Stick em' up!!

And now, a few words about our state budget and how it affects us locally. First, I must count to ten, and take a deep breath.

Okay, here goes... the state wants to "borrow" some of our money. Without asking permission first, of course. In the proposed budget agreement, "the state would borrow $1.9 billion in property taxes and take $1.7 billion from redevelopment agencies."

I'll do my best to explain, but keep in mind it's still cloudy, even for those who have actually SEEN the budget proposal.

The $1 billion in transportation funds was taken off the table. WHEW! That’s at least one bit of good news.

So the state will borrow some of our money, then we will borrow money to replace the money they borrowed. They will pay back the money, and they will pay the interest accrued. (the borrowing will be in the form of short-term bonds) Are you confused yet? No? Okay, I'll keep going.

They also want to take RDA money, but I believe they will grant agencies a time extension of their housing requirements by law.

Based on the proposed state budget plan, initial estimates indicate that the City would be required to give up $684,923 in property tax. Not exactly chump change is it?

How much will be taken from the RDA remains to be seen.

I should point out that the first round of proposals were FAR more scary than what we have now. Not that I like what we are faced with now. I just thought I'd point out the unseemly potential of some members of our state legislature.

I should also point out that my facts and figures are preliminary from a city budget perspective.

Now would be a great time to send an email to state elected officials to let them know how you feel about this. Go to my home page, http://www.talk2melissa.com/ and click on the Local, State and Federal Resources link. From there you can find all of the representatives and how to contact them.

Sink or Swim - Part I

There have been many references to the lake lately on this blog site. So I'm going to take a stab at answering some of the questions.

First, Waters Edge - The developer is still moving forward, but slowly now that the economy has tanked. Does anyone else get tired of hearing that?

A letter of understanding has been prepared with the developer and consulting firm with respect to the excavation of the back basin for the project. Translation - they will have to move dirt to do the project. The dirt also HAS TO COME FROM THE AREA SURROUNDING THE LAKE. You can't import dirt. Not my rule, but it is the rule.

The California Department of Fish and Game has a say in all of this, and as you know, any time a government agency gets involved, you can count on it taking longer than necessary.

Second - development around the lake, like a gas station, restaurant, etc.
Much of the shoreline, actually most of it, is privately owned by John Q. Citizen. If one wants to build on the lake, they have to build it above a certain elevation, due to the threat of flood. Again, not my rule, that comes from higher above, and now we're talking FEMA and other agencies who get to have a say in what we do.

Remember, we do have a property owner who successfully attained approval to open a bait & tackle shop on property on the lake. Of course it sits back quite a distance from the lake's edge, so the 100-year flood plain and elevation issues was not a problem. Lucky guy. And he did so by requesting a conditional use permit (CUP). Smart guy too.

What we really need is a marina to tie up the boat, complete with a place to get gas, a convenience market to get your chips, ice and beer/soda, and somewhere to get that hot lunch.

And that, my friends, is where the Waters Edge project comes in, as well as the rehab of the boat launch by the campgrounds.

So, everyone go out and spend, spend, spend to get the economy going again!!

This is part one, and I know there will be a lot of comments on this one, so I anticipate a part II.

Those of you who have been here a long time, let me hear it! And those of you in the planning or development world, let's hear it from you too!

Shameless Plug

Thanks to the Californian for giving me a rose! Always nice to be appreciated.



The 'Voice of the People' award

A rose to Lake Elsinore Councilwoman Melissa Melendez, who has made her Web site interactive, allowing residents to add their ideas, comments and opinions to her blog not just for her to see, but for anyone who's interested. It's a step beyond e-mail ---- which people are also able to do, of course ---- allowing full-on discussions of city issues.

Politicians always say they are in tune with their constituents. Melendez is making it easier for them to get her ear.

Talk to her at www.talk2melissa.com.

Check out the Storm!

Check out the story about our Lake Elsinore Storm in the LA Times!

Click on the Post Title above to go directly to the story.

Tarzan's House

Just to let everyone know, this item has been continued, at the request of the owner, until the August 11th meeting.

You Tarzan, Me Jane

Up for a vote at this Tuesday night's council meeting is whether or not to place a certain house into Structure Abatement. This particular house is rumored to have once been owned by Johnny Weissmuller, a.k.a. Tarzan. I have yet to see any proof that he owned and/or lived there, but if he did, I am certain someone out there will let me know.

This house sits atop a hill, plainly visible from the 15 freeway. It's big, it's white, and it's often tagged with graffiti. If you go to the end of Main Street, toward the 15 freeway on/off ramp and look up, there it is.

In its current condition, the house is structurally unsound and would require extensive work, time and money to bring it up to code to make it habitable.

However, included on the grounds is not only the house, but a pool house as well, complete with an olympic sized pool! So all one would need is the patience, time and money to have one extraordinary home with a breathtaking view.

Structure Abatement is a means by which a determination of the future of the house will be made, ie: force owner to rehabilitate, clean it up and keep it cleaned up, or move toward demolition.

The house has been vacant for over 20 years now, which is a shame, since it boasts probably the best view in the city.

The Lake Elsinore Historical Society has issued a letter expressing their desire to not tear the house down.

Before anyone suggests it, the city is not going to buy the house, sorry!

So let's hear it, should it stay or should it go?

Business Brainstorming

The city of Lake Elsinore contracted with the Buxton Company last year to enlist their help and expertise in identifying businesses that “match up” with our goals.

We only recently received the list of businesses Buxton feels are good matches for our city, and while some of them make sense, I can’t help but think that there is one critical element missing – what WE really want.

Yes, I know they are industry experts. But just because they say Jack-in-the-Box is a match, that doesn’t necessarily mean we want one.

Of course there are a number of stores/restaurants I WANT, but that doesn’t mean I will get them. However, how do you really know, unless you ask?

So, I am soliciting input from the real experts on what types of businesses would be successful in Lake Elsinore – those of you who live here.

Post a blog here on my site about what you would like to see. I will take that information to the rest of the council, always best to share information, and then everyone knows what is expected, and we can divide and conquer!

We need to start “courting” some of these businesses, explain to them why they’re missing out by not coming here, and show some real interest. The most important part of all of this, of course, is to make it easy for them to come once they show interest. Having to jump through 900 hoops just isn’t the way to attract business now is it?

I’m looking forward to seeing what you have to say! Click here and let me know!