CITY OF GRAND TERRACE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS ON THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO. 6 TO THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE GRAND TERRACE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT COMMUNITY INFORMATION MEETING
The City of Grand Terrace Redevelopment Agency (“Agency”) is considering an amendment to the Redevelopment Plan for the Grand Terrace Community Redevelopment Project (“Project Area”), referred to as Amendment No. 6. The proposed amendment would:
1) increase the tax increment revenue and bonded debt limits in the redevelopment plan;
2) extend the effectiveness of the redevelopment plan and time limit to collect tax increment revenue in the redevelopment plan;
3) rescind the Agency’s authority to commence eminent domain within the Project Area;(This should be done without a bribe.)
4) replace the description of land uses in the redevelopment plan with language that directly refers to the City’s General Plan, zoning ordinance, and other applicable land use policies and standards, as they exist today or are hereafter amended; and
5) amend and restate the redevelopment plan to incorporate the prior amendments into a single document.
Project Area residents, businesses, property owners and interested parties are invited to attend a Community Information Meeting at 4:30 pm, on Tuesday, March 9, 2010, in the Community Room, Grand Terrace City Hall, 22795 Barton Road, Grand Terrace, CA. The purpose of this meeting is to inform residents and stakeholders about Amendment No. 6 and to encourage input from the public on the proposed Amendment No. 6. The Mayor and Council members will be present, and available to receive comments and answer any questions.
At 6:00 pm on March 9, 2010, the City Council/Redevelopment Agency will review a recommendation to set a Joint Public Hearing for April 27, 2010 regarding approval of Amendment No. 6 to the Redevelopment Plan and the Environmental Impact Report.
BACKGROUND ON THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN AND PROJECT AREA
The City of Grand Terrace originally established the original and added areas that make up the Project Area in 1979 and 1981, respectively. The Project Area includes all properties within the City of Grand Terrace.
The Agency pursues a variety of activities in order to improve the Project Area and City by eliminating negative physical and economic conditions, fostering economic growth, and providing upgraded public improvements. The Agency’s many achievements include Blue Mountain Senior Villas and Senior Center, assembling property and public improvements related to the construction of the new Grand Terrace High School at the Ray Abril Jr. Educational Complex, assembling property for the Town Square commercial project, grants for commercial and neighborhood improvements, and a number of design plans for infrastructure and development standards.
(The School District could have assembled the property for the School.) (The Town Square was forced upon the land owners by the threat of Eminent Domain.) (Design Plans for many "Projects" have failed to produce much or gotten past legal challenges.) So what really has the CRA Got to show past the Senior Housing that will not be paying back the city for the debt funds the CRA spent on it.?)
Amendment No. 6 is being pursued to continue revitalization efforts and attract private investment to the Project Area and the City. All activities undertaken by the Agency are regulated by State law.
REASONS FOR THE AMENDMENT
The Agency is pursuing Amendment No. 6 to ensure that financial and administrative tools remain in place to continue redevelopment and revitalization activities within the Project Area and City. Increasing the tax increment and bonded debt limits, as well as extending the duration of the redevelopment plan and the Agency’s time to collect tax increment, will allow the Agency to continue to receive a revenue source without increasing property taxes.
Without Amendment No. 6, the Agency would cease to receive these tax increment revenues within a 3 year period. These revenues are used to remove and alleviate negative physical and economic conditions that remain in the Project Area, fund infrastructure improvements, assist with economic development activities, and increase and preserve the supply of affordable housing within the City.
Additionally, the Agency has no intention of utilizing its existing eminent domain authority which is due to expire next year. As part of Amendment No. 6, the Agency will rescind its eminent domain authority in the redevelopment plan. Finally, updating land use language in the redevelopment plan to be consistent with that in the City’s General Plan (as it exists today or is later amended) and replacing the existing redevelopment plan and all previously adopted amendments with a single, updated redevelopment plan will bring the redevelopment plan to current compliance with State law.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is redevelopment?
Redevelopment is a financial tool that allows cities, counties and private enterprise to work together to prevent and eliminate blight within a designated project area. It aids the general economic development of a city to improve living standards of increased income, better education, and health, safety, and environmental protection.
(The only income that increased because of the GT CRA was that of City Management, City Lawyer, and a Few Realtors and some Out of City Contractors who don't use local labor. Education is not the business of the CRA or City of Grand Terrace. Health, Safety and Environmental Protection... they just allowed Fireworks People.. Most of the plans were struck down in court because of Health, Safety and Environmental issues. Even the Senior Center was redesigned as a result of a long drawn out and expencive trial. The City Attorney was happy to bill the city for his services.)
Is there any benefit to being in a redevelopment project area? (NO)
The redevelopment process is one of the most effective ways to foster private investment in areas of a community plagued by negative physical, environmental, or economic conditions. These include conditions such as a serious lack of necessary commercial facilities (such as grocery stores, drug stores and medical facilities), buildings that are unsafe or unhealthy for persons to live or work, inadequate infrastructure, obsolete and substandard design, or threats to public safety and welfare.
Through redevelopment, an area can receive focused attention and financial investment to reverse deteriorating trends, create jobs, revitalize the business climate, and rehabilitate housing stock.
(Grand Terrace is so "Negative" that it was one of the top 100 Cities, you can't have it both ways City Council.) (Redevelopment has not created any livable jobs outside of the High Paid City Hall Management). (Past funds were used for Traffic Island that Look Nice, $57,000.00 flashing signs, and many other items the city did not need or get benefit from.)(Redevelopment Agencies are not the most efficient way to conduct the business of the City. Orange County Banned Redevelopment and has flourished.) Where Redevelopment Agencies Exist the communities are in trouble and having greater economic problems. Funds are Drained from the General Fund to pay for debts and grand failed plans. Funds were used to paint the roads black, and a few real repairs or improvements were made for the 19 Million already spent.
Will my property taxes be higher because of redevelopment?
No, the Agency has no power to levy a property tax or other tax. Property taxes do not go up as a result of being located in a redevelopment project area. Tax increment is only the property taxes paid on properties within the Project Area, as a result of a sale of property at a higher value or new development value.
For more information on Amendment No. 6, please contact Joyce Powers, Community and Economic Development Director at 909-430-2225.
The real reason behind this increase in the Debt Limit is that the City Council wants to continue to use the CRA to fund the City's General Fund, and pay some of the staff salaries and Legal Fees with Redevelopment Funds because the General Fund can not support their delusions of grandeur and greed. It is time to say STOP NO MORE. GET THE City Redevelopment Agency Off your Backs and return your full property rights to the land owners. Stop making Plans that Stop Free and Fair Development and Competition.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Ex City Manager Tom Schwab's Contempt of Law and Public
Ex City Manager Tom Schwab's recent quote in the Grand Terrace City News. He challenged the idea that the City Council could pass an ordinance, a law, that the Citizens would obey. He said, "There is no way you can stop the discharge of fireworks in Grand Terrace, because people will go down the hill into Colton and purchase them and then bring them back up here to fire off."
Following his logic, we should not have ordinances against riding skate boards in parking lots... that law is violated daily. When the offender loses his skate board he just goes down to Colton and buys another one and brings it back here to ride again.
Following his logic, we should not have a leash law because people who live out side of Grand Terrace dump their unwanted animals in our town.
Following his logic, the City Council and Law Enforcement is Powerless to enforce a City Ordinance, as if under his management City Ordinances were all enforced 100 Percent of the time.
FACT: Law and Fire Officials all said it is easier to enforce a total ban than a partial ban.
FACT: There have been fires and injury caused by the sale and use of "Safe and Sane" fireworks right here in Grand Terrace.
Once upon a time long long ago, fireworks were not allowed in Grand Terrace. Some people would purchase them in San Bernardino or Colton and the family would go to a large parking lot to fire them off in San Bernardino. Sure even in those days you had a few people who violated the County Ordinance/Law. Some were fined, some got away with it. However, the risk was less than current days. We have more homes closer to hill sides. We are not using goats and sheep to trim the hills and road ways.
Citizens should be offended by Ex CM Schwab's assertion that a significant number as in ALL of them will violate the law. He is suggesting that the general population of Grand Terrace has a Criminal Mindset.
Tom Schwab's low opinion of the Citizens of Grand Terrace and the function and efficacy of a properly working City Council and City Manager indicates he was not fit for his past position or any future position in the future.
There is a way to show your support for the sports teams:
No profit going to the Fireworks company who seems to be an influence on Ex City Manager Tom Schwab. Remember Tom Schwab got contract raises while he cut support to Parks and Recreation and brought to the council the grand idea of allowing fireworks to support the teams and eventually even the City's Enforcement Efforts which did not work all that well.
To Encourage the Council Members to ban fireworks we should make it only legal to use Fireworks on streets where they and the Sports Team Board Members live.
Following his logic, we should not have ordinances against riding skate boards in parking lots... that law is violated daily. When the offender loses his skate board he just goes down to Colton and buys another one and brings it back here to ride again.
Following his logic, we should not have a leash law because people who live out side of Grand Terrace dump their unwanted animals in our town.
Following his logic, the City Council and Law Enforcement is Powerless to enforce a City Ordinance, as if under his management City Ordinances were all enforced 100 Percent of the time.
FACT: Law and Fire Officials all said it is easier to enforce a total ban than a partial ban.
FACT: There have been fires and injury caused by the sale and use of "Safe and Sane" fireworks right here in Grand Terrace.
Once upon a time long long ago, fireworks were not allowed in Grand Terrace. Some people would purchase them in San Bernardino or Colton and the family would go to a large parking lot to fire them off in San Bernardino. Sure even in those days you had a few people who violated the County Ordinance/Law. Some were fined, some got away with it. However, the risk was less than current days. We have more homes closer to hill sides. We are not using goats and sheep to trim the hills and road ways.
Citizens should be offended by Ex CM Schwab's assertion that a significant number as in ALL of them will violate the law. He is suggesting that the general population of Grand Terrace has a Criminal Mindset.
Tom Schwab's low opinion of the Citizens of Grand Terrace and the function and efficacy of a properly working City Council and City Manager indicates he was not fit for his past position or any future position in the future.
There is a way to show your support for the sports teams:
Don't buy any fireworks.
After a failed sale then donate the CASH you would have spent to them directly. Send a note that says I will donate this every year you do not sell fireworks. If you sell again there will be no donation or sale.No profit going to the Fireworks company who seems to be an influence on Ex City Manager Tom Schwab. Remember Tom Schwab got contract raises while he cut support to Parks and Recreation and brought to the council the grand idea of allowing fireworks to support the teams and eventually even the City's Enforcement Efforts which did not work all that well.
To Encourage the Council Members to ban fireworks we should make it only legal to use Fireworks on streets where they and the Sports Team Board Members live.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
End the Schwab Gag Agreement....
If he and the Council did nothing wrong why would they need a confidentiality clause. If you have nothing to hide, then why hide it.
There should be a further investigation of the entire Schwab Era... Confidentiality Clauses are waived in a court room.. So for this reason alone there should be a trial to discover all the hidden facts and persons involved.
It should be clear that the City Attorney should be replaced.
There should be a further investigation of the entire Schwab Era... Confidentiality Clauses are waived in a court room.. So for this reason alone there should be a trial to discover all the hidden facts and persons involved.
It should be clear that the City Attorney should be replaced.
Financial Disclosures Are More Than A Lie To Citizens:
"Everyone thinks our reserves are healthy, but we really only have $1.1 million," he said. "We are not as well off as we have been telling the world."
When the Debt Bonds are issued it is done in part based upon the representations of the Former City Manager Tom Schwab and the City Council and the City Attorney Harper. The missrepresentations could rise to the level of intential misrepresentation and that would not be legal in business and should not be legal in government management.
Will the Federal Regulators be knocking on door steps of City Hall? Will they haul in Schwab like they do CEO's who rip off investors? Time will tell.
Current City Manager Betsey Adams may be able to save the City's and Schwab's bacon by paying off the worst of the transgression the misappropriation of funds. But, the debt holders may require more than just interest payments on the bonds and the cost of litigation may kill more than the assets of the Redevelopment Agency, but also the City as well.
As with other CEO's who were held liable Mr. Schwab may lose his house and cars and a portion of his retirement fund as a result of his part of the over statement of Grand Terrace's resources.
Perhaps this is why the City Council Meeting was not broadcast on CH3. The fewer people knowing about the City's real financial situation the safer Mr. Schwab and his minions feel.
When the Debt Bonds are issued it is done in part based upon the representations of the Former City Manager Tom Schwab and the City Council and the City Attorney Harper. The missrepresentations could rise to the level of intential misrepresentation and that would not be legal in business and should not be legal in government management.
Will the Federal Regulators be knocking on door steps of City Hall? Will they haul in Schwab like they do CEO's who rip off investors? Time will tell.
Current City Manager Betsey Adams may be able to save the City's and Schwab's bacon by paying off the worst of the transgression the misappropriation of funds. But, the debt holders may require more than just interest payments on the bonds and the cost of litigation may kill more than the assets of the Redevelopment Agency, but also the City as well.
As with other CEO's who were held liable Mr. Schwab may lose his house and cars and a portion of his retirement fund as a result of his part of the over statement of Grand Terrace's resources.
Perhaps this is why the City Council Meeting was not broadcast on CH3. The fewer people knowing about the City's real financial situation the safer Mr. Schwab and his minions feel.
City is Stuck with CRA Debt as CoSigner.
HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 33070-33071
33070. The Legislature finds and declares that decent housing and genuine employment opportunities for all the people of this state a revital to the state's future peace and prosperity, for all of the following reasons: (a) Hazardous, congested, and insanitary housing debilitates occupants' health to the point of impairing motivation and achievement. (b) Lack of employment opportunity creates despair and frustration which may precipitate violence. (c) Unfit housing and lack of employment opportunity depend on each other to perpetuate a system of dependency and hopelessness which drains the state of its valuable financial and human resources.
33071. The Legislature further finds and declares that a fundamental purpose of redevelopment is to expand the supply of low-and moderate-income housing, to expand employment opportunities for jobless, underemployed, and low-income persons, and to provide an environment for the social, economic, and psychological growth and well-being of all citizens.
How to Dissolve a RDA Agency__
HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 33140-33142
33140. If an agency has not redeveloped or acquired land for, or commenced the redevelopment of, a project, or entered into contracts for redevelopment within two years after the adoption of an ordinance pursuant to Section 33101, or, in the case of an agency authorized to transact business and exercise powers by resolution adopted pursuant to the provisions of Section 33101 that were in effect prior to the adoption of that resolution, the legislative body may, by ordinance, declare that there is no further need for the agency. A legislative body shall not adopt an ordinance declaring that there is no further need for the agency if, in one or more project areas, the agency has not complied with subdivision (a) of Section 33333.8. Upon the adoption of the ordinance, the offices of the agency members are vacated and the capacity of the agency to transact business or exercise any powers is suspended until the legislative body adopts an ordinance declaring the need for the agency to function.
33141. Upon the motion of the legislative body or upon recommendation of the agency, the legislative body of the community may, by ordinance, order the deactivation of an agency by declaring that there is no need for an agency to function in the community, if the agency has no outstanding bonded indebtedness, no other unpaid loans, indebtedness, or advances, and no legally binding contractual obligations with persons or entities other than the community, unless the community assumes the bonded indebtedness, unpaid loans,indebtedness, and advances, and legally binding contractual obligations. A legislative body shall not adopt an ordinance declaring that there is no need for the agency, if in one or more project areas, the agency has not complied with subdivision (a) of Section 33333.8. An ordinance of a legislative body declaring there is no need for an agency to function in the community shall be subject to referendum as prescribed by law for the ordinances of the legislative body.
33142. The legislative body of the community shall file with the Secretary of State a certified copy of any ordinance suspending or dissolving an agency pursuant to Section 33140 or 33141.
The above defines the purpose of the RDA. Judge for yourself if the City Redevelopment Agency has been used for the purposes intended.
Also see that the Debt of the Redevelopment Agency is the full responsibility of the City of Grand Terrace. Ending this agency now will be painful but it is better now than if the Schwab and his minions continue to expand Debt and the drain on the City's General Fund by their Bernie Maddof Financial Logic. These are the Big Spend and no tax Republicans that ran the Federal and State Government into DEBT. These are the same tactics that inflated the property values and created the Financial Bust.
Grand Terrace is not going to get a Bail Out. Grand Terrace can not print more money. Grand Terrace has to cut its losses, suck it up and end the bleading. We need to end the CRA, sell off all the land possible and cash out to as close to as zero as we can get. It is time the City of Grand Terrace lives within its budget and stops speculating on Real Estate under the cloak and protection of a Redevelopment Agency.
33070. The Legislature finds and declares that decent housing and genuine employment opportunities for all the people of this state a revital to the state's future peace and prosperity, for all of the following reasons: (a) Hazardous, congested, and insanitary housing debilitates occupants' health to the point of impairing motivation and achievement. (b) Lack of employment opportunity creates despair and frustration which may precipitate violence. (c) Unfit housing and lack of employment opportunity depend on each other to perpetuate a system of dependency and hopelessness which drains the state of its valuable financial and human resources.
33071. The Legislature further finds and declares that a fundamental purpose of redevelopment is to expand the supply of low-and moderate-income housing, to expand employment opportunities for jobless, underemployed, and low-income persons, and to provide an environment for the social, economic, and psychological growth and well-being of all citizens.
How to Dissolve a RDA Agency__
HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 33140-33142
33140. If an agency has not redeveloped or acquired land for, or commenced the redevelopment of, a project, or entered into contracts for redevelopment within two years after the adoption of an ordinance pursuant to Section 33101, or, in the case of an agency authorized to transact business and exercise powers by resolution adopted pursuant to the provisions of Section 33101 that were in effect prior to the adoption of that resolution, the legislative body may, by ordinance, declare that there is no further need for the agency. A legislative body shall not adopt an ordinance declaring that there is no further need for the agency if, in one or more project areas, the agency has not complied with subdivision (a) of Section 33333.8. Upon the adoption of the ordinance, the offices of the agency members are vacated and the capacity of the agency to transact business or exercise any powers is suspended until the legislative body adopts an ordinance declaring the need for the agency to function.
33141. Upon the motion of the legislative body or upon recommendation of the agency, the legislative body of the community may, by ordinance, order the deactivation of an agency by declaring that there is no need for an agency to function in the community, if the agency has no outstanding bonded indebtedness, no other unpaid loans, indebtedness, or advances, and no legally binding contractual obligations with persons or entities other than the community, unless the community assumes the bonded indebtedness, unpaid loans,indebtedness, and advances, and legally binding contractual obligations. A legislative body shall not adopt an ordinance declaring that there is no need for the agency, if in one or more project areas, the agency has not complied with subdivision (a) of Section 33333.8. An ordinance of a legislative body declaring there is no need for an agency to function in the community shall be subject to referendum as prescribed by law for the ordinances of the legislative body.
33142. The legislative body of the community shall file with the Secretary of State a certified copy of any ordinance suspending or dissolving an agency pursuant to Section 33140 or 33141.
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The above defines the purpose of the RDA. Judge for yourself if the City Redevelopment Agency has been used for the purposes intended.
Also see that the Debt of the Redevelopment Agency is the full responsibility of the City of Grand Terrace. Ending this agency now will be painful but it is better now than if the Schwab and his minions continue to expand Debt and the drain on the City's General Fund by their Bernie Maddof Financial Logic. These are the Big Spend and no tax Republicans that ran the Federal and State Government into DEBT. These are the same tactics that inflated the property values and created the Financial Bust.
Grand Terrace is not going to get a Bail Out. Grand Terrace can not print more money. Grand Terrace has to cut its losses, suck it up and end the bleading. We need to end the CRA, sell off all the land possible and cash out to as close to as zero as we can get. It is time the City of Grand Terrace lives within its budget and stops speculating on Real Estate under the cloak and protection of a Redevelopment Agency.
Budget Solutions and Guidance:
Here is what can be done by the Citizens of GT.
1: Have a Citizen Backed Measure put on the next Ballot that says:
A: All City General Fund and City Redevelopment Agency Funds must be kept separate at all times.
B: The City Shall have a Balanced budget based only on its revenue excluding any use of funds transferred from the City Redevelopment Agency.
C: The City Redevelopment Agency can no longer issue Debt Bonds and must pay back the current debt in 5 years or go into foreclosure.
D: Establish City Employee Pay and Compensation Limits to be 10 Percent above the Median Individual Income of GRAND TERRACE. We do not need to pay a Kings Ransom for a the job of a stable boy. This is not Los Angeles, or San Diego folks.
E: Routine Billing should be contracted out and the Finance Department minimized to the direct function of City Government Only.
F: Order the Reorganization on Retirements and Extended Payments to Tom Schwab and all employees earning above 80,000 and former and current city council members. Reduce their retirement benefits to fit the service they rendered... and what the city can afford after having been taken to the cleaners by them.
Public Supported Measures are the only way the People can Take Back Grand Terrace. We can't wait till 2012 to get rid of some of the council members who think Debt is Good... and they are REPUBLICANS... GADS.
1: Have a Citizen Backed Measure put on the next Ballot that says:
A: All City General Fund and City Redevelopment Agency Funds must be kept separate at all times.
B: The City Shall have a Balanced budget based only on its revenue excluding any use of funds transferred from the City Redevelopment Agency.
C: The City Redevelopment Agency can no longer issue Debt Bonds and must pay back the current debt in 5 years or go into foreclosure.
D: Establish City Employee Pay and Compensation Limits to be 10 Percent above the Median Individual Income of GRAND TERRACE. We do not need to pay a Kings Ransom for a the job of a stable boy. This is not Los Angeles, or San Diego folks.
E: Routine Billing should be contracted out and the Finance Department minimized to the direct function of City Government Only.
F: Order the Reorganization on Retirements and Extended Payments to Tom Schwab and all employees earning above 80,000 and former and current city council members. Reduce their retirement benefits to fit the service they rendered... and what the city can afford after having been taken to the cleaners by them.
Public Supported Measures are the only way the People can Take Back Grand Terrace. We can't wait till 2012 to get rid of some of the council members who think Debt is Good... and they are REPUBLICANS... GADS.
We Want Our Money Back! From Email
Where the money went.....
I recall several thousand dollars being spent by Schwab and Berry on rocks to "beautify" Mt. Vernon. Sell the rocks. We could have had them for free.
All we would have had to do was shake them out of Schwab's head.
Here are a few of the other things that Schwab did. to contribute to the financial problems of the City. He had the City buy a house from the RDA and sell it to him. The City carried the loan on it for several months until he could arrange his own financing. He was over qualified for an RDA house and skirted the law with the help of those council members at that time.
Two city employees, one has since left the employment of the City, Michelle Bousted, who was over qualified for an RDA house and claimed it to be her sole property so as not to have to list her husbands income, She also received a "silent second mortgage" of $48,000. A silent second mortgage does not have to be repaid unless you sell the house before living in it for twenty years. One other city employee also has a RDA house. Bousted and Schwab took house's that were intended for low income people. "Let them eat cake".
Schwab took RDA funds to build a building for the City and took RDA funds to buy a truck for the City. Both an illegal use of RDA funds and were so stated in the independent audit of the RDA. How many millions going to Knootz and Megna were wasted by Schwab.
Knootz was an employee of Megna, (The Infamous Outdoor Adventure Center) at the same time he was employed by the city, thanks to Schwab, as a consultant or some title that had to do with advising the Council and Schwab on how to waste money . A job well done by Schwab.
The Dodson house. The Dodson's could not sell their house because of the proposed Outdoor Adventure Center. So Schwab and Gene Carlstom approached the city to buy it.
Schwab was the spokeshole for the City in the negotiations and Carlstrom (Bea Cortes employer) for the Dodson's. The Dodson's had been asking $750,000 going in for their partial swamp land. It is consider marsh land when it rains. After the brilliant negotiations by Schwab they got $2,400,000. Herman Hillkey was on the Council at the time. After weeks of closed session meeting and Ferre saying "no action had been taken" after each closed door session, A very angry Hillkey stated in public that the deal was made in the first session and "We paid too much for a piece of property we did not need".
Ferre had the payments approval divided between two or three Council meetings so as not to let the public know exactly how much we paid.
How about the residents of Honey Hills reimburse the city for the "Honey Hills" letters that were stolen from their entrance sign. Schwab just took city funds to replace them without Councils, well not all of the Councils, approval. What Mayor's father developed Honey Hills and lives there. The sign is not city property.
Look on the bright side. The Corporation for Better Housing, who Schwab said was not section 8 housing and in fact it is, who Schwab said there would be a list of Grand Terrace residents that would be first to move there. There wasn't such a list, because it would be illegal. Corporation for Better Housing is paying one dollar a year for the lease on the property for 60 years. They get all the income and GT pays the debt of 9 Million.
60 years from now we get it back. I hope they have the new kitchen at the Senior Center fixed by then.
On and on it goes. Birthday bonus for city employee's, paid "volunteers", expensive parties Schwab's "City portfolio" that was nothing more than debt for the taxpayers, a high school we don't need, letting a trucking company operate in a residential zone with hazmat conditions for the "good ol boy" network, we almost had a turbine powered peaker plant, one council member piled on by the D.A., Berry and Counciless woman Cortes whom is doing the exact same thing that Jim Miller is being accused of and bragging of her personal relationship with Mike Ramos, the D.A.
Miller's biggest mistake was questioning Schwab, Berry and Ferre. Berry's criminal investigation and arrest being stopped by what the Sheriff's Department report called "extraordinary means". Schwab stopped it so the public would not find out about the corruption. The former Mayor getting over three million for his property when others with more desirable land in the same Barton Road RDA zone were offered pennies on the dollar.
Think back about the hundreds of citizen that came into the Council Chamber and addressed the Council in protest on the Outdoor Adventure Center, Senior Housing, the peaker plant, who without the steadfast determination of an affected citizen would have been built and The Town Center. The promised Town Hall meeting for citizens input that never happened. Council woman Garcia's vote of "Aye" after she took the maximum allowed by law in campaign contributions from Doug Jacobson and his wife. That is nothing more than bribery.
Ferre's creditability is zip. Over the years at Council and in the press she said she would never allow drive thru restaurants, there are now two, big box stores or tilt up building and that is all she has allowed or pushed for. Why?. The traffic does not go past her house in Honey Hills. Grand Terrace has always been known for it's "Bedroom community" atmostphere. It is if you live in Honey Hills.
Ferre's husband sits on the board of the Riverside Highland Water co. You know, the new building on Michigan in the residential zone with the play room and big new board room and offices for the board members. The residents on Michigan protested that and it fell on deaf ears. How many times has Ferre voted for payment to the Water Company while her husband sits on the board. How many times has she voted for items that her son the lawyer represented the interest of the item.
This City was incorporated by those that wanted to profit from the RDA and their real estate holding and they did and still do. If you have lived here for any length of time you know who they are.
If you think you own your house, think again. You are wrong. When this City was incorporated by Ferre's father, the Petta's and the rest, they declared the whole of the City blighted. So when a new house is completed it is immediately blighted and can be taken by the City.
This is the "baby and the bath water" saying. The thing here is we can keep the "baby" by re-electing Jim and Walt and throw the others out.
A bit of advice for Mr. Schwab. Don't waste your time running for Council. Absolutely every illegal thing you did while City manager will end up on fliers and on every door step in Grand Terrace.
I recall several thousand dollars being spent by Schwab and Berry on rocks to "beautify" Mt. Vernon. Sell the rocks. We could have had them for free.
All we would have had to do was shake them out of Schwab's head.
Here are a few of the other things that Schwab did. to contribute to the financial problems of the City. He had the City buy a house from the RDA and sell it to him. The City carried the loan on it for several months until he could arrange his own financing. He was over qualified for an RDA house and skirted the law with the help of those council members at that time.
Two city employees, one has since left the employment of the City, Michelle Bousted, who was over qualified for an RDA house and claimed it to be her sole property so as not to have to list her husbands income, She also received a "silent second mortgage" of $48,000. A silent second mortgage does not have to be repaid unless you sell the house before living in it for twenty years. One other city employee also has a RDA house. Bousted and Schwab took house's that were intended for low income people. "Let them eat cake".
Schwab took RDA funds to build a building for the City and took RDA funds to buy a truck for the City. Both an illegal use of RDA funds and were so stated in the independent audit of the RDA. How many millions going to Knootz and Megna were wasted by Schwab.
Knootz was an employee of Megna, (The Infamous Outdoor Adventure Center) at the same time he was employed by the city, thanks to Schwab, as a consultant or some title that had to do with advising the Council and Schwab on how to waste money . A job well done by Schwab.
The Dodson house. The Dodson's could not sell their house because of the proposed Outdoor Adventure Center. So Schwab and Gene Carlstom approached the city to buy it.
Schwab was the spokeshole for the City in the negotiations and Carlstrom (Bea Cortes employer) for the Dodson's. The Dodson's had been asking $750,000 going in for their partial swamp land. It is consider marsh land when it rains. After the brilliant negotiations by Schwab they got $2,400,000. Herman Hillkey was on the Council at the time. After weeks of closed session meeting and Ferre saying "no action had been taken" after each closed door session, A very angry Hillkey stated in public that the deal was made in the first session and "We paid too much for a piece of property we did not need".
Ferre had the payments approval divided between two or three Council meetings so as not to let the public know exactly how much we paid.
How about the residents of Honey Hills reimburse the city for the "Honey Hills" letters that were stolen from their entrance sign. Schwab just took city funds to replace them without Councils, well not all of the Councils, approval. What Mayor's father developed Honey Hills and lives there. The sign is not city property.
Look on the bright side. The Corporation for Better Housing, who Schwab said was not section 8 housing and in fact it is, who Schwab said there would be a list of Grand Terrace residents that would be first to move there. There wasn't such a list, because it would be illegal. Corporation for Better Housing is paying one dollar a year for the lease on the property for 60 years. They get all the income and GT pays the debt of 9 Million.
60 years from now we get it back. I hope they have the new kitchen at the Senior Center fixed by then.
On and on it goes. Birthday bonus for city employee's, paid "volunteers", expensive parties Schwab's "City portfolio" that was nothing more than debt for the taxpayers, a high school we don't need, letting a trucking company operate in a residential zone with hazmat conditions for the "good ol boy" network, we almost had a turbine powered peaker plant, one council member piled on by the D.A., Berry and Counciless woman Cortes whom is doing the exact same thing that Jim Miller is being accused of and bragging of her personal relationship with Mike Ramos, the D.A.
Miller's biggest mistake was questioning Schwab, Berry and Ferre. Berry's criminal investigation and arrest being stopped by what the Sheriff's Department report called "extraordinary means". Schwab stopped it so the public would not find out about the corruption. The former Mayor getting over three million for his property when others with more desirable land in the same Barton Road RDA zone were offered pennies on the dollar.
Think back about the hundreds of citizen that came into the Council Chamber and addressed the Council in protest on the Outdoor Adventure Center, Senior Housing, the peaker plant, who without the steadfast determination of an affected citizen would have been built and The Town Center. The promised Town Hall meeting for citizens input that never happened. Council woman Garcia's vote of "Aye" after she took the maximum allowed by law in campaign contributions from Doug Jacobson and his wife. That is nothing more than bribery.
Ferre's creditability is zip. Over the years at Council and in the press she said she would never allow drive thru restaurants, there are now two, big box stores or tilt up building and that is all she has allowed or pushed for. Why?. The traffic does not go past her house in Honey Hills. Grand Terrace has always been known for it's "Bedroom community" atmostphere. It is if you live in Honey Hills.
Ferre's husband sits on the board of the Riverside Highland Water co. You know, the new building on Michigan in the residential zone with the play room and big new board room and offices for the board members. The residents on Michigan protested that and it fell on deaf ears. How many times has Ferre voted for payment to the Water Company while her husband sits on the board. How many times has she voted for items that her son the lawyer represented the interest of the item.
This City was incorporated by those that wanted to profit from the RDA and their real estate holding and they did and still do. If you have lived here for any length of time you know who they are.
If you think you own your house, think again. You are wrong. When this City was incorporated by Ferre's father, the Petta's and the rest, they declared the whole of the City blighted. So when a new house is completed it is immediately blighted and can be taken by the City.
This is the "baby and the bath water" saying. The thing here is we can keep the "baby" by re-electing Jim and Walt and throw the others out.
A bit of advice for Mr. Schwab. Don't waste your time running for Council. Absolutely every illegal thing you did while City manager will end up on fliers and on every door step in Grand Terrace.
Why No Broadcast on CH 3... Hide the Budget & Fireworks
From Email:
Paw:
I had the same question, why was there no broadcats on Ch 3 last nights Council Meeting. I think it’s because there was a discussion about the debt we are in.
LeAnn Garcia ranted about how borrowing from the RDA brings more money in from the government. Bea Cortes just repeated what LeeAnn said. It is so annoying. They take everything they hear from Schwab/staff as the gospel. Schwab got up and defended the same position.
Walt wanted to know specifically why the decisions of the past years were to borrow from RDA. Nobody could answer. There are no specific answers. The attorney says it was to put in the general fund. Citizens wanted to know why it is that they don’t report it as debt if they borrow from themselves to give to themselves, isn’t that debt.
From Email:
dirty laundry finally coming out, --- just not too out in the open
might embarrass the mayoretta
Paw:
I had the same question, why was there no broadcats on Ch 3 last nights Council Meeting. I think it’s because there was a discussion about the debt we are in.
LeAnn Garcia ranted about how borrowing from the RDA brings more money in from the government. Bea Cortes just repeated what LeeAnn said. It is so annoying. They take everything they hear from Schwab/staff as the gospel. Schwab got up and defended the same position.
Walt wanted to know specifically why the decisions of the past years were to borrow from RDA. Nobody could answer. There are no specific answers. The attorney says it was to put in the general fund. Citizens wanted to know why it is that they don’t report it as debt if they borrow from themselves to give to themselves, isn’t that debt.
From Email:
dirty laundry finally coming out, --- just not too out in the open
might embarrass the mayoretta
Pick A Place For Your 4th of July.
Go ahead and purchase your Fireworks this year. Take them over to your Firework Supporting Council Member's House and knock on their door holding a lit Sparkler and have your kids setting up the fireworks on their front lawn or in their driveway or on the street in front of their house.
You may want to invite yourself to Former City Manager Tom Schwab's house and to the homes of the Base Ball Teams Board Members and the Soccer Team Board Members. Light them up... but be safe... on their property but not in my back yard, front yard or anywhere near my house.
IF you burn my house down I will sue the city, the sports teams and who ever lit the match in that order.
You may want to invite yourself to Former City Manager Tom Schwab's house and to the homes of the Base Ball Teams Board Members and the Soccer Team Board Members. Light them up... but be safe... on their property but not in my back yard, front yard or anywhere near my house.
IF you burn my house down I will sue the city, the sports teams and who ever lit the match in that order.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Schwab He Can't Balance Budget With the Right Funds
Former City Manager Tom Schwab admitted in public that he could not balance the City Budget without taking money out of the City Redevelopment Funds. This admission should demonstrate the true malfeasance of his nature and possibly worse. He made recommendations spend, spend, spend, he always assure the City Council there was plenty of money available. He also continued to take more and more personal income and perks from the same limited funds. When he balanced the budgets in the past he cut Parks and Recreation, and ushered in the layoff of the lowest paid employees in the city.
Shame on Former City Manager Tom Schwab. Shame on YOU... If what you did to Grand Terrace isn't illegal it is Amoral and you should crawl under a rock in your shame. Hope you have room for your friend Steve Berry who you trained to do the same things.
Shame on the City Council Members who let him do this to the City.
Shame on Former City Manager Tom Schwab. Shame on YOU... If what you did to Grand Terrace isn't illegal it is Amoral and you should crawl under a rock in your shame. Hope you have room for your friend Steve Berry who you trained to do the same things.
Shame on the City Council Members who let him do this to the City.
From Email: First Reports on the Blacked Out CC Meeting
Act One: Mayor moves agenda so Chamber can give its Bus of the Month.
FIREWORKS RETURN TO BURN IN GRAND TERRACE THIS YEAR: Little League discussion on fireworks, council votes to lease site to TNT for $1.00 cuz general fund makes no money--only CRA.
Vote w/Miller Abstaining to extend for one year, do ballot measure--with designated high fire zones not able to have fireworks.
( Gramps Says: The 1.00 lease is to protect the City from Liability. Governments often lease property out for the fair market value who are we kidding here? Try to have a ballot that says not in my back yard but my neighbors house is fine. Try to enforce a partial ban with zones like this. They will make it harder for enforcement. Again, if it isn't safe in a green wide open lawn type city park it is not safe anywhere in Grand Terrace. Chickens.)
Act Two: Council rehash for city council meeting of budget shortfall. Suggestion was made they could just get rid of any future CRA obligations and return land/money to CRA. They do not get it! They think there must be a CRA and DEBT to finance the City.
Act Three: Public Comment: Former City Manager Tom Schwab attacked Council Member Walt Stanckiewitz. Schwab said Walt Stanckiewitzed voted for CRA advances to the General Fund. Schwab then issued a challenge to to Stanckiewitz see if he can balance a general fund budget taking CRA Fund Advances.
Walt Stanckiewitz responds to the challenge saying, yeah he will and what you (Tom Schwab) did was wrong.
Then Deb Hurst got up w/petition supporting Miller and asked council to sign and brought up all their bad deeds. (See Below)
Sylvia Robles said the City Council/CRA is a legislative body that has the power to, get rid or reduce CRA and return property tax $$$ to general fund where they can support things like little league.
Council Member Lee Ann Garcia did not understand the separation between the City General Fund and the RDA. She said debt is wonderful... Robles made it clear that Debt is not good under any scenario. But this economic fact went right over the heads of the Council / RDA Members Heads. LeAnn ranted about how borrowing from the RDA brings more money in from the government. Bea just repeats what LeeAnn says. It is so annoying. They take everything they hear from staff as the gospel. Schwab got up and defended the same position. Walt wanted to know specifically why the decisions of the past years were to borrow from RDA. Nobody could answer. There are no specific answers. The attorney says it was to put in the general fund. Citizens wanted to know why it is that they don’t report it as debt if they borrow from themselves to give to themselves, isn’t that debt.
(More money from other Government Funds are Liabilities and require performance and contribution of matching funds. In a good city these matching funds come from the General Fund not CRA DEBT. This dependence on skimming funds off of Government Funds and Debt Bonds demonstrates the inability of Schwab to stay within the resouces of the city ever expanding the debt and paying himself more and more every contract.)
Council Member Bea Cortes said if the 3 speakers had been at the workshop they would have known what was going on.
(Gramps Adds: Council Members calling a Workshop at 4:00 preclude Public Participation as Most of the Public have to work for a LIVING. Calling a meeting when the public can't attend and then not having Ch 3 broad cast the "Regular Meeting" should be considered a fraud upon the Brown Act 10 fold. The Workshop Materials and Record should be available prior to the Council Meeting or ASAP.)
Dear Grand PaTerrace,
I got up to speak tonight in support of Jim Miller. Below is a petition that is being signed in support of Jim. You and your readers can sign a copy of this petition at La Pasta Restaurant. If anyone wants a copy of this to gather signatures, have them contact me for a copy. .
Petition to Have Councilman Jim Miller's Charges Dismissed
We, the people, present this petition in support of City Councilman Jim Miller. We believe the district Attorney has had sufficient time to review the case against Jim Miller and believe the allegation's to be unfair and unjust to our community and the Miller Family.
At no time has the ownership of The City News been hidden from our community or City Officials. We believe The City News to be a wonderful communication tool and an asset to our community as a public service that provides community information.
We, the undersigned, are concerned citizens who urge the District Attorney to dismiss the charges brought against our City Official Jim Miller, we believe in his integrity and honor.
Print your name Sign your name
A Judge should not make a decision based on a petition but the law. Public support like this should only be used after conviction in the sentencing phase or for a pardon. You may be doing Jim more harm than good with this effort. An effort like this could be thought of as tampering with Justice.
A petition requesting that the charges against Bea Cortes and Ramos for not charging her could go the the Grand Jury and that would be a proper action in our Justice System.
A petition requesting the Grand Jury do a full audit of GT Finances and Steve Berry and Tom Schwab in relation to Window Tinting Fraud and Cover UP... would be within the proper function of the Justice System.
FIREWORKS RETURN TO BURN IN GRAND TERRACE THIS YEAR: Little League discussion on fireworks, council votes to lease site to TNT for $1.00 cuz general fund makes no money--only CRA.
Vote w/Miller Abstaining to extend for one year, do ballot measure--with designated high fire zones not able to have fireworks.
( Gramps Says: The 1.00 lease is to protect the City from Liability. Governments often lease property out for the fair market value who are we kidding here? Try to have a ballot that says not in my back yard but my neighbors house is fine. Try to enforce a partial ban with zones like this. They will make it harder for enforcement. Again, if it isn't safe in a green wide open lawn type city park it is not safe anywhere in Grand Terrace. Chickens.)
Act Two: Council rehash for city council meeting of budget shortfall. Suggestion was made they could just get rid of any future CRA obligations and return land/money to CRA. They do not get it! They think there must be a CRA and DEBT to finance the City.
Act Three: Public Comment: Former City Manager Tom Schwab attacked Council Member Walt Stanckiewitz. Schwab said Walt Stanckiewitzed voted for CRA advances to the General Fund. Schwab then issued a challenge to to Stanckiewitz see if he can balance a general fund budget taking CRA Fund Advances.
Walt Stanckiewitz responds to the challenge saying, yeah he will and what you (Tom Schwab) did was wrong.
Then Deb Hurst got up w/petition supporting Miller and asked council to sign and brought up all their bad deeds. (See Below)
Sylvia Robles said the City Council/CRA is a legislative body that has the power to, get rid or reduce CRA and return property tax $$$ to general fund where they can support things like little league.
Council Member Lee Ann Garcia did not understand the separation between the City General Fund and the RDA. She said debt is wonderful... Robles made it clear that Debt is not good under any scenario. But this economic fact went right over the heads of the Council / RDA Members Heads. LeAnn ranted about how borrowing from the RDA brings more money in from the government. Bea just repeats what LeeAnn says. It is so annoying. They take everything they hear from staff as the gospel. Schwab got up and defended the same position. Walt wanted to know specifically why the decisions of the past years were to borrow from RDA. Nobody could answer. There are no specific answers. The attorney says it was to put in the general fund. Citizens wanted to know why it is that they don’t report it as debt if they borrow from themselves to give to themselves, isn’t that debt.
(More money from other Government Funds are Liabilities and require performance and contribution of matching funds. In a good city these matching funds come from the General Fund not CRA DEBT. This dependence on skimming funds off of Government Funds and Debt Bonds demonstrates the inability of Schwab to stay within the resouces of the city ever expanding the debt and paying himself more and more every contract.)
Council Member Bea Cortes said if the 3 speakers had been at the workshop they would have known what was going on.
(Gramps Adds: Council Members calling a Workshop at 4:00 preclude Public Participation as Most of the Public have to work for a LIVING. Calling a meeting when the public can't attend and then not having Ch 3 broad cast the "Regular Meeting" should be considered a fraud upon the Brown Act 10 fold. The Workshop Materials and Record should be available prior to the Council Meeting or ASAP.)
((((((((((((((0))))))))))
Dear Grand PaTerrace,
I got up to speak tonight in support of Jim Miller. Below is a petition that is being signed in support of Jim. You and your readers can sign a copy of this petition at La Pasta Restaurant. If anyone wants a copy of this to gather signatures, have them contact me for a copy. .
Petition to Have Councilman Jim Miller's Charges Dismissed
We, the people, present this petition in support of City Councilman Jim Miller. We believe the district Attorney has had sufficient time to review the case against Jim Miller and believe the allegation's to be unfair and unjust to our community and the Miller Family.
At no time has the ownership of The City News been hidden from our community or City Officials. We believe The City News to be a wonderful communication tool and an asset to our community as a public service that provides community information.
We, the undersigned, are concerned citizens who urge the District Attorney to dismiss the charges brought against our City Official Jim Miller, we believe in his integrity and honor.
Print your name Sign your name
((((((((((((((((((((0))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Paww Thinks:A Judge should not make a decision based on a petition but the law. Public support like this should only be used after conviction in the sentencing phase or for a pardon. You may be doing Jim more harm than good with this effort. An effort like this could be thought of as tampering with Justice.
A petition requesting that the charges against Bea Cortes and Ramos for not charging her could go the the Grand Jury and that would be a proper action in our Justice System.
A petition requesting the Grand Jury do a full audit of GT Finances and Steve Berry and Tom Schwab in relation to Window Tinting Fraud and Cover UP... would be within the proper function of the Justice System.
More From Email. Financial Problems or Fraud?
We get such leadership from the mayor, --- wow impressive -- "let's see what others suggest."
Here is a suggestion. How about calling all city/RDA loans due now, especially those made to employees on their RDA houses, including Schwab?
Interest rates are as low as they are going to be, they should refinance & repay now. If the loans are underwater so let them share with the bad credit rating that will follow under payment of a loan.
The city has been out of compliance with the state on low income housing for years. Sharon has documented the "funny business" of "low income housing" sites Schwab submitted to Sacramento for years. The senior center is low income housing it was pushed for a long time without publicly saying so.
Interesting to watch IF it were on CH 3 like it is supposed to be.
About time
Here is a suggestion. How about calling all city/RDA loans due now, especially those made to employees on their RDA houses, including Schwab?
Interest rates are as low as they are going to be, they should refinance & repay now. If the loans are underwater so let them share with the bad credit rating that will follow under payment of a loan.
The city has been out of compliance with the state on low income housing for years. Sharon has documented the "funny business" of "low income housing" sites Schwab submitted to Sacramento for years. The senior center is low income housing it was pushed for a long time without publicly saying so.
Interesting to watch IF it were on CH 3 like it is supposed to be.
About time
Tom Schawb Should Pay Back the City:
Former City Manager Tom Schwab should pay the city back the money taken over the years for his "Professional" Mismanagement of the City Funds. He often re-assured the City Council there was plenty of reserve. No need to worry... Even when there were layoffs of low paid employees, Tom Schwab and Steve Berry were rewarded with pay increases and cars and a house.
The Bernie Maddof of Grand Terrace is Named Tom Schwab and his helper was Steve Berry and the City Council Members who let it go by their review.
Citizen after citizen said things weren't adding up. Tom Schwab said that the citizens didn't understand financial reporting. The Council it turns out did not understand financial reporting enough to ask for clear reports and strict adherence to sound fiscal practices. Taking money from one fund to support another would be a criminal act in most situations... Why isn't there a pile of arrest warrants being served in GT?
Perhaps this is why the email from this blog has been blocked by Tom Schwab's Administration, he did not want the Council Members to be educated and held accountable for his actions.
Last note. It is time to get a different Legal Council... This fellow has not served the City Well, and has been happy to charge the city a prime rate for his bad services.
The Bernie Maddof of Grand Terrace is Named Tom Schwab and his helper was Steve Berry and the City Council Members who let it go by their review.
Citizen after citizen said things weren't adding up. Tom Schwab said that the citizens didn't understand financial reporting. The Council it turns out did not understand financial reporting enough to ask for clear reports and strict adherence to sound fiscal practices. Taking money from one fund to support another would be a criminal act in most situations... Why isn't there a pile of arrest warrants being served in GT?
Perhaps this is why the email from this blog has been blocked by Tom Schwab's Administration, he did not want the Council Members to be educated and held accountable for his actions.
Last note. It is time to get a different Legal Council... This fellow has not served the City Well, and has been happy to charge the city a prime rate for his bad services.
YouTube Post of Tonights City Council Meeting
IT HAS BEEN REQUESTED
If anyone can Please post on YouTube the Meeting that was not Broadcast on Ch 3. People want to see and hear it.
If anyone can Please post on YouTube the Meeting that was not Broadcast on Ch 3. People want to see and hear it.
Council Meeting On CH # 3
Still no broadcast 8:00 PM...
The Council Meeting Broadcast still not happening at 7:10 PM. Reports are the Council Chamber is full of concerned Citizens. What are they trying to hide from the viewing public?
The Council Meeting should be on Ch 3 at 6:00 PM tonight, it is now 6:11 and no Broadcast.
The City maintains video production facilities including a remote controlled multicamera TV Production Control Room in City Hall to provide live coverage of the City Council Meetings and other legislative body meetings designated for television coverage.
If you have any questions regarding Grand Terrace Television Channel 3 you can contact the City of Grand Terrace @ (909) 824-6621
From Email:
For years the folks that went into the podium and explained they knew what was going on with Schwab, Berry and Ferre were made to look ignorant by Schwab and some members of the council. Ferre says she "is not alarmed" It's because she has no clue about anything. From the San Bernardino Sun.
Mayor Maryetta Ferre said she is glad that Adams is providing the council with answers to the city's budget problems. "We would be nuts to say we didn't have a financial crunch," Ferre said."I'm not alarmed at this point. I'm waiting to see what is being suggested and what we can do."
This happened under her watch and all she can say is "I'm not alarmed at this point. We would be nuts (we knew that a long time ago) to say we didn't have a financial crunch. I'm waiting to see what is being suggested and what we can do." At what point is Ferre going to become alarmed. I have several suggestions what she can do, One would be to resign. She is an incompetent. When the Schwab, Berry scandal surfaced she should have insisted the Sheriff's Department follow through on the investigation and indictment. Complacency is complicity
The Council Meeting Broadcast still not happening at 7:10 PM. Reports are the Council Chamber is full of concerned Citizens. What are they trying to hide from the viewing public?
The Council Meeting should be on Ch 3 at 6:00 PM tonight, it is now 6:11 and no Broadcast.
The City maintains video production facilities including a remote controlled multicamera TV Production Control Room in City Hall to provide live coverage of the City Council Meetings and other legislative body meetings designated for television coverage.
If you have any questions regarding Grand Terrace Television Channel 3 you can contact the City of Grand Terrace @ (909) 824-6621
From Email:
For years the folks that went into the podium and explained they knew what was going on with Schwab, Berry and Ferre were made to look ignorant by Schwab and some members of the council. Ferre says she "is not alarmed" It's because she has no clue about anything. From the San Bernardino Sun.
Mayor Maryetta Ferre said she is glad that Adams is providing the council with answers to the city's budget problems. "We would be nuts to say we didn't have a financial crunch," Ferre said."I'm not alarmed at this point. I'm waiting to see what is being suggested and what we can do."
This happened under her watch and all she can say is "I'm not alarmed at this point. We would be nuts (we knew that a long time ago) to say we didn't have a financial crunch. I'm waiting to see what is being suggested and what we can do." At what point is Ferre going to become alarmed. I have several suggestions what she can do, One would be to resign. She is an incompetent. When the Schwab, Berry scandal surfaced she should have insisted the Sheriff's Department follow through on the investigation and indictment. Complacency is complicity
$ 57,000.00 Electric Signs: Bad Budget Decision.
The first message on the new Electronic Signs should be:
The City Council Needs to trim over 400,000 in the next 4 months. Here is where to start:
City Manager's Compensation 30 Percent:
All Department Heads 25 Percent
All Stipends and Allowances to City Council Members Reduced to 1.00
Any City Employee Earning more than 80,000.00 per year Reduction 15 Percent
No More Paying the Medical Co-Pay of Council Members and Employees who earn above 80,000.00
Sell the City Owned Property and Call in Loans made to Employees and Former Employees.
Do not cut the city workers who are earning less than 50,000.00 year.
How to earn some income?
Open all City Owned Fields to Agriculture Use on a 3 year Lease for a buck a year plus 10 percent of the gross.
Provide Banking Services at cost for All Households to have a Home based Business. This would insure collection of sales taxes. All homes are pre approved for a business. Allow clients and deliveries to Home based businesses to 1 delivery and 10 clients per day. (Day care operations often have 8 to 10 children).
Thank you Mrs Adams for showing the Council what Schwab / Berry left you with. Please step up to the responsibility by first taking a reduction in your contract compensation.
All I got for my Taxes is this STUPID SIGN.
and A Giant Debt
The City Council Needs to trim over 400,000 in the next 4 months. Here is where to start:
City Manager's Compensation 30 Percent:
All Department Heads 25 Percent
All Stipends and Allowances to City Council Members Reduced to 1.00
Any City Employee Earning more than 80,000.00 per year Reduction 15 Percent
No More Paying the Medical Co-Pay of Council Members and Employees who earn above 80,000.00
Sell the City Owned Property and Call in Loans made to Employees and Former Employees.
Do not cut the city workers who are earning less than 50,000.00 year.
How to earn some income?
Open all City Owned Fields to Agriculture Use on a 3 year Lease for a buck a year plus 10 percent of the gross.
Provide Banking Services at cost for All Households to have a Home based Business. This would insure collection of sales taxes. All homes are pre approved for a business. Allow clients and deliveries to Home based businesses to 1 delivery and 10 clients per day. (Day care operations often have 8 to 10 children).
Thank you Mrs Adams for showing the Council what Schwab / Berry left you with. Please step up to the responsibility by first taking a reduction in your contract compensation.
GadFlies Were Right: Schwab Era Finance Problems Shown
Grand Terrace has been borrowing redevelopment money to bolster its general fund for years
10:00 PM PST on Monday, February 22, 2010
By DARRELL R. SANTSCHI
The Press-Enterprise
The Grand Terrace City Council tonight will begin grappling with a budget crisis that could drain the city's treasury for years to come.
In the short term, council members must trim $423,000 from the city's general fund budget for the 4½ months remaining in the current fiscal year.
Then, they must find a way to pay back $2.6 million funneled since 1990 from the city redevelopment agency to balance the general fund that pays for day-to-day expenses.
Part of this year's deficit includes a $155,725 loan that was to be taken from the redevelopment agency to bolster the general fund. The city manager will ask the council not to proceed with that loan.
Councilman Walt Stanckiewitz said by phone Monday that he had not been told the city was borrowing from redevelopment agency funds, which he believes can be used only to improve low-income housing and build up the city's infrastructure.
He acknowledged that some redevelopment money is routinely used to help pay the salaries of city administrators who devote a portion of their time to redevelopment projects. But he said the $2.6 million was siphoned separately.
"We have a gaggle of residents who have been crying ... about this kind of stuff for years," Stanckiewitz said. "They have been pooh-poohed away as gadflies. What this says is, these people were all right. They knew what was going on and no one would listen to them."
Grand Terrace's new city manager, Betsy Adams, is recommending that $2.6 million of the city's $3.7 million reserve fund be restricted as collateral for the loans owed to the redevelopment agency, and that a portion of the remaining money be used to help balance this year's $5.2 million general fund budget.
Stanckiewitz said the council will consider paying only interest on the money for several years until the economy -- and the city's finances -- recover sufficiently to pay back the principal.
"Everyone thinks our reserves are healthy, but we really only have $1.1 million," he said. "We are not as well off as we have been telling the world."
The City Council meets at 6 p.m. in its chambers at 22795 Barton Road.
Reach Darrell R. Santschi at 951-368-9484 or http://us.mc331.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=dsantschi@PE.com---
Grand Terrace to discuss budget problems
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Posted: 02/22/2010 04:18:57 PM
PST GRAND TERRACE - The nation's economy may be starting to rebound, but the city's budget woes are not over. The City Council will hold a 4 p.m. workshop today to talk about how toclose a $423,000 mid-year budget shortfall in the General Fund.
Spending and revenue projections have changed since the start of the 2009-2010 budget year in July. Construction permit revenue, sales tax receipts and investment earningsare all down since the budget was adopted. Most of the budget gap can be closed through unspecified "labor savings"with employees and use of reserves, City Manager Betsy Adams said in areport to the council.
The council also could freeze non-essential spending as a way to close theshortfall, Adams said. "Everything is on the table," said Councilman Walt Stanckiewitz said. "
It could be pay cuts, furloughs, you name it." Stanckiewitz said he is concerned about the city's dwindling reserves inthe General Fund. During the 1990s, the city transferred $2.6 million from the Redevelopment Agency to the General Fund.
That loan has to be paid back, lowering reserves from $3.7 million to $1.1 million, Stanckiewitz said. "We no longer have that healthy reserve because back in the `90s they were robbing Peter to pay Paul and didn't bother to tell anybody," Stanckiewitz said.
Mayor Maryetta Ferre said she is glad that Adams is providing the council with answers to the city's budget problems. "We would be nuts to say we didn't have a financial crunch," Ferre said."I'm not alarmed at this point. I'm waiting to see what is being suggestedand what we can do."
10:00 PM PST on Monday, February 22, 2010
By DARRELL R. SANTSCHI
The Press-Enterprise
The Grand Terrace City Council tonight will begin grappling with a budget crisis that could drain the city's treasury for years to come.
In the short term, council members must trim $423,000 from the city's general fund budget for the 4½ months remaining in the current fiscal year.
Then, they must find a way to pay back $2.6 million funneled since 1990 from the city redevelopment agency to balance the general fund that pays for day-to-day expenses.
Part of this year's deficit includes a $155,725 loan that was to be taken from the redevelopment agency to bolster the general fund. The city manager will ask the council not to proceed with that loan.
Councilman Walt Stanckiewitz said by phone Monday that he had not been told the city was borrowing from redevelopment agency funds, which he believes can be used only to improve low-income housing and build up the city's infrastructure.
He acknowledged that some redevelopment money is routinely used to help pay the salaries of city administrators who devote a portion of their time to redevelopment projects. But he said the $2.6 million was siphoned separately.
"We have a gaggle of residents who have been crying ... about this kind of stuff for years," Stanckiewitz said. "They have been pooh-poohed away as gadflies. What this says is, these people were all right. They knew what was going on and no one would listen to them."
Grand Terrace's new city manager, Betsy Adams, is recommending that $2.6 million of the city's $3.7 million reserve fund be restricted as collateral for the loans owed to the redevelopment agency, and that a portion of the remaining money be used to help balance this year's $5.2 million general fund budget.
Stanckiewitz said the council will consider paying only interest on the money for several years until the economy -- and the city's finances -- recover sufficiently to pay back the principal.
"Everyone thinks our reserves are healthy, but we really only have $1.1 million," he said. "We are not as well off as we have been telling the world."
The City Council meets at 6 p.m. in its chambers at 22795 Barton Road.
Reach Darrell R. Santschi at 951-368-9484 or http://us.mc331.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=dsantschi@PE.com---
Grand Terrace to discuss budget problems
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Posted: 02/22/2010 04:18:57 PM
PST GRAND TERRACE - The nation's economy may be starting to rebound, but the city's budget woes are not over. The City Council will hold a 4 p.m. workshop today to talk about how toclose a $423,000 mid-year budget shortfall in the General Fund.
Spending and revenue projections have changed since the start of the 2009-2010 budget year in July. Construction permit revenue, sales tax receipts and investment earningsare all down since the budget was adopted. Most of the budget gap can be closed through unspecified "labor savings"with employees and use of reserves, City Manager Betsy Adams said in areport to the council.
The council also could freeze non-essential spending as a way to close theshortfall, Adams said. "Everything is on the table," said Councilman Walt Stanckiewitz said. "
It could be pay cuts, furloughs, you name it." Stanckiewitz said he is concerned about the city's dwindling reserves inthe General Fund. During the 1990s, the city transferred $2.6 million from the Redevelopment Agency to the General Fund.
That loan has to be paid back, lowering reserves from $3.7 million to $1.1 million, Stanckiewitz said. "We no longer have that healthy reserve because back in the `90s they were robbing Peter to pay Paul and didn't bother to tell anybody," Stanckiewitz said.
Mayor Maryetta Ferre said she is glad that Adams is providing the council with answers to the city's budget problems. "We would be nuts to say we didn't have a financial crunch," Ferre said."I'm not alarmed at this point. I'm waiting to see what is being suggestedand what we can do."
Open Letter to City Council
I just wanted to share in writing that the problem facing all local governments is their debt to development districts using RDA powers. Thirty-three (33%)percent of the average property tax revenues of all cities in the County of San Bernardino goes to pay debt for RDA projects.
In a City such as ours in which the entire City is within a RDA--all growth in property tax revenues--has gone to the RDA.
Why should we be in the position of borrowing from the RDA?
Property taxes are intended for general fund government.
It should pay for fine libraries, police, fire and parks and recreation.
The state is not robbing local government-- it is merely taking back it's portion of the property tax revenues it has given to cities under a complicated system called ERAF--Educational Revenue Augmentation Fund.
The recession of the 1990's forced the state to take back the majority of these funds to meet it's obligation to schools. Every taxing entity that shifts property tax revenues from local government to RDA's--unless a pass-through agreement has been made-- is less money for schools.
Cities claim they need to enter private capital business ventures to increase sale tax revenues.
This "Great Recession" has proven that with a less manufacturing jobs, more money going to too-generous public pensions, grossly inflated managerial salaries, creates a shrinking middle-class. No middle-class, no jobs no consumption of goods that generate sales taxes.
I urge you not to increase the debt capacity of the RDA. If anything all debts we are obligated to should be the end of government folly into private business ventures. No new debt for RDA's. It is taxation without the vote of the people.Sylvia Robles, Grand Terrace Citizen
In a City such as ours in which the entire City is within a RDA--all growth in property tax revenues--has gone to the RDA.
Why should we be in the position of borrowing from the RDA?
Property taxes are intended for general fund government.
It should pay for fine libraries, police, fire and parks and recreation.
The state is not robbing local government-- it is merely taking back it's portion of the property tax revenues it has given to cities under a complicated system called ERAF--Educational Revenue Augmentation Fund.
The recession of the 1990's forced the state to take back the majority of these funds to meet it's obligation to schools. Every taxing entity that shifts property tax revenues from local government to RDA's--unless a pass-through agreement has been made-- is less money for schools.
Cities claim they need to enter private capital business ventures to increase sale tax revenues.
This "Great Recession" has proven that with a less manufacturing jobs, more money going to too-generous public pensions, grossly inflated managerial salaries, creates a shrinking middle-class. No middle-class, no jobs no consumption of goods that generate sales taxes.
I urge you not to increase the debt capacity of the RDA. If anything all debts we are obligated to should be the end of government folly into private business ventures. No new debt for RDA's. It is taxation without the vote of the people.Sylvia Robles, Grand Terrace Citizen
Monday, February 22, 2010
Park or A Freeway May Run Through It.. From the Email
Gramps No Development should be done. Jacobsen Park or anything near the freeway and possible locations for the off ramps to the 215... We could have a park that is right under an off ramp... or under it... NO Thanks not now. The Blue Mt. Park could do a lot with the available funds... A parking lot and restroom area for the tail head to the natural park and trails that many in the community already support the concept of.
I do not support the purchase of the Land Jacobsen bought under the suggestion of Tom Schwab while the two of them were acting like Dictators and Tyrants over other property owners and the citizens of GT. Nope, if funds were made available to purchase Jacobsen Land, there should be an investigation right up the the Politicians in Sacramento down to the City Council who asks for it.
I do not support the purchase of the Land Jacobsen bought under the suggestion of Tom Schwab while the two of them were acting like Dictators and Tyrants over other property owners and the citizens of GT. Nope, if funds were made available to purchase Jacobsen Land, there should be an investigation right up the the Politicians in Sacramento down to the City Council who asks for it.
Good News: GT Website and Financial Reports
This blog was established in part to share City Documents with the GT Web Public. For years the City of Grand Terrace refused to increase the information and documents available to the public via the web. There is still room for improvement but it has been noted that the Council Member Packets with Financial Reports are now easier to read and the information on the web site in general is more current.
However, the information going to a Club or News Paper, or individual prior to being released to the Public via the Web Page should not happen. Insider information can be used for business and political purposes that may lead to future problems.
Please visit the City Web Site for the Documents related to the Park and the next City Council Meeting. The planning department and the RDA need to improve their reporting and web information.
The public would like the Council Meetings posted on the YouTube so that people can go back and see a meeting they were unable to attend.
There are still some city / county documents that should be on or linked to the City Web Page. Lets hope that happens soon.
However, the information going to a Club or News Paper, or individual prior to being released to the Public via the Web Page should not happen. Insider information can be used for business and political purposes that may lead to future problems.
Please visit the City Web Site for the Documents related to the Park and the next City Council Meeting. The planning department and the RDA need to improve their reporting and web information.
The public would like the Council Meetings posted on the YouTube so that people can go back and see a meeting they were unable to attend.
There are still some city / county documents that should be on or linked to the City Web Page. Lets hope that happens soon.
Some Thoughts on Jacobsen Park
Paww...Saw the new park picture on the GT blog recently, that was taken via the Lion's club. A tiny error or revision may have crept in. I think the property now is a bit bigger. At last word they were going to take the little house lying off of GT Road too. This the place to north of the large refurbished residence.
From what I read off the newsletter, most all is correct though. 'cept the 5 (initial) million dollars for purchase of land, demolition and the improvements were not mentioned. That is a high figure too. If the City only gets $3 then the remainder is to be used for PARK purposes. Seems everyone automatically assumes the City will receive the high figure.
Gramps Reply:
The Lion's information was posted as is due to the fact that Not Everyone in GT is a member of the Lions Club. However, the Lions have a significant influence upon Council Members and Council Decisions. So what is being represented to them in regards to City Business is a PUBLIC matter.
The opinion of the Blog has not changed, 3 Million or 5 Million. No new property should be purchased. No property should be purchased from Doug Jacobsen for any purpose.
From what I read off the newsletter, most all is correct though. 'cept the 5 (initial) million dollars for purchase of land, demolition and the improvements were not mentioned. That is a high figure too. If the City only gets $3 then the remainder is to be used for PARK purposes. Seems everyone automatically assumes the City will receive the high figure.
Gramps Reply:
The Lion's information was posted as is due to the fact that Not Everyone in GT is a member of the Lions Club. However, the Lions have a significant influence upon Council Members and Council Decisions. So what is being represented to them in regards to City Business is a PUBLIC matter.
The opinion of the Blog has not changed, 3 Million or 5 Million. No new property should be purchased. No property should be purchased from Doug Jacobsen for any purpose.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Jacobsen Bailout Park Will Cost Taxpayers
The location of the Proposed Jacobsen Bailout Park is shown in this picture made available in the Lion's Club News Letter. Note many readers are less than pleased that the Lion's Club and only a FEW SELECT people have been informed of this proposed land purchase and the building of an additional park. This is a Bail out for Jacobsen and nothing more. There is a need for real improvements on Grand Terrace Rd. There is a real need to replace the Terrace Pines Mobile Home Park that Jacobsen Raised in his and Schwabs Grand Plan for a SUPER CENTER along Barton Rd.The City of Grand Terrace does not need to add to its land ownership. The City already owns property that could be developed for park land. This additional purchase has the single purpose of bailing out Jacobsen who was following the directions of Former City Manager Tom Schwab when he purchased and distroyed the Terrace Pines Mobile Home Park.
The city may not get an approval for a park in that location given that the housing element removed has not been replaced.
Nope Mr. Jacobsen, sell your property on the OPEN FREE MARKET and yes you will have to suffer a loss. This is almost fair as the land you forced people to sell to you or the city was not able to go on the OPEN FREE MARKET.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Meeting Prior to the Council Meeting TONIGHT...
Gramps:
There is a workshop on the updated general plan 5:00 pm in the Chamber Room at Grand Terrace City Hall. All citizens who own property should be interested in this as the zoning on their property may be changed and the City could try to use eminent domain to take your property for a development, limiting your ability to sell or use your property as you see fit.
No planning meeting this month, or so they say...
GRAMPS:
The $57,000.00 signs are being installed. Let's see when the first traffic accidents happen as a result of distracted drivers.
There is a workshop on the updated general plan 5:00 pm in the Chamber Room at Grand Terrace City Hall. All citizens who own property should be interested in this as the zoning on their property may be changed and the City could try to use eminent domain to take your property for a development, limiting your ability to sell or use your property as you see fit.
No planning meeting this month, or so they say...
GRAMPS:
The $57,000.00 signs are being installed. Let's see when the first traffic accidents happen as a result of distracted drivers.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Yes that was an earth qake.. 4.1
It was located near San Timetao Canyon... Closest reporting site... Olive Del Ranch in Reche Canyon...
Good reminder to be ready with supplies and know your household emergency plan.
Some Media Reports have confused blog readers so here is the facts from USGS.
Recent Earthquakes in California and Nevada== PRELIMINARY EARTHQUAKE REPORT ==California Integrated Seismic NetUSGS/ Caltech/ CGS/ UCB/ UCSD/ UNR
Version #4: This report supersedes any earlier reports of this event.This event has been reviewed by a seismologist.
A light earthquake occurred at 1:39:06 PM (PST) on Saturday, February 13, 2010.The magnitude 4.1 event occurred 6 km (4 miles) S of Redlands, CA.The hypocentral depth is 9 km ( 6 miles).
Magnitude
4.1 - local magnitude (ML)
Time
Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 1:39:06 PM (PST)Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 21:39:06 (UTC)
Distance from
Redlands, CA - 6 km (4 miles) S (188 degrees)Loma Linda, CA - 8 km (5 miles) SE (128 degrees)Mentone, CA - 9 km (5 miles) SW (219 degrees)Moreno Valley, CA - 10 km (6 miles) NNE (27 degrees)Los Angeles Civic Center, CA - 98 km (61 miles) E (93 degrees)
Coordinates
34 deg. 0.2 min. N (34.004N), 117 deg. 10.8 min. W (117.180W)
Depth
8.9 km (5.5 miles)
Location Quality
Good
Location Quality Parameters
Nst= 85, Nph= 85, Dmin=7 km, Rmss=0.22 sec, Erho=0.3 km, Erzz=1.1 km, Gp=32.4 degrees
Event ID#
ci10541957
Additional Information
2-degree map Google Earth KML (Requires Google Earth.)Did you feel it? ShakeMap shaking intensity maps Waveforms 24-hour Aftershock Forecast Map SCSN Moment Tensor Solution Tsunami Information Statement from the WC/ATWC
Good reminder to be ready with supplies and know your household emergency plan.
Some Media Reports have confused blog readers so here is the facts from USGS.
Recent Earthquakes in California and Nevada== PRELIMINARY EARTHQUAKE REPORT ==California Integrated Seismic NetUSGS/ Caltech/ CGS/ UCB/ UCSD/ UNR
Version #4: This report supersedes any earlier reports of this event.This event has been reviewed by a seismologist.
A light earthquake occurred at 1:39:06 PM (PST) on Saturday, February 13, 2010.The magnitude 4.1 event occurred 6 km (4 miles) S of Redlands, CA.The hypocentral depth is 9 km ( 6 miles).
Magnitude
4.1 - local magnitude (ML)
Time
Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 1:39:06 PM (PST)Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 21:39:06 (UTC)
Distance from
Redlands, CA - 6 km (4 miles) S (188 degrees)Loma Linda, CA - 8 km (5 miles) SE (128 degrees)Mentone, CA - 9 km (5 miles) SW (219 degrees)Moreno Valley, CA - 10 km (6 miles) NNE (27 degrees)Los Angeles Civic Center, CA - 98 km (61 miles) E (93 degrees)
Coordinates
34 deg. 0.2 min. N (34.004N), 117 deg. 10.8 min. W (117.180W)
Depth
8.9 km (5.5 miles)
Location Quality
Good
Location Quality Parameters
Nst= 85, Nph= 85, Dmin=7 km, Rmss=0.22 sec, Erho=0.3 km, Erzz=1.1 km, Gp=32.4 degrees
Event ID#
ci10541957
Additional Information
2-degree map Google Earth KML (Requires Google Earth.)Did you feel it? ShakeMap shaking intensity maps Waveforms 24-hour Aftershock Forecast Map SCSN Moment Tensor Solution Tsunami Information Statement from the WC/ATWC
Who got the Notice of the Park Meetings?
Many readers are reporting that they did not get mailed a notice about the meeting regarding the Proposed Park on Grand Terrace Road on property currently owned by Doug Jacobsen.
It would be interesting to know what mailing list was used. Not all the homes in the area received notices... So is there a list of Citizens worthy of notice and the rest of us are kept in the dark?
This is a strike against the Current City Manager and City Council... This type of selective communication should not be continued.
It would be interesting to know what mailing list was used. Not all the homes in the area received notices... So is there a list of Citizens worthy of notice and the rest of us are kept in the dark?
This is a strike against the Current City Manager and City Council... This type of selective communication should not be continued.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Prop 84 Funds: for Parks : Thoughts and Ideas
The State of California has a Fund as a result of Prop 84. In that fund there are programs for local or regional parks to be funded. The parks are to be competitive application for funds. So, what is the best application?
The Projects that discourage the use of automobiles, protect agriculture lands, and connect trails and parks like the Santa Anna River to the Ocean Bike Path and trail are the type of projects to be funded.
GT should not buy anymore land from Jacobsen.. or anyone...
The Projects that discourage the use of automobiles, protect agriculture lands, and connect trails and parks like the Santa Anna River to the Ocean Bike Path and trail are the type of projects to be funded.
GT should not buy anymore land from Jacobsen.. or anyone...
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Jacobsen Bail Out: GT or TaxPayers will PAY... SAY NO
Pawww...
There have already been "Public Meetings" on the new park and all the parameters, but went to the meeting as noted within here on Thursday afternoon. This regarding a preliminary, proposed public park on the west side of GT.
There have already been "Public Meetings" on the new park and all the parameters, but went to the meeting as noted within here on Thursday afternoon. This regarding a preliminary, proposed public park on the west side of GT.
It mainly was lead off by Barrie of the City of GT Code Enforcement and weak public attendance. The property under thought for the P.P.P.P. is lying just north of the mobile home park now on Grand Terrace Road (to north of Barton Road).
This property was or is currently owned by the Jacobsen Family as the facts (based upon summer 2009 conversations) are in doubt at this time. An old subdivision lies underneath, and was up for heated comment at a past GT Planning Commission meeting.
1. Zero, nada, zippo Environmental investigation or reports have been done. The process is being done at this time by city of GT staff, and will be done at such time and approved by Sacramento, thus avoiding the City Council and residents. The public, the GT city council, and many others will not be be able to see nor read the whole thing until minutes before it is placed into some big package for mailing. Let us hope it is 100% correct and truthful.
2. The whole situation is based in hurry-up mode as funds are being sought from Sacramento, in the thrilling amount of $5 whole million dollars. An additional $3 million (total of eight then) can become available within one or two years, provided that Sacramento then gives an Okay.
3. Regarding #2 above, the $5 to $8 million in funds are to be used for purchase of two parcels, plus the tear down of two residences lying on north side of the subject property, that plus the main purchase price of the Jaconsen property.
4. Zero, nada, and zippo, street improvements are going to be installed. Even though near every other project in the County of San Beranrdino and the various cities require such, it is not in the budget on this project. The acquisition of the latent properties, and simple construction on-site, have knowingly used up most all of the allocated funds. And so, zero street improvements are being sought.
1. Zero, nada, zippo Environmental investigation or reports have been done. The process is being done at this time by city of GT staff, and will be done at such time and approved by Sacramento, thus avoiding the City Council and residents. The public, the GT city council, and many others will not be be able to see nor read the whole thing until minutes before it is placed into some big package for mailing. Let us hope it is 100% correct and truthful.
2. The whole situation is based in hurry-up mode as funds are being sought from Sacramento, in the thrilling amount of $5 whole million dollars. An additional $3 million (total of eight then) can become available within one or two years, provided that Sacramento then gives an Okay.
3. Regarding #2 above, the $5 to $8 million in funds are to be used for purchase of two parcels, plus the tear down of two residences lying on north side of the subject property, that plus the main purchase price of the Jaconsen property.
4. Zero, nada, and zippo, street improvements are going to be installed. Even though near every other project in the County of San Beranrdino and the various cities require such, it is not in the budget on this project. The acquisition of the latent properties, and simple construction on-site, have knowingly used up most all of the allocated funds. And so, zero street improvements are being sought.
If enough people make a stink, the improvements will be installed, but the entire city of GT residents will have to foot the bill. If you intend to utilize the park, then you cannot park along the street but instead use the Parking lot.
Residents of GT are also being asked to foot the bill for street improvements associated with improvements along the south side of Barton Road, and those over all connected with the new GT High school. The latter includes widening of Michigan street, and the widening to Center street, and storm drain improvements. The relocation of "In the Way" water lines has already been paid via the residents. (May be why no one has stepped forward with a grant).
5. Why was that particular site chosen then? Best explanation derived from the conversation is that it is based upon the passage a few years ago of Megan's Law. The singular parcel is within near 2000 feet of many parcels on west side of city, that makes it difficult for "New" sex offenders (those that register) to move in to the area. If we have some already, (like living in the trailer park on the south edge) they are supposedly exempt then.
But why not choose a more visible empty lot along LaCrosse street then? One in which the visitors and public could readily see from the Interstate Highway? It comes down to the 2000 feet radii, or if the legislature would have said more feet or less then the parcel would not have been considered.
It is also assumed that part of the Sacramento grant would be for mailing out of letters to the registered Sex offenders to get out of town, for a park is about to be built, and if not, they are going to get the full force of the S.B. County DA's office on their backs then. After all that is one of the major points in locating the park where is is at, and has nothing to do with Jacobsen or the GT city council. Isn't it?
6. During the period up to end of 2009, it was exclaimed loud and clear by former Planner Koontz (on many occasions) that the City of GT had just a couple of percent over the required (by Sacramento) land set aside for public parks. Now that figure included the parcel set aside via the GT Retirement Home. According to Barrie, we are now shy of such a figure by a few percent. The kiddies use of Pico park for baseball purposes, is no longer a consideration now, it is assumed. Thus either the new senior citizen's reflective parks got pulled from the estimate, or someone was lying to us long ago.
7. As a part of #2 and #4 noted above, the city will not be including any lighting for the park. Too expensive. Persons who intend to visit the park are expected to run around during daylight hours only and listen to the boom box music.
8. How many people are for this new park? It was asked if 100% of GT residents are going to be happy with it or not? I understand that via Barrie, "Far" from that sort of quantity approve of such.
9. Per #7 above, there already are insufficient funds to foot the bill for any traffic study, or TRUCKs Prohibited signing that indicates for Truck Traffic to use an alternate way of entering the SCE property on Newport Road (once we get the County Sherrif's Department to patrol and enforce the signage, it will pay for itself then.
5. Why was that particular site chosen then? Best explanation derived from the conversation is that it is based upon the passage a few years ago of Megan's Law. The singular parcel is within near 2000 feet of many parcels on west side of city, that makes it difficult for "New" sex offenders (those that register) to move in to the area. If we have some already, (like living in the trailer park on the south edge) they are supposedly exempt then.
But why not choose a more visible empty lot along LaCrosse street then? One in which the visitors and public could readily see from the Interstate Highway? It comes down to the 2000 feet radii, or if the legislature would have said more feet or less then the parcel would not have been considered.
It is also assumed that part of the Sacramento grant would be for mailing out of letters to the registered Sex offenders to get out of town, for a park is about to be built, and if not, they are going to get the full force of the S.B. County DA's office on their backs then. After all that is one of the major points in locating the park where is is at, and has nothing to do with Jacobsen or the GT city council. Isn't it?
6. During the period up to end of 2009, it was exclaimed loud and clear by former Planner Koontz (on many occasions) that the City of GT had just a couple of percent over the required (by Sacramento) land set aside for public parks. Now that figure included the parcel set aside via the GT Retirement Home. According to Barrie, we are now shy of such a figure by a few percent. The kiddies use of Pico park for baseball purposes, is no longer a consideration now, it is assumed. Thus either the new senior citizen's reflective parks got pulled from the estimate, or someone was lying to us long ago.
7. As a part of #2 and #4 noted above, the city will not be including any lighting for the park. Too expensive. Persons who intend to visit the park are expected to run around during daylight hours only and listen to the boom box music.
8. How many people are for this new park? It was asked if 100% of GT residents are going to be happy with it or not? I understand that via Barrie, "Far" from that sort of quantity approve of such.
9. Per #7 above, there already are insufficient funds to foot the bill for any traffic study, or TRUCKs Prohibited signing that indicates for Truck Traffic to use an alternate way of entering the SCE property on Newport Road (once we get the County Sherrif's Department to patrol and enforce the signage, it will pay for itself then.
It has already been mentioned by a (female) representative of SCE Co. during a city council meeting, although the facilities at the point on cliffs has been in place longer that the city has been incorporated, the SCE Co. will easily pack up and leave for better property they already have, if enough complaints come in via deliveries from truck traffic every day.
Thus the west side would gain a park, and loose the SCE facilities eventually. With every park we gain a few and loose a few.
10. Although the Yet to be Approved City of GT Land Use map says differently, the park property is rubbing elbows with a residential area, across the street, and to north. Guess they will have to move too.
10. Although the Yet to be Approved City of GT Land Use map says differently, the park property is rubbing elbows with a residential area, across the street, and to north. Guess they will have to move too.
Here is what PAWW THINKS
Doug Jacobsen and the GT RDA would have been REQUIRED to Replace the Mobile Home Park on Michigan that they removed as part of their grand plan of Town Center or what ever it is being called this week.
Doug Jacobsen is now trying to off load this obligation, and the property he purchased for that purpose at the expense of the Grand Terrace City Budget and Expense. Parks cost money, grant or no grant. The investigation of the purchase of those properties may well include the use of the threat of Eminent Domain like the practices use on Barton Road.
Don't support the rush job on this park. The Public should be well informed of the cost, and plan and who is benefiting from the purchase of the land. Why not put the funds into Blue Mt. Park. and still have that land for other purposes. Nope, I am against relieving the burden on Jacobsen. It is time he enjoys the benefits of having used the City of Grand Terrace as his strong arm. He should continue to have to pay taxes on that property. He should also be fined for allowing it to be weed filled.
The Sex Offender Logic is just an example of smoke and mirrors being used to misdirect what is the truth behind the deal.
Nope Bailing Out Doug Jacobsen is not on my agenda as a Citizen of California, or Grand Terrace. It is Time for a Root Beer Float Party in GT.
Grand Terrace residents want DA to investigate councilwoman
Redlands Daily Facts - Stephen Wall - Feb 2, 2010
GRAND TERRACE - A group of residents wants the District Attorney's Office to investigate whether Councilwoman Bea Cortes violated state law by voting to ...
From the Email INBox:
Has there been an Arrest Warrant Issued for Council Member Bea Cortes?
Gramps Answers:
No information has been provided about a Warrant for Council Member Bea Cortes, Tom Schwab or Steve Berry. There hasn't been any charges against the City Attorney either at the legal level or professional level. Ramos has raised the charges against Postums for additional crimes. Remember that Bea Cortes bragged she has friends in high places and she endorsed both Ramos and Postums when they ran for election. Schwab and Berry have admitted to crimes in their own public statements yet they remain uncharged. So go figure... What is Ramos's motivation or reasoning for not charging these people with crimes, when he goes after others?
Redlands Daily Facts - Stephen Wall - Feb 2, 2010
GRAND TERRACE - A group of residents wants the District Attorney's Office to investigate whether Councilwoman Bea Cortes violated state law by voting to ...
From the Email INBox:
Has there been an Arrest Warrant Issued for Council Member Bea Cortes?
Gramps Answers:
No information has been provided about a Warrant for Council Member Bea Cortes, Tom Schwab or Steve Berry. There hasn't been any charges against the City Attorney either at the legal level or professional level. Ramos has raised the charges against Postums for additional crimes. Remember that Bea Cortes bragged she has friends in high places and she endorsed both Ramos and Postums when they ran for election. Schwab and Berry have admitted to crimes in their own public statements yet they remain uncharged. So go figure... What is Ramos's motivation or reasoning for not charging these people with crimes, when he goes after others?
DEIR Predetermins Acceptance of Traffic and Noise
Planning Evaluation of DEIR Report : Fails to be innovative in improving quality of life issues.
From the Email InBOX:
I would like to bring to the attention something that turns my stomach every time I see it in a report: Please read the attachment and tell me how they can say it is okay to increase the air pollution and the noise because they can’t find a way to avoid it.
I would like to bring to the attention something that turns my stomach every time I see it in a report: Please read the attachment and tell me how they can say it is okay to increase the air pollution and the noise because they can’t find a way to avoid it.
()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()
Paw Reads the DEIR Report and recognises the same shortfall as you do but perhaps with a slightly different perspective.
One assumption is that any development or human activity will cause an increase in the use of vehicles that will increase noise, congestion and pollution. This assumption is flawed. Some communities have been successful in increasing pedestrian traffic, and bike riding and the use of LEV's and NEV's. Grand Terrace continues to resist any actions that would functionally promote the non use of Commuter Auto's. Grand Terrace put Seniors far away from the shops and stores. Persistence in the type of planning done in the past will produce increased traffic. There is no one in our city government saying, lets live with what we have and do it better. This is not their mind set.
One assumption is that leaving land undeveloped does not have a environmental impact on the environment. A dry field left to be "Natural" will cause particulate pollution during our frequent high winds. These pollutants cause serious health problems.
So our human challenge is how to make nature better and manage our environment to enhance the human experience and preserve environmental diversity of plants and animals.
The attitude that all development will have negative results with the only goal being to minimize them or just accept them as inevitable is a troubling positioning for a regulating agency to take.
Land use, development and a social organization such as a city government will always cause an environmental impact. Heck Nature is an Environmental Impact. The goal should be to make all impacts POSITIVE, and if not minimize the negative. To assume that development will cause a Negative Impact is not a position that a good planning department should take as a norm.
The County limiting the height of windmills and thus reducing the effectiveness of Wind Generator Fields, is an approach to impact development in a negative way. Would you rather have smog, oil rigs, or a windmill? Would you rather have the uranium mines, and Nuclear Power Plant in your back yard? Or would you be willing to say, if Grand Terrace doesn't generate its own power, we live without lights?
I think people should be allowed to do almost anything on their own property, including windmills and radio towers, chickens and yes a goat or two. My neighbors after all can have teenagers, barking dogs, noisy cars, Car Sound Systems that rattle your windows and teeth.
Monday, February 08, 2010
Green Mt. and Green Fields and Yards
To all readers to get out and cut their lawn this week. It may look like the hair atop a wino (spotted and long here or there) but this will save one nasty letter in the mailbox getting in from the county this spring.
Apparently Inspectors will be on tour around the town looking for overgrown yards and fields.
On the other hand we could all go get a bunch of sheep or goats to take care of the new spring growth turning our yards and open spaces to a wonderful green.
It is a bit difficult to cut wet grass and new spring growth... but... if you have no goat... it has to be done.
Apparently Inspectors will be on tour around the town looking for overgrown yards and fields.
On the other hand we could all go get a bunch of sheep or goats to take care of the new spring growth turning our yards and open spaces to a wonderful green.
It is a bit difficult to cut wet grass and new spring growth... but... if you have no goat... it has to be done.
Rail Crossing Tagged Again
The Rail Crossing Overpass on the 91 has been used by taggers and graffiti again. Where is that rapid response to cover it up? Where are the cameras that are supposed to be monitored? Where are the improvements to keep out the taggers?
There should be a public web site so people who care can watch the bridge for an hour a night. The camera should be a nigh vision camera focused on the bridge alone.
It is time to eliminate this conduct of vandals amongst our population.
Parents and family members of Graffiti Artist you know you are harboring a criminal. You too could be held accountable. You are not manly if you paint graffiti, you are acting like a child who is ignorant and ill trained by their parents.
There should be a public web site so people who care can watch the bridge for an hour a night. The camera should be a nigh vision camera focused on the bridge alone.
It is time to eliminate this conduct of vandals amongst our population.
Parents and family members of Graffiti Artist you know you are harboring a criminal. You too could be held accountable. You are not manly if you paint graffiti, you are acting like a child who is ignorant and ill trained by their parents.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Trial Date May Push Forward Cortes Investigation by DA
James T Miller HEARINGS
DISPO/RESET HEARING SET ON 03/01/2010 AT 8:30 IN DEPT S26
DEFENDANT ORDERED TO APPEAR ON HEARING DATE.
The Trial must start by 4/02/2010 unless it is agreed upon by Miller to postpone again..
The DA's Office should have filed Charges against Bea Cortes by then no doubt, or they will look as though they are just a bunch of Political Hacks.
DISPO/RESET HEARING SET ON 03/01/2010 AT 8:30 IN DEPT S26
DEFENDANT ORDERED TO APPEAR ON HEARING DATE.
The Trial must start by 4/02/2010 unless it is agreed upon by Miller to postpone again..
The DA's Office should have filed Charges against Bea Cortes by then no doubt, or they will look as though they are just a bunch of Political Hacks.
Doug Willson On Fireworks in the GTCity News
Doug Wilson's position on Fireworks expressed in the Grand Terrace City News raises questions as to his powers of reason and logic and understanding of history.
He starts of saying his granddaughter should have the right to use fireworks to celebrate Independence Day. He cites John Adams as part of his historical argument.
In 1777 we had a lot of rights your grand daughter can not participate in today. In 1777 we could own a slave, have chickens in our back yards, have pet deer, use opium and heroin or marijuana as we pleased. We could drink alcohol when ever we wanted at any age.
Your grand daughter being a female would not have been able to vote, own property in some states, or serve in the military. Do you really want her to enjoy the rights of a woman in 1777? Thank goodness she is no doubt white and not subject to being a slave.
In addition practices of a particular type such as the use of fireworks are not RIGHTs provided by the Constitution of the USA. They are prohibited by state law and county law unless the City takes the liability and responsibility for the sale and use within its jurisdiction.
So if we are going to have equal justice or protection under the law and we permit fireworks for the 4th of July in Grand Terrace shouldn't the same logic be used to justify year round use of fireworks in Grand Terrace. Who or where is it legal to say that one celebration has priority over another. For example if I want to celebrate the Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall solstice with fireworks should not these celebrations with fireworks also be permitted. Oh heck I want to celebrate every Friday just because the work week ends with a firework party each week.
In modern times, in DRY California, you do not have the right to put your neighbors home and safety at risk for your celebration of anything. We have given up many individual practices when we agree to live in a community. Fire and Injury are a real outcome when fireworks are used. Yes a community does regulate risk. In California this is in the California Code, County Code and you chose to live in this state and county. In a city that allowed the temporary use and sale of fireworks. That temporary is now being considered for retraction.
Grand Terrace Historically was a place where the sale and use of fireworks was not permitted. It was only during the Schwab Administration that this changed. Schwab gutted the Rec Department and funding of sports and encouraged the teams to make up the difference with Fireworks Sales. The City Council let it be tried. The firework trial is over. We have had fires and injury. All citizens at risk and it puts the City at a Financial Risk.
Further more. If the City allows the teams to sell fireworks they have no way of stopping Stater Brothers and other stores from selling fireworks. That would be illegal restraint of trade. So it is not a secure way for the teams to earn funds they need.
Your position on this is disappointing to many people who supported you for the City Council. Your looking a lot like Tom Schwab on this issue. At least you haven't been found to have covered up a criminal investigation within City Hall.
Tom Schwab always found money for his increased income, cars and a house. Yet he could not find money for a Rec Program or to support youth sports or programs. We don't need to perpetuate his historical narrow self interested position on fireworks.
If it is safe to have fireworks, let them be in the City Park. Not near homes and cars. If it is safe to have fireworks take them to the homes and streets near every City Council member who votes to let them happen, and to the homes and streets where the Sports Team Board Members live.
I'd rather have a neighbor with chickens and goats and barking dogs all year than a weekend of fireworks. In 1777 you could have all these things in a city oh my... do you really want to go back to 1777?
He starts of saying his granddaughter should have the right to use fireworks to celebrate Independence Day. He cites John Adams as part of his historical argument.
In 1777 we had a lot of rights your grand daughter can not participate in today. In 1777 we could own a slave, have chickens in our back yards, have pet deer, use opium and heroin or marijuana as we pleased. We could drink alcohol when ever we wanted at any age.
Your grand daughter being a female would not have been able to vote, own property in some states, or serve in the military. Do you really want her to enjoy the rights of a woman in 1777? Thank goodness she is no doubt white and not subject to being a slave.
In addition practices of a particular type such as the use of fireworks are not RIGHTs provided by the Constitution of the USA. They are prohibited by state law and county law unless the City takes the liability and responsibility for the sale and use within its jurisdiction.
So if we are going to have equal justice or protection under the law and we permit fireworks for the 4th of July in Grand Terrace shouldn't the same logic be used to justify year round use of fireworks in Grand Terrace. Who or where is it legal to say that one celebration has priority over another. For example if I want to celebrate the Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall solstice with fireworks should not these celebrations with fireworks also be permitted. Oh heck I want to celebrate every Friday just because the work week ends with a firework party each week.
In modern times, in DRY California, you do not have the right to put your neighbors home and safety at risk for your celebration of anything. We have given up many individual practices when we agree to live in a community. Fire and Injury are a real outcome when fireworks are used. Yes a community does regulate risk. In California this is in the California Code, County Code and you chose to live in this state and county. In a city that allowed the temporary use and sale of fireworks. That temporary is now being considered for retraction.
Grand Terrace Historically was a place where the sale and use of fireworks was not permitted. It was only during the Schwab Administration that this changed. Schwab gutted the Rec Department and funding of sports and encouraged the teams to make up the difference with Fireworks Sales. The City Council let it be tried. The firework trial is over. We have had fires and injury. All citizens at risk and it puts the City at a Financial Risk.
Further more. If the City allows the teams to sell fireworks they have no way of stopping Stater Brothers and other stores from selling fireworks. That would be illegal restraint of trade. So it is not a secure way for the teams to earn funds they need.
Your position on this is disappointing to many people who supported you for the City Council. Your looking a lot like Tom Schwab on this issue. At least you haven't been found to have covered up a criminal investigation within City Hall.
Tom Schwab always found money for his increased income, cars and a house. Yet he could not find money for a Rec Program or to support youth sports or programs. We don't need to perpetuate his historical narrow self interested position on fireworks.
If it is safe to have fireworks, let them be in the City Park. Not near homes and cars. If it is safe to have fireworks take them to the homes and streets near every City Council member who votes to let them happen, and to the homes and streets where the Sports Team Board Members live.
I'd rather have a neighbor with chickens and goats and barking dogs all year than a weekend of fireworks. In 1777 you could have all these things in a city oh my... do you really want to go back to 1777?
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Cortes Complaint does not Cover all Cortes Problems:
Friday, January 29, 2010 We posted the Sentinel's Reporting of the story,
Cortes Focus of Complaint Lodged With DA. Now the documents filed at the DA's Office are available in PDF format if you email grandterracenews@yahoo.com. In reading the 96 pages it is apparent the research done by the San Bernardino County Sentinel has dug up much more city business going to Terra Loma than what is contained in the complaint. The DA's Office was handed much less against Jim Miller and with only minimal investigation pressed charged and a public arrest. So what is the delay with the Cortes Investigation? Perhaps the Sentinel will forward their documents to the DA's Office or the Grand Jury. Or if they are not able to do this directly I will put them into the hands of the citizens who have had the courage to march their evidence into the DA's Office.
Cortes Focus of Complain Loged With DA
San Bernardino County Sentinel
Friday, January 29, 2010
A group of 12 Grand Terrace residents has filed with the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office a complaint alleging that city councilwoman Bea Cortes engaged in multiple flagrant violations of Government Code Section 1090, the state of California’s conflict of interest law.
The complaint, which was provided to the public integrity unit formed by district attorney Mike Ramos in 2003 to deal with violations of the public trust perpetrated by elected and appointed city and government officials, contains allegations that Cortes voted repeatedly over the last four years to approve city payments to her employer, Terra Loma Real Estate and compounded the matter by attempting to hide the matter from public scrutiny by failing to report her relationship with Terra Loma on the economic interest disclosure documents she is required to file as a public official.
Accompanying the complaint were minutes of Grand Terrace city council meetings at which the votes in question were cast, Grand Terrace check registers showing the payments to Terra Loma, newspaper ads for Terra Loma Real Estate in which Cortes is listed as a real estate agent for the company and copies of her California Form 700s from 2002 through 2008.
Elected officials in California are required to fill out yearly statements of economic interest, known as Form 700s. Form 700s are intended to provide disclosure of the full range of elected and appointed governmental officials’ economic interests, including all income and gifts to his or her entire household.
Up until September, Cortes for several years had a professional relationship with Terra Loma Real Estate. She also consistently voted, as a member of the Grand Terrace City Council, to approve the consent calendars that are a part of the council’s agenda at its twice monthly meetings.
The consent calendar, in Grand Terrace as in all cities, typically contains multiple items pertaining to the function of the city government, all of which are deemed non-controversial and routine matters and are bundled together so they can be approved in a single yes or no vote of the council. It is unheard of, in Grand Terrace and elsewhere, for the consent calendar not to pass and it is generally approved by a unanimous vote of the city council, although on rare occasion a dissenting vote on a consent calendar vote is registered.In Grand Terrace as elsewhere, the consent calendar contains the city’s check register, that is, a listing of the checks that have been written to the city’s various vendors and contractors.
Among the companies that have rendered service to the city of Grand Terrace over the last several years is Terra Loma Real Estate, which provided property management services to the city as well as brokering a property purchased by the city’s redevelopment agency.
City payments to Terra Loma, as to all other companies, are made by check. Those payments are then ratified by the city council as an item on the consent calendar.Records available to the Sentinel show that the city made 37 payments totaling $26,076.66 to Terra Loma between January 2006 and August 2009. Cortes participated in the votes to approve at least 34 of those.
While Cortes insists that she did nothing illegal in casting those votes, Government Code Section 1090 prohibits an elected official from participating in a vote on any matter in which he or she has a financial interest. A payment to a business owned by that official or a business that employs the official or one with which the official is professionally affiliated is construed as having a bearing on that official’s financial interest.
In August, Cortes said she had not made any money in the previous 24 months as a real estate agent with Terra Loma so she therefore had no interest tied up with the company. “I have not received money from Terra Loma Real Estate,” she said. “Due to the economy I have not been able to sell any property. For two years I have not been selling any property in affiliation with them [Terra Loma] I have never sold anything for them.” She said she had been working out of the Terra Loma office “a little over three years.”The sales drought, Cortes said, has lasted “at least two years.”Moreover, she said, “I spoke with the city attorney and he advised me there was no conflict.
”Cortes acknowledged that she is professionally affiliated with Terra Loma Real Estate and its owner, Gene Carlstrom, but said that payments the city makes to Terra Loma for property management services are not passed along to her.
Last summer, Cortes acknowledged, “I have my real estate license in his [Carlstrom’s] office. Whenever I sell any property, I have to have a licensed broker over me. He is the broker. I have my license under Mr Gene Carlstrom.”
In September 2009, after a minor controversy broke out in Grand Terrace following publicity about Cortes’ votes to approve a contract for and payments to the company she was professionally affiliated with, Cortes ceased voting on the consent calendar items related to Terra Loma, and the city’s contract for services with Terra Loma was cancelled shortly thereafter. In the same time frame, Cortes obtained her own real estate broker’s license and ended her affiliation with Terra Loma.
The councilwoman insisted that city attorney John Harper had examined the potential for conflict inherent in the circumstance that existed up until August and found her in compliance with the law, including Government Code section 1090 and any other statutes that are applicable.Cortes said that both she and Harper deemed her votes as a member of the Grand Terrace City Council to approve the contract with Terra Loma and make the payments to it as legal.
In filling out her Form 700s, Cortes made no reference to her employment by, or any income from, Terra Loma Real Estate, an examination of those documents filed by Cortes with the Grand Terrace clerk’s office between 2002 and 2009 show.
Indeed, Cortes shows no reportable income or interests of any type during that same period.
Despite the circumstances that led a dozen of her own constituents in Grand Terrace to file the complaint alleging the 1090 violations on her part, Cortes played a leading role in having the district attorney’s office investigate and then prosecute another member of the Grand Terrace city council, Jim Miller, when he cast votes ratifying that city’s consent calendar which have been construed as providing him with a financial benefit and thus likewise violating government codes section 1090.
On July 15, councilman Miller was arrested by San Bernardino County district attorney’s investigators and charged with violating Government Code section 1090. That charge stemmed from votes Miller had made to approve the consent calendar which contained check registers that contained payments for the city’s legal advertisements that were printed in his wife’s newspaper, the Grand Terrace City News. Miller’s wife is the sole owner of that paper and two others, the Colton City News and the Loma Linda City News.
Miller had never voted to authorize the city to purchase the ads that ran in his wife’s newspaper. The decision to run advertisements and legal notices in the Grand Terrace City News had been made by city staff members who had determined that the rates in the Grand Terrace City News were lower than or comparable to those offered by competing newspapers.
Like Cortes, Miller relied upon assurances by city attorney John Harper that as long as the newspaper was his wife’s sole property, the city’s purchase of the ads from her represented for Jim Miller no conflict.
By 2008 Miller’s formerly cordial relationship with Cortes had grown somewhat strained in that he had emerged as the leading opponent to promoting then-acting city manager Steve Berry to the permanent city manager’s position. Cortes was the most enthusiastic of Berry’s supporters on the city council.
As the effort to elevate Berry to the unquestioned top municipal management post progressed, Cortes, in conjunction with Berry, undertook to compromise Miller’s authority.
Both began providing the district attorney’s office with information relating to the city utilizing Miller’s wife’s newspaper, as well as the consent calendar voting that ratified payment for city legal notices and ads that ran in that publication.
Brazenly, Cortes made this approach to the district attorney’s office despite her own parallel entanglement in the similar circumstance involving Terra Loma and the city.
It has been suggested that Cortes felt confident enough to report Miller because of a close personal relationship she has with district attorney Mike Ramos.
Cortes, like many other Republican elected officials in San Bernardino County, has a loose affiliation with Ramos, who is also a member of the GOP. More recently, however, reports have surfaced to indicate that their relationship runs deeper than politics.
Ramos’s womanizing and its impact upon the function of the district attorney’s office has been an issue of some public concern since reports surfaced last May linking him with at least a dozen women who either work for him in the county prosecutor’s office or with whom his official position brings him into contact.
Those connected to Ramos in this way are a former deputy district attorney, three current deputy district attorneys, a woman who served as his former campaign manager and treasurer and then briefly worked as a prosecutor’s office consultant, a paralegal; two investigative technicians; an investigative technician, and an evidence technician, as well as Suzanne Hunter, a training consultant for the California District Attorneys Association and San Bernardino County Public Defender Doreen Boxer.
“Of course I am denying it,” Cortes said of reports, including ones posted on the Internet, relating to an affair between her and the district attorney. “Who would intimate that? Who would say that?”
End of Article
Who would intimate that? Well she did in Public and in Social Situations that is who for starters. What is in the blog has been printed in the Sentinel First in relation to Cortes / Ramos relationship. However, it is not the first time it came to the blogs attention. We have kept focus on her actions, statements and conduct during public meetings. The Conflict was pointed out years ago... She tried to un vote for the RDA purchase of the Dotson Property that Terra Loma Negotiated the Price UP from the asking price, behind closed doors. Then Council Member Herman Hilkey objected to this purchase on several grounds. It was not until the next meeting did she try to un vote for something that had been approved.
Cortes Focus of Complaint Lodged With DA. Now the documents filed at the DA's Office are available in PDF format if you email grandterracenews@yahoo.com. In reading the 96 pages it is apparent the research done by the San Bernardino County Sentinel has dug up much more city business going to Terra Loma than what is contained in the complaint. The DA's Office was handed much less against Jim Miller and with only minimal investigation pressed charged and a public arrest. So what is the delay with the Cortes Investigation? Perhaps the Sentinel will forward their documents to the DA's Office or the Grand Jury. Or if they are not able to do this directly I will put them into the hands of the citizens who have had the courage to march their evidence into the DA's Office.
Cortes Focus of Complain Loged With DA
San Bernardino County Sentinel
Friday, January 29, 2010
A group of 12 Grand Terrace residents has filed with the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office a complaint alleging that city councilwoman Bea Cortes engaged in multiple flagrant violations of Government Code Section 1090, the state of California’s conflict of interest law.
The complaint, which was provided to the public integrity unit formed by district attorney Mike Ramos in 2003 to deal with violations of the public trust perpetrated by elected and appointed city and government officials, contains allegations that Cortes voted repeatedly over the last four years to approve city payments to her employer, Terra Loma Real Estate and compounded the matter by attempting to hide the matter from public scrutiny by failing to report her relationship with Terra Loma on the economic interest disclosure documents she is required to file as a public official.
Accompanying the complaint were minutes of Grand Terrace city council meetings at which the votes in question were cast, Grand Terrace check registers showing the payments to Terra Loma, newspaper ads for Terra Loma Real Estate in which Cortes is listed as a real estate agent for the company and copies of her California Form 700s from 2002 through 2008.
Elected officials in California are required to fill out yearly statements of economic interest, known as Form 700s. Form 700s are intended to provide disclosure of the full range of elected and appointed governmental officials’ economic interests, including all income and gifts to his or her entire household.
Up until September, Cortes for several years had a professional relationship with Terra Loma Real Estate. She also consistently voted, as a member of the Grand Terrace City Council, to approve the consent calendars that are a part of the council’s agenda at its twice monthly meetings.
The consent calendar, in Grand Terrace as in all cities, typically contains multiple items pertaining to the function of the city government, all of which are deemed non-controversial and routine matters and are bundled together so they can be approved in a single yes or no vote of the council. It is unheard of, in Grand Terrace and elsewhere, for the consent calendar not to pass and it is generally approved by a unanimous vote of the city council, although on rare occasion a dissenting vote on a consent calendar vote is registered.In Grand Terrace as elsewhere, the consent calendar contains the city’s check register, that is, a listing of the checks that have been written to the city’s various vendors and contractors.
Among the companies that have rendered service to the city of Grand Terrace over the last several years is Terra Loma Real Estate, which provided property management services to the city as well as brokering a property purchased by the city’s redevelopment agency.
City payments to Terra Loma, as to all other companies, are made by check. Those payments are then ratified by the city council as an item on the consent calendar.Records available to the Sentinel show that the city made 37 payments totaling $26,076.66 to Terra Loma between January 2006 and August 2009. Cortes participated in the votes to approve at least 34 of those.
While Cortes insists that she did nothing illegal in casting those votes, Government Code Section 1090 prohibits an elected official from participating in a vote on any matter in which he or she has a financial interest. A payment to a business owned by that official or a business that employs the official or one with which the official is professionally affiliated is construed as having a bearing on that official’s financial interest.
In August, Cortes said she had not made any money in the previous 24 months as a real estate agent with Terra Loma so she therefore had no interest tied up with the company. “I have not received money from Terra Loma Real Estate,” she said. “Due to the economy I have not been able to sell any property. For two years I have not been selling any property in affiliation with them [Terra Loma] I have never sold anything for them.” She said she had been working out of the Terra Loma office “a little over three years.”The sales drought, Cortes said, has lasted “at least two years.”Moreover, she said, “I spoke with the city attorney and he advised me there was no conflict.
”Cortes acknowledged that she is professionally affiliated with Terra Loma Real Estate and its owner, Gene Carlstrom, but said that payments the city makes to Terra Loma for property management services are not passed along to her.
Last summer, Cortes acknowledged, “I have my real estate license in his [Carlstrom’s] office. Whenever I sell any property, I have to have a licensed broker over me. He is the broker. I have my license under Mr Gene Carlstrom.”
In September 2009, after a minor controversy broke out in Grand Terrace following publicity about Cortes’ votes to approve a contract for and payments to the company she was professionally affiliated with, Cortes ceased voting on the consent calendar items related to Terra Loma, and the city’s contract for services with Terra Loma was cancelled shortly thereafter. In the same time frame, Cortes obtained her own real estate broker’s license and ended her affiliation with Terra Loma.
The councilwoman insisted that city attorney John Harper had examined the potential for conflict inherent in the circumstance that existed up until August and found her in compliance with the law, including Government Code section 1090 and any other statutes that are applicable.Cortes said that both she and Harper deemed her votes as a member of the Grand Terrace City Council to approve the contract with Terra Loma and make the payments to it as legal.
In filling out her Form 700s, Cortes made no reference to her employment by, or any income from, Terra Loma Real Estate, an examination of those documents filed by Cortes with the Grand Terrace clerk’s office between 2002 and 2009 show.
Indeed, Cortes shows no reportable income or interests of any type during that same period.
Despite the circumstances that led a dozen of her own constituents in Grand Terrace to file the complaint alleging the 1090 violations on her part, Cortes played a leading role in having the district attorney’s office investigate and then prosecute another member of the Grand Terrace city council, Jim Miller, when he cast votes ratifying that city’s consent calendar which have been construed as providing him with a financial benefit and thus likewise violating government codes section 1090.
On July 15, councilman Miller was arrested by San Bernardino County district attorney’s investigators and charged with violating Government Code section 1090. That charge stemmed from votes Miller had made to approve the consent calendar which contained check registers that contained payments for the city’s legal advertisements that were printed in his wife’s newspaper, the Grand Terrace City News. Miller’s wife is the sole owner of that paper and two others, the Colton City News and the Loma Linda City News.
Miller had never voted to authorize the city to purchase the ads that ran in his wife’s newspaper. The decision to run advertisements and legal notices in the Grand Terrace City News had been made by city staff members who had determined that the rates in the Grand Terrace City News were lower than or comparable to those offered by competing newspapers.
Like Cortes, Miller relied upon assurances by city attorney John Harper that as long as the newspaper was his wife’s sole property, the city’s purchase of the ads from her represented for Jim Miller no conflict.
By 2008 Miller’s formerly cordial relationship with Cortes had grown somewhat strained in that he had emerged as the leading opponent to promoting then-acting city manager Steve Berry to the permanent city manager’s position. Cortes was the most enthusiastic of Berry’s supporters on the city council.
As the effort to elevate Berry to the unquestioned top municipal management post progressed, Cortes, in conjunction with Berry, undertook to compromise Miller’s authority.
Both began providing the district attorney’s office with information relating to the city utilizing Miller’s wife’s newspaper, as well as the consent calendar voting that ratified payment for city legal notices and ads that ran in that publication.
Brazenly, Cortes made this approach to the district attorney’s office despite her own parallel entanglement in the similar circumstance involving Terra Loma and the city.
It has been suggested that Cortes felt confident enough to report Miller because of a close personal relationship she has with district attorney Mike Ramos.
Cortes, like many other Republican elected officials in San Bernardino County, has a loose affiliation with Ramos, who is also a member of the GOP. More recently, however, reports have surfaced to indicate that their relationship runs deeper than politics.
Ramos’s womanizing and its impact upon the function of the district attorney’s office has been an issue of some public concern since reports surfaced last May linking him with at least a dozen women who either work for him in the county prosecutor’s office or with whom his official position brings him into contact.
Those connected to Ramos in this way are a former deputy district attorney, three current deputy district attorneys, a woman who served as his former campaign manager and treasurer and then briefly worked as a prosecutor’s office consultant, a paralegal; two investigative technicians; an investigative technician, and an evidence technician, as well as Suzanne Hunter, a training consultant for the California District Attorneys Association and San Bernardino County Public Defender Doreen Boxer.
“Of course I am denying it,” Cortes said of reports, including ones posted on the Internet, relating to an affair between her and the district attorney. “Who would intimate that? Who would say that?”
End of Article
Who would intimate that? Well she did in Public and in Social Situations that is who for starters. What is in the blog has been printed in the Sentinel First in relation to Cortes / Ramos relationship. However, it is not the first time it came to the blogs attention. We have kept focus on her actions, statements and conduct during public meetings. The Conflict was pointed out years ago... She tried to un vote for the RDA purchase of the Dotson Property that Terra Loma Negotiated the Price UP from the asking price, behind closed doors. Then Council Member Herman Hilkey objected to this purchase on several grounds. It was not until the next meeting did she try to un vote for something that had been approved.
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Fireworks see the LINK:
http://grandterracenews.blogspot.com/2010/01/it-is-time-to-end-fireworks-in-gt.html
Read More on Fireworks: Team Parents against Fireworks and Excessive Team Expenses.
Read More on Fireworks: Team Parents against Fireworks and Excessive Team Expenses.
Cortes in the "Real Press"
Note Stephen Wall only includes the amounts of funds to Terra Loma for the management fees. He does not account for the fees paid to Terra Loma by the Redevelopment Agency.
Bea's claim she was not paid by Terra Loma is only half a defence. Did she pay Rent for the Desk Space and a Service Fee for the Right to hang her license with Terra Loma. If not the value of office space, phone service, and advertisements paid for by Terra Loma should be considered as income in kind. A value she fails to include on her required reports.
If she hasn't had income from Real Estate... how does she pay for her house and a condo for her son? She did vote to approve fees paid to Terra Loma for RDA Land Purchases which she also was party to the negotiations.
Grand Terrace residents want
DA to investigate councilwoman
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Redlands Daily Facts
Posted: 02/02/2010 05:42:44 PM PST
GRAND TERRACE -
A group of residents wants the District Attorney's Office to investigate whether Councilwoman Bea Cortes violated state law by voting to spend more than $2,800 in public funds on a business with financial ties to her.
A complaint was filed last week and is under review, said Susan Mickey, spokeswoman for the District Attorney's Office.
"We're looking at it to determine whether it warrants opening an investigation," Mickey said.
Twelve residents signed a letter requesting the investigation of Cortes, who was first elected to the council in 2002 and is up for re-election in November.
Cortes, 59, said she hasn't seen the complaint and couldn't comment.
The complaint alleges that from January 2006 through August 2009, Cortes voted to approve payments to Terra Loma Real Estate, a company where Cortes had a real estate license.
The city paid Terra Loma property management fees for two rental homes on De Berry Street. Gene Carlstrom, owner of Terra Loma Real Estate, said he received $129 a month to manage the properties for the city. The city's contract with Terra Loma expired in August, he said.
The payments to Terra Loma appeared on the consent calendar, which typically are non-controversial items approved by the council without discussion. Cortes voted 27 times with other council members to approve payments to the company totaling $2,817, according to documents included with the complaint.
Cortes also filed statements of economic interest with the state Fair Political Practices Commission that do not include any reference to her financial interests with the company, the complaint states.
Carlstrom said he doesn't believe Cortes did anything wrong.
"I don't think she intentionally had any reason to throw business my way, because there wasn't anything in it for her," said Carlstrom, who served on the council from 1988 to 1996. Carlstrom was Cortes' campaign manager during her initial run for political office.
Carlstrom said all people connected to his office are independent contractors.
"I have no payroll, so it can't be construed that I had her on my payroll," Carlstrom said. "She hung her license here. All the time she had her license here she never produced anything."
City Attorney John Harper said Cortes didn't abstain from voting on items involving Terra Loma because it was his understanding that the business wasn't a source of income for Cortes.
"It's my understanding that Terra Loma has never given her a check in any amount for anything," Harper said.
Debra Hurst, one of the residents who signed the complaint, said that Cortes should be subject to the same standard as Councilman Jim Miller.
Miller is accused of voting to send $18,000 worth of city advertising contracts to his wife's newspaper. He is awaiting trial on a felony conflict of interest charge and is scheduled to appear in court March 1.
"If he supposedly did something wrong, then so did Bea Cortes," said Hurst, a longtime friend of Jim and Margie Miller. "If they're prosecuting Jim Miller, they should also prosecute Bea Cortes."
Bea's claim she was not paid by Terra Loma is only half a defence. Did she pay Rent for the Desk Space and a Service Fee for the Right to hang her license with Terra Loma. If not the value of office space, phone service, and advertisements paid for by Terra Loma should be considered as income in kind. A value she fails to include on her required reports.
If she hasn't had income from Real Estate... how does she pay for her house and a condo for her son? She did vote to approve fees paid to Terra Loma for RDA Land Purchases which she also was party to the negotiations.
Grand Terrace residents want
DA to investigate councilwoman
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Redlands Daily Facts
Posted: 02/02/2010 05:42:44 PM PST
GRAND TERRACE -
A group of residents wants the District Attorney's Office to investigate whether Councilwoman Bea Cortes violated state law by voting to spend more than $2,800 in public funds on a business with financial ties to her.
A complaint was filed last week and is under review, said Susan Mickey, spokeswoman for the District Attorney's Office.
"We're looking at it to determine whether it warrants opening an investigation," Mickey said.
Twelve residents signed a letter requesting the investigation of Cortes, who was first elected to the council in 2002 and is up for re-election in November.
Cortes, 59, said she hasn't seen the complaint and couldn't comment.
The complaint alleges that from January 2006 through August 2009, Cortes voted to approve payments to Terra Loma Real Estate, a company where Cortes had a real estate license.
The city paid Terra Loma property management fees for two rental homes on De Berry Street. Gene Carlstrom, owner of Terra Loma Real Estate, said he received $129 a month to manage the properties for the city. The city's contract with Terra Loma expired in August, he said.
The payments to Terra Loma appeared on the consent calendar, which typically are non-controversial items approved by the council without discussion. Cortes voted 27 times with other council members to approve payments to the company totaling $2,817, according to documents included with the complaint.
Cortes also filed statements of economic interest with the state Fair Political Practices Commission that do not include any reference to her financial interests with the company, the complaint states.
Carlstrom said he doesn't believe Cortes did anything wrong.
"I don't think she intentionally had any reason to throw business my way, because there wasn't anything in it for her," said Carlstrom, who served on the council from 1988 to 1996. Carlstrom was Cortes' campaign manager during her initial run for political office.
Carlstrom said all people connected to his office are independent contractors.
"I have no payroll, so it can't be construed that I had her on my payroll," Carlstrom said. "She hung her license here. All the time she had her license here she never produced anything."
City Attorney John Harper said Cortes didn't abstain from voting on items involving Terra Loma because it was his understanding that the business wasn't a source of income for Cortes.
"It's my understanding that Terra Loma has never given her a check in any amount for anything," Harper said.
Debra Hurst, one of the residents who signed the complaint, said that Cortes should be subject to the same standard as Councilman Jim Miller.
Miller is accused of voting to send $18,000 worth of city advertising contracts to his wife's newspaper. He is awaiting trial on a felony conflict of interest charge and is scheduled to appear in court March 1.
"If he supposedly did something wrong, then so did Bea Cortes," said Hurst, a longtime friend of Jim and Margie Miller. "If they're prosecuting Jim Miller, they should also prosecute Bea Cortes."
Quick Review on Ramos Delay in Charging Cortes
DA Ramos has not filed criminal charges against Tom Schwab for his part in the Cover Up of a Criminal Investigation of Steve Berry for embezzlement. Tom Schwab and the parties involved should be charged with conspiracy to interfere with a criminal investigation and prosecution. That is just the starters against Mr. Schwab.
Bea Cortes has her own conflict of interest charges to be investigated and charged. Ramos has used be in the past as an endorsement for his campaign for office. Has this bought her immunity like a cast member on some sick reality show called Grand Terrace City Council. What challenged did she have to perform in order to maintain the immunity?
Well, her own bragging of friends in high places, and threats to have people dealt with seem to have been part of the Miller charges that were filed within 30 days of her making "contact" with the DA's Office with Steve Berry in tow.
We all now know that neither Steve Berry or Tom Schwab are trustworthy. Perhaps they are the source of the information connecting Ramos and Cortes. Cortes has at a minimum found herself in an interesting triangle Ramos, Schwab, and Berry at different corners with her in the middle trying to keep track of who said what to whom.
Here is a fact. She isn't being honest about being a broker. So how does she pay for the house she lives in? Is she exempt some how of the financial challenges we all are burdened by?
Who is her Linda Tripp is yet to be known, none of three Ramos, Schwab,or Berry has shown they are not any better than Linda Tripp. Bea has to review what she said to who and then she may be able to tell who is speaking to the press.
Fellows you should all know that she is boxed in and threatened. She was once loyal to Schwab and then turned to Berry.
The DA's Office has about 30 more days before they should file charges against Cortes. That is how long it took to file charges against Miller with much less justification.
Bea Cortes has her own conflict of interest charges to be investigated and charged. Ramos has used be in the past as an endorsement for his campaign for office. Has this bought her immunity like a cast member on some sick reality show called Grand Terrace City Council. What challenged did she have to perform in order to maintain the immunity?
Well, her own bragging of friends in high places, and threats to have people dealt with seem to have been part of the Miller charges that were filed within 30 days of her making "contact" with the DA's Office with Steve Berry in tow.
We all now know that neither Steve Berry or Tom Schwab are trustworthy. Perhaps they are the source of the information connecting Ramos and Cortes. Cortes has at a minimum found herself in an interesting triangle Ramos, Schwab, and Berry at different corners with her in the middle trying to keep track of who said what to whom.
Here is a fact. She isn't being honest about being a broker. So how does she pay for the house she lives in? Is she exempt some how of the financial challenges we all are burdened by?
Who is her Linda Tripp is yet to be known, none of three Ramos, Schwab,or Berry has shown they are not any better than Linda Tripp. Bea has to review what she said to who and then she may be able to tell who is speaking to the press.
Fellows you should all know that she is boxed in and threatened. She was once loyal to Schwab and then turned to Berry.
The DA's Office has about 30 more days before they should file charges against Cortes. That is how long it took to file charges against Miller with much less justification.
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