RDA's Future In The News:

IE Mayors to Support Local Redevelopment Agencies
January 27, 2011 ● Grand Terrace City News

A group of mayors, led by Grand Terrace mayor Walt Stanckiewitz, Fontana mayor Acquanetta Warren and Ontario mayor Paul Leon, will join the League of Cities in fighting to keep Redevelopment Agencies established in city government.

Talk in Sacramento is that newly-elected Gov. Jerry Brown is trying to dis-establish Redevelopment Agencies, which bring much-needed money to cash-strapped cities.

The group held a news conference Wednesday at the San Sevaine Villas in Rancho Cucamonga to declare their opposition to the administration’s proposal to eliminate redevelopment agencies in California. They will support the services that redevelopment agencies provide communities in the Inland Empire, said League of Cities spokesperson Nancy Cisneros in a news release. Talk in Sacramento is that newly-elected Gov. Jerry Brown is trying to dis-establish Redevelopment Agencies, which bring much-needed money to cash-strapped cities.

“The financial survival of Grand Terrace depends on it,” Stanckiewitz said. “If redevelopment agencies are dis-established, we’re looking at close to a million dollar shortfall. “We have expenses charged to the agency for people that work on those projects. If we don’t have that, we don’t have the money to pay them.”

Stanckiewitz will be in Sacramento on Feb. 7 to testify before a Senate budget subcommittee
on the subject. The group warns that this proposal would kill hundreds of thousands of local jobs, including an estimated 33,596 jobs in San Bernardino County, and harm local economies
while doing nothing to solve the budget defecit.

According to Cisneros’ news release, redevelopment activities support an average of 304,000 full- and part-time private sector jobs in a typical year, including 107,600 construction
jobs. It also said that redevelopment contributes over $40 billion annually to California’s economy in the generation of goods and services.

Gramps Thinks:

The League of California Cities is a PAC supported by Developers that promotes such things as use of Eminent Domain for Private Development, and the promotion of PUBLIC DEBT FINANCING for Developers Benefit. The net result includes excessively inflated property costs/debt, public debt and interest costs, loss of waived fees and taxes used to induce developers. LACC wine dine and educate local leaders to get on their band wagon. NO PAC is looking out for the CITIZEN or the Small Business Owner.

To say the Development would stop if the RDA's then it is development that should stop as it can't be self supported. You should not go to Disneyland using a Credit Card, and say it is necessary.

Grand Terrace Mayor Walt Stanckiewitz and other IE Mayors are trying to salvage the RDA system of funding the city's. It is their hope that the RDA's are not disbanded as an entity. This for them may be a negotiation point with Governor Brown. I see two things wrong with this approach and the information he has armed himself with. First of all the fact is that the RDA scheme has not done much to put The City of Grand Terrace into a financial situation where we have a sustainable financial situation for the city. No it has made a small town, hands off my property, leave the citizens alone city into a Over Regulated, Government Controlled, Developer Inflated Prices Debt Ridden city. All the while sucking funds away from Schools, Fire Departments, and Public Safety.

Mayor Stanckiewits has not been armed with a budget that he'd call the Dooms Day Budget. What would the budget look like without the RDA. Quite frankly no one knows, the details on how the money would be distributed, have not been made. No lean cut to the bone worse case budget has been prepared and made public. Not being armed with these facts the City Manager and Staff have sent Mayor Stanckiewitz on a Fool's Errand. It is unfortunate that he is being set off to plead the case of GT without a full arsenal of information and options in his hands.

What if the RDA is ended, will it cause the end of the City of Grand Terrace. Let's think well so what if it did. Schools will still operate. Sewage will still flow down hill. The county would provide the sheriff department services. Your house and business will still be here. As a matter of fact your house will be more secure if it is not in a "Redevelopment Zone", and part of the County rather than in the City of Grand Terrace.

Free us from the future of more and more debt as taxpayers, of a State, County or City. PLEASE.

The City of Grand Terrace can exist, as a bare bones city. It may be time to get back to those bare bones and let the County and State regulate building permits, business licenses, and codes and code enforcement. We are Mayberry but have been inflated into a Mini Bell of a Government. It is time to stop and return to our roots of being rural with a laze fair government of minimal intervention in the daily affairs of its citizens and businesses.

We may have that forced upon us by the State Government. We'd all be better off if we prepared for that possibility, rather than to bank on the idea that "It will never happen". We should plan on the RDA being ended and IF there is some way of making that less painful, look for those transitional points. However, the LA plan of spend spend spend, more debt more debt more debt to force the issue is reckless, and a disservice to all the citizens of the state. Some time Grand Terrace and the other cities need to grow up and figure out they do not deserve more taxes than their share. Unincorporated towns, and areas have needs equal to if not greater than those of city, large or small.

For those who may cheer the blog's criticism of Mayor Stanckiewitz after supporting him in the past election get a grip. Stanckiewits was the Best of Pick of those running. There is no supreme that there is a difference of perspective on this situation. I find it unfortunate that the public is not informed of what the City would be like with zero RDA. That would be informative and allow US to prepare for the future of the community, rather than surrender to the position of the Developer Backed LACC. Protecting the City is not equal to Protecting the Jobs of RDA Employees in City Hall.

Below is yet another look at the issue.

Gramps

January, 2011 | Issue 02

www.asm.ca.gov/Norby

Assemblymember.Norby@assembly.ca.gov

Center Stage on RDA Debate

Governor Brown's proposal to abolish redevelopment agencies has propelled me into the middle of an intense discussion on what the agencies do, whether they are successful and where the money could be better spent. Brown proposes to shift the $6 billion to public services and education.

For years I've long opposed abuses by California's redevelopment agencies. I authored Redevelopment: The Unknown Government, founded Municipal Officials for Redevelopment Reform (MORR), and organized semi-annual statewide conferences.

I became part of a network of citizen activists, small property owners, attorneys and independent elected officials concerned about waste and abuse by redevelopment agencies. While serving on the Fullerton Redevelopment Agency, I did support funding public infrastructure, but opposed tax giveaways to private developers and the abuse of eminent domain. Among the most successful, Downtown Fullerton businesses received no redevelopment subsidies, and the city did not use massive demolition similar to the City of Anaheim.

I've had numerous newspaper, radio and television interviews and will be in a debate next week at the Sacramento Press Club. Recent publications can be accessed here. I've also found common cause with the teachers unions who long opposed my support of parental choice and school accountability. The CTA sees redevelopment funds now spent on private development as a source to fully fund public education. Tax dollars for classrooms, not Costco's.

These issues extend far beyond the fate of the redevelopment agencies and into the irrationalities and inequities of city and school finance. I'm excited to be in the middle of the discussion.

In fact, even the State Controller's Office announced earlier this week that they will be auditing several redevelopment agencies of California cities. Access the announcement here.

Mrs Dodd Takes Blog To Task in GTCN

Mrs Dodd's love and support for her husband is admirable. However, she nor he(s) responded to email that showed them the Arrest Record, and eventual posting of their address and the bail amount for the arrest of one Lloyd Dodd of Grand Terrace. Based on that information the blog posted the information and the source and YES made an Error in not knowing that there are TWO LLoyd Dodds who at least claim l eagle residence at the same location. There is a Lloyd Dodd III and a LLoyd Dodd IV.

Neither Dodd III or IV responded when they were offered the BLOG that originated the information. Neither did Mrs. Dodd inform the Blog or the CNG that there was in truth an arrest of LLoyd Dodd of Grand Terrace in Riverside for DUI. So Yes the blog made an error in which LLOYD DODD it was. HOWEVER, who is being misleading now by saying it was baseless, false, or slander.

Slander requires intentional malice. A retraction/rewrite was provided, and information where to correct the source data was provided if there was an error in the Police Reporting. It was based on Data from Police Arrest Documents, and the Truth is a LLoyd Dodd of Grand Terrace was arrested for DUI in Riverside 1/13/2011, the only error was that it was apparently not III but IV who was arrested.

It is nice to know you feel your husband is a righteous citizen, caring, and loving family man. Perhaps this is why neither you or him have not said, it wasn't III ... it was my son IV.

Yes the blog was unaware of the Dual Lloyd Dodds of Grand Terrace. Because of this the concern for the city's need to get to the facts of the arrest was raised to public awareness. That caution was prefaced with a statement "COULD" be a situation to look into.

The error was redacted from the blog, and when more information supported the report of the arrest and additional cross checking, and no reply to email from the Dodd's the situation was clarified for the readers.

Gramps.

Making Sure Bloggers Do Their Research First
To all the Citizens of Grand Terrace:
City News ● Community GT ● January 27, 2011 Voice of the People

Grandpa Terrace Blog should research his data thoroughly before posting false information and slander up-standing citizens, specifically individuals that are focused on the well-being of Grand Terrace. The information posted is totally untrue and baseless.

My husband, Lloyd, is a righteous citizen, caring, and loving family man. Many citizens in Grand
Terrace know how extremely resourceful Lloyd is to all who seek him. My husband is admired by his Citizens On Patrol peers, making him Commander of the Unit for two consecutive years. I am so very heartbroken that this filth has been posted against this kind and generous man.

Submitted by: Consuelo Contreras Dodd Resident

Last RDA Party Blowout Spending Planned in LA

The LA City Council voted to pile on the spending while it can. They plan to move ahead and spend all RDA funds possible prior to the States Attempt to End Redevelopment Agencies as a means for cities to obtain a bigger share of tax funds. It is odd how the Mayor of LA thinks that the Council's Action is a show of good faith with the taxpaying public. The added spending will not have a direct and immediate economic payout for the city. But, what will happen is that the RDA employees can justify their jobs for one or two more years, while teachers, police and firefighters are put out of their jobs.

In addition the bang for the buck on money spent on Redevelopment just isn't historically proven. The cost of the debt, tax waivers, fee waivers and all add up to a total negative in every city the Redevelopment Agency funding scheme has been used.

It is time to get rid of the Addiction to this fraudulent funding scheme for our cities. So like spoiled children who are told no cookies tomorrow, the cities are gorging themselves with a fit of spending. Taxpayers, this is your money. Watch how your city council spends it. What do you and the community benefit from the project in the short and long term. Would you rather that money be available for teachers, fire fighters and police?

Let's Hope the State Government does the right thing and ends the RDA Addiction of the Cities with tough governance. End this job killing, inflation driving, interference with commerce and excessive debt financing by business and government, all at tax payers expense. Stop it. Just Stop it. Even if there is no way to stop the last binge of greed and fiscal abuse.

Draft Budget On Agenda TONIGHT...

The City Council will discuss the draft budget for the year 2011/2012. The proposed budget or the materials presented to the City Council are insufficient to aid the council members and citizens and city to prepare for a dooms day budget. Many of our fellow citizens have already taken the step to know exactly at what point and what events would stimulate extreme results.

Home foreclosures and short sales are not uncommon in Grand Terrace. Citizens are stretching lower incomes to cover their subsistence and housing. It is time that the City Council and All City Employees look themselves in the mirror and ask, How much can I give up and survive. Many citizens have lost as much as half of their income and are struggling to keep their homes. To see City Management Employees present plans to put the City in Deeper and Deeper Debt or spend money for non absolute essentials has reached the level of being obscene.

The RDA scheme of past years has been like giving a Shopzilla a credit card. In 30 years the RDA has not yet provided a project that actually improved sales tax revenue or provided significant improvement in employment opportunities. Who has benefited from the debt. Primarily the benefactors have been those employed at the high end of the salary scale within City Hall.

So the Management Class of City Hall should suck it up and take a 50 percent pay cut and benefits cut and work a full work week and step into the same reality that the majority of our citizens are living. Perhaps then their projects and budgets would be more realistic and practicable and successful.

We make the hard choices every day. Wash Dishes or replace dishwasher. The work needs to be done. If this City Staff isn't ready to work for less it is time they find a different place to work. We can't now afford them and we can't continue to add to the retirement debt / obligation they are building up as future obligation for funds. Truth is that we could not afford them for the past 30 years and that is why the city has been addicted to the RDA Debt Scheme.

Let's hope this City Council will stop digging a bigger and bigger debt future justified by rosier projections of future profits and windfalls. The city should budget for the minimal amount of expect revenue and not pretend that there is more. IF there is more, then decide what project to push further, not whose salary gets increased or restored to levels above 20 percent more than the City's Average.

Jury Awards $2.4 Million in Punitive Damages to Ex-Employee of Apparel Firm

(CNS) Posted Tuesday January 25, 2011 – 1:32pm

A former TapouT sales representative who filed suit over a wage dispute with the action sportswear company was today awarded $2.4 million in punitive damages by a Los Angeles Superior Court jury.

Former TapouT employee awarded wages

JESSE B. GILL, Staff Writer

Posted: 01/24/2011 05:38:59 PM PST

A former TapouT sales representative who filed suit over a wage dispute with the Grand Terrace-based sportswear company was awarded $840,000 Monday by a Los Angeles Superior Court jury.

The panel deliberated for about three hours before finding in favor of Michelle Thomas in her wrongful termination case.

The panel also concluded that TapouT acted with malice, triggering a second phase of the trial -- scheduled to begin tomorrow -- to determine if punitive damages should be assessed against the company.

Thomas filed her suit in October 2008, maintaining she was not paid the commissions she was promised and was denied overtime for working as many as 70- plus hours some weeks during her eight months on the job.

From staff and wire reports.

Read more: http://www.sbsun.com/breakingnews/ci_17185500#ixzz1C0f7Z0vN

Draft Budget on Tues Agenda:

Here is what I see in the Draft Budget. There is no clear option being offered to the Council to opt in for the worse case synario of having Zero or near Zero RDA funds to "Play With". The budget does not includ any payroll claw backs while prividing sufficient staff to helm the city 5 days per week regardees

Also missing is the full disclosure of RDA Loans to All those holding loans. The population should be informed as to who is holding an RDA Loan regardless of the amount owed. Reporting all of these loans will answer the question of the fear that City Employees benefited improperly from the provision of grants/loans.

The amount listed for the Dog park is the price paid for the land. It does not reflect the cost of construction of the park nor does it have a working plan from which to estimate the costs. The dog park could open with the aid of Community/Scout Labor and some Craig's list finds for Chain Link Fencing.

The Draft Budget does not provide the Council with the option to reduce the "professional services of the City The draft does not appear to include the financial impact of

III and IV Lloyd H Dodd(s) of GT

Challenged to Verify the Lloyd Dodd Arrest new information is available regarding that arrest and with additional research the arrest information has been supplemented. The blog tried to send Dodd III a email with the information to correct the Data Source. However that email was returned because his mail box was full. In the meantime, more information is now available regarding the arrest. The actual street address was listed, matched up to the arrest name reported and other data sources we find the report had a foundation needing clarification.

The Address reported is apparently shared by Lloyd H Dodd III and Lloyd H Dodd IV
22626 Tanger Grand Terrace Ca. at least on the Registration and License of Dodd IV. The arrest information shows that address. It also shows that bail was set at $2500.00. Neither Dodd III or IV provided that information in the attempt to squash the report/post.

So there was and IS a basis for the report, and low and behold there is a generational relationship. It is possible that Dodd III did not know that Dodd IV got the ticket. Prior to his email to the blog. There is no need for him to put in writing a draw back on his charge that the report was baseless, unfounded or slander.

Data was based on report from. Address was verified from a 3rd source.

http://www.localcrimenews.com/lookup.php?jid=5650325

22626 Tanager St Grand Terrace , CA 92313-6122 Verified Address

---

Reported: 01/13/2011 by Crime Reporter: 5081
Crime Report #: 5650325
Source: Riverside SD

M VC23152(A) DUI Alcohol/Drugs

Bail Amount: 2500

Reported On: 01/13/11 in Riverside County

For: Driving Under the Influence

Commuters Be Ready: Gas Prices up to 4,00 by April

Those of you who commute to Orange or Los Angeles may want to investigate the Public Transportation and carpooling again. Gas Prices are expected to go up to 4.00 per gal. The best response to that is immediate cut back in demand. When we say no we won't buy your product at any price the Refineries find a way to lower the price.

Dooms Day Budget:

IF RDA is disbanded by the state all salary and benefits cut to reflect that funding loss.

If the City Manager, City Clerk, City Attorney, and Planning Department and Economic Development Departments are not going to work full time at the cut pay levels, Good By there are folks looking for work. Who would take those jobs for half or less than what they are earning, and will be competent at the task. Many of our citizens have taken both pay cuts and longer hours in this economy. It would be appropriate if those who are in the government or regulatory position share in that experience.

Budget Reality Check: Be Prepared !!

Organizations of all types and sizes should have a contingency plan for the worse case scenario. In the case of the current Budget Question the City Manager has not prepared a proposal or a budget with actual figures to represent the what if the RDA funding is cut to an extreme . Who and what would be removed from the city's operations. Citizens should be able to know per household how much tax or bond increase is needed to fund the city's current operations and where exactly that money is going per bond issue. There may be support for the Dog Park , but none for Code Enforcement, beyond what the County, or State will enforce. Item by item the cost should be disclosed to the Council Members and Public and the per capita cost that is covered by available funds and what would have to be covered by bond raised taxes.

The redevelopment agency land should be sold to pay off the debt of the Redevelopment Agency. The geologically unstable land that is designated for use as the Dog Park should not be sold. The land that can be sold for commercial and residential home building should be divested from City Control of any kind. The City has proven over the years that the RDA has not been conducive to increasing the Sales Tax Revenue or increasing the jobs or making much of an improvement in the local economy other than those pockets of a few developers and City Hall workers earning the salary and benefits costing over 140,000 per year. (The average family with a combined household income in GT is about 55,000.00 it is economically improper for a single city employee to earn more than a 2 income home.)

So the point of all this is the City Council and the Citizens have not been provided a real look at the Dooms Day Budget. This would be based on the best lowest estimate of funds available if all the bad projections come true. To be aware and fully plan for such an event would be the most prudent way to start the Budget discussion and planning. How low is low.. how high is high. What actions can be taken to reach middle then can be evaluated by their merits and public support?

AGENDA AVAILABLE A MUST READ !!!

The Agenda for the 01/25/2011 City Council Meeting has been amended and is now available on-line with the Staff Reports.

http://www.cityofgrandterrace.org/archives/38/01252011%20Council%20Packet%20Amended.pdf

* * * * * * *

THE BUDGET:

The Agenda focus is on the BUDGET and what would happen if the RDA is Discontinued at the State Level.

I have emailed the State Analysis to all who are on the email list. This should have been part of the Council Packet so that All sides are represented to the Public and the Council is better informed. If you want to read the State's Review of the Redevelopment Agency Effectiveness and justification for ending the agencies please contact grandterracenews@yahoo.com and it will be sent to you. It will be posted page by page by this evening. It is 10 pages.

NOTE ON THE BUDGET:

THIS PRESENTATION OF THE FINANCES OF GRAND TERRACE AND THE RDA IS THE CLEAREST EVER PRESENTED TO THE COUNCIL AND PUBLIC.

THANK YOU CITY MANAGER BETSY ADAMS

THE ENTIRE PACKET THIS WEEK IS 150 PAGES

IT WILL TAKE TIME TO DIGEST PRIOR TO COMMENT

FIRST COMMENTS:

People who are funded by RDA funds and earn more than 50,000.00 per year should have their income dropped 100 % of the lost RDA funds, and then share in the cost of the short fall until their income approaches the Average GT Citizens Income. This does not equate a shorter work day or work hours. If folks at city hall won't work for an average wage that Citizens earn then perhaps they should be changed.

Redevelopment in the city has been focused on NEW DEVELOPMENT and that is a problem.

New Development Plans and Projects have been strung out and not completed in the past to allow for "Management Fees" to be paid to the city and fund excessively high City Employee Salaries and Benefits. One of the proposals is to attempt to continue this process by issuing debt bonds for future projects and live off of those funds until the economy turns around. NO NO NO...

Option 2 is go to the GT Voters and ask for specific bond issues, or a tax for a project. Now that would test the desires of the public. How many of us would have increased our taxes to give Stater Brother's Market 1.6 Million in Aid?

We may feel differently about a Dog Park, or Base Ball Facility.

Folks: Please read the packet and send input.

ROAD WORK 2 CLOSE Jap Hill

Mt. Vernon Ave. from I-215 NB off ramp traffic signal to Grand terrace/Canal Road will be close on Monday (1/24/2011) from 7:00 AM to 12:00 noon. The City of Colton will be working to install K-rails barriers along the slope side.

GT Road is still in need of repair..

GT Road is still closed. Sort of... not open to all traffic. The City of GT hired some firm to fix the washed out problem in upper GT Road, but the firm is not done yet. Barricades moved again, but not put away.

Sandoval v Navarro

Navarro is 100 Percent Correct in his actions. He should as we all should report violations or suspected violations of the Brown Act to the proper authorities, each and every time it happens.

Sandoval was 100 Percent Wrong in his villification of Navarro's reporting the events.

Now was there wrong doing? Possibly not as there are times when the School Board can all appear at an event and it not be a violation of the Brown Act. That is for the DA's Office to determine.

Think about it. Do one or more members of the School Board appear at a Graduation Ceremony?

There is a clause in the Brown Act that allows for the attendance of Agencies whose Geographic Areas Overlap. As long as there were no CJUSD Issues spoken about amongst the CJUSD Board Members and the meeting was Open to the Public in a Public Place they may be all right under the regulations of the Brown Act.

IF there was a violation, the penalty will be to be told so and told not to do that again. There is no harm in Navarro asking the question. There is all sorts of harm with Sandoval's opposition and apparent oppression of proper governmental oversight by the public.

NAVARRO Responds to SANDOVAL's Letter

Speaking out

Posted: 01/18/2011 08:31:34 PM PST

In an open letter to me through Voice of the People entitled "Why so Angry?" (Jan. 3), Bernardo Sandoval, a newly elected Grand Terrace city councilman, posed in a hateful manner a number of questions to me.

Asking such things as; why am I so angry and full of spite, and what is it that I am opposed to, or would I prefer an adversarial relationship based on threats and intimidation? Such hateful, scurrilous messaging deserves an honest and thoughtful response.

Prompting Sandoval's letter is my concern that the Brown Act was violated by members of the Colton Joint Unified School District board. Officially known as the Ralph M. Brown Act - named after its assemblymember author - the law was passed in 1953 in response to public concerns that informal, undisclosed meetings were held by local elected officials. City councils, county boards, and other local government bodies were avoiding public scrutiny by holding secret meetings.

It's a powerful law that serves our state and its citizens well and makes secret meetings which can lead to corruption unlawful.

So Bernardo Sandoval, newly elected Grand Terrace city councilman, I will answer all your questions with the following:

As a concerned citizen and an elected official who serves the public within the laws of our state, I believe in the Brown Act and I expect every elected official to understand it and conduct their business by this law. When I see a violation I intend to express my voiceas loud as I can regardless of any criticism and baseless complaint such as yours.

Your baseless attack leaves me with a number of questions about your motivation and integrity. Will you learn the requirements of the Brown Act and other laws which govern your elected position? Will you attempt to govern by intimidation and hateful messaging? Will you become cozy with developers and outside contractors for personal interests? Will you put your constituents first above personal interests? Will you be a productive and caring council member? Only time and your actions will tell. I must say however, you're not off to a good start.

GIL NAVARRO
San Bernardino County Board of Education trustee, Area D

GRAND TERRACE: Artist living her dream job

10:00 PM PST on Tuesday, January 18, 2011

By MARINA ROJAS
Special to The Press-Enterprise

A graphic artist combines the talents of being an illustrator with the magic of an imagination that steps out of the ordinary each day.

For Grand Terrace artist Laci Morgan of Laci Morgan Creations, living in that world of character design and 2-D animation is her dream job.

Growing up in Coarsegold, a little California town about an hour and an half south of Yosemite National Forest, Morgan watched her father apply his profession at home with his application of music and sounds to online video games.

Both of her parents noticed that instead of playing the video games, Laci would stop the game at a certain point and spend time sketching out the scene at hand. "That convinced them early on that I was going to be an artist when I grew up," said Morgan.

Prior to her career as a freelance artist, Morgan held a job with Disney's California Adventure Animation Studio, where she helped show park-goers how to draw animated two-dimensional characters.

"I began picking up side jobs from people who were interested in obtaining graphic art pieces from a Disney-trained artist," said Morgan, "and I picked up a few freelancing jobs off of the Internet."A lot of her jobs involve providing a company with a new logo or a mascot. "Studies show that when a business has a mascot type character, it generates more interest in their service or product because the character generates familiarity to the consumer."

Recently, Morgan was asked to come up with a character and logo for a dog waste removal company in Texas. The company requested a "tasteful but humorous representation of their services."

With the motto "We Scoop Where Others Fear to Tread," Morgan created a spotted hound wearing a look that says "I'm busted" while a kitty points out clearly that she had nothing to do with that mess.

With one look at The Doggy Dropped It company's logo designed by Morgan, it's clear that creating whimsical and visually captivating characters is a talent she refined over the years.

Morgan also specializes in wedding invitations, fliers, logos, character design and featured animations. Because she keeps busy with this type of graphic artistry, she doesn't do any website design work. She also offers advice and answers questions for other artists at her illustration blog, http://lacimorgan.blogspot.com/.

"My goal is to make things that families can enjoy together," said Morgan. "Keeping family friendly entertainment is first and forefront in my creational processes."

Gramps, I would want to know. The Blog Alerted Me...

Gramps: Please Post:

A couple of months ago, my name showed up on this blog, and the charges were inflated and later dropped. Neighbors came and expressed concern for my family, and they told us where the information came from, it was this blog that I had never read prior to that. When I communicated with you you told me the source of the data, I corrected it and you expunged the blog. In hindsight, I am thankful that you posted it. I would have never emailed the other site and got a correction. I didn't know about those other sites. I even had the Sheriff Log Corrected.

The case has been dropped and your right, an arrest is not a conviction. Because of the blog my web presents has been corrected to reflect the lower charges which were later dropped. I see the blog as having given me a heads up to what could have been a justification for more problems in the future. I am a minority, and I don't need to have web data that is not correct. There was a world of difference from a Felony Charge, to a Misdemeanor that was dropped. If you had not posted the Felony Charge Data, I would not have gotten it all changed and it is now even off my record.

Thanks,

__________________________________________________________________

Gramps,

Your reply to the Dodd Arrest is right on. I would like to know if some one has my same name lives in the same town ans was arrested for anything. If my name was used or my ID used that is something I'd like to be informed of even by a blog like this. To have that information made widely accessible and read by folks that know me and care about me and bring it to my attention can well be a great service. Imagine if it was your name and you find out you lose a job because some one has an arrest record under your name. Or, you are pulled over for a bench warrant that the other person should be picked up for. Knowing there is that other person out there can be very helpful indeed.

Your right to post the Crime and Arrest information from it's sources and if those sources are corrected adjust your own blog. Don't stop posting this information off of those two web sites, it isn't slander and it is based as you credit those other websites as the source and they source the Agency reporting the data. IF it is wrong, Thank YOU for pointing it out to us that it is out there, needing to be corrected.

Dodd Emails About : Lloyd Dodd Arrested for DUI

AS of Jan 22, 2011 the arrest is still posted on the data sources.

THE DATA BELOW WAS POSTED AND STILL IS POSTED AT:

http://www.localcrimenews.com/lookup.php?jid=5650325

Dodd, Lloyd - (M/?) Age:
Interested in last known address (LKA)? Contact Us
Grand Terrace , CA 92313-6122 Verified Address

---

Reported: 01/13/2011 by Crime Reporter: 5081
Crime Report #: 5650325
Source: Riverside SD

M VC23152(A) DUI Alcohol/Drugs

Bail Amount: 2500
Residing in Crime Beat Zone: Inland Empire North

To Grandpa Terrace and all the Citizens of Grand Terrace:

Grandpa Terrace should research his data thoroughly before posting false information and slander up-standing citizens, specifically individuals that are focused on the well-being of Grand Terrace.


The information posted is totally untrue and baseless. This is demand to retract the posted information.

Lloyd H. Dodd, III
Grand Terrace Citizen - 27 years


Dodd, Lloyd (M/?) of Grand Terrace (Verified Address)
Reported on 01/13/2011 in Riverside County SD
Driving Under the Influence
M VC 23152(A) DUI Alcohol/Drugs
Bail $2500.00
____________________________________________________________________
THIS PORTION IS RETRACTED UNTIL THE ABOVE CAN BE FURTHER VERIFIED

NOTE THE FORMER STATEMENT CAME WITH AN QUALIFYING STATEMENT "could". The post perhaps should have read, a Person with the same name as Dodd the former candidate for Mayor, and City Council....

However, the site where the data was gleaned receives it data and information from actual arrest records. It is just possible that this blog has identified either a case of identity theft, or a doppelganger, or a generational relationship to the arrested person. If there was an error in the reporting and it is removed from the source page it will be removed from this blog.

This was sent in a return email to Lloyd Dodd III but the email was rejected by his service provider. So the only means of communication is also by posting the information. It is not slander or baseless. An error may have been made by the source report credited above, however, it is also possible that had it not been re-posted on this blog Mr. Dodd's discovery of the information could have come at a less convenient time and place.

PE NOW Supports the END of CRA's..Catch up to BLog

10:00 PM PST on Saturday, January 15, 2011

The Press-Enterprise

Nix Redevelopment

Redevelopment is often abused, largely unaccountable and mostly incomprehensible. Junking it, as Gov. Jerry Brown proposes, would save the state money, promote straightforward use of public funds and bring more openness to government. But the Legislature will need to ensure that such a step results in better public policy, and is not merely a state money grab.

The governor's budget proposes to save the state $1.7 billion in 2011-12 by phasing out redevelopment. Eventually, the more than $5 billion annually in property taxes that now go to redevelopment would instead be available to schools, cities and counties for other public services. In return, the governor would allow local voters, by a 55 percent vote, to raise taxes or approve bonds to help spur local economic growth.

Redevelopment is a process that allows local governments to keep a greater share of property taxes that would otherwise go to other public agencies. That money is supposed to fund improvements to run-down areas. Redevelopment has been around for more than 50 years, but local officials greatly expanded its use after 1978's Prop. 13 capped property taxes. The number of redevelopment projects statewide has doubled since the early 1980s.

Cities and redevelopment proponents argue the process provides jobs, economic growth, housing and civic revitalization. But the issue is really about control of a lucrative revenue stream, and whether this convoluted form of public financing makes effective use of tax funds.

Redevelopment has little connection anymore to the ostensible goal of urban renewal. Cities have used the process to lure big sales tax producers to town or ease budgets by shifting general fund expenses onto redevelopment. And the state's legislative analyst finds "no reliable evidence that this program improves overall economic development in California."

While redevelopment certainly can provide civic benefits, those gains come at a growing cost to public agencies that would otherwise collect the money. About 12 percent of all property taxes statewide now go to redevelopment, a dramatic increase from the 3.6 percent diversion in 1982-83. And locally, those numbers are far higher: In San Bernardino County, 31 percent of property tax goes to redevelopment, and 26 percent in Riverside County.

The state has to make up for property taxes diverted from schools, at a cost of about $1.8 billion a year. That approach amounts to a state subsidy for redevelopment. But why should taxpayers across California -- even in areas without redevelopment -- underwrite local development elsewhere?

And there is no real state oversight of redevelopment, which invites misuse. The only way to enforce the law is to sue. The Legislature has repeatedly had to enact reforms to end abuses such as declaring open land "blighted" to finance projects that bolster city coffers.

Redevelopment also gives local government the power to borrow and spend money without accountability. Too often, redevelopment serves as a way to give generous incentives to well-connected developers, regardless of whether that step is necessary to land new projects. Since redevelopment spending does not directly affect public services, there are seldom any consequences for bad decisions.

And the process is so complex that few voters grasp the significance of redevelopment items, which limits effective public scrutiny. The complex two-step of tax diversions and state backfills, coupled with the esoteric world of redevelopment financing, makes government funding tough to decipher and spending choices hard to judge.

Of course, the state cannot simply knock out a central pillar of local government financial strategies without offering some reasonable alternative. Brown's plan for local tax increases lacks enough detail to assess.

But the Legislature could make local finances more rational by revising the outdated formulas for distributing property taxes, which date to 1979. And legislators could rework incentives that reward local governments for seeking big retailers instead of balanced planning.

California has long needed to rethink its confusing, haphazard system of financing local government. The state's budget crisis makes that task a necessity, and redevelopment offers a fine starting point.

Open Date for GT HS Still Unknown.

School board votes to include amenities when Grand Terrace High School opens

By Ryan Hagen Staff Writer

Posted: 01/14/2011 05:44:56 PM PST

Grand Terrace High School will have all amenities in place when it opens, but the completion date remains uncertain.

The Colton Joint Unified school board decided Thursday evening to approve construction of a stadium, pool and other components that were originally slated to be added after Grand Terrace High School opened to students.

The completion date of the project, currently capped at a $22million budget including contingency allowances, will be determined after a meeting of the district facilities committee. The date for that meeting has not been set.

The ability to open with a completed campus rather than phasing in additional projects is the silver lining to Vanir Construction's earlier announcement that the school will not be ready for classes at the beginning of the 2012 school year as originally planned, said Kent Taylor, a school board member whose district includes Grand Terrace.

"It'll be an entire school year delay, and with that you have the chance to not only phase in but actually complete some of the projects that need to be finished," Taylor said.

The important thing is getting the campus open as soon as possible, Taylor said.

"It's unfortunate that there is a delay," he said, "and my emphasis is getting it opened as soon as possible because it's going to be good for students not only in Grand Terrace but in the Colton area."

ryan.hagen@inlandnewspapers.com,

Here is what I know:

There is not a material or labor shortage so there is no need for slow progress on the school. The contractor is not doing a good job putting together a team of subcontractors up to the task. Tax Payers should not have to pay for the Contractors Incompetence.

New Laws on the Books in California

http://grandterracenews.blogspot.com/2011/01/crime-arrest-report-january-2011.html

Follow the above link to the Crime and Arrest Report for January 2011. You will also see the list of some of the 700 California State Laws that have changed or are about to change this year. This list is from the San Bernardino County Sentinel. If you would like a pdf file of the Sentinel sent to you via email each week, make a request to grandterracenews@yahoo.com or you can contact them and they will email you direct.

Gramps

A Review of the BROWN ACT may be appropriate for all the Grand Terrace City Council Members and the public.

The question about the understanding of the Roll of the Council as a Body, A Council Member and Staff .... left out one important group in the governance.... THE PUBLIC...

The Public should be aware of the BROWN ACT and try to assure their leaders are not in violation of it. Perhaps it would be good if the City Attorney would review the relationship between the PUBLIC and the Council Members in regards to the Brown Act and open Agenda Items. There should be a clear understanding when it is appropriate to speak to the council members in a social setting, or in Public, or during a Council Meeting, regarding concerns and ideas for the city.

From InTheNews: Hays Appointment

Hays Gets Nod in GT

The San Bernardino County Sentinel Jan 14, 2011

GrandTerrace-The city council this week turned to a compromise candidate, immigration attorney Gene Hays, to fill the month-long gap on the city council necessitated by Walt Stanckiewitz’s elevation to the mayor’s slot.

Stanckiewitz, who was first elected to the council in 2008, had two years remaining on his council term when he defeated planning commissioner Doug Wilson and chamber of commerce president Sally Mcguire and Denice Decenty-Sternberg in November. He had run as a reformist candidate, along with council newcomer Bernardo Sandoval, campaigning on undoing many of the long-established policies of former city manager Tom Schwab, who was also a candidate for council in November. The other successful candidate in November was Darcy McNaboe, who campaigned on a platform that celebrated the status quo in the Blue Mountain City. She joins councilwoman Lee Ann Garcia, who has been on the city council since 1994 and who had consistently endorsed Schwab’s policies until he left the city manager’s post in 2008, to form the other faction on the council.

Because of the 2-2 split on the panel, the prospect of the council agreeing on a replacement appeared dim, as neither side wanted to endorse a suggestion put up by the rival side that would solidify its hold on the city.

There were thirteen applicants for the open position, including Schwab, Wilson and Sylvia Robles, a reformist candidate who had placed a close second behind McNaboe. After interviews of the candidates, the council members made eight successive nominations, including one of Hays, all of which failed for lack of a second or a 2-2 deadlock. Significantly, neither Wilson, who is considered to be a status quo ally of McNaboe and Garcia, nor Schwab was nominated. After no solution appeared likely, the council seemed on the brink of remaining as four-member panel or committing toward an election to fill the position, which would have cost the city upwards of $50,000 to hold, according to the county registrar of voters office.

McNaboe asked if a motion to nominate an individual that had already been rejected could be revisited. Garcia, sensing that McNaboe was about to part company with her and nominate Robles, against whom they had both voted, asserted that could not be done.

Stanckiewitz then inquired of the city attorney and city manager for a legal and procedural opinion on that point. Garcia stated that she would not change her vote in any event. At that juncture, Sandoval indicated to McNaboe that he would support her earlier nomination of Hays if she were to make it again. The city attorney advised the council that by a vote it could restructure the rules and entertain a renomination. The council did so and Hays was again nominated and confirmed on a 3-1 vote, with Garcia dissenting.

Despite his selection, Hays remains as something of an enigmatic figure, which was underscored in Garcia’s statement to him after the vote: “I was unable to support you as I really do not know you.”

What is known about Hays is that he graduated from law school in 1999 and three times attempted to pass the California bar exam, failing in each attempt. He then took the bar exam in Washington state, failing at least once before passing. He is not eligible to practice law in any state court in California. His area of practice is immigration law. He maintains a law office in Grand Terrace, where he resides. The majority of his work is done with respect to federal courts.

Hays is listed as the president of Blue Mountain Beer Company. In September 2010, he sought a city permit to locate a microbrewery in Grand Terrace proximate to the Azure Hills Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Water Prices Increase in GT

You may notice that your water bill rates have increased. Citizens may need to assess the management of the Water Company as well as the City Council. We are lucky in that we are the owners of the water company, and do have a vote in how it is managed if we pay attention.

When A Council Person Says I don't Know:

Council Member Leeann Garcia has recently felt rushed to make a decision. She said last week that she did not support or vote for Mr. Hays who was appointed to the Council because she did not know him.

As a Council Member she had the responsibility to find out about all the applicants. Did she even bother to Google the names of the applicants? Did the city do a criminal back ground check on the applicants? The intentional and pervasive excuse of ignorance or lack of information is not acceptable. Leeann Garcia like all the Council Members must see that they are well informed prior to the meeting, add to that gained information the comments of the public and in this case the statements or interview answers and be prepaired to make a selection on the designated night.

LeeAnn came to the Council Meeting apparently to exercise her determination and will upon the remainder of the Council by her design of the selection process rules. Her frustration was that the other members of the Council thwarted her manipulation by changing the rules after hearing sufficient information for them that a person amongst the applicants could be found that 3 of the 4 could vote upon. Hays may be a compromise, but our government depends upon compromise. LeeAnn Garcia tried to stifle the votes of 3 council members by her insistence they hold to the rules and not amend the rules in order to fill the vacant seat. She thus demonstrated a deaf ear to the majority of the public in their desire to have Sylvia Robles Appointed, and a deaf ear to the majority of the public that felt that an election would be too costly, and a deaf ear to her Co Council Members when they found a candidate that 3 of them could agree upon.

Like a spoiled child she had a mini tantrum in public, directing her anger at Walt Stanckiewitz who was acting as the meeting facilitator when he asked, "Is that it? What do we tell these people that put them selves through this process?". "Are we fixed on a four member council?". Why did we waist these peoples time?". Because Leeann Garcia came to the meeting intent to keep the seat empty, or have it her way, she was angered by the suggestion that the Council give some thought to the situation. It was McNaboe and Sandoval that queered, and moved the possibility and collaboration on Mr. Hays on a second round motion.

Please Leeann Garcia, come prepared to do the work of the council and then if you find your not up to speed for the work, let the other council members do the work unobstructed by a temper tantrum or a delay so that you can resolve your lack of preparedness and information base. Your demonstrated feelings of contempt for your Co-Council Members and the Mayor is not conducive to your being an effective Council Member. You demonstrated quite well why there needed to be a 5th member on the Council. If 1700 Sylvia Robles supporters are supposed to accept the appointment of the City Council other than Robles, than surly you should be able to accept your rules to be changed by a motion by Council Member Darcy McNaboe, who is not a member of the "BLOCK" you so fear from having on the Council.

You as a single vote should not have had the attitude that you and your rules should have BLOCKED the work of the Council. Save your antics, and your slash and burn, and revile for Mr. Stanckiewitz, and others for some other time. Having to brace yourself by looking into the audience at some one you respect, clearly and deliberately demonstrates you do not respect your Co-Council and perhaps you might consider them so vile that you resign from your seat on the Council as a further and final demonstration of that repulsion.

Or in sports terms. Play nice or pick up your ball and leave the court.

CNG Reports on Hays Appointment

Gene Hays Appointed to GT City Council

Sandoval, McNaboe Nominate;

Hays Wins Council Vote, 3-1

Gene Hays

By: Margie Miller

From Jan 13, 2011 Grand Terrace City News

After reviewing 13 candidates for over three hours Tuesday night, the last remaining

spot on the Grand Terrace City Council was decided upon with a 3-1 vote affirming Gene Hays. Although, several long time residences applied for the position many of them known for their contributions to the community, it was a fairly newcomer that garnered the seat vacated by Walt Stanckiewitz.

After a contentious selection process, where one third of the field was eliminated due to a 2-2 block vote, Hays was nominated first by Councilmember Darcy McNaboe and a second time by Bernardo Sandoval and seconded by McNaboe. McNaboe agreed to modify the selection process on the condition Hays would be the candidate up for consideration.

“I’m extremely disappointed in the process. What should have been a clear and easy process turned into political gamesmanship by a member of the council,” Mayor Walt Stanckiewitz said. “There was a 2-2 split sometimes, and I attribute that to a fear of a voting block on one side or the other. Once we started to get into candidates that no one had any knowledge of, and they were rejected, I wondered ‘What’s going on here?’

“It became a cooperative effort on the part of Bernardo and Darcy, they found common ground in Mr. Hays and we were finally able to get three affirmative votes for a candidate.”

Hays became the council choice upon receiving the final tally of 3-1, with Councilwoman LeAnn Garcia being the nay vote. Hays is an attorney in Grand Terrace, specializing in immigration law. He has resided in Grand Terrace for the last seven years. “I believe in listening to the concerns of the community and acting upon those issues that are relevant to the residents in the city," Hays said during his interview. "And I feel that the council should be fiscally responsible and live within our means." Hays filled the seat left vacated by Stanckiewitz, who was elected mayor in November.

After much debate, the council elected to appoint for the fifth seat rather than hold a special election, which would have cost the residents approximately $ 35,000.

Stanckiewitz said Hays has a number of strong qualities that could make him an effective council member. “He has no perceived connections to anyone – none of us knew him that well,” Stanckiewitz said. “He talked about vision; he talked about the hard choices we’re going to have to make budget-wise and is aware of the realities we’re facing. “He’s intelligent and I think he’ll bring new ideas.”

Several of the other candidates interviewed throughout the evening expressed concerns with the fiscal direction of the city as well and felt that it was the number one priority for 2011.

After the selection process was over, Hays said, “I really love Grand Terrace and I’m ready to roll up my sleeves’ and get down to doing city business.”

Hays will be inducted Thursday evening, January 13, at a special meeting to be held by the council, which includes the discussion of the proposed new city park to be built off Grand Terrace Road.

Appointment of Gene E Hays FINISHED

Gene E Hays is now a sworn in member of the Grand Terrace City Council and Member of the Grand Terrace City Redevelopment Agency Board of Directors.

We look forward to his input on the Council, and to the Blog. Many readers have been asking questions about him and his background. In time we'll get to know his abilities as a Council Member.

During the Appointment Process he got to see first hand what it will be like working with the other members of the Council.

Planning Commission Meeting and Appointment

The Agenda for the Planning Commission Meeting that is scheduled to be held on Thursday, January 20, 2011 is now available on-line. Click below for Agenda http://www.cityofgrandterrace.org/archives/32/01202011.pdf

* * * * * *

The City of Grand Terrace is Accepting Applicationsto Fill One Vacancy on the Planning Commission

The Mayor and City Council invite interested residents to complete an application for one vacancy on the Grand Terrace Planning Commission.The appointment to fill the vacancy created by the election of Darcy McNaboe as Council Member is for the remainder of the unexpired term. The term will expire June, 2014.

Applicants must be 18 years of age and reside within the corporate limits of the City of Grand Terrace.Applications are available in the City Clerk’s Office and on the City’s website at http://www.cityofgrandterrace.org/.

The deadline for filing the application is February 9, 2011 by 5:00 p.m. in the City Clerks Office located at City Hall, 22795 Barton Road, in Grand Terrace.

Applicants will be interviewed at a regular meeting of the City Council.For more information regarding the appointment process, please contact the City Clerk's Department at 909 430-2212.

Gene Hays: In The News and From the Email InBox

Immigration attorney joins Grand Terrace City Council

Ryan Hagen, Staff Writer

Posted: 01/12/2011 08:20:16 PM PST

Updated: 01/12/2011 09:34:50 PM PST

GRAND TERRACE - Gene Hays, an immigration attorney with no government experience, will be sworn in today as the fifth member of the City Council.

The council members voted 3-1 on Tuesday to select Hays after interviewing 13 applicants.

"I'm looking forward to rolling my sleeves up and getting down to business," Hays said.

Several residents had expressed fear that the open seat, held by Walt Stanckiewitz until he was elected mayor in November, would lead to repeated 2-2 stalemates until the next election in 2012.

And at first, the council appeared to be headed down that path, as eight successive candidates were nominated, then failed either for lack of a second or in a 2-2 split with Mayor Walt Stanckiewitz and Councilman Bernardo Sandoval on one side and councilwomen LeeAnn Garcia and Darcy McNaboe on the other.

Sandoval then proposed voting again on Hays, who was originally nominated by McNaboe, and all but Garcia approved.

Garcia and Hays said afterward they were focused on the future, not the nomination.

"I look forward to working with you," Garcia told Hays after the meeting. "I was unable to support you, as I really do not know you."

Hays said finances were the council's biggest challenge, exacerbated by contracts where he said the city had not protected its interests.

On Wednesday, he added that he would apply his legal experience as he dug into the budget.

"The physical viewing of the budget, that's No. 1 for me," he said. "Once I have a look at it, then I'll approach it with the same attention, thoughtfulness and diligence as I approach legal cases."

The council will meet at 6 tonight for a public workshop regarding a proposed park on Grand Terrace's west side.

ryan.hagen@inlandnewspapers.com
909-386-3916

NOTE ADDED:

LeeAnn's statement "I look forward to working with you," Garcia told Hays after the meeting. "I was unable to support you, as I really do not know you." She could not support Sylvia Robles although approved by 1700 voters and clearly qualified on the matter of the budget because, she doesn't like her. The citizens wish the new council member well, however the Council did not select the best qualified candidate because of Garcia and McNaboe's personal feelings, not because of the qualifications. These Garcia and McNaboe should be given a voter reaction for their insistence on not selecting the best candidate for the council.

Mr. Hays, he graduated from law school in 1999. He attempted to pass the California bar exam after several tries, and went to the State of Washington to take the bar there and passed the bar there in 2005 after an additional 2-3 times. That means he cannot practice law in any State Court in California. He can practice law in Federal Courts such as Immigration cases, but he can not practice civil or criminal, in any of the Califorinia Courts.

Perhaps he can Guide the Council in the use Federal Law to Claw Back some of the losses due to improper management in the past. Debt Bonds are regulated by the Federal Government. Some of the other funds received have Federal Regulations tied to them. The Federal Courts over lap some of the type of cases that State Court handles. Often State Courts will not hear or get a local government case because of cronism in local politics and the Federal Courts is the only jurisdiction that will take on local government individuals.

Perhaps he will apply the attention to detail a good lawyer should have in case preparation. At a minimum he should be able to aid the city in writing better terms and conditions and detailed line item scope of work or specification requirements into the contracts and agreements so we never build something that can't pass code again, or find ourself paying for a Developers error in planning or building. His being on the Council will be a wait and see situation as the citizens don't know him.

He starts with a clean slate, Garcia and McNaboe not so much.

Budget Budget Budget Budget Budget Budget Budget

Every or nearly every candidate for the council seat said the biggest challenge GT faces was the Budget. Yet, because of their own non related to the Budget reasons Garcia and McNaboe refused to seat the highest qualified candidate, who also received 1700 votes in the last election. Are we shocked. No of course not. Garcia in particular is showing more and more that she is entrenched and has no desire to serve the majority of the community but to run her own agenda of petty interpersonal relationships or non relationships as the basis of her governance.

Note that she was forceful about not having an appointment from the start. There was no reason for her to say and vote any differently from that stance No on all nominations, thus leaving the decision up to Sandoval, Stanckiewitz and McNaboe. She was livid that the "Rules" changed and the council could come to a joint agreement. It is clear she has no respect for Walt Stanckiewitz. Soon it will be clear that she has no respect for any of her co council members who she feels personally attacked because they were able to come to a consensus and make an appointment. Her tantrum was unprofessional, and directed at the best qualified Candidate who by the way folks had nothing to do with the compromise struck by Sandoval, McGuire and Stanckiewits. Yet, Garcia had to spew venom toward Robles and Stanckiewitz to ease her own rage at the fact that a compromise was reached.

This conduct needs to be carefully evaluated by the voters and citizens of Grand Terrace.

The decision should have been made by asking WHO would be best qualified to aid solve the MOST IMPORTANT PROBLEM facing GT in the Next Year. BUDGET BUDGET BUDGET... the answer to that was Sylvia Robles and the Majority of Citizens know that, but because of Garcia and McNaboe we have selected a guy that may be a Nice Fellow but who lacks the expertise to handle that the biggest problem nearly all who spoke identified as being Number 1 of all Problems.

I have a problem with that logic. It is not an example of selfless service to the community. It is petty, and in the end may hurt the progress of our city to self sustainability.

Park Workshop Notice: BUDGET BUSTER

To Read the Staff Report and Council Packet : http://www.cityofgrandterrace.org/Archive.aspx?AMID=&Type=&ADID=624


Thursday at 6:00 pm the Park Workshop or Special City Council Meeting will be held. Folks as citizens of California and Grand Terrace this is a bad idea at this time. Doug Jacobsen pays property taxes on that property, and that revenue will be lost to the city, county and state if that land becomes Park Land. In addition Doug Jacobsen has not replace the housing elements he removed, thus putting our RDA behind an 8Ball in our required housing elements. In addition Jacobsen and Staters have also gotten sufficient help from Grand Terrace Tax Payers and State Tax Payers and Federal Tax Payers for their Development. This park is a bad idea all around and the neighbors don't want it in addition.

This is simply a way that The Planning and Economic Development Department is trying to please a Developer. It has zero to do with the desires of the neighborhood or community. Try a park near Terra Loma if you want to serve an under-served portion of our community. Oh that's right Jacobsen doesn't own property on that side of Grand Terrace he wants to off load along with his responcibility to build housing elements he disposed of in GT.