CITY OF GRAND TERRACE
COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS JANUARY 23, 2007
GRAND TERRACE CIVIC CENTER 6:00 PM
22795 Barton Road
THE CITY OF GRAND TERRACE COMPLIES WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990. IF YOU REQUIRE SPECIAL ASSISTANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING, PLEASE CALL THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE AT (909) 824-6621 AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING.
IF YOU DESIRE TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL DURING THE MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE A REQUEST TO SPEAK FORM AVAILABLE AT THE ENTRANCE AND PRESENT IT TO THE CITY CLERK. SPEAKERS WILL BE CALLED UPON BY THE MAYOR AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME.
* Call to Order -
* Invocation -
* Pledge of Allegiance -
* Roll Call -
CONVENE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
1. Approval of 01-09-2007 Minutes
ADJOURN COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
CONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
1. Items to Delete
2. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
A. Plaque - Captain Mike Howell
B. Commendations - Deputy Perez and Deputy Delo
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 January 23, 2007
B. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
C. Approval of 01-09-2007 Minutes
D. Special Events Permit Requested by Calvary, The Brook for the Use of Rollins Park for a Sunrise Service on Sunday, April 8, 2007
E. Authorize Conference Travel: Finance Director (SEND FOR THE DOCUMENTS FORGET THE TRAVEL)
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. (TO ANSWER A QUESTION OF FACT IS NOT AN ACTION. THERE IS NO REASON THE CITY COUNCIL OR CITY STAFF DO NOT ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS POSED TO THEM IN RELATIONS TO MATTER OF FACTS OTHER THAN THEY DON'T WANT TO SHARE THE INFORMATION WITH THE PUBLIC.)
5. REPORTS
A. Committee Reports
1. Historical & Cultural Activities Committee
a. Minutes of December 4, 2006
A. Council Reports
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Follow Up on Recommendation of the Fireworks Ad Hoc Committee
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Review and Assign Representatives/Alternates to Various Organizations
B. Bid Award and Contract Approval to CivicPlus for the Re-Design of the City’s Website
C. Council to Set Date and Time for 2007-08 Prioritization Workshop
9. CLOSED SESSION - None
ADJOURN
THE NEXT CRA/CITY COUNCIL MEETING WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2007 AT 6:00 P.M.
AGENDA ITEM REQUESTS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE NO LATER THAN 14 CALENDAR DAYS PRECEDING THE MEETING.
Monday, January 22, 2007
In the PRESS and FROM THE EMAIL INBOX:
After setbacks, city rethinking its retail - Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
GRAND TERRACE - The city is forsaking adventure in favor of tradition. Their dreams dashed by a lawsuit and economic realities, officials are trying to make good use of the largest remaining block of vacant land in the city. http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_5059808?source=email
Worries about Wal-Mart - Leonor Vivanco, Staff Writer
Decades-old mom-and-pop stores will close their doors for good. More traffic will be backed up on already-clogged streets. These are the fears many residents express when a Wal-Mart supercenter is proposed in their neighborhood. http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_5059800
From the Email InBox:
The only thing that will guarantee the economic future of Grand Terrace is to do away with the RDA. All it does is put the tax payers deeper in debt and provides nothing. Any revenue that an RDA project produces goes back to the RDA, not to the General Fund. The General Fund is being used to pay off RDA debt and the City is using RDA money for it's everyday operation. An illegal act. The City failed to put the traffic fees for the OAC on the developer an $18,000,000 cost the taxpayers would have been burdened with. Judge Wade ruled in favor of the citizens because of this ineptness. Here's proof.Mr Schwab had to ask the Council for approval to pay the $34,000 out of the City Redevelopment Agency. A paltry sum compared to the $18,000,000 favor the Mayor and City manager were doing for the developer. Mr. Koontz, the City Planning Director, and now a employee Mr. Megna,C.E.O. of Jamieson Group,that are drawing thousands a month from the City coffers, are responsible. Mr. Megna and Mr. Schwab, who brought the flawed OAC plan to the city should be held accountable. Mr. Megna made hundreds of thousands off this flawed project as well as Nolte Engineering, the then three day a week employer of Mr. Koontz. If we had a Council that was doing it's job and not just posing for pictures in the Blue Mountain Outlook the City would not have to file false reports to the State, putting State funding in jeopardy, to cover their illegal acts. The OAC is the prime example of the ineptness of this Mayor and why she will not answer or cannot answer any questions at Council meetings nor will she allow any other Council member to respond to citizens questions. The Grand Terrace Partners came into the OAC project and did a market study and feasibility and found it to be neither, stating at the Council meeting it would not produce the revenue that Mr. Schwab still claims in the Sun press release. The Partners came in with a plan that seemed to appease everyone concerned and the community was led to believe by Mr. Schwab that the Grand Terrace Partners were the chosen developers. Now he claims that there are no plans. What was that the the Grand Terrace Partners presented to the City. Which is it? The false report the City filed with the State claims the original OAC still to be a project. Why were the infrastructure questions not addressed by Mr. Schwab, Mr. Koontz and Mr. Megna at the time instead of just plowing ahead and throwing money into the project without a market study or feasibilty study before hand. Mr. Megna, Mr. Koontz and Mr. Schwab cooked up a report that verified everything they claimed the OAC would produce. At that time the citizens asked where they got their figures because they were based on nothing. They appeared to just be taken from out of the air. That is what these three people are being paid for, not to waste taxpayers money on projects that are not thoroughly researched. The need to get revenue into the City before the State or Federal Government comes in and audits the RDA, the CRA and the General Fund trumps everything. Now the very thing Mayor Ferre and the other Council members and Staff said they would not allow is being planned for the land. Tilt up buildings and the freeway strip mall that you see all over California. Mr. Schwab states in the press release that the plans are going ahead on the Town Center, evident by the grading being done there encompassing more than the approved Miguel's. When was Jacobsens Plan B brought before the Planning Commission, the Council and the Community? Why is it Mr. Schwab is given the authority to approve projects that do not have to go to the required vetting process that the law requires. Mr. Schwab now receives $150,000 a year and cost the taxpayers more than that in irresponsible acts. He demonstrates he is under qualified for the position. He has run the City into bankrupt obviously. Why would he need to take $30,000 from the Redevelopment Agency and not the General Fund or the $5,000,000 reserve he claims we have. Mayor Ferre motives are already known by her past newspaper stories where she has said she wants to out develop her father, Mr.Megna's motives are he is in business and out to make a profit. Mr. Koontz is employed by him and the City. Council member Miller questioned an $8000 check to Mr. Megna company a few months ago and Mr. Schwab answered that was the company Mr. Koontz works for now. Doesn't sound like it's all above board and honest. Just more of the same old same old. Once again Mr. Wall does his typical research.( Whatever the City says I will print and ask no questions unless it's from the reporter from the Blue Mountain who also works for Terra Loma Reality) He is why we no longer subscribe to the Sun. He is the sock puppet for the City. We miss Paul LaRocco from the P.E.
From the Emil InBox:
The "gadflies", "advocates", "anti growth groups", "save Grand Terrace people", “Environmental Terrorists” and all the other less nice names the city staff and officials and the press have called Citizens who have dared to question the development plans of the Redevelopment Agency of Grand Terrace were with out merit. Yet they raised the concerns that the Plan did not look like it was a benefit to the tax base of the community. When the figures provided by the Developer and Mr. Schwab were questioned those questions went un answered until the last moment when the Feasability Study was done and resulted in a negative declaration by the “Grand Terrace Partners”. Add to this lack of Merit of the Citizens who brought the matter to court, the flawed Environmental Impact Mitigations including Traffic and Road Impact. Do we not see a pattern of incompetence or worse emanating from the Halls of City Management?
120 Ac of Land to be developed under the Expertise and Management of Mr. Tom Schwab and his Staff. This should by now not be a heart warming prospect. Perhaps this New City Council can figure out how to Remove the Repeat of Errors from this point on.
Some of this RDA owned land was aquired under the burden of zoning that precluded its use for development other than OAC, and other means of questionable deal making tactics. If it were a New Jersey Swamp it couldn’t smell worse.
Let us hope that the DO OVER DEAL and PLAN is done RIGHT this TIME. Part of that Doing it RIGHT includes knowing how the freeway and off ramps will be designed so that can be incorporated into the design requirements, environmental mitigations, and a real assessment of possible uses of that particular bit of property.
If the City Redevelopment Agency didn’t go into Debt, the City have been able to learn to live within its revenue resources. More is not always better.
GRAND TERRACE - The city is forsaking adventure in favor of tradition. Their dreams dashed by a lawsuit and economic realities, officials are trying to make good use of the largest remaining block of vacant land in the city. http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_5059808?source=email
Worries about Wal-Mart - Leonor Vivanco, Staff Writer
Decades-old mom-and-pop stores will close their doors for good. More traffic will be backed up on already-clogged streets. These are the fears many residents express when a Wal-Mart supercenter is proposed in their neighborhood. http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_5059800
From the Email InBox:
The only thing that will guarantee the economic future of Grand Terrace is to do away with the RDA. All it does is put the tax payers deeper in debt and provides nothing. Any revenue that an RDA project produces goes back to the RDA, not to the General Fund. The General Fund is being used to pay off RDA debt and the City is using RDA money for it's everyday operation. An illegal act. The City failed to put the traffic fees for the OAC on the developer an $18,000,000 cost the taxpayers would have been burdened with. Judge Wade ruled in favor of the citizens because of this ineptness. Here's proof.Mr Schwab had to ask the Council for approval to pay the $34,000 out of the City Redevelopment Agency. A paltry sum compared to the $18,000,000 favor the Mayor and City manager were doing for the developer. Mr. Koontz, the City Planning Director, and now a employee Mr. Megna,C.E.O. of Jamieson Group,that are drawing thousands a month from the City coffers, are responsible. Mr. Megna and Mr. Schwab, who brought the flawed OAC plan to the city should be held accountable. Mr. Megna made hundreds of thousands off this flawed project as well as Nolte Engineering, the then three day a week employer of Mr. Koontz. If we had a Council that was doing it's job and not just posing for pictures in the Blue Mountain Outlook the City would not have to file false reports to the State, putting State funding in jeopardy, to cover their illegal acts. The OAC is the prime example of the ineptness of this Mayor and why she will not answer or cannot answer any questions at Council meetings nor will she allow any other Council member to respond to citizens questions. The Grand Terrace Partners came into the OAC project and did a market study and feasibility and found it to be neither, stating at the Council meeting it would not produce the revenue that Mr. Schwab still claims in the Sun press release. The Partners came in with a plan that seemed to appease everyone concerned and the community was led to believe by Mr. Schwab that the Grand Terrace Partners were the chosen developers. Now he claims that there are no plans. What was that the the Grand Terrace Partners presented to the City. Which is it? The false report the City filed with the State claims the original OAC still to be a project. Why were the infrastructure questions not addressed by Mr. Schwab, Mr. Koontz and Mr. Megna at the time instead of just plowing ahead and throwing money into the project without a market study or feasibilty study before hand. Mr. Megna, Mr. Koontz and Mr. Schwab cooked up a report that verified everything they claimed the OAC would produce. At that time the citizens asked where they got their figures because they were based on nothing. They appeared to just be taken from out of the air. That is what these three people are being paid for, not to waste taxpayers money on projects that are not thoroughly researched. The need to get revenue into the City before the State or Federal Government comes in and audits the RDA, the CRA and the General Fund trumps everything. Now the very thing Mayor Ferre and the other Council members and Staff said they would not allow is being planned for the land. Tilt up buildings and the freeway strip mall that you see all over California. Mr. Schwab states in the press release that the plans are going ahead on the Town Center, evident by the grading being done there encompassing more than the approved Miguel's. When was Jacobsens Plan B brought before the Planning Commission, the Council and the Community? Why is it Mr. Schwab is given the authority to approve projects that do not have to go to the required vetting process that the law requires. Mr. Schwab now receives $150,000 a year and cost the taxpayers more than that in irresponsible acts. He demonstrates he is under qualified for the position. He has run the City into bankrupt obviously. Why would he need to take $30,000 from the Redevelopment Agency and not the General Fund or the $5,000,000 reserve he claims we have. Mayor Ferre motives are already known by her past newspaper stories where she has said she wants to out develop her father, Mr.Megna's motives are he is in business and out to make a profit. Mr. Koontz is employed by him and the City. Council member Miller questioned an $8000 check to Mr. Megna company a few months ago and Mr. Schwab answered that was the company Mr. Koontz works for now. Doesn't sound like it's all above board and honest. Just more of the same old same old. Once again Mr. Wall does his typical research.( Whatever the City says I will print and ask no questions unless it's from the reporter from the Blue Mountain who also works for Terra Loma Reality) He is why we no longer subscribe to the Sun. He is the sock puppet for the City. We miss Paul LaRocco from the P.E.
From the Emil InBox:
The "gadflies", "advocates", "anti growth groups", "save Grand Terrace people", “Environmental Terrorists” and all the other less nice names the city staff and officials and the press have called Citizens who have dared to question the development plans of the Redevelopment Agency of Grand Terrace were with out merit. Yet they raised the concerns that the Plan did not look like it was a benefit to the tax base of the community. When the figures provided by the Developer and Mr. Schwab were questioned those questions went un answered until the last moment when the Feasability Study was done and resulted in a negative declaration by the “Grand Terrace Partners”. Add to this lack of Merit of the Citizens who brought the matter to court, the flawed Environmental Impact Mitigations including Traffic and Road Impact. Do we not see a pattern of incompetence or worse emanating from the Halls of City Management?
120 Ac of Land to be developed under the Expertise and Management of Mr. Tom Schwab and his Staff. This should by now not be a heart warming prospect. Perhaps this New City Council can figure out how to Remove the Repeat of Errors from this point on.
Some of this RDA owned land was aquired under the burden of zoning that precluded its use for development other than OAC, and other means of questionable deal making tactics. If it were a New Jersey Swamp it couldn’t smell worse.
Let us hope that the DO OVER DEAL and PLAN is done RIGHT this TIME. Part of that Doing it RIGHT includes knowing how the freeway and off ramps will be designed so that can be incorporated into the design requirements, environmental mitigations, and a real assessment of possible uses of that particular bit of property.
If the City Redevelopment Agency didn’t go into Debt, the City have been able to learn to live within its revenue resources. More is not always better.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
From Email Inbox: General Plan Being Revised
Dear Gramps Please post OLD GENERAL PLAN ZONE MAP as a Start POINT:
The Public should be reminded what was in the mind of the city in 2002, see what is and then project into the future.
Notes: GT ELM is "Commercial Zoned" the Houses near the school are changed to R2, and the High School Land was Industrial/Manufacturing. ALSO note the Change needed for the Senior Housing and Senior Center.
The Public should be reminded what was in the mind of the city in 2002, see what is and then project into the future.
Notes: GT ELM is "Commercial Zoned" the Houses near the school are changed to R2, and the High School Land was Industrial/Manufacturing. ALSO note the Change needed for the Senior Housing and Senior Center.
Friday, January 19, 2007
From the Email Inbox: Planning Commission Meeting Email
Dear Gramps:
At the Planning Commission Meeting last night a speaker said "not for one second does anyone that participates in our government under the guarantees of the Bill of Rights believes that the public will have any influence on the General Plan." Each member was addressed: "you and you and you and you and you," pointing to each member, "will not have any say on the new General Plan." The speaker said:"The short coming of the General Plan a year and a half ago and now that the developers have taken over and the State thinks it is flawed, they want to fix it." The speaker also said" the only people that will have any say so are Mr. Megna, Mr Koontz, Mr. Schwab and Mr. Jacobsen."
"The zoning code means nothing we have seen it changed for a project. Ferre said she didn't want Drive-throughs or tilt ups in the OAC, but they are good enough for the center of Town on Barton. "
Members of the public were there and were wanting to participate in the General Plan Revisions, in spite of years of being dismissed and ignored by City Officials at nearly all levels.
At the Planning Commission Meeting last night a speaker said "not for one second does anyone that participates in our government under the guarantees of the Bill of Rights believes that the public will have any influence on the General Plan." Each member was addressed: "you and you and you and you and you," pointing to each member, "will not have any say on the new General Plan." The speaker said:"The short coming of the General Plan a year and a half ago and now that the developers have taken over and the State thinks it is flawed, they want to fix it." The speaker also said" the only people that will have any say so are Mr. Megna, Mr Koontz, Mr. Schwab and Mr. Jacobsen."
"The zoning code means nothing we have seen it changed for a project. Ferre said she didn't want Drive-throughs or tilt ups in the OAC, but they are good enough for the center of Town on Barton. "
Members of the public were there and were wanting to participate in the General Plan Revisions, in spite of years of being dismissed and ignored by City Officials at nearly all levels.
From the Email Inbox: Metrolink Station
Dear Gramps: Please Post:
It would serve the Citizens Represented by SANBAG to go ahead and build the Highgrove Metrolink Station with or without Riverside Transportations Participation. Here is why.
At a MINIMUM it would transfer the parking requirements of 118 cars from the San Bernardino Station or the Riverside Station. That is a good thing. How much is being spent in San Bernardino to squeeze out a few more parking spaces? We could look at the Highgrove Station as a Parking lot annex for the San Bernardino Station as it would relive some of the current demand for parking. However, it is flawed logic to base a decision on the 118 current commuters as being the target market.
The real target market begins with the current riders 118 in number. It also should include all those potential riders who say, "If I have to drive to Riverside or San Bernardino fight for parking, I may as well drive all the way to work", drivers. It should also include the new residents in the added housing being finished. It should also include riders back and forth to the beach on weekends, and short trips to Riverside Locations not just commuters to Orange County or LA. How many of us avoid going to Riverside because of the traffic? Count me in that group. Would I ride the MetroLink if it were going that way. YES about 2 times a month. I do not make those trips now. I don't go to Riverside, I avoid the wonderful experience of the traffic.
Better collaboration between RTA and SanBag and Metro Link would provide a Bus that links the Riverside and San Bernardino Stations along Mt. Vernon and Iowa ST at times that a rider in Highgrove or Grand Terrace could make the early trains to work in LA or Orange County.
Ridership would increase at night if the Orange County Line had a train that would provide Guests and Cast Members of Disneyland a ride home after DPark Closes... Bus 149 works for "Normal Business Hours" IF you live in Riverside. But, if you live in Highgrove there is no way to depend on catching a connecting bus/train combo to get to work in Orange County.
WHY should we care. In this case, IF THEY BUILD IT THEY WILL COME WORKS. Travel along the rail stations, and stops. Parking is full, ridership is up. IF people are riding the train, they are not on the Freeway. IF people are riding the train, they are safer. IF people are riding the train it is a better use of resources. IF People are riding the train, we are more interconnected as a community. (Regular commuters develop a community relationship).
So the decision should not be limited to the failed logic it may only serve 118 riders.
If 118 riders use Highrove Station, that allows 118 more riders at either San Bernardino or Riverside so that is 236 riders. That is just the beginning of the reason to have a train stop and parking lot in Highgrove to facilitate improved transportation between the two counties. What are the implementation phases. A boarding ramp and a parking lot... Not exactly high tech or high cost. Think of the cost of a Parking Structure at Riverside, or San Bernardino in contrast. If Highgrove is Built the need or urgency to build Parking Structures at Riverside or San Bernardino may be offset.
How many folks would rather take a train to Castle Park or TYLER MALL? OR at least part way and hop onto a connecting bus? I'd hand in my car if I could buy a State Wide Public Transportation Pass good on all public transit... That is too far out of the Box, but a train station in Highgrove with improved bus connections is within reach and reasonable.
What troubles me most is that SanBag and RTA have unanswered questions at this point. What information is now required? Lets get it to them. Perhaps a Boy Scout working on their Badges could help them out. 2000 more homes, will bring 4000 more cars. Most will be joining the morning commute on the 215. That is a fact that should not be missed by Riverside or San Bernardino Transportation Planners.
It would serve the Citizens Represented by SANBAG to go ahead and build the Highgrove Metrolink Station with or without Riverside Transportations Participation. Here is why.
At a MINIMUM it would transfer the parking requirements of 118 cars from the San Bernardino Station or the Riverside Station. That is a good thing. How much is being spent in San Bernardino to squeeze out a few more parking spaces? We could look at the Highgrove Station as a Parking lot annex for the San Bernardino Station as it would relive some of the current demand for parking. However, it is flawed logic to base a decision on the 118 current commuters as being the target market.
The real target market begins with the current riders 118 in number. It also should include all those potential riders who say, "If I have to drive to Riverside or San Bernardino fight for parking, I may as well drive all the way to work", drivers. It should also include the new residents in the added housing being finished. It should also include riders back and forth to the beach on weekends, and short trips to Riverside Locations not just commuters to Orange County or LA. How many of us avoid going to Riverside because of the traffic? Count me in that group. Would I ride the MetroLink if it were going that way. YES about 2 times a month. I do not make those trips now. I don't go to Riverside, I avoid the wonderful experience of the traffic.
Better collaboration between RTA and SanBag and Metro Link would provide a Bus that links the Riverside and San Bernardino Stations along Mt. Vernon and Iowa ST at times that a rider in Highgrove or Grand Terrace could make the early trains to work in LA or Orange County.
Ridership would increase at night if the Orange County Line had a train that would provide Guests and Cast Members of Disneyland a ride home after DPark Closes... Bus 149 works for "Normal Business Hours" IF you live in Riverside. But, if you live in Highgrove there is no way to depend on catching a connecting bus/train combo to get to work in Orange County.
WHY should we care. In this case, IF THEY BUILD IT THEY WILL COME WORKS. Travel along the rail stations, and stops. Parking is full, ridership is up. IF people are riding the train, they are not on the Freeway. IF people are riding the train, they are safer. IF people are riding the train it is a better use of resources. IF People are riding the train, we are more interconnected as a community. (Regular commuters develop a community relationship).
So the decision should not be limited to the failed logic it may only serve 118 riders.
If 118 riders use Highrove Station, that allows 118 more riders at either San Bernardino or Riverside so that is 236 riders. That is just the beginning of the reason to have a train stop and parking lot in Highgrove to facilitate improved transportation between the two counties. What are the implementation phases. A boarding ramp and a parking lot... Not exactly high tech or high cost. Think of the cost of a Parking Structure at Riverside, or San Bernardino in contrast. If Highgrove is Built the need or urgency to build Parking Structures at Riverside or San Bernardino may be offset.
How many folks would rather take a train to Castle Park or TYLER MALL? OR at least part way and hop onto a connecting bus? I'd hand in my car if I could buy a State Wide Public Transportation Pass good on all public transit... That is too far out of the Box, but a train station in Highgrove with improved bus connections is within reach and reasonable.
What troubles me most is that SanBag and RTA have unanswered questions at this point. What information is now required? Lets get it to them. Perhaps a Boy Scout working on their Badges could help them out. 2000 more homes, will bring 4000 more cars. Most will be joining the morning commute on the 215. That is a fact that should not be missed by Riverside or San Bernardino Transportation Planners.
Bits and Clips from the News
GRAND TERRACE
Prosecutor to focus on identity theft
Deputy District Attorney Gary Fagan is scheduled to discuss identity theft Feb. 8 at the Grand Terrace Branch Library, 22795 Barton Road.
The program begins at 6:30 p.m. The library is inside the Civic Center.
For more information, call (909) 783-0147.
Idea for Metrolink station in Highgrove gets more time
10:00 PM PST on Thursday, January 18, 2007
The Press-Enterprise
Those who want a Metrolink station built in Highgrove will get more time to make their case to San Bernardino County transportation officials.
A staff recommendation to a San Bernardino Associated Governments subcommittee had recommended that the agency decline to participate in building a station in the area just south of the Riverside/San Bernardino county line.
The Riverside County Transportation Commission voted last week not to take part in the project.
But members of the Commuter Rail subcommittee agreed Thursday to continue to discuss the matter at its next meeting in March after station proponents asked for an opportunity to present more information to SANBAG. Grand Terrace Councilwoman LeeAnn Garcia, a member of the subcommittee, also said she wanted several questions answered to before taking a vote.
Reports from both agencies said the project would cost at least $15 million and serve as few as 117 riders.
--Imran Ghor
CSUSB BAND CONCERT A FAMILY DATE:
Prosecutor to focus on identity theft
Deputy District Attorney Gary Fagan is scheduled to discuss identity theft Feb. 8 at the Grand Terrace Branch Library, 22795 Barton Road.
The program begins at 6:30 p.m. The library is inside the Civic Center.
For more information, call (909) 783-0147.
Idea for Metrolink station in Highgrove gets more time
10:00 PM PST on Thursday, January 18, 2007
The Press-Enterprise
Those who want a Metrolink station built in Highgrove will get more time to make their case to San Bernardino County transportation officials.
A staff recommendation to a San Bernardino Associated Governments subcommittee had recommended that the agency decline to participate in building a station in the area just south of the Riverside/San Bernardino county line.
The Riverside County Transportation Commission voted last week not to take part in the project.
But members of the Commuter Rail subcommittee agreed Thursday to continue to discuss the matter at its next meeting in March after station proponents asked for an opportunity to present more information to SANBAG. Grand Terrace Councilwoman LeeAnn Garcia, a member of the subcommittee, also said she wanted several questions answered to before taking a vote.
Reports from both agencies said the project would cost at least $15 million and serve as few as 117 riders.
--Imran Ghor
CSUSB BAND CONCERT A FAMILY DATE:
Cal State San Bernardino Honor Band. concert at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the university.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
From the EMail InBox: High School and BMSV
Toxins Found at HS Sight and Determination has been made? What are the Conditions Imposed? Who was asked to participate in the survey?
Blue Mt. Senior Villa's Points of Continued Concerns
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
From Email Inbox: No Bail Cite and Release Explained
To receive a booking #, they must actually be taken to the jail and booked in.
What happens is this;
After reviewing the (Booking LOG) info below, I believe that is what you are seeing here. These suspects are actually being taken out of Grand Terrace and booked into the jail, although the automated info does not clearly explain this fact. There is no bail amount listed because there is no bail required. The jail can release them on their promise to appear. They may also do this on other misdemeanor charges at the jail, but it is usually reserved for drunks (647f) and DUI drivers.
I hope this helps.
What happens is this;
-Suspect is arrested
-His license is immediately "suspended" by the arresting officer and he is issued a temporary paper license by the officer to get to and from work (this is per DMV policy)
-He is taken to jail and booked into "the drunk tank"
-The arresting officer writes a citation and gives it to the deputy at the jail.
-The arresting officer returns to GT to get more drunks.
-In about 6 hours (or when the bad guy sobers up) the deputy has him sign the citation in preparation for release
-The drunk (who is now sober) is released
-He later appears in court and is hopefully convicted.
After reviewing the (Booking LOG) info below, I believe that is what you are seeing here. These suspects are actually being taken out of Grand Terrace and booked into the jail, although the automated info does not clearly explain this fact. There is no bail amount listed because there is no bail required. The jail can release them on their promise to appear. They may also do this on other misdemeanor charges at the jail, but it is usually reserved for drunks (647f) and DUI drivers.
I hope this helps.
From Email Inbox: Plan B and Grading Drawing
Email Comments will be posted or added here are the documents that have been provided:
From the Email InBox:
Why another "Drug Store"? Didn't Jack Brown say the Stater's would have a full service Pharmacy? Isn't CVS struggling as it is? Isn't there already enough Liquor Available at the Gas Station? Oh and why a Chili's Bar and Grill? How about an IHOP, that would compliment the California Skate, the Elementary School, and a Family Friendly Client Base?
Do we want more places to buy liquor in town? Do we want more liquor consumption near a school? Will Chili's Pay for additional Law Enforcement to keep track of it's drunk clients?
The Loading Dock for the "Drug Store" seems to go right into the sidewalk, is this a Safety Problem for kids walking to school?
From the Email InBox:
How does this Plan B fit with the General Plan or the Barton Road Specific Plan. Foot Print drawings are not sufficient detail for full evaluation, however, it does show a revised plan of sorts?
From the Email Inbox:
Sure hope the AutoZone has a home in one of the buildings. Any Current Business should also have a space available at a reasonable price or as partial owner of the building if they were "Negotiated with Eminent Domain hanging over their heads".
From the Email Inbox:
It may be there, I just can't see it... Bus turn outs for Public Transportation... and bike racks?
From the Email Inbox:
Are any of these buildings or businesses "Green", Solar Pannels, or anything like that? How are these buildings and businesses an improvement to the environment and recycling, and waste management?
From the Email Inbox:
Where is the replacement All Age: Low and Moderate Income Housing to make up for the Trailer Park that has been Removed?
From the Email Inbox:
Looks Like a Traffic Mess: If there is to be a Light at Michigan and Barton, and one at Vivienda and Barton, and another just past Miguels and another at Barton and Canal and then one at Mt. Vernon Ave. WHY not just reduce the speed limit to 14 mph like at the Disneyland Parking Lot. This Traffic Flow is Goofy... I sure hope there is no driveway directly accross from Vivienda, unless it is a One Way Only, or Entrance to the Center Only.
Perhaps the driveway at the east end could be an Exit Only... and the one on Michigan an In and Out... Try driving around a school in the morning or after school...
IHOP is much better than Chili's...
From the Email InBox:
I count 25 buildings (Units) on Plan B.
The agreement that ran out last year said Jacobsen was supposed to have purchased all the land and have the tenets lined up.
Chili's will probably have a computer room the kids can use seeing they will be sharing the same space. (Remember the Kids and the Computers in their Promotional Material).
There has been no traffic study submitted to the adhock committee and look at what kind of problems it will cause at the cornor of Mich and Barton.
From the Email InBox:
Why another "Drug Store"? Didn't Jack Brown say the Stater's would have a full service Pharmacy? Isn't CVS struggling as it is? Isn't there already enough Liquor Available at the Gas Station? Oh and why a Chili's Bar and Grill? How about an IHOP, that would compliment the California Skate, the Elementary School, and a Family Friendly Client Base?
Do we want more places to buy liquor in town? Do we want more liquor consumption near a school? Will Chili's Pay for additional Law Enforcement to keep track of it's drunk clients?
The Loading Dock for the "Drug Store" seems to go right into the sidewalk, is this a Safety Problem for kids walking to school?
From the Email InBox:
How does this Plan B fit with the General Plan or the Barton Road Specific Plan. Foot Print drawings are not sufficient detail for full evaluation, however, it does show a revised plan of sorts?
From the Email Inbox:
Sure hope the AutoZone has a home in one of the buildings. Any Current Business should also have a space available at a reasonable price or as partial owner of the building if they were "Negotiated with Eminent Domain hanging over their heads".
From the Email Inbox:
It may be there, I just can't see it... Bus turn outs for Public Transportation... and bike racks?
From the Email Inbox:
Are any of these buildings or businesses "Green", Solar Pannels, or anything like that? How are these buildings and businesses an improvement to the environment and recycling, and waste management?
From the Email Inbox:
Where is the replacement All Age: Low and Moderate Income Housing to make up for the Trailer Park that has been Removed?
From the Email Inbox:
Looks Like a Traffic Mess: If there is to be a Light at Michigan and Barton, and one at Vivienda and Barton, and another just past Miguels and another at Barton and Canal and then one at Mt. Vernon Ave. WHY not just reduce the speed limit to 14 mph like at the Disneyland Parking Lot. This Traffic Flow is Goofy... I sure hope there is no driveway directly accross from Vivienda, unless it is a One Way Only, or Entrance to the Center Only.
Perhaps the driveway at the east end could be an Exit Only... and the one on Michigan an In and Out... Try driving around a school in the morning or after school...
IHOP is much better than Chili's...
From the Email InBox:
I count 25 buildings (Units) on Plan B.
The agreement that ran out last year said Jacobsen was supposed to have purchased all the land and have the tenets lined up.
Chili's will probably have a computer room the kids can use seeing they will be sharing the same space. (Remember the Kids and the Computers in their Promotional Material).
There has been no traffic study submitted to the adhock committee and look at what kind of problems it will cause at the cornor of Mich and Barton.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
From the Email InBox: PC MEETING
Dear Gramps/PostMaster:
Took look today at P.C. agenda at Public Counter. It is an approval of the Parcel map which divided up the property at N.E. corner of G.T. Road at Vivienda, and for further discussion on Radar antenna's and lastly for input about new General Plan.
I noticed they want to add in two new parks, one associated with Senior center, and other with the old Power Plant. (Gage Park) End of AES POWER PLANT. May not be much to talk about on the biggie (and last) item for it ought to be last on the agenda.
No new map has been drawn up yet, but they want to know what is wrong with the old one.
Main thing that is pointed out was some revision to general corrodor along Barton from freeway to downtown. I don't think this meeting to be over in one squat.
More from the Email Inbox:
Took look today at P.C. agenda at Public Counter. It is an approval of the Parcel map which divided up the property at N.E. corner of G.T. Road at Vivienda, and for further discussion on Radar antenna's and lastly for input about new General Plan.
I noticed they want to add in two new parks, one associated with Senior center, and other with the old Power Plant. (Gage Park) End of AES POWER PLANT. May not be much to talk about on the biggie (and last) item for it ought to be last on the agenda.
No new map has been drawn up yet, but they want to know what is wrong with the old one.
Main thing that is pointed out was some revision to general corrodor along Barton from freeway to downtown. I don't think this meeting to be over in one squat.
More from the Email Inbox:
-PUBLIC INPUT IS WELCOME AS LONG AS IT DOES NOT CONFLICT WITH WHAT THE DEVELOPERS TELL US WHAT TO DO OR OUR CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS
-Public input is welcomed - but not necessarily listened to
City Calendar Shows Planning Commission Meeting
January 18, 2007
Planning Commission Meeting
7 p.m. City Hall
Planning Commission Meeting
7 p.m. City Hall
From Blue Mt. Outlook:
CITY TO UPDATE GENERAL PLAN
Workshops are planned and open for public input
FIRST MEETING ON THE
GENERAL PLAN UPDATING PROCESS:
-Thursday, January 18th
-Planning
Commission Meeting
-Public input is welcomed
-7 p.m.
No Agenda Available on Line at this time Jan 16, 2007, 3:15 PM
Monday, January 15, 2007
Safety Notice:
RED FLAG WARNING
&
BLACK ICE
Folks: Please be cautious driving in town in the morning hours. There may be ice at intersections or where water ran into the street during the night.
*
Please be advised there is a
RED FLAG WARNING
FIRE IS A RISK EVEN IN COLD WEATHER
*
Water Pipe Caution
Leave your water running in the kitchen sink and bath room just a trickle will keep pipes from bursting from a freeze.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
From Email Inbox: Road Damage on Mt. Vernon
Sat Jan 14, 2007 16:50
Inland Empire Towing Inc
1264 S Waterman Ave Ste 9, San Bernardino, CA, United States
Phone: (909) 890-3559
Were towing a car from Brentwood turning onto Mt. Vernon, and the car bounced off the tow truck and damaged the road surface, and put the driving public at risk.
The Towing Company should have to compensate the city for the damage done to the road.
The Driver Left the debris on the road.
Inland Empire Towing Inc
1264 S Waterman Ave Ste 9, San Bernardino, CA, United States
Phone: (909) 890-3559
Were towing a car from Brentwood turning onto Mt. Vernon, and the car bounced off the tow truck and damaged the road surface, and put the driving public at risk.
The Towing Company should have to compensate the city for the damage done to the road.
The Driver Left the debris on the road.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
From the Email Inbox: More Comment on Appointment
Gramps:
DAN BUCHANAN Our new city council member.... I'm just shocked!!!!!!!!!
Granpa did i tell you i can see the future ????
RS
To:RS
From: Blog Reader
What I find almost funny is that the Council and staff actually believe they have fooled everyone into thinking the preordained selection by Schwab of Buchanan, that it was a fair process and not just a scam. That was the first time they found out Buchanan was applying? What a bunch of crooks. This proves the Council couldn't care less about the citizens unless they are in their money grubbing social circle or a bribe paying developer. What is also sad is that there are political social clubs that endorse Cortes and Ferre. I, for one have no respect for the members of these clubs and they don't deserve the respect of any honest citizen.
More From the Email InBox:
It irritates me that the Council thinks the voters are so stupid as not to see through the charade they put on with Buchanan. He was the chosen one way before Hilkeys term was up. Way before the election was held in Nov.
DAN BUCHANAN Our new city council member.... I'm just shocked!!!!!!!!!
Granpa did i tell you i can see the future ????
RS
To:RS and All Readers
From: Gramps
New Policy: Gramps does not chat back and forth.
If you want something posted please do write it and say Please Post.
If you want something posted please do write it and say Please Post.
To:RS
From: Blog Reader
What I find almost funny is that the Council and staff actually believe they have fooled everyone into thinking the preordained selection by Schwab of Buchanan, that it was a fair process and not just a scam. That was the first time they found out Buchanan was applying? What a bunch of crooks. This proves the Council couldn't care less about the citizens unless they are in their money grubbing social circle or a bribe paying developer. What is also sad is that there are political social clubs that endorse Cortes and Ferre. I, for one have no respect for the members of these clubs and they don't deserve the respect of any honest citizen.
More From the Email InBox:
It irritates me that the Council thinks the voters are so stupid as not to see through the charade they put on with Buchanan. He was the chosen one way before Hilkeys term was up. Way before the election was held in Nov.
Blog Policy: Email Comments with Please Post will be Posted Even Those that are Closer to Home than Others.
From the Email InBox: More on Citizen Actions
Gramps Please Post:
The Editorial Staff at the Sun Telegram shows their disdain for the common citizen in their most recent article regarding Grand Terrace.
The skipping over the facts of the events and court decisions in the cases brought to Court is misleading reporting of what is the motivation of the citizens, or of the facts behind the actions taken by various citizens, who have found an effective legal advisor.
Focus on just the first bits of print:
The Sun Telegram refuses to accept that the City and or the Developer have had ample opportunity prior to cases being filed to negotiate or address the concerns of the citizens and they have refused to do so. There have been developments that have not been challenged by the citizens and others that have and the developers have negotiated and adjusted their plans. These have been done without court intervention being taken. The question is why is it when the City Redevelopment Agency has a Plan or Relationship with the Development there is a problem. That is the common denominator of the actions taken.
The citizens are not happy to have to take action against the city and to suggest that the effort is a pounce action is ignoring the fact that the citizens have tried for months and some cases years to resolve their concerns, Pounce is not quite the correct representation. It suggests that the City is unaware of what to expect.
Why is it the Sun Telegram Editorial Staff thinks that requesting that a Judge be the judge in resolving the concerns that not all mitigations have been done, and all requirements met? Is it the opinion of the Editorial Staff that the Courts should be available only to the City to Enforce Codes when the City Wants to Use the Court, but Citizens should not have access to equal protection under the law? Not all the required HOOPS have been passed through Citizens; even a MINORITY has the OPTION to put one final HOOP up. That HOOP is the Court. Does the Sun Telegram Editorial Staff want to suggest that this Right of the Citizens be removed as a means to resolve differences of opinion? Rule of the Majority or Rule of the Dollar, what is the Standard the Sun Telegram supports? Or does the Sun’s Editorial Staff support rights for some, and no rights for others?
The Judge did refuse to issue a temporary restringing order, but he also advised that should the construction go on, and at a future date he determines there is just cause of the action to proceed with construction will be at the risk and loss of the Developer and possibly the City. The judge’s decision was more that there is not any thing being done that is not reversible. Should the Judge order the property restored or modified it will be at the cost of the Developer or the City. His advice was suggesting that the DEVELOPER may want to hold off and wait for a final decision and not risk the cost to modify the building or site.
Clearly this is not the opinion of Mr. Schwab. Mr. Schwab is more than happy to have Miguel’s owners stick their financial neck out and have them proceed with construction while the court proceedings continue to hang over the project.
Will Mr. Schwab and the Editorial Staff of the Sun Telegram offset the financial risk taken by Miguel’s should the Judge require a modification that results in additional costs that resulted by their advise to go ahead prior to the Judges decision and possible mitigation requirements? Will it come from Mr. Schwab’s Pocket or the City’s?
This addresses only the first bits of the “Opinion” of the Sun Telegram’s Editorial Staff.
I am not going to run advertisements in the Sun Telegram. This may cost me some business, but I will not support their pocket or their “Opinion” with my money.
P.S. to Gramps: I hope the new voice on the City Council is as courageous as the citizens who have exercised their rights and the procedures provided to them to mitigate their concerns. This will be a welcome change to the Council. It is ok to vote No and not be in “Unity”, just going along so there is a Unanimous Decision is not conducive to the betterment of a community. Thanks for posting Emails at least the Citizens Have a Place to record their opinions and concerns.
The Editorial Staff at the Sun Telegram shows their disdain for the common citizen in their most recent article regarding Grand Terrace.
The skipping over the facts of the events and court decisions in the cases brought to Court is misleading reporting of what is the motivation of the citizens, or of the facts behind the actions taken by various citizens, who have found an effective legal advisor.
Focus on just the first bits of print:
Anti-growth advocates difficult to appease
Our view: Sue-happy critics seem
ready to pounce on anything.
Article Launched: 01/11/2007 12:00:00 AM
PST
Why is it that certain people don't care if a project has gone through all the hoops and all the public vetting, met all the city requirements and done all the mitigation, but still want to find a way to stop it in its tracks?
A judge has refused to issue a temporary restraining order against construction of a fast-food restaurant in Grand Terrace that the city Planning Commission approved more than 18 months ago. And we agree with City Manager Tom Schwab that there's no reason to contest the development.
The Sun Telegram refuses to accept that the City and or the Developer have had ample opportunity prior to cases being filed to negotiate or address the concerns of the citizens and they have refused to do so. There have been developments that have not been challenged by the citizens and others that have and the developers have negotiated and adjusted their plans. These have been done without court intervention being taken. The question is why is it when the City Redevelopment Agency has a Plan or Relationship with the Development there is a problem. That is the common denominator of the actions taken.
The citizens are not happy to have to take action against the city and to suggest that the effort is a pounce action is ignoring the fact that the citizens have tried for months and some cases years to resolve their concerns, Pounce is not quite the correct representation. It suggests that the City is unaware of what to expect.
Why is it the Sun Telegram Editorial Staff thinks that requesting that a Judge be the judge in resolving the concerns that not all mitigations have been done, and all requirements met? Is it the opinion of the Editorial Staff that the Courts should be available only to the City to Enforce Codes when the City Wants to Use the Court, but Citizens should not have access to equal protection under the law? Not all the required HOOPS have been passed through Citizens; even a MINORITY has the OPTION to put one final HOOP up. That HOOP is the Court. Does the Sun Telegram Editorial Staff want to suggest that this Right of the Citizens be removed as a means to resolve differences of opinion? Rule of the Majority or Rule of the Dollar, what is the Standard the Sun Telegram supports? Or does the Sun’s Editorial Staff support rights for some, and no rights for others?
The Judge did refuse to issue a temporary restringing order, but he also advised that should the construction go on, and at a future date he determines there is just cause of the action to proceed with construction will be at the risk and loss of the Developer and possibly the City. The judge’s decision was more that there is not any thing being done that is not reversible. Should the Judge order the property restored or modified it will be at the cost of the Developer or the City. His advice was suggesting that the DEVELOPER may want to hold off and wait for a final decision and not risk the cost to modify the building or site.
Clearly this is not the opinion of Mr. Schwab. Mr. Schwab is more than happy to have Miguel’s owners stick their financial neck out and have them proceed with construction while the court proceedings continue to hang over the project.
Will Mr. Schwab and the Editorial Staff of the Sun Telegram offset the financial risk taken by Miguel’s should the Judge require a modification that results in additional costs that resulted by their advise to go ahead prior to the Judges decision and possible mitigation requirements? Will it come from Mr. Schwab’s Pocket or the City’s?
This addresses only the first bits of the “Opinion” of the Sun Telegram’s Editorial Staff.
I am not going to run advertisements in the Sun Telegram. This may cost me some business, but I will not support their pocket or their “Opinion” with my money.
P.S. to Gramps: I hope the new voice on the City Council is as courageous as the citizens who have exercised their rights and the procedures provided to them to mitigate their concerns. This will be a welcome change to the Council. It is ok to vote No and not be in “Unity”, just going along so there is a Unanimous Decision is not conducive to the betterment of a community. Thanks for posting Emails at least the Citizens Have a Place to record their opinions and concerns.
Friday, January 12, 2007
In the Press
In Brief 01-12-2007
Article Launched: 01/12/2007 12:00:00 AM PST
GRAND TERRACE Council approves roadway work
The City Council has approved using federal money for road improvements west of Interstate 215. The city obtained $245,845 in Community Development Block Grant funds to rebuild Vivienda and La Crosse avenues. Roquet Paving submitted a bid of $305,703 to do the work.
The remaining $59,858 will come from grant reserve funds and the city's General Fund.
The council approved the funding at its Tuesday evening meeting.
Article Launched: 01/12/2007 12:00:00 AM PST
GRAND TERRACE Council approves roadway work
The City Council has approved using federal money for road improvements west of Interstate 215. The city obtained $245,845 in Community Development Block Grant funds to rebuild Vivienda and La Crosse avenues. Roquet Paving submitted a bid of $305,703 to do the work.
The remaining $59,858 will come from grant reserve funds and the city's General Fund.
The council approved the funding at its Tuesday evening meeting.
From Email Inbox: Blue Mt. White With Snow
Friday January 12, 2007 Snow in Grand Terrace.
This weekend will be even COLDER bring in the PETS and the CHILDREN.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
From Email InBox: Forwarded CC of Email
CRIME ALERT!!
Rash of CAR WINDOW BREAKING and PROPERTY THEFT is happening in Grand Terrace.
PLEASE PUT ALL ITEMS OUT OF SITE IN THE TRUNK, Lock your car, and Park under a light if at a store.
From Email InBox: Miguel's
Hey Gramps,
Since this is now simply a repository for incoming e-mails, I'd like to add mine to the mix. I would just like to congratulate Miguel's Jr. for the construction of their new restaraunt on Barton Road. They have fought long and hard for this, and the majority of Grand Terrace residents I have spoken to are very excited about the restaraunt and the entire Towne Center project. Grand Terrace is on the move and the future looks bright. Thanks for the forum to post my views.
Brian
Respond to Brian From Email Inbox:
There has been no lot line adjustment. The environmental permits have not been issued or applied for. They are grading more than just for Miguel's. The project in a different location has not been before Planning or Council. Yeah the future is bright for those who don't believe in the rule of law. Water seeks it's own level Brian.
The Judge warned them that they will be at a greater loss should the Court deside against them. So it is a bit early to place a food order Brian.
Since this is now simply a repository for incoming e-mails, I'd like to add mine to the mix. I would just like to congratulate Miguel's Jr. for the construction of their new restaraunt on Barton Road. They have fought long and hard for this, and the majority of Grand Terrace residents I have spoken to are very excited about the restaraunt and the entire Towne Center project. Grand Terrace is on the move and the future looks bright. Thanks for the forum to post my views.
Brian
Respond to Brian From Email Inbox:
There has been no lot line adjustment. The environmental permits have not been issued or applied for. They are grading more than just for Miguel's. The project in a different location has not been before Planning or Council. Yeah the future is bright for those who don't believe in the rule of law. Water seeks it's own level Brian.
The Judge warned them that they will be at a greater loss should the Court deside against them. So it is a bit early to place a food order Brian.
From the Email InBox: Added Court Case Detail
The City has told the Judge the OAC is a dead project but on the report they are sending to the State says it is still viable. The City Reports to have made "redevelopment improvements" on vacant lots. Remember Mayor Ferre said she read every page, every word of the report before she approved it.
Posted in Bold per Email Request
Posted in Bold per Email Request
From Email InBox: Highgrove Metro Link Station Killed at RTA Meeting
Efforts to Postpone the Killing of the Highgrove Metro Link Stop have been killed by the RTA or at least as far as the RTA is concerned. San Bag still has a toe in the water and will review the need for an additional stop on that line. Perhaps in Grand Terrace or on the Colton Side of the track there is a place for parking and a boarding ramp. A station like the Corona Stop should not be that expensive.
All Court Cases Continue None Tossed Out Due to Lack of Merit.
Case SCVSS119897 - CITIZENS-V-CITY OF GRAND TERRACE ET AL
(Blue Mt. Senior Villas: Corp for Better Housing and GT Redevelopment Agency
01/10/2007 PROOF OF SERVICE OF PEREMPTORY WRIT OF MANDATE SERVED ON
01/09/07 AS TO CITY OF GRAND TERRACE ( BY MAIL) Not Applicable
11/30/2006 CREDIT CARD TRANSACTION ID NUMBER 013-0023020061 Not Applicable
11/30/2006 FEE PAYMENT Not Applicable
Essco Case
HEARING RE: PETITION FOR WRIT OF MANDATE (CEQA).
01/10/2007 - 8:30 AM DEPT. S8
JOHN P WADE PRESIDING.
CLERK: OLIVIA MCDONALD
REPORTER: CINDY FIORENZA
COURT ATTENDANT LARRY RUSSELL
-
APPEARANCES:
ATTORNEY RAYMOND JOHNSON PRESENT FOR PLAINTIFF/PETITIONER.
ATTORNEY COLIN R. BURNS PRESENT FOR DEFENDANT/RESPONDENT.
- ESSCO
PROCEEDINGS:
ACTION CAME ON FOR HEARING ON PETITION FOR WRIT OF MANDATE.
ATTORNEY RAYMOND REPORTS THAT NO HEARING ON THE PETITION IS NEEDED AS THE PROJECT HAS BEEN REVISED. THE COURT ORDERS THIS MATTER SET FOR OSC RE: DISMISSAL TO COINCIDE WITH THE PENDING MOTION FOR ATTORNEY FEES SET FOR 2/1/07.
-
HEARINGS:
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE RE: DISMISSAL SET FOR 02/01/07 AT 08:30 IN DEPARTMENT S8.
NOTICE WAIVED.
=== MINUTE ORDER END ===
Miguel's Case: TOWN CENTER DEVELOPMENT AREA or GRAND TERRACE BARTON RD SPECIFIC PLAN CONFLICT
STATUS HEARING ON PETITION
01/10/2007 - 8:30 AM DEPT. S8
NOTICE PRINTED FOR JOHNSON & SE DLACK ON 11/21/06.
JOHN P WADE PRESIDING.
CLERK: OLIVIA MCDONALD
REPORTER: CINDY FIORENZA
COURT ATTENDANT LARRY RUSSELL
-
APPEARANCES:
ATTORNEY RAYMOND JOHNSON PRESENT FOR PLAINTIFF/PETITIONER.
ATTORNEY COLIN BURNS PRESENT FOR CITY OF GRAND TERRACE.
ATTORNEY THIERRY MONTOLLA PRESENT FOR MJSC HOLDINGS & SDG INVESTMENT, LLC.
-
PROCEEDINGS:
ACTION CAME ON FOR STATUS ON PETITION FOR WRIT OF MANDATE (CEQA).
ATTORNEY JOHNSONS ORAL MOTION TO AMEND THE PETITION IS DENIED AND COUNSEL IS INSTRUCTED TO FILE A FORMAL MOTION.
-
COUNSEL FURTHER REPORT THAT THEY HAVE AGREED ON A BRIEFING SCHEDULE AS FOLLOWS: THE ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD SHALL BE FILED BY 1/30/07, OPENING BRIEF SHALL BE FILED BY 3/14/07, OPPOSITION SHALL BE
FILED BY 4/16/07 AND REPLY SHALL BE FILED BY 4/30/07. HEARING ON THE PETITION SHALL TAKE PLACE ON MAY 24, 2007.
-
HEARINGS:
HEARING RE: PETITION FOR WRIT OF MANDATE (CEQA) SET FOR 05/24/07 AT 08:30 IN DEPARTMENT S8.
COUNSEL FOR PLAINTIFF TO GIVE NOTICE.
=== MINUTE ORDER END ===
Non Compliance with Code by Trucking Company and Non Enforcement by City
STATUS HEARING ON PETITION
01/10/2007 - 8:30 AM DEPT. S8
NOTICE PRINTED FOR JOHNSON & SE DLACK ON 11/21/06.
JUDGE: JOHN P. WADE
CLERK: OLIVIA MCDONALD
REPORTER: CINDY FIORENZA
COURT ATTENDANT LARRY RUSSELL
-
APPEARANCES:
ATTORNEY RAYMOND JOHNSON PRESENT FOR PLAINTIFF/PETITIONER.
ATTORNEY COLIN R. BURNS PRESENT FOR CITY OF GRAND TERRACE.
ATTORNEY MEGAN HEY PRESENT FOR SWERTFEGERS EQUIPMENT INC..
-
PROCEEDINGS:
COUNSEL REPORT THAT THEY HAVE DISCUSSED AND AGREED ON THE FOLLOWING BRIEFING SCHEDULE. THE
ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD SHALL BE FILED BY 2/28/07, THE OPENING BRIEF SHALL BE FILED BY 3/29/07,
OPPOSITION SHALL BE FILED BY 4/27/07 AND THE REPLY SHALL BE FILED BY 5/14/07. HEARING ON THE
PETITION SHALL TAKE PLACE ON 6/7/07.
-
HEARINGS:
HEARING RE: PETITION FOR WRIT OF MANDATE (CEQA) SET FOR 06/07/07 AT 08:30 IN DEPARTMENT S8.
COUNSEL FOR PLAINTIFF TO GIVE NOTICE.
=== MINUTE ORDER END ===
(Blue Mt. Senior Villas: Corp for Better Housing and GT Redevelopment Agency
01/10/2007 PROOF OF SERVICE OF PEREMPTORY WRIT OF MANDATE SERVED ON
01/09/07 AS TO CITY OF GRAND TERRACE ( BY MAIL) Not Applicable
11/30/2006 CREDIT CARD TRANSACTION ID NUMBER 013-0023020061 Not Applicable
11/30/2006 FEE PAYMENT Not Applicable
Essco Case
HEARING RE: PETITION FOR WRIT OF MANDATE (CEQA).
01/10/2007 - 8:30 AM DEPT. S8
JOHN P WADE PRESIDING.
CLERK: OLIVIA MCDONALD
REPORTER: CINDY FIORENZA
COURT ATTENDANT LARRY RUSSELL
-
APPEARANCES:
ATTORNEY RAYMOND JOHNSON PRESENT FOR PLAINTIFF/PETITIONER.
ATTORNEY COLIN R. BURNS PRESENT FOR DEFENDANT/RESPONDENT.
- ESSCO
PROCEEDINGS:
ACTION CAME ON FOR HEARING ON PETITION FOR WRIT OF MANDATE.
ATTORNEY RAYMOND REPORTS THAT NO HEARING ON THE PETITION IS NEEDED AS THE PROJECT HAS BEEN REVISED. THE COURT ORDERS THIS MATTER SET FOR OSC RE: DISMISSAL TO COINCIDE WITH THE PENDING MOTION FOR ATTORNEY FEES SET FOR 2/1/07.
-
HEARINGS:
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE RE: DISMISSAL SET FOR 02/01/07 AT 08:30 IN DEPARTMENT S8.
NOTICE WAIVED.
=== MINUTE ORDER END ===
Miguel's Case: TOWN CENTER DEVELOPMENT AREA or GRAND TERRACE BARTON RD SPECIFIC PLAN CONFLICT
STATUS HEARING ON PETITION
01/10/2007 - 8:30 AM DEPT. S8
NOTICE PRINTED FOR JOHNSON & SE DLACK ON 11/21/06.
JOHN P WADE PRESIDING.
CLERK: OLIVIA MCDONALD
REPORTER: CINDY FIORENZA
COURT ATTENDANT LARRY RUSSELL
-
APPEARANCES:
ATTORNEY RAYMOND JOHNSON PRESENT FOR PLAINTIFF/PETITIONER.
ATTORNEY COLIN BURNS PRESENT FOR CITY OF GRAND TERRACE.
ATTORNEY THIERRY MONTOLLA PRESENT FOR MJSC HOLDINGS & SDG INVESTMENT, LLC.
-
PROCEEDINGS:
ACTION CAME ON FOR STATUS ON PETITION FOR WRIT OF MANDATE (CEQA).
ATTORNEY JOHNSONS ORAL MOTION TO AMEND THE PETITION IS DENIED AND COUNSEL IS INSTRUCTED TO FILE A FORMAL MOTION.
-
COUNSEL FURTHER REPORT THAT THEY HAVE AGREED ON A BRIEFING SCHEDULE AS FOLLOWS: THE ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD SHALL BE FILED BY 1/30/07, OPENING BRIEF SHALL BE FILED BY 3/14/07, OPPOSITION SHALL BE
FILED BY 4/16/07 AND REPLY SHALL BE FILED BY 4/30/07. HEARING ON THE PETITION SHALL TAKE PLACE ON MAY 24, 2007.
-
HEARINGS:
HEARING RE: PETITION FOR WRIT OF MANDATE (CEQA) SET FOR 05/24/07 AT 08:30 IN DEPARTMENT S8.
COUNSEL FOR PLAINTIFF TO GIVE NOTICE.
=== MINUTE ORDER END ===
Non Compliance with Code by Trucking Company and Non Enforcement by City
STATUS HEARING ON PETITION
01/10/2007 - 8:30 AM DEPT. S8
NOTICE PRINTED FOR JOHNSON & SE DLACK ON 11/21/06.
JUDGE: JOHN P. WADE
CLERK: OLIVIA MCDONALD
REPORTER: CINDY FIORENZA
COURT ATTENDANT LARRY RUSSELL
-
APPEARANCES:
ATTORNEY RAYMOND JOHNSON PRESENT FOR PLAINTIFF/PETITIONER.
ATTORNEY COLIN R. BURNS PRESENT FOR CITY OF GRAND TERRACE.
ATTORNEY MEGAN HEY PRESENT FOR SWERTFEGERS EQUIPMENT INC..
-
PROCEEDINGS:
COUNSEL REPORT THAT THEY HAVE DISCUSSED AND AGREED ON THE FOLLOWING BRIEFING SCHEDULE. THE
ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD SHALL BE FILED BY 2/28/07, THE OPENING BRIEF SHALL BE FILED BY 3/29/07,
OPPOSITION SHALL BE FILED BY 4/27/07 AND THE REPLY SHALL BE FILED BY 5/14/07. HEARING ON THE
PETITION SHALL TAKE PLACE ON 6/7/07.
-
HEARINGS:
HEARING RE: PETITION FOR WRIT OF MANDATE (CEQA) SET FOR 06/07/07 AT 08:30 IN DEPARTMENT S8.
COUNSEL FOR PLAINTIFF TO GIVE NOTICE.
=== MINUTE ORDER END ===
In the Press : Council Apointment
Ex-mayor back on council
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 01/11/2007 12:00:00 AM PST
GRAND TERRACE - The newest member of the City Council is a familiar political face.
Former Mayor Dan Buchanan was the unanimous choice Tuesday night to fill a vacant council seat.
Buchanan, who served on the council from 1994 to 2002, beat out seven other applicants for the appointment.
The 49-year-old attorney for a title insurance company will be sworn in Jan. 23.
"I'm coming in with a very small learning curve," Buchanan said Wednesday. "I know how the council works. I know all the basics. I felt I could make a valuable contribution."
Buchanan will finish the nearly two years left on Maryetta Ferre's council term. Ferre relinquished her council seat when she was sworn in as the city's first directly elected mayor in December.
Ferre said Buchanan has the knowledge and experience to do an effective job.
"I'm very pleased we could make a decision so we can go on and continue with the work we have started," Ferre said.
After serving nearly nine years on the council, Buchanan decided not to seek another term in 2002 because he wanted to devote more time to his job and family.
Now that his two children are in college, Buchanan is ready for politics again.
"Probably the most important thing to me is trying to help the city get on the right track in terms of positive economic development," he said.
The other applicants for the post were Matthew Addington, Doug Wilson, Lloyd Dodd, Robert Mendez, Charles Hornsby, Linda Duet and Jeremy Samson.
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 01/11/2007 12:00:00 AM PST
GRAND TERRACE - The newest member of the City Council is a familiar political face.
Former Mayor Dan Buchanan was the unanimous choice Tuesday night to fill a vacant council seat.
Buchanan, who served on the council from 1994 to 2002, beat out seven other applicants for the appointment.
The 49-year-old attorney for a title insurance company will be sworn in Jan. 23.
"I'm coming in with a very small learning curve," Buchanan said Wednesday. "I know how the council works. I know all the basics. I felt I could make a valuable contribution."
Buchanan will finish the nearly two years left on Maryetta Ferre's council term. Ferre relinquished her council seat when she was sworn in as the city's first directly elected mayor in December.
Ferre said Buchanan has the knowledge and experience to do an effective job.
"I'm very pleased we could make a decision so we can go on and continue with the work we have started," Ferre said.
After serving nearly nine years on the council, Buchanan decided not to seek another term in 2002 because he wanted to devote more time to his job and family.
Now that his two children are in college, Buchanan is ready for politics again.
"Probably the most important thing to me is trying to help the city get on the right track in terms of positive economic development," he said.
The other applicants for the post were Matthew Addington, Doug Wilson, Lloyd Dodd, Robert Mendez, Charles Hornsby, Linda Duet and Jeremy Samson.
From the Email Inbox: More About Council Apointment
Hey Gramps,
It is so obvious to me that this council, save Jim, feels invincible. I have to ask myself why.
Why are they so dead set on ignoring citizens who have brought legitimate concerns before them?
Why do the refuse to answer questions?
Why don't they want to know anything about anything?
Why do they like to take credit for things they haven't done?
The only answer I can get is it is all about the money.
They don't want any new ideas, or new council members because their goal is to make as much money as they can and get out. They will leave Grand Terrace and move to Montana, Wyoming, etc. They have no interest in living in the mess they have created and insisted we live in. While this is just my opinion, it is based on the history of their behavior and decision.
Why is there such an apathy in Grand Terrace? Because people are tired. They believe the lies and the dog and pony shows. What happened to the eight acre lake and huge fountain - OAC (Outdoor Adventure Center)? Which was just an RV sales park. It vanished because of bad planning. Schwab can't put a project together. He relies on Jacobsen, who only has an interest the bottom dollar. He doesn't care that his projects are empty three years .later.
Why does LeAnn Garcia follow the pack? Because she wants a career in politics.
Why does Maryetta Ferre want to be Mayor? Because her daddy was.
Why does Bea Cortez want to be a council member? Because Maryetta told her to.
Why do they want Bucannon instead of Wilson. Because Wilson is his own man and will ask too many questions.
The good news is. We can recall them in six months.
It is so obvious to me that this council, save Jim, feels invincible. I have to ask myself why.
Why are they so dead set on ignoring citizens who have brought legitimate concerns before them?
Why do the refuse to answer questions?
Why don't they want to know anything about anything?
Why do they like to take credit for things they haven't done?
The only answer I can get is it is all about the money.
They don't want any new ideas, or new council members because their goal is to make as much money as they can and get out. They will leave Grand Terrace and move to Montana, Wyoming, etc. They have no interest in living in the mess they have created and insisted we live in. While this is just my opinion, it is based on the history of their behavior and decision.
Why is there such an apathy in Grand Terrace? Because people are tired. They believe the lies and the dog and pony shows. What happened to the eight acre lake and huge fountain - OAC (Outdoor Adventure Center)? Which was just an RV sales park. It vanished because of bad planning. Schwab can't put a project together. He relies on Jacobsen, who only has an interest the bottom dollar. He doesn't care that his projects are empty three years .later.
Why does LeAnn Garcia follow the pack? Because she wants a career in politics.
Why does Maryetta Ferre want to be Mayor? Because her daddy was.
Why does Bea Cortez want to be a council member? Because Maryetta told her to.
Why do they want Bucannon instead of Wilson. Because Wilson is his own man and will ask too many questions.
The good news is. We can recall them in six months.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
From the Email Inbox:How Low Can You Go
Let's look at the BMSV Income designations from not who they will include but who they exclude:
To Qualify for 70 Percent of the Apartments: A Single Person would be half of 16,856.00 that Low Low Income or 50% would be $ 8,326.00. (Income plus 2% of Asset Value = Combined Income) has to be less than 8,500.00 per individual. So if you have that 450.000.00 house or combined assets of a house, stocks and IRA and some SSI... you don't qualify for 70% of the Apartments.
To Qualify for the Low Income Apartments it would be 60% of the 16,856.00 that would be a Combined Income of $ 10,113.60 , So IF you had that 450,000.00 of assets at 2% that would be 9,000.00 of the income calculation leaving only $1,113.60 in cash payments from an IRA or SSI
So How Many of Our Seniors or our Families will qualify for any but the 12 Apartments, that will be rented at Market Rates?
This is not how the project was sold. We as a city are going into deeper debt to fund this project. and to defend it in court. Is this what we really want, where we want it? Is this building a better city?
How Many of Our Grand Terrace Seniors Will Be Excluded from residing in the Blue Mt. Senior Villas because their income and assets are too high?
There are 12 apartments that will be open regardless of your income, at market rate. So we can be fairly sure those apartments will be available for Our Residents and Family Members.
What are we buying with the expenditure of the funds and debt? What did we need? Did we just buy size 15 shoes when our feet are only size 10. Bigger is not always better.
Now would it be fair to say the Scope and Plan has changed so much from the original that the contract and agreements should be null and void, and there should be a stop and settlement hearing, and start over.
Is the goal a new Senior Center.. and a Park. Is the goal to have this down town central to services of transportation and shopping? Petta Park was to be In the Memory of Susan Petta a young vibrant active women who passed from her parents lives much to soon. How does all what is planned and done in the past been an answer to the goals? Is it time to settle up and dust ourselves off before we spend millions more on legal fees to defend the invalidation of zoning, and planning on the whim and fancy of the City Manager.
Clearly the Corporation for Better Housing, did not do an EIR sufficient for Judge Wade, that was needed in the past. Now they are doing an EIR Study. Why not have done it right the first time? Why are the Citizens Paying over and over again to teach the City that this is a protection to have this done first, so the citizens are not stuck with building drains, roads, and improvements that were not accounted for in the "original plans" that get rushed by Planning or Council, as with the OAC, and Manhole Covers. If it were not for Mr. Johnson and the folks who engage his services, GT Redevelopment Agency would have taken us down a real thorny path and sure it is reasonable to be cautious of any plan until there is a RDA project or involved project that is not based on bad data, high sales tactics, and missing or unavailable documents.
Today was a busy day in court. We'll see if the City has learned to dot the i's and cross the t's when they are doing their work.
Low income seniors are welcome in Grand Terrace. The point is don't tell the community these apartments are for "Our Seniors" and "Our Family Members" in order to gain public support for the project. We need low income housing for citizens of all ages as the jobs in Grand Terrace don't pay well enough for people to Live and Work In Grand Terrace and our shop clerks, child care and gardners should be able to live in Grand Terrace before they are 62. It is not the who will be living in the Apartments as much as it is how the sales pitch and plan was developed and presented.
To Qualify for 70 Percent of the Apartments: A Single Person would be half of 16,856.00 that Low Low Income or 50% would be $ 8,326.00. (Income plus 2% of Asset Value = Combined Income) has to be less than 8,500.00 per individual. So if you have that 450.000.00 house or combined assets of a house, stocks and IRA and some SSI... you don't qualify for 70% of the Apartments.
To Qualify for the Low Income Apartments it would be 60% of the 16,856.00 that would be a Combined Income of $ 10,113.60 , So IF you had that 450,000.00 of assets at 2% that would be 9,000.00 of the income calculation leaving only $1,113.60 in cash payments from an IRA or SSI
So How Many of Our Seniors or our Families will qualify for any but the 12 Apartments, that will be rented at Market Rates?
This is not how the project was sold. We as a city are going into deeper debt to fund this project. and to defend it in court. Is this what we really want, where we want it? Is this building a better city?
How Many of Our Grand Terrace Seniors Will Be Excluded from residing in the Blue Mt. Senior Villas because their income and assets are too high?
There are 12 apartments that will be open regardless of your income, at market rate. So we can be fairly sure those apartments will be available for Our Residents and Family Members.
What are we buying with the expenditure of the funds and debt? What did we need? Did we just buy size 15 shoes when our feet are only size 10. Bigger is not always better.
Now would it be fair to say the Scope and Plan has changed so much from the original that the contract and agreements should be null and void, and there should be a stop and settlement hearing, and start over.
Is the goal a new Senior Center.. and a Park. Is the goal to have this down town central to services of transportation and shopping? Petta Park was to be In the Memory of Susan Petta a young vibrant active women who passed from her parents lives much to soon. How does all what is planned and done in the past been an answer to the goals? Is it time to settle up and dust ourselves off before we spend millions more on legal fees to defend the invalidation of zoning, and planning on the whim and fancy of the City Manager.
Clearly the Corporation for Better Housing, did not do an EIR sufficient for Judge Wade, that was needed in the past. Now they are doing an EIR Study. Why not have done it right the first time? Why are the Citizens Paying over and over again to teach the City that this is a protection to have this done first, so the citizens are not stuck with building drains, roads, and improvements that were not accounted for in the "original plans" that get rushed by Planning or Council, as with the OAC, and Manhole Covers. If it were not for Mr. Johnson and the folks who engage his services, GT Redevelopment Agency would have taken us down a real thorny path and sure it is reasonable to be cautious of any plan until there is a RDA project or involved project that is not based on bad data, high sales tactics, and missing or unavailable documents.
Today was a busy day in court. We'll see if the City has learned to dot the i's and cross the t's when they are doing their work.
Low income seniors are welcome in Grand Terrace. The point is don't tell the community these apartments are for "Our Seniors" and "Our Family Members" in order to gain public support for the project. We need low income housing for citizens of all ages as the jobs in Grand Terrace don't pay well enough for people to Live and Work In Grand Terrace and our shop clerks, child care and gardners should be able to live in Grand Terrace before they are 62. It is not the who will be living in the Apartments as much as it is how the sales pitch and plan was developed and presented.
From the Email InBox: Selection of Council Member
From the Email InBox
The corruption continues. What an insult to the others that applied. Bucanhan has already served, in fairness they should have given someone else a chance. They couldn't afford to, Bucanhan was part of the house deal with Schwab I think and they couldn't take a chance of having someone that would question Schwab,. The voucher for Johnson they should be thankful. If the law suit and the judge agreed had not been ruled in the citizens favor 18 million in traffic fees would have been laid on the voter backs that should have gone to the developers. Schwab just showed his ineptness. Barney was right liars lie, thieves steal and salesmen sell.
From the Email InBox
In conversations with three of the candidates before the vote and with several of the town folks that watch what is going on at City Hall, everyone believed that it was going to be another dog and pony show and unbridled and unregulated development would win.
We all knew that the former Mayor Buchanan had been selected before the vote was taken. Just like Councilwoman Garcia should have excused herself from the vote on Jacobsens projects because he and his wife contribute to her campaign, so should have Maryetta Ferre. (See attached campaign contribution form)
It was obvious Councilman Miller did not go along with the rigged vote and was the lone vote for a change.
The payment to Mr. Johnson, the citizens should be thankful there are people that watch what this City does or doesn't do. Which is the case in the OAC lawsuit. Mr. Schwab did not negotiate 18 million dollars in traffic fees that Judge Wade also agreed should not be placed on the tax payers back. That would get any other city manager, in any other city, fired. That's an 18 million dollar mistake. Any other City Council would have given him his walking papers for such a blunder.
Here's a question for everyone. Schwab asked for the payment to Mr. Johnson be taken from the City Redevelopment Agency, which I question the legality of, why not just take it out of the 5 million dollar reserve he and the Councilwomen have been touting for the last year. The reason is that the General Fund is about 5 million a year and 4.5 million goes to repay redevelopment debt which grows with every breath we take.
The General Fund does not have 30 grand in it? The 5 million dollar reserve does not have it either? Golly Gee folks do you think that just maybe there is no reserve and the City, as former Council member Hilkey stated in his concern, that the City is using RDA funds for it's everyday operations. This would explain the false report that was sent to the State Legislators claiming buildings exist on vacant land. That there was no income from rental property. That there was no income from the sale of RDA property.
I guess the Dodson property is given to Carlstrom just to charge a management fee and allow his relative to live there rent free. The questions by the Councilwoman asking the candidates on how they would increase revenue. I guess they are realizing that the way they are doing it doesn't work. It is a proven fact that cities that do not have RDA's do better than those that do. We are a prime example.
So we continue with Schwab making the decisions with some of the Council behind closed doors and on every other Thurday night, oh, wait , that was changed to Tuesday nights so Councilwoman Cortes could socialize with the G.O.P Central Committee, and Tuesday night will be the bi-monthly meetings of the Liars Club. We have a new old member now again. Dejavu.
Gramps Said I'd post what comes in, and here it is folks, I am good to my word about what I post anyway. All Email will be posted even if it is not " friendly" to the new voice on the Council.
The corruption continues. What an insult to the others that applied. Bucanhan has already served, in fairness they should have given someone else a chance. They couldn't afford to, Bucanhan was part of the house deal with Schwab I think and they couldn't take a chance of having someone that would question Schwab,. The voucher for Johnson they should be thankful. If the law suit and the judge agreed had not been ruled in the citizens favor 18 million in traffic fees would have been laid on the voter backs that should have gone to the developers. Schwab just showed his ineptness. Barney was right liars lie, thieves steal and salesmen sell.
From the Email InBox
In conversations with three of the candidates before the vote and with several of the town folks that watch what is going on at City Hall, everyone believed that it was going to be another dog and pony show and unbridled and unregulated development would win.
We all knew that the former Mayor Buchanan had been selected before the vote was taken. Just like Councilwoman Garcia should have excused herself from the vote on Jacobsens projects because he and his wife contribute to her campaign, so should have Maryetta Ferre. (See attached campaign contribution form)
It was obvious Councilman Miller did not go along with the rigged vote and was the lone vote for a change.
The payment to Mr. Johnson, the citizens should be thankful there are people that watch what this City does or doesn't do. Which is the case in the OAC lawsuit. Mr. Schwab did not negotiate 18 million dollars in traffic fees that Judge Wade also agreed should not be placed on the tax payers back. That would get any other city manager, in any other city, fired. That's an 18 million dollar mistake. Any other City Council would have given him his walking papers for such a blunder.
Here's a question for everyone. Schwab asked for the payment to Mr. Johnson be taken from the City Redevelopment Agency, which I question the legality of, why not just take it out of the 5 million dollar reserve he and the Councilwomen have been touting for the last year. The reason is that the General Fund is about 5 million a year and 4.5 million goes to repay redevelopment debt which grows with every breath we take.
The General Fund does not have 30 grand in it? The 5 million dollar reserve does not have it either? Golly Gee folks do you think that just maybe there is no reserve and the City, as former Council member Hilkey stated in his concern, that the City is using RDA funds for it's everyday operations. This would explain the false report that was sent to the State Legislators claiming buildings exist on vacant land. That there was no income from rental property. That there was no income from the sale of RDA property.
I guess the Dodson property is given to Carlstrom just to charge a management fee and allow his relative to live there rent free. The questions by the Councilwoman asking the candidates on how they would increase revenue. I guess they are realizing that the way they are doing it doesn't work. It is a proven fact that cities that do not have RDA's do better than those that do. We are a prime example.
So we continue with Schwab making the decisions with some of the Council behind closed doors and on every other Thurday night, oh, wait , that was changed to Tuesday nights so Councilwoman Cortes could socialize with the G.O.P Central Committee, and Tuesday night will be the bi-monthly meetings of the Liars Club. We have a new old member now again. Dejavu.
Gramps Said I'd post what comes in, and here it is folks, I am good to my word about what I post anyway. All Email will be posted even if it is not " friendly" to the new voice on the Council.
Council Selection of New Council Member
Grand Pa Terrace no longer needs to post Gramp's Opinion, now that it will be represented at the council on the council as a result of tonight's appointment.
I will post the InBox Email of fellow readers/citizens and continue to post documents, and arrest details until this material is available on the City Web Page.
I will post the InBox Email of fellow readers/citizens and continue to post documents, and arrest details until this material is available on the City Web Page.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
The View of the Future.
Develop an Employer and Business that reaches into the future.
Hydrogen fuel Station? Advanced Transportation Repair, for EV's, Hybrids, and Hydrogen Vehicles.
Build for Self Sustainable and Productivity.
Hydrogen fuel Station? Advanced Transportation Repair, for EV's, Hybrids, and Hydrogen Vehicles.
Build for Self Sustainable and Productivity.
Congestion dealing with the Impact..
Here you go... an idea...
To deal with the traffict in town...
Invite street vendors to vend from all street corners on Mt. Vernon and Barton Rd. durring the hours of 3:00 to 6:00 daily.
Oranges, Flowers, Pizza, Beer oh of course they won't drink and drive untill after they leave town.
To deal with the traffict in town...
Invite street vendors to vend from all street corners on Mt. Vernon and Barton Rd. durring the hours of 3:00 to 6:00 daily.
Oranges, Flowers, Pizza, Beer oh of course they won't drink and drive untill after they leave town.
Half of What Whole. Income Qualification.. Formula
The median income for a household in the county was $42,066, and the median income for a family was $46,574. Males had a median income of $37,025 versus $27,993 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,856. About 12.60% of families and 15.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.60% of those under age 18 and 8.40% of those age 65 or over
The Above is data from the US Census... Wikopedia:
So a Single Person would be half of 16,856.00 that LLIncome or 50% would be $ 8,326.00.
30% of that income would be $2497.89 divided by 12 months would be $208.16 per month maximum rent per the land lease agreement, if that portion of the lease is to be enforced.
It is apparent, neither of the folks crunching the numbers were crunching the Individual Income number as income but "Household Number". IF these renters are single which is the majority in the other complexes, this individual calculation may be more in line with the lease condition. Perhaps what we see here is a requirement that the Corporation for Better Housing will find it impossible to function under.
It is clear that clause in the land lease is an interesting means of setting the rent limits. I know the current figures on Median Income Levels is updated every 6 months. But, in looking at the numbers provided tonight at the meeting the did not use INDIVIDUAL INCOME NUMBERS but HOUSEHOLD NUMBERS. There in lies the real fluke in the calculation.
The Above is data from the US Census... Wikopedia:
So a Single Person would be half of 16,856.00 that LLIncome or 50% would be $ 8,326.00.
30% of that income would be $2497.89 divided by 12 months would be $208.16 per month maximum rent per the land lease agreement, if that portion of the lease is to be enforced.
It is apparent, neither of the folks crunching the numbers were crunching the Individual Income number as income but "Household Number". IF these renters are single which is the majority in the other complexes, this individual calculation may be more in line with the lease condition. Perhaps what we see here is a requirement that the Corporation for Better Housing will find it impossible to function under.
It is clear that clause in the land lease is an interesting means of setting the rent limits. I know the current figures on Median Income Levels is updated every 6 months. But, in looking at the numbers provided tonight at the meeting the did not use INDIVIDUAL INCOME NUMBERS but HOUSEHOLD NUMBERS. There in lies the real fluke in the calculation.
Immediate Needs Met:
The Folks who were displaced by the apartment fire have been supported and there are reports that their needs have been met to the extent can be. Of course those things like family photos or particular personal mementos cant be recovered or replaced. We hope those losses are eased by the concern of neighbors and friends stretching as far as Marino Valley, and Colton and perhaps even further.
This rapid response to a need is great to see and participate in. Now if we could use the same energy to fund our Youth Activities. Or, perhaps a public farm where a Dog Park/FFA/4H could collaborate with a Boys and Girls Club.
It is when we look after the interests of others we are the most fulfilled.
This rapid response to a need is great to see and participate in. Now if we could use the same energy to fund our Youth Activities. Or, perhaps a public farm where a Dog Park/FFA/4H could collaborate with a Boys and Girls Club.
It is when we look after the interests of others we are the most fulfilled.
Monday, January 08, 2007
AGENDA
CITY OF GRAND TERRACE COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS JANUARY 9, 2007
GRAND TERRACE CIVIC CENTER 6:00 PM
22795 Barton Road
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS JANUARY 9, 2007
GRAND TERRACE CIVIC CENTER 6:00 PM
22795 Barton Road
* Call to Order -
* Invocation -
* Pledge of Allegiance -
* Roll Call -
CONVENE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
1. Approval of 12-14-2006 Minutes
2. Corporation for Better Housing Blue Mountain Villas Funding and Tenant Application Criteria
3. Appropriate Funds - OAC Lawsuit Attorney Fees
How MUCH did the Cost of the Lawsuit Cost the City, Including Staff and City Hired Attorney’s, NOT JUST THE COST OF THE Fees paid to Mr. Johnson.
ADJOURN COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
CONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
1. Items to Delete
2. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
A. Commendations - Deputy Perez and Deputy Delo
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 January 9, 2007
Who’s Getting Paid for What?
B. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
C. Approval of 12-14-2006 Minutes
D. Notice of Completion - Mt. Vernon Phase I Project (Roquet Paving)
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.
COUNCIL AGENDA
E. Resolution Authorizing the Submittal of a Grant Application for Street Widening and Public Improvements on Mt. Vernon Avenue Between Raven Way and Pico Street
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. Emergency Operations Committee
a. Minutes of December 5, 2006
A. Council Reports
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Resolution of the City Council of the City of Grand Terrace, State of California, Approving Tentative Parcel Map No. 06-03 (TPM 18333)
WHERE IS THE NORMAL STREET ADDRESS FOR THIS PROPERTY?
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Interview Applicants and Make Appointment to Fill Council Vacancy
B. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Re-Allocation and Award of Contract for the Grand Terrace Target Area Road Re-Construction WHERE? Off Ramp / Barton Rd?
C. Calvary the Brook Request for Sewer Service
9. CLOSED SESSION - None
ADJOURN
THE NEXT CRA/CITY COUNCIL MEETING WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2007 AT 6:00 P.M.
AGENDA ITEM REQUESTS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE NO LATER THAN 14 CALENDAR DAYS PRECEDING THE MEETING.
Good News 2 Share:
Aid given to fire victims
Guy McCarthy, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 01/08/2007 12:00:00 AM PST
About 50 people from Riverside and San Bernardino counties pitched in Sunday to help a dozen families who lost nearly all their belongings in an apartment-complex fire last week in Grand Terrace.
Most of them didn't know any of those victimized by the Jan. 2 blaze that gutted the two-story building on De Berry Street. But they gathered a truckload of clothing, blankets, gift certificates, cash and other essentials to share with those in need.
"Everybody here knows the situation," Pastor Daniel Sierra told a gathering outside the home of Cynthia Dela Rosa on Rancho Avenue in Colton. "These people lost everything right here in the holidays. I can see there's a lot more we can do in the future."
Sierra, who ministers at New Harvest Christian Fellowship in Moreno Valley, said he heard about the fundraiser earlier Sunday from his uncle, Johnny Sierra of Colton.
"I challenged my congregation this morning," Pastor Sierra said. "We went to Wal-Mart for shampoo, toothpaste, soap, hygiene stuff, stuff they can use. There is more we can do. This is not just a one-day thing."
Johnny Sierra, who came with a group of friends on chromed-out choppers, said he and his comrades wanted to do something for the unfortunate. "Maybe we didn't know these people, but we just wanted to help our neighbors," he said. "It's Colton. It's Grand Terrace. We're in this together."
Colton Mayor Kelly Chastain told the gathering at Dela Rosa's home that their generosity embodied a community's spirit.
"This is what Colton's all about, people coming together to help each other," Chastain said. "Let's keep these people in our prayers and keep our eyes open for more ways we can help."
Asked why she hosted a fundraiser and donation drive for people she didn't know in Grand Terrace, Dela Rosa said it just seemed like the right thing to do.
"We've got to help each other," she said. "You never know. It could be one of us the next time. I'm a firm believer that if we can help, we should help."
The burned-out building at Crest Apartments was boarded up Sunday. Gaping, black-rimmed gashes in the roof showed where flames had ripped through the two-story structure. Most of the families displaced by the fire are living in vacant units in the complex.
No one was seriously injured in the blaze. Fire officials said it apparently started after a maintenance worker welded a pipe that overheated and ignited material in an attic.
Guy McCarthy, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 01/08/2007 12:00:00 AM PST
About 50 people from Riverside and San Bernardino counties pitched in Sunday to help a dozen families who lost nearly all their belongings in an apartment-complex fire last week in Grand Terrace.
Most of them didn't know any of those victimized by the Jan. 2 blaze that gutted the two-story building on De Berry Street. But they gathered a truckload of clothing, blankets, gift certificates, cash and other essentials to share with those in need.
"Everybody here knows the situation," Pastor Daniel Sierra told a gathering outside the home of Cynthia Dela Rosa on Rancho Avenue in Colton. "These people lost everything right here in the holidays. I can see there's a lot more we can do in the future."
Sierra, who ministers at New Harvest Christian Fellowship in Moreno Valley, said he heard about the fundraiser earlier Sunday from his uncle, Johnny Sierra of Colton.
"I challenged my congregation this morning," Pastor Sierra said. "We went to Wal-Mart for shampoo, toothpaste, soap, hygiene stuff, stuff they can use. There is more we can do. This is not just a one-day thing."
Johnny Sierra, who came with a group of friends on chromed-out choppers, said he and his comrades wanted to do something for the unfortunate. "Maybe we didn't know these people, but we just wanted to help our neighbors," he said. "It's Colton. It's Grand Terrace. We're in this together."
Colton Mayor Kelly Chastain told the gathering at Dela Rosa's home that their generosity embodied a community's spirit.
"This is what Colton's all about, people coming together to help each other," Chastain said. "Let's keep these people in our prayers and keep our eyes open for more ways we can help."
Asked why she hosted a fundraiser and donation drive for people she didn't know in Grand Terrace, Dela Rosa said it just seemed like the right thing to do.
"We've got to help each other," she said. "You never know. It could be one of us the next time. I'm a firm believer that if we can help, we should help."
The burned-out building at Crest Apartments was boarded up Sunday. Gaping, black-rimmed gashes in the roof showed where flames had ripped through the two-story structure. Most of the families displaced by the fire are living in vacant units in the complex.
No one was seriously injured in the blaze. Fire officials said it apparently started after a maintenance worker welded a pipe that overheated and ignited material in an attic.
Agenda Not Yet Posted: 12:01 Monday the 8th
THE NEXT CRA/CITY COUNCIL MEETING WILL BE HELD N TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2007 AT 6:00 P.M.
AGENDA ITEM REQUESTS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE NO LATER THAN 14 CALENDAR DAYS PRECEDING THE MEETING.
It may be legal that the Council Meeting Agenda and support documents aren't available on line much before the meeting. However, to have the appearance of wanting the public to be involved and informed one would publish these things on the web more than the day prior to the meeting. Lets Hope it gets Posted today.
AGENDA ITEM REQUESTS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE NO LATER THAN 14 CALENDAR DAYS PRECEDING THE MEETING.
It may be legal that the Council Meeting Agenda and support documents aren't available on line much before the meeting. However, to have the appearance of wanting the public to be involved and informed one would publish these things on the web more than the day prior to the meeting. Lets Hope it gets Posted today.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
One WIll Be Chosen:
The City Council of Grand Terrace has chosen to select the Person to serve out the term of office Election of Mayor Ferre caused.
In spite of challenging or suggesting Bill Hays apply if he didn’t like the way things were done by the council, it is doubtful that the City Council is going to provide the community with a council member who will view things differently than the Mayor and City Manager, and their advisors.
If the City Council actually named any one of the applicants other than Addison or Buchanan they will have given me sufficient reason to retire from the publication of the Blog. Yes having a variety of views on the City Council is that important.
So I am not going to say I support any of the other applicants, I am going to say who I do not support and offer the challenge to the Council Members to make my day, put someone on the Council who is nor a clone of yourself. You still hold the majority vote, things will be as they are. Perhaps just perhaps, however, a person who does not share your perspective may offer a question, or point of view worthy of your consideration and respect.
Bill Hays may be best from the other side of the podium, which is his choice and dare not ridicule a speaker again by making such a challenge if you fail to accept amongst your ranks a council member applicant who does not fit into your uni-think.
Your “Dare” to Bill Hays to apply, should be a Double Dare to you. Appoint someone who is known to hold a divergent opinion on the issues of City Management to the Council. Assuming your minds are not made up already, think about this. If there is more factual disclosure to the public and more complete consultative process during the Council Meetings, there is little need for the Blog to exist. Citizens can read the Blue Mt. Outlook, and GTCity News, if the GT City Web Page, and the Council Meetings were more inclusive of information and counter opinions, prior to decisions being made.
In spite of challenging or suggesting Bill Hays apply if he didn’t like the way things were done by the council, it is doubtful that the City Council is going to provide the community with a council member who will view things differently than the Mayor and City Manager, and their advisors.
If the City Council actually named any one of the applicants other than Addison or Buchanan they will have given me sufficient reason to retire from the publication of the Blog. Yes having a variety of views on the City Council is that important.
So I am not going to say I support any of the other applicants, I am going to say who I do not support and offer the challenge to the Council Members to make my day, put someone on the Council who is nor a clone of yourself. You still hold the majority vote, things will be as they are. Perhaps just perhaps, however, a person who does not share your perspective may offer a question, or point of view worthy of your consideration and respect.
Bill Hays may be best from the other side of the podium, which is his choice and dare not ridicule a speaker again by making such a challenge if you fail to accept amongst your ranks a council member applicant who does not fit into your uni-think.
Your “Dare” to Bill Hays to apply, should be a Double Dare to you. Appoint someone who is known to hold a divergent opinion on the issues of City Management to the Council. Assuming your minds are not made up already, think about this. If there is more factual disclosure to the public and more complete consultative process during the Council Meetings, there is little need for the Blog to exist. Citizens can read the Blue Mt. Outlook, and GTCity News, if the GT City Web Page, and the Council Meetings were more inclusive of information and counter opinions, prior to decisions being made.
Help for Fire Victims being provided by Colton Residents
SB COUNTY
Colton residents help GT fire victims
Colton residents will be collecting clothing and other necessities for residents of a Grand Terrace apartment building on De Berry Street who were recently displaced by a fire.
Donations will be accepted from noon to 3 p.m. today at 1420 N. Rancho Ave., at Herberts Lane, in Colton. Organizers of the donations drive, accompanied by a group of Harley Davidson motorcycle owners, will transport the goods to Grand Terrace.
Nearly 30 residents were forced from their apartments Tuesday when a fire broke out at a complex on De Berry Street in Grand Terrace.
For more information, call organizer Cynthia DeLaRosa at (909) 825-2194.
Gramps Adds:
Colton and Grand Terrace relationships overlap and this is an example of our ties to the City of Colton. Many of our Grand Terrace Residents attend Churches, Senior and Youth Activities provided in the City of Colton.
The folks who have found themselves dislocated by the fire will appreciate not only the clothes but a repair to their feeling of security as each effort to provide a replacement of their material items is a human contact of reassurance saying we care, and it will work out ok.
When we give what we can, often what we have to give is surplus to us and needed by others or even if it is a sacrafice to give, we give more than the material thing, we give a touch of human concern for another person.
It would be nice to know if there are any special size request when it comes to clothes, or perhaps a shopping fund could be established.
The Red Flag Conditions are here again today... Be fire safe out there... use caution.
Thank you all for helping others. There is need in our community continue to be good neighbors.
Colton residents help GT fire victims
Colton residents will be collecting clothing and other necessities for residents of a Grand Terrace apartment building on De Berry Street who were recently displaced by a fire.
Donations will be accepted from noon to 3 p.m. today at 1420 N. Rancho Ave., at Herberts Lane, in Colton. Organizers of the donations drive, accompanied by a group of Harley Davidson motorcycle owners, will transport the goods to Grand Terrace.
Nearly 30 residents were forced from their apartments Tuesday when a fire broke out at a complex on De Berry Street in Grand Terrace.
For more information, call organizer Cynthia DeLaRosa at (909) 825-2194.
Gramps Adds:
Colton and Grand Terrace relationships overlap and this is an example of our ties to the City of Colton. Many of our Grand Terrace Residents attend Churches, Senior and Youth Activities provided in the City of Colton.
The folks who have found themselves dislocated by the fire will appreciate not only the clothes but a repair to their feeling of security as each effort to provide a replacement of their material items is a human contact of reassurance saying we care, and it will work out ok.
When we give what we can, often what we have to give is surplus to us and needed by others or even if it is a sacrafice to give, we give more than the material thing, we give a touch of human concern for another person.
It would be nice to know if there are any special size request when it comes to clothes, or perhaps a shopping fund could be established.
The Red Flag Conditions are here again today... Be fire safe out there... use caution.
Thank you all for helping others. There is need in our community continue to be good neighbors.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
BMSV and Miguel's in the News: A Reply
Results of the Blue Mt. Senior Villa’s Scoping Meeting:
30 People Attended:
Parking Planning and Density of Apartment Units Concerns Raised.
Public concern that Visitors to Senior Center and Park and Proposed Resident Parking areas are insufficient, for intended use, and does not blend with the low density housing of adjoining property, and the zoning of the property prior to City Council Creating a Zone for the Specific Purpose of accommodating the BMSV.
Who would qualify or what the qualifications would be to live in the housing was questioned, Orriginal City Statements and promotion suggested the intended residents were “Our Seniors”, “Family Members”, “Low and Middle Income” were the qualifications for the apartments. Funding Obtained by Corporation For Better Housing, requires the housing to be for the specific income class of Low Low Income, or what is commonly refered to Section 8 Housing. Regarless of who administers or manages the housing the question is how many of the “Interested Grand Terrace Seniors or the Family Members” would qualify for the housing opportunity with this Income Qualification being part of the requirement? Gramps is not so sure this is an environmental question but others are.
Some are concerned that the Senior Center and Housing will house a population of folks that will not complement the fact that there is a Elementary School right next door. Some folks are concerned that the Residents of the BMSV will out number the Senior Center’s Current Active Membership and the Seniors currently being provided with activities will have lost their Senior Center. The 200 or so active Senior Center Users are Grand Terrace Residents, and they help keep track of eachother’s health, and the center provides them with a lunch and social opportunity which may not be taken advantage of if the BMSV residents overwhelm the planned new facility or if there is insufficient parking for the Visitor to the Senior Center and Park.
The Comments collected will be included in the Proposed Envionmental Impact Report, and will be available for Public Review for 45 days and then a Final report is prepaired and will go before Planning Commission or City Council for Certification.
Because, this is a report required by Judge John P. Wade one will assume the Judge will also be reviewing the Report and the Mitigation Efforts taken to answer the concerns raised at this public meeting and all those brought forward to the issue via the court hearing..
While this report is being done, the City of Grand Terrace and the Corporation For Better Hosing has filed an Appeal of the Judge John P. Wade Decision. For some reason they are seeking a remedy past the completion of the EIR, which publicly Mr. Tom Schwab dismisses as a 45,000.00 formality that is “no big deal”. IF it is no big deal, or If there are no problems with the land use, density, traffic, and noise issues, why not just fulfill the lower courts requirement, and not add the cost of an appeal?
For those who may ask why din’t the public say these things before the plans were approved. They were, where were you?
Miguel's is Secondary Party in Suit: Primary Case is against City Redevelopment Agency.
To Mr. Jaime Vilches:
This country is not based on Majority Rule. We have a Code of Laws and Regulations which are applied or should be applied equally amongst its citizens. This protects the Minority population from the tyranny of the Majority even right here in Grand Terrace, or should be.
Well I hope in Grand Terrace the Minority has an input, a voice, and a right to seek legal action to protect its interest.
When the Planning Commission and the City Council approved the Miguel's project. There were concerns voiced by the public. Concerns including but not limited to the limited parking, traffic flow, having a drive thru, trash, and the design not being unified as required by the Barton Road Specific Plan. The problem is that Miguel's has moved 4 times, and this plan depends on the surrounding Plan, which has not been approved... Jacobsen Plan B for the Town Center.
Where were you?
Miguel's is the unfortunate party who has been the City Redevelopment Agency's ping pong ball. The law suit is not against Miguel' as a primary Respondent. The suit is about the Redevelopment Agency and City not applying the Code of Laws and Regulations uniformly and having compliance prior to the issue of Approvals and Permits.
The law suit may have a seemingly minor issue included such as too much stucco as a design element, but that is an example of a problem not the entire problem being heard in court.
The Barton Road Specific Plan Design Elements were forced upon Business and Property Owners for years. Causing many owners to either not be able to improve their businesses, or sell to interested parties as the development cost to the plan would be cost prohibitive. Now when Jacobsen and the City Redevelopment threatened all the property owners with the deal sell me your property or Eminent Domain Might Be used, they buckled and sold under duress, and without the advantage of a free and open market..
The Potential Buyers of the property faced the Design Requirements of the Barton Road Specific Plan, in addition to County, State, and Federal building equipments.
The Plan requires a Unified Development and that would include Jacobsen's Plan B. We have not seen Plan B. There is the added rub. No Jacobsen Plan B, no Town Center Grading Permits.
I don't like the money spend either. I think the city should conduct itself in such away that it can not be subjected to being sued. When documents are requested from the city they should provide them. When permits for grading, or a specific plan contains requirements for one the requirements should not be waived on a case by case whim.
Miguel's has been put in this situation as a result of the City Management not the Citizens who brought the legal action. Miguel's is not being built on land Owned by Miguel's it is land that the title has yet to be fully transferred from the combined holdings of the Redevelopment Agency, and Jacobsen Family holdings, in a swap for land Miguel's company owns. It would seem the Trio of players should be required to submit PLAN B, prior to development goes forward. Or at least have the foot print and design elements approved in tandem.
A Drive Thru is not a Pedestrian Friendly Design, and was up to this point not allowed in Grand Terrace. Jacobsen Familybroke Thruu DriveThrur ban withThrue Drive Thu Drug Store. Miguel's added the feature, and because the Council approved the Drive Thru for Miguel/s and no doubt other fast food Jacobsen will bring, there will be more drive thru's on Barton Rd. Dmitri's restaurant who had been denied this feature. Demiti's eventually got approval for a Drive Thru and their location IS exactly appropriate for a Drive Thru as it is off the freeway, and has limited pedestrian traffic, and is not part of the Barton Rd Specific Plan. Yet they had been denied several time.
So where were you when the Citizens Brought their unanswered concerns to the Planning Commission and City Council? To what depth have you dipped your tortilla chip into the salsa of the policy and practices of development in Grand Terrace?
Your participation is welcome. What is not welcome is your suggestion that a Minority Voice and Action should be discounted, or not heard, not given the full protection of the Laws of the Land, and should surrender to the Will of the Mass Majority.
I have to add, I have lived in Grand Terrace longer than Miguel's has been in town, and have never eaten there. I went in side, looked at the food, smelled it, looked at the menu and left 3 times. I am not for or against Miguel's, I am for a clean development process and procedure, for Miguel's, and all people in Grand Terrace. Miguel's is not the problem and is not the Primary Respondent to the Suit being heard. Let's not mislead the public by diverting attention away from the cause of action being the Management of City Manager Tom Schwab, Doug Jacobsen Family Holdings, and Jack Brown and the lack of insistence of the City Council and City Attorney that shortcuts not be taken by any developer.
If a code or plan is bad, change it across the board, not one project at a time.
Try this thought on. If I were to pay Jo String Field lets say a Billion Dollars, and shfinallyly said yes she wanted to sell the land to me she couldn't. If I went to the City with a Building of a design that did not conform specific Barton Road Specificic Plan would I'd be allowed to build? No, as a matter of fact I think that Jo would still be under the obligation to inform me she can't sell her land to anyonor developmentnt City Redevelopment Agency, or to a buyer they approve, as she has been served with a document warning her of their intent to use Eminent Domain in order ot obtain her property and she was told not to sell, rent or improve her property in the event , (IF) the city desired to go forward with Eminent Domain Proceedings.
To the best of my knowledge, the City Council has said they have not use Eminent Domain. They have not said they WILL NOT, use Eminent Domain tforciblyly take a piece of property from one owner to another owner. The City has not sent a letter giving he full enjoyment power of property rights on Jo Stringfield , by declarationon or decree they have not given, her any assurances that they will not at a future time on a whim restart their efforts to force her to sell her land to them or to a single buyer.
IF a regulation is required of me, it is a requirement for all, that is fair and interfere does not interferear with free trade, and commerce.
Grand Pa Terrace
Grand Terrace
30 People Attended:
Parking Planning and Density of Apartment Units Concerns Raised.
Public concern that Visitors to Senior Center and Park and Proposed Resident Parking areas are insufficient, for intended use, and does not blend with the low density housing of adjoining property, and the zoning of the property prior to City Council Creating a Zone for the Specific Purpose of accommodating the BMSV.
Who would qualify or what the qualifications would be to live in the housing was questioned, Orriginal City Statements and promotion suggested the intended residents were “Our Seniors”, “Family Members”, “Low and Middle Income” were the qualifications for the apartments. Funding Obtained by Corporation For Better Housing, requires the housing to be for the specific income class of Low Low Income, or what is commonly refered to Section 8 Housing. Regarless of who administers or manages the housing the question is how many of the “Interested Grand Terrace Seniors or the Family Members” would qualify for the housing opportunity with this Income Qualification being part of the requirement? Gramps is not so sure this is an environmental question but others are.
Some are concerned that the Senior Center and Housing will house a population of folks that will not complement the fact that there is a Elementary School right next door. Some folks are concerned that the Residents of the BMSV will out number the Senior Center’s Current Active Membership and the Seniors currently being provided with activities will have lost their Senior Center. The 200 or so active Senior Center Users are Grand Terrace Residents, and they help keep track of eachother’s health, and the center provides them with a lunch and social opportunity which may not be taken advantage of if the BMSV residents overwhelm the planned new facility or if there is insufficient parking for the Visitor to the Senior Center and Park.
The Comments collected will be included in the Proposed Envionmental Impact Report, and will be available for Public Review for 45 days and then a Final report is prepaired and will go before Planning Commission or City Council for Certification.
Because, this is a report required by Judge John P. Wade one will assume the Judge will also be reviewing the Report and the Mitigation Efforts taken to answer the concerns raised at this public meeting and all those brought forward to the issue via the court hearing..
While this report is being done, the City of Grand Terrace and the Corporation For Better Hosing has filed an Appeal of the Judge John P. Wade Decision. For some reason they are seeking a remedy past the completion of the EIR, which publicly Mr. Tom Schwab dismisses as a 45,000.00 formality that is “no big deal”. IF it is no big deal, or If there are no problems with the land use, density, traffic, and noise issues, why not just fulfill the lower courts requirement, and not add the cost of an appeal?
For those who may ask why din’t the public say these things before the plans were approved. They were, where were you?
Miguel's is Secondary Party in Suit: Primary Case is against City Redevelopment Agency.
To Mr. Jaime Vilches:
This country is not based on Majority Rule. We have a Code of Laws and Regulations which are applied or should be applied equally amongst its citizens. This protects the Minority population from the tyranny of the Majority even right here in Grand Terrace, or should be.
Well I hope in Grand Terrace the Minority has an input, a voice, and a right to seek legal action to protect its interest.
When the Planning Commission and the City Council approved the Miguel's project. There were concerns voiced by the public. Concerns including but not limited to the limited parking, traffic flow, having a drive thru, trash, and the design not being unified as required by the Barton Road Specific Plan. The problem is that Miguel's has moved 4 times, and this plan depends on the surrounding Plan, which has not been approved... Jacobsen Plan B for the Town Center.
Where were you?
Miguel's is the unfortunate party who has been the City Redevelopment Agency's ping pong ball. The law suit is not against Miguel' as a primary Respondent. The suit is about the Redevelopment Agency and City not applying the Code of Laws and Regulations uniformly and having compliance prior to the issue of Approvals and Permits.
The law suit may have a seemingly minor issue included such as too much stucco as a design element, but that is an example of a problem not the entire problem being heard in court.
The Barton Road Specific Plan Design Elements were forced upon Business and Property Owners for years. Causing many owners to either not be able to improve their businesses, or sell to interested parties as the development cost to the plan would be cost prohibitive. Now when Jacobsen and the City Redevelopment threatened all the property owners with the deal sell me your property or Eminent Domain Might Be used, they buckled and sold under duress, and without the advantage of a free and open market..
The Potential Buyers of the property faced the Design Requirements of the Barton Road Specific Plan, in addition to County, State, and Federal building equipments.
The Plan requires a Unified Development and that would include Jacobsen's Plan B. We have not seen Plan B. There is the added rub. No Jacobsen Plan B, no Town Center Grading Permits.
I don't like the money spend either. I think the city should conduct itself in such away that it can not be subjected to being sued. When documents are requested from the city they should provide them. When permits for grading, or a specific plan contains requirements for one the requirements should not be waived on a case by case whim.
Miguel's has been put in this situation as a result of the City Management not the Citizens who brought the legal action. Miguel's is not being built on land Owned by Miguel's it is land that the title has yet to be fully transferred from the combined holdings of the Redevelopment Agency, and Jacobsen Family holdings, in a swap for land Miguel's company owns. It would seem the Trio of players should be required to submit PLAN B, prior to development goes forward. Or at least have the foot print and design elements approved in tandem.
A Drive Thru is not a Pedestrian Friendly Design, and was up to this point not allowed in Grand Terrace. Jacobsen Familybroke Thruu DriveThrur ban withThrue Drive Thu Drug Store. Miguel's added the feature, and because the Council approved the Drive Thru for Miguel/s and no doubt other fast food Jacobsen will bring, there will be more drive thru's on Barton Rd. Dmitri's restaurant who had been denied this feature. Demiti's eventually got approval for a Drive Thru and their location IS exactly appropriate for a Drive Thru as it is off the freeway, and has limited pedestrian traffic, and is not part of the Barton Rd Specific Plan. Yet they had been denied several time.
So where were you when the Citizens Brought their unanswered concerns to the Planning Commission and City Council? To what depth have you dipped your tortilla chip into the salsa of the policy and practices of development in Grand Terrace?
Your participation is welcome. What is not welcome is your suggestion that a Minority Voice and Action should be discounted, or not heard, not given the full protection of the Laws of the Land, and should surrender to the Will of the Mass Majority.
I have to add, I have lived in Grand Terrace longer than Miguel's has been in town, and have never eaten there. I went in side, looked at the food, smelled it, looked at the menu and left 3 times. I am not for or against Miguel's, I am for a clean development process and procedure, for Miguel's, and all people in Grand Terrace. Miguel's is not the problem and is not the Primary Respondent to the Suit being heard. Let's not mislead the public by diverting attention away from the cause of action being the Management of City Manager Tom Schwab, Doug Jacobsen Family Holdings, and Jack Brown and the lack of insistence of the City Council and City Attorney that shortcuts not be taken by any developer.
If a code or plan is bad, change it across the board, not one project at a time.
Try this thought on. If I were to pay Jo String Field lets say a Billion Dollars, and shfinallyly said yes she wanted to sell the land to me she couldn't. If I went to the City with a Building of a design that did not conform specific Barton Road Specificic Plan would I'd be allowed to build? No, as a matter of fact I think that Jo would still be under the obligation to inform me she can't sell her land to anyonor developmentnt City Redevelopment Agency, or to a buyer they approve, as she has been served with a document warning her of their intent to use Eminent Domain in order ot obtain her property and she was told not to sell, rent or improve her property in the event , (IF) the city desired to go forward with Eminent Domain Proceedings.
To the best of my knowledge, the City Council has said they have not use Eminent Domain. They have not said they WILL NOT, use Eminent Domain tforciblyly take a piece of property from one owner to another owner. The City has not sent a letter giving he full enjoyment power of property rights on Jo Stringfield , by declarationon or decree they have not given, her any assurances that they will not at a future time on a whim restart their efforts to force her to sell her land to them or to a single buyer.
IF a regulation is required of me, it is a requirement for all, that is fair and interfere does not interferear with free trade, and commerce.
Grand Pa Terrace
Grand Terrace
Residents lose round in fight over restaurant
GRAND TERRACE: They have argued that a fast-food eatery would violate city guidelines. 10:00 PM PST on Thursday, January 4, 2007
By JULIE FARRENThe Press-Enterprise
GRAND TERRACE - A citizens group lost its bid for a temporary restraining order to stop Miguel's Jr. from building a new fast-food restaurant on Barton Road this week.
San Bernardino County Superior Court Judge John P. Wade on Wednesday denied that request but set a Feb. 21 court date for a hearing on a preliminary injunction request.
A group called Citizens for Responsible and Open Government filed a lawsuit last November to stop Miguel's Jr. from building on Barton Road between Michigan Avenue and Canal Street. The restaurant wants to move from the Stater Bros. shopping center.
Lawyer Raymond Johnson, of Temecula, said the citizens group opposes the stucco design and says the drive-through window and driveway violate the Barton Road Specific Plan guidelines, which call for a minimum setback of 25 feet from the
street. Johnson said the restaurant's proposed parking would be on the property line.City Manager Thomas Schwab said the restaurant's plans were approved by the Planning Commission and comply with the specific plan. Schwab said he questioned the environmental impact of a stucco design.
The grading and building permits have been issued, Schwab said, and the restaurant could open within three months.
Reach Julie Farren at 909-806-3079 or jfarren@PE.com
Thursday, January 04, 2007
From Email InBox: Flu is Still Out There:
Folks the Flu Bug is still out there. Please, care for one another. If you are sick, minimize your exposure to others. Everyone handwashing is the best prevention for all forms of illness.
If you are old or suffering longer than normal, you may need medication. See a doctor... for our elderly, and very young Flu can be deadly. Flu can go into the lungs and have other complications.
Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands... clean up the phone recievers, and if you are working in the yard, a dust mask will help protect your lungs.
If you know a sick person, offer them assistance with errands, shopping, going to the post office just these simple tasks may be zapping their energy and not let them get better. You may even consider limiting that contact by doing cooking in your home and deliver the food to them in serving size containers for the microwave. Chicken soup can't hurt.
If you are old or suffering longer than normal, you may need medication. See a doctor... for our elderly, and very young Flu can be deadly. Flu can go into the lungs and have other complications.
Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands... clean up the phone recievers, and if you are working in the yard, a dust mask will help protect your lungs.
If you know a sick person, offer them assistance with errands, shopping, going to the post office just these simple tasks may be zapping their energy and not let them get better. You may even consider limiting that contact by doing cooking in your home and deliver the food to them in serving size containers for the microwave. Chicken soup can't hurt.
Grand Terrace Citizens Helping Citizens:
The Grand Terrace Woman's Club, the Store New 2 You, the Grand Terrace City News, the American Red Cross, groups and individual citizens are all responding to see that the needs of the fire displaced families are met.
This is the same quality of conduct that we should all aspire for daily when there is not an urgent need. Have you helped a neighbor lately... ? If you see a garden that needs help, have you offered to do as little as offer the use of your empty green trash can? It can be that simple. Help one another, get to know your neighbor...
It shouldn't take a fire. But now that a fire has happened it is great folks are trying to help set people up in their new homes. Immediate needs are one thing, it is important for them we don't forget them in a month or year. The loss due to fire will impact them past the replacement of things... the experience of loss will carry its own unknown effects. The Red Cross knows this, and it is important for our friends and neighbors to also be aware of this, as we all recover from the fire.
Yes I say we all recover. We all experienced that fire. The Sight, the Fear, the Smell, the Shared Loss, and recovery. We all experienced the event. It is required to recognize that we Experienced it, and we Learn or Appreciate the Experience and make the lessons positive in our lives and in the lives of others. I could suggest that be it a Welder or a Firework Fire is Fire. Safety Is An Action.
What folks need may be found on Craigs List for Free or low cost, those of you with a truck can help to transport things...
Thank you, thank you all.
This is the same quality of conduct that we should all aspire for daily when there is not an urgent need. Have you helped a neighbor lately... ? If you see a garden that needs help, have you offered to do as little as offer the use of your empty green trash can? It can be that simple. Help one another, get to know your neighbor...
It shouldn't take a fire. But now that a fire has happened it is great folks are trying to help set people up in their new homes. Immediate needs are one thing, it is important for them we don't forget them in a month or year. The loss due to fire will impact them past the replacement of things... the experience of loss will carry its own unknown effects. The Red Cross knows this, and it is important for our friends and neighbors to also be aware of this, as we all recover from the fire.
Yes I say we all recover. We all experienced that fire. The Sight, the Fear, the Smell, the Shared Loss, and recovery. We all experienced the event. It is required to recognize that we Experienced it, and we Learn or Appreciate the Experience and make the lessons positive in our lives and in the lives of others. I could suggest that be it a Welder or a Firework Fire is Fire. Safety Is An Action.
What folks need may be found on Craigs List for Free or low cost, those of you with a truck can help to transport things...
Thank you, thank you all.
Welding starts Fire: WIND Spreads the Problem
Fire chars apartments
Majority of building severely damaged
Robert Rogers, Staff Writer
San Bernardino County Sun
Article Launched:01/03/2007 12:00:00 AM PST
GRAND TERRACE - A two-story apartment building was gutted by a blaze Tuesday afternoon, displacing at least 27 residents.
Officials said the fire at the Crest Apartments at 22491 De Berry St., reported at 12:16 p.m., caused significant damage to 12 of 16 units.
"What appears to have happened was that someone on the maintenance crew was welding a pipe in one of the apartments," said San Bernardino County fire spokesman Steve Hansen. "The pipe got hot and ignited something in the attic."
The four-alarm blaze drew 90 firefighters from seven agencies, Hansen said. It took firefighters, who were hindered by high winds that fed the flames, more than three hours to completely control the blaze, Hansen said.
No residents were injured, but one firefighter suffered an ankle sprain and had to be helped from inside the building by other firefighters.
At least four second-floor units were visibly charred, with blackened walls and furniture exposed through blown-out windows. Hansen said some of the 12 affected units sustained significant smoke and water damage.
The four undamaged units were also evacuated, but those residents may soon be allowed to return, Hansen said.
Twelve of the households will be moved to units that were vacant at the Crest Apartments. The other four have been provided vouchers for local hotels by the Inland Empire Red Cross, Hansen said.
A woman identified at the scene by residents as the manager of the Crest Apartments declined to comment.
Red Cross officials set up a reception site for displaced residents across the street at Terrace Hills Middle School.
The fire reached its peak around 1 p.m., blowing flames out of ragged holes in the roof and some apartment windows.
Firefighters who battled the flames inside emerged from the inferno, removed oxygen masks and slumped on the curb gulping fresh air, their yellow fire suits blackened with soot.
Scattered residents milled about the scene, many hoping that their precious belongings would be spared.
"Oh God, I just hope my baby photos of my son make it, but I doubt it," said Brent Black, 25, looking up at the charred remnants of his couch, visible from his shattered second-story window.
Black said he was at a hospital in Fontana when his wife called to say a maintenance worker had frantically alerted her to flee the building because of the fire. Black returned, but it was too late to go inside for valuables.
About two hours later, with the fire knocked down, firefighters brought out a stack of framed pictures of Black, his wife and his 10-month-old son.
Black clutched the wet, soot-covered photos in his folded arms.
"I'm just blessed that everyone is safe," Black said.
Gramps Adds: WHEN SPARKS FLY
I have said frequently Safety is an Action. Here we have a compound event that could have been avoided if Safety was a Focus.
First. Welding causes sparks. WHEN Sparks are Wind Driven.. You have a Fire Storm
Second: Welding causes Heat. When Welding around other combustible materials including pipes near electrical wires, the Welder should mitigate the damage of the welding heat to the surrounding materials. One should assume there will be a fire, and be prepared with hoses and extinguishers on site before the first spark flies or the welding starts. EVEN WHEN THERE IS NO WIND, Expect a Fire to Start.
Third: Welding, on a Day when the winds are blowing should not be done. EVEN IF the welding is being done inside where there is no wind, the fire that is started won't be contained to a small area.
Welding should not be allowed during Red Flag Days out side of the Industrial situation where there are no combustibles around to catch if the sparks are contained to the building.
Safety Is an Action... For those who have been displace or lost their possessions lets help fill the void. If there is a specific need let us know... We can share our abundance with those who have lost everything all at one time. These folks have a major do over on their hands.
Question: Was the Repair Job being done with a Permit? Was the Welder a Business that is Licensed to do business in Grand Terrace? Will the Welder or the Apartment Owner be required to right the situation with the residents? Were the residents aware that welding was being done in the building during a Red Flag Day?
Perhaps, the City needs a No Welding, No Off Roading, No Fireworks, or Wood burning on Red Flag Day Ordinance that places the financial burden on the owner of the property who ordered the work, and the Business doing the work to pay for all costs related to a fire started on a Red Flag Day, as they should be accountable for not waiting for the wind storm to pass. A work delay of a few days could have saved many personal possessions and interrupted fewers people's lives, and so forth.
Risk Benefit Factors. In this case the Risk was not rewarded. People not in the decision making process should not suffer the loss caused by the Owner of the Business and the Welder's taking the risk of Welding on a Red Flag Day.
Welding often starts fires. Welding on a Red Flag Day, well it isn't arson, but it is perhaps beyond reasonable caution, or putting persons and property at a risk that is past reasonable. I think this is worthy of some thought.
Majority of building severely damaged
Robert Rogers, Staff Writer
San Bernardino County Sun
Article Launched:01/03/2007 12:00:00 AM PST
GRAND TERRACE - A two-story apartment building was gutted by a blaze Tuesday afternoon, displacing at least 27 residents.
Officials said the fire at the Crest Apartments at 22491 De Berry St., reported at 12:16 p.m., caused significant damage to 12 of 16 units.
"What appears to have happened was that someone on the maintenance crew was welding a pipe in one of the apartments," said San Bernardino County fire spokesman Steve Hansen. "The pipe got hot and ignited something in the attic."
The four-alarm blaze drew 90 firefighters from seven agencies, Hansen said. It took firefighters, who were hindered by high winds that fed the flames, more than three hours to completely control the blaze, Hansen said.
No residents were injured, but one firefighter suffered an ankle sprain and had to be helped from inside the building by other firefighters.
At least four second-floor units were visibly charred, with blackened walls and furniture exposed through blown-out windows. Hansen said some of the 12 affected units sustained significant smoke and water damage.
The four undamaged units were also evacuated, but those residents may soon be allowed to return, Hansen said.
Twelve of the households will be moved to units that were vacant at the Crest Apartments. The other four have been provided vouchers for local hotels by the Inland Empire Red Cross, Hansen said.
A woman identified at the scene by residents as the manager of the Crest Apartments declined to comment.
Red Cross officials set up a reception site for displaced residents across the street at Terrace Hills Middle School.
The fire reached its peak around 1 p.m., blowing flames out of ragged holes in the roof and some apartment windows.
Firefighters who battled the flames inside emerged from the inferno, removed oxygen masks and slumped on the curb gulping fresh air, their yellow fire suits blackened with soot.
Scattered residents milled about the scene, many hoping that their precious belongings would be spared.
"Oh God, I just hope my baby photos of my son make it, but I doubt it," said Brent Black, 25, looking up at the charred remnants of his couch, visible from his shattered second-story window.
Black said he was at a hospital in Fontana when his wife called to say a maintenance worker had frantically alerted her to flee the building because of the fire. Black returned, but it was too late to go inside for valuables.
About two hours later, with the fire knocked down, firefighters brought out a stack of framed pictures of Black, his wife and his 10-month-old son.
Black clutched the wet, soot-covered photos in his folded arms.
"I'm just blessed that everyone is safe," Black said.
Gramps Adds: WHEN SPARKS FLY
I have said frequently Safety is an Action. Here we have a compound event that could have been avoided if Safety was a Focus.
First. Welding causes sparks. WHEN Sparks are Wind Driven.. You have a Fire Storm
Second: Welding causes Heat. When Welding around other combustible materials including pipes near electrical wires, the Welder should mitigate the damage of the welding heat to the surrounding materials. One should assume there will be a fire, and be prepared with hoses and extinguishers on site before the first spark flies or the welding starts. EVEN WHEN THERE IS NO WIND, Expect a Fire to Start.
Third: Welding, on a Day when the winds are blowing should not be done. EVEN IF the welding is being done inside where there is no wind, the fire that is started won't be contained to a small area.
Welding should not be allowed during Red Flag Days out side of the Industrial situation where there are no combustibles around to catch if the sparks are contained to the building.
Safety Is an Action... For those who have been displace or lost their possessions lets help fill the void. If there is a specific need let us know... We can share our abundance with those who have lost everything all at one time. These folks have a major do over on their hands.
Question: Was the Repair Job being done with a Permit? Was the Welder a Business that is Licensed to do business in Grand Terrace? Will the Welder or the Apartment Owner be required to right the situation with the residents? Were the residents aware that welding was being done in the building during a Red Flag Day?
Perhaps, the City needs a No Welding, No Off Roading, No Fireworks, or Wood burning on Red Flag Day Ordinance that places the financial burden on the owner of the property who ordered the work, and the Business doing the work to pay for all costs related to a fire started on a Red Flag Day, as they should be accountable for not waiting for the wind storm to pass. A work delay of a few days could have saved many personal possessions and interrupted fewers people's lives, and so forth.
Risk Benefit Factors. In this case the Risk was not rewarded. People not in the decision making process should not suffer the loss caused by the Owner of the Business and the Welder's taking the risk of Welding on a Red Flag Day.
Welding often starts fires. Welding on a Red Flag Day, well it isn't arson, but it is perhaps beyond reasonable caution, or putting persons and property at a risk that is past reasonable. I think this is worthy of some thought.
What the Judge Did regarding the Denied TRO
"Judge rejects action against GT restaurant" is the title of article in the Sun Telegram.
This is Not what happened. The Judge Denied Immediate Action on a Temporary Restraigning Order, and the Matter is Continued till Feb 21, 2007.
The case is not against the Resturant, it is against the City of Grand Terrace, and the Grand Terrace Redevelopment Agency. The Judge decided to For NOW a Stop Work - Restraigning Order, which shows work can go forward for another week till the Test of Merrit to go to Trial, or the Preliminary Hearing is done next week, and the City is Prepaired to Answer the Restraining Order. It is not a Finished Judgement or a Rejection as stated in the Sun's Article. It says, if you want to continue work at the risk of losing that investment go ahead, no un reversable damage will be done other than the loss of money. If it were a done deal there would not be an opprotunity to Augment the Pleadings.
Below is from the Courts Web Page:
San Bernardino Superior Court Judge John P. Wade denied a request for a temporary restraining order to stop construction of a Mexican fast-food restaurant in Grand Terrace.
Judge John P. Wade's ruling means the Miguel's Jr. restaurant chain can move forward with building a drive-through restaurant on Barton Road between Michigan Avenue and Canal Street.
What is not being reported is that the restaurant being built is not the only issue in the law suit. It may be more prudent for Mr. Vasquez to hold off on construction until things are resolved. The lack of a final decision by the court puts his further investment at a risk. To continue with the investment into the project while a case is still pending well that indicates that there is some communication of assurances between Mr. Vasquez, Mr. Jacobsen, and the City Redevelopment Agency which apparently are not available to the public.
Mr. Vasquez and Miguel’s is not being well served by the Redevelopment Agency and City of Grand Terrace. He has been victim by the ever changing policy, decisions, and whimsy of the City Manager, and City Redevelopment Agency, and the convoluted deal making with Jacobsen Family Holdings.
Let’s hope he has all the paperwork done on the land he is building on and he OWNS it, and he can KEEP ownership. This lawsuit may be a benefit to him in the long run.
It appears that the work that will be done between now and the Jan 10 hearing will not be of the sort that can’t be mitigated, so IF Mr. Vasquez wants to take the risk of spending that week of investment in the project that is not going to halt the work for the week. =
Judge John P. Wade did not rule Wednesday on the merits of the lawsuit. Another hearing is scheduled Jan. 10 to determine when the case will go to trial, and a hearing on a Stop Work Restraigning Order will be Feb 21, 2007. It may be that the work stops, but the stopping of work is slower, than RIGHT NOW.
City Manager Tom Schwab said there is no legal basis for the project to be stopped, "This is just another nuisance lawsuit," Schwab said.
Mr. Schwab should be concerned, “Just another Nuisance Lawsuit”.. in front of Judge John P Wade. Other “Nuisance Lawsuits” as he chooses to characterize them have been judged not in the favor of the City and one is moving to the Appeals Court. So what Mr. Schwab has done by making this statement is that Judge Wade, allowed Nuisance Lawsuit to be heard in his court. The prior cases passed the “Go to Trial Test” of the Preliminary Hearing. Two of the cases have been decided against the city. SO if Mr. Schwab finds this a Nuisance, perhaps he should stop the conduct which invites the action of a law suit..
Mr. Schwab’s attitude needs to be checked. His statements may antagonize the Judge hearing the case. He clearly has been wrong in the past as to his assessment of the outcome of suits brought against other projects. He has been the critical point of failure as the Developer has depended on HIS Judgment, and His Word, and His Direction, and Mr. Schwab has failed them and the seniors and the Business Owners of Grand Terrace. Mr. Schwab has failed to provide sound management of the Redevelopment Agency and the City Planning Department as his duty calls for. Not only has he made the mistake, he blames others for the mistake, and then he compounds the problem by repeating the same flawed methods, and processes and does so with an arrogance that suggests he should be immune to the constraints of laws, regulations and ordinances. He has the power to wave, laws, regulations and ordinances as he pleases.
Perhaps he should be reminded when you point a finger at some one three point back at you.
Yes, I know that applies to me as well, I am guilty of living in a city that employes this person, allows his management to continue, and am without a clue how to get the situation to right itself. The folks of Concerned Citizens who have filed suit seem to be makeing some effort to protect the interests of the Citizens or Public for that I am glad.
If you are a business or person doing business in the City of Grand Terrace, it would be prudent to ask for all communication of decisions be documented in writing as you will be no doubt told 3 different stories about this requirement or that, and you may end up being taken to court and it will not be because Your actions caused the court action but the City Management Caused the action.
There may be a cause of action that the City is asked to pay for the damages and business loss caused by the Practices which lead to these lawsuits.
It is likely that the lawsuit will be amended to include Jacobsen Family Holdings as the grading exceeds the space that is to be owned by Mr. Vasquez. What have we learned. If you want to do business in Grand Terrace, and that requires dealing with Mr. Schwab, the City of Grand Terrace, the Redevelopment Agency, the Planning Department get it in writing, know who you talked to. Don’t accept a verbal statement you don’t need a permit. For this or that, make them put it in writing.
Mr. Schwab's use of the News Press, to tell half truths is an interesting thing to watch. One wonders when will Mr. Wall figure out he is getting spun like a top in a room of smoke and mirrors. Mr. Wall is looking rather foolish being used this way. Soon his paper will be the tainted by his actions.
This is Not what happened. The Judge Denied Immediate Action on a Temporary Restraigning Order, and the Matter is Continued till Feb 21, 2007.
The case is not against the Resturant, it is against the City of Grand Terrace, and the Grand Terrace Redevelopment Agency. The Judge decided to For NOW a Stop Work - Restraigning Order, which shows work can go forward for another week till the Test of Merrit to go to Trial, or the Preliminary Hearing is done next week, and the City is Prepaired to Answer the Restraining Order. It is not a Finished Judgement or a Rejection as stated in the Sun's Article. It says, if you want to continue work at the risk of losing that investment go ahead, no un reversable damage will be done other than the loss of money. If it were a done deal there would not be an opprotunity to Augment the Pleadings.
Below is from the Courts Web Page:
EX-PARTE MOTION RE: TRO & PRELIM IMJUNCTION 01/03/2007 - 8:30 AM DEPT. S8A
JOHN P WADE PRESIDING.
CLERK: OLIVIA MCDONALD
REPORTER: DEBORAH THOMPSON
COURT ATTENDANT LARRY RUSSELL
-
APPEARANCES:
ATTORNEY RAYMOND JOHNSON PRESENT FOR PETITIONER.
ATTORNEY VEERA TYAGI PRESENT FOR PETITIONER.
ATTORNEY COLIN ROBERT BURNS PRESENT FOR CITY OF GRAND TERRACE.
ATTORNEY THIERRY MONTOYA PRESENT FOR MJSC HOLDINGS.
-
PROCEEDINGS:
EX-PARTE HEARING IS HELD.
EX PARTE APPLICATION ARGUED.
EX PARTE ORDERS DENIED
THE COURT ORDERS HEARING ON THE PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION SET FOR FEBRUARY 21, 2007. THE PARTIES SHALL BE ALLOWED TO AUGMENT THEIR PLEADINGS IF THEY DESIRE.
-
HEARINGS:
LAW & MOTION RE: PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION
SET FOR 02/21/07 AT 08:30 IN DEPT. S8.
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((000000000000000)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
San Bernardino Superior Court Judge John P. Wade denied a request for a temporary restraining order to stop construction of a Mexican fast-food restaurant in Grand Terrace.
Judge John P. Wade's ruling means the Miguel's Jr. restaurant chain can move forward with building a drive-through restaurant on Barton Road between Michigan Avenue and Canal Street.
What is not being reported is that the restaurant being built is not the only issue in the law suit. It may be more prudent for Mr. Vasquez to hold off on construction until things are resolved. The lack of a final decision by the court puts his further investment at a risk. To continue with the investment into the project while a case is still pending well that indicates that there is some communication of assurances between Mr. Vasquez, Mr. Jacobsen, and the City Redevelopment Agency which apparently are not available to the public.
Mr. Vasquez and Miguel’s is not being well served by the Redevelopment Agency and City of Grand Terrace. He has been victim by the ever changing policy, decisions, and whimsy of the City Manager, and City Redevelopment Agency, and the convoluted deal making with Jacobsen Family Holdings.
Let’s hope he has all the paperwork done on the land he is building on and he OWNS it, and he can KEEP ownership. This lawsuit may be a benefit to him in the long run.
It appears that the work that will be done between now and the Jan 10 hearing will not be of the sort that can’t be mitigated, so IF Mr. Vasquez wants to take the risk of spending that week of investment in the project that is not going to halt the work for the week. =
Judge John P. Wade did not rule Wednesday on the merits of the lawsuit. Another hearing is scheduled Jan. 10 to determine when the case will go to trial, and a hearing on a Stop Work Restraigning Order will be Feb 21, 2007. It may be that the work stops, but the stopping of work is slower, than RIGHT NOW.
City Manager Tom Schwab said there is no legal basis for the project to be stopped, "This is just another nuisance lawsuit," Schwab said.
Mr. Schwab should be concerned, “Just another Nuisance Lawsuit”.. in front of Judge John P Wade. Other “Nuisance Lawsuits” as he chooses to characterize them have been judged not in the favor of the City and one is moving to the Appeals Court. So what Mr. Schwab has done by making this statement is that Judge Wade, allowed Nuisance Lawsuit to be heard in his court. The prior cases passed the “Go to Trial Test” of the Preliminary Hearing. Two of the cases have been decided against the city. SO if Mr. Schwab finds this a Nuisance, perhaps he should stop the conduct which invites the action of a law suit..
Mr. Schwab’s attitude needs to be checked. His statements may antagonize the Judge hearing the case. He clearly has been wrong in the past as to his assessment of the outcome of suits brought against other projects. He has been the critical point of failure as the Developer has depended on HIS Judgment, and His Word, and His Direction, and Mr. Schwab has failed them and the seniors and the Business Owners of Grand Terrace. Mr. Schwab has failed to provide sound management of the Redevelopment Agency and the City Planning Department as his duty calls for. Not only has he made the mistake, he blames others for the mistake, and then he compounds the problem by repeating the same flawed methods, and processes and does so with an arrogance that suggests he should be immune to the constraints of laws, regulations and ordinances. He has the power to wave, laws, regulations and ordinances as he pleases.
Perhaps he should be reminded when you point a finger at some one three point back at you.
Yes, I know that applies to me as well, I am guilty of living in a city that employes this person, allows his management to continue, and am without a clue how to get the situation to right itself. The folks of Concerned Citizens who have filed suit seem to be makeing some effort to protect the interests of the Citizens or Public for that I am glad.
If you are a business or person doing business in the City of Grand Terrace, it would be prudent to ask for all communication of decisions be documented in writing as you will be no doubt told 3 different stories about this requirement or that, and you may end up being taken to court and it will not be because Your actions caused the court action but the City Management Caused the action.
There may be a cause of action that the City is asked to pay for the damages and business loss caused by the Practices which lead to these lawsuits.
It is likely that the lawsuit will be amended to include Jacobsen Family Holdings as the grading exceeds the space that is to be owned by Mr. Vasquez. What have we learned. If you want to do business in Grand Terrace, and that requires dealing with Mr. Schwab, the City of Grand Terrace, the Redevelopment Agency, the Planning Department get it in writing, know who you talked to. Don’t accept a verbal statement you don’t need a permit. For this or that, make them put it in writing.
Mr. Schwab's use of the News Press, to tell half truths is an interesting thing to watch. One wonders when will Mr. Wall figure out he is getting spun like a top in a room of smoke and mirrors. Mr. Wall is looking rather foolish being used this way. Soon his paper will be the tainted by his actions.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
IF YOUR READING THIS YOUR NOT THERE>>>
Senior Center Project Meeting
SCOPING MEETING FOR input on the proposed senior center project will be held in the city council chambers at Grand Terrace City Hall on Thursday 1/4/07 at 6:00 PM.
SCOPING MEETING FOR input on the proposed senior center project will be held in the city council chambers at Grand Terrace City Hall on Thursday 1/4/07 at 6:00 PM.
Fire in a Residential Complex:
When we see the damage to The Crest Apartment: We should gain a respect for fire. I don't go for Fear, but I do think we need to Respect Fire, and what it can do and have a Plan of action.
I have to say this was and is my first concern when the Blue Mt. Senior Villa Designs were provided to the public. HOW will you evacuate a multi story building full of seniors in the event of a fire. DOWN STAIRS?
I am sorry I don't think so. Remember this is an apartment building type of management, there will not be a whole bunch of Nurses Aids or helpers to evacuate the building. Sure folks will help one another, but for goodness sake. Put Ramps into the design for the escape from all floors. People who walk on flat surfaces may not be able to go down a stair case.
Yes there are a host of other concerns but Safety should be FIRST in a Design. This is true for all buildings...
SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY... Being Safe is an ACTION.
I have to say this was and is my first concern when the Blue Mt. Senior Villa Designs were provided to the public. HOW will you evacuate a multi story building full of seniors in the event of a fire. DOWN STAIRS?
I am sorry I don't think so. Remember this is an apartment building type of management, there will not be a whole bunch of Nurses Aids or helpers to evacuate the building. Sure folks will help one another, but for goodness sake. Put Ramps into the design for the escape from all floors. People who walk on flat surfaces may not be able to go down a stair case.
Yes there are a host of other concerns but Safety should be FIRST in a Design. This is true for all buildings...
SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY... Being Safe is an ACTION.
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