City Circus Update

Residents whose streets were recently resurfaced are reporting the old damage is already reappearing. An email circulated last week regarding a street near Lake Mission Viejo:

“On Friday morning I walked part of my neighborhood and was surprised to see the asphalt cracking again. This overlay was just completed last month and should not be failing. Many of our streets contained large cracks – almost fissures – that I felt required repairing prior to the sealing. The location is the Corralejo cul-de-sac.”

Another email describes a rough section of Olympiad Road between Alicia Parkway and Jeronimo Road:

“Olympiad Road has been resurfaced three times in the past two years. Following each of the first two attempts, strips of asphalt were flying off the road, and the city admitted the work was defective. After the third try, the road is extremely rough and adds to wear and tear on tires. Since the city will not fix the road, the best use for it is test drives. Anyone trying out a new car will know right away if the car has rattles or bad suspension.”

The city’s street maintenance program calls for resurfacing once every seven years, and that’s inadequate. The writer of the first email points out the problem – streets with serious deterioration are getting a cosmetic coat of slurry. With each seven-year cycle, underlying conditions grow worse, calling for more extensive reconstruction. Instead of saving money, this approach is estimated to cost seven times the amount of properly maintaining roads. http://roughroads.transportation.org/RoughRoads_FullReport.pdf

During a 2009 Planning Commission meeting, a city employee stated $85 million would be needed to bring city streets up to standards. Slopes and trees are similarly neglected, and the city’s maintenance policies rely on luck that heavy rains and high winds won’t ever happen. Instead of uniformly maintaining the city’s infrastructure, a few showcase medians are beautified, and luxury projects such as a tennis club renovation suck up millions of dollars.

On Nov. 14, the Planning Commission will take up the issue of a dog park. City Hall has already wasted hundreds of thousands of dollars during the past 10 years to avoid building one. The current proposal has a price tag of more than $1 million to build a dog park on a site that isn’t entirely owned by the city. The commission will also address reports the site is prone to landslides, which could add significantly to the cost.

The dog park is a potential campaign issue for Councilman Frank Ury, who is up for reelection in November 2012. If he votes to spend $1 million on a dog park, he can face voters who are tired of irresponsible spending. If he votes against it, he’ll need to persuade dog park proponents that the elusive dog park will be built “next year.”

Monday is the first Planning meeting following the removal of Commissioner Bob Bruchmann from his position as chairman. After years of his inappropriate comments and antagonism, Bruchmann was demoted by his fellow commissioners. Some followers of city doings hoped he would resign. If he returns on Monday, bets are on whether he will be sullen and quiet or his usual abrasive self.

Chino Hills Supports Its Citizens
Letter to the Editor

This is GREAT NEWS!!! It shows what can be done when you have a city council that supports/protects their citizens--instead of their special interests and their “campaign donors.”

Joe Holtzman
Mission Viejo

http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PUBLISHED/NEWS_RELEASE/151359.htm

CPUC orders Edison to stop transmission line work in Chino Hills and to submit options.

SAN FRANCISCO, November 10, 2011 - The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today ordered Southern California Edison (SCE) to stop construction work in Chino Hills on the Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project and, separately, the CPUC's President ordered SCE to prepare alternatives to the current design and route.

The CPUC issued its order to SCE to halt work in response to an Application for Rehearing and Motion for Partial Stay filed by the City of Chino Hills regarding the CPUC's 2009 decision (D. 09-12-044) approving Segments 4 through 11 of the Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project. The CPUC determined that it is appropriate to stay its decision in order to preserve the status quo pending resolution of Chino Hills' Application for Rehearing. The stop work order is in effect until the CPUC's resolution of the Application for Rehearing, unless the CPUC subsequently chooses to modify the stay.

Separately, the CPUC's President, Michael R. Peevey, ordered SCE to prepare alternatives for CPUC consideration that would replace the approved design and route through Chino Hills, including the feasibility, cost, and timing for each alternative.

"The CPUC has heard from many Chino Hills residents who are unhappy with the transmission towers and lines running through their city and in extremely close proximity to homes," said President Peevey. "I have visited Chino Hills and seen the construction firsthand. I want to make sure we do all we can to address the concerns of the residents while balancing environmental impacts and cost needs of the state and SCE's ratepayers, and achieving the state's statutory requirement of 33 percent renewables by 2020."

Said Commissioner Timothy Alan Simon, "I commend my fellow Commissioners for considering the impact of the Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project on this community. In my visit to Chino Hills, it was clear that the local impact issues of the transmission line warrant a review by this Commission."

The Decision to stay construction in Chino Hills is available at http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PUBLISHED/FINAL_DECISION/151130.htm

The Ruling ordering SCE to prepare alternatives is available at http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/efile/RULINGS/151107.pdf

For more information on the CPUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov

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.

Jazz Monsters Concert Series, Fri., Nov. 18, 7:00 p.m., Soka University, Performing Arts Center, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, (949) 480-4278, http://www.performingarts.soka.edu

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Nov. 18-19, beginning at 6:00 p.m. on both evenings, Neiman Marcus-Bloomingdale’s Courtyard, Fashion Island, 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, (949) 721-2000, http://shopfashionisland.com

Sawdust Art Festival Winter Fantasy, more than 170 exhibitors, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. rain or shine, open weekends only on Nov. 19-20, Nov. 25-27, Dec. 3-4 and Dec. 9-11, Sawdust Art Festival grounds, 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, (949) 494-3030, http://www.sawdustartfestival.org

Dana Point Turkey Trot, Thurs., Nov. 24, 5K/10K run/walk, benefit for Second Harvest Food Bank, check the website for schedule and details on how to participate, Doheny State Beach, (949) 496-1555, http://www.turkeytrot.com

Laguna Art Museum, Nov. 25 until Dec. 24, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., exhibit of California artists, late 19th century to early 20th century, 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, (949) 494-8971, http://lagunaartmuseum.org

Scandinavian Julemarked Christmas Mart, Sat., Nov. 26, 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., handmade and imported items and food, Danish Lutheran Cultural Center, 16881 Bastanchury Rd., Yorba Linda, (714) 993-6362, http://www.danishchurchsocal.com

“A Child’s Christmas in Wales,” the Lyceum Theater, Dec. 2 through Dec. 11, information about performance times and tickets at http://www.vanguardtickets.com, Vanguard University, Dept. of Theatre Arts, 55 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, (714) 668-6145, http://www.theatre.vanguard.edu

“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

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

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

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, check the website for schedule, outdoor rink is located 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

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

Political and Government Events Calendar

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

ACT for America, Mon., Nov. 14, guest speaker will be an expert on Islam, Adam Francisco of Concordia University. The meeting will be held at the Norman Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo, doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the meeting begins at 7:30 p.m.

Capo Valley Republican Women Federated, Wed., Nov. 16, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., breakfast meeting with guest speaker Brad Dacus, founder and president of the Pacific Justice Institute, 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

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.

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

The 2011 Holiday Festival of Trains at the Nixon Library, Fri., Nov. 18 through Jan. 2, 2012, Richard Nixon Library, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, (714) 464-1161, http://events.nixonfoundation.org

Concert, Amber Liao, pianist, Sun., Nov. 20, 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/

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

Orange County Board of Supervisors, Tues., Nov. 22, 9:30 a.m. (no meeting on Nov. 15 or Nov. 29), 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 “if necessary” for Tues., refer to the website for the agenda, Nov. 29, 6:15 p.m., 25631 Peter Hartman Way, Mission Viejo, (949) 586-1234, http://www.svusd.k12.ca.us

The Buzz

Lake Forest’s Patch.com aired Saddleback school board’s unanimous support for a constitutional amendment to lower required voter approval from two-thirds to 55 percent. The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association is opposed, saying “the amendment would wipe out Proposition 13’s two-thirds vote protection for local taxes and unfairly burden property owners.” A Patch reader, Jim Bothwell, added, “Remember – Stuff like this is the tip of the iceberg. SVUSD blows $2.2 million on Aliso upgrades and then closes Aliso two years later. Parent Rob Lange commented, “Enough is enough. I could go on and on about the recent mismanagement of funds by the self-described ‘good stewards’ of the SVUSD. This is ridiculous on every level and the arrogance of this school administration shows up again.” http://lakeforest-ca.patch.com/articles/school-board-consider-supporting-local-tax-measure-parcel-jarvis-svusd-harwick#comments_list

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City Hall’s shell game in Mission Viejo continues. The numbers released last week show the city’s deficit spending is into its fourth straight year: more than $3 million for the year ending June 2011. Answers from city staff are neither clear nor forthcoming about the financial picture. City management is applying spin instead of cutting costs. After much hoopla by the staff over a “carryover surplus” and how to spend it, the money was put into undesignated reserves – and then it disappeared. The staff and council majority members (Frank Ury, Trish Kelley and Dave Leckness) repeat the staff’s claim that “money was saved up for projects.” Not true – overruns were billed on the consent calendar, showing expenditures were neither “saved up for” nor planned.

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Stephen Frank reported on Nov. 11: “I have said that California is in a Depression and the only way out is for the State to be flushed down the toilet. Thanks to Jerry, his union buddies, and the illegal aliens, the flushing has begun. The State ended last fiscal year with a cash deficit of $8.2 billion. The combined current year cash deficit stands at $20.3 billion. Those deficits are being covered with $14.9 billion of internal borrowing (temporary loans from special funds) and $5.4 billion of external borrowing. …”
http://capoliticalnews.com/2011/11/11/democrat-controller-chiang-state-revenues-crashing/

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As anticipated, Newt Gingrich’s presidential poll numbers are improving. Despite a sentiment among Republicans of “anyone but Romney,” Romney is back on top in the McClatchy/Marist poll, conducted Nov. 8-10. The order is Romney (22.5), Gingrich (19) and Cain (17). http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/president/us/republican_presidential_nomination-1452.html

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The Obama mandate gets dumped in Ohio: “Good news, bad news in Ohio, but more potential good news to dump the bad. As you know, Ohio [in the Nov. 8 election] overwhelmingly defeated the Obama mandate even in the bluest Ohio county, which includes cities like Cleveland. I am proud to say my niece worked hard to get the mandate on the ballot. But the defeat of SB5 is not the end, as the SB5 folks knew what the vote would be, and they will have a backup plan, 2.0 introduced today, on yet this week.” -- Your friend in liberty, Linda Dorr, Laguna Beach Tea Party Patriot