Local Dance School Owner, Angel for Glory of Easter
Friday, 30 March 2007
GRAND TERRACE
By Cheryl Brown
When the Glory of Easter opened on last Friday, in Orange, CA, Grand Terrace resident and businesswoman Jamie Azpeitia was flying through the air as one of the angels in the magnificent production hailing the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. She owns the Bowen Hayes School of Performing Arts.
This is the first time an African American will be an angel in this production.
Azpeitia says her brother has worked on the Audio Visual Department at the Crystal Cathedral and for years she had attended the production. This year an opening for an angel came and he insisted that she audition for it, she did and got the part.
Azpeitia moved to Grand Terrace from Diamond Bar, three years ago and prior to that from Hawaii where she attended Chaminade University of Honolulu in a Forensic program with a minor in dance. The dance has taken over.
She says her life has been a miracle. She was born with a rare genetic disease and was told she wasn't going to walk so she had to be in physical therapy most of her life. She began using dance to help in the treatment and loved it so much that she has performed in three world tours and several regional works.
Her entertainment background comes naturally, father Logan Westwoods and mother Gwen Rose were both in the industry. Her father was V.P. of CBS and her mother worked in public relations and Rose was the first female to manage a boxer.
Her year will continue to be busy as she prepares for a tribute to her late aunt. Azpeitia will join the Susan Komien Foundation in celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month on October 20, for her 1st Annual Dancing for a Cure. Her aunt Sammye "Gayle" Horsley lost her battle to breast cancer. Her goal is to raise $10,000 in the show featuring Cinderella Ballet production and showcasing other dancers.
Azpeitia has a philosophy that she imparts to her students, "Nobody is above you or beneath you. We are all the same. You must strive to meet your goals," she said.
The school is located at 22454 Barton Road (909) 420-0044.
The Glory of Easter continues through Saturday April 7. They can be reached at http://www.crystalcahtedral.org/glory_easter.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Metrolink/SanBag A Different Opinion on the Meeting Results
Is it a Wait and See or A NO?
SANBAG Commuter Rail Committee derails GT
http://www.highlandnews.net/articles/2007/03/29/news/06sanbag.txt
By Michael Sorba, Community News Staff Writer
SANBAG's (San Bernardino Association of Governments) Commuter Rail Committee, the subcommittee in charge of making recommendations for commuter rail projects to the SANBAG Board of Directors, decided not to participate in the development and operation of a new Metrolink station on the Inland Empire/Orange County line.
During their March 22, meeting at the Santa Fe Depot in San Bernardino, committee members decided the agency's money is already stretched too thin to support the proposed Metrolink station in the Highgrove area.
“You are looking at a room full of mass-transit enthusiasts, “ San Bernardino Mayor and committee member Pat Morris said. “But we do not have the funding to support a commitment like this.”
Morris' comments were directed toward Grand Terrace Mayor Pro Tem and committee member Lee Ann Garcia. She advocated for the station along with a fellow Grand Terrace City Council member and a Grand Terrace resident who provided public testimony.
The arguments were not enough, however, to sway the rest of the committee away from SANBAG staff's recommendation to decline participation in the project. As Morris put it, “Staff's recommendation is very compelling.”
According to the Committee's staff report, the forecast of ridership does not warrant SANBAG's participation, the ability to increase the number of trains operating between San Bernardino and Riverside is totally dependent on a renegotiating with Burlington Northern Santa Fe, and there is not funding immediately available for the project.
Also, the Riverside County Transportation Commission decided to decline participation in the project, further influencing the committee's decision.
SANBAG Commuter Rail Committee derails GT
http://www.highlandnews.net/articles/2007/03/29/news/06sanbag.txt
By Michael Sorba, Community News Staff Writer
SANBAG's (San Bernardino Association of Governments) Commuter Rail Committee, the subcommittee in charge of making recommendations for commuter rail projects to the SANBAG Board of Directors, decided not to participate in the development and operation of a new Metrolink station on the Inland Empire/Orange County line.
During their March 22, meeting at the Santa Fe Depot in San Bernardino, committee members decided the agency's money is already stretched too thin to support the proposed Metrolink station in the Highgrove area.
“You are looking at a room full of mass-transit enthusiasts, “ San Bernardino Mayor and committee member Pat Morris said. “But we do not have the funding to support a commitment like this.”
Morris' comments were directed toward Grand Terrace Mayor Pro Tem and committee member Lee Ann Garcia. She advocated for the station along with a fellow Grand Terrace City Council member and a Grand Terrace resident who provided public testimony.
The arguments were not enough, however, to sway the rest of the committee away from SANBAG staff's recommendation to decline participation in the project. As Morris put it, “Staff's recommendation is very compelling.”
According to the Committee's staff report, the forecast of ridership does not warrant SANBAG's participation, the ability to increase the number of trains operating between San Bernardino and Riverside is totally dependent on a renegotiating with Burlington Northern Santa Fe, and there is not funding immediately available for the project.
Also, the Riverside County Transportation Commission decided to decline participation in the project, further influencing the committee's decision.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
From the Email INBOX: CJUSD Superintendent Selection
COLTON Interim leader to get chance at permanent job
The Colton Joint Unified School Board voted Tuesday to consider hiring the district's interim superintendent as a permanent chief.
The 5-0 vote, with board members Mark Hoover and Kent Taylor absent, means the board will consider appointing James Downs as the district's permanent superintendent at a regular meeting in April.
Tuesday's meeting was originally held so the board could pick a search firm to help it find a superintendent.
Taylor said he was disappointed by his colleagues' decision. He said he would prefer to hire a chief with experience as a superintendent, which Downs does not have.
"The students deserve the most qualified superintendent that is available, and we will achieve that by opening it up to applicants," Taylor said.
The Colton Joint Unified School Board voted Tuesday to consider hiring the district's interim superintendent as a permanent chief.
The 5-0 vote, with board members Mark Hoover and Kent Taylor absent, means the board will consider appointing James Downs as the district's permanent superintendent at a regular meeting in April.
Tuesday's meeting was originally held so the board could pick a search firm to help it find a superintendent.
Taylor said he was disappointed by his colleagues' decision. He said he would prefer to hire a chief with experience as a superintendent, which Downs does not have.
"The students deserve the most qualified superintendent that is available, and we will achieve that by opening it up to applicants," Taylor said.
GT RESIDENT IN NEED OF HELP
Hi Gramps, and Blog Readers:
We have lived in Grand Terrace since March 2003. Our address there is 22542 Minona Drive.
I posted the notice on craigslist for help as just a shot in the dark. But since the post went up, I have received an out pouring of emails. All the emails are from people I have never met, (a lot from Grand Terrace). Emails to say how sorry people are for our loss. It kind of renews my faith in the human race. We have given to folks in need countless times over the years, but you never expect to find yourself in a position that you yourself needed some help. Its just good to know that there are some good people out there.
Let me tell you what we need...there are no children in our home. So, its just 2 adults.
Men’s size 34 waist 30-32 length jean. t shirts or sweatshirts xl. shoes tennis shoes or work boots size 11. I think I can salvage socks and underwear for him. I had a washer full of them when the fire happened.
Women’s, size medium top and size 8-10 bottom. I do have giraffe legs though, as I am 5'9". So I need a longer length if its at all possible. As far as shoes are concerned, I wear a size 8. I only lost 7 pr of tennis shoes in the fire. All my other shoes are cool.
Household...I lost all my towels, blankets, my drinking glasses, a lot of my plates, canisters, I even lost all my make-up.
My home is gutted; I lost all my taxes for the year I was getting ready to file and all my previous years’ taxes.
Hindsight is always 20/20. Anyway Gramps, thank you for your kind email. If you need to reach me you can call me at 909-483-8209 or at 714-350-3786 (jims cell), or at this email address. I'm in and out of the Grand Terrace house almost daily. If you see me there stop by. I drive a silver toyota camry or a white van.
Many thanks,
ridedawhitepony@hotmail.com
Kay & Jim Reece
Posted on Craigslist:
Reply to: sale-302038789@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-03-28, 12:50PM PDT
On March 16, 2007, we lost our home to a electrical fire. All of our belongings were lost along with our 2 chihuahua's and our macaw. We are heartbroken. We are placing this ad to ask that if any craigslist folks have any household items, clothing, etc to donate then please contact us. If you have any concerns about the validity of this fire, then feel free to contact the Grand Terrace fire department. The residence is located on Minona Drive. Also, if you live in an older home, (ours was built in 1954), get your wiring checked out. Better yet, rewire your home. Money well spent. Thank you.
Location: grand terrace .
Gramps has emailed asking for more specific detail on the needs and sizes of clothes... and so forth.
We have lived in Grand Terrace since March 2003. Our address there is 22542 Minona Drive.
I posted the notice on craigslist for help as just a shot in the dark. But since the post went up, I have received an out pouring of emails. All the emails are from people I have never met, (a lot from Grand Terrace). Emails to say how sorry people are for our loss. It kind of renews my faith in the human race. We have given to folks in need countless times over the years, but you never expect to find yourself in a position that you yourself needed some help. Its just good to know that there are some good people out there.
Let me tell you what we need...there are no children in our home. So, its just 2 adults.
Men’s size 34 waist 30-32 length jean. t shirts or sweatshirts xl. shoes tennis shoes or work boots size 11. I think I can salvage socks and underwear for him. I had a washer full of them when the fire happened.
Women’s, size medium top and size 8-10 bottom. I do have giraffe legs though, as I am 5'9". So I need a longer length if its at all possible. As far as shoes are concerned, I wear a size 8. I only lost 7 pr of tennis shoes in the fire. All my other shoes are cool.
Household...I lost all my towels, blankets, my drinking glasses, a lot of my plates, canisters, I even lost all my make-up.
My home is gutted; I lost all my taxes for the year I was getting ready to file and all my previous years’ taxes.
Hindsight is always 20/20. Anyway Gramps, thank you for your kind email. If you need to reach me you can call me at 909-483-8209 or at 714-350-3786 (jims cell), or at this email address. I'm in and out of the Grand Terrace house almost daily. If you see me there stop by. I drive a silver toyota camry or a white van.
Many thanks,
ridedawhitepony@hotmail.com
Kay & Jim Reece
Posted on Craigslist:
Reply to: sale-302038789@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-03-28, 12:50PM PDT
On March 16, 2007, we lost our home to a electrical fire. All of our belongings were lost along with our 2 chihuahua's and our macaw. We are heartbroken. We are placing this ad to ask that if any craigslist folks have any household items, clothing, etc to donate then please contact us. If you have any concerns about the validity of this fire, then feel free to contact the Grand Terrace fire department. The residence is located on Minona Drive. Also, if you live in an older home, (ours was built in 1954), get your wiring checked out. Better yet, rewire your home. Money well spent. Thank you.
Location: grand terrace .
Gramps has emailed asking for more specific detail on the needs and sizes of clothes... and so forth.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
From the Email InBox: Burro Droppings and Steve Berry
Dear Gramps: We have been seeing several Burros on Main Street on a Regular Basis if the City Council or Staff would care to ask the folks on Main Street. Just because the Council or Staff are not up early in the morning when the Burros Visit does not mean the Neighbors and Home Owners haven't seen them.
It is humorous that Steve would bring up the Burros when he was attending a meeting after having been so amusing in the article published in the Sun....
Perhaps, some water and grass can be offered in the BURN ZONE or at the Edge of the Park to replace the food that would have been available in the past but with the burn and the lack of rain the animals will come down and be a risk to drivers and their own safety. The PooP left behind, well look at that as natures natural seed distribution and fertilizer and get over it.
Please folks these animals are shy and generally are not out during high traffic times. But IF your driving at night and early morning they may be crossing the road. Running into a Burro is not a good thing for You or the Burro.
It is humorous that Steve would bring up the Burros when he was attending a meeting after having been so amusing in the article published in the Sun....
Perhaps, some water and grass can be offered in the BURN ZONE or at the Edge of the Park to replace the food that would have been available in the past but with the burn and the lack of rain the animals will come down and be a risk to drivers and their own safety. The PooP left behind, well look at that as natures natural seed distribution and fertilizer and get over it.
Please folks these animals are shy and generally are not out during high traffic times. But IF your driving at night and early morning they may be crossing the road. Running into a Burro is not a good thing for You or the Burro.
Saturday March 3, 2007
The Sun
Local Section
The Buzz
In Search of Greener Pastures
Grand Terrace - Nobody seems to have seen them, but they've left an unmistakable mark.
Burros from Reche Canyon apparently have ventured into Grand Terrace in search of greener pastures.
City maintenance crews have reported seeing burro droppings at TJ Austin Park off Main Street.
"They're almost half a foot high," Assistant City Manager Steve Bery said. "One of
our guys said they look like land mines."
Berry said the burrows might be looking for grass because the vegetation they were accustomed to eating on Blue Mountain burned in a large fire last summer.
He believes it's the first time burrows have been spotted in Grand Terrace.
- stephen.wall@sbsun.com
Proclamation Offered To City Council
Proclamation
In Opposition to the AES Highgrove Power Plant
WHEREAS, City Council of Grand Terrace finds that the AES Highgrove Power Plant is not in the best interest of the city , and offers no direct benefit to its citizens; and
WHEREAS, the AES Highgrove Power Plant poses safety risks to the high school #3 students due to the power plant's storage of hazardous materials (ammonia, sulfuric acid, etc.), transport of wastewater, and the proximity of high pressure gas lines; and
WHEREAS, the AES Highgrove Power Plant will emit harmful air emissions of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxides (SO2), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2); and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED that the City Council of Grand Terrace:
HEREBY expresses our opposition to the AES Highgrove Power Plant
HEREBY urges the California Energy Commission (CEC), the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), and the Colton Joint Unified School District to oppose the AES Highgrove Power Plant.
BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED that the City of Grand Terrace urges its citizens and neighboring cities to oppose the AES Highgrove Power Plant.
Dated: March 27, 2007
From the EMAIL INBOX:
Note to Readers and Citizens: Rather than have this Proclamation put on the Next Agenda the Grand Terrace City Council agreed to hold a Town Meeting with AES, CEC and Roxanne Williams as presenters at some "Future Date".
The City Council has not taken the time to review the AES Application Documents or the SCAQMD's Concerns on the Additional Plant. The City Council Members persist in the pretence they do not have the responsibility to take action or to review the material available. It is Urgent that the Proclamation is sent Prior to the CEC's Preliminary Decision on the Power Plant. The City Councils Action is a delay tactic, not a true desire for information. Information is already available, and they refuse to look at it or hear a presentation during a regular council meeting, as an agenda item. This is not how Citizens should be treated by their local governments. Put the issue on the agenda, do your homework or get off the City Council.
As Citizens and Voters You should remember this the next time one or all of them say they are concerned about the Public Health and Safety. Thank you Roxanne Williams for your efforts in reviewing the AES Applications, and all the other related materials, and presenting a clear course of action the City Council and the CJUSD Board should take.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
From the Email InBox: Council Playing Dodge the Issue of AES
Dear Gramps:
The City Council and their Handler, Mr. Tom Schwab have delayed or dodged making a commitment to the Public Health and Wellbeing in their failure to act on the AES Power Plant Issue.
Council Member Miller asked that the matter be brought to the Council as an Agenda Item at the Meeting Prior to tonight’s Meeting. Yet it was not on the Agenda? WHY was it to difficult for the Staff to prepare? They can’t get to the Library and do the same research done by Citizens. Why hear from AES or wait for them to agree for a “Town Meeting” at some future date. The Health Concerns are raised in the documents they have on file and already available for the Council’s Review.
No what is happening is a Delay Tactic. The City Manager wants to keep AES on good terms and we must as citizens ask why. Well, we know they give to City Activities. We know that they will be swapping land with the RDA in such a way as to take back the clean up responsibilities that the RDA would have to muster prior to alternative use of the property. The RDA already in violation of holding land beyond its time limits on Michigan and Canal may be running up against a clock the citizens don’t hear ticking in the back ground.
There is also the larger political picture. Does AES give money to the Republican Political Party Machine, and our City Council Members like to associate and socialize with the members of the Local Republican Party Organization. This is why they have changed the meetings to Tuesday from Thursday. Political Pressure or fear of it may be causing the City Council to try avoiding having to take a position and risk OFFENDING AES, and their Political Party Heads.
Get Smart People the City Council May Care about Your Health. THEY are not going to do their homework and act in a timely manor to protect your health and safety. Please Write to every one that this Power Plant is Not a Welcome Addition to Our already Polluted Air. It is not Welcome Next to an already approved High School Site. When the next election comes time, Remember who supported the putting the issue on the agenda, and who did not. Remember who insisted at least there be a Town Meeting organized aggressively, and who stipulated that the Town Hall Meeting had AES and CEC be required participants, as if to say IF AES and CEC don’t’ come there will be no meeting and no decision on the part of the Council.
This Council is Running Away from the Topic. Their Neglect in this matter is going to add to your health risks if they don’t come out against the AES Power Plant.
Running interference as the City Council Runs is the City Manager who controls the agenda and does not allow the person trying to present full detailed information to the council, and citizens a space on the City Council Agenda. This Town Hall Meeting is not going to lead to an action, it is just a delay tactic. Shame on you Mr. Schwab, and Mayor Ferre. There is a clock ticking all right. It is the clock of the next election, and contract negotiation.
Hats off to Roxanne Williams who has given the City Council the information inspite of their turning their heads, covering their ears, and eyes and acting as if they have no clue as to their role in protecting the citizens of Grand Terrace.
Ask a Stage 4 Cancer Patient. Cancer is attributed to living in Zone 3.
Now we think adding to that pollution we are "HELPING" our community.
The City Council and their Handler, Mr. Tom Schwab have delayed or dodged making a commitment to the Public Health and Wellbeing in their failure to act on the AES Power Plant Issue.
Council Member Miller asked that the matter be brought to the Council as an Agenda Item at the Meeting Prior to tonight’s Meeting. Yet it was not on the Agenda? WHY was it to difficult for the Staff to prepare? They can’t get to the Library and do the same research done by Citizens. Why hear from AES or wait for them to agree for a “Town Meeting” at some future date. The Health Concerns are raised in the documents they have on file and already available for the Council’s Review.
No what is happening is a Delay Tactic. The City Manager wants to keep AES on good terms and we must as citizens ask why. Well, we know they give to City Activities. We know that they will be swapping land with the RDA in such a way as to take back the clean up responsibilities that the RDA would have to muster prior to alternative use of the property. The RDA already in violation of holding land beyond its time limits on Michigan and Canal may be running up against a clock the citizens don’t hear ticking in the back ground.
There is also the larger political picture. Does AES give money to the Republican Political Party Machine, and our City Council Members like to associate and socialize with the members of the Local Republican Party Organization. This is why they have changed the meetings to Tuesday from Thursday. Political Pressure or fear of it may be causing the City Council to try avoiding having to take a position and risk OFFENDING AES, and their Political Party Heads.
Get Smart People the City Council May Care about Your Health. THEY are not going to do their homework and act in a timely manor to protect your health and safety. Please Write to every one that this Power Plant is Not a Welcome Addition to Our already Polluted Air. It is not Welcome Next to an already approved High School Site. When the next election comes time, Remember who supported the putting the issue on the agenda, and who did not. Remember who insisted at least there be a Town Meeting organized aggressively, and who stipulated that the Town Hall Meeting had AES and CEC be required participants, as if to say IF AES and CEC don’t’ come there will be no meeting and no decision on the part of the Council.
This Council is Running Away from the Topic. Their Neglect in this matter is going to add to your health risks if they don’t come out against the AES Power Plant.
Running interference as the City Council Runs is the City Manager who controls the agenda and does not allow the person trying to present full detailed information to the council, and citizens a space on the City Council Agenda. This Town Hall Meeting is not going to lead to an action, it is just a delay tactic. Shame on you Mr. Schwab, and Mayor Ferre. There is a clock ticking all right. It is the clock of the next election, and contract negotiation.
Hats off to Roxanne Williams who has given the City Council the information inspite of their turning their heads, covering their ears, and eyes and acting as if they have no clue as to their role in protecting the citizens of Grand Terrace.
Ask a Stage 4 Cancer Patient. Cancer is attributed to living in Zone 3.
Now we think adding to that pollution we are "HELPING" our community.
In Memory: Daniel Wick and Survivors
Daniel Wick
Article Launched: 03/27/2007 12:15:45 PM PDT
Daniel David Wick, a Grand Terrace resident, died March 21 in Redlands. He was 32.
Wick was born March 3, 1975, in Big Bear. He lived in Grand Terrace for 14 years. He worked at Redlands Door & Window Co. for seven years.
Survivors include his wife of 14 years, Jaime Wick of Grand Terrace; children Garrett, Wesley and Reagan; parents Doug and Kay Wick of Yucaipa; brother Doug Wick Jr. of Parker, Colo; and sister Anna Taylor of Victorville.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, at Inland Christian Center Church, 1401 S. Mt. Vernon Ave., Colton. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 29th at Inland Christian Center Church. Burial will follow at Montecito Memorial Park, 24145 Barton Road, Loma Linda.
Memorial donations may be made to Bank of America, 22377 Barton Road, Grand Terrace, CA 92313 under the name of the Wick Family Assistance Fund. Donations may also be made at any Bank of America. For more information, contact Sandy at 554-1850 at Bank of America.
Article Launched: 03/27/2007 12:15:45 PM PDT
Daniel David Wick, a Grand Terrace resident, died March 21 in Redlands. He was 32.
Wick was born March 3, 1975, in Big Bear. He lived in Grand Terrace for 14 years. He worked at Redlands Door & Window Co. for seven years.
Survivors include his wife of 14 years, Jaime Wick of Grand Terrace; children Garrett, Wesley and Reagan; parents Doug and Kay Wick of Yucaipa; brother Doug Wick Jr. of Parker, Colo; and sister Anna Taylor of Victorville.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, at Inland Christian Center Church, 1401 S. Mt. Vernon Ave., Colton. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 29th at Inland Christian Center Church. Burial will follow at Montecito Memorial Park, 24145 Barton Road, Loma Linda.
Memorial donations may be made to Bank of America, 22377 Barton Road, Grand Terrace, CA 92313 under the name of the Wick Family Assistance Fund. Donations may also be made at any Bank of America. For more information, contact Sandy at 554-1850 at Bank of America.
In the NEWS: Pot Ban in GT on Agenda: AES Pollution Not
Grand Terrace to vote on medical marijuana ban
10:00 PM PDT on Monday, March 26, 2007
By JULIE FARREN
The Press-Enterprise
The Grand Terrace City Council tonight will consider prohibiting medical marijuana dispensaries in the city.
If the council approves an ordinance, a second reading will be held in two weeks, and the new law will take effect in 30 days.
City Manager Tom Schwab said Grand Terrace chose not to adopt an immediate moratorium on the dispensaries upon the advice of City Attorney John Harper.
"There's no imminent danger to the health and safety of our community to justify doing that," Schwab said.
Prop. 215 was passed in 1996 to decriminalize the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. However, the sale and use of marijuana is illegal under federal law.
Schwab said he had read some articles on the subject and saw that other cities were taking proactive measures to ban the medical marijuana dispensaries.
Upland adopted a moratorium in January 2006 and amended it in December. Rancho Cucamonga approved an urgency ordinance last week.
Earlier this month, Riverside County Superior Court Judge Gloria Connor Trask ordered the immediate closure of a medical marijuana dispensary operating in Norco.
Norco said Collective Solutions, which had been operating on Sixth Street in that city since December, had broken the law by operating without a license and violated the zoning code.
Indio, Palm Desert and San Jacinto also have banned the dispensaries.
Schwab also said Grand Terrace does not have enough law enforcement to deal with any potential problems concerning the dispensaries.
The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Grand Terrace Civic Center, 22795 Barton Road.
10:00 PM PDT on Monday, March 26, 2007
By JULIE FARREN
The Press-Enterprise
The Grand Terrace City Council tonight will consider prohibiting medical marijuana dispensaries in the city.
If the council approves an ordinance, a second reading will be held in two weeks, and the new law will take effect in 30 days.
City Manager Tom Schwab said Grand Terrace chose not to adopt an immediate moratorium on the dispensaries upon the advice of City Attorney John Harper.
"There's no imminent danger to the health and safety of our community to justify doing that," Schwab said.
Prop. 215 was passed in 1996 to decriminalize the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. However, the sale and use of marijuana is illegal under federal law.
Schwab said he had read some articles on the subject and saw that other cities were taking proactive measures to ban the medical marijuana dispensaries.
Upland adopted a moratorium in January 2006 and amended it in December. Rancho Cucamonga approved an urgency ordinance last week.
Earlier this month, Riverside County Superior Court Judge Gloria Connor Trask ordered the immediate closure of a medical marijuana dispensary operating in Norco.
Norco said Collective Solutions, which had been operating on Sixth Street in that city since December, had broken the law by operating without a license and violated the zoning code.
Indio, Palm Desert and San Jacinto also have banned the dispensaries.
Schwab also said Grand Terrace does not have enough law enforcement to deal with any potential problems concerning the dispensaries.
The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Grand Terrace Civic Center, 22795 Barton Road.
Monday, March 26, 2007
AES NOT on CITY COUNCIL AGENDA: It is IN THE NEWS
The Colton Courier Weekly
March 22, 2007 - March 29, 2007 VoIumt 134 - Number 046
www.IECN.com
New school site raises questions, concerns
By: Cviha Mrndoza
A proposed site for Colton Joint Unified School District School #3 is stirring up some uneasy feelings amongst some nearby residents. The new school would be built next to a closed down power plant facility in Grand Terrace and if approved, a new plant will be built on Main St. and Taylor across school is scheduled to be built.
In addressing the issue of building a school at the proposed site an almost infinite number of questions and issues arise: environmental impact, impact on the residents, health, safty, and financial impact, just to name a few. Each Issue can be examined from many different sides and each would have its supporters and detractors.
Since the issue involves the future of many young students, one of the questioned that has arisen Is why this particular site was chosen for school given its proximity to the old plant and a potential new one, which would be a 300 mega-watt facility..
“The new power plant would increase air pollution by 500,000 pounds per yea1” said resident Roxanne Williams. “The plant and the school axe less than 100 feet from each other.”
According to Williams, there will also be 11 to 19 toxic waste trucks driving up and down Taylor on a daily basis. According to Colton Joint Unified School District spokesperson Michael Townsend, the site for the new school was approved by the State before AS, the power plant company, applied for their location across the street. Townsend provided a brief overview of how sites are chosen for new schools.
“The school district selects different locations based on anticipated growth and they look at the growth areas,” Townsend explained “The District submits locations to the State and the State looks at the things that can be mitigated and the things that can’t be mitigated, such as fault lines.”
Mitigation means circumstances that can be changed or fixed. In the case of the location on Main and Taylor some of the Issues examined were traffic, sewers and environmental Impact According to Townsend, the State approves sites approximately five years before any form of construction begins and again, in this case, long before plans for a new power plant across the street.
This is the process that most school districts adhere to in selecting sites for new schools.
Prior to the approval of the location on Main and Taylor, the District had also looked at another location near the entrance of Reche Canyon but the site was not approved because of a fault line that runs through the area dearly not something that can be altered or worked around in any way whatsoever.
“The State found no condition or circumstance that could not be mitigated concluded Townsend of the chosen and State approved location for the new school on Main and Taylor Ground breaking is scheduled for August 2007.
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A satellite Image shows the proposed site In Grand Terrace for the new Cohen Joint Unified School District School 13.
Some residents have expressed concern about the location being so near to an existing, but dosed down power plant, and a possible new plant that may be constructed across the street.
March 22, 2007 - March 29, 2007 VoIumt 134 - Number 046
www.IECN.com
New school site raises questions, concerns
By: Cviha Mrndoza
A proposed site for Colton Joint Unified School District School #3 is stirring up some uneasy feelings amongst some nearby residents. The new school would be built next to a closed down power plant facility in Grand Terrace and if approved, a new plant will be built on Main St. and Taylor across school is scheduled to be built.
In addressing the issue of building a school at the proposed site an almost infinite number of questions and issues arise: environmental impact, impact on the residents, health, safty, and financial impact, just to name a few. Each Issue can be examined from many different sides and each would have its supporters and detractors.
Since the issue involves the future of many young students, one of the questioned that has arisen Is why this particular site was chosen for school given its proximity to the old plant and a potential new one, which would be a 300 mega-watt facility..
“The new power plant would increase air pollution by 500,000 pounds per yea1” said resident Roxanne Williams. “The plant and the school axe less than 100 feet from each other.”
According to Williams, there will also be 11 to 19 toxic waste trucks driving up and down Taylor on a daily basis. According to Colton Joint Unified School District spokesperson Michael Townsend, the site for the new school was approved by the State before AS, the power plant company, applied for their location across the street. Townsend provided a brief overview of how sites are chosen for new schools.
“The school district selects different locations based on anticipated growth and they look at the growth areas,” Townsend explained “The District submits locations to the State and the State looks at the things that can be mitigated and the things that can’t be mitigated, such as fault lines.”
Mitigation means circumstances that can be changed or fixed. In the case of the location on Main and Taylor some of the Issues examined were traffic, sewers and environmental Impact According to Townsend, the State approves sites approximately five years before any form of construction begins and again, in this case, long before plans for a new power plant across the street.
This is the process that most school districts adhere to in selecting sites for new schools.
Prior to the approval of the location on Main and Taylor, the District had also looked at another location near the entrance of Reche Canyon but the site was not approved because of a fault line that runs through the area dearly not something that can be altered or worked around in any way whatsoever.
“The State found no condition or circumstance that could not be mitigated concluded Townsend of the chosen and State approved location for the new school on Main and Taylor Ground breaking is scheduled for August 2007.
A satellite Image shows the proposed site In Grand Terrace for the new Cohen Joint Unified School District School 13.
Some residents have expressed concern about the location being so near to an existing, but dosed down power plant, and a possible new plant that may be constructed across the street.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Transportation In The News:
Welcome the news about the MetroLink being included as part of the Traffic Planning.
Looks like Alternative A would fit with the MetroLink Plan. Not that all that traffic next to the New High School is a good thing. it isn't like Valley Blvd for Colton High School is a low use road...
Scary the predictions of traffic in the future.
Agency to gauge feasibility of Metrolink station in Highgrove
10:00 PM PDT on Friday, March 23, 2007
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
A proposal for a Metrolink station in Highgrove remains alive with an agreement by a regional planning agency to study the merits of building a commuter rail station in the unincorporated Riverside County community.
The San Bernardino Associated Governments commuter rail committee recommended Thursday that the county transportation planning agency take a wait-and-see approach while the Southern California Association of Governments conducts a feasibility study.
The six-county regional planning agency, SCAG, has agreed to undertake the study at the request of Grand Terrace Councilwoman Lee Ann Garcia, a member of both the SANBAG committee and the SCAG board of directors.
In January, the Riverside County Transportation Commission decided that it would not take part in building a $15 million station just south of the Riverside/San Bernardino county line.
SANBAG staff had advised the committee also to decline to take part. But if the committee's recommendation is adopted by the full board at its April 4 meeting, the agency will hold off on a final decision, said Tony Grasso, SANBAG executive director.
Highgrove, Riverside and Grand Terrace residents have pushed for the station, saying it would relieve congestion along Intestate 215 between the Riverside and San Bernardino stations.
Garcia said the study, expected to take six to 12 months, will allow the agencies to evaluate the project by looking at ridership projections and development in the area.
Both agencies have been skeptical of the project, saying they did not believe the station would generate enough riders. But Garcia said building it is about planning for the future.
"The development that's going to happen within five years is just tremendous," she said.
Without participation from Riverside County and a funding source, the project faces significant hurdles, Grasso said.
Garcia said she hopes the study results will encourage the Riverside County Transportation Commission to reconsider the station.
Reach Imran Ghori at 909-806-3061 or ighori@PE.com
Road-widening plan receives opposition
TRAFFIC JAMS: Pigeon Pass and Reche Canyon between Moreno Valley and Colton are targeted.
10:00 PM PDT on Friday, March 23, 2007
By PHIL PITCHFORD
The Press-Enterprise
Widening Pigeon Pass and Reche Canyon roads between Moreno Valley and Colton-Grand Terrace could help drivers avoid stifling congestion on Highway 60 through Riverside and along Interstate 215 just north of the 60/91/215 interchange.
But an effort under way in both Riverside and San Bernardino counties to study such a project already has drawn opposition from residents who say they moved to the area to get away from roads like those being proposed.
"Everybody says we need it, but nobody I know wants it," said Rick Mordoff, who has lived near Pigeon Pass Road north of Moreno Valley since 1989.
The road has been closed just north of his house for about two years as a result of work on a 1,500-home development and for the relocation of electricity transmission lines. When it was open, about 400 cars poured through the rural area during the morning and evening commutes, he said.
The road is one narrow lane in each direction, with no shoulder, and drop-offs that threaten to send cars tumbling down the side after the mattresses and appliances that already are there. The road is a mixture of pavement and dirt, and frequent switchbacks make driving it an adventure.
"This is not really a viable thoroughfare," Mordoff said. "But people get really desperate to find a shortcut."
A bit farther east, Reche Canyon Road is a favorite of drivers trying to get from the Colton-San Bernardino-Loma Linda areas into Moreno Valley. But it also lacks some of the safety improvements that would be standard on such a busy route built from scratch.
An agreement circulating among the cities that straddle the county line calls for cooperation in developing one or both corridors. Each agency would be responsible for building its chunk of the road, but the agreement calls for a consistent four-lane road with a landscaped median.
Even cities that approved the agreement, however, have concerns about the proposed project. Grand Terrace, for example, OK'd the deal mainly to have a voice in the process, City Manager Tom Schwab said.
Such an idea has been brought up before and shot down, Schwab said.
But, he said, traffic is so bad on Interstate 215 that residents are willing to consider all options.
Reach Phil Pitchford at 951-368-9475 or ppitchford@PE.com or visit his blog at beloblog.com/Pe_Blogs/commuting/
Traffic planning changes direction
INLAND: A new focus is on unclogging north-south freeways and widening paths between counties.
10:00 PM PDT on Friday, March 23, 2007
By PHIL PITCHFORD
The Press-Enterprise
Interstate 215 between Riverside and San Bernardino, once a cakewalk compared with the perpetually congested Highway 91, is now anything but. Much like on Interstate 15 between Corona and Ontario, traffic moving north and south begins slowing to a crawl in the late afternoon and remains maddening for hours.
"Fifteen years ago, unless there was an accident, there was no such thing as traffic coming to a stop on the 215, either north or south," Grand Terrace City Manager Tom Schwab said. "Now, it happens every day."
Transportation agencies in the Inland area are taking notice. After years of focusing on helping commuters drive east-west to employment centers outside Riverside and San Bernardino counties, planners are looking for more north-south traffic solutions within the Inland area.
The most recent effort involves developing ways for drivers to get from Moreno Valley to San Bernardino County without ever getting on Interstate 215. A recent round of state transportation funding also included money for north-south projects on Interstate 215 through Murrieta and through downtown San Bernardino.
One Riverside County supervisor, Bob Buster, is calling for a change in transportation priorities to reflect the needs of Inland-only commuting. He said too much attention has been given to getting San Bernardino County residents to Los Angeles County and Riverside County residents to Orange County.
"There hasn't been much, if any coordination between Riverside and San Bernardino counties," Buster said. "We need to come home here to the Inland Empire and invest here first. We need to shift gears."
Picture:
Many of the area's north-south routes are becoming increasingly congested as a result of job growth in Corona, Ontario, Chino and Rancho Cucamonga. Those areas are generating more jobs than residents can fill, a phenomenon that did not exist anywhere in the Inland area a decade ago, said John Husing, an economist who studies the region.
As a result, those areas have become commuting destinations within Riverside and San Bernardino counties, much like Orange County was for the entire Inland region in decades past, Husing said.
"That internal commute (within the Inland area) over time is going to get more and more important, and that external commute is going to be less and less important," Husing said. "That is already starting to happen."
The question is whether the transportation agencies in the two Inland counties can work closely enough to clear potential traffic snarls before they reach a crisis point, Buster said.
"We should understand San Bernardino's perspectives, and they should understand ours, intimately," Buster said. "Without that, all the rest of what we hope for here is going to be seriously hamstrung."
In recent history, however, Riverside County has appeared more aligned with Orange County than San Bernardino County. The Riverside-Orange counties collaboration has been driven largely by worsening congestion on Highway 91, the main artery between them.
Elected representatives from the two counties meet several times a year to hash out potential solutions on Highway 91. Transportation agencies in the two counties lobby together, plan together and spend money together.
For example, during a recent meeting in Irvine in which the state doled out $4.5 billion in congestion-relief funds, Riverside and Orange counties worked to funnel money to Highway 91 on both sides of the county line. When the ploy worked, it was hugs and handshakes all around.
San Bernardino County officials worked mainly among themselves in an effort to bring home more money for Interstate 10. When their effort failed, they filed out of the room in silence while officials from Riverside and Orange counties celebrated.
The heads of the transportation agencies in Riverside and San Bernardino counties said that, despite recent events, they always have worked together on behalf of commuters who stay in the area. For example, they are trying to improve access between Moreno Valley and the Colton-Grand Terrace area.
Eric Haley, executive director of the Riverside County Transportation Commission, said his organization has worked closely with Orange County for about four years, since the two groups worked together to help Orange County buy the 91 Express Lanes from a private company.
But Riverside County's most important ally is San Bernardino County "today, tomorrow and 25 years from now," Haley said.
That cooperation is needed more now than ever, said Tony Grasso, executive director of San Bernardino Associated Governments. One project -- widening Interstate 215 between the 60/91/215 interchange and Interstate 10 -- would benefit from the kind of relationship that Riverside County has with Orange County.
"I don't think they (Riverside County officials) are looking for a different dance partner," Grasso said. "It's just that, right now, that (Highway 91 improvements) is the song that is playing. Hopefully they will dance with us when we get everything lined up on the 215."
Inland county Traffic
The number of vehicles moving within and between Riverside
From San Bernardino
County to Riverside
County
32,804 in 1990
52,016 in 2000
97,961 in 2010*
99,231 in 2020*
113,752 in 2030*
Within San Bernardino County
309,195 in 1990
456,568 in 2000
714,950 in 2010*
833,619 in 2020*
969,348 in 2030*
Within Riverside County
223,658 in 1990
417,137 in 2000
756,473 in 2010*
968,588 in 2020*
1,124,331 in 2030*
From Riverside County to San Bernardino County
39,565 in 1990
60,412 in 2000
135,302 in 2010*
181,510 in 2020*
188,407 in 2030*
*Estimated
Source: Southern California Association of Governments
10:00 PM PDT on Friday, March 23, 2007
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
A proposal for a Metrolink station in Highgrove remains alive with an agreement by a regional planning agency to study the merits of building a commuter rail station in the unincorporated Riverside County community.
The San Bernardino Associated Governments commuter rail committee recommended Thursday that the county transportation planning agency take a wait-and-see approach while the Southern California Association of Governments conducts a feasibility study.
The six-county regional planning agency, SCAG, has agreed to undertake the study at the request of Grand Terrace Councilwoman Lee Ann Garcia, a member of both the SANBAG committee and the SCAG board of directors.
In January, the Riverside County Transportation Commission decided that it would not take part in building a $15 million station just south of the Riverside/San Bernardino county line.
SANBAG staff had advised the committee also to decline to take part. But if the committee's recommendation is adopted by the full board at its April 4 meeting, the agency will hold off on a final decision, said Tony Grasso, SANBAG executive director.
Highgrove, Riverside and Grand Terrace residents have pushed for the station, saying it would relieve congestion along Intestate 215 between the Riverside and San Bernardino stations.
Garcia said the study, expected to take six to 12 months, will allow the agencies to evaluate the project by looking at ridership projections and development in the area.
Both agencies have been skeptical of the project, saying they did not believe the station would generate enough riders. But Garcia said building it is about planning for the future.
"The development that's going to happen within five years is just tremendous," she said.
Without participation from Riverside County and a funding source, the project faces significant hurdles, Grasso said.
Garcia said she hopes the study results will encourage the Riverside County Transportation Commission to reconsider the station.
Reach Imran Ghori at 909-806-3061 or ighori@PE.com
Road-widening plan receives opposition
TRAFFIC JAMS: Pigeon Pass and Reche Canyon between Moreno Valley and Colton are targeted.
10:00 PM PDT on Friday, March 23, 2007
By PHIL PITCHFORD
The Press-Enterprise
Widening Pigeon Pass and Reche Canyon roads between Moreno Valley and Colton-Grand Terrace could help drivers avoid stifling congestion on Highway 60 through Riverside and along Interstate 215 just north of the 60/91/215 interchange.
But an effort under way in both Riverside and San Bernardino counties to study such a project already has drawn opposition from residents who say they moved to the area to get away from roads like those being proposed.
"Everybody says we need it, but nobody I know wants it," said Rick Mordoff, who has lived near Pigeon Pass Road north of Moreno Valley since 1989.
The road has been closed just north of his house for about two years as a result of work on a 1,500-home development and for the relocation of electricity transmission lines. When it was open, about 400 cars poured through the rural area during the morning and evening commutes, he said.
The road is one narrow lane in each direction, with no shoulder, and drop-offs that threaten to send cars tumbling down the side after the mattresses and appliances that already are there. The road is a mixture of pavement and dirt, and frequent switchbacks make driving it an adventure.
"This is not really a viable thoroughfare," Mordoff said. "But people get really desperate to find a shortcut."
A bit farther east, Reche Canyon Road is a favorite of drivers trying to get from the Colton-San Bernardino-Loma Linda areas into Moreno Valley. But it also lacks some of the safety improvements that would be standard on such a busy route built from scratch.
An agreement circulating among the cities that straddle the county line calls for cooperation in developing one or both corridors. Each agency would be responsible for building its chunk of the road, but the agreement calls for a consistent four-lane road with a landscaped median.
Even cities that approved the agreement, however, have concerns about the proposed project. Grand Terrace, for example, OK'd the deal mainly to have a voice in the process, City Manager Tom Schwab said.
Such an idea has been brought up before and shot down, Schwab said.
But, he said, traffic is so bad on Interstate 215 that residents are willing to consider all options.
Reach Phil Pitchford at 951-368-9475 or ppitchford@PE.com or visit his blog at beloblog.com/Pe_Blogs/commuting/
Traffic planning changes direction
INLAND: A new focus is on unclogging north-south freeways and widening paths between counties.
10:00 PM PDT on Friday, March 23, 2007
By PHIL PITCHFORD
The Press-Enterprise
Interstate 215 between Riverside and San Bernardino, once a cakewalk compared with the perpetually congested Highway 91, is now anything but. Much like on Interstate 15 between Corona and Ontario, traffic moving north and south begins slowing to a crawl in the late afternoon and remains maddening for hours.
"Fifteen years ago, unless there was an accident, there was no such thing as traffic coming to a stop on the 215, either north or south," Grand Terrace City Manager Tom Schwab said. "Now, it happens every day."
Transportation agencies in the Inland area are taking notice. After years of focusing on helping commuters drive east-west to employment centers outside Riverside and San Bernardino counties, planners are looking for more north-south traffic solutions within the Inland area.
The most recent effort involves developing ways for drivers to get from Moreno Valley to San Bernardino County without ever getting on Interstate 215. A recent round of state transportation funding also included money for north-south projects on Interstate 215 through Murrieta and through downtown San Bernardino.
One Riverside County supervisor, Bob Buster, is calling for a change in transportation priorities to reflect the needs of Inland-only commuting. He said too much attention has been given to getting San Bernardino County residents to Los Angeles County and Riverside County residents to Orange County.
"There hasn't been much, if any coordination between Riverside and San Bernardino counties," Buster said. "We need to come home here to the Inland Empire and invest here first. We need to shift gears."
Picture:
Many of the area's north-south routes are becoming increasingly congested as a result of job growth in Corona, Ontario, Chino and Rancho Cucamonga. Those areas are generating more jobs than residents can fill, a phenomenon that did not exist anywhere in the Inland area a decade ago, said John Husing, an economist who studies the region.
As a result, those areas have become commuting destinations within Riverside and San Bernardino counties, much like Orange County was for the entire Inland region in decades past, Husing said.
"That internal commute (within the Inland area) over time is going to get more and more important, and that external commute is going to be less and less important," Husing said. "That is already starting to happen."
The question is whether the transportation agencies in the two Inland counties can work closely enough to clear potential traffic snarls before they reach a crisis point, Buster said.
"We should understand San Bernardino's perspectives, and they should understand ours, intimately," Buster said. "Without that, all the rest of what we hope for here is going to be seriously hamstrung."
In recent history, however, Riverside County has appeared more aligned with Orange County than San Bernardino County. The Riverside-Orange counties collaboration has been driven largely by worsening congestion on Highway 91, the main artery between them.
Elected representatives from the two counties meet several times a year to hash out potential solutions on Highway 91. Transportation agencies in the two counties lobby together, plan together and spend money together.
For example, during a recent meeting in Irvine in which the state doled out $4.5 billion in congestion-relief funds, Riverside and Orange counties worked to funnel money to Highway 91 on both sides of the county line. When the ploy worked, it was hugs and handshakes all around.
San Bernardino County officials worked mainly among themselves in an effort to bring home more money for Interstate 10. When their effort failed, they filed out of the room in silence while officials from Riverside and Orange counties celebrated.
The heads of the transportation agencies in Riverside and San Bernardino counties said that, despite recent events, they always have worked together on behalf of commuters who stay in the area. For example, they are trying to improve access between Moreno Valley and the Colton-Grand Terrace area.
Eric Haley, executive director of the Riverside County Transportation Commission, said his organization has worked closely with Orange County for about four years, since the two groups worked together to help Orange County buy the 91 Express Lanes from a private company.
But Riverside County's most important ally is San Bernardino County "today, tomorrow and 25 years from now," Haley said.
That cooperation is needed more now than ever, said Tony Grasso, executive director of San Bernardino Associated Governments. One project -- widening Interstate 215 between the 60/91/215 interchange and Interstate 10 -- would benefit from the kind of relationship that Riverside County has with Orange County.
"I don't think they (Riverside County officials) are looking for a different dance partner," Grasso said. "It's just that, right now, that (Highway 91 improvements) is the song that is playing. Hopefully they will dance with us when we get everything lined up on the 215."
Inland county Traffic
The number of vehicles moving within and between Riverside
From San Bernardino
County to Riverside
County
32,804 in 1990
52,016 in 2000
97,961 in 2010*
99,231 in 2020*
113,752 in 2030*
Within San Bernardino County
309,195 in 1990
456,568 in 2000
714,950 in 2010*
833,619 in 2020*
969,348 in 2030*
Within Riverside County
223,658 in 1990
417,137 in 2000
756,473 in 2010*
968,588 in 2020*
1,124,331 in 2030*
From Riverside County to San Bernardino County
39,565 in 1990
60,412 in 2000
135,302 in 2010*
181,510 in 2020*
188,407 in 2030*
*Estimated
Source: Southern California Association of Governments
Feb and March 2007 Arrests
The City of Grand Terrace has 64 Arrests or More for the Period of Feb to March 2007. (there was a week that the arrests were not posted by the Sheriffs Department so the number may be a little higher.)
These arrests are in the Feb 2007 Section of the Blog.
The Arrests most common are DUI or Drug Related. There have been some battery, and sex crimes. Several Bench Warrants or Parole Violations are also included.
These numbers are the ARRESTS, they are in no way to indicate all the crimes reported, or not reported or unsolved. The Call Log to the Sheriff is still not made available to the Citizens. Due to slow response time to "Low Priority Calls" many citizens fail to report thefts and other crimes.
Looking at the number of Unemployed Individuals Arrested we should know that the income needed to support a drug habit has to come from somewhere. We should also know that every time there is a drug arrest, or DUI or disorderly conduct arrest more than one individual was affected by the behavior of the person using the mind altering substance.
Businesses and Dope Dealers should be held fully accountable for the disturbance they bring to the community and families of this community. Stores selling Booze should pay additional fees for law enforcement and funds for treatment of the victims of the drunks.
Dope Dealers should be locked up and all their assets including their homes should be taken away from them and sold at auction.
Many of the other crimes would be reduced if these two areas of "Entertainment" were properly dealt with. Any time some one reduces their intellect for recreational purposes there is a problem and unfortunately these people do not stay in a closet or even their own bedrooms while they are on their trips away from civility.
When one of these drunks comes stumbling into your house to rape your child ... how will you respond? It is time to stop this social decline.
Adding to this social decline is that this City Continues to Put NO Effort in providing a means to provide supervision of 13 to 18 year olds after school. At the Magic Age of 13 no one, Church, City or School District provides services for Youth Supervision between the Hours of 3:00 and 7:00. Parents pay for after school care and Child Care from 0 to 12. What magic economic force is there that all of the sudden the need and resources evaporate as the youth reach age 13.
How is this related to crime? Youth are not all criminals. However, look around, who is available to associate with after school between the hours of 3 and 7? Unemployed Druggies and other Kids. This is not the Best Option. It is time that Parents of 12 year olds and up get their acts together and determine a plan of action to keep their youth away from the druggies in town. Parents who paid for child care should pay for Youth Care. The City and Schools should assist in the providing of the Place.
These arrests are in the Feb 2007 Section of the Blog.
The Arrests most common are DUI or Drug Related. There have been some battery, and sex crimes. Several Bench Warrants or Parole Violations are also included.
These numbers are the ARRESTS, they are in no way to indicate all the crimes reported, or not reported or unsolved. The Call Log to the Sheriff is still not made available to the Citizens. Due to slow response time to "Low Priority Calls" many citizens fail to report thefts and other crimes.
Looking at the number of Unemployed Individuals Arrested we should know that the income needed to support a drug habit has to come from somewhere. We should also know that every time there is a drug arrest, or DUI or disorderly conduct arrest more than one individual was affected by the behavior of the person using the mind altering substance.
Businesses and Dope Dealers should be held fully accountable for the disturbance they bring to the community and families of this community. Stores selling Booze should pay additional fees for law enforcement and funds for treatment of the victims of the drunks.
Dope Dealers should be locked up and all their assets including their homes should be taken away from them and sold at auction.
Many of the other crimes would be reduced if these two areas of "Entertainment" were properly dealt with. Any time some one reduces their intellect for recreational purposes there is a problem and unfortunately these people do not stay in a closet or even their own bedrooms while they are on their trips away from civility.
When one of these drunks comes stumbling into your house to rape your child ... how will you respond? It is time to stop this social decline.
Adding to this social decline is that this City Continues to Put NO Effort in providing a means to provide supervision of 13 to 18 year olds after school. At the Magic Age of 13 no one, Church, City or School District provides services for Youth Supervision between the Hours of 3:00 and 7:00. Parents pay for after school care and Child Care from 0 to 12. What magic economic force is there that all of the sudden the need and resources evaporate as the youth reach age 13.
How is this related to crime? Youth are not all criminals. However, look around, who is available to associate with after school between the hours of 3 and 7? Unemployed Druggies and other Kids. This is not the Best Option. It is time that Parents of 12 year olds and up get their acts together and determine a plan of action to keep their youth away from the druggies in town. Parents who paid for child care should pay for Youth Care. The City and Schools should assist in the providing of the Place.
Friday, March 23, 2007
RDA/CC AGENDA
THE NEXT CRA/CITY COUNCIL MEETING WILL BE HELD ON:
TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2007 AT 6:00 P.M.
AGENDA ITEM REQUESTS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE NO LATER THAN 14 CALENDAR DAYS PRECEDING THE MEETING.
SO IF YOU WANT SOMETHING ON THE AGENDA, ASK AT THIS MEETING AND MAKE AN ATTEMPT OF MAKING A DATE CERTAIN STATEMENT DURING PUBLIC COMMENT AND HAVE A COUNCIL MEMBER REQUEST IT ON THE AGENDA FOR A DATE CERTAIN.
NOT on the AGENDA: AES, Fireworks Revision Ord., Youth Programs for 13 to 18 year Olds, Status of Court Cases.
CITY OF GRAND TERRACE
COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS MARCH 27, 2007
GRAND TERRACE CIVIC CENTER 6:00 PM
22795 Barton Road
THE CITY OF GRAND TERRACE COMPLIES WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990. IF YOU REQUIRE SPECIAL ASSISTANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING, PLEASE CALL THE CITY CLERK=S OFFICE AT (909) 824-6621 AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING.
COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS MARCH 27, 2007
GRAND TERRACE CIVIC CENTER 6:00 PM
22795 Barton Road
THE CITY OF GRAND TERRACE COMPLIES WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990. IF YOU REQUIRE SPECIAL ASSISTANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING, PLEASE CALL THE CITY CLERK=S OFFICE AT (909) 824-6621 AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING.
IF YOU DESIRE TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL DURING THE MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE A REQUEST TO SPEAK FORM AVAILABLE AT THE ENTRANCE AND PRESENT IT TO THE CITY CLERK. SPEAKERS WILL BE CALLED UPON BY THE MAYOR AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME.
* Call to Order -
* Invocation - Pastor Salim Elias, Azure Hills Seventh-Day Adventist Church
* Pledge of Allegiance -
* Roll Call -
CONVENE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY 6 PM
1. Approval of 03-13-2007 Minutes
ADJOURN COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
CONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
1. Items to Delete
2. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
A. Proclamation - National Crime Victims’ Week - April 22 - 28, 2007
B. Proclamation - National Day of Prayer - May 3, 2007
3. CONSENT CALENDAR
* Call to Order -
* Invocation - Pastor Salim Elias, Azure Hills Seventh-Day Adventist Church
* Pledge of Allegiance -
* Roll Call -
CONVENE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY 6 PM
1. Approval of 03-13-2007 Minutes
ADJOURN COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
CONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
1. Items to Delete
2. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
A. Proclamation - National Crime Victims’ Week - April 22 - 28, 2007
B. Proclamation - National Day of Prayer - May 3, 2007
3. CONSENT CALENDAR
The following Consent Calendar items are expected to be routine and noncontroversial. They will be acted upon by the Council at one time without discussion. Any Council Member, Staff Member, or Citizen may request removal of an item from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
A. Approve Check Register Dated March 27, 2007
B. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
C. Approval of 03-13-2007 Minutes
D. Notice of Completion - 2006-2007 Slurry Seal Program (American Asphalt South, Inc.)
E. Contract Between the City of Grand Terrace - Blue Waves Swim Program and the Riverside YMCA for Swim Lessons and Open Swim Program at Terrace Hills Middle School for Summer 2007
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
A. Approve Check Register Dated March 27, 2007
B. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
C. Approval of 03-13-2007 Minutes
D. Notice of Completion - 2006-2007 Slurry Seal Program (American Asphalt South, Inc.)
E. Contract Between the City of Grand Terrace - Blue Waves Swim Program and the Riverside YMCA for Swim Lessons and Open Swim Program at Terrace Hills Middle School for Summer 2007
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
This is the opportunity for members of the public to comment on any items not appearing on the regular agenda. Because of restrictions contained in California Law, the City Council may not discuss or act on any item not on the agenda, but may briefly respond to statements made or ask a question for clarification. The Mayor may also request a brief response from staff to questions raised during public comment or may request a matter be agendized for a future meeting.
5. REPORTS
A. Committee Reports
1. Crime Prevention Committee
a. Minutes of February 12, 2007
A. Council Reports
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Grand Terrace Adding Chapter 9.28 of the Grand Terrace Municipal Code to Regulate Medical Marijuana Dispensaries within the City of Grand Terrace
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None
8. NEW BUSINESS - None
9. CLOSED SESSION - None
ADJOURN
THE NEXT CRA/CITY COUNCIL MEETING WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2007 AT 6:00 P.M.
AGENDA ITEM REQUESTS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE NO LATER THAN 14 CALENDAR DAYS PRECEDING THE MEETING.
5. REPORTS
A. Committee Reports
1. Crime Prevention Committee
a. Minutes of February 12, 2007
A. Council Reports
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Grand Terrace Adding Chapter 9.28 of the Grand Terrace Municipal Code to Regulate Medical Marijuana Dispensaries within the City of Grand Terrace
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None
8. NEW BUSINESS - None
9. CLOSED SESSION - None
ADJOURN
THE NEXT CRA/CITY COUNCIL MEETING WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2007 AT 6:00 P.M.
AGENDA ITEM REQUESTS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE NO LATER THAN 14 CALENDAR DAYS PRECEDING THE MEETING.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Fires in GT Burn 2 Homes
The little unoccupied house behind hair benders was on fire by an apparent arsonist. This home was being offered for a Rental Recently.
An occupied house on Minona Sustained damage from Fire. Major repairs will be needed.
If you see a stranger in the area report them and if you have a camera take a photo as it may be of assistance to law enforcement. People who start fires will eventually kill someone, not to mention the cost of the damage done to real property.
An occupied house on Minona Sustained damage from Fire. Major repairs will be needed.
If you see a stranger in the area report them and if you have a camera take a photo as it may be of assistance to law enforcement. People who start fires will eventually kill someone, not to mention the cost of the damage done to real property.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Remember.... SCAQMD Lawn Mower Exchange
Registration Begins March 20, 2007
Pick up/ exchange site is Cal Bab Riverside..
To qualify to exchange your mower, you must make a reservation beginning on March 20, 2007. You can do this either over the internet (via this web page) or by calling the toll-free phone number (888) 425-6247.In the mean time, you can sign up to receive e-mail notification reminding you of the March 20, 2007 opening of the registration process by clicking on Technology, Lawn Mower Exchange, and then follow the registration directions.
"Description of 2007 Lawn Mower Exchange ProgramThe South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) is offering AQMD residents an opportunity to help clean the air by exchanging an old, working gasoline-powered lawn mower and purchasing a new Neuton™ 24 volt cordless rechargeable electric mower for only $100 (sales tax included). A total of 4,000 mowers will be available. Exchange events will be conducted at seven locations throughout the AQMD's 4-county jurisdiction. You must pre- register to reserve a mower. Registration begins March 20, 2007.
Pick up/ exchange site is Cal Bab Riverside..
To qualify to exchange your mower, you must make a reservation beginning on March 20, 2007. You can do this either over the internet (via this web page) or by calling the toll-free phone number (888) 425-6247.In the mean time, you can sign up to receive e-mail notification reminding you of the March 20, 2007 opening of the registration process by clicking on Technology, Lawn Mower Exchange, and then follow the registration directions.
"Description of 2007 Lawn Mower Exchange ProgramThe South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) is offering AQMD residents an opportunity to help clean the air by exchanging an old, working gasoline-powered lawn mower and purchasing a new Neuton™ 24 volt cordless rechargeable electric mower for only $100 (sales tax included). A total of 4,000 mowers will be available. Exchange events will be conducted at seven locations throughout the AQMD's 4-county jurisdiction. You must pre- register to reserve a mower. Registration begins March 20, 2007.
From the Email Inbox: Jack Brown Sells Lease Option
Jack Brown of Stater’s Sells Lease Option to Colton Facility
www.hagerpacific.com
950 SOUTH COAST DRIVE SUITE 155, COSTA MESA, CA 92626 • WWW.IDEAHALL.COM • 714-436-0855
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rebecca Hall, APR / Jessica Neuman
IDEA HALL
(714) 436-0855 ext. 24 / 31
rebecca@ideahall.com / jessica@ideahall.com
HAGER PACIFIC PROPERTIES ACQUIRES STATER BROS.
CORPORATE CAMPUS IN COLTON, CA
Company Announces Plans to Redevelop Campus upon Stater Bros. Departure
Newport Beach, CA – August 24, 2005 – Hager Pacific Properties, one of the largest privately owned real estate investment firms in Southern California, announced today the acquisition of the Stater Bros. corporate headquarters and campus, located in Colton, CA, for approximately $30 million all cash. The complex totals more than 800,000 square feet of improvements and is located at 21700 Barton Road, 280 De Berry Street, and 375 De Berry Street, in close proximity to the 215, 60, and 91 freeways, with visibility from the 215 freeway.
The entire property encompasses 50 acres and contains six buildings, including 245,000 square feet of freezer/cooler space. The Stater Bros. campus also features 500,000 square feet of high bay warehouse distribution space and 55,000 square feet of office space.
The property is leased to Stater Bros. through 2008, when Stater Bros. is planning to move to its new headquarters currently under construction at the former Norton Air Force Base. At that time, Hager Pacific Properties plans to redevelop the campus, providing a variety of building options for sale or for lease, as well as offering several vacant parcels of land for sale and/or build to suit. These options should prove attractive to companies looking for a prime location with freeway access and visibility. “This location is ideally situated for future redevelopment in the rapidly growing Inland Empire East Market,” commented Robert Neal, executive vice president of Hager Pacific Properties Acquires Colton Stater Bros. Corporate Campus Hager Pacific Properties. “The market is mature enough that older, renovated buildings will be welcomed as a low-cost alternative to newly constructed properties.” He added, “The type of building product found on the Stater Bros. campus is extremely costly to build – particularly the freezer and cooler facilities – which make the property even more attractive to companies looking to capitalize on the tremendous growth this area has experienced in recent years.”
The corporate campus is located in the growing Inland Empire east submarket that includes the cities of Rialto, Colton, San Bernardino, Moreno Valley, Perris, and Riverside, and has recently emerged as an important component to the region’s job
growth.
The area has continued to grow around the City of Colton, located between the cities of San Bernardino and Riverside, reflecting a wider variety of housing and business opportunities. Colton is also one of the few municipalities to have its own public utilities company, providing electric, water, and wastewater service to property owners within the city.
Chuck Belden and Barry Gail of Cushman & Wakefield, and Janine Padia of JP Realty Services represented the buyer and seller.
About Hager Pacific
A partnership led by David Hager, Adam Milstein and Robert Neal, Hager Pacific Properties is guided by a contrarian investment philosophy implemented through the acquisition of under-valued real estate. Their investments become more valuable through the repositioning, renovation or reuse of the property. Hager Pacific Properties is the preferred buyer of challenging properties, and self-funds their real estate deals without outside capital or approvals. The company’s current portfolio consists of over 100 properties totaling more than 8 million square feet and features a wide range of product types including office buildings, warehouses, industrial facilities, research and Hager Pacific Properties Acquires Colton Stater Bros. Corporate Campus development complexes, apartment buildings, and community shopping centers. For more information on Hager Pacific Properties, please visit www.hagerpacific.com.
www.hagerpacific.com
950 SOUTH COAST DRIVE SUITE 155, COSTA MESA, CA 92626 • WWW.IDEAHALL.COM • 714-436-0855
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rebecca Hall, APR / Jessica Neuman
IDEA HALL
(714) 436-0855 ext. 24 / 31
rebecca@ideahall.com / jessica@ideahall.com
HAGER PACIFIC PROPERTIES ACQUIRES STATER BROS.
CORPORATE CAMPUS IN COLTON, CA
Company Announces Plans to Redevelop Campus upon Stater Bros. Departure
Newport Beach, CA – August 24, 2005 – Hager Pacific Properties, one of the largest privately owned real estate investment firms in Southern California, announced today the acquisition of the Stater Bros. corporate headquarters and campus, located in Colton, CA, for approximately $30 million all cash. The complex totals more than 800,000 square feet of improvements and is located at 21700 Barton Road, 280 De Berry Street, and 375 De Berry Street, in close proximity to the 215, 60, and 91 freeways, with visibility from the 215 freeway.
The entire property encompasses 50 acres and contains six buildings, including 245,000 square feet of freezer/cooler space. The Stater Bros. campus also features 500,000 square feet of high bay warehouse distribution space and 55,000 square feet of office space.
The property is leased to Stater Bros. through 2008, when Stater Bros. is planning to move to its new headquarters currently under construction at the former Norton Air Force Base. At that time, Hager Pacific Properties plans to redevelop the campus, providing a variety of building options for sale or for lease, as well as offering several vacant parcels of land for sale and/or build to suit. These options should prove attractive to companies looking for a prime location with freeway access and visibility. “This location is ideally situated for future redevelopment in the rapidly growing Inland Empire East Market,” commented Robert Neal, executive vice president of Hager Pacific Properties Acquires Colton Stater Bros. Corporate Campus Hager Pacific Properties. “The market is mature enough that older, renovated buildings will be welcomed as a low-cost alternative to newly constructed properties.” He added, “The type of building product found on the Stater Bros. campus is extremely costly to build – particularly the freezer and cooler facilities – which make the property even more attractive to companies looking to capitalize on the tremendous growth this area has experienced in recent years.”
The corporate campus is located in the growing Inland Empire east submarket that includes the cities of Rialto, Colton, San Bernardino, Moreno Valley, Perris, and Riverside, and has recently emerged as an important component to the region’s job
growth.
The area has continued to grow around the City of Colton, located between the cities of San Bernardino and Riverside, reflecting a wider variety of housing and business opportunities. Colton is also one of the few municipalities to have its own public utilities company, providing electric, water, and wastewater service to property owners within the city.
Chuck Belden and Barry Gail of Cushman & Wakefield, and Janine Padia of JP Realty Services represented the buyer and seller.
About Hager Pacific
A partnership led by David Hager, Adam Milstein and Robert Neal, Hager Pacific Properties is guided by a contrarian investment philosophy implemented through the acquisition of under-valued real estate. Their investments become more valuable through the repositioning, renovation or reuse of the property. Hager Pacific Properties is the preferred buyer of challenging properties, and self-funds their real estate deals without outside capital or approvals. The company’s current portfolio consists of over 100 properties totaling more than 8 million square feet and features a wide range of product types including office buildings, warehouses, industrial facilities, research and Hager Pacific Properties Acquires Colton Stater Bros. Corporate Campus development complexes, apartment buildings, and community shopping centers. For more information on Hager Pacific Properties, please visit www.hagerpacific.com.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
From the Email Inbox: Pollution No More Please
Health Effects of Particle Pollution
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY-ranked 1st nationwide for the worst fine particle, or "soot," pollution among large metro areas, according to a new report released today by Environment California, a statewide environmental advocacy group.
Particle pollution - especially fine particles - contains microscopic solids or liquid droplets that are so small that they can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems. Numerous scientific studies have linked particle pollution exposure to a variety of problems, including:
* increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the airways, coughing, or difficulty breathing, for example
* decreased lung function;
* aggravated asthma;
* development of chronic bronchitis;
* irregular heartbeat;
* nonfatal heart attacks; and
* premature death in people with heart or lung disease.
Because of their small size, fine particles can bypass the body's natural defenses, such as coughing and sneezing, and lodge deep in the lungs or even pass into the bloodstream, causing serious respiratory and cardiovascular problems, such as asthma attacks, heart attacks, and lung cancer. Fine particle pollution cuts short the lives of tens of thousands of Americans each year, according to EPA.
Fine particle pollution was high year-round
5000 more cars will be traveling Michigan to Barton Road every day once the high school and Highland's 2000 homes are built.
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY-ranked 1st nationwide for the worst fine particle, or "soot," pollution among large metro areas, according to a new report released today by Environment California, a statewide environmental advocacy group.
Particle pollution - especially fine particles - contains microscopic solids or liquid droplets that are so small that they can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems. Numerous scientific studies have linked particle pollution exposure to a variety of problems, including:
* increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the airways, coughing, or difficulty breathing, for example
* decreased lung function;
* aggravated asthma;
* development of chronic bronchitis;
* irregular heartbeat;
* nonfatal heart attacks; and
* premature death in people with heart or lung disease.
Because of their small size, fine particles can bypass the body's natural defenses, such as coughing and sneezing, and lodge deep in the lungs or even pass into the bloodstream, causing serious respiratory and cardiovascular problems, such as asthma attacks, heart attacks, and lung cancer. Fine particle pollution cuts short the lives of tens of thousands of Americans each year, according to EPA.
Fine particle pollution was high year-round
5000 more cars will be traveling Michigan to Barton Road every day once the high school and Highland's 2000 homes are built.
Join the AES EMAIL LIST at CEC
From: "Robert Worl" Rworl@energy.state.ca.us
To: (GT RESIDENT NAME HELD BACK ON REQUEST)
Workshops, due to the amount of material that must be covered, often start in the afternoon, but I try always to insure an evening session, attended by the applicant, appropriate technical staff, and these are specifically aimed at insureing that the working members of the public can provide input into the process, and have questions answered. Workshops are noticed through mailing lists, newspapers (daily papers are the most appropriate--we have provided noticing to weekly and monthly publications with little assurance of adequate notice to readers), and to individuals who have indicated a desire to receive mailed notices. Please, send me a mailing address and I will add you to our list. Again, thank you.
Bob Worl
Robert Worl
(916) 651-8853 (Office)
(916) 798-6096 (Cell)
rworl@energy.state.ca.usl
From: "Robert Worl" Rworl@energy.state.ca.us
To: (GT RESIDENT NAME HELD BACK ON REQUEST)
CC: "Julie Way","John Carrier" ,"Jim Adams" ,"Shahab Khoshmashrab" Skhoshma@energy.state.ca.us
Subject: Re: AES Highgrove Grand Terrace
Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2007 16:51:33 -0700
Thank your for your questions and your interest in our process. Your questions are being forwarded to staff that are conducting the technical analyses for Noise, and Traffic and Transportation. They are also being forwarded to the applicant. Both questions will be addressed in the Preliminary Staff Assessment (PSA) that is currently being prepared. The next public meeting will be scheduled based upon the publishing of the PSA, and will be in Grand Terrace. No date is currently set for this as we are still awaiting the South Coast Air District's Preliminary Determination of Compliance. That document is necessary for our staff to complete the PSA.
To: (GT RESIDENT NAME HELD BACK ON REQUEST)
Workshops, due to the amount of material that must be covered, often start in the afternoon, but I try always to insure an evening session, attended by the applicant, appropriate technical staff, and these are specifically aimed at insureing that the working members of the public can provide input into the process, and have questions answered. Workshops are noticed through mailing lists, newspapers (daily papers are the most appropriate--we have provided noticing to weekly and monthly publications with little assurance of adequate notice to readers), and to individuals who have indicated a desire to receive mailed notices. Please, send me a mailing address and I will add you to our list. Again, thank you.
Bob Worl
Robert Worl
(916) 651-8853 (Office)
(916) 798-6096 (Cell)
rworl@energy.state.ca.usl
From: "Robert Worl" Rworl@energy.state.ca.us
To: (GT RESIDENT NAME HELD BACK ON REQUEST)
CC: "Julie Way"
Subject: Re: AES Highgrove Grand Terrace
Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2007 16:51:33 -0700
Thank your for your questions and your interest in our process. Your questions are being forwarded to staff that are conducting the technical analyses for Noise, and Traffic and Transportation. They are also being forwarded to the applicant. Both questions will be addressed in the Preliminary Staff Assessment (PSA) that is currently being prepared. The next public meeting will be scheduled based upon the publishing of the PSA, and will be in Grand Terrace. No date is currently set for this as we are still awaiting the South Coast Air District's Preliminary Determination of Compliance. That document is necessary for our staff to complete the PSA.
From Email InBox: Jacobsen's Take Over of Down Town
Dear Gramps tell PEOPLE: IF you have a business in these areas you had better check on where you plan to move it Looks like Doug Jacobson will put a Single Big Box on the Corner of Mt. Vernon and Barton Rd IF he Can find one.
WELCOME TO JACOBSON CITY: Formerly known as Grand Terrace ....
WELCOME TO JACOBSON CITY: Formerly known as Grand Terrace ....
Dear Gramps: Doug Jacobsen has listed with CB Build to Lease. The "Town Center" is now called Town Square, and then the Cross Roads Barton/Mt. Vernon Property. This will be Leased Property Business Owners will not OWN the land or in effect the Business.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Why LEV/NEV and 35MPH on Barton RD.
NEVs come in two speeds: golf cars are limited to speeds under 20 mph while low-speed vehicles (as defined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) are capable of up to 25 mph. Low-speed vehicles must have seatbelts, windshields, turn signals, headlights, brake lights and other safety equipment that golf cars don't require. NEVs are designed to be used in residential areas with low density traffic and low speed zones. With a top speed of 25 mph, low-speed vehicles can be used on streets with a posted 35 mph speed limit or less. Some local jurisdictions (e.g. Palm Springs) also allow golf cars on public streets. When driven on public streets, a driver's license is required. NOTE Golf Cars or Golf Carts are NOT LEV's/NEV's
Why would I want an NEV?
It's logical. Sixty five percent of U.S. families own a second car, yet over 50 percent of urban trips last less than ten minutes perfect for NEVs. Eighty percent of all trips are within 10 miles or less in a traditional automobile resulting in cold running motors that translate into excessive engine wear and more pollutants. NEVs are the right "tool" for most of our transportation jobs.
It's easy! Say goodbye to annoying lines at the pump, oil stains, tune-ups, oil changes, radiator coolant, emissions tests, muffler replacements, transmission woes, and many other common headaches of today's "modern" combustion automobile.
It's economical! NEVs offer an alternative to a second car -- initial purchase price, maintenance, insurance and cost of operation represent a very real and stylish alternative to a traditional gas-powered automobile for those around-the-neighborhood trips.
REMEMBER:
You can ride a Bike on Barton Rd and Mt. Vernon, but not an LEV or NEV... LOGICAL NO.. IT is time to reduce the Speed on Barton Rd and Mt. Vernon and Promote the use of all Alternatives to the Oil Auto Transportation Options.
Why would I want an NEV?
It's logical. Sixty five percent of U.S. families own a second car, yet over 50 percent of urban trips last less than ten minutes perfect for NEVs. Eighty percent of all trips are within 10 miles or less in a traditional automobile resulting in cold running motors that translate into excessive engine wear and more pollutants. NEVs are the right "tool" for most of our transportation jobs.
It's easy! Say goodbye to annoying lines at the pump, oil stains, tune-ups, oil changes, radiator coolant, emissions tests, muffler replacements, transmission woes, and many other common headaches of today's "modern" combustion automobile.
It's economical! NEVs offer an alternative to a second car -- initial purchase price, maintenance, insurance and cost of operation represent a very real and stylish alternative to a traditional gas-powered automobile for those around-the-neighborhood trips.
REMEMBER:
You can ride a Bike on Barton Rd and Mt. Vernon, but not an LEV or NEV... LOGICAL NO.. IT is time to reduce the Speed on Barton Rd and Mt. Vernon and Promote the use of all Alternatives to the Oil Auto Transportation Options.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
GT In The News: Car Chase Through Town, Be Careful Out There
COLTON
Teens apprehended following police chase
Two teenagers driving a stolen vehicle were taken into custody Friday at the end of a four-city police chase.
Officers responding to a report of a stolen vehicle at Rancho and Olive streets found the car traveling east on Mill Street. The pursuit entered San Bernardino, where local police joined the chase near Fifth and I streets.
The car jumped onto Interstate 215 south and returned to Colton, continuing into Grand Terrace. It then got on I-215 north at Washington and switched to Interstate 15, where the California Highway Patrol took over.
The chase continued north into Hesperia, where the youths exited, lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a utility pole. There were no injuries.
Teens apprehended following police chase
Two teenagers driving a stolen vehicle were taken into custody Friday at the end of a four-city police chase.
Officers responding to a report of a stolen vehicle at Rancho and Olive streets found the car traveling east on Mill Street. The pursuit entered San Bernardino, where local police joined the chase near Fifth and I streets.
The car jumped onto Interstate 215 south and returned to Colton, continuing into Grand Terrace. It then got on I-215 north at Washington and switched to Interstate 15, where the California Highway Patrol took over.
The chase continued north into Hesperia, where the youths exited, lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a utility pole. There were no injuries.
GT Elementary Volunteer InTheNews: DeeDee Taylor
Rialto principal leads list of nominees
Erick Witherspoon, principal of Rialto's Lena M. Preston Elementary, is among 18 nominees for the San Bernardino County Education Medal of Honor.
Nominations were made in five categories, and one winner from each category will be announced April 30. Winners will be recognized at a banquet that night at Etiwanda Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga.
Other nominees include Evangeline Molina, a teacher at Reche Canyon Elementary School in Colton; DeeDee Taylor, a volunteer at Grand Terrace Elementary; the Assistance League of Redlands; and Yucaipa Valley Kiwanis Club.
--Adam C. Hartmann
ahartmann@PE.com
Erick Witherspoon, principal of Rialto's Lena M. Preston Elementary, is among 18 nominees for the San Bernardino County Education Medal of Honor.
Nominations were made in five categories, and one winner from each category will be announced April 30. Winners will be recognized at a banquet that night at Etiwanda Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga.
Other nominees include Evangeline Molina, a teacher at Reche Canyon Elementary School in Colton; DeeDee Taylor, a volunteer at Grand Terrace Elementary; the Assistance League of Redlands; and Yucaipa Valley Kiwanis Club.
--Adam C. Hartmann
ahartmann@PE.com
Friday, March 16, 2007
From the Email InBox: Real Forward Looking Planning
Dear Gramps:
Here is a thought for the Planners if they want to Plan Forward rather than Plan on what has been done in the past and hope that the past will work for our future.
We need Better Transportation.
We need Electricity
We need a High School
We may even need a Elementary School
While CalTrans is redesigning the Freeway and the Offramps they should work with the Rail Lines to make sure that there is an improved rail bed and a reduction in the number or risk of derailments in Grand Terrace/Highgrove.
In addition, because there can’t be a 15 lane Freeway, perhaps the Metrolink Station in Highrove is a offset or could offset some of the demand on the freeway use. This would require a Park and Rail Station in Highgrove, near the AES Proposed Power Plant.
The AES Power Plant could be a PV Solar Station that collects power from the Parking structure surfaces and the surfaces on the High School and all other public facilities in Grand Terrace in addition to perhaps a fuel cell power generator which will also be a Zero Polluter.
This would be a Real Act of Real Forward Looking Planning and a true Collaboration of Effort and limited resources and be in harmony with all Uses and Needs.
We also need to re-design our homes and energy use so that we produce some if not all our own power for our home use and the power AES produces would be true Peaker Demand Requirements. Our city Code should be revised to encourage individual action and not be in the way of the use of alternatives to the grid.. or excessive consumption of electricity or water.
Here is a thought for the Planners if they want to Plan Forward rather than Plan on what has been done in the past and hope that the past will work for our future.
We need Better Transportation.
We need Electricity
We need a High School
We may even need a Elementary School
While CalTrans is redesigning the Freeway and the Offramps they should work with the Rail Lines to make sure that there is an improved rail bed and a reduction in the number or risk of derailments in Grand Terrace/Highgrove.
In addition, because there can’t be a 15 lane Freeway, perhaps the Metrolink Station in Highrove is a offset or could offset some of the demand on the freeway use. This would require a Park and Rail Station in Highgrove, near the AES Proposed Power Plant.
The AES Power Plant could be a PV Solar Station that collects power from the Parking structure surfaces and the surfaces on the High School and all other public facilities in Grand Terrace in addition to perhaps a fuel cell power generator which will also be a Zero Polluter.
This would be a Real Act of Real Forward Looking Planning and a true Collaboration of Effort and limited resources and be in harmony with all Uses and Needs.
We also need to re-design our homes and energy use so that we produce some if not all our own power for our home use and the power AES produces would be true Peaker Demand Requirements. Our city Code should be revised to encourage individual action and not be in the way of the use of alternatives to the grid.. or excessive consumption of electricity or water.
More on Requesting Public Records:
How not to take no for an answer
Andrew Edwards, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 03/16/2007 12:00:00 AM PDT
Don't give up.
Just because your public-records request was denied doesn't mean the information that you're trying to uncover will be forever hidden under a mass of red tape.
And you don't necessarily have to haul a bunch of bureaucrats into court to get what you're after.
When faced with a denial, you may not need to hire a lawyer to obtain information. On the other hand, sometimes spoken words aren't enough to produce government documents.
If an attempt to obtain public documents through a verbal request doesn't work, a denial can be countered with a written request for the same information.
Terry Francke, general counsel for Californians Aware, and Peter Scheer, executive director of the California First Amendment Coalition, both remarked that a written request, unlike one that's merely spoken, requires a government body to tell the person seeking information the legal reasons why that information can't be released if officials choose to keep the requested information under wraps.
By requiring a government agency to go on record as to why officials believe information should be kept out of the public eye, whoever submitted that request has a way to double-check whether the agency's reason for denying a request is legitimate.
"If they're (officials) incorrect, then it's possible that we or someone else could ask them for a reconsideration," Francke said.
Scheer suggested another tactic for people using written requests to get information. For example, if someone's trying to get information released from City Hall, the requester can file a written request with the City Clerk's Office and send a copy of that document to the city attorney. That way, the city's legal counsel knows that someone trying to access public records means business.
"If you're right that you're entitled to these records and the agency's wrong, then one of the people who will want you to get the records or at least see you go away happy is the lawyer," Scheer said.
Scheer went on to explain that an attorney for a public agency can sometimes be expected to assist someone who is seeking records that California law requires be public. By correcting a bureaucratic mistake, an attorney can avert a lawsuit if someone seeking records is willing to take their case to the courts.
Francke and Scheer agreed that the judiciary is not the only recourse for someone whose legitimate public-records request has been denied. If government employees fail to comply with public-records laws, a person seeking public records can contact elected officials and let their representatives know that government isn't working the way it's supposed to.
"Never ignore, or discount, or eliminate, a political appeal," Francke said. "This is what politics is for. Good politics is to take it to the elected people who supposedly represent the will of the people."
As Scheer put it, a requester can play hardball without having to visit their local courthouse.
"The strategy is to put on as much pressure as you can with the implied threat of legal action or political pressure," he said.
Nevertheless, having a public-records request denied is not an excuse for being rude, both Francke and Scheer said.
"Coming on in an officious manner, `I'm a taxpayer - you work for me,' that's never going to work," Francke said.
Request denied? Here's what to do
If your verbal public-records request is denied, no need to stop there.
Ask in writing. Then the legal reasons for the denial have to be explained.
Send your request to the agency's attorney. If the denial was improper, the attorney will want it corrected without a lawsuit.
Don't be afraid to report a "no" to elected officials.
Be polite.
Added NOTE:
Keep records of all conversations, letters and communication. This is called evidence of Administrative Remedy being taken, and IF you have to go to court, it will show you tried and existed all avenues available to you.
Andrew Edwards, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 03/16/2007 12:00:00 AM PDT
Don't give up.
Just because your public-records request was denied doesn't mean the information that you're trying to uncover will be forever hidden under a mass of red tape.
And you don't necessarily have to haul a bunch of bureaucrats into court to get what you're after.
When faced with a denial, you may not need to hire a lawyer to obtain information. On the other hand, sometimes spoken words aren't enough to produce government documents.
If an attempt to obtain public documents through a verbal request doesn't work, a denial can be countered with a written request for the same information.
Terry Francke, general counsel for Californians Aware, and Peter Scheer, executive director of the California First Amendment Coalition, both remarked that a written request, unlike one that's merely spoken, requires a government body to tell the person seeking information the legal reasons why that information can't be released if officials choose to keep the requested information under wraps.
By requiring a government agency to go on record as to why officials believe information should be kept out of the public eye, whoever submitted that request has a way to double-check whether the agency's reason for denying a request is legitimate.
"If they're (officials) incorrect, then it's possible that we or someone else could ask them for a reconsideration," Francke said.
Scheer suggested another tactic for people using written requests to get information. For example, if someone's trying to get information released from City Hall, the requester can file a written request with the City Clerk's Office and send a copy of that document to the city attorney. That way, the city's legal counsel knows that someone trying to access public records means business.
"If you're right that you're entitled to these records and the agency's wrong, then one of the people who will want you to get the records or at least see you go away happy is the lawyer," Scheer said.
Scheer went on to explain that an attorney for a public agency can sometimes be expected to assist someone who is seeking records that California law requires be public. By correcting a bureaucratic mistake, an attorney can avert a lawsuit if someone seeking records is willing to take their case to the courts.
Francke and Scheer agreed that the judiciary is not the only recourse for someone whose legitimate public-records request has been denied. If government employees fail to comply with public-records laws, a person seeking public records can contact elected officials and let their representatives know that government isn't working the way it's supposed to.
"Never ignore, or discount, or eliminate, a political appeal," Francke said. "This is what politics is for. Good politics is to take it to the elected people who supposedly represent the will of the people."
As Scheer put it, a requester can play hardball without having to visit their local courthouse.
"The strategy is to put on as much pressure as you can with the implied threat of legal action or political pressure," he said.
Nevertheless, having a public-records request denied is not an excuse for being rude, both Francke and Scheer said.
"Coming on in an officious manner, `I'm a taxpayer - you work for me,' that's never going to work," Francke said.
Request denied? Here's what to do
If your verbal public-records request is denied, no need to stop there.
Ask in writing. Then the legal reasons for the denial have to be explained.
Send your request to the agency's attorney. If the denial was improper, the attorney will want it corrected without a lawsuit.
Don't be afraid to report a "no" to elected officials.
Be polite.
Added NOTE:
Keep records of all conversations, letters and communication. This is called evidence of Administrative Remedy being taken, and IF you have to go to court, it will show you tried and existed all avenues available to you.
Free: Stranger Danger Training for Children
FREE "Stranger Danger" Education Seminar for our children.
Saturday March 31, 2007
Age Appropriate Instruction
Pre-School 9:30 AM
Elementary School Age: 10:15
Other Times May be available (909) 881-9603
Provided by Golden Tiger Martial Arts Studio
Community Room - Grand Terrace City Hall
22795 Barton Road
Grand Terrace, Ca 92313
Golden Tiger Martial Arts Studio, holds regular classes at the City Hall in the Community Room, across from the Library's front door, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
Free open class at 9:00 am tomorrow
March 17th if you want to test your interest.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
From the Email InBox: Gang Murders Connected to GT
Dear Gramps:
Gang Culture in Grand Terrace: In 2000 the City Council was perpetuating a fiction that there is no serious crime in Grand Terrace. They repeatedly refused to provide Arrest Records or Crime Reports. Not until this blog did a part of the truth come out.
Sure the Dead Presidents Murders didn't happen in Grand Terrace. However, looking at the Arrest Records of Drug Use in Grand Terrace, the Graffiti, and the loud parties and yes even the number of domestic calls all indicate an increase in Gang Activities right here in Grand Terrace. One Murder did not resolve the problem. The rub is this. When our children have no other adults to act as mentors, they will find those adults without jobs, the ones hanging out.. doing what... selling drugs... gee folks are we just one decade away from total social ruin because we fail our children and community? The need for parenting does not stop at age 12. If there are no youth programs our local drug dealers and gang leaders will be happy to step in the void.
Gang Culture in Grand Terrace: In 2000 the City Council was perpetuating a fiction that there is no serious crime in Grand Terrace. They repeatedly refused to provide Arrest Records or Crime Reports. Not until this blog did a part of the truth come out.
Sure the Dead Presidents Murders didn't happen in Grand Terrace. However, looking at the Arrest Records of Drug Use in Grand Terrace, the Graffiti, and the loud parties and yes even the number of domestic calls all indicate an increase in Gang Activities right here in Grand Terrace. One Murder did not resolve the problem. The rub is this. When our children have no other adults to act as mentors, they will find those adults without jobs, the ones hanging out.. doing what... selling drugs... gee folks are we just one decade away from total social ruin because we fail our children and community? The need for parenting does not stop at age 12. If there are no youth programs our local drug dealers and gang leaders will be happy to step in the void.
The "Dead Presidents" murders because the deceased were suspected of being gang leaders.
Killed were: Johnny Agudo, 33; his brother, Gilbert Agudo, 27; and Marselino Luna, 19, all of San Bernardino. Also killed was Anthony Luna, 23, of Grand Terrace. The Lunas are related to the Agudos through marriage, police have said.
From the Email InBox: AES Should Be Council and Board Issues NOW
Dear Gramps a few comments:
In the comments made about the AES Power Plant there were no specific amounts of added pollutants and particulate matters that will be released into our already troubled polluted environment. In addition the representation that the power plant would not pose a public health threat is flawed logic. The AES representation does not state that the cumulative affects of the combined affects of the current air situation and the power plant will be beneficial to the health of the community.
The Power Plant is not a Zero Emissions Facility. The Power Plant is not without problems and the location next to the High School should raise concerns to all the regulators and it would be NICE if the School Board and City Council would Educate themselves prior to a preliminary decision so that they may contribute to that Preliminary Decision rather than trying to comment on a decision which has already been formed and begun to set. It may be to late to have an affect by then. This Procrastination by the Leadership of the CJUSD and Local City Councils is a Failure of Leadership and acting in the Interest of the Communities they are supposed to serve. It is time for them to at a minimum review the concerns and materials accumulated by Ms. Williams after hours of review of the AES Application. Form a decision of some sort and send that opinion forward prior to a Preliminary Report being issued.
This is not a Zero Emissions Power Plant:
This is not a PV Cell or Wind Generation Power Plant:
This is not a No Impact Situation:
When AES represents that they follow regulations, the don't mention that they have been sighted for violations at their other facilities. When the school site was approved the EIR was done without the thought of the AES Power Plant in its current planned configuration.
In the comments made about the AES Power Plant there were no specific amounts of added pollutants and particulate matters that will be released into our already troubled polluted environment. In addition the representation that the power plant would not pose a public health threat is flawed logic. The AES representation does not state that the cumulative affects of the combined affects of the current air situation and the power plant will be beneficial to the health of the community.
The Power Plant is not a Zero Emissions Facility. The Power Plant is not without problems and the location next to the High School should raise concerns to all the regulators and it would be NICE if the School Board and City Council would Educate themselves prior to a preliminary decision so that they may contribute to that Preliminary Decision rather than trying to comment on a decision which has already been formed and begun to set. It may be to late to have an affect by then. This Procrastination by the Leadership of the CJUSD and Local City Councils is a Failure of Leadership and acting in the Interest of the Communities they are supposed to serve. It is time for them to at a minimum review the concerns and materials accumulated by Ms. Williams after hours of review of the AES Application. Form a decision of some sort and send that opinion forward prior to a Preliminary Report being issued.
...................
AES Highgrove project manager Julie Way said the state's safety rules are sufficient to prevent a new power plant from posing any dangers."Power plants are very tightly regulated," she said.The company's application to build the power plant reported that neither air pollution nor hazardous materials at the plant would pose a public-health threat to students or school employees. Construction of the new school is scheduled to begin in August.
This is not a Zero Emissions Power Plant:
This is not a PV Cell or Wind Generation Power Plant:
This is not a No Impact Situation:
When AES represents that they follow regulations, the don't mention that they have been sighted for violations at their other facilities. When the school site was approved the EIR was done without the thought of the AES Power Plant in its current planned configuration.
From InTheNews: AES : Safety Issues in the News
Electrified protest
Plant plans near school site worry some
Andrew Edwards, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 03/15/2007 12:00:00 AM PDT
GRAND TERRACE - A power plant that has been proposed for the south end of the city would be built across the street from the spot where Colton school district officials want to build a new high school.
AES Highgrove LLC, based in Long Beach, submitted an application in May to state energy officials to build a 300-megawatt gas-fired power plant northwest of Main and Taylor streets.
On the other side of Taylor Street is where officials want to build their third traditional high school.
Grand Terrace resident Roxanne Williams wants to rally opposition to AES Highgrove's plan. She said it's too risky to build an air-pollution-generating power plant across the street from classrooms.
"The citizens have to come out very forcefully, as well as the City Council," Williams said.
AES Highgrove project manager Julie Way said the state's safety rules are sufficient to prevent a new power plant from posing any dangers.
"Power plants are very tightly regulated," she said.
The company's application to build the power plant reported that neither air pollution nor hazardous materials at the plant would pose a public-health threat to students or school employees. Construction of the new school is scheduled to begin in August.
Williams said she is a member of People of Action, which she called a "small group" of Grand Terrace, Highgrove and Riverside residents that formed about one month ago to oppose the proposed power plant.
Grand Terrace officials don't have a say in whether the power plant can be built in the city - that power is vested in the California Energy Commission. However, both city and school officials can take a formal position on AES Highgrove's proposal.
Williams wants the City Council to go on record against the proposed power plant. She said she has sent three requests to City Hall to have the issue discussed at a council meeting.
At Tuesday night's meeting, Councilman Dan Buchanan said he has not taken a position on the project and is interested in learning more details about AES Highgrove's plans.
"I would like to know more about why somebody thinks this is a good idea," he said.
Energy Commission staffers are still evaluating AES Highgrove's proposal, commission spokeswoman Susanne Garfield said.
Before commissioners can make a decision, staffers are required to produce an environmental analysis of AES Highgrove's plan. City and school district officials, as well as the public, can make comments on the staffers' findings.
After that step, the comments can be incorporated into a final report, Garfield said. That report is used in public hearings during which two members of the Energy Commission hear sworn testimony on the proposal. Then, the full five-member commission makes a decision.
Garfield said commission staffers' preliminary assessment isn't expected to be completed until summer.
Colton school district spokesman Michael Townsend said district officials may decide to take a position on AES Highgrove's proposal after Energy Commission staffers publish their preliminary report.
The Energy Commission is not the only government body that can affect AES Highgrove's proposal. The South Coast Air Quality Management District's actions could have a major impact on the company's plans.
AES Highgrove needs to purchase emissions-reduction credits from the AQMD to operate the plant at full capacity, Way said. However, the AQMD's governing board has yet to make a decision on proposals that could reduce or eliminate AES Highgrove's ability to purchase those credits in places with severe air pollution, such as San Bernardino County.
The power plant project is on hold until the AQMD's governing board makes a decision, Way said.
AQMD spokesman Sam Atwood said the AQMD board could adopt a new policy on how the agency sells emissions-reduction credits as early as summer.
Plant plans near school site worry some
Andrew Edwards, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 03/15/2007 12:00:00 AM PDT
GRAND TERRACE - A power plant that has been proposed for the south end of the city would be built across the street from the spot where Colton school district officials want to build a new high school.
AES Highgrove LLC, based in Long Beach, submitted an application in May to state energy officials to build a 300-megawatt gas-fired power plant northwest of Main and Taylor streets.
On the other side of Taylor Street is where officials want to build their third traditional high school.
Grand Terrace resident Roxanne Williams wants to rally opposition to AES Highgrove's plan. She said it's too risky to build an air-pollution-generating power plant across the street from classrooms.
"The citizens have to come out very forcefully, as well as the City Council," Williams said.
AES Highgrove project manager Julie Way said the state's safety rules are sufficient to prevent a new power plant from posing any dangers.
"Power plants are very tightly regulated," she said.
The company's application to build the power plant reported that neither air pollution nor hazardous materials at the plant would pose a public-health threat to students or school employees. Construction of the new school is scheduled to begin in August.
Williams said she is a member of People of Action, which she called a "small group" of Grand Terrace, Highgrove and Riverside residents that formed about one month ago to oppose the proposed power plant.
Grand Terrace officials don't have a say in whether the power plant can be built in the city - that power is vested in the California Energy Commission. However, both city and school officials can take a formal position on AES Highgrove's proposal.
Williams wants the City Council to go on record against the proposed power plant. She said she has sent three requests to City Hall to have the issue discussed at a council meeting.
At Tuesday night's meeting, Councilman Dan Buchanan said he has not taken a position on the project and is interested in learning more details about AES Highgrove's plans.
"I would like to know more about why somebody thinks this is a good idea," he said.
Energy Commission staffers are still evaluating AES Highgrove's proposal, commission spokeswoman Susanne Garfield said.
Before commissioners can make a decision, staffers are required to produce an environmental analysis of AES Highgrove's plan. City and school district officials, as well as the public, can make comments on the staffers' findings.
After that step, the comments can be incorporated into a final report, Garfield said. That report is used in public hearings during which two members of the Energy Commission hear sworn testimony on the proposal. Then, the full five-member commission makes a decision.
Garfield said commission staffers' preliminary assessment isn't expected to be completed until summer.
Colton school district spokesman Michael Townsend said district officials may decide to take a position on AES Highgrove's proposal after Energy Commission staffers publish their preliminary report.
The Energy Commission is not the only government body that can affect AES Highgrove's proposal. The South Coast Air Quality Management District's actions could have a major impact on the company's plans.
AES Highgrove needs to purchase emissions-reduction credits from the AQMD to operate the plant at full capacity, Way said. However, the AQMD's governing board has yet to make a decision on proposals that could reduce or eliminate AES Highgrove's ability to purchase those credits in places with severe air pollution, such as San Bernardino County.
The power plant project is on hold until the AQMD's governing board makes a decision, Way said.
AQMD spokesman Sam Atwood said the AQMD board could adopt a new policy on how the agency sells emissions-reduction credits as early as summer.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Please Don't Use Poison for Rats.
Birds of Prey such as our local Hawks eat sick Rats, and become Sick Hawks.
Poison a Rat you Poison a Hawk
Hawks eat Rats, and Snakes and other pests.
IF you must remove rats or mice from inside your home Please use a Trap not Poison.
From the Email InBox: Freeway Plans: Preliminary Ideas and Plans...
Portion of CALTRANS Document Working Papers.
12. RIGHT OF WAY
This project will require additional right of way. The potential R/W need for all build- alternatives would range from 10 to 16 acres. Twenty-five Parcels would be affected in Alternative 2 and the RJW acquisition cost is approximately $25,700,000. Twenty-four Parcels would be affected in Alternative 3 and the RJW acquisition cost is approximately $24, 800,000. Twenty-three Parcels would be affected in Alternative 4 and the RJW acquisition cost is approximately $20, 800,000. Twenty-two Parcels would be affected in Alternative 5 and the R/W acquisition cost is approximately $18, 900,000. Union Pacific (Formerly Southern Pacific) Rail Road would be affected by all proposed build-alternatives. All build-alternatives have the same impact on utility relocation with Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas Company, Adelphia, Riverside Highland Water Company, Pacific Bell Telephone Company, AT&T California and City of Grand Terrace. No easement will be needed for this project (see Exhibit D)
Analysis of Proposal
As outlined above, this report addresses four build alternatives. Alternative 2 and 3 cost approximately $51 million, Alternative 4 costs approximately $47 million and Alternative 5 costs approximately $44 million.
There are currently several development plans in the vicinity. The existing interchange configuration will not accommodate this growth. The increased traffic volumes, in conjunction with the limited capacity of the interchange, are expected to result in severe congestion. Operating conditions at all ramp intersections are expected to deteriorate to LOS F by the year 2035. As previously indicated, the interchange does not currently have a high accident rate, however, congestion related accidents might increase as congestion worsens.
Alternative 2, which consists of the reconstruction to a spread diamond interchange will improve access and traffic circulation by increasing interchange capacity and eliminating existing undesirable spacing between the ramp intersections and local street intersections. This configuration would accommodate the loop on-ramps in the future and will be identical to Alternative 3 configuration. Operating conditions at ramp intersections would be LOS B by the year 2035.
Alternative 3, which consists of the reconstruction to a partial cloverleaf interchange will improve capacity and also eliminate the need for left turn storage lanes between the ramp intersections by the proposed loop on-ramps. Ramp intersections are expected to operate between LOS A and B by the year 2035.
Alternative 4 consists of a combination of a spread diamond interchange for northbound and a cloverleaf interchanges for southbound. Tying the southbound ramp termini into Grand Terrace Road will create enough separation so that there will be no need for realignment of Grand Terrace Road and also minimize impact to the northwest quadrant of the Barton Road interchange. Operating conditions at ramp intersections would vary between LOS B and C by the year 2035.
Alternative 5 consists of a combination of a partial cloverleaf interchange for northbound and a cloverleaf interchanges for southbound. By tying the southbound ramp termini into La Crosse the southeast quadrant of the Barton Road interchange will have a minimal impact The disadvantage of this alternative is that the future widening of freeway mainline or southbound on-ramp would be limited by the abutment location. Operating conditions at ramp intersections would vary between LOS B and C by the year 2035. Although the proposed interchange improvements in Alternative 2 and 3 would be more costly than the improvements in
Alternative 4 and 5, the operational benefits of these alternatives are in general very similar as indicated by the operational characteristics discussed above. The most significant difference among the alternatives is right of way impact and its cost. It is discussed in section “12 Right of Way” in detail. Ramp intersections in Alternative 2 and 3 are expected to operate more efficiently than of
Alternative 3 and 4. Also, from a constructability standpoint all alternatives should be able to be staged in a manner that would facilitate traffic handling and minimize adverse impacts to the traveling public during construction.
The City of Grand Terrace is very supportive and desirous of this interchange improvement project. The City has indicated that preserving Commerce way is very important to the City’s land use plans for this area.
7. SYSTEM AND REGIONAL PLANNING
This project is included in the 2006 Regional Transportation Improvement Plan (RTIP/FTIP). This project is also consistent with the City of Grand Terrace General Plan/Circulation Element. According to the Barton Road Specific Plan, the Barton Road east of the 1-21 5/Barton Road interchange is identified as a six-lane facility. As discussed in Section 2, the Bi-County project (EA 459900) will address mainline improvements.
This project is consistent with the District Route Concept Fact Sheet for 1-215 dated August 1999. However, an updated Comprehensive Corridor Plan is presently being developed by the District’s Planning Division.
Dear Gramps:
Did you listen to that last night?
Did anyone get that right of way means the use of ED? Of course this is a PUBLIC USE and Perhaps the ONLY time ED should be used.
That is one reason why it will take so long is the negotiating of the taking of the property needed.
If it is a business, the lease has to be negotiated and bought out. The school will be a Section 4f. That is another process.
Darren Kettle didn't mention that Caltrans had already got their study done so the consultant Grand Terrace and SANBAG hired keep it moving. Then when he implied that Caltrans might move faster under the new NEPA Delegation and will be in fear of being sued,
Caltrans wil be more careful (or should be) in the Federal NEPA and State CEQA. Caltrans didn't make the laws, the feds and state did and it is our job to following the law. It is a long process just getting on the list to get funded. Let alone, get the the environmentalstudies done correctly. Then the engineering plans. I would think after having him talk, might be good timing for the blog to post available public documents attached.
Why is this information not posted on the City's Web Site, what information is being provided by the City Staff in regards to planning and use and so forth. Long ago the Grand Terrace Elementary School was Marked as "Commercial Zone" not School or Public Zone by the City Staff. Has it been their plan or understanding all along that the school would be removed. Well someone had better inform CJUSD as they say something different. The Above designs remove some of the Play Field, perhaps the sollution is to Take some of the houses to the North and East of the current school and expand the lost land to the North and East and keep the school in its current location, just change its Playground location. Houses would be lost, not an entire school. This no doubt will be a harsh situation for those in the homes affected. The City Staff however seems to have their mind set to have the school property be Commercial Property.
The freeway design has to be done first any change of use, or develepment along the 215 should be limited to current use, and temporary uses so the cost of the freeway and investments are not lost by bad planning and development. RDA land purchases even are cause for concern in relationship to the issue. Again the holding back of information is causing a problem for the City and City Council and Business Investment.
From the Email InBox: Key Points and Review of Council Meeting
Dear Gramps,
Last Night at the City Council Meeting:
Sandbag representative says it will take another ten years to get the freeway problem solved. Mostly because they have to move Grand Terrace Elementary School.
The School District says there are no plans to move the elementary school. "If anything they will add on."
New "windy" Council Member, Buchanon, wants the bottle neck problem solved. And Bea "dittoed" him like she did Ferre last year.
Citizens want to know if a power plant is going in or not. Other's want the City Council to listen to their concerns about pollution and get on board educating themselves about the dangers of an electrical power plant. The major concern for everyone is an electrical powerplant going in next to the soon to be High School.
This isn't rocket science - but still the council refuses to take a stand. It will take an act of God to get these people off their seats and quit distroying our city. So I am praying, and praying .....
Remember Mayor Ferre doesn't think it is her job to research and educate herself. That is "staffs" job. But their too busy railroading their own agenda and fielding lawsuits because they refuse to follow the laws that are set to protect citizens.
My thanks to those who are willing to stand up.
Last Night at the City Council Meeting:
Sandbag representative says it will take another ten years to get the freeway problem solved. Mostly because they have to move Grand Terrace Elementary School.
The School District says there are no plans to move the elementary school. "If anything they will add on."
New "windy" Council Member, Buchanon, wants the bottle neck problem solved. And Bea "dittoed" him like she did Ferre last year.
Citizens want to know if a power plant is going in or not. Other's want the City Council to listen to their concerns about pollution and get on board educating themselves about the dangers of an electrical power plant. The major concern for everyone is an electrical powerplant going in next to the soon to be High School.
This isn't rocket science - but still the council refuses to take a stand. It will take an act of God to get these people off their seats and quit distroying our city. So I am praying, and praying .....
Remember Mayor Ferre doesn't think it is her job to research and educate herself. That is "staffs" job. But their too busy railroading their own agenda and fielding lawsuits because they refuse to follow the laws that are set to protect citizens.
My thanks to those who are willing to stand up.
From the Email InBox: Look for Council and City Staff to Serve the Citizens
Dear Gramps,
At the city council meeting last night, both Mr. Schwab and Mr. Miller stated they had attended both AES meetings. They both said that the meetings did not have much attendance from Grand Terrace citizens. They both said that not many questions were asked.
Why were Mr. Schwab and Mr. Miller not asking questions on behalf of the citizens of Grand Terrace. They are should be looking out for the residents of Grand Terrace. One we elected, one we pay his extreme salary. This city council needs to be reminded that they are in office to represent us. Why would they not want to protect the people that elected them? Is this another one of their backroom deals?
Low attendance - how many people who live in Grand Terrace knew about these meetings? Perhaps some flyers, notice in the newspapers, and something on channel 3 a few weeks before each meeting would have helped.
Maybe meetings that are at a time when people are not working or picking up their children from school. Even now, months later, how many people who live in Grand Terrace know about the pending power plant to be built in our city? How many people know that the power plant will be built near the high school that their children will be attending?
At the city council meeting last night, both Mr. Schwab and Mr. Miller stated they had attended both AES meetings. They both said that the meetings did not have much attendance from Grand Terrace citizens. They both said that not many questions were asked.
Why were Mr. Schwab and Mr. Miller not asking questions on behalf of the citizens of Grand Terrace. They are should be looking out for the residents of Grand Terrace. One we elected, one we pay his extreme salary. This city council needs to be reminded that they are in office to represent us. Why would they not want to protect the people that elected them? Is this another one of their backroom deals?
Low attendance - how many people who live in Grand Terrace knew about these meetings? Perhaps some flyers, notice in the newspapers, and something on channel 3 a few weeks before each meeting would have helped.
Maybe meetings that are at a time when people are not working or picking up their children from school. Even now, months later, how many people who live in Grand Terrace know about the pending power plant to be built in our city? How many people know that the power plant will be built near the high school that their children will be attending?
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Take ACTION
Sunshine Week, Day 3
Keeping Doors Open For Citizens
Charlotte Hsu, Staff Writer
San Bernardino County Sun
Article Launched:03/13/2007 12:00:00 AM PDT
McKee has spent years as an activist fighting for transparency in government. He is a former president and current board member of Californians Aware, a nonprofit group that advocates for open government. In recent years, McKee, a chemistry professor at Pasadena City College, spearheaded efforts to convince governing bodies, including the Redlands City Council and the Fontana Unified School District board, to comply with open-meeting laws.
Question: What sparked your interest in the First Amendment, and how did you get started in your activism?
Answer: About 14 years ago, I lived in the city of Glendora, and there was an issue about a new police contract that was taking about 11 months to resolve. A police officer friend of mine & made me promise to go with him to a City Council meeting.
It was the first I'd ever been to in Glendora, and the place was packed. What I saw was Glendora Mayor Bob Kuhn simply talking for 30 minutes about what had gone on with the contract, the negotiations, his perspective of what the police officers were demanding, his knowledge of what the city residents wanted.
And everybody just sat there and listened and at the end, he said, "You know, I know there are a lot of you here to speak on this issue, but we have a lot of other business. We should get this (other business) out of the way."
& About 20 minutes after 11 in the evening, finally the mayor returned to (the contract) issue, and of course by then, (with) people having to drop off their kids at school and having to go to work the next day, only three people remained to speak on the issue.
I thought, "My gosh, this can't be the way city government is supposed to be run."
Q: How well do government agencies, in general, adhere to open-information and open-meeting laws?
A: They do vary. On average, mediocre. When elected, officials quickly seem to forget that it's the public's agency and their obligation really is twofold: To inform well the public they serve of what government has done and what it's contemplating. And secondly, to invite the public to come in and share their perspective.
It is supposed to be a government of, by and for the people, and often the elected representatives get the idea that it's just their perspective, that they don't need any outside information. And that's where government fails.
Q: If a citizen suspects a government agency or official violated open-information or open-meeting laws, what steps can she take to ensure her concerns are heard?
A: The short answer is, sue them. That's the only remedy provided in the Brown Act (the state's open-meeting law). If somebody violates the law and you call them on it and they say, "No, no we did everything correctly," the only thing you can do is sue them.
Practically speaking, I would say that my first approach is to try to get somebody like Californians Aware to forward an opinion to that agency that makes clear the violation.
Q: What are some of the most unusual violations of open-information laws that you have encountered?
A: To be honest, most of them are fairly usual, and that's the difficulty. You see agencies not learning from past experience. I guess the classic examples are those where a city manager or school superintendent is given a raise in closed session. I think that's the most common abuse.
Q: Why do you continue to fight for freedom of information?
A: The easy answer is, you know, as my kids were growing up there were people who spent unbelievable amounts of time to teach them soccer. There were people who spend years and years on PTA improving the educational opportunities of our kids.
This is something where I've been able to develop both a knack and an interest, so I consider this a way that I'm giving back to my community.
Sunshine Week, Day 4
Tracking the use of toxic chemicals
Public access to data on local businesses available
Andrew Silva, Staff Writer
San Bernardino County Sun
Article Launched:03/14/2007 12:00:00 AM PDT
In 1984, at least 3,800 people died and tens of thousands were injured and disabled when toxic gas escaped from a Union Carbide plant in Bhopal, India.
Two years later, the U.S. Congress decided people in this country living near facilities that handle dangerous chemicals are entitled to know what's next door.
The Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act forced companies to disclose what they handle, how much is stored on site and, in some cases, the possible consequences of a catastrophic failure.
The law also led to the creation of the Toxics Release Inventory,
There are similar California laws.
In San Bernardino County, the most common dangerous chemicals in use are chlorine gas, used mainly for treating wastewater, and ammonia, often used for refrigeration.
To find out if a business nearby uses dangerous chemicals, drop by the office of the San Bernardino County Fire Marshal. The type and amount of chemicals used on site are available.
The office is located at 620 S. E St. in San Bernardino.
The file will not include a map or the exact location of where the chemicals are stored, said Marilyn Kraft, hazardous materials specialist in the fire marshal's office.
Providing information on a possible worst-case scenario from a chemical release would take longer to process, she said.
Officials would first need to make sure the location of storage vessels is withheld, and home phone numbers of company officials are redacted.
"We would encourage people to make appointments" before coming in for the more detailed information, Kraft said.
There are fewer than 200 businesses in the county that have to file such risk-management analyses, she said.
Separate from that, the Toxics Release Inventory, available online at www.epa.gov/tri, provides details about how much of each chemical is released to the environment.
For example, in 2004, Cemex California Cement in Victorville released 184,832 pounds of pollutants into the air, including 309 pounds of mercury and 15 pounds of lead, according to the data.
There was a dust-up when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in December changed the reporting requirements.
The reporting threshold for most chemicals was raised from 500 pounds to 2,000 pounds, despite thousands of letters in opposition.
The original proposal had been to raise the limit to 5,000 pounds, but the agency compromised at 2,000 pounds.
Any amount of lead, mercury and other chemicals that can build up in the body still must be reported. If a business recycles fewer than 500 pounds of those chemicals, it can use a simpler reporting form.
That still doesn't sit well with advocates of open government.
"Less information is available now than used to be," said Joseph A. Davis, editor of the watchdog newsletter for the Society of Environmental Journalists.
A proposal to require the reports every two years instead of annually was a non-starter after the agency informed Congress and members balked.
Wednesday's Sun Article
A Good Look at what the City Can DO
IF it wanted to Plan Green, and GO Green: What You Can Do Too
http://www.powerlight.com/solutions/publicsector.php
Update on the Solar Photovoltaic Incentive Programs
March 5, 2007
California solar incentives have changed: Please note the following updates to prepare your members, clients, and colleagues. As of January 1, 2007, the California Energy Commission's New Solar Homes Partnership will focus on solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for new residential buildings. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will provide incentives for all other residential and non-residential customers under the California Solar Initiative (CSI). Consumers seeking PV incentives should now apply as follows:
California Energy Commission New Solar Homes Partnership (New residential construction only)
California Energy Commission
1516 Ninth Street MS-45
Sacramento, CA 95814-5512
Telephone: 1-800-555-7794
E-mail: renewable@energy.state.ca.us
California Public Utilities Commission Program Administrators (All other properties)
Apply to the program administrator in your area:
Southern California Edison
California Solar Initiative
2131 Walnut Grove Avenue
G03, 3rd Floor, B10
Rosemead, CA 91770
E-mail address: greenh@sce.com
Telephone: 1-800-799-4177
Fax: 1-626-302-6253
San Diego Regional Energy Office
(customers of San Diego Gas & Electric)
8690 Balboa Avenue, #100
San Diego, CA 92123
E-mail address: csi@sdenergy.org
Telephone: 1-866-sdenergy or 858-244-1177
Fax: 1-858-244-1178
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
PG&E Integrated Processing Center
P.O. Box 7265
San Francisco, CA 94120-7265
E-mail address: solar@pge.com
Telephone: 1-800-743-8300
Fax: 1-415-973-2510
New Solar Homes Partnership Resources
Now available on the NSHP web pages are the Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), steps on How to Apply to NSHP including a Reservation Application Checklist, all NSHP forms downloadable in PDF format, information on tax credits, and the NSHP PV Calculator. The NSHP PV Calculator page requests users to register their names and e-mail addresses (voluntarily) in order to alert PV Calculator users of updates and/or changes in the calculator. The list of eligible equipment for NSHP is also updated when needed to provide applicants with qualified modules, inverters, and performance meters.
New California Solar Initiative Resources
The CSI program has new tools and resources to help Californians understand the incentive changes. Please help us get the word out: It is crucial to the success of the program to begin training consumers, installers, marketers, and all other stakeholders now on the new program design.
California Solar Initiative Handbook
The CSI program changes the way California offers rebates for solar electricity. These changes are described in detail in the draft CSI Program Handbook, which is located on the www.GoSolarCalifornia.ca.gov website under "How PV and Efficiency Can Save Money" and "How to Apply." A final handbook will be posted by early March with highlighted textual changes that were required by the passage of Senate Bill 1.
Expected Performance-Based Buydown Calculator
Under the CSI, incentives for all systems less than 100 kilowatts will initially be paid a one-time, up-front incentive based on expected system performance (unless the applicant opts into monthly payments under the PBI path). This expected performance will be calculated based on equipment ratings and installation factors and is called Expected Performance-Based Buydown, or EPBB.
The new California solar incentives reward performance. Therefore, shading, tilt, DC rating, inverter efficiency, azimuth, location in California, and other factors can change the incentive. To help consumers see how much an installation will receive, the CPUC and Program Administrators developed an EPBB calculator, at www.csi-epbb.com or on the www.GoSolarCalifornia.ca.gov website under "How to Apply." Detailed assumptions and methodology are described in the calculator handbook and at www.GoSolarCalifornia.ca.gov/csi/performance_based.html.
It's important to start testing the calculator for your typical installations. The following examples illustrate how installation factors can impact the incentive level:
Orange,California:(ZIP 92866)
Orange,California:(ZIP 92866)
San Francisco,California:(ZIP 94117)
San Francisco,California:(ZIP 94117)
Size (kW CEC AC) 49.511 49.511 49.511 49.511
DC Rating (kW PTC) 51.5736 51.5736 51.5736 51.5736
Number of Modules 261 261 261 261
Number of Inverters 10 10 10 10
Inverter efficiency 96% 96% 96% 96%
Minimal Shading (yes/no) Yes No
(95% derate factor/month) Yes No
(95% derate factor/month)
Array Tilt (degrees) 14° 5° 20° 15°
Array Azimuth (degrees) 180° 135° 180° 135°
Annual output (kWh) 83,780 74,100 82,195 73,035
Incentive $123,632.49 $113,600.38 $119,910.61 $109,330.62
Please help us build awareness of the new incentives by working with your members, clients, and colleagues to test the calculator with sample locations and factors. For technical problems with the tool, please contact the Program administrators.
Online Application Tool
The CPUC and Program Administrators are developing a web-based application tool to aid requests for the incentives. Check the GoSolarCalifornia website later this year to use this new application resource.
Again, please help us get the word out by directing your members, clients, and colleagues to the handbook and calculator for early education on the CSI program. For more details on the program and continuous updates, visit http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/ and Go Solar!
Keeping Doors Open For Citizens
Charlotte Hsu, Staff Writer
San Bernardino County Sun
Article Launched:03/13/2007 12:00:00 AM PDT
McKee has spent years as an activist fighting for transparency in government. He is a former president and current board member of Californians Aware, a nonprofit group that advocates for open government. In recent years, McKee, a chemistry professor at Pasadena City College, spearheaded efforts to convince governing bodies, including the Redlands City Council and the Fontana Unified School District board, to comply with open-meeting laws.
Question: What sparked your interest in the First Amendment, and how did you get started in your activism?
Answer: About 14 years ago, I lived in the city of Glendora, and there was an issue about a new police contract that was taking about 11 months to resolve. A police officer friend of mine & made me promise to go with him to a City Council meeting.
It was the first I'd ever been to in Glendora, and the place was packed. What I saw was Glendora Mayor Bob Kuhn simply talking for 30 minutes about what had gone on with the contract, the negotiations, his perspective of what the police officers were demanding, his knowledge of what the city residents wanted.
And everybody just sat there and listened and at the end, he said, "You know, I know there are a lot of you here to speak on this issue, but we have a lot of other business. We should get this (other business) out of the way."
& About 20 minutes after 11 in the evening, finally the mayor returned to (the contract) issue, and of course by then, (with) people having to drop off their kids at school and having to go to work the next day, only three people remained to speak on the issue.
I thought, "My gosh, this can't be the way city government is supposed to be run."
Q: How well do government agencies, in general, adhere to open-information and open-meeting laws?
A: They do vary. On average, mediocre. When elected, officials quickly seem to forget that it's the public's agency and their obligation really is twofold: To inform well the public they serve of what government has done and what it's contemplating. And secondly, to invite the public to come in and share their perspective.
It is supposed to be a government of, by and for the people, and often the elected representatives get the idea that it's just their perspective, that they don't need any outside information. And that's where government fails.
Q: If a citizen suspects a government agency or official violated open-information or open-meeting laws, what steps can she take to ensure her concerns are heard?
A: The short answer is, sue them. That's the only remedy provided in the Brown Act (the state's open-meeting law). If somebody violates the law and you call them on it and they say, "No, no we did everything correctly," the only thing you can do is sue them.
Practically speaking, I would say that my first approach is to try to get somebody like Californians Aware to forward an opinion to that agency that makes clear the violation.
Q: What are some of the most unusual violations of open-information laws that you have encountered?
A: To be honest, most of them are fairly usual, and that's the difficulty. You see agencies not learning from past experience. I guess the classic examples are those where a city manager or school superintendent is given a raise in closed session. I think that's the most common abuse.
Q: Why do you continue to fight for freedom of information?
A: The easy answer is, you know, as my kids were growing up there were people who spent unbelievable amounts of time to teach them soccer. There were people who spend years and years on PTA improving the educational opportunities of our kids.
This is something where I've been able to develop both a knack and an interest, so I consider this a way that I'm giving back to my community.
Sunshine Week, Day 4
Tracking the use of toxic chemicals
Public access to data on local businesses available
Andrew Silva, Staff Writer
San Bernardino County Sun
Article Launched:03/14/2007 12:00:00 AM PDT
In 1984, at least 3,800 people died and tens of thousands were injured and disabled when toxic gas escaped from a Union Carbide plant in Bhopal, India.
Two years later, the U.S. Congress decided people in this country living near facilities that handle dangerous chemicals are entitled to know what's next door.
The Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act forced companies to disclose what they handle, how much is stored on site and, in some cases, the possible consequences of a catastrophic failure.
The law also led to the creation of the Toxics Release Inventory,
There are similar California laws.
In San Bernardino County, the most common dangerous chemicals in use are chlorine gas, used mainly for treating wastewater, and ammonia, often used for refrigeration.
To find out if a business nearby uses dangerous chemicals, drop by the office of the San Bernardino County Fire Marshal. The type and amount of chemicals used on site are available.
The office is located at 620 S. E St. in San Bernardino.
The file will not include a map or the exact location of where the chemicals are stored, said Marilyn Kraft, hazardous materials specialist in the fire marshal's office.
Providing information on a possible worst-case scenario from a chemical release would take longer to process, she said.
Officials would first need to make sure the location of storage vessels is withheld, and home phone numbers of company officials are redacted.
"We would encourage people to make appointments" before coming in for the more detailed information, Kraft said.
There are fewer than 200 businesses in the county that have to file such risk-management analyses, she said.
Separate from that, the Toxics Release Inventory, available online at www.epa.gov/tri, provides details about how much of each chemical is released to the environment.
For example, in 2004, Cemex California Cement in Victorville released 184,832 pounds of pollutants into the air, including 309 pounds of mercury and 15 pounds of lead, according to the data.
There was a dust-up when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in December changed the reporting requirements.
The reporting threshold for most chemicals was raised from 500 pounds to 2,000 pounds, despite thousands of letters in opposition.
The original proposal had been to raise the limit to 5,000 pounds, but the agency compromised at 2,000 pounds.
Any amount of lead, mercury and other chemicals that can build up in the body still must be reported. If a business recycles fewer than 500 pounds of those chemicals, it can use a simpler reporting form.
That still doesn't sit well with advocates of open government.
"Less information is available now than used to be," said Joseph A. Davis, editor of the watchdog newsletter for the Society of Environmental Journalists.
A proposal to require the reports every two years instead of annually was a non-starter after the agency informed Congress and members balked.
Wednesday's Sun Article
A Good Look at what the City Can DO
IF it wanted to Plan Green, and GO Green: What You Can Do Too
http://www.powerlight.com/solutions/publicsector.php
Update on the Solar Photovoltaic Incentive Programs
March 5, 2007
California solar incentives have changed: Please note the following updates to prepare your members, clients, and colleagues. As of January 1, 2007, the California Energy Commission's New Solar Homes Partnership will focus on solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for new residential buildings. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will provide incentives for all other residential and non-residential customers under the California Solar Initiative (CSI). Consumers seeking PV incentives should now apply as follows:
California Energy Commission New Solar Homes Partnership (New residential construction only)
California Energy Commission
1516 Ninth Street MS-45
Sacramento, CA 95814-5512
Telephone: 1-800-555-7794
E-mail: renewable@energy.state.ca.us
California Public Utilities Commission Program Administrators (All other properties)
Apply to the program administrator in your area:
Southern California Edison
California Solar Initiative
2131 Walnut Grove Avenue
G03, 3rd Floor, B10
Rosemead, CA 91770
E-mail address: greenh@sce.com
Telephone: 1-800-799-4177
Fax: 1-626-302-6253
San Diego Regional Energy Office
(customers of San Diego Gas & Electric)
8690 Balboa Avenue, #100
San Diego, CA 92123
E-mail address: csi@sdenergy.org
Telephone: 1-866-sdenergy or 858-244-1177
Fax: 1-858-244-1178
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
PG&E Integrated Processing Center
P.O. Box 7265
San Francisco, CA 94120-7265
E-mail address: solar@pge.com
Telephone: 1-800-743-8300
Fax: 1-415-973-2510
New Solar Homes Partnership Resources
Now available on the NSHP web pages are the Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), steps on How to Apply to NSHP including a Reservation Application Checklist, all NSHP forms downloadable in PDF format, information on tax credits, and the NSHP PV Calculator. The NSHP PV Calculator page requests users to register their names and e-mail addresses (voluntarily) in order to alert PV Calculator users of updates and/or changes in the calculator. The list of eligible equipment for NSHP is also updated when needed to provide applicants with qualified modules, inverters, and performance meters.
New California Solar Initiative Resources
The CSI program has new tools and resources to help Californians understand the incentive changes. Please help us get the word out: It is crucial to the success of the program to begin training consumers, installers, marketers, and all other stakeholders now on the new program design.
California Solar Initiative Handbook
The CSI program changes the way California offers rebates for solar electricity. These changes are described in detail in the draft CSI Program Handbook, which is located on the www.GoSolarCalifornia.ca.gov website under "How PV and Efficiency Can Save Money" and "How to Apply." A final handbook will be posted by early March with highlighted textual changes that were required by the passage of Senate Bill 1.
Expected Performance-Based Buydown Calculator
Under the CSI, incentives for all systems less than 100 kilowatts will initially be paid a one-time, up-front incentive based on expected system performance (unless the applicant opts into monthly payments under the PBI path). This expected performance will be calculated based on equipment ratings and installation factors and is called Expected Performance-Based Buydown, or EPBB.
The new California solar incentives reward performance. Therefore, shading, tilt, DC rating, inverter efficiency, azimuth, location in California, and other factors can change the incentive. To help consumers see how much an installation will receive, the CPUC and Program Administrators developed an EPBB calculator, at www.csi-epbb.com or on the www.GoSolarCalifornia.ca.gov website under "How to Apply." Detailed assumptions and methodology are described in the calculator handbook and at www.GoSolarCalifornia.ca.gov/csi/performance_based.html.
It's important to start testing the calculator for your typical installations. The following examples illustrate how installation factors can impact the incentive level:
Orange,California:(ZIP 92866)
Orange,California:(ZIP 92866)
San Francisco,California:(ZIP 94117)
San Francisco,California:(ZIP 94117)
Size (kW CEC AC) 49.511 49.511 49.511 49.511
DC Rating (kW PTC) 51.5736 51.5736 51.5736 51.5736
Number of Modules 261 261 261 261
Number of Inverters 10 10 10 10
Inverter efficiency 96% 96% 96% 96%
Minimal Shading (yes/no) Yes No
(95% derate factor/month) Yes No
(95% derate factor/month)
Array Tilt (degrees) 14° 5° 20° 15°
Array Azimuth (degrees) 180° 135° 180° 135°
Annual output (kWh) 83,780 74,100 82,195 73,035
Incentive $123,632.49 $113,600.38 $119,910.61 $109,330.62
Please help us build awareness of the new incentives by working with your members, clients, and colleagues to test the calculator with sample locations and factors. For technical problems with the tool, please contact the Program administrators.
Online Application Tool
The CPUC and Program Administrators are developing a web-based application tool to aid requests for the incentives. Check the GoSolarCalifornia website later this year to use this new application resource.
Again, please help us get the word out by directing your members, clients, and colleagues to the handbook and calculator for early education on the CSI program. For more details on the program and continuous updates, visit http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/ and Go Solar!
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