Audit Reveals False Claims
by Larry Gilbert

Following are my public comments from the Mar. 17 Mission Viejo city council meeting.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day. Over the past two months, I have conducted an audit of the 2012 Improve Don't Move and commercial permit fee waiver programs. The reason it is ongoing is that the city had claimed specific valuations and savings in the Annual Report booklets yet has failed to provide any backup documentation to substantiate the reported numbers which also appeared in council member Ury's 2012 candidate statement.

As a result of my Jannuary Public Records request, the city provided a 30-page report of residential permit numbers and a second printout with 11 pages of commercial permits. Neither printout reflects the valuations, business names or street addresses to verify the published data.

We are being lied to. In the city's 2012 Annual Report booklet it states: "In 2012, the city rolled out residential and commercial programs that saved homeowners and businesses millions through building permit fee waivers." Yet the same booklet shows total savings of $468,048,. along with a combined valuation of $28 million.

For starters, they ignore the ongoing permit activity in the city. In fact, the city reported a 10% increase in permit activity in the year after the programs ended. What you try to capture is the bounce, not assuming zero activity, which is what the city and member Ury did.

As to specifics. The residential program was flawed. Almost $4 million of the renovation activity was for Vista del Lago apartments, which are owned by a S&P 500 Chicago REIT. Equity Residential shareholders surely do not live in the complex or this city. The city did not request using local merchants for all building materials nor local contractors if the objective was to boost our local ROI. A similar story is Finesterra on the Lake, whose improvements exceeded $1 million and Aliso Villas reroofing at $675,000. My research of the residential activity is incomplete as I lack permit valuations. What I can report is that the manager of our Building Department admitted that he increased the valuations between 10% and 15% as some applicants may have low-balled the valuations of their projects.

As to the commercial, Nordstrom's had a $4.3 million, two-level tenant improvement at the Shops. They were not sitting around waiting for a fee reduction to save $7,100 when competing in a tough market. The Buy Buy Baby big-box store in the Freeway Center invested $1.2 million and saved $2,653. I believe they occupy the Comp USA building, which was vacant for a few years. A dozen commercial properties listed a combined valuation of $7.8 million and saved $21,402. To discount commercial properties permits, where the owners generally upgrade, was a waste of taxpayer dollars, especially as we pay the Charles Abbott contractors 58% of the regular permit fees.

The Mar. 17 council meeting video can be viewed at http://missionviejo.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=14&clip_id=1310

Wendy Bucknum Update
Part 8: Campaigning on the Company Time

Weekly updates in this series examine the campaign of professional housing lobbyist Wendy Bucknum, She has announced her candidacy for the Mission Viejo City Council in the November election.

From a watchdog publication, http://watchdogwire.com/montana/2014/03/21/montana-tax-dollars-to-lobbyists/

“Lobbyists: the only political players arguably held in as low regard as the United States Congress.”

While some lobbyists influence politicians to do something beneficial, Bucknum’s lobbying for the housing industry won’t help Mission Viejo residents. If she were on the council, the Casta del Sol Golf Course and the Unisys property on Jeronimo would be at greater risk for housing development. As other negatives, City Manager Dennis Wilberg and Bucknum’s employer want her on the council.

On Mar. 18, a photo of Bucknum was in the OC Register. The caption indicated Bucknum was the third-place “winner” in the city-sponsored chili cook-off. But were there more than three contestants? Bucknum was also the third-place “winner” in the 2012 council race for two seats. Several days prior to the Mar. 15 cook-off, an OC Register’s announcement stated, “More cooks are needed.” With few people in the contest, why not feature the first-place winner in the paper?

Bucknum’s photo was an example of City Manager Dennis Wilberg’s influence in city politics. Wilberg’s other favorite candidate is Councilman Dave Leckness, who is up for reelection in November. Leckness is frequently in the OC Register or Saddleback Valley News for no apparent reason. Several years ago, this blog published emails that Wilberg sent to OCR and SVN administrators. He objected to any negative coverage of city hall, and he told the newspapers which residents should be interviewed for opinions and feedback. Letters to the editor about city issues abruptly ended. Instead of newswriting, both papers publish press releases written by city employees.

Wilberg prefers such council members as Leckness who don’t ask questions. Bucknum is on a city commission where she goes along with everything staff members suggest. She criticizes fellow Commissioner Steve Magdziak for asking questions or providing input that contradicts staff reports.

Many community events where Bucknum is prominently featured take place during her workday as a lobbyist. She made public comments during the Mar. 3 council meeting, describing her participation in a Character Committee program at Los Alisos Middle School. Everyone should ask why a housing lobbyist is participating in a school program. Another question is whether or not her employer is financing her campaign since she’s campaigning on company time.

For other updates on Bucknum’s campaign, go to https://www.facebook.com/missionviejocommonsense

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.

“An Enchanted Evening,” outstanding student opera performances at Casa Romantica, Tues., Mar. 25, 7:00 p.m., 414 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, (949) 498-2139, http://casaromantica.org/cr/

Soka University events: Los Angeles Jazz Quartet on Fri., Mar, 28, 8:00 p.m., Soka Performing Arts Center; on April 5, enjoy Soka’s Annual Luau from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the Campus Green,1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, (949) 480-4278, http://www.performingarts.soka.edu

“All the Great Books,” Laguna Playhouse comedy presented by the Reduced Shakespeare Company, through Mar. 30; “Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks” with Leslie Caron and David Engel, from Apr. 26-June 8, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, (949) 497-2787, ext. 1, http://www.lagunaplayhouse.com

First Thursday Art Walk, Laguna Beach, Thurs., Apr. 3, 6:00 p.m., member galleries throughout Laguna Beach, including the Laguna Art Museum, 307 Cliff Drive at North Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, (949) 494-8971, http://firstthursdaysartwalk.com/

Mount of Olives Church SHARE Food Drive on Sun., April 6, (first Sunday of each month) helps families in crisis, http://moochurch.org/share. Mount of Olives Church, 24772 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo, (949) 837-7467, http://www.moochurch.org/

Mariachis at the Mission, Sat., Apr. 12, 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.; second Saturday of each month, 26801 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, (949) 234-1300, http://missionsjc.com

La Vida Drum Circle, Tues., Apr. 15, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m., group meets on the evening of every full moon (May 14, June 13, July 12 etc.). Drummers should bring their drums. Firewood is appreciated for the bonfire, Aliso Beach, Aliso and Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, (949) 275-7544, http://www.lavidalaguna.com/things-we-dig/

St. Kilian’s Recycling Drive, Sat., Apr. 19, 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, held on the third Saturday of each month. Organized by Knights of Columbus; acceptable items include aluminum, paper and plastic. No glass or cardboard. Lower parking lot, 26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, (949) 472-1249, http://www.stkilianchurch.org

Cabrillo Playhouse, Sun., Apr. 20, 6:00 p.m., “Local Sunday Sessions,” every third Sunday, three local musical acts, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, (949) 492-0465, http://cabrilloplayhouse.org

Political and Government Events Calendar

Orange County Board of Supervisors will hold a regular meeting on Tues., Mar. 25, 9:30 a.m., Board Hearing Room, First Floor, 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, (714) 834-3100, http://ocgov.com/cals/?ViewBy=7&CalDate=1/15/2013&EventDateID=89649

Saddleback Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees will meet on Tues., Mar. 25, 6:30 p.m., “if necessary.” The next Regular Meeting will be on Tues., Apr. 8, starting with a Board Policy Workshop at 4:30 p.m., which is open to the public. The board meets in the district building, 25631 Peter Hartman Way, Mission Viejo, (949) 586-1234, http://www.svusd.k12.ca.us/

Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees will hold a regular meeting on Wed., Mar. 26, 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/cms/page_view?d=x&piid=&vpid=1232963504734

Nixon Library concert on Sun., Mar. 30, Placentia Community Chorus. Doors open at 1:30 p.m., and music begins at 2:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Nixon Library, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, (714) 364-1120, http://nixonfoundation.org/

Santa Margarita Water District meetings: Board of Directors on Wed., Apr. 2, 7:00 p.m.; Engineering Committee Meeting on Fri., Apr. 11, 7:30 a.m.; Finance Committee on Fri., Aprl. 18, 7:30 a.m., 26111 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, (949) 459-6420, http://www.smwd.com

OC Veterans Advisory Council, Wed., Apr. 9, 6:00 p.m. The council meets on the second Wednesday of each month. Veterans Service Office, Conference Room A/B, 1300 S. Grand Ave., Building B, Santa Ana, https://cms.ocgov.com/gov/occr/occs/veterans/advisory/default.asp

Rush Limbaugh Club of Orange County will meet on Sat., April 12. Breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m., and the program runs from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The group meets on second Saturdays of the month. Cost is $15 for breakfast or attend the program only for $5.00. The club pays for first-time attendees' breakfast or attendance fee. Casta del Sol Golf Clubhouse, 27601 Casta Del Sol Road, Mission Viejo, (714) 235-1430, http://rushlimbaughcluboc.com/

Moulton Niguel Water District meetings: Engineering and Operations on Mon., Apr. 14, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.; Finance and Information Technology on Wed., Apr. 16, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.; Board of Directors on Thurs., Apr. 17, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., MNWD Main Office, 27500 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel, (949) 831-2500, http://mnwd.com/board-of-directors-2/

The Mission Viejo Chapter of ACT! for America will hold a General Meeting on Mon., Apr. 14. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. The meeting starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m., at the Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo.

Capistrano Valley Republican Women Federated, Wed., Apr. 16, 9:00 a.m., at the Marbella Country Club, 30800 Golf Club Drive, San Juan Capistrano. CVRWF meets on third Wednesdays of most months. CVRWF meets on third Wednesdays of most months. Call (949) 240-6799 for reservations, http://cvrwf.org

Saddleback Republican Assembly, Thurs., Apr. 17, 7:00 p.m. Featured speaker will be Robert Ming, a candidate for the OC Board of Supervisors Fifth District seat. SRA meets on third Thursdays (except in July, August and December) at the Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo. For information call (949) 769-1412.

SOC912 holds monthly meetings, April date to be announced. The group meets at the Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo.

The Buzz

According to the Mar. 18 OC Register, more than 100 people attended the city’s Mar. 15 chili cook-off, which raised more than $350 for charity. Participants donated $5 to attend, so shouldn’t the event have raised more than $500? The city doesn’t subtract overhead, particularly for Character Committee events that involve enormous expense for staff supervision, facilities, materials and city employees’ attendance to increase the headcount. The Character Committee consists of a dozen or so kids being supervised by city staff members. The Committee holds staff-run meetings, shows staff-supervised movies and throws dinner parties for its members, city employees and guests. Despite an extremely low level of interest among kids, city administrators claim the Character Committee is a huge success. The staff thinks that holding charitable “fundraisers” (debt-raisers) should deflect criticism about expense or why the city is involving itself in “values education.”

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During the Mar. 17 council meeting, several residents made public comments about the need for restrooms in city parks. Councilman Frank Ury responded by referring to the residents’ animosity before telling them off. At the beginning of each council meeting, lengthy presentations take a great deal of time and usually have nothing to do with council business. Residents wanting to address a city issue often wait hours to speak and get told off.

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Last week, city hall promoted a charity garage sale. Isn’t the city involved in an effort to remove garage sale signs on Saturday mornings? Observers have seen a worker driving a city-owned vehicle – a truck with the city emblem on its doors – taking down signs from the city streets. In January, the city’s overzealous sign-taker also confiscated approximately $500 worth of real estate signs. When the Realtor tried to get his signs back, a city staffer said no real estate signs had been taken, although witnesses reported they saw the city worker taking the signs.

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Post from city watchdog Larry Gilbert, “As a pack rat, the toughest job for me is throwing out old records. No, not 45s or 78s. I mean city or other stuff that I may reference. Case in point is the recent dialogue of splitting CA into multiple states. From the Feb. 3, 2009, OC Register Letters to the Editor: Headline. "The California split" was today's column, "Time for state of South California," [Guest column, Feb. 1] written by a Chuck DeVore Senate supporter? Not a bad idea. DeVore would not have to invest time and effort to defeat Sen. Barbara Boxer next year. However the guest writer needs to point out the criteria for creation of any new state which is found in Article IV, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution. Kentucky, Maine and West Virginia are the only states formed from others. We would need to convince Congress of the benefits for such action other than to add two new U.S. Senators. Two South California Republicans could be elected together. Great concept.” The author the column was Larry Gilbert.

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Announcement from Orange County Common Core Concerned Citizens ( http://orangecountycccc.com ): The new Common Core math and reading standards have come under a firestorm of criticism. But why criticize something meant to help students? Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, candidate for California governor, will join Robert Hammond, a member of the OC Board of Education and Lydia Gutierrez, candidate for State Superintendent, to cover the topic with expertise. Q & A will follow. The meeting will be on Fri., April 4, 6:30 p.m., at First Baptist Yorba Linda, 18372 Lemon Drive, Yorba Linda. No childcare will be provided during this meeting. Free admission, but please RSVP: http://www.eventbrite.com/o/hosted-by-faithful-christian-servants-of-orange-county-6237969249?s=23169679

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