Thank you for the opportunity to provide a candidate’s statement. The following are my positions on the issues you listed: by Maryetta Ferrer
GrandMaw responds in red since we can never have these “conversations” with the candidate, nor does she show up to defend her views or attend candidate forums with the voters.
1. Eminent Domain – I respect the property rights of all citizens. Except when we need the property for a preferred developer or project that I like. In regard to the Towne Centre Project, the Council has not indicated that eminent domain will be pursued. , right now -- However, the council did take the first legal step by voting in the “resolution of necessity” earlier this year for the Stringfield property. I don’t want the citizens to know this however, because it is the first step in the legal eminent domain taking, and has become unpopular. I also I made a motion to proceed with approving the “just compensaion” at $700,000, but NO ONE on the council seconded my motion, and it was really embarrasing for me. The Council has simply asked the one remaining property owner what she is looking for and she has refused to say. And even though Stringfield has hired 2 attorneys; one to negotiate with the city RDA on ED issues and one to protect her property rights from seizure, we want her to speak for herself. I am the mayor here, she must speak. She got a professional appraiser to speak for her, and he has just gotten in the way of us getting a good cheap deal. I am demanding that she personally come to the microphone to speak to the council , so that I can cut her off in 3 minutes, and make her look like a fool and make me look really powerful. She should not forget, I am the head of the redevelopment agency besides being the mayor. The remaining property owner has decided not to sell the property and instead, to remain in her late mother’s home. Actually I guess it’s her home now, and although Sringfield is permitted RDA participation rights under the CA state redevelopment law, the RDA screwed up and never offered them to her before we signed the DDA. Now we just don’t want to give her any participation rights, because she has not sold out to us cheaply like the others home owners. We are perfectly happy with the big developer from out of town instead, because we already cut our deal with him back in 2003-2004. He’s going to give us a library, and this will be the “public” use we will hang our hat on when citizens accuse us of using ED for private gain. The City has respected her wishes and the Towne Center project has been reduced and revised accordingly. The last thing we would do is let anyone protecting their property rights participate in any RDA project or sell property at market value. Even though all property owners have equal participation rights she had made us look bad, and we will not allow that to happen. We on the council control the RDA authority, and we know and decide what Stringfield’s actual wishes are. We say she has not told us what she wants, because she has not met our demand to stand before us and speak. Besides, we have experience belitteling her submittals to participate in ANY property improvements, and we shun her proposals or development team. She has no right to demand market value for her property when we have an appraisal at less than half of her appraised value.
2. New High School - When I first ran for the City Council in 2000, I stated that bringing a high school to Grand Terrace was one of my top priorities. Some people doubted whether the City could play a role in such an undertaking but you will see that I can make this happen, and I believed then, as I do now, that Grand Terrace students deserve a “State of the Art” facility. Such a high school could serve as a focal point for our community. It will make me look good, and anyway, this is a legitimate public use of the power of eminent domain, and everyone will see how much affect I have had on the community when they see the huge stadium and folks parked all around the high school neighborhoods. Our law enforcement will really have a focal point near the campus to be involved in our community. I have worked hard to push this project along as much as possible because building a consensus in the community would mean that I would have to listen to people who I consider to be my underlings. And from the City’s perspective whether it was through the Bond Committee or through the assistance the City has provided. I have always really want to put myself our front, where the financial and social action things are happening in our town, because I am so important, and people need to know that. Our community needs to stay focused on me and on this goal to make sure the school district’s commitments are fulfilled. , and that I get all the credit I deserve. It does not matter whether or not the neighbors like it, because I have decided it is a good idea, and I was a principal, and I am the mayor and so it is going forward now.
3. Towne Centre Project – We are in the fortunate position of having a number of businesses wanting to come to our community. I just don’t know who the new businesses are yet, because they have not actually signed any leases in the last 2.5 years. So we’re going to get the first two tenants for Town NOT center, out of the existing Town shopping Center, because I want to get this done during my term as head of the Redevelopment Agency. Not every city in the Inland Empire is in such a position. Some towns actually let private parties buy and sell commercially zoned land and build retail stores under the existing zoning and tenants lease them. This does not give the council or the RDA the control over the entire process that I like to see. It also eliminates a place for me to grandstand about my importance. Stater Bros wants to bring to the Towne Center its “Top-of-the-Line” store with the types of products, services and amenities our community deserves. , and I really like sitting in on all this important stuff. This is an important window of opportunity to take advantage of business opportunities in areas specifically zoned and planned for such purposes. , even though it will mean removing long-term home owners and pressuring them to sell. We are actually selling land to the developer for less that market value so that the profits will go to Stater Bros, Lowe’s and the developer. Just being around all this kind of money is exciting for me.
4. Recall – It is my view that since I have refused to place the interests of one group above the interests of the community as a whole, (except for the developer, who has favored status) these individuals are attempting to overturn the results of the last election. The San Bernardino Sun, among other voices, have agreed that a recall is not supposed to be used for such a purpose. The recall petition is being attempted not because of anything I personally did since I am just one vote on the Council. but am an important force, because I am also the head of the redevelopment agency. The policies these people object to were approved by a unanimous vote of the Council even though proper environmental, planning and zoning, building codes, parking codes, CEQA and public notice procedures were not followed by staff, planning commission or council, and yet this group is only pursing a recall petition against Councilwoman Garcia and me. It’s just not fair and it hurts my feelings. The recall proponents claim to speak for the overwhelming majority of the residents of Grand Terrace and yet they did not run for either office in this election. In my opinion, this group’s attacks on everything that takes place in this City are designed to hide the fact that they have no constructive ideas of their own. The one good result of this situation is that I have received a groundswell of support and requests of numerous citizens to fight back.
5. “Safe and Sane’ Fireworks – This important issue is currently being addressed by a citizens task force and I look forward to their recommendations. I will carefully balance the benefit of fireworks sales for our local nonprofits with the public safety concerns. We hope the task force will keep folks busy who object.
I know it seems strange, but the kids and parents really like standing around selling fireworks so they can give the $10,000. in profits to the city to pay for the lights on the playing fields. The city likes getting the money too, so we don’t want that cut off that source or revenue. We do this for the children.
6. Direction of Grand Terrace Development – My first involvement in City government was working on the 1999/2000 General Plan Committee. I was directly involved in the recommendations which were made to the Council and resulted in the General Plan which provides the guiding principles for land use decisions today. I know we can’t always follow them when a developer wants to build something else. Parts of it are really out of date now and even though the Town Square development does not match the general plan, but we want to do it anyway to help the developer. I believe that if the City’s land use policies provide, for example, for commercial development in specific areas of our City, then such business should be approved so long as the applicant complies with all zoning, planning and environmental requirements. , and if it does not match the zoning, we will just change it because we can do that with our approvals. We did it for the super high density apartments near Brentwood in the R-1 zone. Then if the local neighbors object, we always just tell them to meet with the developers, architects, engineers and attorneys of the developer. The residents need to organize to protect their property rights. They have no right to expect that we will enforce the zoning code at the city level. We have to stay away from those meetings, so it does not appear to contaminate our favorable vote later. Besides, they are messy and don’t usually make us look good. I do not think it is beneficial for our City’s future when certain groups attack business applicants who pursue development approval for areas of the City which are specifically planned for such purposes. It makes the council and RDA look bad, when we cannot quickly deliver on all the rule changes or fast track approvals that we have promised developers to proceed. They should just stop this!
7. I believe I am the most qualified candidate for Mayor due to my experience in two very important areas. First of all, I have over 30 years of experience as a community volunteer and I had my dream job as a teacher and principal in Grand Terrace. Secondly, I have been honored to serve as a Councilmember and the appointed Mayor for the past six years and during that time, I have gained knowledge and experience about the realities of local government and the politics and obstacles that must be overcome in order to achieve what is important for our residents. I am not going to let the input of some residents affect my opinion. I have already decided what I want to do as mayor and that is to have the biggest impact on growth and development in this town that I can. These two different but related sources of experience have provided me with invaluable perspectives about the vision and values our residents expect their Mayor to advocate on their behalf. You will see that my legacy is even larger that my dad’s.
Gamps Says : Well Done Gandmaw... and the insight and filling in the blanks is an interesting presentation...
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Terms and Conditions Driving the Recall:
WHEN THE COUNCIL AND DEVELOPER THINKS OF Increasing the availability of Alcohol and Inducing Citizens and Non Citizens to Consume Alcohol at Bars and Grills in Grand Terrace is a safety concern for Children, and Adults.
WHEN THE COUNCIL AND DEVELOPER THINKS OF Inviting the accumulation of Day Workers seeking employment for the day invites workers and employers to violate labor laws. Included in the Day Labor Workers are People with Proper Documents to work. However, seldom are workers paid in a way their withholding taxes are paid. Seldom is there any insurance if any of them are hurt on the job. In addition, their legal and criminal status is a risk to the community, particularly children and women.
Putting in another “Drug” store in addition to a Full Service Stater Brothers with a Drug Store is a redundancy which can only be profitable if that is made up in Alcohol sales?
Increasing the speed efficiency through Grand Terrace will bring more cars. More Cars equals to more potential risk to the citizens.
Selling Land to CJUSD as a site for a High School lacks an eye toward the safety ramifications associated with that site. More than the effects of the power plant… No it will be a rail derailment that will cause the unsafe situation for the students.
The above are just a few of the Real Safety Issues not addressed by adding a Sheriff to the Patrol Coverage.
Accounting or in the case of this council… not accounting for the financial health and perpetuating actions which increase the debt of the city should be known by all.
The City of Grand Terrace/RDA has a Debt of nearly 17. Million Dollars in a long term debt. Yes the City has sufficient funds to pay the immediate bills. This 4.8 million dollar “Reserve” as it is often referred to be insufficient to Pay Down the entire debt. The City Council and City Manager has failed us.
The City of Grand Terrace has been requested to produce the Documents regarding the Following:
Public Notice of the Sale of the RDA House to the City of Grand Terrace.
Public Notice of the Meeting announcing the providing a home Sale of the RDA House to the City of Grand Terrace.
Payment for the House from the City to the RDA…
Accounting of the Progress Payment on the Agreement related to the “Earning of Value” on the House… Month by Month the city would pay IF MR. Schwab was employed. The Transfer of those funds from City Account to Banking Institution on the Behalf of Tom Schwab.
We did find a Sale of the House on the Record with the County.
Sale from RDA to City on the same day as the transfer from the City to Schwab. Not enough time for a Public hearing on either transaction.
A Letter from the DA regarding an Investigation of the House by the Political Corruption Unit. The letter misstates the Contractual Explanation of the House Being an “INDUCEMENT” for Mr. Schwab to live in GT. The DA’s Letter characterizes the “Inducement” as being a contractual REQUIREMENT, TO LIVE IN THE CITY. This is not a true statement. SO
The Case File was asked for under the Freedom of Information Act: This request was denied in total. The DA did not provide any of the required materials and redacting or held back any “Protected” documents, no he just said No giving the statute of
The State Code Referred to in the Denial for the Information Request details the Information that the DA is required to Release to the Requestor, and Yet NO INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED.
YES, no doubt this REFUSAL to provide a complete historical accounting and policy trail will no doubt end up in one court or another.
WHEN the City Council Persists in Making Decisions disregarding Professional Witnesses (in the case of ESSCO) and the Public (Some of whom are Professionals in the Fields of Development and Construction), and then they advise the Staff to Defend the law suits, hire more and more legal representation and experts, the City Council Members demonstrate an attitude that has so far been the result of Reversal’s of Approvals on Projects, and Plans. YES let us not forget, the Cost of the EVENT of going to Court and trying to defend what should be recognized undefendable by now.
WHEN the City Council Allows no bid contracts or developer agreements, and those “Plans” are rushed past and over zoning, and planning requirements… THE COST to the city will be legal fees paid to Mr. Harper and those of his Profession.
WHEN the City Council allows the City Manager/RDA Director and the Assistant Director/Manager repeatedly threatened in person, in letter, and in the press the use of Eminent Domain in collusion with a Designated Developer selected by the City Manager, they have failed to Protect the Citizens Property Rights and Rights to FULL Enjoyment of their Property. It is not enough to say we didn’t use Eminent Domain on Jo Stringfield. THE Potential and Real Threats Made by the City Manager must be contended with. THIS CITY SHOULD BE AGAINST ANY SUCH BEHAVIOR. City Council Members who purport to protect the Rights of its Citizens and Business Owners would not have permitted these threats and tactics to be used. The property rights issue is much bigger than Jo Stringfield.
When the City Persists in the conflict between zoning and General Plan, Housing Plan and Traffic Plan, and yes Specific Plans EVERY proposed development will be a potential law suit. IT is CLEAR that these Administrative tasks, of changing the Zoning, to be in align with the General Plan and the Specific Plans and so forth so that there is a Baseline of Expectation that a Land Owner, Land Buyer, and Developer can rely upon.
Currently the Zoning, and Plans are only used to prohibit the current land owners from selling or developing their land for their own benefit, and put the benefit in the ledger of the City Manager’s hand picked Developers.
When the City Manager Lies. “I saw the Signed Lease (Stater Brothers) on the desk.” And the council later finds out from Jack Brown himself there is no such lease, the City Council gives MR. Schwab a raise and an increase benefit should he be terminated, terminated even with cause.
When the City Manager withholds information regarding the disposal of city property specifically the Crown Victoria, it shows intent to cover up the deal. The Full Deal is still not documented. There is no evidence that the Purchase was made available to the Public, or other Bidders for the Property, No Public Notice of Sale. There is no evidence provided that Mr. Berry actually paid for the car, and where that money went if and when it was paid for.
When the City Negotiates with a Former Employer of One Council Member, the Current Employer of a Council Member, and the Man who provided the City Manager with Interim Housing at a time he was going through the typical Divorce Settlements, allow a sale price to be inflated from 800.000.00 to 1,200.000.00 without PUBLIC NOTICE until the check is cashed. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG>>> .
Tis in part the summary of that which cause interest and drive for the Removal, Recall and Replacement of the long standing Council Members. The documents are available on the blog, IF you want a file on a specific Issue, email a request and you’ll have it in a few days.
PLEASE SUPPORT THE RECALL EFFORT… SIGN PETITIONS,…. AND HELP GET THE RECALL ON A BALLOT.
PLEASE HELP THE NEW CANDIDATES : WILLSON FOR MAYOR AND DODD FOR COUNCIL MEMBER.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR EMAIL: ANSWERS TO EMAIL MAY TAKE UP TO 2 DAYS TO GET BACK TO YOU… SORRY BUT THIS IS GOOD NEWS…. AS THERE ARE MORE AND MORE REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION EACH DAY.
Each Day more and More Issues are coming to light. It is Important for all to be informed.
GRAMPS.
WHEN THE COUNCIL AND DEVELOPER THINKS OF Inviting the accumulation of Day Workers seeking employment for the day invites workers and employers to violate labor laws. Included in the Day Labor Workers are People with Proper Documents to work. However, seldom are workers paid in a way their withholding taxes are paid. Seldom is there any insurance if any of them are hurt on the job. In addition, their legal and criminal status is a risk to the community, particularly children and women.
Putting in another “Drug” store in addition to a Full Service Stater Brothers with a Drug Store is a redundancy which can only be profitable if that is made up in Alcohol sales?
Increasing the speed efficiency through Grand Terrace will bring more cars. More Cars equals to more potential risk to the citizens.
Selling Land to CJUSD as a site for a High School lacks an eye toward the safety ramifications associated with that site. More than the effects of the power plant… No it will be a rail derailment that will cause the unsafe situation for the students.
The above are just a few of the Real Safety Issues not addressed by adding a Sheriff to the Patrol Coverage.
Accounting or in the case of this council… not accounting for the financial health and perpetuating actions which increase the debt of the city should be known by all.
The City of Grand Terrace/RDA has a Debt of nearly 17. Million Dollars in a long term debt. Yes the City has sufficient funds to pay the immediate bills. This 4.8 million dollar “Reserve” as it is often referred to be insufficient to Pay Down the entire debt. The City Council and City Manager has failed us.
The City of Grand Terrace has been requested to produce the Documents regarding the Following:
Public Notice of the Sale of the RDA House to the City of Grand Terrace.
Public Notice of the Meeting announcing the providing a home Sale of the RDA House to the City of Grand Terrace.
Payment for the House from the City to the RDA…
Accounting of the Progress Payment on the Agreement related to the “Earning of Value” on the House… Month by Month the city would pay IF MR. Schwab was employed. The Transfer of those funds from City Account to Banking Institution on the Behalf of Tom Schwab.
We did find a Sale of the House on the Record with the County.
Sale from RDA to City on the same day as the transfer from the City to Schwab. Not enough time for a Public hearing on either transaction.
A Letter from the DA regarding an Investigation of the House by the Political Corruption Unit. The letter misstates the Contractual Explanation of the House Being an “INDUCEMENT” for Mr. Schwab to live in GT. The DA’s Letter characterizes the “Inducement” as being a contractual REQUIREMENT, TO LIVE IN THE CITY. This is not a true statement. SO
The Case File was asked for under the Freedom of Information Act: This request was denied in total. The DA did not provide any of the required materials and redacting or held back any “Protected” documents, no he just said No giving the statute of
The State Code Referred to in the Denial for the Information Request details the Information that the DA is required to Release to the Requestor, and Yet NO INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED.
YES, no doubt this REFUSAL to provide a complete historical accounting and policy trail will no doubt end up in one court or another.
WHEN the City Council Persists in Making Decisions disregarding Professional Witnesses (in the case of ESSCO) and the Public (Some of whom are Professionals in the Fields of Development and Construction), and then they advise the Staff to Defend the law suits, hire more and more legal representation and experts, the City Council Members demonstrate an attitude that has so far been the result of Reversal’s of Approvals on Projects, and Plans. YES let us not forget, the Cost of the EVENT of going to Court and trying to defend what should be recognized undefendable by now.
WHEN the City Council Allows no bid contracts or developer agreements, and those “Plans” are rushed past and over zoning, and planning requirements… THE COST to the city will be legal fees paid to Mr. Harper and those of his Profession.
WHEN the City Council allows the City Manager/RDA Director and the Assistant Director/Manager repeatedly threatened in person, in letter, and in the press the use of Eminent Domain in collusion with a Designated Developer selected by the City Manager, they have failed to Protect the Citizens Property Rights and Rights to FULL Enjoyment of their Property. It is not enough to say we didn’t use Eminent Domain on Jo Stringfield. THE Potential and Real Threats Made by the City Manager must be contended with. THIS CITY SHOULD BE AGAINST ANY SUCH BEHAVIOR. City Council Members who purport to protect the Rights of its Citizens and Business Owners would not have permitted these threats and tactics to be used. The property rights issue is much bigger than Jo Stringfield.
When the City Persists in the conflict between zoning and General Plan, Housing Plan and Traffic Plan, and yes Specific Plans EVERY proposed development will be a potential law suit. IT is CLEAR that these Administrative tasks, of changing the Zoning, to be in align with the General Plan and the Specific Plans and so forth so that there is a Baseline of Expectation that a Land Owner, Land Buyer, and Developer can rely upon.
Currently the Zoning, and Plans are only used to prohibit the current land owners from selling or developing their land for their own benefit, and put the benefit in the ledger of the City Manager’s hand picked Developers.
When the City Manager Lies. “I saw the Signed Lease (Stater Brothers) on the desk.” And the council later finds out from Jack Brown himself there is no such lease, the City Council gives MR. Schwab a raise and an increase benefit should he be terminated, terminated even with cause.
When the City Manager withholds information regarding the disposal of city property specifically the Crown Victoria, it shows intent to cover up the deal. The Full Deal is still not documented. There is no evidence that the Purchase was made available to the Public, or other Bidders for the Property, No Public Notice of Sale. There is no evidence provided that Mr. Berry actually paid for the car, and where that money went if and when it was paid for.
When the City Negotiates with a Former Employer of One Council Member, the Current Employer of a Council Member, and the Man who provided the City Manager with Interim Housing at a time he was going through the typical Divorce Settlements, allow a sale price to be inflated from 800.000.00 to 1,200.000.00 without PUBLIC NOTICE until the check is cashed. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG>>> .
Tis in part the summary of that which cause interest and drive for the Removal, Recall and Replacement of the long standing Council Members. The documents are available on the blog, IF you want a file on a specific Issue, email a request and you’ll have it in a few days.
PLEASE SUPPORT THE RECALL EFFORT… SIGN PETITIONS,…. AND HELP GET THE RECALL ON A BALLOT.
PLEASE HELP THE NEW CANDIDATES : WILLSON FOR MAYOR AND DODD FOR COUNCIL MEMBER.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR EMAIL: ANSWERS TO EMAIL MAY TAKE UP TO 2 DAYS TO GET BACK TO YOU… SORRY BUT THIS IS GOOD NEWS…. AS THERE ARE MORE AND MORE REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION EACH DAY.
Each Day more and More Issues are coming to light. It is Important for all to be informed.
GRAMPS.
Friday, September 08, 2006
IF has HAPPENED...Welcome Center and Grand Terrace
http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_B_bcenter08.396a8c4.html
San Bernardino gets 'Welcome Center'
AWARD: The Convention & Visitors Bureau beats the Banning Chamber of Commerce for the honor.
08:54 AM PDT on Friday, September 8, 2006
By CHRIS RICHARD
The Press-Enterprise
The San Bernardino Convention & Visitors Bureau won state approval Thursday to set up a tourism gateway for visitors to the Inland Empire.
The center, with a budget of nearly $200,000 for its first year, will open in January, she said.
Investment partners include the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Cal State San Bernardino, the San Bernardino Community College District, the San Bernardino city government and its Economic Development Agency, the cities of Redlands and Grand Terrace, the county Economic Development Agency, Glen Helen Raceway, the National Orange Show Events Center and the Big Bear Lake Resort Association, she said.
Now WE MUST TRAVEL BACK TO THE WORLD OF REALITY:
The vote was Yes to participate, but with the amount to be determined in at a future time. We could give them a single dollar and not say No... WAS THIS the council's way of saying yes, but looking like they said no to the public, and Schwab will "find the money" and pay the entire amount... and it will show up on a check ledger without further public hearing. OR will the Amount of Support be put on the Agenda for a Public Hearing and a Full Council Vote?
This participation is not a one time cost to the City, and the Benefit to the Expense was questioned during the meeting. THE APPROVAL WAS YES IF YOU GET THE AWARD, WELL WILL PARTICIPATE AT SOME AMOUNT TO BE DETERMINED AT A FUTURE TIME.
WELL,,, IF has Happened.
SO the San Bernardino Convention & Visitors Bureau won and Grand Terrace is now obligated to participate for an unknown amount of time and an UNKONWN benefit. OH there will be the Trips and Junkets and some perks for the Council Members and City Staff as a benefit no doubt. This is an example of Schwab’s desires being more important than the citizens.
San Bernardino gets 'Welcome Center'
AWARD: The Convention & Visitors Bureau beats the Banning Chamber of Commerce for the honor.
08:54 AM PDT on Friday, September 8, 2006
By CHRIS RICHARD
The Press-Enterprise
The San Bernardino Convention & Visitors Bureau won state approval Thursday to set up a tourism gateway for visitors to the Inland Empire.
The center, with a budget of nearly $200,000 for its first year, will open in January, she said.
Investment partners include the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Cal State San Bernardino, the San Bernardino Community College District, the San Bernardino city government and its Economic Development Agency, the cities of Redlands and Grand Terrace, the county Economic Development Agency, Glen Helen Raceway, the National Orange Show Events Center and the Big Bear Lake Resort Association, she said.
Now WE MUST TRAVEL BACK TO THE WORLD OF REALITY:
The vote was Yes to participate, but with the amount to be determined in at a future time. We could give them a single dollar and not say No... WAS THIS the council's way of saying yes, but looking like they said no to the public, and Schwab will "find the money" and pay the entire amount... and it will show up on a check ledger without further public hearing. OR will the Amount of Support be put on the Agenda for a Public Hearing and a Full Council Vote?
This participation is not a one time cost to the City, and the Benefit to the Expense was questioned during the meeting. THE APPROVAL WAS YES IF YOU GET THE AWARD, WELL WILL PARTICIPATE AT SOME AMOUNT TO BE DETERMINED AT A FUTURE TIME.
WELL,,, IF has Happened.
SO the San Bernardino Convention & Visitors Bureau won and Grand Terrace is now obligated to participate for an unknown amount of time and an UNKONWN benefit. OH there will be the Trips and Junkets and some perks for the Council Members and City Staff as a benefit no doubt. This is an example of Schwab’s desires being more important than the citizens.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Safety is An ACTIVE PLAN Please the GTHS is a Planned Safety Problem
For all who may be interested in the Safety of Placing Students at the Proposed High School site in Grand Terrace you should look at this September's Highgrove Happenings. http://www.highgrovehappenings.net/Latest.html it isn't posted yet... Pick one up at the Stop N Go Market... there are still a few to read.
Assess the effects if those rail cars contained chlorine, or Ammonia, or Sulfuric Acid. The Tracks in Highgrove are not like the ones near Colton High School. Colton's Tracks are a Rail Yard where the trains MOVE SLOW... The Tracks along the Grand Terrace close to the Propose High School are Tracks where trains run at Speeds of 35 to 45 MPH or faster at times...
Everyone should give this FULL consideration. Students most will be dependent on Buses to respond for evacuations. This seems like a bad location, on several levels. I am concerned, very concerned.
AES Power Plant
Rail Derailments
Pico/Taylor Being Closed... Possible ONE EXIT only in an emergency... Clearly a RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN must be developed and practiced. Remember the jar of pesticide causing an event at Terrace Hills. Take that to 100,000,000.000 times the event. We will need body bags, not clean clothes.
Also interesting in the Highgrove Happenings there was an anonymous source of information referenced in the report about a Body Found. Virginia Harper had no article. Note the article about wild life. Owls, skunks, puma, coyotes... oh my... yes keep the pets and small children under supervision at all times. Safety is not an accident it is a plan of action.
Gramps
Assess the effects if those rail cars contained chlorine, or Ammonia, or Sulfuric Acid. The Tracks in Highgrove are not like the ones near Colton High School. Colton's Tracks are a Rail Yard where the trains MOVE SLOW... The Tracks along the Grand Terrace close to the Propose High School are Tracks where trains run at Speeds of 35 to 45 MPH or faster at times...
Everyone should give this FULL consideration. Students most will be dependent on Buses to respond for evacuations. This seems like a bad location, on several levels. I am concerned, very concerned.
AES Power Plant
Rail Derailments
Pico/Taylor Being Closed... Possible ONE EXIT only in an emergency... Clearly a RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN must be developed and practiced. Remember the jar of pesticide causing an event at Terrace Hills. Take that to 100,000,000.000 times the event. We will need body bags, not clean clothes.
Also interesting in the Highgrove Happenings there was an anonymous source of information referenced in the report about a Body Found. Virginia Harper had no article. Note the article about wild life. Owls, skunks, puma, coyotes... oh my... yes keep the pets and small children under supervision at all times. Safety is not an accident it is a plan of action.
Gramps
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
ROV ? and Eminent Domain Measure O... as in OH YES
Gramps was asked.
What do you tell someone who wants to register to vote and help with the Recall?
HERE is the answer from the Registar of Voters... via a friend... Thanks Friend....
If a person takes their application into the Register of Voters office, they can get started right after they submit their paperwork. If they mail the application in then it could take 7-10 days before they can start working on the recall campaign. Hope that helps.
Contact Registrar of Voters
777 East Rialto Avenue
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0770
While on the ROV Page to get the above address I found the Eminent Domain Measure Mentioned by Council Member Miller at the last Council Meeting. Note, this protects against COUNTY ED Abuse, not against the actions of the City of GT.
What is Measure O... it is Eminent Domain Protection from the County... It does not restrict the City of GT.... only the County..
If a person takes their application into the Register of Voters office, they can get started right after they submit their paperwork. If they mail the application in then it could take 7-10 days before they can start working on the recall campaign. Hope that helps.
Contact Registrar of Voters
777 East Rialto Avenue
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0770
While on the ROV Page to get the above address I found the Eminent Domain Measure Mentioned by Council Member Miller at the last Council Meeting. Note, this protects against COUNTY ED Abuse, not against the actions of the City of GT.
What is Measure O... it is Eminent Domain Protection from the County... It does not restrict the City of GT.... only the County..
County of San Bernardino
MEASURE “O”
IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS
Measure “O” on the Ballot would amend the Charter of the County of San Bernardino to prohibit the use of eminent domain by the County to acquire property from a private Owner, as defined, without such Owner’s consent, for the purpose of conveying the property so acquired to any private party. As used in the amendment, “Owner” means the owner(s) of the fee title interest in the property to be acquired.
The power and legal process of eminent domain (sometimes called “condemnation”) allows governmental entities, such as the County, to acquire property owned by other persons, including private parties, for public use upon payment of “just compensation”, which is normally the fair market value of the property. The U.S. Supreme Court decision of Kelo v. City of New London, 125 S. Ct. 2655 (2005) confirmed that governmental entities, such as the County, may use the power of eminent domain for the purposes of economic development whereby property is acquired from its private owner and then transferred to a different private owner that the governmental entity has determined will put the property to more economically beneficial uses. If approved, the Amendment would provide that the County Board of Supervisors cannot authorize the County to use its power of eminent domain for the purpose of acquiring property from any private Owner thereof, without the Owner’s consent, when the County’s purpose in acquiring the property is to convey the property to any other private party.
If the voters reject this measure, the County Board of Supervisors will keep its current ability to authorize the County to use its power of eminent domain for the purpose of acquiring property from any private owner thereof without the owner’s consent, even though the County’s purpose in acquiring the property is to convey the property to some other private party which the County Board of Supervisors has determined will put the property to more economically beneficial uses.
DENNIS E. WAGNER
Interim County Counsel
s/ Rex A. Hinesley
Chief Deputy County Counsel
IT is noted that ONLY Council Member Jim Miller indicated that an Action to Protect Property Ownership should be broght forth in the City of Grand Terrace. He sited the above Measure... None of the Other Council Members suggested that they concurred that the City Should Protect the Citizens Right to Property.
Interesting Verry Interesting... (Do you remember Artie Johnson on Laugh-in?)
From the Email InBox: Reactions to Ferre's Answers to Brian;
Grandpa:
So Ferre doesn't think lying to the public is a reason to recall her? Doing favors for Carlstrom with taxpayers money is not a reason to recall her? Sitting there at the Council Meetings and lying to us and allowing Schwab to lie through his teeth is not a reason to recall her? When folks from the community wanted to be involved in the projects and stood in the podium and tried to contribute she cut them off or would look away or shuffle papers. She is self serving not community serving. She would not listen to anyone but the developers and Schwab.
The Grand Terrace Partners even basically agreed with those that said a R.V. retail center would not work. Ferre plowed ahead and would not listen to any citizens, wasting hundreds of thousands of tax dollars because she is smarter and better than anyone who doesn't live in Honey Hills.
So to say the community had no constructive ideas of their own is yet another lie out of the mouth of someone who has been quoted in the papers as wanting to be a bigger developer than her father.
A constructive idea to her are her ideas that are planted in her brain by Schwab.
All the constructive ideas she has had, whatever they are, I haven't heard her give one out. So again she is being untruthful in her candidates statement. Second nature. She did not bring the three minute rule. She only enforced it. If she is so qualified to be Mayor why doesn't she answer any questions at Council. I believe she was a teachers aid and then used her fathers connections to become a principle.
If this town re-elects her than they get what they deserve. She is part and particle of the corrupt Political Machine that permeates this county. She enjoyed and used social position growing up in Colton and she still is.
Grandpa,
I just read Maryetta's response to Brian's questions. I still hear only attacks and no real answers.
Maryetta says she had a part in bringing the high school to Grand Terrace, then why is she not able to answer any questions about it. The truth is she didn't know anything about the actual implementation until it was announced at the City Council Meeting. Is she also for busing in 3,000 students from Colton, and the continuation school that will be provided there also. How does she plan to deal with the problems at that high school and the Terrace View Junior High if she is Mayor.
The truth is Maryetta does not listen to the citizens if they don't agree with her. She does not care about the children at Grand Terrace Elementary or she wouldn't be so set on building a Lowes across the street. She would have build a big wall around it to help reduce the freeway emitions. She would have put sidewalks on the streets so children could safely walk to school.
Did you know that that school is scheduled to be taken out. But, when asked what the plan is and where they will put it, she doesn't have any answers for that either. I don't be
I find it sad that Maryetta will attack the people emplementing the Recall against her, and not the issues. I would like to know why she railroaded the sale of the Dodson Property on De Berry Street. Dodson had a buyer who worked at Savon for around $800,000. Why did she insist that the City pay him 1.2 million.
So Ferre doesn't think lying to the public is a reason to recall her? Doing favors for Carlstrom with taxpayers money is not a reason to recall her? Sitting there at the Council Meetings and lying to us and allowing Schwab to lie through his teeth is not a reason to recall her? When folks from the community wanted to be involved in the projects and stood in the podium and tried to contribute she cut them off or would look away or shuffle papers. She is self serving not community serving. She would not listen to anyone but the developers and Schwab.
The Grand Terrace Partners even basically agreed with those that said a R.V. retail center would not work. Ferre plowed ahead and would not listen to any citizens, wasting hundreds of thousands of tax dollars because she is smarter and better than anyone who doesn't live in Honey Hills.
So to say the community had no constructive ideas of their own is yet another lie out of the mouth of someone who has been quoted in the papers as wanting to be a bigger developer than her father.
A constructive idea to her are her ideas that are planted in her brain by Schwab.
All the constructive ideas she has had, whatever they are, I haven't heard her give one out. So again she is being untruthful in her candidates statement. Second nature. She did not bring the three minute rule. She only enforced it. If she is so qualified to be Mayor why doesn't she answer any questions at Council. I believe she was a teachers aid and then used her fathers connections to become a principle.
If this town re-elects her than they get what they deserve. She is part and particle of the corrupt Political Machine that permeates this county. She enjoyed and used social position growing up in Colton and she still is.
Grandpa,
I just read Maryetta's response to Brian's questions. I still hear only attacks and no real answers.
Maryetta says she had a part in bringing the high school to Grand Terrace, then why is she not able to answer any questions about it. The truth is she didn't know anything about the actual implementation until it was announced at the City Council Meeting. Is she also for busing in 3,000 students from Colton, and the continuation school that will be provided there also. How does she plan to deal with the problems at that high school and the Terrace View Junior High if she is Mayor.
The truth is Maryetta does not listen to the citizens if they don't agree with her. She does not care about the children at Grand Terrace Elementary or she wouldn't be so set on building a Lowes across the street. She would have build a big wall around it to help reduce the freeway emitions. She would have put sidewalks on the streets so children could safely walk to school.
Did you know that that school is scheduled to be taken out. But, when asked what the plan is and where they will put it, she doesn't have any answers for that either. I don't be
I find it sad that Maryetta will attack the people emplementing the Recall against her, and not the issues. I would like to know why she railroaded the sale of the Dodson Property on De Berry Street. Dodson had a buyer who worked at Savon for around $800,000. Why did she insist that the City pay him 1.2 million.
Maryetta Ferre's Candidate Statement on TerraceTruth Blog
Maryetta’s Reply to Brian’s Questions…
http://terracetruth.typepad.com/files/2006/09/candidate_state.html
Mayor Ferre's candidate statement can be read by clicking on the link to her name. All four Grand Terrace candidates have been given the same set of questions, and all responses will be posted with no commentary or opinion added. The remaining statements will be posted as soon as I receive them.
Brian …….. Terracetruth Blog
1. Eminent Domain – I respect the property rights of all citizens. In regard to the Towne Centre Project, the Council has not indicated that eminent domain will be pursued. The Council has simply asked the one remaining property owner what she is looking for and she has refused to say. The remaining property owner has decided not to sell the property and instead, to remain in her late mother’s home. The City has respected her wishes and the Towne Center project has been reduced and revised accordingly.
&+*(($*This is why the City Manager is still working in Lock Step with Jacobsen in trying to Negotiate a Deal with “The Remaining Property Owner, Jo Stringfield. This is why the council approved the City Manager’s Tactics of Publicly Threatening all the Property Owners with Eminent Domain, and Even Allowing him to Write Several Letters threatening the use of Eminent Domain and eventually the Letter Restricting the Use, and Sale of Property IN the EVENT the RDA/CITY wants to Invoke the use of Eminent Domain. She has not supported Ordinance Suggestions to Protect Private Property. So how does she demonstrate a “Respect for Property Rights”… Jo Stringfield has Protected Her Own Property Rights, with the aid of Citizens Groups and a Lawyer. NOT MRS. Ferre. IT is not Just Jo… it is ALL of US who don’t want to have the HELL Jo has had for the past 2 years plus, at the Hands of the City and City Council.
2. New High School - When I first ran for the City Council in 2000, I stated that bringing a high school to Grand Terrace was one of my top priorities. Some people doubted whether the City could play a role in such an undertaking but I believed then, as I do now, that Grand Terrace students deserve a “State of the Art” facility. Such a high school could serve as a focal point for our community. I have worked hard to push this project along as much as possible from the City’s perspective whether it was through the Bond Committee or through the assistance the City has provided. Our community needs to stay focused on this goal to make sure the school district’s commitments are fulfilled.
$#*@() First of all a focal point for a community is not often put in an industrial zone on the furthest corner of town.. next to a power plant, and county line and more industrial property. “State of the ART” facility. Well what I see is more of the same. Same Sports Fields, Over Crowding, Transportation Dependent, UN GREEN BUILDINGS to Contain Teenagers for the day. State of the ART isn’t working so well. How about trying for better than that and truly making it a FOCAL point of the community. The city RDA should have never sold this property to CJUSD on the idea that the power plant would not be functioning in the future. Or that the train tracks don’t pose a problem that the City of GT can’t deal with.
3. Towne Centre Project – We are in the fortunate position of having a number of businesses wanting to come to our community. Not every city in the Inland Empire is in such a position. Stater Bros wants to bring to the Towne Center its “Top-of-the-Line” store with the types of products, services and amenities our community deserves. This is an important window of opportunity to take advantage of business opportunities in areas specifically zoned and planned for such purposes.
*()_*_)() LOWES wants to COME HERE…. BARS and GRILLS want to COME HERE. And DRUG STORES WHO SELL MORE LIQUOR than Prescriptions WANT TO COME HERE. “Top of the LINE Stater’s” that would be nice in the current location as well as in the “New” location. As far as areas “specifically zoned and planned for such purposes, that land is currently on the record zoned for Residential Property. It is Planned for Small Shops and Restaurants, NOT BIG BOX STORES and Bars. THE Plan was accepted by the community and council on the basis that Eminent Domain was not used to acquire the property. THE “PLAN” also included building a Retirement Facility or Senior Housing to complement “The Terrace, Assisted Living Facility”. THE PLAN was to promote Pedestrian Mall… or walking… sort of a Park Setting with shops and restaurants. THAT is not what we are getting. The GENERAL Plan and the Specific Plan are in Conflict and are not in full force and approved by the State Regulators. This has been done on her watch.
4. Recall – It is my view that since I have refused to place the interests of one group above the interests of the community as a whole, these individuals are attempting to overturn the results of the last election. The San Bernardino Sun, among other voices, have agreed that a recall is not supposed to be used for such a purpose. The recall petition is being attempted not because of anything I personally did since I am just one vote on the Council. The policies these people object to were approved by a unanimous vote of the Council and yet this group is only pursing a recall petition against Councilwoman Garcia and me. The recall proponents claim to speak for the overwhelming majority of the residents of Grand Terrace and yet they did not run for either office in this election. In my opinion, this group’s attacks on everything that takes place in this City are designed to hide the fact that they have no constructive ideas of their own. The one good result of this situation is that I have received a groundswell of support and requests of numerous citizens to fight back.
*)*()*()( A Recall is to remove from office Elected Officials who have demonstrated that the continuation of their service in office will result in a Harm to the Community, not only as a result of Illegal Acts, suspected or suggested, or proven. Mrs. Ferre is correct she has been party to the bad decisions of the Council, and those decisions have resulted in Law Suits against the City. She and Garcia were of the 4 long term serving Council members were and are the only 2 that could be recalled. YOU CANT recall someone who’s term is up within 6 months or who has only served 6 months. IF Herman Hilkey, and Bea Cortez were not up for re-election they would have been recalled also. It is necessary to offer the Citizens an opportunity to redirect the Council and not force it to surrender to continued law suits, and harm. Her answer shows a lack of understanding of the Right to Recall, and the reasons for the recall. This unawareness is not surprising it is why we are where we are.
&(*@#$ The publicly known recall proponents not running for office was a deliberate decision to allow the citizens to choose between the current Recalled Council Members, and a Candidate offering a new perspective, and not the issue of Recall or Not Recall. The fellow who recalled Davis did not run for Govenor. That Election also lead to a wide open field of replacements, and a circus of an election. Interesting as it was, that is not the purpose of the recall proponents.
http://terracetruth.typepad.com/files/2006/09/candidate_state.html
Mayor Ferre's candidate statement can be read by clicking on the link to her name. All four Grand Terrace candidates have been given the same set of questions, and all responses will be posted with no commentary or opinion added. The remaining statements will be posted as soon as I receive them.
Brian …….. Terracetruth Blog
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WELL Naturally Having Received this Gramps Has to Provide Commentary and Opinion. WHY, well we never have any IDEAS… you see a Commentary by its nature is an IDEA… as is an OPINION. But let us not stop here. I am in Blue Mt. BLUE… Mrs. Ferre’s Contribution is in Black… Brian… He is Italicized Black.
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1. Eminent Domain – I respect the property rights of all citizens. In regard to the Towne Centre Project, the Council has not indicated that eminent domain will be pursued. The Council has simply asked the one remaining property owner what she is looking for and she has refused to say. The remaining property owner has decided not to sell the property and instead, to remain in her late mother’s home. The City has respected her wishes and the Towne Center project has been reduced and revised accordingly.
&+*(($*This is why the City Manager is still working in Lock Step with Jacobsen in trying to Negotiate a Deal with “The Remaining Property Owner, Jo Stringfield. This is why the council approved the City Manager’s Tactics of Publicly Threatening all the Property Owners with Eminent Domain, and Even Allowing him to Write Several Letters threatening the use of Eminent Domain and eventually the Letter Restricting the Use, and Sale of Property IN the EVENT the RDA/CITY wants to Invoke the use of Eminent Domain. She has not supported Ordinance Suggestions to Protect Private Property. So how does she demonstrate a “Respect for Property Rights”… Jo Stringfield has Protected Her Own Property Rights, with the aid of Citizens Groups and a Lawyer. NOT MRS. Ferre. IT is not Just Jo… it is ALL of US who don’t want to have the HELL Jo has had for the past 2 years plus, at the Hands of the City and City Council.
2. New High School - When I first ran for the City Council in 2000, I stated that bringing a high school to Grand Terrace was one of my top priorities. Some people doubted whether the City could play a role in such an undertaking but I believed then, as I do now, that Grand Terrace students deserve a “State of the Art” facility. Such a high school could serve as a focal point for our community. I have worked hard to push this project along as much as possible from the City’s perspective whether it was through the Bond Committee or through the assistance the City has provided. Our community needs to stay focused on this goal to make sure the school district’s commitments are fulfilled.
$#*@() First of all a focal point for a community is not often put in an industrial zone on the furthest corner of town.. next to a power plant, and county line and more industrial property. “State of the ART” facility. Well what I see is more of the same. Same Sports Fields, Over Crowding, Transportation Dependent, UN GREEN BUILDINGS to Contain Teenagers for the day. State of the ART isn’t working so well. How about trying for better than that and truly making it a FOCAL point of the community. The city RDA should have never sold this property to CJUSD on the idea that the power plant would not be functioning in the future. Or that the train tracks don’t pose a problem that the City of GT can’t deal with.
3. Towne Centre Project – We are in the fortunate position of having a number of businesses wanting to come to our community. Not every city in the Inland Empire is in such a position. Stater Bros wants to bring to the Towne Center its “Top-of-the-Line” store with the types of products, services and amenities our community deserves. This is an important window of opportunity to take advantage of business opportunities in areas specifically zoned and planned for such purposes.
*()_*_)() LOWES wants to COME HERE…. BARS and GRILLS want to COME HERE. And DRUG STORES WHO SELL MORE LIQUOR than Prescriptions WANT TO COME HERE. “Top of the LINE Stater’s” that would be nice in the current location as well as in the “New” location. As far as areas “specifically zoned and planned for such purposes, that land is currently on the record zoned for Residential Property. It is Planned for Small Shops and Restaurants, NOT BIG BOX STORES and Bars. THE Plan was accepted by the community and council on the basis that Eminent Domain was not used to acquire the property. THE “PLAN” also included building a Retirement Facility or Senior Housing to complement “The Terrace, Assisted Living Facility”. THE PLAN was to promote Pedestrian Mall… or walking… sort of a Park Setting with shops and restaurants. THAT is not what we are getting. The GENERAL Plan and the Specific Plan are in Conflict and are not in full force and approved by the State Regulators. This has been done on her watch.
4. Recall – It is my view that since I have refused to place the interests of one group above the interests of the community as a whole, these individuals are attempting to overturn the results of the last election. The San Bernardino Sun, among other voices, have agreed that a recall is not supposed to be used for such a purpose. The recall petition is being attempted not because of anything I personally did since I am just one vote on the Council. The policies these people object to were approved by a unanimous vote of the Council and yet this group is only pursing a recall petition against Councilwoman Garcia and me. The recall proponents claim to speak for the overwhelming majority of the residents of Grand Terrace and yet they did not run for either office in this election. In my opinion, this group’s attacks on everything that takes place in this City are designed to hide the fact that they have no constructive ideas of their own. The one good result of this situation is that I have received a groundswell of support and requests of numerous citizens to fight back.
*)*()*()( A Recall is to remove from office Elected Officials who have demonstrated that the continuation of their service in office will result in a Harm to the Community, not only as a result of Illegal Acts, suspected or suggested, or proven. Mrs. Ferre is correct she has been party to the bad decisions of the Council, and those decisions have resulted in Law Suits against the City. She and Garcia were of the 4 long term serving Council members were and are the only 2 that could be recalled. YOU CANT recall someone who’s term is up within 6 months or who has only served 6 months. IF Herman Hilkey, and Bea Cortez were not up for re-election they would have been recalled also. It is necessary to offer the Citizens an opportunity to redirect the Council and not force it to surrender to continued law suits, and harm. Her answer shows a lack of understanding of the Right to Recall, and the reasons for the recall. This unawareness is not surprising it is why we are where we are.
&(*@#$ The publicly known recall proponents not running for office was a deliberate decision to allow the citizens to choose between the current Recalled Council Members, and a Candidate offering a new perspective, and not the issue of Recall or Not Recall. The fellow who recalled Davis did not run for Govenor. That Election also lead to a wide open field of replacements, and a circus of an election. Interesting as it was, that is not the purpose of the recall proponents.
Two Candidates did in fact arise to the opportunity to serve. The Recall has not yet qualified, and there will be a need for 2 more Candidates to arise for that future campaign. There is no reason to have 5 or 6 people run and dilute the field which is how elections have been won in the past. Perhaps having only ONE Candidate running against Mayor Ferre and Cortes was calculated so that the choice is clear and deliberate. Attempting to cast dispersions against the “recall proponents” is an act of desperation or an attitude snobbery and privilege, either way it is not effective logical rhetoric.
5. “Safe and Sane’ Fireworks – This important issue is currently being addressed by a citizens task force and I look forward to their recommendations. I will carefully balance the benefit of fireworks sales for our local nonprofits with the public safety concerns.
#*(!@(() THERE is no Benefit of Fireworks that can’t be replaced with the funds spent on Grand Terrace Days, for a one day event, of Hired Entertainment, and Bands to be in a “ False Community Day Event”. How much did it cost to have the Fireworks in GT? What are we risking? There is no Safe and Sane Fireworks, there are only less unsafe and insane. IF Fireworks are safe for my neighbor to fire off in his yard, they are safe to use in a city park. The Double Standard made the Safety of Fireworks Clear. It is time to return to the HISTORICAL BAN on FIREWORKS.. in GT. How about next year all persons using fireworks meet and have a party at the Council Members Houses…
6. Direction of Grand Terrace Development – My first involvement in City government was working on the 1999/2000 General Plan Committee. I was directly involved in the recommendations which were made to the Council and resulted in the General Plan which provides the guiding principles for land use decisions today. I believe that if the City’s land use policies provide, for example, for commercial development in specific areas of our City, then such business should be approved so long as the applicant complies with all zoning, planning and environmental requirements. I do not think it is beneficial for our City’s future when certain groups attack business applicants who pursue development approval for areas of the City which are specifically planned for such purposes.
The General Plan as Mrs. Ferre claims to have co-authored is not a functional document. What is Permitted on one page is not on the next… the lack of a Housing Plan, and a Traffic Plan makes it a document that is not worth the paper it is printed on. This is part of the reason the courts have decided against the city in the recent court cases. The Citizens Expressing Concern about the Business being proposed in the areas was not specifically planned for the purpose of Big Box Stores, Bars and Grills, and Loitering Day Workers. This statement suggestion a delusional state of acceptance of the presentations of the Staff and Developers. The citizens can not afford to continue to be represented by such delusional understanding of the issues facing the council and city.
It is Unfair that Developers have land transferred from the RDA to the Developer without the required Public Notice, and Public Hearings. It is Unfair that the treat of Eminent Domain was used to Bully people off their land and out of their right to Participate in the RDA PROJECT… if it is an RDA Project… we can never tell because to have a RDA Project the Project has to be approved, and in agreement with the Specific Plan and General Plan. It is UNFAIR that the Land owners and future potiential buyers of land are restricted by a Plan and thus forced to sell to a single buyer the Developer of choice of the RDA/City or the RDA. THEN the Developer of Choice is not FORCED to BUILD TO THAT SAME PLAN REQUIREMENT. The Town Center is not any of those things. Zoning Records and the Conflict with the General Plan needs to be resolved before the Specific Plan can Be Developed and thane an RDA PROJECT submitted and approved. This isn’t an issue of the came first the chicken or the egg. IT is more like what comes first Earth, or Day and Night.I
We clearly need to fight for the interests of our City on the issue of traffic and the development pressures happening in surrounding areas…
@*(&$q
What has she done to address this. Reduced speed limits? Made the use of LEV or NEV’s possible in town. NO. Closing a Street for the High School, (this will or could cause a bottle neck in the event of a derailment… and emergency. Failure to abide by Road Improvement for Essco Development as would be required of anyone else. Adding a LOWES and BARS and Grills will AID in TRAFFIC?
7. I believe I am the most qualified candidate for Mayor due to my experience in two very important areas. First of all, I have over 30 years of experience as a community volunteer and I had my dream job as a teacher and principal in Grand Terrace. Secondly, I have been honored to serve as a Councilmember and the appointed Mayor for the past six years and during that time, I have gained knowledge and experience about the realities of local government and the politics and obstacles that must be overcome in order to achieve what is important for our residents. These two different but related sources of experience have provided me with invaluable perspectives about the vision and values our residents expect their Mayor to advocate on their behalf.
#*()@ The time you have spent on the council has adequately demonstrated that your years of service to the community need to terminate. Your time is up please sum it up. You have been given opportunity after opportunity to rectify some of the actions which cause the Recall Effort, yet you wait for your guidance from Staff not the residents. It is time you no longer serve as Mayor. Mrs. Ferre Hopefully your time on the Council is also truncated. You have not provided the require Oversight of the City Staff, and their actions. You have not held Developers on an equal footing with citizens, and land owners. You have not protected the Property Rights of Citizens. Your time is UP... thank you for your service.... your service has been duly noted.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Planning to be on the Next AGENDA?
THE NEXT CRA/CITY COUNCIL MEETING WILL BE HELD ON
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2006 AT 6:00 P.M.
AGENDA ITEM REQUESTS FOR THE 09-14-2006 MEETING MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE BY NOON 09-07-2006. THAT DOES not MEAN YOU'LL be on the AGENDA, IF STAFF is not READY..
Presentations are longer than 3 Minutes...
Perhaps the Eminent Domain, GT DAYS REPORT/Audit, Fireworks Committee, LOWES and Jacobsen will be on the Agenda... oh and the AES/Railroad/High School Code Requirements the City Does Have power to manage.
MAKE THE COUNCIL WORK FOR THE CITIZENS...
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2006 AT 6:00 P.M.
AGENDA ITEM REQUESTS FOR THE 09-14-2006 MEETING MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE BY NOON 09-07-2006. THAT DOES not MEAN YOU'LL be on the AGENDA, IF STAFF is not READY..
Presentations are longer than 3 Minutes...
Perhaps the Eminent Domain, GT DAYS REPORT/Audit, Fireworks Committee, LOWES and Jacobsen will be on the Agenda... oh and the AES/Railroad/High School Code Requirements the City Does Have power to manage.
MAKE THE COUNCIL WORK FOR THE CITIZENS...
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Time to MAKE and ENFORCE DRUG FREE ZONES
The California Health and Safety Code Section 11353.1 enhances penalties for controlled substance violations within 1,000 feet of school grounds or buildings, or upon the grounds of facilities open for use by minors.
(See also California Health and Safety Code Sections 11353.5, 11353.6, 11353.7, 11380 and 11380.1.) Similar provisions are provided for in federal law; see United States Code Annotated (USCA), Title 21 Food and Drugs, Section 860a.
Have your law enforcement representative discuss these laws as well as local ordinances which may apply to Drug Free Zones. (Such as laws pertaining to the sale of drug paraphernalia, the restriction on the number of liquor outlets, etc.)
(See also California Health and Safety Code Sections 11353.5, 11353.6, 11353.7, 11380 and 11380.1.) Similar provisions are provided for in federal law; see United States Code Annotated (USCA), Title 21 Food and Drugs, Section 860a.
Have your law enforcement representative discuss these laws as well as local ordinances which may apply to Drug Free Zones. (Such as laws pertaining to the sale of drug paraphernalia, the restriction on the number of liquor outlets, etc.)
Is it about time to address Grand Terrace's Drug Problem?
HS______ are all Drug Related...
Friday, September 01, 2006
Reminders:
We have never been able to find where the City paid the RDA for Schwabs house.
We have never been provided proof of Mr. Schwab's statements regarding the sale of the Crown Victoria. Sale reciept, deposit record, offer made by dealer to set value, public notice of sale of city asset? Just little things...
We have never been provided proof of Mr. Schwab's statements regarding the sale of the Crown Victoria. Sale reciept, deposit record, offer made by dealer to set value, public notice of sale of city asset? Just little things...
The Bigger Picture: LOWES and Slave Labor and DayWorkers
Chinese made goods ranging from electronics to toys and clothes are daily sold in mass marketing retailers such as Wal-Mart, Home Depot, K-Mart, Target, Lowes, and dozens of other U.S. corporations. Cheap goods from Communist China increasingly line the shelves of the NAFTA marketplace under marquee product trade names that bear no relationship to the Chinese slave labor that manufactured, produced, or otherwise assembled the goods.
Blue Mountain Outlook: Features Ferre Campaign
Blue Mountain Outlook , September 2006 Edition, made a slight attempt to not look like they support Maryetta Ferre For Mayor, and Incumbent Council Member Bea Cortez.
Blue Mountain Outlook is a Publication (I do not call it a News Paper For a Reason), that is Owned and Operated by the Grand Terrace Chamber of Commerce. The BMO Publication is also aided by the contribution the City Makes Monthly by its Publication of the "City calendar Page". Note the information on that page is not limited to City Only Content. But this information is not published in the BMO as a result of it being made available for other Publications to provide this service. This No Bid, exclusive arrangement suggests a favoritism to the Current City Management, and those "In Power".
Am I Shocked... No not at all. Nor am I shocked at the fact that the Recall of Maryetta Ferre, and Lee Ann Garcia are not mentioned in relation to the impact or motivations for running for the office of Mayor.
Am I shocked that the "Mayor's Corner" was duplicated from the Grand Terrace City News Article, NO. Am I shocked that the RailDerailment did not mention the AES Power Plant, and Proposed High School. NOPE. Am I shocked that the Corporation for Better Housing paid for a concert while knowing they will have issues to bring before the City Council, and that it is a violation of the 501 c3 status of non profit corporations. Am I shocked, that this is all said as if it was normal business. NOPE but we should be.
NOR am I shocked that the non incumbents were given less coverage, in print.
WHY NOT JUST COME OUT AND SAY WHO YOU SUPPORT and that YOU RECEIVE CITY FUNDS to RUN YOUR PAPER and that is..... oh my a breach of ETHICS.... Perhaps even a Conflict of INTEREST?
ANYONE READING THE BLUE MOUNTAIN OUTLOOK SHOULD KNOW IT IS THE TOOL OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (PARTICULARLY THOSE IN REAL ESTATE SALES), AND THE CITY COUNCIL IS A TOOL OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, AND THEY ACT IN THEIR SELF INTEREST NOT YOURS.
Blue Mountain Outlook is a Publication (I do not call it a News Paper For a Reason), that is Owned and Operated by the Grand Terrace Chamber of Commerce. The BMO Publication is also aided by the contribution the City Makes Monthly by its Publication of the "City calendar Page". Note the information on that page is not limited to City Only Content. But this information is not published in the BMO as a result of it being made available for other Publications to provide this service. This No Bid, exclusive arrangement suggests a favoritism to the Current City Management, and those "In Power".
Am I Shocked... No not at all. Nor am I shocked at the fact that the Recall of Maryetta Ferre, and Lee Ann Garcia are not mentioned in relation to the impact or motivations for running for the office of Mayor.
Am I shocked that the "Mayor's Corner" was duplicated from the Grand Terrace City News Article, NO. Am I shocked that the RailDerailment did not mention the AES Power Plant, and Proposed High School. NOPE. Am I shocked that the Corporation for Better Housing paid for a concert while knowing they will have issues to bring before the City Council, and that it is a violation of the 501 c3 status of non profit corporations. Am I shocked, that this is all said as if it was normal business. NOPE but we should be.
NOR am I shocked that the non incumbents were given less coverage, in print.
WHY NOT JUST COME OUT AND SAY WHO YOU SUPPORT and that YOU RECEIVE CITY FUNDS to RUN YOUR PAPER and that is..... oh my a breach of ETHICS.... Perhaps even a Conflict of INTEREST?
ANYONE READING THE BLUE MOUNTAIN OUTLOOK SHOULD KNOW IT IS THE TOOL OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (PARTICULARLY THOSE IN REAL ESTATE SALES), AND THE CITY COUNCIL IS A TOOL OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, AND THEY ACT IN THEIR SELF INTEREST NOT YOURS.
From the Email Inbox: It is Not Just Jo.
Dear Gramps their actions and their words don't match:
"I think in no uncertain terms that each of the council members have said we are not going to use eminent domain, and we haven't," Ferre said.
Garcia agrees. "There will be no eminent domain with Jo Stringfield's property," she said. "I am not for it."
The Eminent Domain Reform Needed is not just for Jo Stringfield's Property Rights. IT is for EVERY Citizen In Grand Terrace. The Council has not Changed the City Ordinance 187 to Remove the Use of Eminent Domain. The Council Has not Released Jo Stringfield from the Threat or Notice of Intent or Interest in her Property. THE CITY and These Council Members still have not REMOVED officially by Legal Notice to Jo Stringfiled, or by a Change in the City's Ordinances that Property Rights are Protected in Grand Terrace. Further More Council Member Cortez is Offically listed as being Opposed to the Prop 90 Eminent Domain Reform at the State Level, along with the League of California Cities, they the Council NEED to be Recalled, Replaced and Reformed.
Their Actions not their words to the Reporters should be what is judged. They need to be Removed from the City Council. Their Continued misleading statements should be cause enough.
Gramps: That is the point, I am glad it is clear to you.
The following Exchange was with Stephen Wall of the Sun Telegram and GrandpaTerrace:
---- Original Message ----
From: grandterracenews@yahoo.com
To: stephen.wall@sbsun.com
Subject: RE: And why no interest in GT FOI
Date: Fri, 1 Sep 2006 20:40:31 -0700 (PDT)
>Citizens of GT have asked the city for documents, they have made the
>request in writing, and yet they are given the same run around, and
>the Sun does not take up the challenge of investigating the GT City
>Council and City Manager.
>
> Is it because there were calls or alleged calls to a sex phone line
>that gets the attention of the press?
>
> Just wondering what it takes..
Stephen Wall’s Answer:
"stephen.wall" wrote:
I don't know. Tell us who you are and help us look into it.
GrandpaTerrace’s Answer:
Date: Fri, 1 Sep 2006 21:25:52 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Grand PaTerrace" View Contact Details Add Mobile Alert
Subject: RE: And why no interest in GT FOI
To: "stephen.wall"
Dear Stephen: Here is what has transpired :
Bill asked for the information. IN a formal FOI Letter. He was given some materials after a delay, but not sufficient documents to trace the entire transaction. Then at the last council Meeting Mr. Schwab came up with the verbal explanation he sold the car to Mr. Berry. IF that is true it would be shown with Documents... NONE were provided. IF that is true it was done without public notice.
The Car was purchased with RDA FUNDS a Violation as shown in the State Auditors Report and the Charge Number on the Check written to pay for the Car. The Sale of the Car should have been placed in that fund. But there has been no proof of that offered.
This is a small ice chip of what lies beneath a larger iceberg SHOULD you want to look with your official function as the Legitimate Press.
May I add I will not be telling "US" who Gramps Is or Is not. WHO is the "US" that wants to know and how is that related to the story, that knowing who Gramps is the tilting point for your coverage of the issues in GT?
***********************************************************************
ATTEMPT TO LOCATE CITY ASSETS CONTINUES
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CAR PURCHASED FOR
THE USE CITY MANAGER?
Dear Gramps,
I sent this to Councilman Miller who is in charge of the Traffic Committee. Gramps you may post with my name.
Dear Councilman Miller,
Just the other day I received an email from Mr. Berry regarding the Traffic ad-hock committee. Albeit Vice Chairman Youngman requested Deputy Eversol to speak we are going to be addressed at the next meeting by Lt. Guerra. Mr. Berry relayed the message from Mr. Schwab that any questions we have for the Lt. must first be submitted to him.
I would guess that would eliminate any questions that might embarrass the City or the Sheriff's Office. I am only presuming that spontaneous questions will not be entertained. So, if I may, since you are over Mr. Schwab I would prefer, if you will, to go directly to the top, only because my efforts of dealing with the bottom produced no results. I might add no results that by law I have a right to.
Here Sir, is my question for the Lt. "Lt. Guerra. Here is the Vehicle Identification Number to a City owned 1996 Ford Crown Victoria 2FALP74W6TX185814. Lt. would you please run this number through DMV and tell me what happened to it. City Hall can't." I requested from the City what happened to this vehicle that was used by Mr. Schwab and then replaced by a Dodge Durango Cherry Red in color, which by the way I have not seen at City Hall. Has it also been replaced or lost. The staff at City Hall informs me that no documents exist regarding the Ford.
Thank You.
Bill Hays
Stephen Wall Answered with:
From: "stephen.wall" View Contact Details Add Mobile Alert To: grandterracenews@yahoo.com Subject: RE: And why no interest in GT FOI I will make only one more statement because I don't talk to people who refuse to identify themselves. Colton is being investigated because felony charges were filed against a councilman and another councilman is the subject of a FPPC investigation. If and when law enforcement or government agencies start investigations into Grand Terrace officials, we will write about it. Speaking only for myself, the city of Colton has not been up front and open about the way it does business. I cannot say the same thing for Grand Terrace. I have never been denied access to any documents that I requested or been given the run around like I've gotten in Colton.
"stephen.wall" wrote:
I don't know. Tell us who you are and help us look into it.
GrandpaTerrace Answered:
Interesting but telling thanks...
Here you have it folks. The Sun Telegram is not interested in Covering an Investigation unless Criminal Charges have been filed. They will not follow up on a Lead or a Story even when given a Real Person’s Name as a Contact Point.
The Sun Telegram’s Need to Expose who GrandPaTerrace is clearly motivated by an interest by members of the City Council and City Management not related to the reality of the issue of the Car Deal, the House Deal, the City Management, or the Relationship the city has with being OPEN to the Sun Telegram’s Investigations and Requests. Yeah they print what the City Tells them, Have they ever INVESTIGATED something independent of the City’s Press Releases? NO.
PERHAPS you should call and cancel your subscriptions. Or call Stephen Wall’s Boss.
"I think in no uncertain terms that each of the council members have said we are not going to use eminent domain, and we haven't," Ferre said.
Garcia agrees. "There will be no eminent domain with Jo Stringfield's property," she said. "I am not for it."
Below is Garcia Hearing a review of How SHE has failed the Community and Citizens, yet she takes no actual action to correct the situations mentioned INCLUDING Release of ED THREAT on Jo Stringfield's Property
The Eminent Domain Reform Needed is not just for Jo Stringfield's Property Rights. IT is for EVERY Citizen In Grand Terrace. The Council has not Changed the City Ordinance 187 to Remove the Use of Eminent Domain. The Council Has not Released Jo Stringfield from the Threat or Notice of Intent or Interest in her Property. THE CITY and These Council Members still have not REMOVED officially by Legal Notice to Jo Stringfiled, or by a Change in the City's Ordinances that Property Rights are Protected in Grand Terrace. Further More Council Member Cortez is Offically listed as being Opposed to the Prop 90 Eminent Domain Reform at the State Level, along with the League of California Cities, they the Council NEED to be Recalled, Replaced and Reformed.
Their Actions not their words to the Reporters should be what is judged. They need to be Removed from the City Council. Their Continued misleading statements should be cause enough.
Gramps: That is the point, I am glad it is clear to you.
The following Exchange was with Stephen Wall of the Sun Telegram and GrandpaTerrace:
---- Original Message ----
From: grandterracenews@yahoo.com
To: stephen.wall@sbsun.com
Subject: RE: And why no interest in GT FOI
Date: Fri, 1 Sep 2006 20:40:31 -0700 (PDT)
>Citizens of GT have asked the city for documents, they have made the
>request in writing, and yet they are given the same run around, and
>the Sun does not take up the challenge of investigating the GT City
>Council and City Manager.
>
> Is it because there were calls or alleged calls to a sex phone line
>that gets the attention of the press?
>
> Just wondering what it takes..
Stephen Wall’s Answer:
"stephen.wall"
I don't know. Tell us who you are and help us look into it.
GrandpaTerrace’s Answer:
Date: Fri, 1 Sep 2006 21:25:52 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Grand PaTerrace"
Subject: RE: And why no interest in GT FOI
To: "stephen.wall"
Dear Stephen: Here is what has transpired :
Bill asked for the information. IN a formal FOI Letter. He was given some materials after a delay, but not sufficient documents to trace the entire transaction. Then at the last council Meeting Mr. Schwab came up with the verbal explanation he sold the car to Mr. Berry. IF that is true it would be shown with Documents... NONE were provided. IF that is true it was done without public notice.
The Car was purchased with RDA FUNDS a Violation as shown in the State Auditors Report and the Charge Number on the Check written to pay for the Car. The Sale of the Car should have been placed in that fund. But there has been no proof of that offered.
This is a small ice chip of what lies beneath a larger iceberg SHOULD you want to look with your official function as the Legitimate Press.
May I add I will not be telling "US" who Gramps Is or Is not. WHO is the "US" that wants to know and how is that related to the story, that knowing who Gramps is the tilting point for your coverage of the issues in GT?
***********************************************************************
ATTEMPT TO LOCATE CITY ASSETS CONTINUES
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CAR PURCHASED FOR
THE USE CITY MANAGER?
Dear Gramps,
I sent this to Councilman Miller who is in charge of the Traffic Committee. Gramps you may post with my name.
Dear Councilman Miller,
Just the other day I received an email from Mr. Berry regarding the Traffic ad-hock committee. Albeit Vice Chairman Youngman requested Deputy Eversol to speak we are going to be addressed at the next meeting by Lt. Guerra. Mr. Berry relayed the message from Mr. Schwab that any questions we have for the Lt. must first be submitted to him.
I would guess that would eliminate any questions that might embarrass the City or the Sheriff's Office. I am only presuming that spontaneous questions will not be entertained. So, if I may, since you are over Mr. Schwab I would prefer, if you will, to go directly to the top, only because my efforts of dealing with the bottom produced no results. I might add no results that by law I have a right to.
Here Sir, is my question for the Lt. "Lt. Guerra. Here is the Vehicle Identification Number to a City owned 1996 Ford Crown Victoria 2FALP74W6TX185814. Lt. would you please run this number through DMV and tell me what happened to it. City Hall can't." I requested from the City what happened to this vehicle that was used by Mr. Schwab and then replaced by a Dodge Durango Cherry Red in color, which by the way I have not seen at City Hall. Has it also been replaced or lost. The staff at City Hall informs me that no documents exist regarding the Ford.
Thank You.
Bill Hays
Stephen Wall Answered with:
From: "stephen.wall"
"stephen.wall"
I don't know. Tell us who you are and help us look into it.
GrandpaTerrace Answered:
Interesting but telling thanks...
Here you have it folks. The Sun Telegram is not interested in Covering an Investigation unless Criminal Charges have been filed. They will not follow up on a Lead or a Story even when given a Real Person’s Name as a Contact Point.
The Sun Telegram’s Need to Expose who GrandPaTerrace is clearly motivated by an interest by members of the City Council and City Management not related to the reality of the issue of the Car Deal, the House Deal, the City Management, or the Relationship the city has with being OPEN to the Sun Telegram’s Investigations and Requests. Yeah they print what the City Tells them, Have they ever INVESTIGATED something independent of the City’s Press Releases? NO.
PERHAPS you should call and cancel your subscriptions. Or call Stephen Wall’s Boss.
BEA CORTES, Council Member WON'T PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY RIGHTS
Bea Cortes - City of Grand Terrace Aug 31, 2006
Bea Cortes, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Grand Terrace is officially against Eminent Domain Reform and is Registered as an OPPONENT to Proposition 90 taking the stance of the League of California Cities who is opposed to Eminent Domain Reform.
Proposition 90: Government Acquisition, Regulation of Private Property.
*
*
*
SummaryGovernment Acquisition, Regulation of Private Property. The initiative that reforms -- or cripples, depending on your viewpoint -- eminent domain.
Detail
Bars state and local governments from condemning or damaging private property to promote other private projects, uses.
Limits government’s authority to adopt certain land use, housing, consumer, environmental and workplace laws and regulations, except when necessary to preserve public health or safety.
Voids unpublished eminent domain court decisions. Defines “just compensation.” Government must occupy condemned property or lease property for public use. Condemned private property must be offered for resale to prior owner or owner’s heir at current fair market value if government abandons condemnation’s objective.
Exempts certain governmental actions.
Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: Unknown, but potentially significant major future costs for state and local governments to pay damages and/or modify regulatory or other policies to conform to the measure’s provisions. Unknown, potentially major changes in governmental costs to acquire property for public purposes.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
AES in the News:
AES Power Plan in today's Sun
http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_4264473
The entire article is posted below the meeting announcement. Here is the problem I see.
........
The facility would be located at the northwest corner of Taylor and Pico streets in an industrially zoned area on the site of a former Southern California Edison power plant that was deactivated in 2003. The old power plant, which was built in 1954, will be demolished.
While the city is not the approving agency, it does have a say in the design, layout and other aspects of the project, City Manager Tom Schwab said.
"Just as any other project, we will keep an eye on the environmental impact report and make sure everything is in order," Schwab said.
GrampaTerrace Thinks:
Air Pollution Less than 15000 cars on the 60 freeway: Less than but ADDED TO
Noise Less than the Train HORN: LESS than but Added To
Chemical Risk: Less than but Added To the existing Rail Risk
Schwab's record of keeping an "EYE on the ENVRONMENTAL IMPACT". NOT REASSURING
AND NO MENTION of the PLAN TO PUT IN A HIGH SCHOOL... RIGHT NEXT TO THE SITE.
GIVEN ALL THE "Plans" PERHAPS the POWER PLANT gets a Thumbs UP and the HIGH SCHOOL is put somewhere else. PERHAPS several SMALLER SCHOOLS.
http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_4264473
The entire article is posted below the meeting announcement. Here is the problem I see.
........
The facility would be located at the northwest corner of Taylor and Pico streets in an industrially zoned area on the site of a former Southern California Edison power plant that was deactivated in 2003. The old power plant, which was built in 1954, will be demolished.
While the city is not the approving agency, it does have a say in the design, layout and other aspects of the project, City Manager Tom Schwab said.
"Just as any other project, we will keep an eye on the environmental impact report and make sure everything is in order," Schwab said.
GrampaTerrace Thinks:
Air Pollution Less than 15000 cars on the 60 freeway: Less than but ADDED TO
Noise Less than the Train HORN: LESS than but Added To
Chemical Risk: Less than but Added To the existing Rail Risk
Schwab's record of keeping an "EYE on the ENVRONMENTAL IMPACT". NOT REASSURING
AND NO MENTION of the PLAN TO PUT IN A HIGH SCHOOL... RIGHT NEXT TO THE SITE.
GIVEN ALL THE "Plans" PERHAPS the POWER PLANT gets a Thumbs UP and the HIGH SCHOOL is put somewhere else. PERHAPS several SMALLER SCHOOLS.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
A little More Detail on the Derailment:
Article Launched: 8/30/2006 12:00 AM
In Brief 8-30-06
San Bernardino County Sun
GRAND TERRACE
Railroad crossing to be closed
The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad crossing at Main Street between Transit and Commercial avenues will be closed from Thursday through Monday because of a train derailment last week.
At least nine cars carrying cargo containers left the tracks Saturday in Highgrove, an unincorporated area that borders Grand Terrace to the south, officials said.
Crews will be replacing the damaged tracks, forcing the crossing to be closed.
As an alternate route, commuters can use the Center Street crossing in Highgrove or bypass Main Street and proceed north up Michigan Avenue to Barton Road.
For more information, call the Community Services Department at (909) 430-2001.
GRAMPS SAYS:
THIS SHOULD CONCERN YOU. POWER PLANT, RAIL ROAD 3000 STUDENTS MOST DEPENDENT ON SCHOOL BUS FOR TRANSPORTATION + DERAILMENT OF A TOXIC CHEMICAL OR GAS = A PLANNED EVENT.
LOOK at the AES MEETING NOTICE THIS IS RIGHT NEAR BOTH THE AES and HIGH SCHOOL.
In Brief 8-30-06
San Bernardino County Sun
GRAND TERRACE
Railroad crossing to be closed
The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad crossing at Main Street between Transit and Commercial avenues will be closed from Thursday through Monday because of a train derailment last week.
At least nine cars carrying cargo containers left the tracks Saturday in Highgrove, an unincorporated area that borders Grand Terrace to the south, officials said.
Crews will be replacing the damaged tracks, forcing the crossing to be closed.
As an alternate route, commuters can use the Center Street crossing in Highgrove or bypass Main Street and proceed north up Michigan Avenue to Barton Road.
For more information, call the Community Services Department at (909) 430-2001.
GRAMPS SAYS:
THIS SHOULD CONCERN YOU. POWER PLANT, RAIL ROAD 3000 STUDENTS MOST DEPENDENT ON SCHOOL BUS FOR TRANSPORTATION + DERAILMENT OF A TOXIC CHEMICAL OR GAS = A PLANNED EVENT.
LOOK at the AES MEETING NOTICE THIS IS RIGHT NEAR BOTH THE AES and HIGH SCHOOL.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Remember: Replace & Recall & Reform
City Manager Tom Schwab: Council Member Ferre, Council Member Cortez, Council Member Garcia all chant the same misleading mantra trying to qualify themselves as being responsible financial managers of the city's Finances. "We have a "Reserve of 5 million"... or Nearly 5 Million depending on the rules for rounding up you may use.
*
Here is an interesting article showing the FICTION of their Financial Management.. Please Read it again. We all know having enough cash in the bank for the week or month is not a Measure of GOOD Financial Health. It is Clear the 4 of them want to Continue to Mislead the Public. The Question is... IS THIS WHAT THE PUBLIC WANTS?
Swartfeger Equipment & City Vs. Citizens of GT
Swartfiger Laughing while Citizen addressed the City Council
Swartfiger Equipment INC has a long history with the City of Grand Terrace and City Manager Tom Schwab. Here are a sample of Documents related to the concerns of the citizens. OF Course this will take Longer than 3 Minutes to Read or even to think about. These Documents have been MINED out of City Records.
Swartfeger Equipment Inc. and the City's Management repeatedly fail to Protect Citizens and abide by the Conditions of Operation in their Permits and Regulations. Citizens bringing fortth their concerns have been ridiculed, by Swartfiger and their Management, and this was allowed by the Council Member Ferre as she performed her duties of Mayor. In addition The City Staff headed by City Manager Tom Schwab allowed these citizen concerns to be neglected or disregarded for month after month after month.
This disregard of Citizens Concerns is part of the "Your Comments are Duly Noted" attitude of this Council and City Management that needs to be Reformed. Because the Current Acting Mayor Ms. Ferre repeats that "She is Just" following the Rules... Law of how to conduct the meetings and none of the Council seem willing to challenge or change the current practices there is Need to REPLACE & RECALL & REFORM the Government of Grand Terrace.
The above Documents support the Concerns of the Citizens regarding the Operations of Concern. Swertfeger's Equipment, Inc. of Grand Terrace, California .
Citizens should be protected from excessive noise, dust and fumes, regardless of the zone of the operations. Land use in Grand Terrace is regulated. Well, it may be regulated for Some People and not Others... as we are beginning to learn.
From the Email InBox: Reason to Recall Garcia
Dear Gramps: I find it most interesting that ALL of the cash contributors to Lee Ann Garcia were on the SAME date 12-14-04 including Doug Jacobsen, his broker Jan Brunn of Lee & Associates and the Building Industry Association shown as "BIA" and that was the SAME month that the exclusive development agreement to Jacobsen was voted on by the city council before their Christmas party.
Wouldn't it be interesting to look at those votes, and the dates of each of those check "contributions"? If the checks were before the vote, they could BUY the vote, if they were after the vote they could say THANKS for your vote. OR was it, just cash on the table?
Folks does this look like the appearance of conflict of interest? Do you understand why Garcia must be recalled? This woman is bought and paid for by the supporters as shown and -- by where she spends her extra time off work.
The ethics course will be an eye opener for some of these council persons who do not understand "no conflict of interest" -- except themselves.
http://ag.ca.gov/ethics/index.htm You can use the interactive course or the non interactive one. IF you are in office or running for office you may want to take this course and get certified.
As Grand Terrace Mayor Lee Ann Garcia said, "The future of government is collaboration." Now the counties, cities and schools need to figure out how
to get there.
http://www.calpolicyreform.net/esummaries/072503/index.htm
Conference Manager
Lee Ann Garcia
22997 Jensen Court, Grand Terrace, CA 92313
Phone: (909) 783-0922
Fax: (909) 783-1880
Email: leeann03@pacbell.net
Gramps says: YES ETHICS TRAINING and the PUT THAT TRAINING TO PRACTICE. REMEMBER it is not the JOB of the PUBLIC or the Blog to PROVE there is a Law Broken, it is to call attention to the suspicion. IT is the Job of Law Enforcement, to take action on the report of a possible crime, and the COURT to Hear the Case, and a JURY to Convict or Not.
Collaboration between Levels of Government. The State Will Approve a Power Plant for AES, the City Will Sell the School District Formerly Zoned Light INDUSTRIAL ZONED Property, and the Colton Joint Unified School District will Build a High School for 3000 students and Staff, all in the same block and effectively adjacent to Railroad Tracks where Chemicals in Large Tanks will be traveling.
Will there be an evacuation Plan of having sufficient Buses and drivers ON SITE During School Hours, for immediate Evacuation in the Event of A chlorine Tanker Spill, or Derailment? To Concentrate a Population of Students in the area of high risks is asking for a disasters, more predictable than an Earth Quake.
Yes a New High School Is Needed. However, this proposed site, has risks and traffic flow problems that have not been well thought out.
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