From the Email Inbox: IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT THE CAR

Subject: IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT THE CAR

To: Grand PaTerrace

Perhaps some of you folks are wondering why I kept asking the City about the 1996 Ford Crown Victoria that the City bought for Tom Schwab. My original document request asked for the deposition of the vehicles that were either traded in or sold when the City buys Mr. Schwab a new one and the amount they were sold for.

When I picked up the documents Mrs. Martinez told me there was no record of what happened to this particular City owned vehicle. Mrs. Martinez I hold blameless. She can only repeat what Mr. Schwab tells her to say.

Needless to say, I couldn't believe that City Hall (Mr. Schwab) had no record of what happened to a four door sedan owned by the City. What was the reason for this obvious lie.

So three times I went into the podium because it no longer was about just the vehicle, it was about yet another lie from the City Manager. " I have seen the long term signed leases" That was his statement at a Council meeting when questioned about a newspaper article. As we all know Jack Brown, president of Stater Brothers went into the podium and said " Jack Brown has signed nothing". We now know that Lowes had signed nothing. Yet Mr. Schwab said at a Council meeting he had sat in Mr. Jacobsens office and had seen the signed long term leases.

The Developer Agreement ran out on the 15TH of August. All the time extensions,everything. But at the Council meeting of the 24TH of August Mr. Schwab choose to ignore the question. If the Agreement has run out how can Mr. Jacobsen still be a consideration and going to have a new plan in 90 days? All his 90 days are up. In July there was a parcel of RDA land transferred to Mr. Jacobsen without the required by law public hearing. Why? Is Grand Terrace above the law? All the lawsuits seem to answer that one.

August 10TH I asked at Council to have Mr. Schwab make clear the status of the Senior Housing. Ms. Silverstein stood before this community and said that the apartments were to be for low to moderate income Seniors. Mr Schwab said the same thing many times. She said it at a Community meeting, a Planning Commission meeting and at two Council meetings and said our seniors would be on a list. Mrs. Harford is under the impression that our Seniors will qualify and that JoAnn Johnson will be the manager. The Corporation for Better Housing has their own management company.

Our City put in $9,000,000 on the $18,000,000 on the no open bid contract. State law requires open bids on anything over $5000. The Corporation for Better Housings part of the funds comes from the Government that requires the Senior Housing be Section 8 housing. In fact after the deal was done Ms. Silverstein was quoted in the newspapers as saying the Senior Housing was going to be now for low to low low incomes.

This, I am very sure, would eliminate most if not all of our Seniors from consideration for an apartment there. I went on the Corp for Better Housing website and called all their locations. Everyone of them is Section 8 housing so why would the Blue Mountain Villa's be different.

At the August 10 and and August 24TH Council meeting Councilman Miller and myself requested of Mr. Schwab to tell the community the truth about the Seniors Housing. He had to know from the outset of this project that it was Section 8 housing and just let our Seniors believe that they would qualify to get their support. At the August 24TH meeting Mr. Schwab choose to ignore the question.

Are you starting to catch on here folks. What I want to make clear is that four of the Council members were aware of the car deal. Councilman Miller was not and had asked questions also. Mr Miller also shared my concerns on the Senior Housing the rest of the Council sat there like gagged monkeys.

When any citizen comes into the podium and ask questions that are without a doubt being answered with lies or not all it's time for the Mayor to do her job. She should have instructed Mr. Schwab to answer about the car and the Senior Housing. By not doing so leads us to believe she is part and the enabler of the lies. Less we forget the Dodson property deal where she told the community that "no reportable action was taken" when in fact Councilman Hilkey said that a deal was done within ten minutes with former Councilman Carlstrom, owner of Terra Loma Reality and employer of Councilwoman Cortes and former Planning Commissioner Bidney.Mr. Hilkey stated at Council we paid too much for a piece of property the City did not need. Mr. Carlstrom now manages the property. It is if not interesting if not un-nerving to see how many parcels of property Mr. Carlstrom was given by the City to sell. They are even those that he has sold to the RDA and when the RDA found they could not be rehabbed they where then given to Mr. Carlstrom to sell again.

Here's a question that should bring more questions about the Dodson's property deal and possible conflicts. Before Mr. Schwab bought his RDA house with whom did he reside. Perhaps the other blogger in Grand Terrace would like to go into the podium and ask that."The Truth?" "You Can't Handle The Truth". Thanks Bogie.

Now are you getting the picture and why there are some of us that go into the podium and question. What shocks me is that we have a majority of a Council that are well aware of the repeated lies being told to the community and they tacitly give their approval. So, It's not about the car. It's about the lies and most likely illegal sale of a city owned vehicle. Why else would there "be no record" when Tom Schwab knew good and well what he did with a city owned vehicle and lied and made other people be part of the lie and finally be made at a council meeting to tell the truth.

You see why the recalls are important. Until there is a change brought about and the good honest citizens stand up and say enough of this "good ol boy" stuff we will just go on being over run by developers that contribute to Council members campaigns and City functions and get their projects approved over the objections of the hundreds of voters that have raised their voices. We don't disagree with development. We disagree with the way it is done. If everything was being done honestly and legally and in the open there would be no need to lie. When the Council allows this to happen all one can think is that they approve and are a party to it. It is time for a Federal Grand Jury investigation.

The car? It was sold to the assistance City manager. Anyone out there know about that and when the open bidding was on a piece public property. You think maybe that's why Mr. Schwab wouldn't answer what happened to it?

Bill Hays

Gramps adds:

Bill you are correct, and what else is under the iceburg. What the Citizens have discovered, watched, and become aware of is only the tip of the iceburg I fear. But, as with any fear it is better to inform one's self, and deal with the total problem. It is clear a Full Audit and Investigation of the City and City Manager is Due. Perhaps this information on the Car will result in a REAL Investigation into the actions of the City Manager, City Council, and "Friends" of the Council.

3 Minute Mayor Disregards Request to Speak on Agenda Item:

Cindi Bidney reports that she had submitted two requests to speak. One on an agenda item, approval of the last Council Minutes and the second for a Public Comment related to the Eminent Domain Reform Ordinance.

NO one knew about the Mayor Skipping over her first request to speak, but the issue is important, so I will fill you in.

Last night I submitted a request to speak to amend the minutes to include Angelica Baltazar' presentation to the City Council from the County of San Bernardino Department of public Health.

Once again Mrs. Ferre railroaded the agenda and skipped a speaker request. She consulted with the City Attorney about making the prior changes requested to the minutes before clearing that no one else had a request to speak to the minutes item. She got her answer and then requested a motion to have the minutes revised, as to the Swartfiger Trailer Repair Issues in particular.

What Ms. Bidney wanted was a more inclusive presentation of what Mrs. Baltazar had a lot to say about the ill-health of our community and the need to increase activity for all of our children is a matter of record. She quoted facts that had been presented before, but ignored. Her comments seemed to be disregarded by the council and were not reflected sufficiently in the minutes for historical reference.

The Agenda Item was Moved to be rewritten, and Ms. Bidneys request to speak on the minutes summarily dismissed or disregarded from that point.

Ms. Bidney has requested that the minutes be revised on this subject to council members and the city clerk it is hoped that the revised minutes will reflect a more inclusive representation of the statements and facts presented.

THEN the Exchange of the 3 Minutes happened when it was time to present the Eminent Domain Limitation Ord.

Mayor Ferre words welcomed people to the meeting, her actions demonstrate a different tact.

3 Minutes

Mayor Ferre interrupted a speaker while that speaker was asking for possible slight extension to reading a page of practiced material and a summary without being interrupted. BUT, the Mayor Ferry was compelled to INTERJECT that Ms Bidney would only be given 3 minutes.

Ms. Bidney managed to read the Proposed Ordinance Change, to Protect Private Property from Eminent Domain Abuse by the RDA and the City. She was starting her Summary when Mayor Ferry had to INTERJECT. PLEASE SUMMARIZE.

This NEED to Interject during an obvious Statement, and what is clearly a Summary is simply RUDE, attention getting, and it is a distraction to the speaker, and those listening.

Mayor Ferre, allowed the back and forth between Mr. Hilkey to go on and on, and on. The topic was not one that the city was going to resolve. It was interesting, but a distraction it is not like you will get a reduction on your electric bill.

Mayor Ferre, you aren't fair to everyone, you are rude to many, including other Council Members. Your March through the Agenda, and avoid discussion of topics not supported by staff is stifling to the process of governance. It is time for a New Mayor, and person with a different style of "Management" of the Meetings. A person with a broader skill set other than watching the clock and being a time keeper.

"RESERVES of 5Million" Dipped into..

It was for a refund TAB and was shown on the voucher at $1,650,709.35. To pay off debt

At the AUG 24, 2006 City Council Meeting there was an item on the Vouchers to be approved in the amount of $1,650,709.35. Now for those of you who are decimal challenged that is 1.6 Million. of the 5, or some times 4.8 million "RESERVE FUNDS" often referred to as proof of the city's financial health.

What was that money spent on... DEBT INTEREST PAYMENT... YES... DEBT INTEREST PAYMENT... DEBT that the City HAS as a RESULT of City Manager / RDA Director TOM SCHWAB's Actions which have been Approved by the City Council/RDA Board of Directors.

That is 1.6 million from WHERE? IF there weren't a DEBT would that MONEY have been available for other uses?

Thank You Council Member Miller for calling attention to the Voucher and its purpose. We Citizens would appreciate if the Voucher List was on the web along with the AGENDA... Perhaps you can make that happen for us.

Did YOU HEAR FERRE and GARCIA support Limits on Eminent Domain?

NO... me either.

In statements to the press they insinuated that Eminent Domain use in Grand Terrace was not going to happen. Well, now we may assume that is still an option as they did not voice support of giving a Measure to Limit Eminent Domain Use in Grand Terrace. Ladies you can't have it both ways. THIS is WHY you are being RECALLED...

Getting OFF of the Grid:

How can the City Government Impact your Power Bill.

Well there is no direct linkage between the two agencies. HOWEVER.

The City Can Eleminate the Requirement that All Homes be Connected to the Grid and have "POWER" on in order to be occupied.

Most People will not live off the Grid, but being Forced to Build ON the Grid, and Live on the Grid perpetuates the Dependency and the "INDEPENDENCE" of the Power Company.

New Development should be incouraged to be Solar Powered, and either Power Generators or OFF the Grid. CITY can Sponsor LOANS can be made available for HOME POWER SYSTEMS... to existing HOMES and BUSINESSES. The CITY as an Agency can DO SOMETHING about how we get power, and how we use power.

Flexing your Power... may mean to use a different source of power, and removing the REQUIREMENT FOR OCCUPANCY.

People all over the world live without the Grid... and some even with out power... Now I know this is not the desired outcome... However, when you hook up to a GRID, you pay what THEY SAY. IT IS TIME that the GRID be told we can live with you or without you...

The CITY can SAY that.

AES What we know now

We know we won't be getting any more money.
We know we won't be getting the power, (Directly) It is part of the Giant Grid.
We know we will be getting noise, heat and air pollution.
We know we will be putting fuel and chemicals near the proposed High School
We know that the City Departments of Planning, and the Sheriff's Department have provided input which is supportive to the AES Project's Application.
We know that the City has not included the information that the High School is an intended neighbor to the facility.
We know that the City Staff is trying to shrug off their ability to have an inpact on the issue.

Patricia Farley did point out the City has the responsibility to raise the issues, so that future action can be taken if necessary. The City's Silence on the matters of concern will limit future actions if they are needed.

IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE HERE IS WHERE TO START: Recommended Reading for CJUSD School Board, Planning Dept, City Council Members, and Citizens.. Apparently City Manager Tom Schwab is not interested nor does he intend to keep the community and council informed.

AES Highgrove Power Plant Project
Power Plant Licensing Case

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

and documents

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


ANNOUNCEMENTS
September 19, 2006
Public Informational Hearing and Site Visit

June 23, 2006
Data Adequacy Recommendation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Also see our
Energy Calendar
Docket Number: 06-AFC-2
(Application For Certification)

Committee Overseeing This Case:

Jackalyne Pfannenstiel, Commissioner
Chair and Presiding Member

Jeffrey Byron, Commissioner
Associate Member

Hearing Officer: Garret Shean
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Key Dates

July 19, 2006 - Commission accepts Application for Certification (AFC) as complete.
May 25, 2006 - Application for Certification (AFC) filed with California Energy Commission


General Description of Project

The AES Highgrove Project is a proposed 300-megawatt (MW) peaking power plant facility consisting of three natural-gas-fired turbines and associated equipment. The facility will be located at 12700 Taylor Street, in an industrially zoned area in the City of Grand Terrace, San Bernardino County, on the site of a power plant formerly owned by Southern California Edison (SCE). The project will consist of demolition of the old plant and constructing the new Highgrove facility on property that was once used by the former generating station for fuel oil storage.



Energy Commission Facility Certification Process

The Energy Commission's facility certifications process carefully examines public health and safety, environmental impacts and engineering aspects of proposed power plants and all related facilities such as electric transmission lines, natural gas pipelines, etc. The Energy Commission's responsibilities and similar to those of a lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CECA). Because the project will interconnect with Western's high voltage transmission line, the review will be completed jointly with Western, the federal lead agency for project.

For More Information, Please Contact:

Robert Worl
Project Manager
California Energy Commission
1516 Ninth Street, MS-15
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-651-8853
E-mail: rworl@energy.state.ca.us

For Questions About Participation In Siting Cases Contact:

Margret J. Kim
Public Adviser
California Energy Commission
1516 Ninth Street, MS-12
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-654-4489
Toll-Free in California: 1-800-822-6228
E-mail: PAO@energy.state.ca.us

News Media Please Contact:

Claudia Chandler
Assistant Executive Director
Media & Public Communications Office
Phone: 916-654-4989
E-mail: mediaoffice@energy.state.ca.us

Planning: AES and the High School

Planning seems to be a continued problem in Grand Terrace, and now it has encroached onto the Colton Joint Unified School District.

When the RDA began to aquire property in the "Industrial" area of Grand Terrace it eliminated local jobs, and a buffer between the power plant and the non Industrial Uses. AKA HOMES.

Thinking the Power Plant would be moth balled and because no one was interested at a higher use, the Light Industial property was sold to CJUSD for a High School.

Then, with an ever increasing need for power, the proposal for a Peaker Plant at the Gage Power Facility came up.

These two uses adjacent to one another seem to be at conflict with one another.. Gee ya think?

Let's see. Fule and Chemical Storage, Polution including, Heat, Noise, and Air, Traffic Flow, and A High School. HMMM Interesting Mix. ALSO note to self. Rail Track is USED and will add to noise levels at the High School.

Perhaps the old Lumber Yard, and Manufactureing and Farming, YES I said Farming was the best use of that land.... PERHAPS we have PLANNED ourselves right out of the best use of that area of town.

It will be interesting.

Trucking Trailer Repair and Sale Operations Still and Issue

The Swartsfiger Trailer Repair Facility continues to be an issue for the Neighbors. Tonight a representative from the Facility was on hand to chastise their neighbors for being a bother to her parents, and the business. Citizens and neighbors to the facility asked that the recorded statements in the minutes be corrected to represent the statements made, and they requested that the City enforce the Conditional Use Permit restrictions.

It would be interesting to know what in their mind constitutes a bother.

Ms. West the from the facility, said that the property is Commercial, "What do you expect when you live next to commercial Property". Well, the zoning of "Commercial" is different than INDUSTRIAL and or Light Manufacturing. Operations are to begin, and end at certain hours, noise and other pollution should be contained to the property, and so forth, THAT is what is expected. Those Expectations are Codified in the City ordinances for Noise, and Occupancy Permits.

SO IF the CITY was holding the Trailer Repair Company to operate in accordance to its Occupancy Permits, and the Truck and Trailer Repair Shop was in conformance then the Bothered Neighbors would be just that.

Barking Dogs, Loud Music, excessive noise from any land use should be considered as it is pollution and adds to the stress level of the community. Hours of Noise and Operations are included in all types of land use in GT.

I agree with Mr. Miller, all the problems should be set out and detailed and resolved one by one. Stopping the you bug me, you bother me, you harass us back and forth as that resolves and corrects nothing.

Code Enforcement should restrict the Operations back to the Current Permits, and enforce that operational level. Variances to be made only after applied for, and approved via the proper procedure. A sit down with the parties of interest will help identify the areas where variances are needed, and may or may not be acceptable to the neighbors.

NOW WE KNOW THE CAR:

NOW we know more about the Missing Car.

TOM SCHWAB provided some more information but no documentation on the FORD Crown Victoria. IT was purchased by a city employee (Assistant City Manager Steve Berry) for allegedly 1500.00 more than the "Trade IN" Offer from the dealer when City Manager TOM Schwab went out to by himself a new car, at City Expense.

WELL. HERE is the problem. THAT TRANSACTION is ILLEGAL. FIRST, the City has not shown receipts of the transaction. Was there actually money received from Steve Berry for the purchase of the Car? WAS that money deposited into the City's BANK Account? This is part of the record requested and still not provided to the requester.

THEN we must bring out that such a purchase is in fact an illegal disposal of City Property.

City Property to be disposed has to be done in a particular sequence and procedure. IT does not include a back room negotiation for a city employee to benefit from the sale and or purchase of city or public property.

SO the Car ISSUE is not resolved, it has just come to a new chapter. All is not right with the Car Deal.

City Property of any value should be disposed of at an auction where it is available to all the public to bid on the property. The Proceeds would be paid to the City. In addition, such sales may actually exclude City Employees as being eligible bidders as they may have "Insider" information which makes their participation in such purchases to be an Ethics Question and perhaps not allowed by law. Further information needed on this issue.

AES and the CITY STAFF

HOW and WHAT materials have the City Staff and the Sheriff's Department provided in Support of the AES Proposed Plan.

THESE documents suggest the RAPID RESPONCE TIME OF THE SHERIFF, and also it does not include the closure of Taylor/Pico.

Eminent Domain Reform Proposed:

Eminent Domain Reform was brought to the City Council tonight. The Proposed Ordinance read the following.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GRAND TERRACE, CALIFORNIA
THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF GRAND TERRACE HEREBY ORDAIN AND
ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

Title 2, Division 3 of the Codified Ordinances (Ordinance 187) of The City of Grand Terrace is replaced in full as follows:

Whereas: Section 1. This ordinance shall be known and may be cited as AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING THE EXERCISE OF EMINENT DOMAIN FOR PRIVATE PURPOSES.

Whereas: Section 2. The City of Grand Terrace may not exercise the power of eminent domain to acquire property from any private Owner thereof, without such Owner’s consent, when the purpose of the acquisition is to convey the property so acquired to any private party.

Whereas: As used in this section, “Owner” means the owner of the fee title interest in the property to be acquired.

Whereas: Section 3. Eminent domain is not to be used to further private economic development. The City of Grand Terrace shall not initiate or participate in any proceedings, or take any action to condemn private property for the purpose of making such property available for private development, nor shall the City participate, directly or indirectly, in such takings.

Whereas: “Participation’ means contributing, lending, providing, pledging, or foregoing, an funds, property, credit, in-kind services, or incurring any debt o lease obligation or providing any other thing of value to an agency, organization, or project.

Whereas: Section 4: Property acquired by the City of Grand Terrace through the use of eminent domain after the effective date of this charter amendment must be held or used for a public use by the City for a minimum twenty year period prior to sale, lease, transfer or other disposition by the City.

Whereas: Section 5. Amendment or Repeal.: This initiative may be amended or repealed only by the voters at a City Wide election.

Whereas: Section 6. Effective Date: Pursuant to the State of California Municipal Code section 92179217. If a majority of the voters voting on a proposed ordinance vote in its favor, the ordinance shall become a valid and binding ordinance of the city. The ordinance shall be considered as adopted upon the date that the vote is declared by the legislative body, and shall go into effect 10 days after that date. No ordinance that is either proposed by initiative petition and adopted by the vote of the legislative body of the city without submission to the voters, or adopted by the voters, shall be repealed or amended except by a vote of the people, unless provision is otherwise made in the original ordinance.


ONLY Council Member Miller Commented that he agreed the issue deserves consideration and should be on an up coming agenda. He suggested that an Ordinance Proposed Previously be given consideration also.

A copy of the other Proposed Ordinance would be nice to have to read.

10 Felony 5 Misdemeanor Counts... how many in GT?

John Harper is the City Attorney for both Communities:

Thursday, August 24, 2006
Last modified Wednesday,
August 16, 2006 9:41 PM PDT
Van Haaster opponents say recall vindicated by arrest
By: LAURA MITCHELL - Staff Writer
MURRIETA ---- Members of a group behind last year's recall of Jack van Haaster said Wednesday they felt vindicated by his arrest, but supporters of the former mayor said he should not be judged prematurely.Van Haaster, who served on the Murrieta City Council from 1992 until he was voted out of office in 2005, has been charged by the district attorney's office with 10 felonies and five misdemeanor counts relating to his role on the council.

Read the rest of the story at:

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2006/08/17/news/californian/21_02_009_16_06.txt

Hmmmm

Aug 10 2006 Minutes Available

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

The Aug 10 2006 Minutes are Available:

They are an interesting read. It is a PDF file... for those of you who have a problem down loading from the city's web site. Email me and I'll send you a copy..

Gramps

What YOU CAN DO :

ReCall Petitions Will Be Available for Signature at the City Council Meeting

Please be Courteous

Do NOT "Distract" the Council Members while they are Conducting City Business

Take home some Petitions and become a Signature Collector. You can collect the signature of your household, and neighbors.

Hold a Recall Petition Party on each block. Have some fun with the task.

Thanks to you all who want to

IMPROVE the Governance of Our Community rather than have it stay in its current state.

REPLACE & RECALL & REFORM

NOT in Grand Terrace

You can't effectively use a LEV (Light Electric Vehicle) or NEV (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle), in Grand Terrace.

WHY? Well the answer is the 40 mph Speed limit on Mt. Vernon and Barton Rd dividing our community and thus making it Illegal to drive an LEV or NEV to the shopping district or to 3/4th of the town.

Once upon a time there were no stop signs on except at the corner of Mt. Vernon and Barton Rd. NOW, we have stop lights at nearly every intersection on both streets. THESE lights slow traffic to effectively lower than 35 mph as an average sensible speed. BUT try to mention reducing the speed limit and you get a resounding NO.

It is a waste of fuel to rush and speed up to 40 between lights and stops. Opportunity to use an LEV and NEV should be encouraged not discouraged. IF we didn't spend 24, 000.00 for cars and 3.00 per gal for fuel, we may be able to work in GT and parent our children. OH lets not be progressive and selfsustaining. Solar panels can charge these little cars.

Who is doing the best for you?

Street legal in 35 mph zone. 2002 Lido with odometer 515. Licensed & has 40 mile range with charge. Rear wheel drive, rack & pinion steering, hydraulic brakes. Seats "2", seat/lap belts, saftey auto glass, "2" mirrors, stereo, & locking trunk. Looks like a PT Crusier or a small pickup truck.

NEXT

CITY OF GRAND TERRACE

COUNCIL MEETING

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

AUGUST 24, 2006

GRAND TERRACE CIVIC CENTER

6:00 PM

22795 Barton Road

Agenda Below

Vote for LLOYD H. DODD: REPLACE & REFORM

Vote:
LLOYD H. DODD, III

GT City COUNCIL MEMBER

Received 1369, Votes in the November 2nd, 2004 Election.

Dodd recently said in an interview, "he would look at issues from a fresh perspective if elected". "I feel the council is doing a good job, but I feel some new blood may need to be on it".

He proposes additional programs and activities for children and youth. He supports plans for a larger library and wants to bring in specialty shops and restaurants. "We want to keep people in our town," "If they can shop and dine in Grand Terrace, the city makes more money."


Lloyd Dodd, (909) 783-4985 or (909) 824-8608., 22626 Tanager St, Grand Terrace, CA 92313

Grandpa says: Lloyd H Dodd gets my nod, as Council Member Cortes must be replaced with the HOPE that the Replacement will require accountability of the City Management that Cortes failed to provide. Let's HOPE that Lloyd Dodd will reverse Ord. 187 the Eminent Domain Code. Let's HOPE that the Programs and Development Lloyd Dodd approves will be financially sound, and have proper Environmental Impact Studies PRIOR to being approved. WE KNOW the history and associations of BEA CORTES it it time to REPLACE and REFORM. BRING HOPE BACK to the Citizens of Grand Terrace.

From the Email InBox: More on FERRE/GARCIA

Isn't it interesting that Ms. Farren always takes the position that poor Ferre and Garcia are being singled out. Never mind that they are bulldozing their efforts to force development onto the citizens of Grand Terracce. They say they are representing the citizens, but they don't care to hear what the citizens have to say, unless it supports their efforts. Their actions contradict what they say to the paper.

From the Email InBox: RECALL a DISTRACTION

Shock and Distraction...

The Council Member's Continued Characterization of the Recall being a Distraction is interesting. HOW has the Recall Distracted the City Manager from running the City? Is it a bother to have to answer questions, not that they have.

Shock, what do you expect the results would be when you conduct or fail to exercise proper oversight of the City's Operations.

Where is the City's Car.
What is the REAL DEBT?
WHY did we by the City Manager, a HOUSE, and 2 CARS? IN ADDITION TO his PAY?

WHERE ARE THE REQUEST for Bids on the OAC, TC, and BMSV?

It was on the INSISTENCE of Council Member Miller that the AC was put to Bid... EVEN that deal had to have funny money transfers to cover the bill.

Where and When were the Public Hearings on the RDA Land Sales, and Transfers?

WHEN THESE THINGS DON'T HAPPEN... THE CITY COUNCIL SHOULD DIRECT THE CITY MANAGER TO MAKE THEM HAPPEN. They did not.

Your 3 minutes are up, please summarize is not dignified... and your comments are duly noted and will never be on the agenda is not dignified.

IF you find the Recall a Excessive Distraction... Perhaps you are not fit for office.

YOU HAVE NOT ENDED THE THREAT OF ED FOR ALL PROPERTY OWNERS... YOU AS COUNCIL MEMBERS COULD REVERSE CITY ORD 187...

Review of PE Coverage: RECALL IN THE NEWS

A Quick Review:

When you read Please Review the Documents.
StatementS and more

Garcia's Reports

DEBT BONDS and LONG TERM DEBT.... 5 Million RESERVE is A DROP IN THE BUCKET and is for DAY TO DAY OPERATIONAL FUNDS... not to off SET THE DEBT... The DEBT THIS COUNCIL APPROVED at the Direction of CITY MANAGER TOM SCHWAB AND ATTN HARPER.


LONG TERM RDA/CITY DEBT THEY REFUSE TO ACCEPT EXISTS

DebtDebt

Debt


Eminent Domain For You?
and page 2



threatthreat


Julie Ferran has attempted again to get some ink on the page related to the Recall in Grand Terrace.

See:

Leaders speak out on recall efforts
Press-Enterprise (subscription), CA - 3 hours ago
GRAND TERRACE: Two in city public office answer to complaints in petitions filed by a citizens group. By JULIE FARREN. GRAND TERRACE ...
http://www.pe.com/localnews/sanbernardino/stories/PE_News_Local_B_bcouncil22.3db1a42.html

Residents group identifies issues
Press-Enterprise (subscription), CA - 3 hours ago
POLITICS: Four areas of concern surround the drive to recall a mayor and a councilwoman. By JULIE FARREN. The group seeking to remove ...

http://www.pe.com/localnews/sanbernardino/stories/PE_News_Local_B_bcouncilside22.3db1b2b.html


I offer no more of my own words, just the documents.

AND a challenge:

Council Member Garcia: Show the public the Competitive Bid or Bid Request for Proposals for the Senior Housing/Senior Center Project. Show us the Bid Request for the Town Center Development/ or OAC. SHOW US the Competitive Bids for the "Work" given to Terra Loma. Provide a Report showing the Distribution of Contract Bids, and Awards. YOU can't do this because it does not exist.

We are sure you Council Woman Garcia, treat all the people who make donations to your campaign the same. The question is how do you treat them compared to the PUBLIC of Grand Terrace who did not provide support to your campaign?

It is not of significance who Council Member Ferre's Father was, or how old the Child of Council Member Garcia is. This information is provided as a distraction and is not cogent to the matters at hand. These are attempts to gain personal pity or allegiances on the basis of associations not related to the responsibilities of the role of a Council Member. Don't get personal cuts both ways.

Recall the Recall

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

YOUR NOT TO LATE TO OFFER HELP IN THE EFFORT

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Agenda For Council Meeting Aug 24, 2006 with Notes..

CITY OF GRAND TERRACE
COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
AUGUST 24, 2006
GRAND TERRACE CIVIC CENTER
6:00 PM
22795 Barton Road

THE CITY OF GRAND TERRACE COMPLIES WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990. IF YOU REQUIRE SPECIAL ASSISTANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING, PLEASE CALL THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE AT (909) 824-6621 AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING.

IF YOU DESIRE TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL DURING THE MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE A REQUEST TO SPEAK FORM AVAILABLE AT THE ENTRANCE AND PRESENT IT TO THE CITY CLERK. SPEAKERS WILL BE CALLED UPON BY THE MAYOR AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME.

* Call to Order -
* Invocation - Pastor Salim Elias, Azure Hills Seventh-Day Adventist Church
* Pledge of Allegiance -
* Roll Call -

AGENDA ITEMS

CONVENE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
1. Approval of 08-10-2006 Minutes
ADJOURN COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY


CONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
1. Items to Delete
2. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

A. Commendation - Outgoing Planning Commissioner Bidney

B. Recognition - Grand Terrace Little League Softball 9-10 All- Star Team

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 24, 2006 Staff Recommendation Approve

B. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda Staff Recommendation Approve

C. Approval of 08-10-2006 Minutes Staff Recommendation Approve

D. Lease Agreement - Colton Joint Unified School District Community Services Building
Staff Recommendation Approve

4. PUBLIC COMMENT

This is the opportunity for members of the public to comment on any items not appearing on the regular agenda. Because of restrictions contained in California Law, the City Council may not discuss or act on any item not on the agenda, but may briefly respond to statements made or ask a question for clarification. The Mayor may also request a brief response from staff to questions raised during public comment or may request a matter be agendized for a future meeting.

5. REPORTS

A. Committee Reports

1. Crime Prevention Committee
a. Minutes of July 10, 2006

B. Council Reports

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None

7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

A. Second Reading of 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

8. NEW BUSINESS

A. AES - Discussion Item

Gramps adds: AES will be Approved by the State Regulatory commission. However, GT Planning Dept., and the Sheriff Department Provided input to the applications. THIS is an important issue for the Placement of the High School and future use of that area including the traffic flow with the proposed closure of Pico. Noise, Heat, Air Quality all may not be compatible with the two uses being adjacent.

9. CLOSED SESSION - None


ADJOURN
THE NEXT CRA/CITY COUNCIL MEETING WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2006 AT 6:00 P.M.

AGENDA ITEM REQUESTS FOR THE 09-14-2006 MEETING MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE CITY CLERKÂ’S OFFICE BY NOON 09-07-2006.

What is not on the Agenda:

Report and Audit of the Financess of GT DAYS as requested by Council Member Miller.

Notice of Termination of DDA with Jacobsen Family Holdings due to failure to meet dates and performance requirements contained in the DDA (Designated Developer Agreement).

Status of RDA Land Transfers done without Public Notice and Public Hearings as Required by State Law.

Report of the Disposition with documentation of the Automobile Purchased for the Use of the City Manager.

Report on the Disposition on Pending Law Suits against the City.

Report on the Update of State Required Updates to Housing Plan, Traffic Plan, and General Plan being in Agreement with Zoning.

Report on the full debt of the RDA/City and INCOME and DEBT Payment Plan.

Report or Notice of Action and Direction given from the Council to the City Manager.

Answer to 38 emails from New Readers:

Have I read Terrace Truth...? Yes... I find it to be one man's opinion... an opinion based on no research other than to read the city web page.

Is there ONE GrandpaTerrace or Many? Yes There is the web master site monitor who posts all the input from the other Grandpas who contribute to the site.

Why is there no open comments posted like on other blogs? I want children to be able to read the blog, and some times I have to redirect some language. I also had to stop folks from posting links to not related sites and products, and spam control.

Do you support the AES POWER PLANT and the GT High School?

The Power Plant is a Pre Existing Use and Site, and the New Updated Plant is an imporvement over the old one which in theory could be fired up if needed. However, I would like it better if it were a more innovateve mixture of technology. I also know that the Power Plant has little to do with Grand Terrace's Power Supply as it feeds into the BIG GRID.... not just to GT. I also know a bit of income will result and the city will enjoy the increased income and needs it to pay off the Debt that Mr. Schwab has made for us.

I would encourage all citizens to hold the Sheriff and City in account for the data they provided the AES application. I find some of it to be un true. A 4 minute Responce time for the Sheriff is not a reality, not even close. We know that is a fiction, and yet it is provided as part of the facts in the AES application. I find fault with the City Manager, City Council and School Board for not being ON TOP of this. I have had several ask me for links to the state web site, or downloaded reports, because STAFF did not provide the information to them.

I am for building a High School. I am for building many Small High Schools rather than one Mega Detention Center aka High School. An EFFECTIVE population for a High School should not EXCEED 2000 students. I also don't think that ALL high schools must have HUMUGUS FootBall Fields, Music, Dance, and other activities can be accomplished in less space, and with less physical risk to the participants, and annoyance to the neighbors of the school. I don't think that commercial property across from a power plant is a good place for a High School.

Why do you support change of the the Council? We aren't being well served by the council we now have. It is kind of like if you were a puppy would you stay with an owner who beats you daily if there may be a friendly human on the other side of the fence. Sure that human on the other side of the fence is an unknown, but it comes to a point a change is worth the risk, when the known has gotten bad enough.

Do you really think everyone should have a goat? NO... That is just an extreme example of how the City Code will limit an individual's rights and then not impose the same time of restrictions on business or their friends. A goat, is less noise and smell than a Doberman, or a Semi Tractor delivering lumber. A goat, eats weeds, a dog eats dog food. A goat can produce meat and milk. A dog produces.... Well... I let you fill in that one.

I do think any one who wants a goat, or a chicken should be able to have a goat, or a few chickens, rabbits. I think that folks should be encouraged to have fruit and nut bearing trees, and reduce high water use ornamental yards. Frugal and Practical.

A forward looking City should look into a mixture of development which will add to sustainable and respect all forms of economic activity. Retail and consumerism and OVER dependence on Raising Housing Prices and thus greater and greater debt is a road to HOVERVILLE, (For those of you who don't remember, these were the encampments of homeless prior to and during the great Depression. Add a dust bowl, or an additional burden on the economy and poof we have problems we are not well prepared for as as city, or a community.

Why only recall Ferre and Garcia, and not Cortez and Hilkey and Miller?

Well, Cortez and Hilkey were up for re-election so they could not be recalled.

Miller is new to the council and is being given a chance to see the writing on the wall so to speak. He is showing potential.

Ferre and Garcia are eligible for recall as they were not up for re election. Ferre running for Mayor is a way to avoid recall, if she wins the mayor she also will be party to picking her replacement on the council, the voters may not get an elected replacement until the next election.

Why do you dislike Mr. Schwab? I don't like people who lie. I don't like people who take personal advantage of a situation to provide themselves with income and perks greater than should be reasonable for the work they do. I don't like people who make back room land deals, and run up debts that others will have to pay for down the road.

I don't like any one who tries to force people off their land, to give or sell it to some one else.

Why is the tone of your blog the way it is? The tone of the blog is the harmonic inverse of the counterpoint of the Council and Schwab and others offended by this blogs tone. IF you took their writing, quotes, and statements, and put your name as the subject, or did a role play and switched actors you will find their tone to be more offending. Virginia Harford never answers the points raised but complains that she doesn't know who Grandpa is... so those offended by the tone are hearing their own tunes played with them as the melody.

When a Council Member calls citizens who bring a Law Suit .... Eco Terrorists... That tone is wrong. When Bill Hays is asked "His Purpose of LIFE".. or who appointed him to monitor the Council? OR even attacks on a unnamed writer as a defense to what is being said rather than not addressing what is said, is a tone that should be noted.

When the Stop Clock is more important than what is being said .... That tone is wrong.

When Zones and Plans Prohibit the development or restrict the use of property of a land owner, and then those are tossed out to aid a Developers desires... There is a tone problem..

When donations to GT Days, and Concerts are made by Developers and Suppliers with issues before the Council and Planning Department... that sets a bad tone.

Protect your Property Rights, Individual Freedom, and Your Right to Speak. INSIST on a Well Run Government.

Why do you list the arrests?

I list the arrests because the City Refuses to. There were several statements by Tom Schwab and members of the Council that it would be bad for our City's Reputation and Housing Prices if the REAL facts were available.

I still can't get the Calls into the Dispatcher, as a result of the City Manager/City Councils directive to the sheriff... BUT, I can report on the Arrests recorded on the booking log.

This information shows that Drugs, DUI,and Vehicle Code Violations are the Arrests Made. Of course where you have Drugs, and DUI, or Drinking you have families in distress, theft, graffiti, and youth without proper parenting being given to them.

This information also demonstrates the time it takes to book one person who is arrested and the need for additional officers to cover the town.

This information also is a protection as during these times, people could go missing or be arrested by the government and it not be reported.

Do you think there should be a total investigation into the finances and contracts of the city?

YES, and if Criminal Charges are the result so be it. IT is important that Government is held more in account than individuals.

Do you support the idea every house should have a Business Permit?

YES, and that should be a given, with out a fee. The Permit would list a business and put you in a directory. IF more people would work from home, more parenting time will be available, less hours will be spent on freeways, it will result in a real reduction in the commute. When a home costs 400.000.00 you should be able to use that investment for more than just sleeping. Homebased businesses should not be forced to be the new black market. GT could become a city of Homebased Businesses, even if no sales taxes resulted, the benefit in the increased Parenting Availability would off set a great deal of the cost of Youth Programs needed to cover the commute hours. Home based Businesses can be flexible so Parents can Parent.

Child Care, Assisted Living, Group Homes, all are important to the community and should be known and not forced to operate in the shadows, because getting a permit to operate is problematic.

Ebay sellers, Tutors, Craft Makers, or other home based business should all be encouraged no facilitated to be part of the local economy, and health of the community. IF Grand Terrace were an Island what would we need for our community? That would be a way of thinking how to have a sustainable city. IS it Possible for GT to be Self Sufficient? I think so.. IF we wanted to make it so we could. Without giant Debt..

Well keep reading... there are over 1000 posts and some of those have many support documents...

Gramps..

You might want to Read:

http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_4208975

The Sun Article does link to the GrandTerraceNews.Blogspot and that is a good thing Hope folks stop by and read...

The blog is about more than the Recall, and if you are a new reader... Welcome. I suggest you read from the oldest post to the most current.

This blog started because the City REFUSED to provide information on their Web Site. Arrests, and Agendas and Minutes were the start of this web blog.

Again, Welcome New Readers.

Gramps..

Related EMAIL From the Email InBox

Dear Gramps/Readers:

As usual Mr. Wall did not use all my quotes. The Senior Housing being section 8 and the Seniors being promised by Schwab that they would live there. Most of our seniors are over qualified for Government subsidized rent and at that there are waiting lists for Section 8 housing over a year long.

The OAC and Senior Housing and the Town Center and Essco and the Peaker Plant and on and on where the City Manager, Planning Mis-Director and Council choose to (or will choose to), have to listen to a Superior Court Judge instead of the will of the people. These projects have been stopped by the courts for either violating the law, not following guidelines and laws set down by the Government or both. Mr. Schwab and Mr. Koontz are paid, and in Mr. Schwab case, $150,000 a year to know what they are doing.

Perhaps Mr. Reinarz will post on his site the cost to the tax payers in legal fee's for this ineptness and incompetence. In fact, if anyone wants to sue the City of Grand Terrace we are easy "pickings".

We haven't won a law suit yet. I'm sure Mr. Reinarz believes that it is Grandterracenews.blogspot website's fault. It could never be the management of this Cites fault. What other City would allow their City manager to remain employed if he is unable to get a project through legally, with open bids and not get the City in a law suit every time he advises the council that everything is "A O.K".

You would think this Council would learn that when Mr. Schwab makes "Staff Recommendations" that it's time to do their job and review everything because there will inevitably be a "Skunk in the woodpile" somewhere.

On the Essco project two lawyers, one being hired by the City, told the Council not to approve it. Councilwoman Cortes after a nudge from Council woman Ferre, moved for the vote on it by saying one of the most air headed things of the many she says at Council. "If it's good enough for the Planning Commission, it's good enough for the Council".

Within a week that statement landed the City and the taxpayers in yet another lawsuit. This is why the three of them need to be removed. They have no idea what they are doing or supposed to be doing.

Another good example. Councilwoman Cortes has arranged to change Council meeting nights, starting next January, if she is still on the Council, from Thursdays to Tuesdays because the G.O.P. (Republicans) have their meetings on Thursdays and she can't go. They already changed the time of the meeting from 7:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. which has cut down on attendance what was obviously the plan.

Why not give the citizens a say instead of arranging the meeting. around a social calander. This is the type of of thing that shows that they believe they are there for social functions and pictures in the paper. Just let them be Council people don't make them be bothered with details of whats going on at City Hall.

The people went into the podium by the scores and voiced their opposition to the "pie-in-sky" projects brought to the city by Mr. Schwab in no bid contracts in violation of the law. The Citizens voices fell and continue to on deaf ears by most of the Council. In fairness Mr. Miller seems to have his eyes and ears open more than the others. Still that is three and most times four to one odds.

Mr.Schwab signs his own purchase orders for the cars the city will buy him, which again is a violation of State law and then can't or won't provide documentation as to what happened to the vehicle's that are replace. I asked for the third time at the last Council meeting what became of the last vehicle that the City bought for Mr. Schwab. How can they not account for a City owned vehicle? He may not sign a purchase order in which he stands to gain financially. It is illegal folks. Wouldn't you want to know what else if anything is being done without the voters knowledge?

Mr Wall called me and asked if I read the Blobsite by Mr. Reinarz. I told him that it must be very difficult for Mr. Reinarz to write it while sitting on Mr. Schwabs lap. Mr. Reinarz, from my understanding, is in the business of evidence analyzing. I would hope the way he has not used those skills, if in fact they exist, to actually bring "The Truth" to the Community, would not trans-send to his professional opinions.

When I looked at his site it was nothing but the Cities mantra that gave no evidence to back up Mr. Reinarz's opinion. When GrandPa Terrace challenged him to disprove anything on this website or to prove anything Mr. Reinarz says on his website, he provided nothing but his opinion once again, unsubstantiated by fact or document. Should you decide to visit Mr. Reinarz's site, ask him to provide documentation to disprove the documentation to the REAL TRUTH the GrandTerraceNews.blogspot site provides.

One last comment. There is no Grandpa Terrace. There are many, many Grandpa Terraces. The Citizens that have brought forth the documents and evidence of the Cities either unethical or illegal practices are Grandpa Terrace. Bill Hays and yes I am also a Grandpa.

Well here is what Gramps thinks.

I don't really care what Brian thinks about Gramps being un named... If they knew who I was, then what??? How will that change the facts? That it BUGS them is interesting.

What if I were a City Employee who just wanted to have fun? What if I were a former Council Member? What If I were a clerk at a store? WHO Cares..... Read the Documents....

IF and that is a BIG IF he wanted to point out where the City Purchased Cars have gone, or why the REAL Financial Accounting is hiding a 40 year debt, or why the Council Members have Failed to exercise sufficient control and oversight of the City Manager, I'd be interested.

What do Ferre and Garcia think they are being recalled for... 3 minute rule. NO, they are being recalled for their lack of Oversight of Plans Presented, Contract Done without Bids, and Development Plans which are not in agreement with the General Plan, or Barton Rd Specific Plan. They are being recalled for their inability to reconcile their prior campaign statements with their current actions. They are being recalled because things just don't add up at City Hall and THEY have the power or responsibility to make sure it does.

Tone... Yeah, I get the tone is harsh, when it isn't lalalala... some folks may be upset with the tone...

The Grandterracenews.blogspot.com lists actual arrests in GT, without this the current real crimes would not be fully appreciated by the citizens or council. The Grandterracenews.blogspot.com provides information on GT Events and other Local Family Events. The Grandterracenews.blogspot has hundreds of documents to support its opinion and encourages citizens to evaluate the FACTS in the documents. OR in some cases the LACK of documents.

Land Transfers without Public Hearings, Cars go missing, No Bid Contracts, Development Deals where Eminent Domain is used prior to Council or RDA Board Approval. etc. etc.

any thing else?

Brian has not once disproved a fact. Tone.... well his 3 minutes are up on the tone problem, no one forces him to read my out of tone blog... yet he keeps reading..

Brian closes with a statement he wants to increase the number of voters. Now that is a possitive sound bite.. A slogan hard to argue against.

This GrandTerraceNews.Blog s wants more informed Voters and Citizens so that they not only are good a making their choice when they vote, but are active participants in their government AFTER the election.

Herman Hilkey's Parting Comments:

Herman Hilkey 16 year veteran of the City Council has an interesting interview in the Aug 17 edition of the Grand Terrace City News, (Not affiliated with this blog) .

The final statement I find particularly interesting. He said that being on the City Council was a challenge and an interesting balance between the city management and the desires of the public. I find this an insight to the root of this city's problems.

Mr. Tom Schwab the City Manager being elevated to equal status of the "Public". The City Manager should be the Servant of the Council. The City Council should be directing the City Manager's actions by their understanding of the desires of the community.

Mr. Tom Schawab nor the Staff he hires should have a superior position of influence of an action than the public will. OF course if Mr. Harper reads a law and interpreted it as a professional and puts that interpretation in writing, it may be considered a professional opinion rather than a desire, or feeling. IT should not mandate a decision or direction or goal or even necessarily an action. It also seems it would be prudent to consider his legal advise as suspect considering how many of his clients are in trouble with the law, or debt. Most of his comments are NOT put in writing and therefor he can't be held accountable for his "advise".

Thank you Council Member Hilkey for your service. Good luck with your efforts as a Science Instructor. Being a Good Teacher, and parent is a continued service to the community. For that future service we also thank you.

You can now at least speak for 3 minutes and IF your interesting get an extension. This improvement is in part a result of your making it an issue. This may be the most important act of your 16 years of service.

Gramps

From the Email InBox: On Mention of the Recall in the Sun.

Dear Gramps:

Your response to the Sun propaganda was spot on. In the 2004 election cycle the Sun would print no opinion that criticized any candidate that was an incumbent. They printed every letter that came in making derogatory comments about Mr. Guzman and Mr. Dodd. In fact Dodd was hardly mentioned if it would take space away from slamming Mr. Guzman.

It appears the incumbents, Ferre, and hopefully Garcia, will use their connections in the Sun again in their campaigns to fight off a well deserved recall. They can discuss no issue because they have no idea what the issues are unless it's to fumble through the agenda and pose for pictures in the chamber rag. It is evident when a citizen comes into the Council meetings and addresses Ferre or Garcia with a direct question. Tom Schwab will answer because they can't. I believe the biggest fear Ferre has is to be placed in a position where she would have to answer a question concerning City business. She can't. Being Mayor to her is a social position.

The article is without a doubt written by a "Friend of Ferre" campaign person because if they had done any research they would have found that the recalls are not a "just for the heck of it".

The Recalls are serious. The recalls are a result of years of research of the mismanagement and untruths by the Council and Tom Schwab. It is time to put a stop to the 'Good Ol boy politics" that have made the friends of Ferre wealthy at the expense of the City. Here is a challenge. Council women Ferre and Garcia make your income tax returns public from the time you came on to the Council to present. Won't happen if they have something to hide.

Gramps says: Thanks for the added information and thoughts.

Murrieta and Grand Terrace Connection: John Harper

John Harper City Attorney for Murrieta and Grand Terrace. Bring to mind the Council Provided the Council is Often the "Reason for the Decision Made". Keep in mind that City Attorney is hired by "City Manager Tom Schwab".

Recall the UN Named Council Members who he advised regarding a Development Deal Conflict who are going to be sued IF the Development Deal falls through?

THIS is the Quality of the PROFESSIONALS hired by MR. Tom Schwab.

Google will result in 500 hits on Murrieta and "John Harper" here are just a few.

Smell familiar? WE can't Recall Harper, or Schwab or Koontz. WE can Recall and replace all the Council that Fail to Fire, Replace, and Provide Oversight of them.

Murrieta council to consider new voting rule North County Times ...Murrieta City Attorney John Harper said Friday that it would only take three council members to approve Gibbs' proposal for requiring a four-fifths majority ...
www.nctimes.com/articles/2006/02/04/news/Californian/22_10_172_3_06.txt - 60k - Cached - Similar pages
[ More results from www.nctimes.com ]


PE.com Inland Southern California MurrietaMurrieta Councilman Warnie Enochs has the chance tonight to dispute allegations ... City Attorney John Harper said Tuesday that Enochs may not have violated ...
www.pe.com/localnews/murrieta/stories/PE_News_Local_R_svote15.299ea9e.html - 57k - Cached - Similar pages


PE.com Inland Southern California MurrietaMurrieta Councilman Warnie Enochs, who faces 14 felony charges in a criminal ... City Attorney John Harper would not release the complaint against Enochs, ...
www.pe.com/localnews/murrieta/stories/PE_News_Local_S_swarnie09.4513e24.html - 67k - Cached - Similar pages
[ More results from www.pe.com ]

RDA DEMO Barton Road House Continues

The Demo of one of the last Historical homes in Grand Terrace is taking place. Neighbors report the Demo not being done in accordance with sound practices and procedures.

Another day of Demo.
The crew not happy about the methods being photographed by neighbors. The crew broke a water line today and water was going down past Michigan.

The list of procedural and practice problems goes on and on.
No CEQA CE to demo.
No water truck for 3-4 days.
Start work without water truck.
Dust blowing.
Smell of diesel.
Incursion on to adjoining property and running over no-trespass signs.

This IS RDA PROPERTY, and a PUBLIC HEARING, PUBLIC NOTICE and PROPER PERMITS should have been on file and available for inspection regarding the DEMO of this HOUSE. The Contract to Demo should have been available for Bid and done in a OPEN UP FRONT Way... not some back room deal tied to other back room deals.

Local officials Held In Account:

Former Murrieta Mayor Indicted

Jack van Haaster allegedly acted on a conflict of interest and provided false information, further stoking the town's political intrigues.By Maeve Reston and Susannah Rosenblatt, Times Staff WriterAugust 17, 2006 The former mayor of Murrieta was indicted Tuesday for allegedly pressuring city officials to issue permits to his daughter's day care center while he was in office and hiding his financial interest in the facility.Jack van Haaster, 49, also faces felony charges of perjury and filing false documents for failing to report that he had received close to a half-million dollars in loans from city residents and business owners, according to the Riverside County district attorney's office.

Van Haaster's arrest adds to the political turmoil in the southwestern Riverside County town of 78,000.In January, Councilman Warnie Enochs was charged with extortion, forgery and subornation of perjury for, among other allegations, threatening to break a tile contractor's leg if he didn't help him cheat his wife in a divorce settlement. Enochs remains on the council and is scheduled to go on trial in the fall.In May 2005, Van Haaster was booted from office in a recall campaign that targeted him, current Mayor Kelly Seyarto and Councilman Doug McAllister.

Recall supporters complained of the council haphazardly supporting new development in town and not responding adequately to residents' concerns. On Wednesday, Murrieta officials expressed surprise at the charges leveled against Van Haaster."I've never seen anything remotely suggesting that, you know, there's some sinister things going on," said Seyarto, who narrowly clung to his seat in the May 2005 recall. Van Haaster could not be reached for comment Wednesday.Van Haaster received but never reported $196,000 in loans from his employee Mildred Fletcher, $254,000 from city resident Gerald Pollack and $40,000 from two Murrieta businessmen, according to court documents that prosecutors filed his week.

Van Haaster also allegedly did not report the money he lent and then was repaid by Murrieta businessman Jim Rosa, whom he hired to do electrical work.Under state law, elected officials are required to report their financial interests in an annual disclosure statement they must sign under penalty of perjury. The charges against Van Haaster stem from "disclosures and omissions" on his financial statements that he filed from 2002 to 2005, according to prosecutors."There's nothing illegal about getting the loans," said Richard West, supervising deputy district attorney in Riverside County. "The problem was it's something that the public had a right to know about. The information was required to be reported and he didn't."Van Haaster also faces five misdemeanor conflict-of-interest charges related to his actions affecting the proposed expansion of California Oaks Childcare, the day care center owned by his daughter.

While Van Haaster was a councilman, his daughter, Rachael van Haaster, was buying 3 acres to expand her day care operation into a new 394-student center with a swim academy, West said.While serving as a city councilman in spring 2004, Jack van Haaster met privately with four city planning commissioners — appointed by the council — and pressured them to approve permits allowing his daughter to build the new center, prosecutors alleged.A month later, he voted on a road improvement package that included paving a road next to the 3-acre parcel his daughter was buying, West alleged.Court documents allege that Van Haaster did not reveal his financial interest in the company. From 2001 to 2005, he put nearly $165,000 from his bank accounts into the day care center's bank account and received about $100,000 from the center's account in his personal accounts.

Van Haaster's involvement with the day care center was a central issue in the recall campaign that removed him from office.Edward Faunce, spokesman for the group that led the recall effort, Rescue Murrieta, said members were "not the least bit surprised" by the charges against Van Haaster. Recall proponents were "absolutely, totally vindicated," he said.Van Haaster faces up to eight years in prison if convicted. He was arrested Tuesday evening and booked at the Southwest Detention Center in Murrieta and was released after posting $25,000 bail. He will appear in court Sept. 12.

Van Haaster's arrest came the same day the City Council voted 3 to 1 to formally admonish Enochs for voting on a shopping center development that employed his son as a subcontractor and that Enochs himself worked on."We couldn't look the other way," McAllister said of Enochs' ethics violation.Enochs faces 14 criminal charges for allegedly making threats in an attempt to cheat his wife in a divorce settlement and filing a false lien against his house to reduce the settlement.McAllister acknowledged that the criminal cases were a distraction from city business. "Given what we have going right now with our council and with Jack, it would be foolish to try to pretend that this doesn't bring questions to people's minds," McAllister said.

Gramps Points Out: The charges and the actions above are not exactly the same as what is happening in Grand Terrace. It would be nice if it were that clear a connection to the actor, benefactor, and action in Grand Terrace.

We do know there are deals the stink... and the smell is wafting out of the City Manager's Office and The City Council is the "Management Oversight" of the City Manager..

What has Back Room Dealing with Tom Schwab Done?

DID TOWN CENTER
DDA AGREEMENT EXPIRED
AUG 15TH, 2006?










Agreement was signed 2/15/05



Without Proper Process, Public Notice and Property Owner Participation being provided for The City Manager/RDA Director initiated an Exclusive or Designated Developer Agreement with Jacobsen Family Holdings LLC.
















Without Proper Authoization by the City Council or RDA Board the Same Mr. Schwab wrote letters to land owners "encouraging them to negotiate with Mr. Jacobsen or face the use of Eminent domain to be forced to sell".

Without Proper Process and procedure City Manager / RDA Director transferred RDA land to Jacobsen Family Holdings.

IN ADDITION: City Manager/RDA Director was caught publicly TELLING UNTRUTHS to the City Council/RDA Directors and the public regarding signed leases.

IN ADDITION: City Manager/RDA Director mislead the community and City Council / RDA BOARD in the thought that the Library was Budgeted and Financed including Operational Costs, building expense and so
forth.


TIME HAS EXPIRED

THE DDA Has Now Expired and Jacobsen Family Holdings has not met the required performance requirements.


PENDING PROBLEMS WITH THE PAST KNOWN PLANS, ZONING REQUIREMENTS AND RDA REQUIREMENTS TO REPLACE HOUSING WHICH HAS BEEN DEMOLISHED AS A RESULT OF THIS RDA ACTION.









3 THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF HOW LAND OWNERS WERE TREATED




3THIS MEETING AS NEVER HAPPENED

RDA TRANSFERS OF LAND WITHOUT PUBLIC HEARINGS

CONFLICT BETWEEN COUNTY RECORDS, ZONING, GENERAL PLAN, AND THE TOWN CENTER PLAN OR THE BARTON ROAD PLAN, AND THE ENTANGLEMENTS OF RDA BEING PARTY TO THE DEVELOPMENT BY JACOBSEN OR ANY PARTY HENCE FORTH.







WHAT WILL RESULT ON BARTON ROAD? WHAT WILL IT BRING TO TOWN, DAY WORKERS, DRUNK DRIVERS, NOISE, EMPTY STORE FRONTS, CRIME?





EFFECTIVE CITY COUNCIL/RDA DIRECTOR OVERSIGHT SHOULD HAVE AVOIDED THESE SITUATIONS AND THE LARGE DEBT THAT IS DRIVING THE NEED TO SELL THE COMMUNITY TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER/TAX PROVIDER.

REMINDERS

Fair Government For All Grand Terrace

34343434343434343434
YOU CAN SIGN A RECALL PETITION
Recall Council Member Ferre AND Recall Council Member Garcia

AT THE RECALL OFFICE

BETWEEN 5:30 AND 8:30Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Some Times More)

IN THE STATER BROTHER'S SHOPPING CENTER or call (909) 783-7902

&

Remember:

FREE SUMMER CONCERT AT ROLLINS PARK

The Riverside Concert Band

Friday, August 18th starting at7p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Things You Need to Know about Bea Cortes

Who Her Friends Are:

AND What She Said and Thinks:
*

At Tuesday's Chamber of Commerce Meeting, Council Member Bea (Bertha) Cortes was heard boasting "I'm running unopposed. Well virtually unopposed" ...
*

Perhaps this is her opinion however:

In the last attempt at running Mr. Dodd without the support of a Party, Friends on the Council, and not being a PARTY Man obtained 1000. votes.

Perhaps the Citizens were less informed of Ms. Bea (Bertha) Cortes's Associations including the League of California Cities, an organization which supports the use of Eminent Domain to take your land away from you so some one else can profits from it. Perhaps the Citizens did not know of Ms. Bea (Bertha) Cortes appetite for the Political Junket serving on SanBag, and her other "smuzing activities". Perhaps the Selling of Houses linked with her status of Being MAYOR PRO TEM. for a Realtor who gets most of the City business was not previously known.

The question is are we citizens going to re-elect this type of arrogance to our City Council.

Perhaps it is time a Citizen not in the Real Estate, Political Smuze, Development, or GT High Society should be added to the Council as a Voice of the People on the Council as a Balance.

No Ms. Bea (Bertha) Cortes , you are not unopposed.

THERE IS A PERSON RUNNING AGAINST YOU FOR THE SEAT OF COUNCIL MEMBER
AND
THERE ARE PEOPLE OPPOSED TO YOU RETAINING YOUR SEAT

Some one of Bea's (Bertha's) friends may want to read this and the article in the Press and Sun saying there is someone running against her... Clearly she missed the information.

CREST APARTMENTS HAVE NEW OWNER..

GRAND TERRACE, CA-Kennedy Wilson of Beverly Hills has sold its 228-unit Crest Apartments to 1031 exchange buyer Osage Tower Ltd. of Los Angeles for $26.5 million. Bob Hart, president and CEO of KW Multifamily, notes that his company had partnered with Lehman Bros. in buying the nine-acre San Bernardino County property in 2004 for $19.3 million and invested an additional $1.15 million in improvements.

The Crest complex, at 22491 DeBerry St., in the bedroom community of Grand Terrace, close to Redlands, was built in 1978 and comprises 19 two-story buildings with 144 one-bedroom and 84 two-bedroom garden style apartments. The complex includes 386 parking spaces, 234 of them semi-private garages. Amenities include a swimming pool and spa, a clubhouse, a fitness center, laundry facilities and a children's playground.

Kennedy Wilson was represented by Robin Ossenbeck of the Los Angeles office of Hendricks & Partners, with the buyer represented by Martin Ensbury of RE/Max Commercial. Ossenbeck says that the buyer plans to continue the renovations the seller started by renovating the remaining 100 units that need work.

Ossenbeck adds that the purchase closed at a price per unit that is among the highest paid for comparable properties in the area. “However the buyer saw an opportunity to complete the renovations, improve collections and improve the operations through improved management,” Ossenbeck says.

Hart comments that realizing the considerable return on investment in two years was a result of the KW Multifamily strategy of “adding value to underperforming assets in well located markets.”

This Week in GT:

Fair Government For All Grand Terrace
34343434343434343434

YOU CAN SIGN A RECALL PETITION

Recall Council Member Ferre

Recall Council Member Garcia
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

Remember:

FREE SUMMER CONCERT AT ROLLINS PARK
The Riverside Concert Band
Friday, August 18th starting at
7p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

For those who want to Check the Facts and the Law

DOCUMENTATION OF PROBLEMS and REPEATED BAD PRACTICES. CHECK FOR YOURSELF.


You will note in the above Audit Report for 1998 that the California State Auditor said that the Sale of RDA Property needed to be preceded by a Public Notice, and a Public Hearing. This audit report indicates that the RDA of GT did not comply with this regulation, and it appears that even after this negative audit report more Sales of RDA property have occurred without Public Notice and Public Hearings on the Specific Issue of the Sale of the Property. Just in case some one out there may care about the procedural practices of the City Government, here is where it is written.... "This is called a SOURCE DOCUMENT". For those who care about such things.

I have been asked to provide the code or Law in relationship to RDA Regulations and Rules and Laws... Here are the related starting points, where my information comes from. This link is in my favorites and I use it OFTEN... To check my FACTS...


http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html

It is YOU CHECK MARK For Section HEALTH AND SAFETY AND SEARCH AND THE ENTIRE SECTION TABLE OF CONTENT WILL SHOW UP... 30000'S IS WHERE IT STARTS in the Health and Safety.... Of the California code.. THIS WOULD BE THE SITE THAT I'd TRUST TO BE UPDATED...

HOWEVER, AN EASIER PRINT.. OR SAVE COPY OF THE FULL SECTION OF THE CODE ... IS...


the following is where I got the PDF file... 300 plus page file...

http://www.redevelopmentlaw.com/

OH one fact missing in the California Code that seems to be most important to some is missing.... You will not find who is GrandpaTerrace in that Document...


Public Hearings did not happen Pre 1998 on RDA Sales and Leases... And we know hearings have been skipped after that time also as recently as July 5 th "Sale" of RDA land to affiliated Jacobson Family Holdings LLC..

Public Hearings and Notice of Demo of the house on Barton RD... Did any one notice that?

OR how about an answer to the sale of City Owned Cars? No answer there either...

We learned that these things will not be answered without repeated NAGGING.. As the AGENDA is controlled by the City Manager's ability to get STAFF to have the answers and presentation ready on the items he decides to put on the Agenda...

So for those citizens who are persistent... And speak at the Council Meetings asking the same question OVER and OVER, and OVER and OVER again...

Thanks

PERHAPS when the CITY COUNCIL exercises its OVERSIGHT and Management of the City Manager, Citizens will not have to take on this frustrating role.


Oh,, The City Manager's Name is Tom Schwab... Thomas J Schwab.... for those who need to know names.

Former GT Resident Runs for Barstow City Council

BARSTOW & GRAND TERRACE

* Larry Halstead, founder and director of Earth Haven Foundation for Kids, which works with children with drug-related problems, and a community activist

IN BARSTOW : Ten citizens pulled papers to run for the two open City Council seats, and nine returned them to the City Clerk's office by the 5 p.m. deadline Friday.

The Council seats of Gloria Darling, who resigned, and incumbent Helen Runyon are open in the Nov. 7 general election.

The two candidates who receive the most votes will be awarded the seats. The office is non-partisan.

Gramps Adds: Why blog this in the GrandTerraceNews.blogspot. Well Barstow had a recent recall, corruption cases, and all but one thing in common with GT. Their City Manager chooses to live in Barstow and was not INDUCED to live where or near where he works... AND that is BARSTOW...

Mr. Halstead and his family still own property in Grand Terrace. He also had an interesting past in our own local politics. So his story is a tangent to the communities. Good Luck Larry....

Council Member Miller: Words and Actions

Council Member Jim Miller …. Husband of Marge Miller Publisher Owner of the Grand Terrace City News wrote an article regarding the nature and dynamics of the function of the City Council and City Governance.

His actions at the Council Meetings and his article are demonstrating a consistency in his character. He does ask the difficult questions, he does want the frank answers and after full and often heated exchange of opinion, and discovery of fact he is willing to say and vote his mind.

His description of the Community as a Family is interesting and appropriate. How often is it that the most Stick In the Mud, Cantankerous tells you like it is relative, is the one you come to in times of need? Some times that need is just the safety of knowing where the boundaries of right and wrong are. We all have that relative who we trust, and value their opinion and consistency. We may not socialize with them, we may not think they are all that fun, but they are the rock on which the family can depend.

Council Member Miller is demonstrating attributes of being one of those foundation rock types. As a new Council Member he is in that learning the ropes phase and thus far, he has done a good job, and has chosen to communicate openly with the community.

Thanks Jim.

Oh and Marge… Thanks for your efforts of providing GT a NEWS Paper… cogent to GT. Hats tilted for the Lady with Ink on her hands.

Rent UNCLE BUCK and have a Laugh… about family.

Remembering Their Words... FERRY Quotes

Don't Judge Me, for my actions, on "Following the RULES"...


and flipped

Acting Mayor Council Woman Ferry was recently given an opportunity to take advantage of available print space and address, and inform the community in the Grand Terrace City News Paper. She chose to use the opportunity to praise the Ornamental Horticulture Work of the Assistant City Manager Steve Berry. Her article was well written and should be featured in Better Roads and Gardens.

What she chose not to say was just as interesting as what she did write about.

She chose not to say anything about the Recall Efforts. She chose not to address the Law Suits the City has Lost. She chose not to report about the junket she and two other council members attended in Monterey. She chose not to report on the 3 minute rule issue. She chose not to discuss the City Council at all.

No she talked plants and a desire for a Non City Garden Club. Not that I am against the idea of a Community Garden... However, what was not said was more interesting than what was said.

Well, here are some of her prior statements and articles of the past. Perhaps we should remind ourselves of her words and contrast them with her statements.

I doubt that she expected that the Terra Loma Snub and Steve Berry's disregard for the citizens on the "Other Side of the Tracks" would have been in the same week. It is an interesting parallel.

Ferre said, Pre Election she was against Big Box Stores and Development that would not fit into a Family Friendly Community. Later she said she supported Lowes and possibly large Drug Stores and Bars and Grills mid town, saying, we need some development and the financial support.

WE will be asked to vote for a Mayor and a Council Member in November... DO not let Ms Ferre run away from being Recalled by Electing her Mayor.. This is their Plan. It will Preserve the controls of the City Council by the Few, and not The Public.

OAC, Town Center, Blue Mt. Senior Villas, all on her watch... DO her words match her actions?

I say NO. (We know how important My Opinion is.)

Healthy Families Presentation Interesting:

Our 7th graders are unfit. (We have no after school programs for them)

Community Open Space, or a Community Garden... OH no sounds like farming... Not in Grand Terrace.

Public transportation.... "Regrettably we will need to use Public Transportation if the Gas Prices go up"... Words spoken by a Council Member.

Time reduction makes a shorter commute... Gee I thought Distance reduction made a shorter commute.

Dance is a Good Family Activity... Love that idea... Great Plan..

Mentoring after school for 7 to 12 th grades... Half of our boys will drop out of High School.

Can we connect it to Video Activities, DDR, and other Physical activities and Mentoring/Homework Help Chits... for the games?

Perhaps Healthy Cooking Classes at the Fire House... "The Heat is ON"...

Sorry some ideas and suggestions slipped out...

If we invite more liquor sales and more traffic through town... Like a Chili's will bring... outsiders we need safe activities and places for our youth who have no parents until after 5:30 or 7:00 depending on the commute.

in the PRESS :

http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_B_bprocedure11.2a781e2.html

Council sets public-comment limit

12:43 AM PDT on Friday, August 11, 2006

By JULIE FARREN
The Press-Enterprise

http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_B_bdeputy11.2a2f264.html

Grand Terrace adding to patrol presence

COUNCIL: With reports of crimes rising, the vote is unanimous to contract for a ninth deputy.
10:00 PM PDT on Thursday, August 10, 2006
By JULIE FARREN
The Press-Enterprise

Read there coverage on your own .....