Other Un Answered Public Questions:

What ever happened to the City Owned Cars Provided to the City Manager for his use? No Answer.

Was there a PUBLIC HEARING for the TRANSFER of RDA LAND to Jacobsen? WHEN WHERE and WHERE was the Meeting Announced... As required by State Law??

Who brought the timer to the Council Meeting? DING DING...? My time is up...

I expect email input people... good presentations, and it is nice to see some things getting acted on.


(By the way.. SBCGLOBAL Email is being goofy so some of you will be getting delayed email) It isn't you or me,,,,, do not adjust your computers...... it is the twilight zone.... (back ground music humming now)..

Zoning and Planning is Meaningless in GT...

What we learned in tonights meeting...

Any Developer can come to the Council with a Plan and ask the city to change a zoning or plan, and IF the neighbors of the project are apeased it may be allowed to be changed.

We also see in the case of OAC, and BMSV that City Selected Developers don't have to make such adjustments to the Neighbors Concerns and Zone Changes and Planning Requirements go out the Door.

No, because the Zone Says so. IF a developer wants to change zoning it should be done independent of a Plan to help SELL the idea... IF the city has a PLAN ALL Developers should be bound by that PLAN, or the PLAN should be changed for all.

Just a thought...

Miller and Lions Negotiate Better Terms for Center

Good NEWS:

The Lions Club/Women Club Community Center has a 15 year lease rather than the 2 year lease being offered earlier in the year.

Square Dancing, Social Clubs of the Lions and Woman Club are important features to community life. I hope that more open to the community activities can be held in the facilities, and that it is a Community Center..... More and More...

Perhaps a Ball Room Dancing Class Sat Nights...??? Hosted by the Baseball and Soccer Teams?
DJ Swing Music is good to dance to...

IF our town Danced 2 nights a week,,, we'd be fit.. as a fiddle or a violin depending on the style of dance..

Roar Lions Roar...

Business in the GT City:

When a citizen is told to document the code violations of a trucking company, the owner calls this harassment. The Owner did run out of Time even after spliting up their presentation between two people, son and father. There was one more thing..... time for summary....

When citizens have been making these complaints to the city council for countless meetings this is called by some being a nuisance.. EVENTUALLY the Citizen had presented sufficient materials and threatened a legal action due to non action by the city that action was taken, and a Council Member Directed action of a REVIEW. GEE what it takes to move a mountain called City Management.

THE City Manager and City Management fails for MONTHS to enforce the terms of the Conditional Use Permits, this is called professional...?? HE got a raise and better terms in the event of termination... Perhaps this is the meaning the Council uses for the word Professional.

When the business owner is caught laughing, and making mocking faces as the neighbors respond to his claims of harassment, its called Priceless.

Apparently, the City has found that the operations had been expanded outside the Conditional Use Permit, and the hours of Operation and thus a problem in fact a reality, not fiction... Not a joke.

Also not a joke is that it took so long to get action out of the city. Also not a joke is the attitude of the City Manager toward the citizens of this area of town, and their concerns.

YES ALL BUSINESSES SHOULD HAVE BUSINESS LICENSES... HOME BUSINESS INCLUDING ALL DAY CARE, SENIOR CARE HOMES, AND EBAY SALES PEOPLE... ALL PEOPLE WORKING IN GRAND TERRACE SHOULD BE COVERED BY A BUSINESS LICENSE IN GRAND TERRACE.

THIS INCLUDES Contractors, Gardner, Caretakers, Tree Cutters, EVERYONE... EVEN PEOPLE SELLING POLITICAL T SHIRTS from home for example.

Terra Loma GT Residents Snubbed Again

The planned closure of Palm and the impact it will have on the community of 4oo plus homes has continued to be an issue the City Management has neglected.

The First time the City Manager's Assistant was not available to attend a meeting, and City Manager Tom Schwab knowing this determined or self selected not to go, and did not inform City Council Members of the issue or the meeting.

When this was brought to the attention to the Council the residents were assured of the Council's interest and the Council Directed the City Management and Staff that they wanted to be informed of any future meetings regarding this issue.

A call to Assistant Manager Steve Berry informing the City of an Up coming Meeting resulted in a comment which was received as being and expression of disregard for the issue, and the folks of that area of town... Literally the other side of the tracks and the other side of La Cadena.

He did not inform the City Manager, and in addition he neglected to inform any of the City Council.

SHOCK... You shouldn't be. The tone was set the first time. Assistant Manager was busy with a Traffic Committee Meeting in Grand Terrace, and City Manager disregarded the meeting on the other side of the tracks.

YOU bet the city should share in the evaluation and solution to the traffic issues... and when the speaker Ms. Kruger was speaking her 3 minutes ran out just as she was speaking to the safety issues of not having more than one or two ways into to an area of 400 homes. Nope, times up... Thank you...

What other Council Directions have been disregarded by Mr. BERRY and Mr. SCHWAB, the Professionals in the City.

Jo Stringfield and Jacobsen Reach Agreement

Tom Schwab said that Jacobsen and Stringfield have reached an agreement.

That agreement is NO Sale.

Now that that is done...

What is being planned?

Watch out for Plan B

A MEGA Stater Brother's and a Bar and Grill by the name of Chili's.

http://www.chilis.com/menu/default.asp?catID=17&tierID=10&Unit_ID=001%2E005%2E0064&menuType=Dine+In

I hope the entire Council will rent a large moter home and LIVE next to a Chili's for a Weekend prior to approving this as being a part of this "Plan".

In a recent article in the news paper, I read that there had to be Current and UP to date agreement with Plans and Zoning or a Plan is automatically in violation with State Law... I think that was in the Press or the Sun...

Now we know that most of the Land in the area being Converted to the Town Center is Zoned by the City as Commercial, but in the County Records Most is Housing of one sort or another. So PLANS can't go forward without Zoning Changes FIRST.

Not to mention what and when was the Public Hearing on the Transfer of RDA Land to Jacobsen.. No response to that Question.. Is that because NO HEARING HAPPENED a Violation of RDA regulations, and State LAW.. ?? COULD IT BE??

Agenda Agenda who controls the Agenda

Agenda Deadline is meaningless.

Agenda Items are selected by the Mayor, Council consensus and the ability of Staff to prepare the necessary reports. So in effect the control works in reverse.

IF and when the Staff has the materials ready it gets on the Agenda.
IF the Council Member or Mayor has Approved an item.
IF the Council Member or Mayor Directs the Staff to Put it on the Agenda
IF the Citizen Puts a Agenda Item as a Requested Action
IF ....

OH where are the Fairy Godmothers when you need them. (Cinderella Reference)

Now you understand why the same people say the same things over and over again at Council Meetings. The Staff and Council don't put it on the Agenda, action is not demanded by the Council and Your Public Comments are Duly Noted.

IF this was a government for the People, there would be a way a Citizen could PUT something on the Agenda and not become a NAG.... Nuisance, or any of the other descriptors used to identify citizens who attempt to get answers, and details from the City Staff, and City Council, and City in General.

Thank all of you with the bloody foreheads. Perhaps it is time to buy drums and trumpets.

Professional Citizens ONLY..

Council Member Cortez's Statement is intended to elevate the conduct of the Great Unwashed Illbehaved Public who at times expresses themselves in a way that is not "PROFESSIONAL" this is a "PROFESSIONAL MEETING"... She went off topic with wanting the RULES posted at the entrance of the building.

HERES a THOUGHT... HOW about posting all city doucments on the WEB site... OH no... can't do that.

A Council Meeting should not include shoe throwing, or chair flinging. However, to say it is PROFESSIONAL is an attempt to create an elitist separation between the classes of the public and Council, or perhaps a Cast System in the community itself. I can't let this pass without review.

City Council Meetings are not PROFESSIONAL MEETINGS. Yeah we should be on our best behavior. BUT, City Council Meetings are not for Professionals only. THE ONLY PROFESSIONALS that are there and should be recognizes for their PROFESSIONAL INPUT or Status are the City attorney and City Manager while they speak as their FUNCTION and its Status. PERHAPS the City Council receives sufficient Trips to Monterey, and San Diego, Health Insurance and other perks they may consider themselves PROFESSIONAL, but it is hardly considered a PROFESSION to be on the CITY COUNCIL.

So the USE OF THE WORD troubles me. THE INTENT behind the use of the word also troubles me. I would rather a person with turrets speak their mind at a council meeting than be silenced by a "Professional Standard". I wonder if such a person could be an asset as a Council Member, perhaps. Hmmmm I think more on that thought.

Sure Individuals at times lose it... What should be PROFESSIONAL, or perhaps a better term would be Elevating is the response to those INDIVIDUALS which will aid their future participation and communication to be presented in an improved more "Socially Acceptable Way".

The tone and frustration is set by the Council action and inaction... Don't be shocked at the results it has on the "PUBLIC". Your time is up, Please Summarize.

The City Council is not a professional Meeting!!! It is a PUBLIC Meeting of the Great Unwashed Rabble of the Citizens of Grand Terrace. IF you Council Members or City Staff, don't like the people attracted to Council Meetings, or they are beneath your social strada perhaps you should retire to your social club and associate with your kind... However, you define yourself.

Perhaps you need to exist in an environment with more refinement than JQ PUBLIC..

Who is GrandPa, or What are the Facts.

Barney Bennet the Publisher of the Highgrove Happenings was challenging the writings of GrandpaTerrace’s right to an opinion, perhaps even a right to write anonymously a historical method of communication within not only the press, but in all literary forms and yes common in blogs.

GrandpaTerrace wishes he referred to the Grand Terrace News Blogspot, or Grandterracenews.blogspot, as we always welcome new readers to the blog.
I thought you may enjoy a review of the exchange of communication that was the cause of his ANTI Grandpa Comments at the Council Meeting.

I read the Virginia Harford Article and it requested a reply so not having her email address I sent a reply to be forwarded to Virginia. I think it is worth your reading the communication string and put it together with his comment to the Council while on TV3... Thanks for the PR...

Gramps Appreciates the New Readers that will be the result.


Tue, 1 Aug 2006 17:17:40 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Grand PaTerrace"
Subject: forward to Virginia..
To: highgrovenews@adelphia.net

Dear Virginia:

Virginia's Viewpoint in the Highgrove Happenings Aug, 2006 issue contains several interesting thoughts and statements. I will attempt to follow the same order of thoughts in the review of her statements.

Virginia, you, like many folks who have accumulated ideas, facts and even opinions find that the 3 minute rule without the opportunity for an extension is counter productive to the full sharing of ideas. This rule seems not to be working for the best governance and communication. It may speed along the meetings but to suggest that it is fair that everyone is limited to the same amount of time. As if Time is the measure of importance and not the content, or communication being presented as being the focus of importance. It is less likely that a citizen speaker would speak longer than 5 minutes on a single agenda item. That unusual time may be of significant importance. Failure to have a means to accommodate a longer time, or a granting of the floor to a citizen demonstrates a desire not to hear the citizen or to be fully informed as to the citizens concerns, ideas, and suggestions.

Virginia, you, find fault with the citizens some of whom live on Brentwood Street for filing a suit which has resulted in a Judicial finding which was supposed to reverse all prior approvals for the Blue Mt. Senior Villas Construction. You feel that the seniors are being inconvenienced by the Citizens who filed suit, and the Judge did not hear from the seniors who want housing and a new Senior Center.

To you and, all those who have embraced this thought should understand some basic truths. First of all, the plans were not changed to accommodate the concerns of the Brentwood Citizens. As a matter of fact the Plans are now that fewer than 10 senior apartments will be for seniors offered at market rental rates and all the others will be Section 8 Housing for VERY Low Income Seniors. If the seniors of Grand Terrace think they have some priority on the list of who moves in, they need to ask for the proof that this offer is in fact part of the Memo of Understanding or the Operations Terms and Conditions which have not been released to the public. It is doubtful that it is legal to make such accommodations.

The Judge was not asked should the seniors have a place to live in Grand Terrace. There is no resistance to putting Senior Housing where it was planned in the General Plan on Barton Road. This is not the issue. The issue is the where and how the planning, zone changes, and contractual relationships were done. The Judge chose to decide on a single issue, but that decision was also included the "Reversal of all Approvals" as the remedy. His allowing the completion of the Move of the "Old Senior Center" was no doubt out of concern for the Seniors of Our Community.


Virginia, the deal brokered with Corporation For Better Housing gives them the authority over the property you think you should have some right to oversee the progress. The deal is we give them half the capital(9,000,000.00) and 60 year exclusive management of the facility and land, and the City will be rewarded in 60 years with an old building, no revenue income, and rights to the land, and a DEBT to pay off with no income from operations to offset that debt payment.

It may be owned by the City, but the Lease makes the control in the hands of Corporation for Better Housing. If this is news to you, it may also be news to you that this deal was done without a competitive bid or other options being considered and was sole sourced perhaps in violation of Redevelopment Agency Regulations. It is not that anyone wants to stop senior housing, it is the fact it should be done in a correct way, in the correct place as planned and approved during the General Plan Process.

As to the right of Citizens, to take their concerns to the Courts, we should be thankful that we have this opportunity to address our concerns, and not disparage those who seek Judicial Oversight of our City's Decisions. Our planning department, our City Manager, and their chosen contractors seem to desire to take short cuts which cause problems with each development. This is an important part of doing what you ask at the close of the article, a desire to improve and preserve our little city.

Virginia, you, went on to pontificate about the Town Center voicing disappointment that there is not a LOWES. Interesting how she links Jo Stringfield's desire to remain in her home as a negative, while promoting the idea that the city should provide housing for seniors. The lack of there being a Lowes completely on the fact that Jo Stringfield desires to retain her home and property.


Perhaps Virginia, you, did not hear the multitude of citizens who spoke against having a Lowes in Grand Terrace, particularly near Grand Terrace Elementary School and adjacent to residential zones. Lowes brings Day Workers, Lowes brings trucks delivering and buying large and heavy items causing a pedestrian hazard for the children. Lowes, brings a BIG box store and is not in compliance with the General Plan or the Barton Road Specific Plan. These issues exist with or without Jo Springfield's desire to remain in her home, or what ever Jo Stringfield decides to do.

Jo Stringfield has not stopped the construction of a new Miguel’s, the City Manager and Jacobesen Family Holdings have been the cause of the delay and change of location from here to there, and so forth. Jo is exercising her rights, it is inappropriate to suggest she should not be allowed to "Upset the apple cart". We are or should be thankful in this country we have a citizen who will stand up for our property rights, while standing up for their own. The despicable use of threats of the use of Eminent Domain, made by the City Manager/Director of the RDA, represent a violation of Jo's Civil Rights, and the Civil Rights of every land owner forced to negotiate under those "terms" or "conditions". The citizens of the city, no Nation owe her a debt of gratitude for her determination.

The business relationship and government practices used for the "Town Center" are all now suspect and will no doubt end up in court as the Citizens should demand that proper procedure is practiced. Part of the requirement which no one wants to admit to is that there is a requirement for more Low and Moderate Income housing which must be planned for "Non" Seniors, when ever residential RDA land is sold. What was the plan for the Mystery Library and the Real Cost of Operations of the Development. Will the Town Center actual create a tax income that will pay off the debt, pay for additional police, and have anything left over? No numbers have really been provided for expenses related to the "development". More Drug Stores, More Bars equal More Crime.

Perhaps we should look at the Big Kmart as an example of what it will be like with a single store anchor like a Lowes. That site is not generating sales tax revenue for the City of Colton, and it has better freeway access.

The Outdoor Adventure Center was negated due to the lack of a sufficient traffic plan to complement the OAC Specific Plan. The decision in no way said everything else was fine, but that was sufficient to negate the OAC Specific Plan and reverts the area back to its prior Zoning, and Condition prior to the OAC Specific Plan.

What does that mean? Well once again the City Manager/Director of RDA entered into a no bid, development debacle, which included the changing of the freedom to fully enjoy the value of the property. The OAC Specific Plan so limited the land use, it made sale and development almost impossible as it was dependent on a "Single Developer" for the entire project. Property owners who wanted to sell their property found buyers would back out during escrow as they realized they could not get Conditional Use Permits as their use was commercial, but not in compliance with the OAC Specific Plan. This put the control over who could sell property, at what price, and to who in the hands of the City Manager/Director of RDA. This is not full enjoyment of property rights, a Civil Right, a Federal Right.

Now that this OAC Specific Plan has been dissolved the City may be obligated to compensate all those who sold their property during that time a compensatory compensation for the violation of their Civil Rights. It will be interesting to see how this resolves. Remember the genesis of this fantastic experience must rest directly at the feet of the City Manager/Director of the RDA and the City Council which did not exercise better oversight and judgment.

On to Virginia's Letter to Mrs. Hathaway:

Virginia, you seem to not understand Mrs. Hathaway's opinion. Mrs. Hathaway as an individual is against having any fireworks. She so stated. She headed a committee and the committee provided a revised Firework Ordinance which was then gutted by the City Manager. She as an individual was not happy with the result, but she presented the work of the committee.

Virginia, your going to find many more people in agreement with the ban all fireworks opinion, now that we have had, increased enforcement and still had problems and a bad weekend, and a fire. You are correct the sports teams should find a different way to earn money. The firemen make about 4000.00 for a well attended pancake sale and this builds community interaction, not fires, fear, and noise. (Ok, it also builds our waist lines but we can walk that off easier than repair a burned child).

Your suggestion that Mrs. Hathaway as an individual desires fireworks not only is an error, but if it were true, she like you has a right to her opinion. But, please get her position on the topic correct. The Opinion Pole regarding the matter is part of the Fireworks Committee's Effort to collect input this is not a negative thing to do. I find the poll insufficient as it does not require the city to disclose all costs and calls regarding the sale of fireworks, it does not require the sports teams to find other funding plans.

In addition to the fines for illegal fireworks being fired off, those individuals should at a minimum be publicly shamed for putting us all at risk. Their names and addresses should be published along with their photographs. It is not a joke, it is not funny, to light a sky rocket. It is an assault with a potentially deadly weapon. Should Firework fire kill someone it should be considered arson, or at least the same as shooting a gun in the air and didn't kill someone. Just because it didn't have that end result the potential, and yes intent was there. No one accidentally lit off a sky rocket.

Your right safe isn't sane does not exist. If it not safe for a Public PARK it is not safe for kids in a street, or cramped back yards. We do not need another year of firework mayhem in Grand Terrace.

Your closing "we have a wonderful little city that we hope to preserve and protect", conflicts with your promotion of Lowes, removal of property rights, and so forth. It makes one ask what are you suggesting needs preserving, and protecting? We had farms, animals, farm houses, little businesses, and freedom in Grand Terrace. We thought we owned our property in Grand Terrace. We thought we would be better served by our own city government than that of Colton. The only thing that seems to be protected in Grand Terrace is the Perpetual Employment of the City Manger/Director RDA, Tom Schwab.

Virginia, I don't have your phone number but if I did, the above is what I would say to you. I would also suggest that these issues raised are in part the cause for the Recall Effort. Accountability for the above issues falls on the City Council. They are to exercise the judgment and oversight in these matters. They just have not done so, and it is getting to the point the city and citizens can not afford any more of the same maleficent conduct.

Gramps.

VLHARFORD@aol.com wrote:

I put very little credence in the writings of people who are not willing to tell you who they are.

Gramps Wrote Back..
To: VLHARFORD@aol.com

Nor should we put credence in people who do not write with any research into the facts. The documents and facts I use are in fact found in City Records, Corporate Declarations, and Bond information... not the grape vine of wishful stories and hopes.

I do not write to have you give credence, I write so that the citizens seek the truth, and not rely on half truth, and wishful thinking.

I am unknown as an individual, as I have no EGO or PERSONAL Gain by having an Ego Stroked, by seeing My name in print. I focus on ISSUES and when it is an OPINION I SAY OPINION...

Please point out where I wrote an untrue statement, and I will retract it.

Ask for PAPER CONTRACTUAL PROOF of what you think you are getting from the city. YOU will never see it. Trust that.

Your writing is misleading to the public, and thus has to be addressed with facts. Please look into the facts of who will be living in the Senior Villas, the Fact is that the funding requires that 90 Percent are Section 8 Apartments. The facts are that the Local Seniors will not be management of the Apartments or have a say in who gets into the building as residents. IF you can get ONE document from the city to disprove this Please I'll post it, with your name, HOWEVER, I have provided on the blog evidence and documents that show what is factually planned and financed by the Center for Better Housing/ THE LEASE OWNERS of the Blue Mt. Villas.

Have a nice day...

Gramps...

Ms Harford Wrote Back:

VLHARFORD@aol.com wrote:
This is the last email I will open unless you tell me who you are.

Gramps Wrote
To: VLHARFORD@aol.com

Dear Ms. Harford:

I don't care If you read My email.... I will continue to find and share Facts with your readers and the citizens of Grand Terrace.

For a person who doesn't need facts to print, the fact of who I am or am not should not bother you in the least.

It is interesting that you make such a statement as to the need to know who I am and yet you offer not even a thank you for the detail factual evidence regarding the BMSV.

Interesting but not surprising. The fact of who I am is not related to the review of your article and the lack of facts or twisted facts it contained. I will continue to review that which you put into print as a service to the readers who may want the facts you so merrily disregard.

Have a Nice Day.

But, you didn't read this email did you, because I didn't say who I was. That logic is almost as flawed as reasoning that you don't know the person who put up the stop sign so you don't need to stop.

I attached Documents detailing the Senior Housing Section 8 Funding and Statements and other documents providing her Facts.

Gramps Advises the Blog Readers:

NOW when you READ HIGHGROVE HAPPENINGS be alert to their need to know who GrampaTerrace is but they are not interested in the FACTS behind the musings of their Virginia Harford, nor is Virginia Moved to even say thanks for the Detailed Information or in the News Business a Second Independent Source of the Information.

Who's On FIRST... or Mayor/Council/Mayor/Council..

You heard it tonight.

IF Mayor Ferre is running for Mayor, and she wins, the council seat would be filled by nomination or by special election if a majority of 3 could not fill the seat in 30 days or agree to hold a special election.

IF she runs and loses, she still would be facing a recall challenge and hopefully an election a second time... defending her Council Seat.

We would not be recalling her if she won the Mayor-ship as we are Recalling her in her Council Member Seat, and it would required she has 6 months after her election before a recall can start... State Rules not mine...

HOWEVER, none of the above affects the current recall effort on Garcia or the Seating of the Council Member for the Hilkey/Cortez Seat (One of which is eliminated for the Mayor Seat)...

So it is kind of like Musical Chairs for Hilkey/Cortez and who ever else runs for Council this time there is one seat, how many Council Members running for what was in the Past two Seats..

Strike up the Band...

City Council Now Aware it is not Just Grand Theft Auto Crime in GT

Crime in Grand Terrace has always been a hidden issue. Crime we don't want to admit to having drives or can drive down the all important Property Values. Most of the Council make their bread and butter in direct relationship to the Property Value of Land and Homes in GT.

THE City Manager, and Council continue to refuse the release of all calls into dispatch, and arrests reports.

WE have a Drug Problem in Grand Terrace. WE have all the crimes related to Drug Problems.

The Council and Public would not be aware of this if it were not for the Blog keeping and making available the Actual Arrests of GT Made.

NOR would the laps of coverage be known.. to the Council...

The dirty little truths of what is happening.... Is not being open... To the public for review with ease.

Would Colton PD be able to be more responsive... ? Have they considered alternatives to the sheriff Dept? When alternatives are in fact looked at this will reflect an improvement in governance.

Reviewing Law Enforcement Services is more than having one service provider provide input.

More work to do...

Oh to retire..

3 Minutes Plus New Rules

GRANDPA's Revised Rule of 3 Minutes Plus:

GEE the Know Nothing NO NAME Critic of the GT CITY COUNCIL has commented, brought to community awareness, and change in concurrence with Gramps Recommendation has been incorporated into the new rules.

3 Minutes Plus: is exactly what Gramps has been suggesting as a resolution to the issue of management of the Public Speaking during the Public Comment and Public Hearing Issues.

Grandpa could retire.......


NOT.... There is still a need for the blog... Sorry Highgrove Happenings and Virginia Harford... Truth and facts, issues, and reports and yes evaluation of Items in the Press will be continued.

Council Members and City Manager... Heat is still on... Enjoy it or move out.

I may not spelling may stink,,,, but I don't...

OOOO Grandpa being UNKNOWN SUCH A BIG DEAL..

Highgrove Happenings prints an article by Virginia Harford and in that article they print her opinions and thinking which are to say the least ill informed. AND they are UPSET at receiving an email from a unknown individual.. Perhaps, they should be a bit more concerned with the folks they do know and who they publish.

Virginia Harford nor Highgrove Happenings are concerned with the facts of the issues of what they print, WHY on EARTH would it concern them to receive an EMAIL from an UNKNOWN writer. OH a Fact they are interested in...

Well, Thanks for the Promotion of the Blog...

Gramps...

REMEMBER!!!!

CITY OF GRAND TERRACE COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
AUGUST 10, 2006
GRAND TERRACE CIVIC CENTER

6:00 PM
22795 Barton Road

see you there... sign the recall petition

From the Email Inbox: It's the Council ......

From the Email InBox Forwarded Concerns:

I think DA Vanella came to same conclusion I did. Which is, the council as the elected body is acting as the people? They also act as the governing board of RDA. When I found the rules about one month ago, the rules say an employee can acquire a home in the RDA as long as they owned a home of equal value at least three years before the acquisition of the new one. The council with the implied power of the people are legislators and can do what they want until they are kicked out.

Gramps Comments:

Yes, they can do what they want to do... the end result of him having the house is not the problem. THE PROBLEM is the method they did it. The lack of Public Hearing on the sale from the RDA to the City, and then the City to Schwab... THIS is the problem, the cover-up... not the act... The problem is that the Rules and Procedures were not followed, and State Regulation of Procurement, and Sale of Assets and RDA property were violated. Ask Richard Nixon about the crime vs. the cover up...

The Council Acting as the People is not a replacement for the Require Public Hearings on the Sale of RDA Homes, and City Property.

Show me the PUBLIC NOTICE of Sale and the Hearing Minutes. I will then agree they did not violate the Regulations and yes/ Laws of the State. I will then focus only on the Ethics of Acceptance of such compensation, and the Council's Excessive Adoration of Mr. Schwab which drove them to providing such "INDUCEMENTS" to stay amongst the Community of Grand Terrace.

Please let me know what Page and Code of the Regulation you suggest allows the transaction to wave the income requirements. Is that portion related to other conditions and limitations or when is it to be applied? I do recall reading it, but I think at the moment there were some additional conditions for the transaction type you mention.

I hold him as the "Professional City Manager" at fault for accepting the house, and the Council and Board for providing it to him.

EVEN IF the house was totally legal, and totally independent offer by the council, an Ethical City Manager would have turned down the offer.

I do ask about the Over-site, Ethics and Judgment of the Council who provided for the transaction.

Gramps.

From the Email Inbox: DA's Office, Clears Tom Schwab

Hey Gramps:

How can the DA's Office evaluate Ethics and Corruption, of City Manager Tom Schwab, or a Conflict of Interest when this is how the DA conducts his personal life?











Gramps Answers: You make a good point. Judge a person by those who defend his behavior. I do recall reading that article in the Sun. Personal Ethics, and Professional Ethics and holding ones self in the standard of ABOVE being Questioned about the Advantage One is Offered, and the Advantage One Takes is a struggle for some in governance.

From the Email Inbox: Schwab & The DA

Dear Gramps

You Posted the pages from Schwab’s contract with the house "amendment" as it is addressed in the D.A's letter. Now why when Schwab is going through a divorce would the Council decide to put an amendment into his contract dated 07-13-00? They just one day said lets amend Schwab’s contract. What we will do is take any RDA house he wants and the City will buy it and we will rehab it, (if they did. They do all the others) and carry the loan on it and give it to him as a Happy Divorce surprise. His contract calls it an inducement, Vanella's letter calls it “requiring you to live within the City limits". There is no requirement for any employee to live within the City limits. Then all employees should have the same requirement. My guess is that Schwab cooked the whole deal up because he needed a house because his ex-wife got the one on Raven. How many other amendments have there been to his contracts in the middle of their time. We can't tell because there is no expatriation date. The only time they do anything on his contracts is to overpay raise him. So who do you think is lying to whom? You think Schwab lied to Vanella and said they require me to live in the City limits or Schwab and Vanella cooked up this story to cover the Council and Schwabs collective asses. Whichever it is, it is a violation of RDA law and a lie to boot to do so.

GRAMPS agrees it sniffs of being in the least not in the best interest of the Community's Ethics, and RDA Regulations being side stepped...

Ethics Devalued in GT:

FREE SUMMER CONCERT AT ROLLINS PARK

The Riverside Concert Band
Friday, August 18th starting at
7p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

*
**

This is Good Music:

However the Ethics of the City Continue to be Corrupted by

the "Sponsorship" of Community Activities:

**

*

Platinum Sponsor $1,500.00

Corporation for Better Housing: a 501 c3 NON PROFIT Corporation is forbidden by its corporate classification to make contributions to local governments or agencies, where they have items up for approval and consideration. YET they contribute and get Prime Billing as a Sponsor in an attempt to build "Good Will" Even after the Court has Reversed all Approvals for their Plans on the Blue Mt. Senior Villa's, due to in part an insufficient Environmental Impact Report.

**

Silver Sponsor $1,000.00

Waste Management: Just got a Rate Increase approved by the City Council and a gift to the Community Activity

* *

Special Thank You to : FOR $ ?????

Riverside Highland Water Company which has building plans and permits and your water bills, pending approval

and so forth...

*

Will the City turn down any money?

**

*

Ethics..For Sale in GT

The Community Has Not yet provided the Audit of Funds Collected for the GT Days Event, and this same "Pool" of Money managed by a few Friends of the Council is allowed to receive money from Developers and Contractors doing business with and having proposals informs of the Council. This does not raise to the highest practices of ethical standards. NOT EVEN CLOSE.

***

**

So while you are listening to the music provided by these "Contributions" ask yourself the real cost of the Concert, and Grand Terrace Days.

**

*

Ask why these contributors don't make direct contributions to Youth Programs like the sports teams, or to the Fire Department? Is it because these organizations don't make decisions regarding permits, fees and contracts?

**

*

THE Contribution to the Riverside Concert Band could go directly to them with the provision that a concert in Grand Terrace be provided anonymously.

More than good music will be on display in Grand Terrace Aug. 18, 2006

**

Think about all the "Contributions" and Council Actions are represented by the names of Sponsors of GT DAY's.

*

ARE YOU TIRED OF THIS LACK OF ETHICS, PLEASE CHANGE THE COUNCIL AND RECALL COUNCIL MEMBER FERRE, COUNCIL MEMBER GARCIA AND REPLACE THE OTHER INCUMBENTS RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION

IT IS TIME TO CLEAN GT's HOUSE.

IS Corruption Allowed Run Free In SBDNO and GT?

YOU JUDGE, AND INVESTIGATE:
DID THIS RAISE TO CRIME, CORRUPTION, OR GOOD MANAGEMENT, AND ETHICAL CONDUCT, PROPER CITY COUNCIL OVERSIGHT, RDA LAW AND REGULATION COMPLIANCE? Note the REQUIREMENT FOR PUBLIC HEARING

NOTE SCHWAB's Contract... INDUCEMENT not a REQUIREMENT... He could live in San Bernardino, or Colton. HE Likes GT so much he has to be INDUCED to LIVE HERE.






THE DA "Clears" CITY MANAGER'S HOUSE DEAL .... HOWEVER DA'S JUDGMENT IS QUESTIONABLE... REVIEW THE FACTS OF THE CASE... AND I SUGGEST A a FOI of COPY OF THE DA'S FILE ON THE CASE...

Mr. Schwab is not "REQUIRED" to live in Grand Terrace. Inducement and Requirement are different legal terms.

The house was purchased by the RDA transferred to the City and then to Schwab all in a matter of 2 days.

No Public Hearing as required by RDA sell of HOUSE to City was held. NO PUBLIC Hearing or Prior Notice as to the content of the Contract was Provided to the PUBLIC.

THE DEAL on the Contract, and the HOUSE purchase was a NEGOTIATION not a REQUIREMENT? WAS IT PRE ARRANGED by MR SCHWAB as a result of his Needing a house at the result of his Divorce from his wife who lives in their previously communal home in GT?

J SCHWAB; DEFENDANT/RESPONDENT SERVED ON 01/18/00 Not Applicable 01/14/2000 PETITION AND PARTY INFORMATION ENTERED (CIVIL)

Perhaps The former Mrs. Tom Schwab, and the Former owner of the House should be interviewed along with the other folks involved in the land deal.

THIS DA's INVESTIGATION may be DONE... but it is not the end of this issue.

1178151730000 Plot Number: Schwab/Lark Street

Ownership History
Name R/I % int Type
Acquisition Date Document Date Inactive Date

SCHWAB, THOMAS J SO 100.
B 08/09/2000 08/09/2000 NONE

CITY OF GRAND TERRACE SO 100.
B 08/09/2000 08/09/2000 08/08/2000

GRAND TERRACE COMMUNITY REDEV AGENCY SO 100.
B 07/12/1999 07/12/1999 08/08/2000

MOYA, SANDRA J SO 100.
B 04/23/1999 04/23/1999 07/11/1999

SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS SO 100.
B NONE 08/04/1998 04/22/1999

NATIONSBANC MORTGAGE CORP CT 100.
B NONE 07/13/1998 08/03/1998

SALINAS, DORTHY L CM 50.
J 06/29/1981 03/07/1996 07/12/1998

SALINAS, SAMUEL CM 50.
B 06/29/1981 03/07/1996 07/12/1998



http://www.recall29.org/index.htm

It's Time for DA To Act

With elections on the horizon the People have the right to be informed of the disposition of current investigations of political corruption. To date the District AttorneyÂ’s Office has done nothing in the way of clearing up the several allegations made against officials of Twentynine Palms.

When documented proof of corruption is handed to the DA on a silver platter, his failure to proceed with prosecution speaks volumes. Far less evidence is required to convict the average petty thief. Theft is theft, why does it appear that political corruption is given less attention than check kiting? Political Corruption is not a victimless crime, the very fabric of Democracy is at jeopardy and in the end every citizen is the victim.

Why Can the Santa Clara County DA get a conviction on a sitting Judge, soon to be sentence to up to 4 years in prison yet the San Bernardino County DA asks for no prison for an ex-County Official stealing 523 firearms during his tenure?

Why Can the San Diego County DA convict an ex-Airport Official to 4 years prison and a $431,000 fine yet The San Bernardino DA has failed to demand a single political figure to spend time in State Prison?

Why can LA CountyÂ’s DA get convictions and prison sentences on three Compton City Officials yet the San Bernardino County DA sits on the Twentynine Palms Scandal and does nothing?
We implore Michael Ramos to stop paying lip service to Public Integrity and start putting his political money where his mouth has been since he announced the creation of the Public Integrity Unit on April 23, 2003.

The taxpayers and voters not only expect but demand honesty in government. Lackadaisical prosecutions and gentle slaps on the hands if there is a conviction is unacceptable and insults every law abiding citizen of this State.

Gramps notes The same LEVEL of service is being provided to Grand Terrace by the San Bernardino County DA. So when you file your concerns to the DA also send it to the FBI, and State AG... Some day there may be some one in the forest to hear the tree fall. Perhaps a young up and comming Dep, DA may want to get a name for cleaning up San Bernardino. From the Looks of it there is a need for more than one town to be cleaned up.

Grant on 3 Minute Rule:

"As mayor of Grand Terrace for four years and a council member from 1978 to 1992, I supported allowing the people of our community freedom to speak for as long as it took them to express what they wished to convey.

Certainly the meetings lasted longer, but it was worth it to give each person a chance to say what he or she felt needed to be said.

A three-minute limit is ridiculous. If there has to be a limit, five to six minutes is a more realistic time -- and considerably more fair. "

HUGH J. GRANT

Longer Time Limits may be "More Fair".... but not full and free communication with ones leaders....

Gramps..

Current Registered Owners of Town Center Area

MAP CORRECTIONS MADE THANKS FOR THE INPUT FOLKS...
MAP PROVIDED BY TOWN SQUARE.....
PLAN HAD WRONG PARCEL NUMBERS... THANKS FOR BRINGING THIS TO MY ATTENTION.


Below is what is known but not all recorded in county records as the "Transaction is not yet finished.


231-09 Perez Hair Benders sold or has an agreement to sell to Jacobsen.
231-08 S.Jay sold to the city with the help of Gene Carolstrom.
231-07 Miguels bought and traded for ???
231-06 Jacobsen bought it from the RDA (Paid?)
231-05 Jacobsen bought it Prior Owner
231-04 RDA turned it over to Jacobsen (Paid?)
231-03 Jacobsen bought it.
231-02 Still 100% Jo Stringfield
231-01 To be demo on Wed RDA Owned. Formerly the OLD Round House
Pitt stop still owns his.
Auto Zone still owns his.


It is notable that the property has not all been acquired by Jacobsen or any and all of the different names he uses to buy land by. There is no way of knowing the pieces where he has "Options to purchase".

However, The land still carries zoning which includes Max 4 res on most of the parcels. This zoning will require Replacement homes to be built somewhere in the community. The sale or transfer of RDA land to Jacobsen Must be done in accordance to RDA Regulations and Rules, yes Laws including PUBLIC HEARINGS for each transaction.

Mr. Jacobsen's DDA... Designated Developer Agreement had specific time and task requirements it is time the Council / RDA Board evaluate his fulfillment of his agreement requirements. It is time to audit the process and procedure of the relationship, and it may be time to take corrective action so the City can Minimize future problems which will be the result of this Management Boondoggle.

City Council Meeting Agenda Aug 10, 2006 with Notes

CITY OF GRAND TERRACE COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
AUGUST 10, 2006 ----- 6:00 PM
GRAND TERRACE CIVIC CENTER

22795 Barton Road

* Call to Order -
* Invocation - Calvary, The Brook Church
* Pledge of Allegiance -
* Roll Call -

AGENDA ITEMS (STAFF RECOMMENDATION)

CONVENE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
1. Approval of 07-13-2006 Minutes

ADJOURN COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY

CONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING

1. Items to Delete

2. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

A. A Healthy Communities- Angelica Baltazar, Program Coordinator, San Bernardino County Department of Public Health

(NO ACTION TO BE TAKEN, HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?)

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 August 10, 2006 (WHO'S GETTING PAID WHAT) (Staff – Approve)
B. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda (Staff – Approve)
C. Approval of 07-13-2006 Minutes (Staff – Approve)
D. Travel Authorization for the Code Enforcement Officer to Attend the CACE Conference October 4-7, 2006 in Monterey (Staff – Approve)
(HOW MUCH WILL THIS COST What benefit to the City that can be done by HOME STUDY and save the cash.)


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. (3 minute rule for Public still exists, so practice what you want to say)

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.

E. Contract with the City of San Bernardino for Animal Housing Services (ARE THERE ALTERNATIVES?)

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 is prohibited from discussing or acting on any item not on the agenda. The Mayor may request a brief response from staff to questions raised during public comment. ( 3 minute rule for public is still in effect, so practice what you want to say). The council is not prohibited from DISCUSSING, it is prohibited from ACTING ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA. JUST LIKE THE RDA can't sell or transfer PROPERTY WITHOUT a PUBLIC HEARING.

5. REPORTS
A. Committee Reports (Staff – Approve)
1. Crime Prevention Committee (Staff – Accept)
a. Minutes of June 12, 2006 (Staff – Accept)
2. Emergency Operations Committee
a. Minutes of June 6, 2006 (Staff – Accept)
b. Accept Resignation of Committee Members (Rich Haubert & Dorothy Raborn)
c. Appoint Regular Committee Member (Lew Neeb) (Staff – Appoint)

B. Council Reports (Staff – Approve)


6. PUBLIC HEARINGS

A. Zone Change Case No. 06-01 (ZC-06-01), Tentative Tract Map No. 06-01 (TTM-06-01/County No. 18071) and Environmental Review Case No. 06-03 (E-06-03) to Change the Existing R1-20 Zoning to R1-10 Zoning on a 8.26 Acre Parcel and to Subdivide the Property into 20 Single Family Lots.

An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Grand Terrace Approving Zone Change No. 06-01 (Z-06-01) to Change the Existing R1-20 Zoning to R1-10 and Delete the AG Overlay Zone for an 8.26 Acre Parcel Located on the Northerly Side of Pico Street Starting Approximately 150 Feet Easterly of the Intersection of Pico Street and Kingfisher Road and Environmental Case No. 06-03 (E-06-03) - Mitigated Negative Declaration as Provided by the California Environmental Quality Act (LOSS OF AG IN GT)

Resolution by the City Council of the City of Grand Terrace, State of California, Approving Tentative Tract Map No. 06-01 (County No. TTM 18071) for a 20 Lot Single Family Residential Development on a 8.26 Acre Parcel Located on the North Side of Pico Street 150 East Kingfisher Road in the City of Grand Terrace, California (Staff – Approve)

B. Second Reading of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Grand Terrace, California, Authorizing an Amendment to the Contract Between the City Council of the City of Grand Terrace and the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (no one said how much this costs the city, OR, who benefits)

7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

A. Council Procedures (Perhaps this is where the 3minute Issue will be)
B. Law Enforcement Contract Amendment - Schedule A

8. NEW BUSINESS - None

9. CLOSED SESSION - None

ADJOURN
THE NEXT CRA/CITY COUNCIL MEETING WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2006 AT 6:00 P.M.

AGENDA ITEM REQUESTS FOR THE 08-24-2006 MEETING MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE BY NOON 08-17-2006.

Not on the Agenda, BUT SHOULD BE…

FIREWORKS COMMITTEE REPORT POST 4TH OF JULY REPORT AND RECCOMENDATIONS AND PROPOSED ORDINANCE TO END THE SALE OF FIREWORKS IN GRAND TERRACE

GRAND TERRACE DAYS FINANCIAL AUDIT INCLUDING ALL STAFF HOURS AND COST TO THE CITY, AND CONTRIBUTIONS MADE TO THE GT DAYS COMMITTEE. INCLUDING BANK FUND BALANCE. oh, but it was Council Member Miller who asked for this so it might be disregarded.

TOWN CENTER PLAN B- JACOBSEN FAMILY HOLDINGS OBLIGATIONS TO FULFILL REQUIREMENTS IN THE DDA ON A SPECIFIC TIME LINE.

TRANSFER OF PROPERTY FROM RDA WITHOUT PUBLIC HEARINGS

TRUCKING COMPANY CODE VIOLATIONS PUBLIC SAFETY

REVIEW OF COURT CASES PENDING AGAINST THE CITY

AND OH SO MUCH MORE..

NEXT MEETING:

THE NEXT

CITY OF GRAND TERRACE CRA/CITY COUNCIL MEETING

WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 10, 2006

AT 6:00 P.M.

AGENDA ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE BY NOON 08-03-2006. Agenda Found on the City Web Site

http://www.cityofgrandterrace.org/city_departments/council_agendas.html

(Not Yet Aug 7, 10:30 am , Found at 2:45 pm)

On The Clock on the Next Agenda:

The Agenda is not yet available for inspection by the citizens. However, City Manager Tom Schwab released to the Press Enterprise a tidbit of information. The 3 Minute Rule will be "Voted On". That statement suggests that the 3 minute rule will be an agenda item.

This rule has been an issue brought to the attention of the City Council for well over a year. The issue of the publics right to address the council is central to government at the local level. It is interesting that it took so long for this issue to become officially on the agenda. It demonstrates the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of the council and the agenda setting process of the current Mayor and City Manager. It demonstrates part of the reason that the same issues are bought forth over and over again during public comment time. When a citizen brings forth a concern, it should become an agenda item within a reasonable period of time.

The three minute rule is only one issue raised by citizens, and some of the council members. The problem with the trucking company, has been raised several times and is not yet on the agenda or had code enforcement action taken and reported to the Council and Public. If an item or issue does not originate from the Staff, or a Developer through the Planning Commission or Planning Department, it is Duly Noted, and not addressed fully by staff or the council. This causes repeated presentations on the same topic during public comment period. THIS is the only recourse or action the PUBLIC has. It is not only their right, but their responsibility to bring forth their issues and concerns, but to be persistent.

There is one exception to this rule of Duly Note and being Dismissive. IF you want a no parking sign, or red curb, this can be put on the agenda almost immediately.

Council Members have expressed one justification of the 3 minute rule as being a means to be fair to all people in the community. "Everyone should have the same amount of time to address the council". This is flawed logic, and bad government policy. First of all people who are promoting an Agenda Item, such as a development, or an Ordinance Proposal, have an unlimited amount of time to make their presentation, and answer questions of the council back and forth. Their questions and comments are not necessarily limited to the specific agenda item and they often contain future plans or actions that would be required on future agendas. However, the public is required to listen to these presentations and spontaneously digest the information and be able to respond within 3 minutes, to a presentation which may have been an hour in length.

This practice is not giving everyone the "Same" amount of time. Nor is this a demonstration of a desire to be fully informed of the publics concerns, and the issues of the proposed action.

Council Members have expressed the justification of the 3 minute rule as a means to move along the meetings or they will just run on and on... For those Council Members who are inconvenienced by the public speaking, and bringing forth their concerns quite frankly may want to resign from the council if this is a bother to them. There are many opportunities to manage the length of the council meetings without cutting public comment and being informed on the issues being presented.

The council could limit "Special Presentation Time to 5 minutes". Certificate, handshake, picture. Good By. AND only 1 per Council Meeting. AND let the school kids get their awards at a PTA meeting, not at the Council Meeting.

The council could limit their "Council Reports" to 3 Minutes. The could also limit their Council expense Accounts for Meetings they attend at the same time. It is nice to know that Council Members do know where the Library is.

Council Members and City Staff have justified the 3 minute rule by saying "well other people do it". Now there is a piece of logic every parent has heard before. Of course the answer to that logic is the same old well, if everyone was running off a cliff would you ......

There are times the speakers don't need 3 minutes, other times it may take 30 minutes to provide a full discussion of the ideas, facts, concerns and issues on a topic. An absolute time limit is not fair, equal, and sufficient opportunity to allow public discussion on agenda items being voted on. It may be an appropriate amount of time for the Non Agenda Public Comment portion of the meeting where a issue is raised but not fully discussed.

Public Hearings should not have time limits, as the decisions made result in what amounts to a legislative action. Failure to hold a free and open and unrestricted hearing on these actions is ill advised and has contributed to the cause of many of the law suits the city has lost. If a business is requesting a business permit and the citizens feel the need to inform the council of the problems a particular business may bring to the community, this presentation may take more than 3 minutes to be done in a fully efficient and complete way. Where as that business proponent may speak for an extended open ended period of time during their "Presentation" and Question and Answer Period. The Public or people wanting to address the proposed action are limited to 3 minutes, and required to be spontaneous with their response to the presentations. This is not fair, this is not giving full consideration or opportunity to be heard. This is a minimal effort at a SHOW of being fair and informed.

So if you have time limits Don't Be a Council Member.
So if you want to not see the same people over and over again, put their concerns on the agenda.
So if you want shorter Council Meetings, cut out the fluff, not the meat of the council meetings.

Woops there are some ideas, and suggestions, and specific recommendations in the above, and those should only come from City Staff. Citizens in Grand Terrace are known for not having anything of significances to add.

http://www.pe.com/localnews/sanbernardino/stories/PE_News_Local_B_bspeak06.471477a.html

Council to vote on time limits
GRAND TERRACE: No need to constrain residents' comments during meetings, critics say.
10:00 PM PDT on Saturday, August 5, 2006
By JULIE FARRENThe Press-Enterprise

Link to their article is above.

The 3 Minute rule will be on next agenda according to information provided by City Manager, Tom Schwab to Julie Farren. It is well and good this issue is on the Agenda.

What is interesting, is that Mr. Schwab releases partial agenda information to the Press when the Entire Agenda is not on the City’s Web Site or Counter for Inspection.

I would assume you all have at least can speak 20 seconds on the topic of extending time the public should be able to address the Council and Speak to the Issues on the Agenda, and during Public Comment.

If the Council Members reduced the time or limited the time of Developers, to 3 minutes, Council Comments, to 3 Minutes, and Special Presentations to 3 minutes… there would be plenty of time to hear the publics comments, and concerns during the Hearings and Comment Stages.

Blog: A Service to the Community

GrandTerraceNews Site Summary

VISITS For 8 Months of Metered Data:

Total 11,011
Average Per Day 59
This Week 411

PAGE VIEWS

Total 20,023
Average Per Day 102
Average Per Visit 1.7
This Week 715

Blogs Total Number of Posts 1156
(Not including Pictures or Arrests as Separate Posts)

What Your Tax Money is Being Spent ON

When the City Council voted to send a member to the league of California Cities Annual conference and a Citizen Spoke of their objection to having Citizen's Pay for the Council Members to attend a meeting of an organization which Fights for the Right to USE EMINENT DOMAIN against the Property rights of Individuals for Private Gain of Others. The Council Approved the expenditure, and appointed a Representative.

This Meeting will cost the Community of Grand Terrace. Council Members will request reimbursement for hotels, food, transportation, and fees. Here is what we are getting for our Money.

2006 League of California Cities Annual Conference - 'All Politics is Local'
Over 2,000 attendees from more than 400 California cities are expected to convene

Wednesday, Sept. 6 through Saturday, Sept. 9, at the San Diego Convention Center, for the League of California Cities' 107th Annual Conference. This is the one educational program that brings together elected and appointed officials, city staff and all departments to serve the grassroots interests of local municipalities.

This year's theme, "All Politics Is Local," speaks to the continued need for city officials to get involved and work together toward our common goals. Each annual conference is a special combination of training, dialogue and networking events.

Speakers and Highlights
The daily General Sessions present League achievements during the past year and update attendees on important issues and legislation that will directly affect cities. The keynote address during each General Session motivates and inspires collaborative work and a strong service ethic. This year's keynote speakers bring an interesting mix of stimulating perspectives to the conference:

Kevin Carroll , author of Rules of the Red Rubber Ball: Find and Sustain Your Life's Work, who will present the opening day keynote on Wednesday, Sept. 6, titled, "Rediscovering Play: Bringing Fun and Passion to Your Work." With simple yet delightful storytelling, Carroll explains how he channels his childhood passion for sport and play into a universally appealing blueprint for life and work. He says, "Everybody has to find that one thing that gets you excited about a new day."

John Avlon , the keynote speaker on Thursday, Sept. 7, is a former speechwriter for Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, and the author of Independent Nation: How the Vital Center is Changing American Politics. Avlon has received rave reviews at several other state municipal league conferences and is looking forward to visiting California, his favorite state.

We hope that the closing General Session on Friday, Sept. 8, will include our state's gubernatorial candidates and other key legislative highlights.

New Formats. Select from more than 60 breakout sessions to inform, instruct and enhance your ability to perform your civic duties. New learning formats will be offered this year, including open discussion forums to engage audience participation and sharing, as well as a new Exhibitor Speaker Theater on the Expo trade show floor, where attendees can browse new products and services provided by 250 exhibitors.

Networking Opportunities. A great selection of networking events is included. The Institute for Local Government will again offer an optional, ticketed "lunch and learn" symposium (see "How to Talk about Government," page 13). This year, San Diego will offer a Host City Crawl reception through the Gaslamp area for paid registrants on Thursday, Sept. 7, prior to a new CitiPac gala fundraiser later that evening. On Friday, Sept. 8, many divisions will offer optional breakfast meetings, in addition to special caucus and League Partner events scheduled for that evening.

Host City Reception. Join us for a memorable time in San Diego and for a special Host City Reception Gaslamp Crawl on Thursday, September 7. Our Host City Committee has worked very hard to coordinate six venues along the streets in the Gaslamp area to exclusively host our League attendees.

How to Register. The advance registration deadline closes on Friday, August 11. After that date, please register onsite at the San Diego Convention Center. Be sure to register online at www.cacities.org/events to receive a $20 CityBooks coupon to use onsite.
Registration Costs: City Officials, Full Conference $435 or One Day $250

Please note: Spouse/Guest, $100 - Badge required for all events, receptions and sessions. This registration may not be done online. Please print a separate registration form at the link above. Please call our Registrar with any questions at (916) 658-8291. Register now!
last updated : 8/4/2006

SEE how money is spent. How many Youth Could Be served with this Cash? Or perhaps a few hours of debt could be paid off rather than sending the Council to this Pep Rally for Local Governators who want to tromp on your rights to own your home or business.

GTCN and AES

Grand Terrace City News this week included some great writing and layout improvements. This little small town news paper has really changed with the new ownership. Continued improvements will no doubt bring this paper up to a quality which supersedes the coverage provided by the PE and the Sun.

The article on the AES Power Plant in the GTCN was more accurate than either of the larger papers provided their readers. For additional documents to read you may want to check the California Dept of Energy Site:

http://www.energy.ca.gov/sitingcases/highgrove/index.html

Interesting statements by the City Planning Department and County sheriff are included in these reports.

It would be nice if the Entertainment Section Featured more of the Family and Local theater and Music Scene. Even report of attending a concert at San Manuel is of little interest to the readership. First of all the event has past so the reader can't Plan to Attend. Second, San Manuel is not exactly where you can take your entire family to attend a concert or play. Sterges theater, Redlands Foot Lighters, Lighthouse theater, Yucaipa Little theater, Redlands Bowl, Concerts at Fairmont Park in Riverside, and Flemming Park in Colton are all activities that would make a local, low cost Family excursion and activity. Featuring the event Prior to the date will promote attendance and support the local arts community.

Do pick up your Grand Terrace City News. Although it is light on political and governance issues this week, it is a good read, and it has a coupon in it....

Grand Terrace City News, and the GrandTerraceNews.Blogspot are not related publications, we share readership. Gramps welcomes the New and Improved GTCN and encourages everyone to read it and offer your stories, and articles and IF you are a business owner, offer a coupon with your add.

Gramps.

RDA to Jacobsen Land Transfers Was there a Public HEARING?

20060455383 07/05/2006 12 Deed - Grant
GRAND TERRACE CITY COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (R)
DENNIS D JACOBSEN FAMILY HOLDINGS II LLC (E)


Document Details


Document Number: 20060455383

Document Date: 07/05/2006
Pages: 12
Document Type: 0001 - Deed - Grant
Book/Page: NA / NA
Parcel Number: 1167-231-04
Grantor Names
GRAND TERRACE CITY COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Grantee Names
DENNIS D JACOBSEN FAMILY HOLDINGS II LLC

San Bernardino County - PIMS
Property Information for Parcel 1167-231-04-0000 PDF Format


Parcel Parcel Status Parcel Type Property ID Tax Status Use Code Land Access Size Land Type District Resp Group Resp Unit
1167231040000
A 0
1 VACANT
PUB/PV 05 05 SAN BERNARDINO
D RES

Ownership History
Name R/I % Int Type Acquisition Date Document Date Inactive Date Document Numbers

JACOBSEN, D D FAM HOLDINGS II LLC SO 100.0000000 B 07/05/2006 07/05/2006 NONE 20060455383

CITY OF GRAND TERRACE REDEV AGENCY SO 100.0000000 B 11/07/2000 11/07/2000 07/04/2006 20000408570

GOUVIS ENGINEERING 401K PROFIT SHAR PL TC 50.0000000 J 09/14/2000 09/20/2000 11/06/2000 20000342116

HABER, MELVYN REVOCABLE TRUST TC 50.0000000 B 09/14/2000 09/20/2000 11/06/2000 20000342116

BARTON PARTNERS PT 100.0000000 B NONE 04/10/1998 09/13/2000 9813626200000

RELEASE LIEN POSTPONED PROPERTY TAX UK 0 O NONE 06/18/1998 06/17/1998 9823380200000

TAX DEFERRED #554-**-**** TX 0 O NONE 09/01/1992 04/09/1998 9236225600000

Additional Land Transaction in the Town Center Area Includes the apparent Land Swap for Byran Mattesons Property for Property on Vista Grande Way.

This transaction did not go directly through the City, or City RDA. However, with the City/RDA involvement in the total Town Center Development History it is worth being aware of. Also of note the name Carlstrom popping up again is interesting in that there is linkage with the Council Members Ferre and Cortez and Carlstrom.

Jacobsen/Matteson

Document Number: 20060478153
Document Date: 07/14/2006
Pages: 3
Document Type: 0001 - Deed - Grant
Book/Page: NA / NA
Parcel Number: 0276-401-20-0-000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grantor Names Grantee Names
JACOBSEN DOUGLAS MATTESON BYRON R
JACOBSEN MONIQUE MATTESON TRUST

))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

JACOBSEN, DOUGLAS HW 50.0000000 B 03/28/2006 03/28/2006 NONE 20060207029
JACOBSEN, MONIQUE HW 50.0000000 J 03/28/2006 03/28/2006 NONE 20060207029
CARLSON, CONNIE M HW 50.0000000 J 03/25/1998 09/11/2000 03/27/2006 20000328171
CARLSON, DARRIL R HW 50.0000000 B 09/11/2000 09/11/2000 03/27/2006 20000328171
SCHWARTZ, CONNIE M SO 100.0000000 B NONE 03/25/1998 09/10/2000 9810650300000
DARWIN, WILLIAM E SO 100.0000000 B NONE 04/10/1985 03/24/1998 8508370800000
TETLEY, GLENN S SO 0 B NONE NONE 04/09/1985

OK friends I have a problem here…

Above is from the http://acrparis.sbcounty.gov/ site,,, it shows the transaction between Jacobsen and Matteson but the history or owners does not show Matteson as an owner…

https://nppublic.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/newpims/PimsInterface.aspx
On the parcel number that is not owned by matteson… on the county property site.

San Bernardino County - PIMS
Property Information for Parcel 1167-231-13-0000 PDF Format
HTML Format


Parcel Parcel Status Parcel Type Property ID Tax Status Use Code Land Access Size Land Type District Resp Group Resp Unit
1167231130000
A 0
1 SFR 5-14
PUB/PV 05 05 SAN BERNARDINO
D COM


Ownership History
Name R/I % Int Type Acquisition Date Document Date Inactive Date Document Numbers
MATTESON, BYRON R TR TR 100.0000000 B 11/29/1984 05/21/1997 NONE 9718011000000

Interesting Details Continue to be asked for:

Schwab House Data: What Tom Schwab Does Not Want You To ASK:

Prior to the Purchase of the House by the RDA was there a PUBLIC MEETING where the home purchase was on the Agenda?

Prior to the Sell of the house from the RDA to the City was there a PUBLIC MEETING?

Prior to the Sell of the House from the City to Tom Schwab was it made available to the Open Market to be disposed of on the OPEN MARKET?

Prior to the Sell of the House or Provision of the House to Tom Schwab was there a Procurement Request Authorized and a Competitive Bid opportunity to provide housing for an Employee at a Competitive Rate on the OPEN MARKET?

Documents supporting the transactions including meeting notices, agendas and meeting minutes and record of votes recorded have been requested.

The time line indicated by the Dates on the Documents Filed and Recorded with the County Hall of Records indicate that the house was not transferred in accordance to the required procedures of governance in the California Government Code, and or the Regulations related to Redevelopment Agency Policy and Practices.

The time line suggests, that Mr. Schwab pre picked a home, purchased it with RDA Funds, then had the City Council Move it into a City Asset, and then to his Asset. WHY, well he did not qualify for an RDA HOME, and it was a way to finance the home he purchased out of RDA Stock, by maneuvering the City Council to provide him a House, in addition to his car, benefits, and above city average income. George Bush will not own the White House.

Moya, Sandra may also be an interesting interview in relation to the house, as her purchase removed it from VA Regulations, and she seems to have a pattern of flipping houses. It leads one to question if she was flipping this house at the request of the eventual purchaser, or was just "Lucky" to sell to the RDA. RDA homes are usually homes that have defaulted, or need repairs, in order to be sold on the open market. VA HOMES have to be inspected and pass in order to qualify as a VA HOME...

1178151730000
A 0
1 SFR
PUB/PV 02 05 SAN BERNARDINO
D RES

Ownership History
Name R/I % Int Type Acquisition Date Document Date Inactive Date Document Numbers
*
SCHWAB, THOMAS J SO 100.0000000 B 08/09/2000 08/09/2000
NONE 20000286267
*
CITY OF GRAND TERRACE SO 100.0000000 B 08/09/2000 08/09/2000
08/08/2000 20000286266
*
GRAND TERRACE COMMUNITY REDEV AGENCY SO 100.0000000 B 07/12/1999 07/12/1999 08/08/2000 19990291878
*
MOYA, SANDRA J SO 100.0000000 B 04/23/1999 04/23/1999 07/11/1999
19990172870
*
SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS SO 100.0000000 B NONE 08/04/1998 04/22/1999
9830785400000

*
NATIONSBANC MORTGAGE CORP CT 100.0000000 B NONE 07/13/1998 08/03/1998 9827087500000

*
SALINAS, DORTHY L CM 50.0000000 J 06/29/1981 03/07/1996 07/12/1998
9608148800000

*SALINAS, SAMUEL CM 50.0000000 B 06/29/1981 03/07/1996 07/12/1998
9608148800000

OH.... ask who was on the Council at the time of this Deal....

Posted On Craigs List

found - small black kitten
2006-07-28, 4:17PM PDTI found a small completely black kitten up in a tree today. Looks to be male and somewhat long-haired. I found him in the Highlands Apartment complex.

If you lost your kitten contact me and I'll help you contact the poster.. Gramps..

Fair Government For All Grand Terrace
34343434343434343434

YOU CAN SIGN A RECALL PETITION

AT THE RECALL OFFICE

BETWEEN 5:30 AND 8:30

Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Some Times More)

IN THE STATER BROTHER'S SHOPPING CENTER

(909) 783-7902

What should be on the Next City Council Agenda

The Next City Council Meeting Agenda

Policy Agenda: We can Hope....

Reading of Ordinances and Rules:

1) First Complete Reading of Revised Council Rules and procedures, and the on line publishing of the document.

Business Agenda:

A) Disclosure of Cost of Contract as Negotiated for Termination Clause of City Manager.

B) Disclosure of Disposition of Vehicles Purchased for the Exclusive Use of the City Manager.

C) Disclosure of Document Proving the City Council Authorization for the Purchase and Disposition of the Vehicles.

D) Disclosure of Documentation showing Public Hearings and Notice regarding sale of RDA Property to Douglas Jacobsen Family Holdings

E) Disclosure of the Full Terms and Conditions between the City and the Corporation for Better Housing relateing to the Operation and Terms and Conditions for the Operations of the Blue Mt. Villas. This should have been resolved PRIOR to the release of funds, or the signing of a 60 year lease.

F) Disclosure of the Details of judgments against the City:

1) Blue Mt. Senior Villas/Corporation for Better Housing: Reversal of All Approvals and a requirement for an EIR
2) Outdoor Adventure Center OAC/ Grand Terrace Partners: Reversal of Specific Plan and Zone Changes, Failure to provide sufficient traffic plan. (in spite of $ 50,0000.00 grant?).
3) Essco Building Plan, suit pending related to non compliance with general plan, traffic and EIR

G) Other Development Plans and Issues Pending (Presentation providing equal time to all participants and parties. IF the Developer speaks 20 minutes each member of the public may also speak on the topic an equal amount of time.) That would be Equality.

1) Kingfisher/Karger Development rezoning request
2) Town Center Plan B
3) Traffic and Parking and Facility sharing Plan for Pico Park and the High School.
4) AES Peaker Plant
5) Traffic Mitigation Plans and GT Internal Speed Mitigation and Plans.

H) Reports:

1) Crime Report : Who was arrested and ticketed for Fireworks Violations in Grand Terrace
Who was arrested for the car jacking
Who was arrested for the home break in or provide a sketch of the perp
Other not publicly reported crimes being investigated

2) Fire Report:
Cost of Blue Mt. Fire Investigation Findings, and efforts to date.
Other calls Fires, Safety and other.

3) Fireworks Committee Report:

4) Youth and Sports Teams Alternative Fund Raising Committee:

5) Grand Terrace Days Financial Audit and Report:
Including Hours spent by City Employees being billed as an expense item.
Including All Contributions by name and amount
Including All Expences Paid
Including Full Accounting of FUND remaining.

6) Council Member Reports: Timed and Limited to 3 Minutes each.

7) Special Presentation: One per meeting limited to total of 5 Minutes

I) Authorization of Purchases and Check Registers

1) Review of Request for Bids. Authorize Bid Announcements
2) Review of Purchase Orders. Authorize P.O. Release
3) Review Contract Completion / receipt of Goods Authorize Payments.
4) verify Check Register

K) Specific Directives Given to City Manager:

L) Grand Terrace Weed Eaters and 4 H Project.... (Just trying to get your goat)

Who are Your Friends?

http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_4128491

Article Launched: 8/03/2006 12:00 AM
Lewis still quiet on inquiry

George Watson, Staff WriterSan Bernardino County Sun
Under scrutiny for months, Rep. Jerry Lewis has said little about the federal inquiry into his ties to lobbyists and contractors.

In a handful of interviews and several prepared statements one of which asserted erroneous information the Redlands Republican has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. But Lewis, chairman of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, has declined to comment specifically on any aspect of the investigation.

Gramps asks the Citizens of Grand Terrace to hold all their elected officials up to a high standard. Also remember the old rule of thumb show me your friends and I'll tell you about yourself. Tea anyone? Grants for OAC Off-ramp Study Anyone? I could go on, but that would be redundant of me, so I'll resist that urge.

Oh ok... Some of you insist here it is: Lewis is connected to Bill Postmus who is connected to Council Member Lee Ann Garcia who is connected to Grand Terrace Local Politics. The theory of 6 degrees of relationships certainly works in this example.

Fair Government For All Grand Terrace

34343434343434343434
YOU CAN SIGN A RECALL PETITION AT THE RECALL OFFICE
BETWEEN 5:30 AND 8:30
Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Some Times More)
IN THE STATER BROTHER'S SHOPPING CENTER (909) 783-7902
OPEN WORKERS MEETING PLANNED 7:00 PM WENS AUG 2, 2006
YOUR NOT TO LATE TO OFFER HELP IN THE EFFORT PLEASE EMAIL GRANDTERRACENEWS@YAHOO.COM
***
If you have evaluated the evidence, and feel there is sufficient reason for further investigation and audit of the functioning of our City Government you may email the San Bernardino County Grand Jury your concerns via this link.
***
http://www.sbcounty.gov/grandjury/complaint.asp

Shorter Commute in Time not In Distance.

Shorter commute is in the timing

SIGNALS PROJECT:
About 600 lights will be synchronized to cut travel time by at least 12 percent.
09:14 AM PDT on Thursday, August 3, 2006

By IMRAN GHORI The Press-Enterprise

http://www.pe.com/localnews/sanbernardino/stories/PE_News_Local_B_btraffic03.2b0ab55.html#graphic

You may want to read about how more cars will be traveling through Grand Terrace faster, or at least more efficiently. This is intended not to increase business but to increase traffic flow.

A true shorter commute would result if people could live and work closer to where they live. Sustainable Communities provide for employment in the community where people live. Housing prices should be available for all levels of employment compensation within the city.

So while I am not against the savings in time and fuel that improved signals will bring, but the idea that it is a "shorter commute" is only a half truth. It certainly is going to have an impact on Grand Terrace, when more cars find that Barton Road is a better option than the freeway. Barton Road will become more of a barrier to walking, and the use of LEV's in our town. No I am not sure this is progress. Progress would be cutting the number of commute miles by 14 percent or more. Now that would be radical.