Re “Err, Arena’s (and City’s) Refrig Expert Changes His Mind”
Bill Clements’s conscience must be the most fascinating psychological intersection in the steadily unfolding Culver City Ice Arena drama – surrounded by more shadows than anywhere east of Sherlock Holmes.
Is he bringing new dimensions to the concept of “conflict of interest?”
While the Ice Arena, guarded around the clock since last weekend by an armed cop on behalf of City Hall, allegedly is a smoldering stack, heaving and sighing as an asserted public health hazard, Mr. Clements is following an uncommonly lively script.
It was learned this morning that a looming third player in the bitter Ice Arena dispute, sprawling AEG, owner of the Kings among numerous enterprises, has contacted Mr. Clements, owner of Complete Thermal Services, Inc., of Orange County, about employing his obviously popular talents.
That makes Mr. Clements 3-for-3.
AEG wants the seemingly always agreeable Mr. Clements to be their Refrigeration Guy if they end up as next rink operator at the Ice Arena, as many now believe muscular AEG will be.
No one can accuse the pliable Mr. Clements of being disloyal to his clients, regardless of which side of the street they travel.
His company has serviced the arena for more than two decades.
For public consumption last Tuesday, Mr. Clements dashed off a letter on behalf of his arena clients, assuring all whose eyes were laid on the missive that the arena was in fine and dandy condition.
Less than 24 hours ago, again for public consumption, Mr. Clements pogo-sticked across the street in a one-page letter to City Manager John Nachbar, Fire Chief Chris Sellers and Fire Marshal Mike Bowden. He predicted a short survival period for the present equipment, adding that if the current aging system lasted beyond six months, he would be surprised.
Mr. Clements’s assessment letter to AEG on the state of the arena’s refrigeration system eagerly is awaited by a curious, if suspicious, audience.
In the meantime, the Ice Arena is scheduled to really go out of business in about 77 hours if City Hall’s Fix It or Else order is not met by 5 o’clock Friday afternoon.
In yet another post script, a certain company has offered to make a monthly rental deal with the Takahashi family. They are planning/hoping to operate the rink for six months, starting Saturday, March 1. However, the $25,000 monthly stipend probably reduces the likelihood to zero.
