City Circus Update

The agenda is very light for the city council meeting on Mon., Nov. 7. Of interest on the closed-session agenda is Assistant City Manager Keith Rattay’s contract. Residents should ask why the discussion has gone on for so long, and why it is a closed-session matter. There is no reason for any city employee to have a contract other than the city manager, who reports to the city council. A huge problem with Rattay’s contract is his attempt to cover his backside. Rattay wants a clause whereby he will receive nine months’ pay whether he is fired or doesn’t renew his contract. Additional clauses are ridiculous, including excessive compensation and preventing his termination.

Councilman Frank Ury has given notice he will miss the Nov. 7 meeting, and the change in dynamics is remarkable when he’s not there. Without Ury’s hostility and snarky remarks, the tone becomes pleasant. He recently missed another council meeting, plus he had to reschedule his fundraiser in Foothill Ranch when he was “called out of town on business” last month. With Ury’s record of changing jobs frequently, hope is high he’s interviewing for a job that will involve relocation.

On the Nov. 7 agenda, the check register total for three weeks – Oct. 7 ($2,144,814.53), October 14 ($734,681.44) and Oct. 21 ($996,642.11) – is $3,876,138.08, a whopping amount. The documentation shows pages and pages of expenditures – contractors’ costs, plus expenses from parties and festivities. The cost of renting golf carts for Dave Leckness’ tour of Oso Trail was $1,658,93, without accounting for the compensation of city employees who went on the joyride (requiring seven golf carts). Adding to taxpayers’ burdens are monthly insurance costs for retired employees, which are substantial despite the city being relatively new. Residents should continue challenging why a built-out, contract-based city has approximately 150 employees.

Also noteworthy is Agenda Item No. 10, Purchase of Replacement Computer Systems. The staff is recommending that the council authorize buying 250 computers, with the amount “not to exceed $295,000.” While some computers will go to the library for patron use, 41 computers are requested for library staff members. With the library’s limited collection of books (less than one book per cardholder), the need for 41 staff computers warrants explanation. Months ago, City Hall revealed that two full-time library staff members spent a year planning the city’s first Readers Festival. If employees are hired as librarians but they instead plan events, they should be re-categorized as event planners. No one should be surprised at the inefficiency – taking a year to plan a one-day event – when employees are trying to perform jobs they weren’t hired to do.

Another allocation of computers – 18 for the animal shelter – needs explanation. For further comment about the expense, read an article on Mission Viejo Dispatch, http://missionviejodispatch.com/budget/how-many-city-computers-are-enough/#comments

Stop AB 131

Petitions to Stop AB 131 with a referendum are being circulated. AB 131 is the “Dream Act” legislation Gov. Jerry Brown signed that provides educational assistance to illegal aliens.

Here are excerpts from a message from J.D. Bennett, a coordinator for getting the referendum on the ballot.

“I just received from Assemblyman Tim Donnelly (author of the referendum) 3,000 copies of the referendum to stop AB131, better known as the 'Dream Act' recently signed by the liberal in Sacramento (a/k/a Jerry Brown)  …  We need to get on this one immediately and not sit around till the last minute. This referendum needs 505,000 valid signatures by Jan. 5, 2012, to make it on the ballot for Nov. 2012.

“It is imperative we work cohesively and vigilantly on this issue, so our voices are heard and resonate in Brown's office, that 'We the People' will not allow him to frivolously spend our money any longer. AB131, in part, provides educational assistance to ILLEGAL aliens. Not to you, not to your sons and daughters, not to your grandchildren, but to undocumented illegal aliens. Is this really where we want our tax dollars to go?

Jerry Brown raised the tuition rates for citizen students and is making it virtually impossible for citizens of the United States to get an education, but he has no problem footing the bill for illegal aliens. THIS MUST STOP! Please get actively involved in this vital project and be a part of stopping, 'Politics As Usual' in Sacramento.”

Non-government Events

Following is a sampling of events and activities that are not funded by taxpayers or promoted by the Nanny State. Please support private enterprise and non-profit groups.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s, participate by walking, donating and/or volunteering. Buena Park on Sat., Nov. 12 and Tustin on April 21. (800) 272-3900, http://www.alz.org/walk/findawalk_results.asp?FormSent=1&SearchType=zip&ZipSearch=92691&MaxDistance=30&memo ry=&SearchByZip.x=23&SearchByZip.y=14

Fall Harvest Festival, Sat., Nov. 12, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., family fun, chili cook-off, line dancing and square dancing, Mount of Olives Church, 24772 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo, (949) 837-7467, http://moochurch.org/events.aspx?parentnavigationid=6090

Open House, Sat., Nov. 12, 9:00 a.m. preschool, and 10:00 a.m. K-12, St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, 31641 La Novia, San Juan Capistrano, (949) 661-0108, http://www.smes.org

Big Bucks Bingo every Wednesday night, 6:15 p.m. Early Bird. 6:45 p.m. Regular Games, Mission Viejo Elks Lodge, near Ralphs market on Marguerite & La Paz, (949) 830-ELKS.

Ice skating rink at Spectrum is now open, check the Website for schedule, outdoor rink is in the Giant Wheel Court adjacent to Nordstrom and Macy’s, Irvine Spectrum, 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, (949) 456-6937, http://www.skatespectrum.com/schedule.htm

First Saturday Art Walk, Santa Ana Artist Village, Sat., Dec. 3, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., venues open: Grand Central Arts Center, OC Center of Contemporary Art, Santora Arts Building (28 galleries, restaurants and shops), ample (free) parking is located across the street at the Santa Ana Train Depot on the southeast corner of Santa Ana Boulevard and Santiago Street. Visit the Website for additional information, including a map: http://www.aplaceforart.org/artwalk

“Christmas at the Casa,” Sat., Dec. 3, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., entertainment, crafts and refreshments, Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, (949) 498-2139, http://www.casaromantica.org

Shepherd’s Christmas Faire featuring local businesses, Sat. and Sun, Dec. 3 and 4, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., JSerra Catholic High School, JSerra Pavilion, 26351 Junipero Serra Road, San Juan Capistrano (949) 493-9307, ext. 1149, http://www.jserra.org

Art exhibit at Soka University, Arie A. Galles, “Heartland: Reflected Light Paintings, through Jan. 6, open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., free admission, Founders Hall Art Gallery, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, (949) 480-4000, http://www.info@soka.edu

Planting, crafts and activities classes for families at Living Green Gardens and Design; help with planting and gardening, visit the Website or call for information, Living Green Gardens and Design, 25290 Jeronimo Road (between Los Alisos and El Toro Road), Lake Forest, (949) 768-4733, http://www.yelp.com/biz/living-green-gardens-and-design-lake-forest

Roger’s Gardens, “The Artisans of Christmas,” Christmas 2011, now open and ongoing. Other activities include a Pumpkin Carving Seminar on Oct. 15 and Oct. 23, Roger’s Gardens, 2301 San Juan Hills Road, Corona del Mar, (949) 640-5800, http://www.rogersgardens.com

Movies, Edwards Kaleidoscope Stadium 10 in Mission Viejo, 27741 Crown Valley Pkwy, (949) 582-4020, get show times, watch movie trailers, see what's coming soon at
http://www.moviefone.com/theater/edwards-kaleidoscope-stadium-10/32/showtimes

Farmers Market, San Juan Capistrano, Wednesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Historic Town Center Park, (949) 493-4700.

Farmers Market, Laguna Hills, Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Laguna Hills Mall, (714) 573-0374.

Political and Government Events Calendar

Orange County Board of Supervisors, Tues., Nov. 8, 9:30 a.m., Board Hearing Room, First Floor, 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, (714) 834-3100. http://www.ocgov.com/ocgov/Government/Board%20of%20Supervisors

Saddleback Valley Unified School District board meeting is scheduled for Tues., Nov. 8, 6:15 p.m., 25631 Peter Hartman Way, Mission Viejo, (949) 586-1234, http://www.svusd.k12.ca.us

American Legion Post 257 commemorates Veterans Day, Fri., Nov. 11, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Assemblyman Don Wagner will give the main address, focusing on how to help and support veterans and their families who return from active service, Laguna Woods, Clubhouse 3, (949) 863-7070.

Veterans Day at the Nixon Library, honoring America’s heroes with a tribute to all who have served, Fri., Nov. 11, free admission all day. Program begins at 11:00 a.m., presentation of the Colors by U.S. Marines and patriotic musical performances, Richard Nixon Library, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, (714) 464-1161, http://events.nixonfoundation.org

Rush Limbaugh Club November Breakfast Meeting, Sat., Nov. 12, 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Veterans will present a Veteran’s Roundtable with special guest USAF Col. John Fer, ret., a recipient of the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Defense Superior Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross and Prisoner of War Medal. Casta Del Sol Golf Course, 27601 Casta Del Sol Road, Mission Viejo. RSVP by Nov. 9 to (949) 487-5288 or by email, limbaughcluboc@aol.com

Concert, Steve Grabe, tenor, Sun., Nov. 13, 2:00 p.m., Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum. Free concerts are held Sundays, except when otherwise noted, and are open to the public. Doors open at 1:15 p.m., and concerts begin at 2:00 p.m., 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, (714) 364-1120, http://events.nixonfoundation.org/concerts/

Moulton Niguel Water District meetings: Engineering and Operations on Mon., Nov. 14, 9:00 a.m., Finance and I.T. on Wed., Nov. 16, 9:00 a.m., Board of Directors on Thurs., Nov. 17, 9:00 a.m., (note this meeting time has been changed) and Personnel, Wed., Nov. 9, 9:00 a.m., 27500 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel, (949) 831-2500, http://www.mnwd.com/board-of-directors/agenda.aspx

Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees, regular meeting Mon., Nov. 14, 7:00 p.m., 33122 Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano, agenda and supporting documentation are published on the website 72 hours prior to a meeting, (949) 234-9200, http://capousd.ca.schoolloop.com

Save the date, ACT for America, Mon., Nov. 14, Norman Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo, doors open at 7:00 p.m.

Capo Valley Republican Women Federated, Wed., Nov. 16, program to be announced, Marbella Country Club, 30800 Golf Club, San Juan Capistrano, RSVP to (949) 240-6799 or esue39@cox.net

South Orange County Community College District Board of Trustees will meet Wed., Nov. 16. Meeting times unless otherwise posted: open session convenes at 5 p.m.., followed by adjournment to closed session, open session reconvenes at 6:00 p.m. or 6:30 p.m., adjournment by 9:00 p.m. Ronald Reagan Board of Trustees Room, Room 145, Health Sciences/District Offices Building, Saddleback College, 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, (949) 582-4999, http://www.socccd.edu

Santa Margarita Water District Board of Directors will meet on Thurs., Nov. 17, 7:00 p.m., 26111 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, (949) 459-6420, http://www.smwd.com/about-us/meeting-agendas.html

Saddleback Republican Assembly, Thurs., Nov. 17, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., guest speaker is Hon. Jesse Petrilla, RSM Councilman, will speak on his experiences in the military. Norman Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Jacaranda Room-B, Mission Viejo, (949) -360-1717.

El Toro Water District meetings: Engineering, Finance, Insurance Committee on Mon., Nov. 21, 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.; Board of Directors on Tues., Nov. 22, 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., 24251 Los Alisos Blvd., Lake Forest, (949) 837-0660, http://www.etwd.com

The Buzz

A California city is celebrating Christmas, and that’s news. San Juan Capistrano even has a Christmas tree, not a holiday tree. From a Patch article, “Because transportation costs have escalated, a homegrown tree will likely be the star of the town's 2012 Christmas festivities.” http://sanjuancapistrano.patch.com/topics/Victor%2527s+Custom+Christmas+Trees

***

When Gov. Rick Perry raised the issue of Obama’s birth certificate last week, TV commentators reacted, saying the birth certificate issue has been settled. Donald Trump’s popularity soared with Tea Partiers when he vigorously challenged Obama six months ago, adding that Obama was allegedly born in a hospital that had no record his mother had ever been there. Likely as a result of pressure from Trump, Obama released another version of a birth certificate on April 27, and computer experts proclaimed it a fraud. Presidential candidates might be reluctant to bring up the subject again, but Trump has no fear.

***

RealClearPolitics.com summarizes polling data for seven Republican presidential candidates ( http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/president/us/republican_presidential_nomination-1452.html ). With the latest average compiled on Nov. 3, the order is Cain (25.5), Romney (23.0), Gingrich (11.1), Perry (9.8), Paul (8.2), Bachmann (3.5), Santorum (1.5) and Huntsman (1.2). Some pundits are anticipating Gingrich will be the next candidate to surge in the polls ( http://2012iowacaucus.com/2011/11/gingrich-gop-challenger-surge ).

***

Residents are questioning City Hall’s purchase of 250 replacement computers, discussed elsewhere on this blog. It brings to mind years ago when digital cameras were a hot ticket. A council member asked during a meeting why the city was repeatedly purchasing cameras, yet not one camera could be found in City Hall. It pointed to employees enjoying city-owned equipment for personal use. As an example of the need for city computers, tracking hits on this blog shows that city employees are avid blog readers.

***

Ex-Capo USD Superintendent James Fleming is b-a-a-a-ack, suing the district for whatever he can get. While under pressure in 2006 for his part in creating an “enemies list” of parents and their children, he resigned. It was his decision to leave, yet he is suing the district, saying he resigned due to legal advice he received at the time. Also among his claims of damages, he cites “lost future income.” Perhaps someone will mention the district’s damages, including the $50-million Taj Mahal administration building in San Juan Capistrano – his crowning glory – while children attended classes in rodent-infested trailers.

***

Top school administrators like to take credit for the number of award-winning schools on their resumes. When awards are distributed, teachers and parents are the ones who deserve acknowledgement.

***

Last week’s “City Circus Update” drew a comment from a blog reader. “City hall brags that Mission Viejo has a million trees, but it doesn’t take care of most of them. Developers planted cheap, fast-growing trees that should have been removed or replaced. The city has never kept up with maintenance, and it plants thousands of new trees every year. The palms look shaggy, and the new trees are bad choices, either more palms, high-maintenance trees or others that don’t belong in this area. The pine trees planted 40 years ago along roads are seriously overgrown.”

***

Mission Viejo hasn’t been hit by severe winds for more than 10 years, and the last major El Nino was in 1997-1998.