Uninformed or Inexperienced?
by Larry Gilbert

Based on today’s [Mar. 24] OC Register, there is one thing the cities of Newport Beach and Mission Viejo have in common. Public sector projects that come in three times the original cost projections used to sell the citizenry for obtaining their taxpayer support. However, after reading today's OC Register, we are pikers when comparing the 11,000-square-foot expansion of the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center in MV on land that the city owned to the new Newport Beach Civic Center.

Our CIP grew for $5.5 million to over $15 million with more than 16 Change Orders to only one of the multiple contractors. In the Newport Civic Center, on prime real estate land adjacent to Fashion Island, the Newport Beach complex began with a cost estimate between $46.4 million and $48 million (to $60 million as stated by a local resident) while the latest reported unofficial or final figure is between $131.4 million and $135 million. Source: Register March 24.

At least N.B. included new ...furniture and fixtures (F&F) in their original project budget. Our Mission Viejo staff never mentioned or listed F&F in our expansion budget which ended up adding around $250,000 to the project. Here again it's not apples to apples. Even though they listed F&F, Newport exceeded their F&F expenditures, which is easy to do when playing with OPM

Thinking of civic center, I continue to be impressed with our neighbor, the city of Laguna Niguel, who saved up over a period of years in order to pay cash for their new City Hall on Crown Valley Parkway that was completed in October of 2011. Having attended that ribbon cutting event I did commend Tim Casey, their city manager, for their fiscal project management.

City staff are either uninformed or simply lack project management experience when proposing capital improvement projects (CIP). At times they try to disguise their "wish list" by creating new projects in "phases" to disguise the final project cost. I have to wonder if the residents of Newport would have supported this complex if they knew in advance that the project would consume upwards of $150 million dollars.

Council Meets on April 1

The April 1 Mission Viejo council agenda can be found at: http://dms.cityofmissionviejo.org/sirepub/pubmtgframe.aspx?meetid=1994&doctype=agenda

Although the agenda is light for this meeting, a city watchdog forwarded the following summary about an item of interest.

At the request of Councilwoman Cathy Schlicht, the City Attorney added Item No. 21, a Resolution urging the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to require an “adjudicated license amendment hearing” before restarting Unit # 2. If Southern California Edison had followed this prescribed process before installing the replacement generators, San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station would probably not have experienced this emergency shutdown. An “adjudicated” hearing requires sworn testimony under oath and allows the admission of nuclear expert testimony from those independent of the NRC and SCE.

On Jan. 31, 2012, after a tube leaked radiation into the air, Unit # 3 was shut down less than a year after installation of new generators. Its 807 tubes have now been plugged, and the fueling rods have been removed. Unit # 3 generators are also plagued with welding defects.

At the time of this emergency shutdown, Unit # 2 was offline for regular maintenance, but an inspection of its tubes also revealed unprecedented tube wear, and 510 tubes have been plugged.

SCE wants to start up Unit # 2 at reduced power without fixing the problem, which was a design flaw when over 300 tubes were added to each of the four new generators. The only way to determine if a generator is failing is when there is a radiation leak. It is SCE’s desire to run Unit # 2 for five months at 70 percent power, then re-inspect for more tube wear. However, it appears that reducing power does not reduce the pressure inside the tubes. Reducing power is to reduce vibration. An operational assessment on the present condition of Unit # 2 determined that the Unit can run safely at 100 percent power for a period of 11 months. Then what ?

In the meantime, in addition to paying for the $700,000,000 cost for the failed replacement generators, the ratepayers are also paying $54 million a month to subsidize SONGS.

ACT for America

ACT for America’s Mission Viejo Chapter will hold a general meeting on Mon., Apr. 8, at the Norm Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo (Sycamore B Room). Chapter President Bruce Mayall invites community members to bring a friend to the meeting, which starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m.

Jeff Ferguson, Senior Deputy District Attorney for Orange County, will speak on Islamic Law. His topic will be “How Judges Can Stop Sharia in America.”

The Islamists' dream is America and the world ruled by sharia, the barbaric, 8th century Islamic legal code. Sharia was created more than 1,000 years ago to consolidate the power of Arab warlords over their conquered lands. Today, Muslim Brotherhood agents and ordinary Muslims are striving to insinuate sharia into America's courtrooms, with surprising success.
In spite of Islamist propaganda that presents sharia as only religious law, many devout Muslims believe it should apply to every person on Earth. But, sharia violates the United States’ Constitutional rights and the most basic principles of American jurisprudence, including equality, due process and trial by jury.

Jeff will discuss:

• The growing list of legal cases where judges allowed sharia to be applied in U.S. court.
• Why one or both parties would try to invoke sharia in court.
• A few case studies that illustrate why sharia is a bad idea if we want to keep our rights.
• What every judge must do to prevent sharia from setting precedents in our legal system.

Jeff was raised in Orange County and has worked for the District Attorney's office for over 30 years. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, a Bachelor of Arts in social ecology from UCI, and a law degree from Western State University. He started his career with the District Attorney's office in Juvenile Court, and was soon promoted to the elite Narcotics Enforcement Team where he was the first prosecutor in California to convict a member of the Mexican Mafia.

As a prosecutor for the Major Narcotics Vendor Program, Jeff shut down more than two dozen high-volume methamphetamine labs between San Diego and Fresno. He targeted a dozen street gangs selling narcotics, guns and stolen cars for Operation Orion, personally indicting 128 suspects with 90% of them landing in state prison. He has also prosecuted associates of jihadist terrorist groups engaged in identify theft and smuggling meth precursor chemicals into American and Canada. The OC Narcotics Officers Association named Jeff the Prosecutor of the Year, three different times.

Jeff will speak for about 50 minutes, followed by 20 minutes for questions. A $5 donation will be appreciated to help cover meeting costs. Sign up for ACT! for America chapter announcements at www.act4oc.org

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.

Soka University events: “Meet the Artists of Shesh Besh” on Thurs., Apr. 4, 7:00 p.m., no admission charge (RSVP required). 12th Annual International Festival on Sat., May 4, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Fun With Chalk on Sat.-Sun., May 4-5, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, (949) 480-4278, http://www.performingarts.soka.edu

Michaels, ongoing and new classes throughout April: demonstrations, arts and crafts, 25310 Marguerite Pkwy, Mission Viejo, (949) 770-5001
http://locations.michaels.com/CA/MISSION-VIEJO/8513/index.html

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, for new classes this week, visit the website or go to the store at 26672 Portola Parkway, Foothill Ranch, (949) 588-7420, http://Joann.com

Roger’s Gardens presents spring classes: “My Edible Garden” on Sat., Apr. 6, 9:00, and “Smart and Easy Gardening Tips” on Sat., Apr. 13, 9:00 a.m., 2301 San Joaquin Hills, Corona del Mar, (949) 640-5800, http://www.rogersgardens.com

Mariachis at the Mission, Sat., Apr. 13, 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., music by the Capistrano Community Mariachi Program, Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, (949) 234-1300, http://www.missionsjc.com

Bubblefest at Discovery Science Center, through Sun., Apr. 14. Play zone, interactive science activities and a laser show, 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana, (714) 542-2823, http://www.discoverycube.org/

Crossline Church will offer classes on finance, beginning Tues., Apr. 16, 7:00 p.m., “Super Saving Common Sense for Your Dollars and Cents.” Other topics in a series of nine classes will include how to beat debt and save money. Location is 23331 Moulton Pkwy., Laguna Hills, (949) 916-0251, http://www.crosslinechurch.com

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/

Recycling Drive at St. Kilian’s Church, Sat., Apr. 20, 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

Political and Government Events Calendar

Orange County Parks Commission will meet on Thurs., Apr. 4, 7:00 p.m. The commission meets on the first Thursday of every month. Irvine Ranch Historic Park, 13042 Old Myford Rd., Irvine, (949) 923-3741, http://ocgov.com/cals/

Mission Viejo Chapter of ACT! for America will hold a General Meeting on Mon., Apr. 8. 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.

OC Veterans Advisory Council Meeting, Wed., April 10, 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

“The Conservative Resurrection,” panel discussion with Hugh Hewitt, Michael Medved, Ben Shapiro and moderator Brian Whitman, Wed., Apr. 10, 7:00 p.m., Nixon Library, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, (714) 364-1120, http://nixonfoundation.org

The Rush Limbaugh Club, Orange County Chapter, will host guest speaker Councilman Bill Brough, Dana Point, on Sat., April 13, 8 a.m. breakfast. Meeting starts at 8:30 a.m., Casta del Sol Golf Clubhouse, 27601 Casta del Sol, Mission Viejo.

Santa Margarita Water District meetings: Engineering Committee on Fri., Apr. 15, 7:30 a.m.; Finance Committee on Fri., Apr. 22, 7:30 a.m., and Board of Directors on Wed., Apr. 24, 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., Apr. 16, 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., April 16 (third Tuesday due to spring recess), 6:30 p.m., and on Tues., Apr. 30 “if necessary,” 25631 Peter Hartman Way, Mission Viejo, (949) 586-1234, http://www.svusd.k12.ca.us/

Capistrano Valley Republican Women Federated, Wed., Apr. 17, 9:00 a.m. CVRWF meets on third Wednesdays. Call (949) 496-2525 for reservations, http://cvrwf.org

Saddleback Republican Assembly, Thurs., Apr. 18, 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.

Political Memorabilia Collectors’ Fair, Sat., Apr. 20, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Richard Nixon Presidential Library, buy, sell, swap or browse. Expert collectors will buy, sell and appraise campaign materials and political memorabilia, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, (714) 364-1120, http://nixonfoundation.org

Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees will meet on Wed., Apr. 24, 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 Assembly Convention, Fri.-Sun., April 26-28, Doubletree San Francisco Airport, Burlingame. For information call (650) 697-1964.

The Buzz

The city’s party of the month during March was “Up in the Air.” According to City Hall, “thousands attended.” Since the claim appeared alongside photos – a few close-up shots with virtually no one in the background – it raised questions about the turnout. A citizen responded with the rest of the story. Folks were in the area, but they weren’t there for Up in the Air. The adjacent sports fields were the attraction.

***

The city’s schedule of events and classes (“Leisure Time”) shows that an amazing number of activities are funded with tax dollars. Not all of the classes listed are actually presented because of low interest. A recent musical program in city hall may have been similarly disregarded by the community. Why else would a large purchase of tickets show up on the city’s check register? There were two such large purchases of tickets. The explanation of the ticket purchases was “tickets were given to volunteers.” When the city is paying for a concert, why else would it buy tickets from itself except to fill otherwise seats?

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Mission Viejo residents found a new paper thrown in their driveway on Fri., Mar. 29. Called “Community News,” it consists of reprints of material from Saddleback Valley News, which contains reprints from the OC Register. On the plus side, OCR’s new owners have created a lot of jobs. Several months ago, the new owners stopped the free distribution of SVN in hopes of getting subscribers. With the advent of a new free paper published by OCR, its owners seem to have a plan that’s so sophisticated no one can make sense of it.

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On Mar. 27, the Capo USD board of trustees voted to request fee waivers to allow the district to exceed the state’s maximum class sizes. Such waivers will enable the district to request elimination of penalties for exceeding the limits. Cheers to Trustees Ellen Addonizio and Jim Reardon for opposing the decision, voting in the 5-2 minority. The waivers are actually extensions of waivers voted on in school years 2011 through 2013. While the union-backed majority has been directing funds to employee salaries, the district’s estimated cost of needed repairs has reached $500 million.

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According to the city website, City Manager Dennis Wilberg’s total annual compensation is $293,202. In a prior issue of this blog, Wilberg’s salary was stated as approximately $200,000. However, that number includes only regular pay, which a blog reader pointed out as an incomplete picture.

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