Free For All - NEW

Someone asked for another free for all, so here you go. The blog is hardly dying out though, last week I had over 1,000 people each day viewing it!

So, what's on your mind folks?

I figured it out

Finally, I figured it out. I have encountered signature gatherers for several weeks now, wanting me to sign a petition that "guarantees district lines will be drawn by a Citizens Commission".

First, let me say that this initiative HAS ALREADY PASSED. Way back in 2008, Prop 11 was passed which gave control of redistricting the STATE legislature to a Citizen Commission. It's a done deal.

District lines being very important of course when voting time comes around. The current district lines are, well, crazy. And they were drawn that way to make sure incumbents keep their seats, FOREVER, or until they die in their chair, whichever comes first. See, all you have to do is draw the district line around the area which has mostly people of your own political party, and bingo, you are a shoe-in every election cycle.

Back to the point, the signature gatherers.

Nancy Pelosi, current Speaker of the House, California's very own, wants control of district lines to be snatched from the hands of the public and given BACK to the state legislature. Gee, I wonder why?

To give the power back to the state, political types who don't want you to decide their fate are pushing a new initiative they hope to get on the ballot THIS NOVEMBER.

The initiative is called FAIR, the Financial Accountability in Redistricting Act.

FAIR "consolidates authority for redistricting with ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES."

It would also be embedded in the state's constitution.

Which means it would require a two-thirds vote to ever change it. (read: when hell freezes over)

So, you may encounter two different types of petition gatherers.

One type will be legitimate in their fight for your best interests. They are gathering signatures for an initiative that would have a Citizens Commission ALSO decide district lines for the state's CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS. (ie:Pelosi and her ilk).

The other type of signature gatherers will be the ones who are with FAIR. Those with the Financial Accountability in Redistricting Act (FAIR) must gather 694,354 signatures by July 5 to get it on the ballot. They must also use PAID signature gatherers.

So, if they want your signature to set up a Citizen Commission to decide district lines for congressional districts, go ahead and give em' your John Hancock. (that's a signature for those of you under the age of 35).

If they want your signature for Financial Accountability in Redistricting Act (FAIR), BEWARE! And hang on with both hands to what little control we have left in our lives. Don't sign it.

Grand Jury Opportunity

Interested in being on the Riverside County Grand Jury? Well, now is your chance!

The objective is to have at least six well-qualified candidates from each county supervisorial district. Likewise, we need broad representation indicative of all cognizable groups within the county.

Details of the selection requirements are attached. Most important, please provide a copy of the application and information to persons that are able to:

* Serve for one full year with only a two-week vacation;
* Work with others toward group decisions and consensus;
* Have good verbal and written communication skills; and
* Set aside any preconceived bias or personal agendas.


The application deadline is April 16, 2010.


If you would like an application, email me at mmelendez@lake-elsinore.org


Please have any persons with questions contact Gail Soursais, Grand Jury Secretary at (951) 955-8990.

March 9 Council Update

DON'T FORGET, THIS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9 IS MY "COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR" AT FLOUR FUSION ON MAIN ST. FROM 9:00-10:30. COME TALK TO ME!


Here are the items of interest on the agenda for Tuesday, March 9, 2010.

Item number #7 - Use of State Prop 1b funds for pavement rehab of city streets.
Staff is proposing using Prop 1b funds to repair two roads: Sumner Ave. from Main to Chaney, and Heald Ave from Main to Chaney. The estimated cost is $705,000.00

Staff also proposes using Prop 42 (Gas Tax) money to pay for the Design Phase of these repairs, in the amount of $20,000.00

We as a city have until 2013 to spend the funds appropriated, or I guess the state takes it back. Even though it was ours to begin with, but please, don't get me started on that.



Item #8 - GO-Pass Program. This is a cooperative effort between RTA and Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) . It allows registered students of MSJC to board all RTA fixed route buses at no charge.

The Southcoast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) disperses taxes collected from AB2766 for programs like this one to cities. Assembly Bill 2766 (AB2766) was passed to help alleviate traffic congestion, air pollution and parking problems.


The cost to the city for one year is $1,081.00. The money would come from funds the city receives from AQMD as mentioned above. The money is taken from the taxpayers, then you get just a little back, but you have to spend it on what they feel is an appropriate use of taxpayer money. How's THAT for irony?


Item #16 - Report on the Mid-Year status of the budget
The online staff report for this item incorrectly states the city anticipates a reduction in revenue of $1. This should read $1 million.

Staff anticipates $1 million less in revenue this year.
Last year about 1 million was taken from the Rainy Day Fund to balance the budget. We apparently did not need that much due to a reduction in expenses in Fire, Police and Parks & Rec.

So, staff proposes using the money we didn't need last year and using it this year, along with taking an additional $245,000 to cover the $1 million shortfall in revenue.

The shortfall in revenue comes from 1) decrease in property tax 2) decrease in sales tax 3) decrease in Fire Tax Credit

If approved, it would leave roughly 6 1/2 million in reserve funds.


To view more detailed staff reports for all agenda items, click on the title of this post.

Senate Candidate

Hi everyone! This Saturday, March 6th, 37th District Senate candidate Russ Bogh will be at the Starbucks on Grape Street in Lake Elsinore from 10:30-12:00.

This is an opportunity for you to meet him and ask questions before voting in the special election on April 13, 2010.

See you there!

The Latest Scoop - NEW

Who says there isn't anything new going on?

1) New businesses in town
Golden Chopsticks Restaurant on Collier
Sea Food Restaurant on Mission Trail
Giovanni & Isaacs Art & Antiques on Main Street
Total Performance Auto Repair on Corydon

2) The School District wants to expand Tuscany Hills Elementary School

3) We are waiting for a use agreement from the School District for Terra Cotta Joint Use Gymnasium. It has been open for use by the school district since October. It has not been open for resident use to date. The city (taxpayers) chipped in $750,000 for the gym.

4) The Outhouse Campground, busted for property maintenance issues and nuisance issues.

5) We may have a new event in town, The Warrior Dash. Event organizers originally wanted to hold it at Temescal Canyon Road, but the county said no. Organizers are now in communication with the Storm Stadium to host the event there on April 10th and 11th. Are you a warrior?
Click the link to see what it's all about http://www.warriordash.com/index.php