The Melissa Melendez Blog

Council Meeting Update for April 27 - NEW

2010-04-26T01:54:00.005-04:00

So here are the highlights of what is on the agenda for Tuesday...

1) Resolution supporting AB 1645 - this bill, if passed, will force legislators in Sacramento to balance the budget without the use of gimmicks like including "projected" revenue from laws, programs and actions not yet even in place. It also will require the budget to INCLUDE and ACCOUNT for $200 billion in unfunded liabilities.

As an example, the stated predicted (read: prayed for) $1 billion in revenue from selling part of the State Compensation Insurance Fund. That sale didn't happen, but the revenue they hoped for was included in the budget.

2) Consideration of amending the Lake Elsinore Municipal Code (LEMC) to allow for bow fishing on the lake - I have never heard of such a thing, but apparently catching fish with a bow and arrow is not only a popular sport, it's actually pretty effective at keeping populations of unwanted fish like Carp under control. Who knew?

Big Bear hosts an Annual Carp Roundup every year, complete with prizes awarded to teams who bring in the most Carp. Annually, bowfishers at Big Bear Lake take out about 30,000 pounds of carp. Carp are naughty fish, and like to eat the eggs of the sport fish, which we want to keep. Where they will be allowed to bowfish is limited of course, we can't have people shooting off arrows into the water at the beaches and parks.

3) Commercial Design Review for Walgreens drugstore - Walgreens is looking to build on the site where Burger King once was on the corner of Diamond Dr and Mission Trail. There are a few issues relating to how it will effect the existing State Farm Insurance business, which is directly next to the site. Hopefully those can all be worked out to everyone's satisfaction.

Not on the agenda, but still interesting, is a measure that will be on the ballot June 8 for San Diego residents. Proposition B will impose term-limits on their County Board of Supervisors to two terms, each 4 years in length.

Take Two Aspirin and Call Me in the Morning... NEW

2010-04-20T01:18:00.003-04:00

Oh where to begin...

Today I had a conference call to discuss what shall become of the two hospitals Southwest Healthcare Systems runs in our area, those being Inland Valley and Rancho Springs.

In case you missed it, the State has moved to revoke Southwest's license. WIthout a license, you can't operate a hospital. Which means the hospitals would be closed. The move is in response to numerous violations over the past 3 years and the absence of a correction to those violations.

Although the discussion today was interesting, we still don't know what will happen if they lose their license. Will another provider be allowed to run the hospital while the mess is figured out? We don't know.

Each of us on the call made it perfectly clear that not having medical services available is UNACCEPTABLE. Of course, we don't get to make the decision, but we can certainly be a very vocal and loud pain in the neck, as can all of you.

It looks as though if this is the road the state goes down, revocation of the license, that it would not happen until June 1. So don't get sick after that date okay?

I will keep you updated as to what is happening as best I can as more information becomes available.

Monday Musings

2010-04-19T01:41:00.004-04:00

Today's blog is going to have a little something for everyone.

First, let's talk about the budget...the proposed schedule will be such that a study session open to the public will be held May 20th. This is your opportunity to hear what's going on, what will be proposed and weigh in on those items.

Depending on public interest, we will hold the "Budget Game" I spoke of in an earlier post. Now let me say I know one person seemed to misunderstand the purpose of the game. I realize calling it a game in the first place seems to trivialize the issue, but that is certainly not the intent. Real numbers will be used, and as I stated, when conducted in the city of Cupertino, the public's suggestions were used in the final budget. So this is not a "hey let's mess around and play monopoly", this is a way to include residents in the process.

We are still in the General Plan update process. The document is available on the city's website for your viewing pleasure.

As you may have read in the paper, our two hospitals in the area are in danger of essentially being closed down until they can prove to the feds they've got their act together. It is an absolute mess, and I don't have anymore information at this point, but I may have more by Tuesday after my conference call Monday to discuss it.

If you would like to leave your permanent mark in history in the city, Animal Friends of the Valley is selling bricks which will be engraved with the words you choose and placed in the new shelter. It's for a good cause and will allow you to be recognized for years to come without having to build pricey monuments and buildings at taxpayer expense throughout the city the way Senator R, Byrd of West Virginia does it!

And finally, election day is coming, again! On June 8, 2010 you will need (notice I said NEED) to vote for the DA and for the 37th district senator who will represent Lake Elsinore (among many other cities). Don't forget!!

Coffee Talk

2010-04-12T23:19:00.004-04:00

Just a reminder, this Wednesday April 14th I will once again host "Coffee with the Mayor" at Flour Fusion Bakery on Main Street from 9:00-10:30 a.m. I look forward to speaking with you!

Special Election April 13th

2010-04-12T00:28:00.004-04:00

Hello everyone. I want to remind you to GO VOTE THIS TUESDAY APRIL 13th in the special election for the 37th Senate District.

As you may or may not know, our former Senator, John Benoit, was appointed to the Riverside County Board of Supervisors after the death of Supervisor Wilson. We are now without a senator, that is, until Tuesday.

There are 7 people now running for the seat.

Essentially the 37th district covers the western edge of Riverside County, parts of Corona and Norco,Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake, San Jacinto, Hemet,and Perris. A number of unincorporated areas like Romoland and Sun City are also in the district.
Beaumont, Banning, Calimesa, and the unincorporated areas of Cherry Valley and Cabazon, and much of the Coachella Valley is in the district, to include Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Desert Hot Springs, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, and La Quinta.

Only one took the time to come to visit Lake Elsinore and many of our neighboring cities, RUSS BOGH. He came to our city months ago to ask what our needs and concerns were, and subjected himself to a barrage of questions from voters, all wanting to know where he stood on the issues.

Personally, any candidate who can't take the time to come talk to the people he/she wants to represent, doesn't get my vote. I figure, if they can't be bothered now, how much time and attention will that person give us once elected? Likely not much. Which is why I will not vote for anyone who hasn't made the effort to put himself out there for voters to question. None of the other 6 candidates ever set foot in our town.

So, PLEASE GO VOTE TUESDAY APRIL 13th!! If you already have done your homework on the candidates, terrific, cast your vote. If you have not, I urge you to consider voting for RUSS BOGH.

I'm taking a poll...

2010-04-11T00:50:00.003-04:00

Approval of next year's budget is fast approaching. Since it's your money, you should know how it is being spent and why.

The city of Cupertino developed a game called "Balance or Bust". It's sort of like monopoly, but the real budget numbers are used. It was designed by Cupertino to involve their residents in the budget process. In the end, they did use some of the suggestions made by residents in how revenue is spent.

I contacted their mayor, who agreed to share the game with me.

Players are divided up into teams, the first one to balance the budget (responsibly of course) wins. I think it's a great way to get everyone involved and educate folks on where the money goes, and of course get your suggestions.

So...I have a few questions. 1) would you come play? and 2) what day/time would you most likely prefer?

Thanks for your input everyone!!

This is open to all residents, including kids who are old enough to actually play and understand the game. (ie: high school age).

The No Illegal Immigrant Left Behind Act

2010-04-04T23:23:00.005-04:00

In December of 2009, HR 4321, an immigration reform bill, was referred to a house subcommittee. In English, that means it's not dead.

Under the terms of this bill, literally anyone who is in this country illegally, (at the time of the bill's passage) will be eligible for legal permanent residence. Proponents for this bill say this is not all out amnesty. They say it's not amnesty because those illegally here will have to, wait for it, wait for it... pay a fine.

Not just any old fine, a $500 fine! Ouch, boy that's going to hurt. I know what you're thinking. Did she forget a zero? Or two? No, I did not. It's $500. To receive permanent legal residence all that will be required is to pay a $500 fine.

On average, one illegal alien family costs American taxpayers $10,000 per year. So $500 dollars ought to cover it right? Now if an illegal alien says “I can’t pay the fine”, well, no problem. The bill proposes they still get their amnesty. No sense in letting a pesky fine get in the way of becoming an American right?

State and local police would no longer be able to report bad guys to DHS or ICE, and as an added bonus, the successful, efficient and not nearly used enough E-Verify employment verification system would go to the boneyard.
Protecting our country's borders would diminish (read: no more border fence) and Border Patrol agents will be required to take special training to learn how not to frighten illegal immigrant children trying to cross the border. Seriousy, I’m not making that one up.

Proponents claim ICE agents will still be able to do their job. But only as long as their enforcement actions don’t take place within the vicinity of a school, a childcare provider, a legal-service provider, an administrative building, a funeral home, a cemetery, a college, university, or community college, a hospital, a health care clinic, a place of worship, a day care center, a head start center, a school bus stop, a recreation center, a mental health facility, or a community center. Well, that sure makes it easier now doesn’t it?

The definition of “vicinity” remains unclear. Does that mean within 50 feet, 100 yards, or as long as you can spot one of these places on the horizon using your high-powered binoculars?

There are 11 million illegal immigrants in this country, and 3 million of them live in California.

According to a report by the Federation for American Immigration Reform,

“California's nearly 3 million illegal immigrants cost taxpayers nearly $9 billion each year.
Educating the children of illegal immigrants is the largest cost, estimated at $7.7 billion each year, according to the report. Medical care for illegal immigrants and incarceration of those who have committed crimes are the next two largest expenses measured in the study, the author said. Jack Martin, who wrote the report, said Thursday that the $9 billion figure does not include other expenses that are difficult to measure, such as special English instruction, school lunch programs, and welfare benefits for American workers displaced by illegal immigrant workers.”

Contact members of Congress to let them know how you feel about H.R. 4321, sooner rather than later. After all, it is your money.

Free For All - NEW

2010-03-30T22:06:00.003-04:00

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

2010-03-21T23:29:00.003-04:00

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

2010-03-11T16:41:00.002-05:00

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

2010-03-08T01:42:00.008-05:00

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

2010-03-05T19:38:00.002-05:00

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

2010-03-01T01:28:00.004-05:00

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

Council Meeting Results

2010-02-25T22:22:00.005-05:00

Tuesday was an interesting day. We had the recall election, which failed. Councilman Buckley will retain his position on the council. It's just too bad the taxpayers have to foot the bill for an election that clearly by the results, no one wanted to see succeed.

We also heard the appeal made by Trevi owner Michel Knight. There was much discussion, but in the end we voted not to revoke his C.U.P. at this time. Rather, we made an offer; Trevi brings everything up to code standards and agrees to drop the lawsuits he has brought against the city. He has until March 23 to accept the offer. If he does not accept, his C.U.P will be revoked.

Tough Times, Simple Solution

2010-02-15T01:43:00.004-05:00

http://www.thetreasurebox.org/video.php

Elsinore First Assembly, located at 19740 Grand Avenue has teamed up with an organization called Treasure Box.

This organization provides quality nutritious food for significantly less than what you would pay at the grocery store.

The food is name brand and costs $30 per box. If you click on the link at the top of this post you can watch the news video about this organization.

This is not government assistance. This is not food stamps or WIC.

We have a lot of folks out of a job. We have seniors who are having a tough time paying the bills. We have families struggling. We have kids who are hungry and parents who can't afford to feed them.

This organization may be the help you need during these tough times.

**I have not tried the food myself so I cannot comment on the quality**

Pick up is at Elsinore First Assembly once a month. Go to www.thetreasurebox.org/pr to order. You must pre-order your box.

Tidbits

2010-02-15T00:48:00.004-05:00

I thought I would share a few items of interest with all of you.

1) Plan were submitted the week of Feb 1st for a new Italian Restaurant called Grapes & Tomatoes, to be located in the Canyon Hills Shopping Center. That's good news, we could use more restaurants.

2) Last week, roughly 300 people from the Lambs Fellowship worked in the city to help those in need. Volunteers worked on two properties. One was a home owned by a 101 year old woman who was in desperate need of roof repairs.

3) The other home, occupied by a senior citizen, had no landscaping in the front yard, just dirt. Volunteers helped to landscape the front yard. Looks like good things happen when the community pulls together to help each other out.

4) Plans are still going forward for Walgreens to move into the old Burger King site on Mission Trail. They submitted their initial plans in January.

5) Saturday auditions were held at the Diamond Stadium to select who will sing the National Anthem on opening day, April 8th. And no, I don't know who won!

6) The recall election is set for Tuesday, February 23rd, which is next week. No matter your opinion, you need to vote. This election could be decided by one vote, will it be yours?

Feb 9 Council Meeting Stats

2010-02-08T01:06:00.004-05:00

First, to those of you who visited this site earlier today and instead found an obnoxious Go Daddy advertisement, SORRY! I don't know what happened, but it was fixed fairly quickly.

And now, the update on what we'll be looking at on Feb 9th.

PUBLIC HEARING
1) Resolution declaring weeds, rubbish, refuse and dirt a nuisance: property owners to be notified.

There are about 8,200 vacant properties subject to this notification. If the resolution is adopted, notices will be mailed to these property owners. They will be asked to abate the weeds, rubbish, etc. or they will be assessed the cost for the city to conduct the abatement.

BUSINESS ITEMS
1) Consideration of Citizens Activity Teams Volunteer Program

This is a program brought forward by Mayor Pro Tem Bhutta. It is a program designed to use volunteers from the community for services such as: mail delivery between city facilities, light clerical, reception desk, illegal sign removal, on-site work at City Yard, Senior Center, Lake facilities, citizens patrol, business patrol, shoreline patrol, parking/traffic control, event assistance, neighborhood watch.

The estimated cost to implement the program without grant funding is $6,000.00
The estimated cost to implement with grant funding is $3,500.00

2) Modification to Grading Permit for the project known as La Strada

The applicant is requesting a modification to their grading permit to allow quarry/processing of material on-site, as well as acceptance of an addendum to their Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND). An MND is a document that shows how an applicant will reduce the effects their project will have on the environment (ie: air quality, noise, biological resources, transportation, etc.)

Recall Information

2010-02-06T20:09:00.004-05:00

I know there has been a lot of media coverage about the recall over the past few days. I thought I would try to clear some things up.

First, I personally had no idea that any raids were going to be conducted anywhere. I found out when the press called me and asked if I knew what was going on. Imagine my surprise when the reporter asked if I'd heard anything interesting going on? I said no, have you? He said, actually yes, I have.

Second, I have absolutely no idea whatsoever why they searched City Hall. I also didn't know about that one until the press called me asking questions. Nothing like being the last to know. Although in this case, I'm not even the last to know, since no one has told me anything.

If they are looking at campaign finance forms and land purchases, that's all public record so they would not need a search warrart to look at those items. So I really don't know what they were looking for and they sure aren't telling anyone.

So, the short answer is I know only what I have read in the paper. I wish I had more information, but I don't. Guess we'll just have to keep watching the papers.

If you have any questions I'll answer them as best I can but at this point I don't have much to offer.

Coffee Talk

2010-02-04T00:06:00.006-05:00

Hello again everyone! This post will be short and sweet, but I do have a bit of news to share with you.

Every second Wednesday of the month, from 9:00 - 10:00-ish, I will host a "Coffee with the Mayor" at Flour Fusion Bakery on Main Street.

This is a chance for residents and business owners to come by and let me know what's on their minds, get answers to their questions, or just come by to introduce themselves to me.

I know how much most people hate the thought of standing at that podium with the camera on them at a council meeting to make a comment.

So...let's take a more informal approach once a month shall we?

I hope if you have the time you'll stop by. The first Coffee is next Wednesday, February 10th, and it's my treat!

Bus Pass, Please

2010-01-29T20:58:00.008-05:00

From the LA Times today - "State lawmakers are taking aim at what some of them see as a menace to California's environment: free parking.There is too much of it, the legislators say, and it encourages people to drive instead of taking the bus, walking or riding a bike. All that motoring is contributing to traffic jams and pollution, according to state Sen. Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach), and on Thursday he won Senate approval of a proposal he hopes will prompt cities and businesses to reduce the availability of free parking."Free parking has significant social, economic and environmental costs," Lowenthal said. "It increases congestion and greenhouse gas emissions."

So, this CRAZY bill is supported by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the Sierra Club. Big shock there. Essentially they want to bribe cities into participating by offering "incentives" (money) to get rid of free parking, and basically force all of us to ride the bus.

They want to eliminate all free parking, and I'm not just talking about in the downtown areas of a city. I mean, your grocery stores, doctor's office, malls, movie theatres, etc. All to save the planet. Apparently our state legislators, or I should say those who are voting in favor of this nonsense, think that we A) need to save the planet (from what I don't know) and B) California should be single-handedly responsible for doing so.

I wonder if Senator Lowenthall rides the bus to work?

He will be termed out in 2012 so no one will get the chance to boot him out, sadly.

However, he is running for Lieutenant Governor this year. Send him an email to tell him what you think about this.

Here's his website:
http://dist27.casen.govoffice.com/

Let him know what you think about his bright idea to take away your free parking. When you do, maybe you should also tell him you're planning on donating to his opponent's campaign.
Just a thought.

You can read the full bill by clicking here.

Council Happenings Jan 26th

2010-01-26T02:08:00.005-05:00

Here's a rundown of what's on the agenda for Tuesday night's council meeting.

1) Extention of Interim Urgency Ordinance of temporary prohibition against establishment and operation of all marijuana manufacturing activities.

This will extend the moratorium by 10 months and 15 days, expiring December 20, 2010, So all things marijuana would have to wait until all discrepencies pertaining to federal and state law are resolved.

2) Police Department purchase of camera system

Our Police Chief has requested the use of funds from the Asset Forfeiture Fund to purchase a vehicle-mounted camera. The camera can read up to 4 license plates at a time and recognize if it's a stolen vehicle and immediately alert the officer.

3) Climate Action Plan (CAP) consultant selection

Sadly, our state legislature and governor signed into law AB 32 and SB 375, which relate to the hysteria about CO2 emmissions and so-called Green House Gases that will apparently kill us all, some day, about 2,000 years from now. The bills are bad for California businesses and residents and will surely further cripple the state financially. Nevermind the fact that other huge CO2 emitting countries have said "Fat chance we'll ever follow those rules! " Apparently it's up to Californian's to save the planet, one job loss at a time.

Since that's the law, we now have to comply with the ridiculous and onerous regulation of having a Climate Action Plan. This is a vote on the selection of a firm to prepare the plan.

4) Appointment of Ad Hoc Sub-Committee to review Draft General Plan

I want this committee formed so we have as many eyes as possible picking through the General Plan to make sure we get it right. Brown Act rules dictate that no more than two council members may be on this committee.

State Budget Woes

2010-01-22T20:10:00.005-05:00

I thought it would be good for everyone to see what the current situation is relating to our state budget. It's long, I know, but worth the time to read. It affects us tremendously as taxpayers and business owners. Below is a letter to the Governor and state legislators. It's a pretty clear message. Please take the time to contact your state legislators to let them know you don't want to go into the red any more, and they need to dig in and fix the problem. A real leader isn't afraid to do the right thing, even if it means scorn and backlash from select interest groups.

Dear Governor and Legislative Leaders:
As State Controller, it is my responsibility to keep you informed of California’s cash condition and the threats that can prevent the State from meeting its payment obligations in a timely manner. While our current cash condition is marginally better than it was one year ago, it is still precarious. I respectfully urge you to swiftly address the State’s projected budget and cash shortfalls for the remainder of the current fiscal year and the next in order to protect California’s economic recovery, continue the financing of public works projects, and prevent Californians hurt by the recession from experiencing even greater financial hardship.

My analysis of the Governor’s recently released revenue and expenditure estimates shows that the State’s cash position for the remainder of the current fiscal year will be weak from approximately March 30 through April 21. This upcoming shortfall is shallower in depth and shorter in duration than the State’s cash problems in the spring of 2009, when the problem started earlier in the year and grew progressively worse with each passing month. According to my projections, California will drop below its $2.5 billion prudent minimum cash balance on March 30 by $1.3 billion. On April 1, the State will be in the red by $197 million, and our resources to pay bills are not expected to return to safe levels until April 21.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, such as a spike in expenditures or precipitous decline in revenues, $2.7 billion in cash solutions are necessary to avoid a cash shortage in the current fiscal year.

The Governor’s spending plan proposes a variety of budget solutions to be enacted during the current Proposition 58 special session. If fully adopted, these solutions have a cash value of $1.3 billion that will be realized during the remaining months of the current fiscal year. The blue line in the attached chart demonstrates that even with the adoption of the Governor’s proposed solutions, the State’s cash position drops below the $2.5 billion prudent minimum by nearly $700 million on March 31. The next day, it drops to $541 million and remains below safe levels until April 16.

Even with the passage of the Governor’s proposed budget solutions during the current special session, at least another $2 billion in cash solutions are required to protect our cash balance in the current fiscal year alone.

Should you fail to make any progress on the combined $19.9 billion two-year budget problem during the current special session and allow a stalemate to continue into the new fiscal year, you will once again face the difficult task of averting a cash crisis beginning in July. The State’s cash position will drop below the $2.5 billion prudent cushion during the middle of July, and starting July 29, our cash deficit will reach a negative $1.1 billion. As the red line in the attached chart shows, from that date forward, the State’s inability to meet all of its payment obligations in a timely fashion and the severity of its cash problems will amplify with each passing week and month.

There is limited time for you to act. Some may suggest that you wait because California’s economy is turning around and the May Revision will contain more reliable revenue and expenditure forecasts for these two fiscal years. While I agree California’s economy does show very modest signs of recovery, I strongly disagree that the General Fund’s cash problem can wait another four months or more before action is required.
While reasonable minds may disagree about the solutions, there is no room for debate about the folly of doing nothing. Inaction ignores the projected cash shortfall which we face in less than 70 days, squanders valuable time needed to align State spending with its revenues, and fails to take into account the following:

Cash solutions need time in order to be realized. For example, reductions in payments that are scheduled for later in the year cannot help the cash shortage we face in the near term;
Inaction compromises the ability to implement the necessary programmatic changes in time to achieve the full year benefit of your 2010-11 solutions;

The monthly cash balances displayed on the accompanying chart already include the approximately $20 billion in special funds that are available for internal borrowing. These are the special funds established to address issues that include preventing oil spills, stopping lead poisoning in children, and controlling air pollution. These loans cannot interfere with the operations of the special funds and must be repaid upon demand. In addition, the cash balances of these special funds can drop precipitously and without notice; and

If I am forced to implement emergency cash management measures, I must act before the State’s treasury is depleted. Depending on numerous factors, including how much cash needs to be conserved or the market conditions for borrowing, I may have to act weeks in advance of the projected depletion date.

Late last week, I mailed notices to 89,000 individuals and businesses that unfortunately still have not cashed their registered warrants, or IOUs, from last summer’s cash crisis. I remain hopeful that once the outstanding IOUs are redeemed, we can close this shameful chapter in our State’s history. Only you can prevent history from repeating this year. If solutions are slow to emerge and if they are neither credible nor sustainable, California will once again be unable to timely meet all of its payment obligations and my office will be forced to seek costly emergency financing, or conserve cash by delaying payments or issuing IOUs. With the window narrowing to address the State’s budget and cash challenges, I respectfully request your prompt action. My office is at your service for any help we can provide.

Sincerely,
Original signed by
JOHN CHIANG
California State Controller

Storm Related Update

2010-01-22T00:46:00.005-05:00

The City’s EOC is currently at a Management Watch level with regards to the response to the storm activities.

There are several issues that we are currently dealing with:

- Power outages affecting approximately 950 SCE customers including the City Yard, the Home Depot and Target shopping centers, and various traffic signals. SCE initially indicated that power could be off for up to 16 hours in some areas.

- Small rock slide on Railroad Canyon Road in the area of the previous rock slide. The safety fencing and barricades installed after the last rock slide held and contained the rocks.

- Road flooding and debris and mud in the roads throughout the City. Signs have been posted in the worst areas.

- Temescal Canyon Road is closed at Lake Street.

- Spring Street is closed at Limited for EVMWD work relating to flooding of sewer system.

- The City of Canyon Lake has notified the City that they closed Railroad Canyon Road at Sorrel Street due to flooding from Salt Creek. Lake Elsinore staff has assist by locating a message board on Railroad Canyon at Grape Street notifying drivers of the closure.

- Staff is monitoring the flow of the San Jacinto River between the Canyon Lake dam and Lake Elsinore due to the heavy flow over the dam.

City crews from Public Works, the Lake Department and the Recreation Department have been working to respond to the various issues and problems caused by the storm. Crews will be working through the weekend as needed to respond to storm related issues. Numerous streets have developed pot holes due to the rain. The pot holes will be repaired once the rain stops and the streets have a chance to drain and dry out. The winds could cause trees to uproot due to rain saturated soils.

Sandbags are available at the Lake Elsinore City Yard and local Fire Stations - City residents who need sandbags may come to the City Yard anytime to obtain empty bags that can be filled with gravel or sand. The City Yard is located at 521 North Langstaff Street, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530.

Trevi Update

2010-01-20T00:52:00.003-05:00

Tuesday evening, January 19th, the Planning Commission voted 3-1 to revoke Trevi Entertainment Center's Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to hold nightly entertainment.

Commissioners Zanelli, Mendoza and Flores voted for revocation. Commissioner Gonzalez recused himself from the vote due to having a family member employed by Trevi, and Commissioner O'Neal voted against revocation.

The bowling alley, rooms for rent for parties such as birthdays, showers, wedding reception, etc. are not effected by the revocation.

Recall Election Forum

2010-01-15T22:09:00.004-05:00

A forum will be held Thursday, January 21st at the Tuscany Hills Clubhouse. This will give residents a chance to ask questions of councilman Buckley, who is being recalled in a special election on February 23, 2010.

The forum will also have as guests the three candidates seeking to replace councilman Buckley, who are Jimmy Flores, Steve Manos and Phil Mendoza.

The forum is from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Tuscany Hills Recreation Center, located on the corner of Summerhill and Via Scenica.

Go all the way up Summerhill until the road flattens out, you'll start to go downhill a bit, Via Scenica is on the left at a crosswalk.

The event is sponsored by the Lake Elsinore Citizens Committee.

Committee leader Donna Franson is accepting e-mailed questions from the public, which can be sent to donnatom7@verizon.net