A blog reader asked about the process of filing a police report. He said, “What can I do when people in my neighborhood repeatedly break the law? I even took a picture of the culprits, but they were gone by the time the police arrived. The officers said they didn’t witness a crime, so they can’t pursue it.” A representative of OC Sheriff’s Dept. said to call City Hall, (949) 470-3000, and ask for Police Services. The representative said he wants to work with the resident to establish the times and dates of any wrongdoing, particularly when it’s a recurring problem. If it’s a criminal act, police will pursue it.

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Congratulations to Councilman John Paul Ledesma, who announced his engagement to Sarah Hoogstad. Ms. Hoogstad lives in Lake Forest and works in real estate. A July 9 wedding is planned.

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The city apparently has a letter from Capistrano U.S.D., signed by Dave Doomey. He says the door is still open if the city wants to pour millions of dollars into a joint-use gymnasium at Newhart. Remember the urgent deadline last fall when CUSD needed an answer “right away”? Did someone misrepresent the facts? The letter indicates the city has until June to reconsider. With gymnasiums planned at two middle schools in Saddleback USD, why would the city want to reconsider any arrangement with such a seriously troubled partner as CUSD?

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What else is brewing at CUSD? Remember when Supt. James Fleming was bemoaning the cost of the recall, saying programs were being cut to pay for it? Since CUSD didn’t have to pay for the recall, which programs will now be restored? Those driving by CUSD’s Taj Mahal construction site say it is inappropriately named the CUSD Education Center because no education takes place there. How about calling it the James Fleming Lie-brary?

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Why hasn’t CUSD picked up the state money for modernizing Barcelona Hills Elementary, Hankey Elementary and Capistrano Valley High School? Click on this link and check out the amount that became available on May 25, 2005:

The money, still sitting on the table after seven months, isn’t small change. The CVHS grant alone exceeds $5 million. Does CUSD not have the required matching funds to pick up the grants?

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The Spring 2006 “City Outlook” includes an update on the Mission Viejo Community Foundation. Residents were expecting to see a balance sheet. The Outlook writer has had a problem in the past distinguishing “fundraising” from the city’s grant. So far, the city has donated approximately $184,000 in the form of a grant. Last week’s update says $335,000 has been “received” in gifts and pledges. Does this amount include the city grant? Since one cannot spend or deposit a pledge, how much money is in the bank and where did it come from? In addition to a director who makes more than $9,000 a month, the foundation just hired a half-time assistant. Any pledges and gifts are commendable – no doubt about it – but the update wasn’t meaningful.