Update for readers in San Fernando Valley: I just walked to end of block to see where things stand. The fire appears to have crested ridge near Braemar Country Club straight up Reseda Blvd at dirt Mulholland. Appears to backing down hill to north into the San Fernando Valley. Not by much but still worrisome. We need to make it to daybreak for big aircraft to hit fire. Helicopters are barely keeping up.
On Inauguration Day I will be attending a day of service held by a local organization. I will not watch the coverage. Seeing Trump’s scowling orange face at the funeral and being reminded of his lack of grace, dignity, and empathy is all I intend to see of him this year.
Thank you, Robert. The transcript was enlightening, and I appreciate your having made it the main body of today's newsletter. Thank you also for updating us on the terrifying proximity of the fire. Our hearts are with you, and all your neighbors far and wide.
Robert, You performed a great service by publishing Judge Merchan’s entire, impressive, wise sentencing remarks. Thank you
v-e-r-y much.
And that, while watching and reporting on the conflagration! I join so many others in hoping that your home will be spared and that you and Jill will be able to resume worry-free lives.
You continue to amaze me—writing and giving us hope while surrounded by negative forces both physically with the fires and emotionally in the Trump ordeal(s)! Thank you! Stay safe/stay well!
Thanks for not including the vile lies that made up trump's portion today -- and for all you're doing to continue your newsletter while dealing with an unimaginable situation. All the best from the other side of the country. We're pulling for all of you!
Sending all good wishes for your continued safety, and hoping the fires do NOT reach your neighborhood, God willing. It was good to read the transcript from the sentencing today, and although it is heartbreaking and enraging that Trump will suffer no real consequences for ANY of his many, many crimes, it is a small comfort to know that he is, at long last, truly a convicted felon. What an irony that he will be inaugurated as president in 10 days. Beyond bizarre.
Thank you for everything you are doing, both in your reporting at the national level and your local level. Your courage, fortitude and ongoing decency are an inspiration. And I always appreciate the (!) after "talk to you tomorrow," as it whispers of hope.
Praying for you, Robert and Jill. And the San Fernando Valley. Praying for the City of Angels.
And Thanking you for the unbelievable commitment under unbelievable duress that resulted in your sharing the court proceedings resulting in the final felony substantiation. Our soon to be President is a convicted felon. Stop. Breathe.
And so......
We will do what we can and Will do to assist in the Turning of the Tide.
We, who are with you, All the Way, Dear Robert......
TC has been updating us regarding and has included info about your position, also. All I can say is prayers are being sent. I can’t believe you were able to send this transcript at this time. Thank you for that. It seems that everything that was said by the DA and the judge was in anticipation of this going to the, as TC says, Unsupreme Court.
Tom very kindly called to check on me and my family. We live several miles apart, and he has been a guest in my home on several occasions. So, he knows how close I am to the evacuation zone. I really appreciate his kindness and concern.
MAGA is complaining that Judge Marchan held the sentencing hearing too close to Trump's inauguration. If my memory serves me right, it was originally scheduled for July, but the Judge postponed it until after the election so as not to influence voters.
MAGA is lucky that that goddam SCOTUS is on their side, thanks to the Trump picks and Bush picks. Trump belongs in prison, and we deserved to have Kamala Harris in the White House.
And IMO the sentencing should have been timed to influence voters. We should not be inaugurating a felon.
I still think Merchan should have issued the sentence in July regardless of any influence it may have had on voters (my guess is none). Continued deference to this convict does damage to our justice system and the rule of law. I do appreciate the transcript, Robert, and the omission of the defendant's vile remarks, but I object to the judge's decision to forego any consequences. I think a really hefty financial penalty was definitely called for and even probation so that, after his term of office is over, he could have genuinely been held accountable. I am deeply disappointed. The convicted felon will spin this "sentence" as total exoneration and sadly millions of Americans will see it as that.
I have read Jane Gutsell’s comment over and over; I share her deep disappointment.
Trump’s non-sentence reminds me, uncomfortably, of Richard Nixon’s pardon. Both have been done ostensibly to “spare” Americans further heated controversy. But Trump’s non-sentence has done violence to the concept that “Justice is Blind” and the concept of “Equal Justice Under Law”. Once again, Donald Trump received special treatment – this time, as with the Nixon Pardon, under the guise of “statesmanship”.
Could Trump at least have been assessed a substantial monetary penalty? That would have gotten his attention without getting into incarceration.
Thank you, Michael. I very much appreciate your sharing my disappointment. Between Merrick Garland's inexcusable delays after January 6, the collapse of the Georgia case, Cannon's dismissal of the documents case, Jack Smith's withdrawal, and now this nothing at all of a sentence, I think we can all say with complete confidence that Justice has NOT been served.
Thank you for the transcripts, Robert. Very helpful; the dignity and honor of the court and the proceedings are truly evident in these carefully crafted words.
I'm glad to hear that you and Jill are safe. May it stay that way.
It is ironic and interesting to note that as was watching the news (non-stop because I live in the flatland of the San Gabriel Valley and can see the Altadena/Eaton Canyon foothills above encompassed in red flames from my street) Los Angeles administrators held a news conference up date in which law enforcement spokesperson forcefully stated in loud voices and amplified by microphones, " All looters will be prosecuted by the full extent of the law! There WILL BE CONSEQUENCES!" They practically screamed this into the cameras. Immediately following that announcement, the news channel showed a dramatic newsflash of trump's non-sentencing sentence, announcing, and I paraphrase, 'Donald Trump Recieves NO CONSEQUENCES for Felonies!' Soooo basically, LOCK UP them looters, but let the con-man free to loot the coffers of American assets and benefits of the Democracy. An irony of catastrophic proportions.
I am exceedingly grateful for your voice over the past months and in anticipation of what we as a country face ahead. But to publish the transcript tonight despite the threat you and yours are under is above and beyond any of our expectations. Please be safe. Our hearts and prayers are with all of you in Southern California and LA.
I have been rendered a little catatonic by all this. I have friends who have lost homes and friends who have evacuated last night. I am in an evacuation warning zone and just when I feel they are getting the best of it...the fire spreads. I can't muster the energy to pack a car. My husband requires 24 hour care and the thought of evacuating him just seems big. I have children and lots of help but this just seems overwhelming. Reducing your life to a couple of car loads of things. I hope they get it under control soon and this nightmare comes to an end.
Please stay safe everyone. Thank you Robert and Jill for keeping us informed and prepared. I hope you don't have to evacuate. Life seems really unfair sometimes. Between this fire and the political climate in the United States it really does feel like our house is burning down but I know we will all come back stronger. The world will see the real DJT soon enough and he always self destructs...it's just part of his nature. The real man (snake oil salesman) comes out in full glory and the people that backed him will turn on him eventually. A sad place in history that we were doomed to repeat.
Adeline- that is a lot! I, too, am a caretaker and I feel your overwhelm. I hope that you do not have to evacuate but if you do lean heavily on family and friends for help! It is too much for one person to shoulder. My thoughts are with you and yours. ❤️
I incorrectly referred to the "Paradise" fire. I meant to refer to the "Palisades" fire.
"We are at our best when we act for the common good." Perfect! That should be our new slogan!
You can blame spellcheck. :-)
I spent so much time there with friends. It was paradise.
That's OK. There was one of those, too, in Northern California. My sister had friends who perished in that fire.
Update for readers in San Fernando Valley: I just walked to end of block to see where things stand. The fire appears to have crested ridge near Braemar Country Club straight up Reseda Blvd at dirt Mulholland. Appears to backing down hill to north into the San Fernando Valley. Not by much but still worrisome. We need to make it to daybreak for big aircraft to hit fire. Helicopters are barely keeping up.
I am thinking of and praying for you, Robert.
And thanking you for the transcript.
On Inauguration Day I will be attending a day of service held by a local organization. I will not watch the coverage. Seeing Trump’s scowling orange face at the funeral and being reminded of his lack of grace, dignity, and empathy is all I intend to see of him this year.
Me too!
The less I see his face and hear his whining voice the better I feel.
See my thoughts above, but definitely wishing you and your neighbors well.
🙏🙏🙏💖
Please stay safe. My thoughts are with you and your neighbors in the San Fernanco Valley.
Thank you, Robert. The transcript was enlightening, and I appreciate your having made it the main body of today's newsletter. Thank you also for updating us on the terrifying proximity of the fire. Our hearts are with you, and all your neighbors far and wide.
Robert, You performed a great service by publishing Judge Merchan’s entire, impressive, wise sentencing remarks. Thank you
v-e-r-y much.
And that, while watching and reporting on the conflagration! I join so many others in hoping that your home will be spared and that you and Jill will be able to resume worry-free lives.
You continue to amaze me—writing and giving us hope while surrounded by negative forces both physically with the fires and emotionally in the Trump ordeal(s)! Thank you! Stay safe/stay well!
Thanks for not including the vile lies that made up trump's portion today -- and for all you're doing to continue your newsletter while dealing with an unimaginable situation. All the best from the other side of the country. We're pulling for all of you!
Sending all good wishes for your continued safety, and hoping the fires do NOT reach your neighborhood, God willing. It was good to read the transcript from the sentencing today, and although it is heartbreaking and enraging that Trump will suffer no real consequences for ANY of his many, many crimes, it is a small comfort to know that he is, at long last, truly a convicted felon. What an irony that he will be inaugurated as president in 10 days. Beyond bizarre.
I have declared January 10 as his true Inauguration Day. I celebrated!
It certainly cheered me up!!
Beginning on January 20, Trump should be addressed as *President Felon*.
There are a number of countries that won’t let felons enter. I think Canada is one of them. Will Trump be able to go to any of these countries?
I read that he will not.
Thank you for this transcript, especially under such conditions.
I truly appreciated that you did not repeat the felons words to the court.
Such a powerful photo that says it all.
Truly horrifying conditions. Our hearts are with you and everyone affected by this disaster.
Thank you for everything you are doing, both in your reporting at the national level and your local level. Your courage, fortitude and ongoing decency are an inspiration. And I always appreciate the (!) after "talk to you tomorrow," as it whispers of hope.
With deep appreciation!
Praying for you, Robert and Jill. And the San Fernando Valley. Praying for the City of Angels.
And Thanking you for the unbelievable commitment under unbelievable duress that resulted in your sharing the court proceedings resulting in the final felony substantiation. Our soon to be President is a convicted felon. Stop. Breathe.
And so......
We will do what we can and Will do to assist in the Turning of the Tide.
We, who are with you, All the Way, Dear Robert......
TC has been updating us regarding and has included info about your position, also. All I can say is prayers are being sent. I can’t believe you were able to send this transcript at this time. Thank you for that. It seems that everything that was said by the DA and the judge was in anticipation of this going to the, as TC says, Unsupreme Court.
Tom very kindly called to check on me and my family. We live several miles apart, and he has been a guest in my home on several occasions. So, he knows how close I am to the evacuation zone. I really appreciate his kindness and concern.
Kathleen, The Imperial Tribunal of the Pharisees?
MAGA is complaining that Judge Marchan held the sentencing hearing too close to Trump's inauguration. If my memory serves me right, it was originally scheduled for July, but the Judge postponed it until after the election so as not to influence voters.
MAGA always and ONLY complains
As with their standard-bearer, they confuse whining with winning.
MAGA is lucky that that goddam SCOTUS is on their side, thanks to the Trump picks and Bush picks. Trump belongs in prison, and we deserved to have Kamala Harris in the White House.
And IMO the sentencing should have been timed to influence voters. We should not be inaugurating a felon.
And he did so on September 7 at the request of the Convicted Felon's attorneys! The hypocrinosis is astounding.
The courts and the media desperately need attention from expert spine surgeons.
And politicians as well.
I still think Merchan should have issued the sentence in July regardless of any influence it may have had on voters (my guess is none). Continued deference to this convict does damage to our justice system and the rule of law. I do appreciate the transcript, Robert, and the omission of the defendant's vile remarks, but I object to the judge's decision to forego any consequences. I think a really hefty financial penalty was definitely called for and even probation so that, after his term of office is over, he could have genuinely been held accountable. I am deeply disappointed. The convicted felon will spin this "sentence" as total exoneration and sadly millions of Americans will see it as that.
I have read Jane Gutsell’s comment over and over; I share her deep disappointment.
Trump’s non-sentence reminds me, uncomfortably, of Richard Nixon’s pardon. Both have been done ostensibly to “spare” Americans further heated controversy. But Trump’s non-sentence has done violence to the concept that “Justice is Blind” and the concept of “Equal Justice Under Law”. Once again, Donald Trump received special treatment – this time, as with the Nixon Pardon, under the guise of “statesmanship”.
Could Trump at least have been assessed a substantial monetary penalty? That would have gotten his attention without getting into incarceration.
Thank you, Michael. I very much appreciate your sharing my disappointment. Between Merrick Garland's inexcusable delays after January 6, the collapse of the Georgia case, Cannon's dismissal of the documents case, Jack Smith's withdrawal, and now this nothing at all of a sentence, I think we can all say with complete confidence that Justice has NOT been served.
Thank you for the transcripts, Robert. Very helpful; the dignity and honor of the court and the proceedings are truly evident in these carefully crafted words.
I'm glad to hear that you and Jill are safe. May it stay that way.
Blessings,
It is ironic and interesting to note that as was watching the news (non-stop because I live in the flatland of the San Gabriel Valley and can see the Altadena/Eaton Canyon foothills above encompassed in red flames from my street) Los Angeles administrators held a news conference up date in which law enforcement spokesperson forcefully stated in loud voices and amplified by microphones, " All looters will be prosecuted by the full extent of the law! There WILL BE CONSEQUENCES!" They practically screamed this into the cameras. Immediately following that announcement, the news channel showed a dramatic newsflash of trump's non-sentencing sentence, announcing, and I paraphrase, 'Donald Trump Recieves NO CONSEQUENCES for Felonies!' Soooo basically, LOCK UP them looters, but let the con-man free to loot the coffers of American assets and benefits of the Democracy. An irony of catastrophic proportions.
Wealthy get off free because they are the “big”people. We the “little”get screwed.
I am exceedingly grateful for your voice over the past months and in anticipation of what we as a country face ahead. But to publish the transcript tonight despite the threat you and yours are under is above and beyond any of our expectations. Please be safe. Our hearts and prayers are with all of you in Southern California and LA.
Thank you so much for presenting (and redacting) this judicial proceeding. I will save it as an exemplar of our times.
Also the photo--capturing exquisite but terrible beauty--is particularly glorious... and poignant.
I have been rendered a little catatonic by all this. I have friends who have lost homes and friends who have evacuated last night. I am in an evacuation warning zone and just when I feel they are getting the best of it...the fire spreads. I can't muster the energy to pack a car. My husband requires 24 hour care and the thought of evacuating him just seems big. I have children and lots of help but this just seems overwhelming. Reducing your life to a couple of car loads of things. I hope they get it under control soon and this nightmare comes to an end.
Please stay safe everyone. Thank you Robert and Jill for keeping us informed and prepared. I hope you don't have to evacuate. Life seems really unfair sometimes. Between this fire and the political climate in the United States it really does feel like our house is burning down but I know we will all come back stronger. The world will see the real DJT soon enough and he always self destructs...it's just part of his nature. The real man (snake oil salesman) comes out in full glory and the people that backed him will turn on him eventually. A sad place in history that we were doomed to repeat.
Adeline- that is a lot! I, too, am a caretaker and I feel your overwhelm. I hope that you do not have to evacuate but if you do lean heavily on family and friends for help! It is too much for one person to shoulder. My thoughts are with you and yours. ❤️
Thank you Sharon