From the Email InBox: .....
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CALL FOR HELP WITH THE RECALL... AND RELATED EFFORTS.......
The Next Step is to gather enough signatures to have the Recall put on the Ballot. That will be done at various public places, and events. If you have a desire to allow the issue to be put to the People Please Sign the Petition and Let the Public Vote.
More signatures will be needed, and your help in collecting signatures is also needed. Please contact yourlegacy2@yahoo.com by email with your contact information and events will be organized to collect signatures.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Important Conflict of Issues
ESSCO v Specific PlanAttorney, Raymond Johnson, who spoke at the City Council Meeting on May 11, 2006, stated that he had a fax confirmation stating that we did. He stated that one of the issues with the City is that sometimes the City Council will do one thing in public and then do something else when they think no one is looking. He feels that this project is a prime example.
The project that is proposed is not consistent with the specific plan or the requirements of the EIR that was done for the OAC. He stated that the General Plan is inconsistent internally and that it is impossible to be consistent with it. With regards to the issue of noise, the EIR stated that the construction noise would extend over 1,000 feet from the edges of the property and feels that it will be higher than acceptable standards.
The requirements in the General Plan EIR was that all projects in the portion of the specific plan must conduct an acoustical. It was also required to do a traffic study. When the EIR was done for the OAC Specific Plan it noted that in order to achieve acceptable levels of service on the area streets there were $170 million dollars of traffic improvements that needed to be made in order to accomplish mitigation to the acceptable levels.The OAC's portion of those traffic expenditures was established at $10.2 million dollars. That is a lot of money for the OAC. This project represents approximately 3% of the OAC project and its relative fair share of that portion would be $330,000.00 to mitigate traffic impacts based upon the EIR that was done for the OAC plus the $24,000.00 that has to go to the County. There is approximately $350,000.00 worth of traffic mitigation that is required by the OAC EIR that is not being required of this project. If this project doesn't provide their fair share and subsequent portions the developers of the OAC or the City is going to have pick-up those costs. If Council is concerned about the traffic they can't afford to throw away $330,000.00 worth of mitigation.
With regard to the street, he was incorrect. According to the Specific Plan, the minimum acceptable right-of-way according to the specific plan for that street is 122 feet which does not meet the minimum required right-of-way. He questioned if this is the type of use that they want to have at the entrance/gateway to the OAC. The OAC requires a very specific design on the walls and that is not what is being proposed. He feels that they have not complied with the design requirements.He feels that there is a likelihood that there may be burrowing owls on the site. The EIR mitigation measure specifically required that protocol burrowing owl surveys be done prior to any project being approved. There are simply too many mitigation measures that are required that the City is ignoring. He stated that the project is not consistent with the specific plan and it is not consistent with the mitigation measures required in the OAC's Specific Plan or EIR.
They have not done the necessary studies and therefore is not consistent with the requirements.Mayor Ferré returned discussion to Council.City Attorney Harper, stated that the issues that were brought up by Mr. Johnson can be addressed by staff.Councilmember Hilkey, questioned if this piece of property is part of the OAC.Mr. Johnson, responded in the affirmative.Community & Economic Development Director Koontz, also responded in the affirmative.Community & Economic Development Director Koontz, gave a background of the hearings that were held on the specific plan and the uses. He addressed the noise issues and feels that it has been mitigated to an acceptable level.Councilmember Hilkey, stated that he feels that the OAC was a dead issue after hearing that the freeway access won't be done until Phase III of Measure I.
City Attorney Harper, stated that the existing zoning of the property is OAC regardless of what might happen in the future. Any project that is considered today is bound by the existing OAC zoning.Community & EconomicDevelopment Director Koontz, stated that the OAC project is not dead until the freeway is widened it is on hold until they figure out what to do with the bridge. Staff is working on interim solutions to address the traffic issues. The freeway itself doesn=t have anything to do with project being delayed.Councilmember Hilkey, questioned if we take the existing properties out of the OAC then there will no longer be an issue.Community & Economic Development Director Koontz, stated that the reason this area is included in the OAC is so that they can look at the landscaping and architecture so that it is consistent. Staff feels that they did a pretty good job.From the Email Box: Hey Paw,From the minutes:
Councilmember Hilkey, questioned if there is an entry in the budget that show utilities paid for by the library.
City Manager Schwab, responded that is not shown in the budget but staff could provide a spreadsheet how much is incurred in expenses and how much money is distributed back to the City.Shouldn't we all be able to know the answer?
Councilmember Hilkey, questioned if there was a way to shape the Law Enforcement Service package to suit the needs now versus the needs of 20 years ago. He stated that he spoke to City Manager Schwab earlier about cycling the traffic officers. He is getting the feeling that we don't have the faith in the Department like we use to.
City Manager Schwab, stated that his suggestion would be to set up a workshop to show the Council what the deployment looks like today and what the theory is for coverage. He stated that he was planning on adding a Deputy next year, however, if the Council would like to add a 40 hr car this year it is an option that can be added to the budget.Where would the money come from?
Councilmember Garcia, stated that at the Council Priority Session they discussed performance and criteria. She stated that she doesn't know if the Department would be open to it but if there was a performance criteria established where they would make a commitment that with this amount of dollars this is what you get and if you don=t perform there is a decrease in the amount that they get paid. She will be looking closely at the Sheriff's Service Specialist position.
She stated that there is a new Fire Chief in the County of San Bernardino and suggested that we do the same with the Fire Department. She stated that the Library is a strong priority for the City. She stated that she wants to fight for a library in the Towne Center Project. She stated that she feels that there should be some money in the budget for a library.We have measured her performance and she should be fired!
There have been no complaints on the Fire Department response time. Just like asking the City Attorney to get involved in the Stater Brothers Shopping Center dispute, this statement is inept.
City Manager Schwab, stated that in any circumstance in order to fund a library there is going to have to be money. Staff was depending on the income from the center to help pay for debt service or rent depending on what is worked out. This was predicated on having a large enough revenue cash flow off of the project to pay either the rent or the debt service. Without that the money is not immediately there to do that.
If the Council says this is what our priority is and they want to spend enough money to build a brand new building somewhere in the community they could do that, however, he feels that we have to balance the desires for a new library against the desires that he just heard for more police.Councilmember Garcia, she stated that she would like another budget workshop if the decision would be between a new library and law enforcement. She stated that she would be willing to trim the budget to fund a library. She questioned when the Council can discuss the priority of a new library.Council Minutes
posted by GrandPaTerrace at Thursday, May 25, 2006
The City even carried the paper on the house for several months before Schwab got his own financing. Now the City makes the Payments on the House as he is paid to live in the city. Michelle Boustede has an RDA house. She is a City employee. She received a silent second deed of trust that requires no interest or principle payments until the house is sold. These silent seconds are to be no more than 10% of the purchase price of the home. Hers was for $44,000 another violation of State RDA law. The City Manager will not release the salary of Mrs. Bousted, a violation of the open records act (Prop..59). On closing day Mrs. Boustede had quick claim deeds from her husband making the property her sole possession as a married woman. RDA law states a single person cannot make more that $39,000 a year to qualify for RDA. Schwab makes over $110,000, and was given a raise last Council meeting that will be divulged at the next meeting. A City contract does not trump State law. Councilman Hilkey at a Community Awareness meeting stated that he told the City it was illegal for the City to sell Schwab an RDA house.
The General Fund and the RDA monies are combined so no citizen can tell what is what on the monthly vouchers. Mr. Rollins is called a volunteer which he is not. He's paid from $1200 to 1400 a month and given a birthday bonus. There is no problem with the City paying him, it is the lie.
Councilwoman Garcia accepted campaign contributions from Mr. Jacobsen and his wife and refuses to recluse herself from votes concerning projects he has promoted in town.
Hundreds of thousands of RDA funds went into the OAC before the citizens were made aware of it after two years of keeping it a secret. There were over four hundred signatures turned in to the City asking for a different type development and ignored. The City plowed ahead anyway and not until last year when a different developer, The Grand Terrace Partners, came in and did a feasibility and market study, and found the project to be neither, would the Council listen. Mr.Megna has not been seen since.
All City real estate is given to Terra Loma Real Estate to sell. Gene Carlstrom a former Mayor, is the owner. Bob Bidney and Bea Cortes are employees. Bobby Forbes, president of the Chamber of Commerce, also works for him. A few weeks ago after a citizen asked about Cortes going into closed session on the Arliss street house, an RDA house, and being sold by Terra Loma did the City attorney tell her she could not be in the closed session and would have to excuse herself.
Why not list City property with all real estate agencies.
The Dodson property is another example. Mrs.Dodson is the sister-in-law of Gene Carlstrom. The Dodson property was listed at $750,000. They could not sell because of the OAC and most of the property is consider marsh land. Mrs. Ferre and Schwab decided as a favor to Carlstrom to buy the property with City funds. The Council went into closed session, and is the custom with Mrs. Ferre and in violation of the Brown Act, when they came out of closed session she claimed there was "No reportable action taken taken".
The next Council meeting a very angry Councilman Hilkey advised the community that Mrs. Ferre had not been honest. That within ten minutes of going into closed session with Carlstrom the City made a deal for $1.29 million. $540,000 more than what they asked. Mr. Hilkey told everyone that it is a property the City did not need and paid too much for. He voted against it.
You are now informed that people have documented for years the illegal actives of the City.
Mrs. Robles stated at the joint meeting of the Council and Planning Commission that the City takes in over $5 million a year in property taxes and a little more than 1/10 of that goes to the City. The rest all goes to the RDA to pay debt. These are taxes that should go for streets, schools, law enforcement and services the City is required to provide.
The RDA has not produced one penny of sustained revenue for the City. It is the only government agency that can issue tax allocation bonds without voter approval and has done so repeatedly. Councilman Miller wants to know why Mr. Schwab won't take bids on any project, but hand picks the developers.
The Senior Housing, again a good example. The Corp. for Better Housing calls themselves a non-profit, but are listed with the Attorney General as a charity, except their 990's show no donations to charity. It does show hundreds of thousand of commissions and fees to themselves.
Another no bid contract that $9 million of RDA funds went into. Ms. Silverstein stated the would make adjustments for the people on Brentwood and that the apartments would be for low to moderate incomes. After Schwab issued the check to them they left the plans the way they were and told us the apartments would be for low to low low incomes.
That would stop most of our seniors from being eligible for them Mr. Schwab lied to two citizens last year trying to conceal that he had placed the taxpayers of Grand Terrace $13,000,000 further in debt with an issuance of more RDA tax allocation bonds. The citizens asked at many Council meeting where our money was because it could not be traced through City records.
Brian, years of research and have been done had to get this much out of the City to get the truth you should listen to those that have learned much as to the corruption fact that guides the most of this council and management.
Mr. Koontz works two days a week for the City and three days a week for Nolte Engineering. Go check and see how many City checks over the last several years have been issued to Nolte Eng. I hope this enlightens you some what. The section on the agenda that Mrs. Ferre reads every Council meeting before the public speaking is a what she and Tom Schwab made up. There is no Ca. law that states a council member cannot answer a question from a citizen. The Brown Act states that the council just can't make a decision. Mr. Hilkey and others have brought this to the public's attention over and over and she refuses to remove it from the agendas. Take note Mrs. Ferre will never answer a question placed before her at Council. She always defers to Schwab. The limit on her speaking to the public issues raised is not due to law. There must be a different reason which she refuses to disclose.
Law Suits Pending as a result of Council Member's Actions:
Case SCVSS119897 - CITIZENS-V-CITY OF GRAND TERRACE ET AL
(Area known as Outdoor Adventure Center)
Viewed Date Action Text Disposition
06/22/2006 8:30 AM DEPT. S8 HEARING RE: WRIT/CEQA.
Case SCVSS131530 - CITIZENS FOR RESPONSIBLE -V- CITY OF GRAND T
(Blue Mt. Senior Villa’s)
Viewed Date Action Text Disposition
05/31/2006 8:30 AM DEPT. S8 HEARING RE: PETITION FOR WRIT OF MANDATE(CEQA).
Case SCVSS130982 - FRANK H GUZMAN VS CITY OF GRAND TERRACE
(City Planning and Engineering Problem)
Viewed Date Action Text Disposition
06/28/2006 8:30 AM DEPT. S9 OSC RE: DISMISSAL
05/30/2006 9:30 AM DEPT. S7 MOTION RE: SET ASIDE RNTRY OF DEFAULT AGAINST CITY OF GRAND T FILED BY DEFENDANT CITY OF GRAND TERRACE
05/17/2006 CASE TRACKED TO LR7 Not Applicable
05/03/2006 MOTION RE: SET ASIDE RNTRY OF DEFAULT AGAINST CITY OF GRAND T FILED BY DEFENDANT CITY OF GRAND TERRACE. Not Applicable
05/03/2006 POINTS & AUTHORITIES FILED BY CITY OF GRAND TERRACE. Not Applicable
05/03/2006 DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL FILED BY CITY OF GRAND TERRACE Not Applicable
For More History go to the San Bernardino County Court Web Page.
Essco's Building and the methods used at the past Council Meeting just opens the city to yet another law suit.
The other justifications for recall can be searched out by putting in Tom Schwab House. Land Deals, and other key words in the above search this blog option at the top of the page. For those who want to know why a Recall.
Oh there is an issue with the continued employment of a known teller of false hoods as the City Manager. His continued employment is a Council Action, or lack of action as they can terminate him with cause or with out cause, and they have not done so. The Council choice to keep a known lier employed as the City Manager is an indication of their incompetence.
Brian Sent a 2nd Email and Replied to the First several times. I hope the presentation is readable...
Brian R
Wouldn't you agree that there must be a rule for public speaking? Can you imagine how long these meetings would go if we had 25 people speaking with no limits. This is just common practice and common sense. Think about it guys, don't just oppose everything, think about it!
Gramps Replied:
Dear Brian:
I assume your emails are all for the Blog in that you address the guys.
Actually I don't agree that people will go on and on. Public speaking is the least favorite thing for humans to do. It is unlikely that a person would speak longer than 5 minutes, Perhaps a rare individual would speak for 30 minutes like Mr. Johnson was allowed to during public speaking time. He was extended the courtesy of an extended time. He was not asked to summarize. The Mayor's practice of interrupting a summary to say "Please Summarize" is a demonstration of rudeness, and her need to lord her "Power" over the peons she rules over.
I think that council members should not be able to speak about non City business such as what restaurant they like, what service club they are associated with and so forth these items are not on the agenda and are not directly related to city business. I think that the Water Poster Awards and "Special Presentations" and Photo Ops with Jack Brown are a waste of the Citizens time. So if you are truly interested in speeding up the meetings these things should have limits, long before the public comment on agenda items, or non agenda items should.
Perhaps we can have a middle ground and say a 15 minute limit to be extended by ANY council member by giving the floor to the speaker to continue. I also think the issues raised to the council and staff should be put on the next agenda or answered by the staff and put into the next meetings agenda and responded to in writing not only to the individual but to the public. Of course, I think government should be done in the open, with the free and open sharing of ideas, concerns, and knowledge.
Gramps
Brian Replied to Gramps Reply:
Brian R
Gramps Reply to Brian's Reply to Gramps Reply....
Dear Brian:
You may not think those in "Power" should practice the golden rule first, I do. I also agree that some public speakers out of frustration "Lose it". Know, that this is after many, many, many times of being treated badly by City Employees, City Council Members, and this frustration often is emoted at the Council Meeting without the Public knowing the back story of the frustrations.
I have never found returning poor behavior of any kind results in improved behavior or communication, but that is me. Your contention that the Council is Rude because the Public is Rude, is interesting. Perhaps it would be news to you that there was not a 3 minute rule untill the current Mayor established it. Grand Terrace Meetings went on without hard feelings, rudeness, and topics were talked out. That was before you moved to Grand Terrace in 2003.
I would think a person saying "Thank God for Eminent Domain" is as offensive as anything that has come out of the mouths of the folks who raise issue with the city's operations. As if those who are against the use of ED are somehow un-Godly, heathens. I am not one who would stop all speech I find offencive or rude. It takes courage for folks to speak and I am more interested in the Issues and Ideas trying to get through the communication, even when it is rude.
I am not going to address personalities of people who speak at the council meetings. They are the Public. I do consider the discussion of the Issues, decision making process, decisions, and public actions taken by Council Members, and City Staff appropriate. I don't care who ate mustard with their hot dog, however, I do hold them to a higher standard of conduct, as that comes with the Power they have.
Gramps
Brian's First Email: Reply, Reply and Reply.....
Brian R wrote:
I've just began reading this blog and have a few questions. Why do all of the postings seem to be decidedly anti-city? I enjoy a good debate about issues, both local and national, but every issue has two sides (not just yours), and I've noticed that the majority of posts have no identifying information. If you truely believe in what you're saying...why no name at the end of a post? Its easy to propose wild theories, make baseless allegations, and have absolutely no evidence to back anything up, when you cower in the shadows of an unsigned rant. Just curious. Perhaps you do have good points, but they're buried in the pile of rubbish that you put out daily. Finally, what are these recall petitions about? Does anybody care to make a case, backed by facts and evidence of course, for recall, or is it simply another smear tactic?Thanks for your time, whoever "you" are,Brian Reinarz
Reply to Brian from Grandpaterrace:
Dear Brian:
I am going to Forward my reply to others why may want to add to Grandpaterrace's reply. I answer for myself. They may have their own answers. Here is mine:
Welcome to the Blog. Your question will be addressed in the order they were written.
Why do all of the postings seem to be decidedly anti-city?
Your question suggest that the "City" is for the use of Eminent Domain, Increased Debt, Almost No Services Provided to Youth past the age of 13, the use of the Redevelopment Agency for the purpose of increasing the wealth of a few individuals at the cost of lowering the Peace in Grand Terrace, the use of closed meetings to discuss what Could be spoken about in public, the non reporting of crime statistics, the use of the City Employees to intimidate individuals and business, then I'd agree this blog is anti-city.
However, I think this blog is pro-city, as I view a city as being a group of citizens who live in a local who should be participants in their governance.
Brian's Reply:
I may have mis-spoken. I meant to say "anti-city government."
I may have missed it, but the city DID NOT ultimately use eminent domain.
Where are the posts congratulating the council on their compassionate decision not to use eminent domain in this instance. This seems to be proof that they do listen to all resident's concerns. I happen to agree that no government entity should take a private citizen's property for the economic gain of another private citizen or company. GOOD DECISION COUNCIL!
I like "Plan B."
I've noticed no "lowering of peace" in the city. I do agree however, that our Sheriff protection issue needs to be looked at. The deputies assigned to this city need to remain in this city, not in Loma Linda or elsewhere when they're needed here. I believe that we have next to no police coverage on most days.
Gramps Reply to Brian's Reply:
I think You Missed it. The council decided to let Jacobsen Be the Developer, on April 13. He was directed to go ahead with Plan A and Plan B and was given the idea that there was not enough votes to support ED on the Property. In addition, the City's Legal Staff conceded that IF they were to use ED there would be considerable problems as a result of the Tactics used by the City up to that point.
It wasn't until after April 17 when there was a removal of the request for the use of ED by Jacobsen, that the City Manager announced it was off the table. The City Council did not Decide one way or the other on the ED Issue.
As a matter of fact. The only Council Member who stated he would be against the use of ED on the Town Center / Stringfield Property was Council Member Miller. Hilkey said he'd have to wait for more information if it came to that, and the others remained MUTE.
This not noticing a "Loss of Peace" may be because you are a rather new member of our community. Cars being broken into, car theft, public drunkenness, domestic violence, armed robbery, and the amount of drug use, and availability is new to our half a cop town.
I am not anti Plan B. I am anti more Drug Stores/Liquor Stores, More Bars dressed as Dinner houses.
I am against construction prior to the plans for the 215 and Barton Rd work is done, and the Status of GT Elm is resolved.
I enjoy a good debate about issues, both local and national, but every issue has two sides (not just yours),
I could answer this by saying its my blog and therefore it is my opinion. The people who write for the blog do so knowing the past behavior of the city includes harassment of many forms. Some of the writers are known to myself, some are not. However the only editing of what is posted is to insure that it is not X rated. No one stops a non conforming opinion to be posted. I being the blog master welcome all posts that say PLEASE POST. So if you have something to say and you want your name on it, I'll post it.
Brian's Reply to the Above:
Without evidence, I absolutely refuse to believe that this city, or any of its employees engages in harassment of any sort. These are just people trying to make a living. There is no dark conspiracy at work here.
Gramps Reply to Brian's Reply:
You might want to ask Jo Stringfield about harassment. You might want to look into the use of Code Enforcement Officers as a tool against particular businesses, while other "Friends of the Council" are permitted to violate code after code.
You might go into the city office and ask for a copy of a particular document or letter. Perhaps one that may cause them to think you may consider them to not be acting in the best interest of the citizens and see what res ponce and result will be come your reality. As long as you fly under the radar with blinders on... all is well.
If you want to go further back as an indicator you may want to have a chat with Dr Halsteads family.
Brians Reply:
What I want is INTELLIGENT debate. In the absence of proof, we should assume a rosy glasses outlook. No responsible citizen should just hurl theories and accusations out there. BACK IT UP!!! Show me, for example, that something was untoward about Schwab's home purchase, and I'll join you in the public denouncement of the transaction. BUT YOU JUST SAYING IT LOOKS BAD DOESN'T MAKE IT SO!! Do you understand that? You call people's reputations into question with no facts.
Gramps Reply to Brian's Reply:
I have provided you with facts you have a right to rationalize them anyway you want, as do I. Fact is, You can't go into the city and ask them to use RDA funds to buy a house, then have the City Buy it, and let you work off the debt, or even make payments on it. IF you don't have that right, neither should Mr. Schwab. IN addition IF you had that right, the negotiation, purchase and sale should have all been done in the open, and announced in public. IT was NOT.
Fact: Loans made to City Employee with RDA funds.
Fact: Medical Payments Made to Council Members and Particular City Employees.
Fact: Tom Schwab Lied in PUBLIC to Council Regarding Budget, and Stater's Lease being Signed.
Fact: City Contracted Services for Planning Departments Mr. Koontz reek of conflict when HE also works for a FIRM who does business with the City.
Fact: Tom Schwab negotiated the above.
Your comment that you want INTELLIGENT DEBATE implies that I am not INTELLIGENT. I suggest that you don't trouble your self with the Idiots, dolts, un informed. For sure don't read the Blog... or ask questions of the Council or think about the issues raised. Follow the Dictates of Tom Schwab and the Council without question... Go Forth and be Happy.
Brian's Reply:
You keep screaming about eminent domain. The council agreed and chose not to use it, but you keep right on. Give them the credit they're due. They agreed with you for crying out loud. WHAT DO YOU WANT??
Gramps Reply to Brian's Reply:
Eminent Domain is still possible in GT. I am against the Possible use of ED for the purpose of transferring property from one private individual to another private individual. UNTIL the power to use ED this way is made NOT POSSIBLE in the city. I will continue to SCREAM. That is still an issue on the table. NO one in GT should have to be in the situation Jo Stringfield and her neighbors found themselves in.
Brian's Reply:
What budget debts. WE HAVE A SURPLUS!!!!!! HELLO!!!!!!
I've already addressed the land transaction. Show me.
The law suits are all filed by the same people who wring their hands about law suits. How crazy is that? If you want fewer suits, stop filing them. The money used to defend these suits could be used for...oh,I don't know...community youth programs. Let's be part of the solution, not the problem.
Recall is for extreme circumstances only, not the whim of a few. If you don't like the actions of the council, campaign against them and don't vote for them. Any decision that a public official makes is going to anger 30-40% of his/her constituency. We can't recall everybody because we don't like their decisions or leadership style. This would be chaos. Think about it. Run for office perhaps?
Gramps Reply to Brian's Reply:
Recall is for extreme circumstances. It is extreme when the City Manager, LIES to the Council and is retained. It is extreme when the combined budget is a large debt and that is in part due to the miss use of funds. The recall is because those being recalled will continue the current practices which quite frankly the city can't afford on many levels, financial and legal. There will be folks to run for office in an effort to Open the City Government up to the PUBLIC and Make a Full Audit and provide Accountability.
I haven't filed a law suit. I am part of the solution, I provide a place to show the documents the city wont post on its web site. These documents are provided by individuals who have suffered insults and harassment from the city employees when they ask for what should be public documents. I provide a place where actual arrests are reported and kept available. I assist folks find common interest in issues. What have you done?
Welcome to the Grandterracenews.blogspot.
Gramps
Brian's Statement recorded in the City Council April 13 Minutes.
Posted on the blog:
Brian Reinarz, 13909 Vivienda Court, stated that he has been listening and reading about the Town Square Project for quite some time. He has read accusations of conspiracy that involved the City Council, the City Manager, Jacobsen Family Holdings,LLC and some people would have him believe that all three bodies are conspiring to destroy our way of life. He indicated that he works in a crime lab so the first question he asks when faced with any issue is why. Why would City leaders propose and support a project that would significantly damage our City. The only conclusion he can come to is they would not. To hear one vocal opposition group talk, everything that the City does is evil and has malice. He doesn't feel that this is a productive discourse and he feels that it is flat out not true. If you disagree with an issue or a position that is one thing but the baseless allegations and scare tactics such as hords of teenagers rampaging through town destroying everything that they can affects the credibility of the accuser. He feels that he speaks for the majority out there that doesn't have time to come to the meetings. He lives in Grand Terrace and his daughter goes to school here and plays soccer here and the residents that he has discussed this project with over the last year or so are firmly for the project and virtually all are in favor of Jacobsen completing the project. He stated that it is easy to say that there is a conspiracy when things don't go your way but doesn't feel that does anything to further intelligent debate no matter what the issue is or who you are debating with. He sees good people working hard to make out City a better place to live. I think Council has shown that they are really looking out for everyone in the City. He feels that once everyone cools off they will realize eventually that this project is good for the City and the Council will make the decision that is best for the City as a whole.
This has been posted in the Minutes Section of the Blog..
Monday May 22, Traffic Committee Meeting
7:00 to 8:30 PM
Community Room, GT City Hall
Chaired by Council Member Jim Miller.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
**
*
May 2006: Other Development News
AGENDATHE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSIONOF THE CITY OF GRAND TERRACE WILL BE HELD ONDATE: April 20, 2006
http://grandterracenews.blogspot.com/2006/05/may-2006-other-development-news.html
GRAND TERRACE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Presents…“TASTE OF THE TERRACE”
Wednesday, May 24th, 2006
5:30pm to 7:30pm
COME SAMPLE TASTY DELECTABLES FROM
PARTICIPATING LOCAL AREA RESTAURANTS
Bring your Business Cards and Brochures
Everyone is Welcome!
Food
Drinks
Door Prizes
No Host Bar
City of Grand Terrace, Community Room
22795 Barton Road
“Progress Through Partnership”
Grand Terrace Area Chamber of Commerce
21900 Barton Road
Grand Terrace, Ca 92313
(909) 783-3581
Why should you go? EVERYONE is EVERYONE>>> and Food...
Town Center Concerns: Read and Use the Link
YOU May want to Read How Jacobsen Family Holdings Deals with others. Note in Redlands there is a Cost and Income Estimate in the presented data... How Much will it cost the City to have Jacobsen's Project in Grand Terrace. The Drug Store's Income is cut in Half by increased City Costs. So IF you use the same formula the 500.000.00 income will result in 250,000.00 of costs.. But, that is using a Drug Store example, not a Bar, or Lowes.. which no doubt would have a higher cost to the city.
http://grandterracenews.blogspot.com/2006/05/may-2006-town-center.html
Who get billed for the reading of the blog during BB&K hours?
BB&K started visiting the blog about the time the blog posted the Mayors Contribution Reports which do not indicate in detail the contributions given to the "Friends of ......" .
Interesting,,,,, very interesting.
Senior Center Move to take 6 weeks:
The Senior Center Move to it's temporary sight is to begin this Friday, and is to be expected to take 6 weeks.
IF these services are so vital to those being served why 6 weeks. Why isn't the site to receive the temporary buildings pre set for the receiving of the portables. OR have the food service at the City Hall for a Month... Perhaps rent a Mobile Kitchen to provide services.
No this city and the developer is not planning this well at all.
Should we say the closing of the Senior Center Predates the Court Date that has the very issue under consideration. Again, planning is questioned.
I feel sorry for all us seniors who will have to make other social arrangements at noon and so forth. I know new friends will be made in Colton, I just hope we organize and make sure any one who wants to go to the Other City to receive services and a place to socialize will be able to arrange transportation.
Doug Jacobsen of Jacobsen Family Holdings LLC and Grand Terrace City Manager Tom Schwab still have dreams of Having "Plan A" which includes a LOWES and the Mega Stater Brothers Market.
The Pre-paid add in the Grand Terrace City News ran again with the drawing of Plan A and the Misrepresentations of a Magic Library which requires no extra funding or even a budget. Now it may be a fact that the add was purchased before the April 13th meeting. It would have been appropriate to edit the add IF there is an intent to modify the PLAN to exclude LOWES, and Jo Stringfield's Property.
No the Add was left to run as purchased. The result is , the PUBLIC BEING DUPED. There is no Library Planned in Plan A. There is no budget, or Library Negotiation to be presented to the County which Runs our Library. There is no real Net Benefit to the City Known. Gross receipt Estimates of an Increase in Tax Revenue do not even guess the extra costs to the city for Law Enforcement, Hazmat Clean up and so forth.
Look what Jacobsen has done so far. Sav-on, Not Built as presented. Sold... Prior to finishing the project. Liquor Store Dressed as a Drug Store.... Mobile Home Property was allowed to become a slum, and weed abatement not done on Town Center Property Owned or "Controlled" by City and Jacobsen.
Jacobsen and Schwab need to get it straight, WE don't want LOWE's. WE don't need more Liquor Stores, Bars, or businesses which will increase crime in Grand Terrace. These businesses are a net loss regardless of the "Gross Increase in Sales Tax Revenue".
Schwab needs to figure out where Grand Terrace Elementary School will move to before he Manages the Redevelopment of Grand Terrace to Exclude a safe place for children to live, and attend school. Schwab needs to figure out that 20 percent of Redevelopment funds must be spent so that Low and Middle Income People have safe affordable housing in Grand Terrace. NOT just Seniors.
Don't be DUPED, or DOPED. Jacobsen and Schwab are not making decisions in YOUR Best Interest.
Also Read the Post Under Town Center For Mixed Message Jacobsen Family LLC Holdings:
http://grandterracenews.blogspot.com/2006/05/may-2006-town-center.html
David vs. Goliath or More Slanted Reporting Blue by Gramps
10:00 PM PDT on Saturday, May 6, 2006
CASSIE MACDUFF Red by Grandpa Terrace:
A single holdout on two acres may have scotched Grand Terrace's plan to lure home-improvement giant Lowe's to the proposed 20-acre Town Center on Barton Road.
That would be a big disappointment for the little city of 13,000, whose hopes were pinned on the project to boost sales-tax revenue. Who are you representing as being Disappointed, Citizens Speaking at the Council Meeting were OVERWHELMINGLY against a Lowe's, and the use of Eminent Domain to force the transfer of private property to a private party. Sure we are looking for tax revenue... However any revenue projections should include cost projections which the activity would also bring to the city.
After threatening for months to use eminent domain to force holdout Jo Stringfield to sell, the City Council choked, lacking the political will to take such an unpopular step. Perhaps this is Good Judgement and Citizenship?
Developer Jacobsen Family Holdings LLC is prepared to build around her parcel with a center anchored by a new Stater Bros. supermarket. (An older, smaller Stater Bros. up the road will close.) The threats have gone on for more than a year now. Perhaps you should check the dates on letters sent out of the city in the year 2003 suggesting land owners sell or face the possible use of Eminent Domain... You fail to mention that the current location of Stater's has offered to remodel the current site to fit their standard Large Store. You fail to state that Stater's Indecision to Rebuild in its current location has left the current landlords to lose leasing opportunities.
All of the parties have agreed to back off of their highly public battle for now, while informal, low-key talks continue behind the scenes. The citizens against the Use of Eminent Domain, and those against having a Lowe's here in Grand Terrace hold that opinion independent of what Jo Stringfield decides. Lowe's is not a welcome import to Grand Terrace. Increased Hazardous Materials, Day Laborers hanging out near an Elementary School are not welcome by any one. Even some of the Eminent Domain Use Supporters are against the proposal of having a Lowe's in Grand Terrace. Please don't miss represent the citizens.
"We don't know what's going to happen right now," said Stringfield's lawyer, Robert Ferguson.
Stringfield's David-versus-Goliath struggle evoked a lot of sympathy. People could identify with a local girl who returned home wanting to save her modest property from a big development.
"This was kind of my safety net here," Stringfield, 58, said of her home last winter when I interviewed her there one evening. (Her lawyer won't let her talk now.)
She'd planned to live out her life there. Besides, where could she find a house on two acres as close to her job in downtown San Bernardino?
Stringfield had moved back into the house in 2002 after her mother died. While she was growing up, there was a corral on the property with two horses. Leisure time meant rides up nearby Blue Mountain. You may have better represented the facts by saying the years she lived there and the short period of time she had moved out as most adult do only to return when her mother needed assistance and finally passed away. Your depiction is prejudicial in tone and minimizes her attachment and contiguous visitation if not actual residency to the property and her parents as an adult.
The first she learned about Town Center, Stringfield said in December (You should have the Year of that Letter), was from an official letter about the city's development agreement with Jacobsen. It said if she was interested in selling, she should call a real estate company it named.
She wasn't interested, so she didn't call.
Next came phone calls telling her she "must call." She ignored them. Then she heard from the city, saying it had the right to use eminent domain if a deal couldn't be reached. The news landed like a body-blow. "I didn't think (they) could really come in and take your property and give it to someone else to make a profit," she said.
Jacobsen and the city began making offers, starting at $770,000 and going up to more than $1 million. She turned down every one.
They told her she could find a similar property in Muscoy or Bloomington, Stringfield said. But she knew about controversial redevelopment plans in both areas. Why leave the frying pan to get into the fire?
She couldn't beat the forces aligned against her, so Stringfield eventually offered to join them, drawing up her own development plan. If anybody was going to profit from the land, why shouldn't she?
At the most recent council meeting, Stringfield withdrew the plan; an informal cooling-off period began. (Actually, there has been another Council Meeting so it is not the MOST Recent Council Meeting, This is why you should have DATES in your article.. The last time this was brought to the public was April 13, 2006. The "Next Meeting" Mr. Tom Schwab was not there, and days later there were "officials" saying ED was off the table at Jacobsen's request.
City Manager Tom Schwab said Lowe's looks to be out of the picture, but the door isn't closed and the Town Center plan could still come together. Lowe's will bring protest even IF Jo Stringfield sells her land on her own terms. Today's Sav-on Car Jacking is an example of why citizens don't want a Lowe's or another "Drug Store" or "Liquor Store that also sells Drugs" in town. There won't be enough tax revenue to pay for enough protection from what that development will bring to town. The citizens know this.
I hope both parties leave the table winners, not losers. Something should be worked out that's acceptable to the city and to Stringfield.
It is acceptable to the Citizens for Stringfield to stay right where she is as long as she wants to... The City is made up of Citizens who Respect the Property Rights of Our Fellow Landowners, Female, or Person who "Returned" and Inherited the property. IT IS HER PROPERTY We get that. How is it the "Officials" don't understand that?
Cassie MacDuff can be reached at (909) 806-3068 or cmacduff@PE.com
Online at: http://www.pe.com/columns/cassiemacduff/stories/
(back up and earase this) PE_News_Local_B_cass0507.8fb05f8.html
Sheriff Fails to Respond In Reasonable time to Sav-on Employees Call Results in Female Customer being robbed and car stolen:
Ok, here is the tick tock so far:
Hour 0 : Observant Sav-on Employees notice Suspicious Characters hanging out in Parking lot. Two guys hanging out one in a Mecerdes Benz, SUV. The other a tall Mexican that was hanging out in the store for a long time. The employees call the Sheriff to check him out and no one shows up for an hour.
Hour 1: Sav-on Female Customer was Robbed by the tall suspect in the parking lot and car jacks her Camery. Second Call to Sheriff Dispatch was made.
According to a witness to the events: the actual crime occurred about 3p.m. So first call I deduct was maybe about 2:oo pm. The Sheriff web site was check and there are no bookings by GT or L.L. at that time. Where were our Deputies? Where was the "Back Up". Was the call of suspicious characters so LOW on Priority that What Was the Higher Priority?
Unspecified time after 2nd report or call.
Two Sargents appear to take report. No Patrol Sheriffs
Our local Patrol nor Colton PD, nor the Loma Linda Sheriff Back Up to ours appeared in response to the first or second call. WHERE were they?
Have I missed anything? Please send details if you have any...
Inland roads on fast track
BONDS DEAL PASSES:
The region will benefit more quickly than other areas if state voters OK the plan.
10:00 PM PDT on Friday, May 5, 2006
By MICHELLE DeARMOND,
JIM MILLER and PHIL PITCHFORD
The Press-Enterprise
BONDS
Bonds are loans that are sold to investors, who make money off the interest.
How would the Legislature's bond proposal work? California would sell the bonds to investors, who would provide the state with the capital it needs to do these projects. The state would pay back the lenders the $37 billion plus interest over 30 years for a total of approximately $84 billion.
How would taxpayers be affected? The money would come out of existing revenue to the state, not from new taxes. Financial experts expect the state to generate additional revenue during that time because of population growth, thus making it easier for the state to handle the debt.
Why do governments issue bonds? To fund projects they can't pay for all at once and to spread the cost over time instead of raising taxes.
Inland counties would be among the first to get road money from an unprecedented $37.3 billion bond package passed Friday by the Legislature, area leaders said.
If approved by voters in November, the massive borrowing package would be the largest in the state's history. It includes money for highways, schools, levees and affordable housing.
Billions of dollars would be available for Inland projects, such as road-widening work on Interstates 15 and 215 and Highways 60 and 91. Riverside and San Bernardino counties already have projects ready for construction and are eligible for special funds for traffic-congestion relief; both those factors help push the region to the front of the line.
"They want to see projects roll out and actually have an impact," said Eric Haley, executive director of the Riverside County Transportation Commission. "Projects that are ready to go get the early money."
The bond package is expected to receive strong voter support, especially in regions struggling with transportation gridlock such as the Inland area.
A poll by The Field Institute in February showed 56 percent of California voters liked the idea of issuing bonds to pay for new highways, schools and other infrastructure projects over the next decade.
The package includes four separate measures requiring voter approval: $19.9 billion for transportation, $2.9 billion for housing, $10.4 billion for education and $4.1 billion for levee repairs and maintenance.
"If you live in the Inland Empire -- we don't have to convince any of our voters how important transportation is," said Assemblyman Russ Bogh, R-Beaumont. "I think the provisions of transportation are extremely beneficial to the Inland Empire. ... I had hoped we wouldn't get shortchanged by Los Angeles and we didn't."
Roadway Rewards
Haley said one major beneficiary of the bond proposal would be a plan to extend carpool lanes on Highway 91 from Madison Street to the intersection of that freeway with Highway 60 and Interstate 215 in north Riverside.
Another such project could be the planned reworking of the interchange in western Moreno Valley where Highway 60 and Interstate 215 split toward the desert and Southwest County, respectively.
Both of those areas suffer from significant gridlock as commuters funnel to and from multiple Inland areas and Orange and Los Angeles counties.
The money also could help pay for renovating several interchanges along Interstate 10 through the Coachella Valley, Haley said. Desert transportation advocates have sought money for such projects in the past but were told that state funds were not available.
The portion of the bond that allocates $4.5 billion in congestion-relief money for areas with high job and population growth bodes especially well for the Inland area, Haley said.
Projects that could qualify for such funds include planned widening of Interstate 215 between Moreno Valley and Temecula and between Grand Terrace and San Bernardino, as well as the expansion of Interstates 10 and 15, and Highways 91 in western Riverside County and 111 in the desert.
The November ballot package also will include a measure to make it more difficult for the Legislature to take money raised by Prop. 42 and use it to balance the budget. That money from the state sales tax on gasoline is supposed to be set aside for transportation, and ensuring it stays there will provide a more stable source of road money, Haley said.
Houses and Schools
The region also stands to benefit from housing and education bonds in the package.
Among the programs outlined are some that would subsidize construction of low-income apartments in the Coachella Valley and down-payment assistance for first-time homebuyers in Fontana.
Frank Williams, founder and president of the nonprofit Housing Action Resource Trust, said if Californians pass the proposed bond measure, the Rancho Cucamonga-based organization will compete for funds to expand its mortgage-assistance program and support a new project to build affordable housing in San Bernardino County for teachers, firefighters and other public service workers.
Borre Winckel, executive director of the Riverside County Chapter of the Building Industry Association, said some parts of the Inland area would benefit from funding to stimulate residential growth in existing neighborhoods. The strategy, often called infill development, allows workers in those counties to remain close to their jobs and off congested freeways.
While Winckel predicted Inland residents would not see an immediate effect on commuting patterns, he said local governments must build a better jobs-to-housing balance into plans.
The education bond measure also would benefit Inland school districts that use matching state construction funds, Inland officials said Friday.
"It makes our local funds go further," said Riverside Unified Deputy Superintendent Mike Fine.
For instance, a new Riverside school slated to be built in the next year or two, Citrus Heritage Middle School, relies on matching state construction funds, he said.
Politics and Pocketbooks
Local governments aren't the only ones that could benefit from these measures if they pass in November.
Gov. Schwarzenegger made infrastructure bonds the centerpiece of his 2006 agenda and has pushed for months to get the Legislature to approve a package.
Schwarzenegger, a Republican, is running for re-election in November, and the Legislature's passage of the bond package could buoy his campaign.
Friday's vote comes just two months after he and legislative leaders failed to craft a similar deal in time for the June ballot.
Although his original pitch was for $68 billion, Schwarzenegger praised the Legislature on Friday and called it "my strategic-growth plan."
The measures require his signature before going to the voters, and he's expected to sign them soon.
The deal that was passed pleased many of the state's Republicans, some of whom were leery of the original price tag. And financial experts have said the state's financial standing is solid and won't be harmed by taking on the debt.
"The state can afford this bond," said Bogh, the Beaumont Republican. "It's fiscally responsible."
Staff writers Kimberly Trone, Robert P. Mayer and Leslie Berkman contributed to this report.
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Online at: http://www.pe.com/localnews/sanbernardino/stories/
add this to the above PE_News_Local_B_bond06.3ddee2a.html
FYI.....
Southern California Edison and PAR, (Edison's contractor) will be installing 11,600 circuit feet of 653.9AR aluminum conductor to the vacant position of nine (9) existing steel towers in the City of Grand Terrace. This work will take place at 6:00 A.M., Sunday morning May 7, 2006 starting from SCE's Vista Substation located at 22200 Newport Ave., Grand Terrace, heading east to a point 900 feet east of Reche Canyon Road in the City of Colton. SCE has acquired a freeway crossing permit from Caltrans. Freeway traffic will be stopped for a short period of time to install ropes. Par will be using a helecopter to install rope over the freeway crossing.
The remainder of the project in the City will be done by climbing each tower to install pull ropes. Once the rope is installed, the rope will then be used to pull in the 653.9ASR wire in place on the existing metal towers. Street closures can be expected on Mt. Vernon and Vista Grande Way for three (3) to five (5) minute intervals in the morning hours. The project is expected to take a full day if not longer.
AND.....
Riverside Highland Water Company is upgrading the water storage facility at the corner of Palm Avenue and Preston Street. The project will involve a complete restoration of the facility inside and out. Palm Avenue street repairs should be completed within the next week. The water tank will receive a face lift incorporating new paint, electrical, fencing repairs and interior paving. The project should be complete within the few weeks.
GTTV Channel 3 Adelphia Cable is now showing the 3-D presentation of High School #3. See the proposed design, layout and landscaping for our first high school which is expected to be completed in 2008. The site is located near the corner of Main and Michigan.
Viewing times 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Channel 3 --every day with the exception of Thursdays.
http://www.cityofgrandterrace.org/about_city/news_bulletins.html
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We need to develop a new "message" (open government, good development plans etc.) we need a positive replacement message, and positive candidates-- WHO?
if the candidates do not have a natural following, they need a resume to advertise.
HELP: nominate candidates, WHO will
REFORM THE GRAND TERRACE CITY COUNCIL AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
RECALL AND REPLACE THOSE ON THE COUNCIL WHO ARE DUPED BY CITY MANAGER TOM SCHWAB
CANDIDATES WHO STATE THEIR COMMITMENTS REGARDING THE FULL AUDIT OF THE CITY MANAGER'S ACTIONS.
CANDIDATES WHO COMMIT TO REPLACING THE CITY MANAGER WITH SOMEONE WHO SUPPORTS OPEN GOVERNMENT TO ITS FULLEST.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES WHO ARE TIRED OF BEING ABUSED BY THIS CITY ARE WAITING FOR GOOD CANDIDATES TO STEP UP TO THE CHALLANGE OF RETURNING GRAND TERRACE TO ITS CITIZENS.
