Supports Proposition 99
The CSEA Board of Directors voted to oppose Proposition 98- The California Property and Farmland Protection Act and support Proposition 99 – The Homeowners Protection Act; both measures will be on the June 2008 ballot.
These two ballot measures address the government’s power of eminent domain and should not be confused with the Proposition 98 education funding formula passed by the voters in 1988.
A national battle over eminent domain has been raging since a 2005 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court which upheld the right of governments to take homes for commercial development. Since that ruling, more than 40 states have reformed their eminent domain laws.
CSEA opposes Proposition 98 because it is backed by wealthy apartment and mobile home park owners who are spending millions on a deceptive campaign to pass Proposition 98 for their own financial gain. These landlords want voters to believe that Proposition 98 is about eminent domain, but their hidden agenda is to eliminate rent control so they can make hundreds of millions of dollars by raising rents on seniors and working families.
Proposition 98 would deliver a devastating one-two punch to renters and mobile homeowners by eliminating rent control laws and laws protecting renters against unfair evictions. This would result in landlords kicking tenants out of their homes regardless of cause, therefore allowing landlords to take their newly vacated units and raise rents as high as they want.
Proposition 98 also eliminates additional renter protections such as:
60 day notice before forcing renters out of their housing,
Affordable housing,
Return of security deposits,
Seniors and disabled provisions against drastic rent increases and requirements that landlords provide ample notice before forcing seniors out of rental housing.
Proposition 98 also eliminates laws to combat global warming and protect our natural resources. It jeopardizes the state’s ability to secure new water sources to protect the environment and fuel our economy.
Under Proposition 98, CSEA members and retirees who rent could be forced out of their residences based purely on a landlord’s desire to make more money. Because of the landlord’s ability to raise rents, CSEA members would be subject to increasing housing costs which would put increasing pressure on their paychecks. In addition, this proposal would jeopardize current protections for seniors and disabled individuals from drastic rent increases and ample notice before eviction.
By contrast, CSEA supports Proposition 99 because it is a grass roots effort backed by over 1 million signatures that addresses real eminent domain reform without hidden agendas or adverse consequences. Proposition 99 would:
Prohibit the government from using eminent domain to take a home and transfer it to a private developer.
Place these protections in the state constitution to ensure that they cannot be removed unless by a vote of the people.
Proposition 99 is a common sense approach to eminent domain reform that balances the well-being of homeowners with government’s ability to acquire property for public use, protect public health and safety and enforce environmental standards. Proposition 99 is supported by a broad coalition of over 80 organizations made up of homeowners, business, labor, cities and environmentalists.
http://www.no98yes99.com
In Solidarity…and good health,
Benjamin Gamboa
Political Action Coordinator
California School Employee Association
Chapter #291
909.384.4308
909.825.1567 fax
Essential work Extraordinary workers
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Action Needed...
Why is apathy, another term for passivity, submissiveness, and even numbness, reaching epidemic proportions when it comes to social, economic, environmental, and political issues? Symptoms include lack of awareness, concern, social responsibility and action, which includes voting.
Among the factors that cause apathy is our society's orientation toward entertainment. We have become a nation of observers watching with increasing enthusiasm as the sensationalism of the show intensifies. Presidential debates have even become an integral part of the entertainment industry.
Within our own city of Grand Terrace, there is little interest in what is going on behind the scenes in City Hall, until it comes to your own neighborhood. Who is responsible for the lack of funds for children's programs, the increased density housing, increased traffic, and overall lack of freedom in our City and the disrepair of our streets and parks? The answer is City Council, who takes direction from the Planning Department and most of all City Manager, Tom Schwab. City Council votes to impose more restrictions on the citizens of Grand Terrace and then tells you about it after it has been done. I'm wondering if the purpose is just to fine as many citizens as they can to raise more money.
The botched attempt of a survey was for the sole purpose of attracting developers to Grand Terrace. The main concerns are the Barton Road Project and the Outdoor Adventure Center (or whatever they are calling it now). While Council was forcing people out of their homes by voting in eminent domain and empowering developer Jacobsen, Highgrove is building, and the High school project is being neglected.
We are now forced to increase Mt.Vernon and Michigan to four lanes to accommodate the projected traffic through Grand Terrace. This is encouraging to the present Council, as they would like nothing more than to build box stores on Barton Road to bring in revenue. The problem with this project is the impact of noise, pollution and privacy on the neighborhoods surrounding this project.
Grand Terrace is so small, but the developers who are behind major building only see dollars and the present City Council supports them.
I know the people of Grand Terrace are hard working and many travel more than an hour to get to work, find it difficult to find enough time to spend with their family, take care of their property, and make ends meet. But if the old timers aren't dethroned, we will all be forced to live with increased traffic, pollution and noise and they will be moving to quiet states with our dollars.
It will take strong citizens to turn the City of Grand Terrace back into a community for the citizens who live here. I personally would love to see lots of people run for city council and force a more democratic society. I would like to see more people who have a vision for the citizens and not themselves. I would support and vote for someone who isn't afraid to stand up and be counted. I would love to see those people who have put together the community my family enjoys - the real citizens who have put together the sports and activities involved in building a new City Council come November.
anonymous
Among the factors that cause apathy is our society's orientation toward entertainment. We have become a nation of observers watching with increasing enthusiasm as the sensationalism of the show intensifies. Presidential debates have even become an integral part of the entertainment industry.
Within our own city of Grand Terrace, there is little interest in what is going on behind the scenes in City Hall, until it comes to your own neighborhood. Who is responsible for the lack of funds for children's programs, the increased density housing, increased traffic, and overall lack of freedom in our City and the disrepair of our streets and parks? The answer is City Council, who takes direction from the Planning Department and most of all City Manager, Tom Schwab. City Council votes to impose more restrictions on the citizens of Grand Terrace and then tells you about it after it has been done. I'm wondering if the purpose is just to fine as many citizens as they can to raise more money.
The botched attempt of a survey was for the sole purpose of attracting developers to Grand Terrace. The main concerns are the Barton Road Project and the Outdoor Adventure Center (or whatever they are calling it now). While Council was forcing people out of their homes by voting in eminent domain and empowering developer Jacobsen, Highgrove is building, and the High school project is being neglected.
We are now forced to increase Mt.Vernon and Michigan to four lanes to accommodate the projected traffic through Grand Terrace. This is encouraging to the present Council, as they would like nothing more than to build box stores on Barton Road to bring in revenue. The problem with this project is the impact of noise, pollution and privacy on the neighborhoods surrounding this project.
Grand Terrace is so small, but the developers who are behind major building only see dollars and the present City Council supports them.
I know the people of Grand Terrace are hard working and many travel more than an hour to get to work, find it difficult to find enough time to spend with their family, take care of their property, and make ends meet. But if the old timers aren't dethroned, we will all be forced to live with increased traffic, pollution and noise and they will be moving to quiet states with our dollars.
It will take strong citizens to turn the City of Grand Terrace back into a community for the citizens who live here. I personally would love to see lots of people run for city council and force a more democratic society. I would like to see more people who have a vision for the citizens and not themselves. I would support and vote for someone who isn't afraid to stand up and be counted. I would love to see those people who have put together the community my family enjoys - the real citizens who have put together the sports and activities involved in building a new City Council come November.
anonymous
Monday, April 21, 2008
Where in the World is GrandPaTerrace
Friends thanks for all the email... I appreciate the input and have posted most of it....
I am fine, just have had a limit put on my efforts of late. I may be a tad bit quiet for several more months... so if you could continue to look for and report via email, I will try to get into the posting of your fine contributions.
I don't think we need to repeat issues unless there are new developments to report. I look forward to learning of any one who has taken out Papers to Run for City Council...
Be Well.
Gramps.
I am fine, just have had a limit put on my efforts of late. I may be a tad bit quiet for several more months... so if you could continue to look for and report via email, I will try to get into the posting of your fine contributions.
I don't think we need to repeat issues unless there are new developments to report. I look forward to learning of any one who has taken out Papers to Run for City Council...
Be Well.
Gramps.
RE Planning & Town Square PLAN 112222341111B
Pawww...
Is yet another upcoming meeting going on at G.T.
At 6PM of May 14th, Wed. a meeting is going to take palce in Council Room, on the development over the downtown vacant parcel.
This project has been known as Towne Square or Town Center.
The P.C. and Plan. Dept. already has problems with it. Grading and slopes being one. The supermarket pad has been moved over to extreme west end now.
There is new Money involved here now, and looks like a new lead person too. But project is at standstill. The developer needs input.
GrandPa Has to ADD:
Gee ya think the "Developer" is interested in input... shucks, I think the community has spoken loud and clear, no Large Big Box Retail, no need for another struggling Drug Store, and a Bigger Stater Brothers, with a Drug Store is not really needed in GT if the current location is left vacant... No they don't want our input... they just want us to agree with them... More Drug Stores, and we know that is really a Liquor Store in a Dress Suit. More Bars, or added traffic near school children... The Citizens have been right in the past, simply put we don't need more retail, we need to have PRODUCTIVE JOBS in GT, not RETAIL JOBS...
Paww... SHARRON ABBOT and the CITIZENS HAD IT RIGHT.... AGAIN
Heard news this evening regarding the lawsuit against Riveside Cement.
Aparently, the locals claim the blowing cement dust causes (lung) cancer.
About 3-4months ago, the company agreed to tarp all exposed piles of cement and then do some watering of the avenues also. All in a manner to control dust.
Someone got upset, and called the A.Q.M.D. on them and said "listen....!!" Riverside Cement was asked asked to show proof that cement dust did not cause the cancers. They cited some old A.Q.M.D. study.
Apparently this study was flawed in the research data, and drew wrong conclusions then too. The locals have filed suit against the A.Q.M.D. and Riverside Cememnt. "Lets see your proof, and don't show us that old 1950's study again. Lets see somenewer data" In turn the A.Q.M.D. has said this will take some time to regenerate data. The locals want Riverside Cement to either stop manufacturing cement, go out of business, do better on stopping the dust, or....
Now, as of today, the court has yet to rule if there ought to be a cease action (or manufacure of cement) .
I remember a couple years ago, that Manhole Builders and the Planning Dept. cited the same old A.Q.M.D. study. It's safe....
Sharon Abbot mentioned there had been numerous questions regarding the A.Q.M.D. back then, but data was old (like 1950's quality with an update of 1960's quality) but M.B. was shot down, however the City of G.T. Planning Dept. was still quoting this older study as proof.
Again actions of G.T. falls into place with neighbor. She had a bump of vehicles at the western most end of Newport. Is visually impacted there. Cannot see anyway except for in your auto rear view mirror. This was reported to city several months ago. Just after the building of new chain link fence along lower Vivienda. Per city staff, no problem, we know who is at fault in these instances. And we generally side with the affected local party.
Thus if you get hit, damaged (or killed) the city will then come to your defence, and state it was all the fault of...."I had thought the city was supposed to look out for or investigate possible impacts, now they backed off that until an incident happends and will point the finger as to who was wrong. Yepp. "I am sorry that ____ died because of our actions, but if you need us further in a lawsuit against _____ just give us a call and we will be therefor you with moral support."
"I am sorry that your husband died because of our actions, but if you need us further in a lawsuit against the cement company just give us a call and we will be there for you with moral support.""I am sorry that beloved one died because of our actions, but if you need us further in a lawsuit against Southern California Edison Company (or Edison International) just give us a call and we will bethere for you with moral support."
"I am sorry that mother died because of our actions,but if you need us further in a lawsuit against the actions of the City Council and City Manager of G.T. just give us a call and we will be there for you with moral support.
"Planning Commission meeting on the 17th. Expect a report. Main thing on agenda is review of General Plan(again). In early January P.C. meeting, the Director(Gary) said everything had been reviewed once or twice already (in 2007) No, meetings were planned to discuss such unless a misunderstanding came up.
Apparently some one is confused about the language as we all are.
Is yet another upcoming meeting going on at G.T.
At 6PM of May 14th, Wed. a meeting is going to take palce in Council Room, on the development over the downtown vacant parcel.
This project has been known as Towne Square or Town Center.
The P.C. and Plan. Dept. already has problems with it. Grading and slopes being one. The supermarket pad has been moved over to extreme west end now.
There is new Money involved here now, and looks like a new lead person too. But project is at standstill. The developer needs input.
GrandPa Has to ADD:
Gee ya think the "Developer" is interested in input... shucks, I think the community has spoken loud and clear, no Large Big Box Retail, no need for another struggling Drug Store, and a Bigger Stater Brothers, with a Drug Store is not really needed in GT if the current location is left vacant... No they don't want our input... they just want us to agree with them... More Drug Stores, and we know that is really a Liquor Store in a Dress Suit. More Bars, or added traffic near school children... The Citizens have been right in the past, simply put we don't need more retail, we need to have PRODUCTIVE JOBS in GT, not RETAIL JOBS...
Paww... SHARRON ABBOT and the CITIZENS HAD IT RIGHT.... AGAIN
Heard news this evening regarding the lawsuit against Riveside Cement.
Aparently, the locals claim the blowing cement dust causes (lung) cancer.
About 3-4months ago, the company agreed to tarp all exposed piles of cement and then do some watering of the avenues also. All in a manner to control dust.
Someone got upset, and called the A.Q.M.D. on them and said "listen....!!" Riverside Cement was asked asked to show proof that cement dust did not cause the cancers. They cited some old A.Q.M.D. study.
Apparently this study was flawed in the research data, and drew wrong conclusions then too. The locals have filed suit against the A.Q.M.D. and Riverside Cememnt. "Lets see your proof, and don't show us that old 1950's study again. Lets see somenewer data" In turn the A.Q.M.D. has said this will take some time to regenerate data. The locals want Riverside Cement to either stop manufacturing cement, go out of business, do better on stopping the dust, or....
Now, as of today, the court has yet to rule if there ought to be a cease action (or manufacure of cement) .
I remember a couple years ago, that Manhole Builders and the Planning Dept. cited the same old A.Q.M.D. study. It's safe....
Sharon Abbot mentioned there had been numerous questions regarding the A.Q.M.D. back then, but data was old (like 1950's quality with an update of 1960's quality) but M.B. was shot down, however the City of G.T. Planning Dept. was still quoting this older study as proof.
Again actions of G.T. falls into place with neighbor. She had a bump of vehicles at the western most end of Newport. Is visually impacted there. Cannot see anyway except for in your auto rear view mirror. This was reported to city several months ago. Just after the building of new chain link fence along lower Vivienda. Per city staff, no problem, we know who is at fault in these instances. And we generally side with the affected local party.
Thus if you get hit, damaged (or killed) the city will then come to your defence, and state it was all the fault of...."I had thought the city was supposed to look out for or investigate possible impacts, now they backed off that until an incident happends and will point the finger as to who was wrong. Yepp. "I am sorry that ____ died because of our actions, but if you need us further in a lawsuit against _____ just give us a call and we will be therefor you with moral support."
"I am sorry that your husband died because of our actions, but if you need us further in a lawsuit against the cement company just give us a call and we will be there for you with moral support.""I am sorry that beloved one died because of our actions, but if you need us further in a lawsuit against Southern California Edison Company (or Edison International) just give us a call and we will bethere for you with moral support."
"I am sorry that mother died because of our actions,but if you need us further in a lawsuit against the actions of the City Council and City Manager of G.T. just give us a call and we will be there for you with moral support.
"Planning Commission meeting on the 17th. Expect a report. Main thing on agenda is review of General Plan(again). In early January P.C. meeting, the Director(Gary) said everything had been reviewed once or twice already (in 2007) No, meetings were planned to discuss such unless a misunderstanding came up.
Apparently some one is confused about the language as we all are.
Wilden Pump News: and Employment
08:32 PM PDT on Monday, April 14, 2008
PRESS ETERPRISE
Dover Corp. combines pump companies
Grand Terrace-based Wilden Pump and Engineering announced last week itsparent company, New York conglomerate Dover Corp., had consolidated allof its pump companies under one umbrella to be headquartered at Wilden.
The newly formed Pump Solutions Group combines Wilden, which makesair-operated pumps used to move liquids ranging from chemicals to crudeoil, with three other pump companies.
Dover also announced on last week it had acquired a Lansdale,Penn.-based chemical pump company that will also be part of the Pump Solutions Group.
JOSH BROWN
NOTE:
There was an Employment Offer for a Auto Cad Designer at Wilden Pump... on Craigs List... This would save some one a long commute... Good Luck...
PRESS ETERPRISE
Dover Corp. combines pump companies
Grand Terrace-based Wilden Pump and Engineering announced last week itsparent company, New York conglomerate Dover Corp., had consolidated allof its pump companies under one umbrella to be headquartered at Wilden.
The newly formed Pump Solutions Group combines Wilden, which makesair-operated pumps used to move liquids ranging from chemicals to crudeoil, with three other pump companies.
Dover also announced on last week it had acquired a Lansdale,Penn.-based chemical pump company that will also be part of the Pump Solutions Group.
JOSH BROWN
NOTE:
There was an Employment Offer for a Auto Cad Designer at Wilden Pump... on Craigs List... This would save some one a long commute... Good Luck...
School Lot Moves Forward... Revenue Moves
For SB, new money source
Lumber yard may bring hope
Michael Sorba, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 04/13/2008 09:09:29 PM PDT
SAN BERNARDINO - As some city officials focus on ways to reverse $3 million in red ink, others are growing jittery over a city budget crisis looming on the horizon.
Some financial heartburn could be easing, however, as the city may have landed a major deal to bring a lumber yard to the city, considered a plum business that could draw a steady stream of sales taxes and other fees to boost the city's coffers.
City Manager Fred Wilson has said the city could be looking at a $10 million deficit for the fiscal year beginning July 1, certainly ominous news in a time when the economy is weakening.
But there could be some hope.
During a special City Council meeting in March, 3rd Ward Councilman Tobin Brinker spoke of Inland Timber, a lumber yard in Grand Terrace that has been forced to relocate after the Colton Joint Unified School District acquired the land it's located on through eminent domain.
The district plans to build its third comprehensive high school at the site. According to the city's Planning Department, Inland Timber plans to relocate to San Bernardino, at a 36.2 acre site on Orange Show Road east of Waterman Avenue.
"They're a $100 million a year business," Brinker said in a phone interview. "I want the city to help this go as quickly as possible."
With the current budget crunch, Brinker says it's in the city's best interests to work "sooner than later" to bring a new, revenue-generating lode to the city.
Inland Timber's 62 employees could also generate additional tax revenue by purchasing fuel at gas pumps for its trucks and employees, Brinker said.
The number of employees also may result in additional retail spending in the area, he observed.
This is good news, especially since city officials have attributed the current deficit to a major drop in sales-tax revenue due to the slumping economy.
Employees with the Planning Department said Inland Timber is in the process of addressing environmental issues with the site.
An item on Thursday's agenda for the city's Development and Environmental Review Committee shows Inland Timber wants to build a 5,322-square-foot, one-story office building; a 12,000-square-foot storage shed; and a 29,000-square foot-milling building at the 36.2 acre site on Orange Show Road.
The site is adjacent to the Stock Building Supply store at 595 E. Orange Show Road. Stock Building Supply is the North Carolina-based parent company of Inland Timber.
Jeff Meiter, a project manager with Associated Engineers, the civil engineering firm that will design Inland Timber's Orange Show Road project, says he's looking to wrap up the planning process in the next 30 to 60 days.
Representatives from Stock Building Supply could not be reached Friday to comment on when construction might begin.
The Colton Joint Unified School District is still in the process of negotiating a settlement with Inland Timber for the land it acquired through eminent domain, said Katie Orloff, district spokeswoman.
The district has no estimate of when a settlement will be reached, Orloff said. The district has plans to begin building the high school sometime next year, she said. "We can't build the school until they're (Inland Timber) gone," Orloff said.
Inverse the financial reality.
Grand Terrace is losing taxes and employee shopping and eating at our shops and restaurants.... and getting a financial burden with the high schools, as there will be a need for additional law enforcement, and road repair and so forth.
In addition... the Lumber Yard sold US Products, and the rush to Retail sells imported items from China... so the skimming off of the sales tax is less than a fair exchange. Perhaps the School should have been built on Barton Rd, and the Lumber Yard kept in GT.... OH... I forgot... we have Doug Jacobsen and Tom Schwab to think these things out for us....
Lumber yard may bring hope
Michael Sorba, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 04/13/2008 09:09:29 PM PDT
SAN BERNARDINO - As some city officials focus on ways to reverse $3 million in red ink, others are growing jittery over a city budget crisis looming on the horizon.
Some financial heartburn could be easing, however, as the city may have landed a major deal to bring a lumber yard to the city, considered a plum business that could draw a steady stream of sales taxes and other fees to boost the city's coffers.
City Manager Fred Wilson has said the city could be looking at a $10 million deficit for the fiscal year beginning July 1, certainly ominous news in a time when the economy is weakening.
But there could be some hope.
During a special City Council meeting in March, 3rd Ward Councilman Tobin Brinker spoke of Inland Timber, a lumber yard in Grand Terrace that has been forced to relocate after the Colton Joint Unified School District acquired the land it's located on through eminent domain.
The district plans to build its third comprehensive high school at the site. According to the city's Planning Department, Inland Timber plans to relocate to San Bernardino, at a 36.2 acre site on Orange Show Road east of Waterman Avenue.
"They're a $100 million a year business," Brinker said in a phone interview. "I want the city to help this go as quickly as possible."
With the current budget crunch, Brinker says it's in the city's best interests to work "sooner than later" to bring a new, revenue-generating lode to the city.
Inland Timber's 62 employees could also generate additional tax revenue by purchasing fuel at gas pumps for its trucks and employees, Brinker said.
The number of employees also may result in additional retail spending in the area, he observed.
This is good news, especially since city officials have attributed the current deficit to a major drop in sales-tax revenue due to the slumping economy.
Employees with the Planning Department said Inland Timber is in the process of addressing environmental issues with the site.
An item on Thursday's agenda for the city's Development and Environmental Review Committee shows Inland Timber wants to build a 5,322-square-foot, one-story office building; a 12,000-square-foot storage shed; and a 29,000-square foot-milling building at the 36.2 acre site on Orange Show Road.
The site is adjacent to the Stock Building Supply store at 595 E. Orange Show Road. Stock Building Supply is the North Carolina-based parent company of Inland Timber.
Jeff Meiter, a project manager with Associated Engineers, the civil engineering firm that will design Inland Timber's Orange Show Road project, says he's looking to wrap up the planning process in the next 30 to 60 days.
Representatives from Stock Building Supply could not be reached Friday to comment on when construction might begin.
The Colton Joint Unified School District is still in the process of negotiating a settlement with Inland Timber for the land it acquired through eminent domain, said Katie Orloff, district spokeswoman.
The district has no estimate of when a settlement will be reached, Orloff said. The district has plans to begin building the high school sometime next year, she said. "We can't build the school until they're (Inland Timber) gone," Orloff said.
Inverse the financial reality.
Grand Terrace is losing taxes and employee shopping and eating at our shops and restaurants.... and getting a financial burden with the high schools, as there will be a need for additional law enforcement, and road repair and so forth.
In addition... the Lumber Yard sold US Products, and the rush to Retail sells imported items from China... so the skimming off of the sales tax is less than a fair exchange. Perhaps the School should have been built on Barton Rd, and the Lumber Yard kept in GT.... OH... I forgot... we have Doug Jacobsen and Tom Schwab to think these things out for us....
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