worried about what it looks like, he just want to make money, right.
    19 hrs · 2
    Leilani Naylor That shopping center is new and developed by rich developers, is A1 storage down town? Does anyone still use that button place? Tummys could use a makeover, so could archway, Lews, etc.. I think any new business is good business bringing more revenue
    19 hrs · 3
    RioLindaOnline.com Shawna-Michelle... I'm not opposed to calling someone out when I feel it's warranted. Zella hit the nail on the head. Ultimately it's a smoke shop. They don't care about appearances. They're just in it for the money.
    19 hrs · 2
    Laura Longsdorf Askins I agree that the sign looks pretty tacky. Have you tried discussing it with the business owner or the owner of the building? I happen to know that the owners of the building take a lot of pride in the building and do their very best to keep the building in good repair. Perhaps before you start slamming something in public or reporting to the county, you should at least make an attempt to be a good neighbor. And I think our wonderful little community has some MUCH bigger problems than tacky business signs.
    19 hrs · 18
    Billy Warren it seems like everyone on here has an opinion why don't we organize roll up our sleeves and do something about it instead of armchair quarterbacking
    19 hrs · 6
    John Gomes What's the project billy?
    19 hrs
    Rye Ann I think you're reading into the sign a little too much. Things like selling items that are not even desired by the community, or having crappy customer service, are things that would categorize him as not having respect for the community. But this is just a sign. Maybe his priorities have led him to temporarily put his real sign on hold. Maybe a more positive and encouraging post, like "Grand Opening for the new shop. Looking forward to seeing the new sign come up.", giving him the benefit of the doubt. And if after so long, there is still no sign (that meets YOUR standards) then you could privately report it.
    19 hrs · 9
    RioLindaOnline.com Not MY standards... The Rio Linda Downtown SPA standards.
    19 hrs
    Billy Warren Laura Longsdorf Askins has a point try discussing it with the owners and the occupants of these businesses
    19 hrs · 3
    Billy Warren John Gomes the whole point of organizing is to discuss what kind of projects can be done to better the community
    19 hrs · 1
    Rye Ann You clearly stated your opinion, with a lot of 'I's, saying that it looks like crap. Which I think is uncalled for. Which apparently I'm not the only one. And this is just my opinion. But, according to your comments, I think you're coming down a little too hard on them because it is a smoke shop.
    19 hrs · 6
    April Donnel My opinion to everyone that doesn't like the riolindaonline Fb posts is welcome to remove themselves from the page and start their own. I get where everyone is coming from but seriously He did say I hope it's a temporary sign and I hope the permanent sign looks better than that. I didn't take it as knocking the business down and honesty I think the sign looks like crap myself. Just stated an opinion which everyone is entitled too.
    18 hrs · 3
    RioLindaOnline.com Because, clearly, the new business clearly saw the shabby sign next door and thought "I don't have to do better than that. I'll lowball it and put more money in my pocket." Clearly.
    18 hrs
    Rye Ann So April, clearly you agree with him. But, the majority of us do not. And as the head of this website, he should be taking on the responsibility of being more positive even when posting on a negative. This type of post should remain on his personal page. And yes, if posts such as this one continues, I will unfollow.
    18 hrs · 7
    Billy Warren let's all just agree it's better to have these buildings occupied rather than vacant we have enough of those around town
    18 hrs · 10
    Rye Ann CLEARLY that is your assumption. What you should be doing when running this page, is sticking to facts! You have absolutely no idea if this is their permanent sign or not!
    18 hrs · Edited · 4
    RioLindaOnline.com And I stated that in the post. Did you read the part that said " I hope that's a temporary sign, and I hope the permanent sign looks better than that."?
    18 hrs · 1
    Rye Ann Yes. And that's what I pointed out in one of my previous comments regarding that it was not to your standards. That there's a lot of 'I's in there. You are bashing this business online. You are not privately taking the correct steps in fixing it. Which step number one would have been to ASK the owners about the sign. And based on the facts that you would have gathered, you then could have privately put in a report to the SPA. "Reporting" them to all of your followers, right off the bat was unnecessary.
    18 hrs · 2
    RioLindaOnline.com Hoping doesn't always make it so. Should I sit on it for two weeks, hoping that it starts to look better? Should I wait and see if it remains after the next windstorm? Are you going to come do a mea culpa if it's still there in two weeks?
    18 hrs · 1
    Holly Griffin I like Mechelle Crites' idea of murals, they could be tastefully done & not look like a jail. Could either let some local artists volunteer their talent, have some fun, and get their names on something. The owner just supplies the paint, some lunch & drinks, they get custom work done & the community looks better.
    18 hrs · 4
    Rye Ann Are you not reading my comments in entirety? You should have asked. If you're presenting yourself to be a form of a leader, or to represent this community, then please do it right. Instead of bashing and gossiping. The hope was yours. And why is that? Because you did not bother to find out their plans for their sign! I already listed the proper steps to take. Find out facts. Then, if need be, due to them refusing to put up a sign, privately report them. Then yes, give it some time. If nothing, go ahead and turn to social media. But still, even then, there will be no reason to be ugly and negative. Simply state facts. Leave the opinions to your followers.
    18 hrs · Edited · 5
    Erika Mabrey Just my two cents: signs are not as cheap as most would think as well as the property owner may not have approved a permanent sign yet. There all lots of "little things" that have to be done. Maybe they are waiting on lighting or painting... Lots of what ifs. Maybe if you just ask???? Aren't there more important things to worry about in Rio Linda??? Than a sign? It's not a shack built next to mansions. Maybe check to see if there are rules about business signs. If not, start a campaign to make one. Something better than going behind a community merchants back with a less than positive Facebook post. Make a positive change.
    18 hrs · 7
    RioLindaOnline.com Lisa doesn't live in our community, yet she likes to argue about our communities' issues. I have a rule about that.
    18 hrs · 2
    RioLindaOnline.com But wait! She works here. You may proceed.
    18 hrs · 1
    Jeanette Ron Roberts Why does Rio Linda, need a smoke shop anyway?... Just my thought...J
    18 hrs · 2
    Samuel A. Graham Jr. Rio Linda needed another smoke shop like it needs more meth labs. This business is located at the eye-catching archway. As junky as that area looks with the fence around the newly muralled Old Archway Hardware store and closed and vacant buildings... the owner could have done better for appearance sake. I'm just glad we have a community voice like this Facebook group.
    18 hrs · Edited · 1
    Trina L. Drotar I'm seeing more and more of this type of signage when I travel throughout the greater Sacramento region and beyond. And there's been a surge in the use of banners that wave in the wind. It's really becoming too much. I understand that signs aren't cheap, but signage says a lot about the business, those running the business, its standards and practices and what the business thinks about the community it chooses to do business in. It is part of the overall cost of doing business.
    18 hrs · 2
    RioLindaOnline.com Lisa, I state my opinion, as you have and as I have allowed you to on my page. That's all. Some agree, some don't.
    18 hrs · 3
    RioLindaOnline.com Allowing you isn't needed? Wow... watch this. -POOF- you're no longer allowed.
    17 hrs · 1
    Rye Ann It's funny that you call it your page. Yes, you run it. you have the password. and you get to do the actual posting. But really, isn't it the communities page?
    17 hrs · 9
    RioLindaOnline.com (What Lisa doesn't know is that now she can see her comment, but nobody else on this page can.)
    17 hrs · 1
    RioLindaOnline.com Rye Ann, No. This is MY page. I've made that very clear in the past. I am the sole editor and content manager. These are MY opinions.
    17 hrs · 1
    Ashley Quill Well they just opened give them sometime to see what he does. Whats the difference if its a smoke shop or any other store there are bringing business to rio landa and tax money. So I dont see the problem.... if u have a problem with what it looks like go in and talk to the owner let him know hes a nice guy..im sure he has something planned.
    17 hrs · 9
    RioLindaOnline.com Ashley, he's absolutely a nice guy. Way back when I was a smoker, I used to buy my cigars from Nu-Way. A lot of my concern comes from the way that Nu-Way Market looks now. They've had that store for years, and it's really... not looking good.
    17 hrs · 3
    Rye Ann Yes, the editor and comment manager. That's it! But your page is NOTHING without followers. Followers that are the RL community. Therefor, this is the communities page. You should keep opinions to your own private personal page, and still to facts for this one.
    17 hrs · 6
    Mike McKone Looks like a thinly disguised Pot Paraphernalia Shop. Bet they have "Spice" or similar crap on the shelves. Just the kind of crap RL needs less of.
    17 hrs · 4
    RioLindaOnline.com Rye Ann... you're still here... following.
    17 hrs
    RioLindaOnline.com And thank you for your advice.
    17 hrs
    Howard Smith Hate to read about how bad Rio Linda looks growing up on U st. In the sixty's i remember town being your typical small town clean. landscape d .Archway Market , New Way, McMullen Hardware ,Dairy dream. Going down to Rio Linda creek crowdad fishing sneaking cherries out of Mr. Millers trees and being chased out by he's sheep hearder Ramone. Most people living there were from Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, Missouri. Most awsome childhood growing up in Rio Linda. Pick one day a month and clean up your town.
    17 hrs · 11
    Jules Nicole Theres an electric sign there..i know i rented the spot for three yrs...The masons had no respect for my store and parked in front of it during my business hours.
    17 hrs · 3
    Rye Ann You're right! And that's because I AM a part of this community. I live here and work here. CLEARLY you are not FOR the community, therefor, I've had enough! Buh-bye!
    17 hrs · Edited · 9
    Craig Lind How much of a hypocrite can you be, mr. RioLindaOnline.com? I literally just read a article that you wrote about bringing new businesses to rio linda. Then you turn right around and complain about the first new business that has opened in rio linda in a while. Why? Because of a sign? It just opened, did you ever think to find out why he chose that type of sign? Maybe he needs permits, maybe he is waiting on a company to make him one. Things don't just happen overnight, it takes time to get anything done theses days. If it is such a big deal, maybe start a donation fund to get a better sign, or make a nicer one yourself, I'm sure Abdul would appreciate that. I would be willing to bet if this were any other business besides a smoke shop, this conversation would never exist in the first place. Besides all of that, I can think of a million other things that look much worse in rio linda then a sign. Why not complain about how horrible the chain link fence looks around the old hardware store, or how old and beat up the old rio java building is...just to name a few things.
    17 hrs · 16
    Cody Riddle @jules Nicole what business was that?
    16 hrs
    Cody Riddle the thing is why do we need another business like that "smoke accessories?" basically its a liquor store with out the liquor, the rio linda liqour, oscars and the cig place next to food source sell smokes and accessories like we need another one. if u ask me, what the guy is doing is eh,
    16 hrs · Edited · 1
    Marie Gomes It's a discussing smoke shop, really!!! Like RL needs another smoke shop.. Why not a Papa Murphy's, Art shop with accessories or Jamba Juice
    16 hrs
    Mike Cottrell Quit trying to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear! This is Rio Linda! We have lots of beauty and diversification. We have great parks and parades. We ain't fancy just country. Get your biscuits and gravy on. This ain't an eggs Benedict kind of town folks! And I like it that way! People make the community and there is a bunch of good ones out here!
    16 hrs · 7
    Misha Zamarripa At least he is putting money into this town. How can you put a new business down?! Support our community. Even if it is a 'smoke shop', give him a chance. If its the owners of Nu-way, I bet its not all 'smoking' related. He had clothing, jewelry, hats, gifts, etc. I'll support them! This is our town, let's bring them up instead of putting them down.
    15 hrs · 9
    JonJulienne Peters From what I have read on this page, this is not the first time things have been posted without getting "all of the facts first". Clearly this site is not, just about this community or great leadership, but about someone's opinion and rallying others to jump on board, which the moderator is completely entitled to do.
    Building community and great leadership brings people together for the purpose of building up, not tearing down. Check out the Rio Linda Park & Rec page, it really is about building community and great leadership.
    15 hrs · 8
    Jeremy Trimble If there's a new business in Rio Linda, I call that good news. I can't recall having ever been upset at signage. I'm more interested in whether or not the business in question will hire locals and how it will contribute to the community. Better signs are obviously better, but as a local, I have to respond mostly with, "Eh."
    15 hrs · 5
    Rio Linda CB Radioman It's good seeing new business. so let's hope this places does well and can improve it's signage
    13 hrs · 4
    Rio Linda CB Radioman The second had store next door to RCI Plumbing is the one that needs some help
    13 hrs · 2
    Randee Brown Rio linda online is a joke in my opinion .Good bye
    12 hrs · 2
    Angie Ghiselli-Gaytan Where did rio linda news office go?
    11 hrs
    Amy Standridge Conner If everyone wants to complain about signs then why isn't anyone saying anything about that shop in between RCI plumbing & Vanessa's Hair shop. There name is Spray painted on the front of the store !!! At least these people have a proper sign. It may not be neon but it's better then Spray Paint ! Ps ~ everyone be nice..
    11 hrs · 3
    Joe Adams Its a smoke shop, who cares what the sign looks like! Its there business not yours
    10 hrs · 2
    Paul Lindsay What else would a business be in business for besides money? Dumbest thing I've ever heard.
    10 hrs · 2
    Rick Morgan Looks so appealing and modern though. Lol
    2 hrs
    Rick Morgan Good old Rio Linda. Surprised it not a check cashing outfit.
    2 hrs
    Rick Morgan Very attractive
    2 hrs
    David Long I think this used to be a vets office where I got my first job in 1966 vaccinating turkeys. Next to Nuway market?
    2 hrs
    Matthew Remkiewicz "Rye Ann, No. This is MY page. I've made that very clear in the past. I am the sole editor and content manager. These are MY opinions." Then it should have YOUR name, not the town's name. When you post as "RioLindaOnline.com" then you are speaking on behalf of that organization. And if that "organization" is just one person, then it's not really an organization. Any way you slice it, you are COMPLETELY out of place for making most all of your comments throughout this thread.
    52 mins · 1