Friday, June 20, 2008

Progress is Slow Topics are the SAME.

Gramps has been busy and working different activities to aid the citizens of Grand Terrace and the area. However, this should not indicate that the issues have died or interest and activity has been stopped. No it should be noted that the activity has increased but changed.

While some would crow victory that the Blue Mt. Senior Villas are being built, and suggest that the "City WON". The Citizens of Grand Terrace should note that the Plans were adjusted and the City did not have its entire way with the plan or design. These changes were only facilitated as a result of the law suit. The City and Contractor provided no other recourse to resolve matters. No it was not a total "Victory" for the folks who brought the case against the City and CFBH, but, such is the nature of our legal system.

Most Judges would advise the parties to work a problem out between them as doing so would make them both more pleased with the result than have the Judge Split the Baby so to speak.

Notice and Warning CVS has been found to have EXPIRED PRODUCTS in their stores in Southern California. So if you are shopping in ours check the Exp Dates.

It is HOT and the FIREWORKS are going to be sold and used in GT again this year. Well folks let's keep fingers crossed that dumb luck holds out and no fires are started, and injury to individuals result. However, remember that your city may be financially responsible for any injury or property loss resulting in the use of fireworks as the city benefits from their sale in that they get a direct cut of the profits, and collect sales tax revenue, and fees for the selling of the product in this city where if it were not for their action the sale of fireworks would be illegal in Grand Terrace as it is in the Majority of California.

You should note the resources around you. I notice that there are neighbors with fruit trees bearing fruit. Some have planted this seasons veggies and are already enjoying early summer tomatoes and other fresh foods. This is in spite of the City Manager's and City Planners disregard and dislike for any Agricultural Zoning, and use or activity in Grand Terrace. Perhaps it is time we all consider a redesign of our "Yards".
IF you water it, you should be able to eat it. Perhaps also the ban on a chicken or 6 chickens per house as the County would permit could also be lifted. (A few chickens around the house contained in move able cages called "Chicken Tractors" can eat up pest bugs, trim the lawn, and be an early warning for West Nile Virus. (BUT<>

I notice the continuation of food distribution in Grand Terrace, perhaps it is time to encourage the growing and distribution of food grown here in Grand Terrace. Perhaps it is even time we work a bit closer to home and reduce our use of Auto's.

Please write to The RTA and request that the 149 bus that links to Orange County is available to GT Commuters. The problems is there is no early bus leaving GT intime to catch the 149 bus, or the trains for that fact.

There is also a RTA bus that stops at or near the Jack In the Box in Colton, gets on the freeway and drives right past us on a regular basis. Perhaps a Park and Ride Lot at Barton Rd or atleast a BUS STOP. This bus would make riding either MetroLink Lines possible for some of our commuters.

IN addition.. PLEASE continue to support the idea of a Metrolink Stop in Highgrove or even Colton along La Cadena.

We all continue to see businesses and families struggle in GT. The Debt of the City and the City Folly does not seem to be conducive in mitigating that struggle. We must continue to ask, is this the reason we have a city, is this what we the citizens want? Remember the City is here to SERVE the Citizen, not the other way around. YES individuals should be of Service to the City in that the service is to serve Citizens, not for their personal enrichment.


Some Notes from the Email Inbox. You will see that the Laws are applied to some, but the City and the Power folks are above being held accountable for laws. Yes, if it is on the road it sould have a registration and license and insurance on DISPLAY like the rest of us.

And I think the blocking of a birds nesting place should violate the intent of the do not harm or harrass a protected species. I would feel harassed if some one stopped me from getting into my summer house in Montana, or my Winter Hut in Hawaii.

Take Care Friends,
Gramps.


Friends,

Susette Kelo (IS) inviting you to join the Susette Kelo Liberty Club. Three years ago this Monday, June 23, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that New London, Conn., could take Susette's little pink cottage in order to try to generate more tax revenue.Now three years after the decision and $78 million in taxpayer dollars later, nothing has happened with the land. All that's left are brown, barren fields.Yet the travesty here is not only that the lives of Susette and her neighbors were unnecessarily uprooted, but that this type of thing is happening all over the country.Don't let the fights of these courageous individuals go in vain!We need 10,000 people to go to www.ij.org/keloday and pledge to make a small donation - just $5 or $10 - to the Institute for Justice this coming Monday, June 23. This will send a message to policymakers and the media that our homes and businesses are not political capital that can be bandied about for personal and political gain.We have never solicited our members for donations before, but this is a very special occasion and one that we hope you don't pass up being a part of. Your small contribution will help us continue the fight to end eminent domain abuse.And if you're in the area of New London, Conn., please join us this coming Saturday from 1 to 3 pm when we'll reopen Susette's home at its new location in New London (36 Franklin Street).Thank you so much, and please don't hesitate to contact me with any questionsBest,Christina WalshCastle Coalition CoordinatorInstitute for Justice901 N. Glebe Road, Suite 900Arlington, VA 22203(703) 682-9320www.ij.orgwww.castlecoalition.orgP.S. HELP THE CASTLE COALITION GROW! Forward this message to your friends.They can sign-up here: http://www.castlecoalition.org/join/index.html.

GRAMPS>>>>

In today's P.& E. the Riverside City edition, on the Local Plus section, front page, is a story of the threatened species Burrowing Owls. Is that not what we have on the 123 acres they want to turn into the OAC. I remember that they were going to place residual doors on the burrows so the Owls could get out but not back in

Paawwww...

At the G.T. car show area in park this Saturday morning, noticed that all but one of the open air autos that the City Council member rode in was illegal. Most had expired plates (and insurance too probably) and couple others had zero license plates altogether.