Report on Slopes

During the Feb. 4 council meeting, Councilwoman Cathy Schlicht’s agenda item on landscape contracts drew fire. She had asked for rebidding of the city’s two-year contracts to include refurbishment and rehabilitation of slopes. The 45-minute discussion included a slideshow by city administrator Keith Rattay with others contributing to an all-out attack.

Landscape contracts seem to be a touchy subject for the city staff. Is it a city employee’s job to orchestrate a presentation against a council member’s agenda item? The barrage continued with lengthy comments and irrelevant data.

Councilman Frank Ury opposes almost everything Councilwoman Schlicht supports, so his snarky remarks weren’t a surprise. He insisted her characterization of city-maintained slopes was false, but she responded with specifics, identifying areas in need of refurbishing. Instead of admitting he had no knowledge, Ury asked Rattay how many citizens had complained about slopes.

Why is Ury confused about whose job it is? Rattay said numerous inspectors are on the city payroll to oversee the landscape contracts.

Since Ury indicated citizens’ reaction should determine whether the job is being done, citizens drove the arterials specified during the council meeting: Muirlands, Los Alisos and Alicia. Councilwoman Schlicht said slopes on Alicia are in poor shape, and Rattay agreed during the meeting, saying, “They’re not good.” Citizens agree. Citizens also found slopes along Muirlands and Los Alisos to be in poor condition, including many barren stretches. The Open Space areas along Los Alisos either have chaparral or nothing but dirt adjacent to the roadside.

As additional information on Muirlands, numerous trees are leaning, and they will eventually fall on their own if winds don’t take them down. On Los Alisos, the section east of Jeronimo was supposed to be “beautified” by the housing developer. The housing project was finished some time ago, but the odd-looking, steep hillside is mostly dirt.

In the north half of the city, barren slopes can be seen on other arterials, including Trabuco. The farther away from Marguerite Parkway, the worse the slopes are. Rattay’s grasp of what landscaping should look like can be seen in the elaborate vegetation near city hall. But why isn’t landscaping throughout the rest of the city given the same consideration?

The city staff has spent $33 million on landscape contracts since 2005. Some areas of town haven’t seen a dime of it except for trimming weeds on otherwise barren slopes. In a fraction of the time it took Rattay to create his Feb. 4 slideshow, he could have driven along the arterials so he could have given a relevant report during the meeting.

The city is doing an inadequate job of taking care of the landscape, and the council majority is doing an inadequate job of paying attention to where $33 million went.

Hearing Draws Union Support

Union members who attended the Feb. 12 public hearing received Costco gift cards in return for their support of restarting the San Onofre nuclear plant. A person who saw them at the hearing emailed, “Many of the ‘workers’ were also wearing baseball caps with the logo of SCE's primary contractor at San Onofre, Shaw Stone & Webster, and carrying ‘goodie bags’ from Shaw. Did Shaw Stone & Webster pay union officials to have bodies present at that meeting?”

An article written by Amita Sharma was published by KPBS Public Broadcasting, http://www.kpbs.org/news/2013/feb/15/san-diego-trade-union-members-attend-public-meetin/#c18111

San Diego Union Members Attend San Onofre Hearing For Costco Gift Cards
Feb. 15, 2013

Dozens of union members showed up at this week’s public meeting supporting a plan to restart San Onofre nuclear plant. And they did it after receiving Costco gift cards in exchange.

Members of the San Diego Building and Construction Trades Council traveled in buses to the Dana Point meeting Tuesday. Several encouraged the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to allow Southern California Edison to restart San Onofre.

The plant was shut down one year ago after a tube rupture caused a small radioactive leak.

Tom Lemmon, the business manager of the trades council, told the NRC panel, “At the end of the day, we’re going to be safe. The workers are going to be safe. If there’s a way to get the plant up and running, let’s do it expeditiously.”

Lemmon said later this week that the union paid for the Costco gift cards for members who attended the public meeting at San Onofre. He declined to answer why they were given or what they were worth, saying he wanted to speak with lawyers first.

Lemmon did not return subsequent calls.

Cost of Council Elections
by Larry Gilbert

In my Feb 6 post I referenced the cost of being in the political arena as a candidate for local city councils. That cost will vary based on how competitive the election cycle is. If not mistaken, I recall a time when the city of Laguna Hills did not conduct an election as there were no challengers to the incumbents that year.

To recap the cost per vote from my prior report, Mission Viejo Councilwoman Cathy Schlicht was re-elected having spent $1.82 per vote received. Frank Ury spent $2.61 per vote in his being re-elected. Challenger Wendy Buchnum, who spent the most in her losing bid, ended up spending $3.61 per vote.

Now let’s check the same results for Lake Forest, our neighbor city to the north where two challengers were elected and incumbent Marcia Rudolph was defeated. Incumbent Mark Tettemer chose not to run in that election, which raises another point for consideration. It is virtually impossible to remove a sitting member of these city councils, which opens the door for challengers spending less per vote. However, if your current council members have failed to be effective leaders, they can be removed at the ballot box. The proof was our local activists’ effort in 2002 when we removed both our sitting mayor and mayor pro tem in that revolution in Mission Viejo as highlighted by Steve Greenhut in an OC Register Editorial.

Back to Lake Forest with two open seats where Adam Nick came in first with 10,279 votes. He also spent the most money as reported in the Register at $59,450. According to my calculations Adam spent a whopping $5.78 per vote. Coming in second was Dwight Robinson having spent $38,296. Based on receiving 9,381 votes, Dwight was elected having spent $4.08 per vote.

Finishing third was Terry Anderson who spent $26,661 while getting 7,183 votes. There is an irony here. Terry lost having spent $3.71 per vote while Wendy Buchnum lost in Mission Viejo after spending $3.61 per vote.

Lake Forest Councilwoman Marcia Rudolph was defeated in her effort to be re-elected. According to the O.C. Register, Marcia spent $6,999 in this campaign and received only 5,675 votes. So while her investment per vote was only $1.23, it is almost impossible to win in challenged local races where the opposition has superior funding and grass roots on the streets.

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.

Performances at Soka: Piano Concert by Barry Douglas on Tues., Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m., Pacific Symphony on Sun., Feb. 24, 3:00 p.m., Performing Arts Center, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, (949) 480-4278, http://www.performingarts.soka.edu

Big Bucks Bingo, Wednesdays, 6:15 p.m. early bird and 6:45 p.m. regular games, Mission Viejo Elks Lodge, Marguerite and La Paz, Mission Viejo, (949) 830-3557. 
http://www.mvelks.com/

JSerra Catholic High School Information Night for prospective students, Thurs., Feb. 21, 6:30 p.m., JSerra Center Room,26351 Junipero Serra Rd., San Juan Capistrano, (949) 493-9307, http://jserra.org/

Camino Real Playhouse, Stage II, “The Bad Seed,” Thurs., Feb. 21, 8:00 p.m., 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, (949) 489-8082, http://www.caminorealplayhouse.org

Open House at St. Michael’s Preparatory School on Sat., Feb. 23, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sun., Mar. 10, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., http://stmichaelsprep.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=61&Itemid=64

San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association events: Kid’s Pet Parade on Sun., Feb. 24, 10:00 to 2:00 p.m.; El Presidente Ball at the El Adobe Restaurant on Sat., Mar. 16, 6:30 p.m.,; 54th Annual Swallows’ Day Parade and Mercado on Sat., Mar. 23, parade begins at 11:00 a.m. and Mercado from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. http://www.swallowsparade.com/taste.html

La Vida Drum Circle, Mon., Feb. 25, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m., group meets on the evening of every full moon (Mar. 27, April 25, May 24, etc.). Drummers are welcome to bring their own drums or use an extra the group has. Firewood is appreciated for the bonfire, Aliso Beach, Aliso and Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, (949) 275-7544, http://www.lavidalaguna.com/full-moon-drum-circle

Recycling Drive at St. Kilian’s Church, held on a Saturday each month. March date to be announced. Organized by Knights of Columbus; acceptable items include aluminum, paper and plastic. No longer accepting glass or cardboard. Lower parking lot, 26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, (949) 472-1249, http://www.stkilianchurch.org

Political and Government Events Calendar

Commemorate President’s Day at the Nixon Library, Mon., Feb. 18, free admission throughout the day. Exhibits are family-friendly, and the first 100 guests can enjoy a free slice of cherry pie, Richard Nixon Presidential Library, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, (714) 364-1120, http://nixonfoundation.org

Saddleback Republican Assembly, Thurs., Feb. 21, 7:00 p.m. SRA meets on third Thursdays (except in December, July and August) at the Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Jacaranda Room-B, Mission Viejo. For information call (949) 360-1717.

Santa Margarita Water District meetings: Finance Committee on Fri., Feb. 22, 7:30 a.m., and Board of Directors meeting on Wed., Feb. 27, at 7:00 p.m., 26111 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, (949) 459-6420, http://www.smwd.com

Orange County Board of Supervisors will meet on Tues., Feb. 26, 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 hold a meeting on Tues., Feb. 26, at 6:30 p.m. “if necessary.” The next regular board meeting will be Tues., Mar. 12, 6:30 p.m., 25631 Peter Hartman Way, Mission Viejo, (949) 586-1234, http://www.svusd.k12.ca.us/

2013 Orange County DUI Summit, Wed., Feb. 27, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., information on DUI and solutions, Concordia University, DeNault Auditorium, 1530 Concordia, Irvine, http://media.ocgov.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=23426

Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees will meet on Wed., Feb. 27, 7:00 p.m., district office, 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/

California Republican Party Spring Convention, March 1-3, Hyatt Regency Sacramento, Sacramento Convention Center, http://cagop.org/crpconvention.asp

Rush Limbaugh Club, Sat., Mar. 9. Breakfast begins at 8:00 a.m., meeting 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Casta Del Sol Golf Course Clubhouse, 27601 Casta Del Sol Road, Mission Viejo, make reservations by emailing reservations@rushlimbaughclubocv.com, http://www.rushlimbaughcluboc.com

Mission Viejo Chapter of ACT for America will hold a General Meeting on Mon., Mar. 11. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. The meeting starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m., Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo.

Celebrate former First Lady Pat Nixon’s Birthday at the Nixon Library on Sun., Mar. 17, 11:00 a.m. The library will observe the 101st anniversary of the birth of Mrs. Nixon with free admission all day, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, (714) 364-1120, http://nixonfoundation.org

The Buzz

Saddleback Valley USD schools will be back in session on Tuesday. From the website: “Due to an unpaid furlough day and District February Recess Days, the District Office and Schools will be closed from Thursday (2/14) through Monday (2/18). The District Office and Schools will reopen on Tuesday, February 19.”

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City Manager Dennis Wilberg indicated in his newsletter that traffic backups on Olympiad have improved with the addition of a right-turn lane going east on Alicia. According to what data was there a backup? The change was made on the basis of a request, allegedly initiated by a resident of Stoneridge who is a neighbor of Councilman Frank Ury. Ury’s wife works at a school in Rancho Santa Margarita – was that the “backup” at the intersection? Residents who live nearby say all traffic on Olympiad was getting through in one light, and there was no backup. Restriping was done after bypassing the Planning and Transportation Commission. Ignoring commissions comprised of residents is a common practice when city hall wants to push its agenda or keep it out of public view. The primary observation about traffic at the intersection is that vehicles are now running the red light to turn right (eastbound) on Alicia.

***

As an example of a backup, look at south Mission Viejo. Traffic on Marguerite Parkway moves slowly for blocks, especially northbound between the Post Office and Crown Valley. City hall alternately says lights ARE coordinated or lights CANNOT BE coordinated. Drivers can attest that the lights ARE NOT coordinated.

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Posted by Anne Marie Panoringan on OC Weekly, Garman’s Irish Pub is coming to Mission Viejo. Panoringan writes, “Serving traditional fare in addition to lots o' Guinness, we can't locate an opening date as of late. However, let's hope it pulls it off before St. Paddy's Day. … With the mantra ‘It's your place, we just work here’ and general management listed as Ryan Garman, we're banking on a Cheers-like atmosphere in which everyone not only knows your name--but your business and beer preference as well. While a Facebook page is active, the website link is not. Hey, guys, throw an extra boxty on the griddle and call us sometime. We're starving!” Garman’s location will be 27567 Puerta Real, across from The Shops.

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From Voice of OC on Feb. 15, Nick Gerda writes, “Southern California Edison has spent the last year telling nuclear regulators and the public that major problems with its generators at San Onofre that leaked radiation last year were a complete surprise. But later today, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is expected to release a report that may radically change that picture.” Continue reading at http://www.voiceofoc.org/oc_coast/san_clemente/article_c9f6cc24-7752-11e2-b0a1-001a4bcf887a.html

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Email from city watchdog Joe Holtzman: “[On Feb. 4] I outlined to our Mission Viejo city council the latest potential raid on your pocketbook by Southern California Edison.

Check your most recent SCE or SDGE bill. Mine contains several inserts regarding:

1. Notice of upcoming public participation hearing regarding CPUC OII

2. Proposed change in electric rates to recover the costs associated with the San Onofre decommissioning trust fund. It is a 101% increase in public contribution request to CPUC

3. Notification of application filing of demand response programs, to CPUC

4. General insert about "Advancing toward a brighter more sustainable energy future"

Question: Should the public support the 101% increase in decommissioning fund contribution, or demand that the money to be spent on new steam generators instead be spent on decommissioning? Edison is going to invest their portion of the fund in higher risk investments and the CPUC said OK.

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/feb/01/tp-higher-fees-risks-okd-for-nuke-trust/

‘In a ruling published Wednesday, the California Public Utilities Commission approved the use of derivative instruments, junk bonds and more extensive stock market and foreign equity investments.’

This needs to be brought to the attention of the public. Edison is risking the ability to decommission the facility.”

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"One of the great mistakes is to judge policies and programs by their intentions rather than their results." - Milton Friedman (1912-2006)

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