The Melissa Melendez Blog

March 9 Council Update - NEW

mmelendez@lake-elsinore.org (Melissa Melendez) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 06:42:00 +0000

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

mmelendez@lake-elsinore.org (Melissa Melendez) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:38:00 +0000

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

mmelendez@lake-elsinore.org (Melissa Melendez) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:28:00 +0000

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

mmelendez@lake-elsinore.org (Melissa Melendez) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 03:22:00 +0000

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

mmelendez@lake-elsinore.org (Melissa Melendez) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 06:43:00 +0000

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

mmelendez@lake-elsinore.org (Melissa Melendez) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 05:48:00 +0000

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

mmelendez@lake-elsinore.org (Melissa Melendez) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 06:06:00 +0000

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

mmelendez@lake-elsinore.org (Melissa Melendez) — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 01:09:00 +0000

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

mmelendez@lake-elsinore.org (Melissa Melendez) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 05:06:00 +0000

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

mmelendez@lake-elsinore.org (Melissa Melendez) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 01:58:00 +0000

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

mmelendez@lake-elsinore.org (Melissa Melendez) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 07:08:00 +0000

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

mmelendez@lake-elsinore.org (Melissa Melendez) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 01:10:00 +0000

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

mmelendez@lake-elsinore.org (Melissa Melendez) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 05:46:00 +0000

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

mmelendez@lake-elsinore.org (Melissa Melendez) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 05:52:00 +0000

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

mmelendez@lake-elsinore.org (Melissa Melendez) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 03:09:00 +0000

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

Run Like The Wind Sparky!

mmelendez@lake-elsinore.org (Melissa Melendez) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 05:59:00 +0000

The issue is settled, the lower baseball field will continue to be used as a dog park M-F between the hours of 6:30 - 10:30. No complaints by the athletic teams, nor by any residents at the meeting. The council reserves the right to discontinue use should it become a nuisance or problem. The dog park at Rosetta Canyon will open hopefully by the end of February.

Jan 12 Council Meeting Update

mmelendez@lake-elsinore.org (Melissa Melendez) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 04:06:00 +0000

Hello everyone! There is really only one item of interest on the council agenda this Tuesday, and that is the Dog Park.

You may recall that a temporary dog park was established at McVicker Park in October. It was decided that during that time frame, staff would find an alternate location for a permanent dog park so Spot and Fido could go burn off some energy instead of chewing up their owner's favorite pair of Espadrilles. (for the men out there, those are shoes)

The reason for this is the temporary location at McVicker is a baseball field, which is used by athletic leagues. Since there was great concern about having a mixed use facility, staff was directed to find an alternate facility. The baseball players didn't want to chance having to slide into "land mines" left behind, nor did the parents who take their kids there to play.

So staff identified an area in Rosetta Canyon for the dog park, which will be ready around the end of February.

The options before us are:

A) Comply with the original agreement of a 3 month trial period, which expires Januay 14, and end use of the ball field as a dog park.

B) Allow continued use until the permanent facility at Rosetta Canyon officially opens, and at that time use of the ball field as dog park.

C) Allow the ball field to remain a dog park, in addition to opening the one at Rosetta Canyon.

As an FYI, the city is responsible for the cost of maintaining any and all parks, including those for dogs.

I've already received several comments about this issue, but there's certainly room for more!

Promises, Promises

mmelendez@lake-elsinore.org (Melissa Melendez) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 20:13:00 +0000

I'm making good on a promise that I made during the campaign...I am starting an intern program for high school juniors and seniors.

It's an opportunity for our kids to actually BE INVOLVED in their community, how about that?

If you click on the Title "Promises, Promises" above, it will take you to an article with all the information.

Interested students can email me for an application at mmelendez@lake-elsinore.org

Good luck to the students, and remember, no parents aloud!

Let me know what you think.

Free For All Sunday

mmelendez@lake-elsinore.org (Melissa Melendez) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 01:20:00 +0000

Happy New Year Everyone!

Okay, now is your chance to tell me what's on your mind, the good, the bad and the ugly.

If you have something you like, let me know.

If there is something you have a question about, I'm happy to answer.

If you have a suggestion or complaint, call city hall. Just kidding! I want to hear that too, just please, please be constructive when offering criticism.

Some things may take longer for me to answer than others, so be patient.

Up in Smoke

mmelendez@lake-elsinore.org (Melissa Melendez) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 06:31:00 +0000

Anyone make a trip to Target recently? If you have, no doubt you've encountered the signature collectors at the entrance. They have petitions for you to sign for a variety of things, helping firefighters and their families, police, and of course, medical marijuana. I should point out that they do get paid to gather those signatures, and they are paid per signature I believe.

I've encountered these folks numerous times at Target, Vons, Albertson, etc. When I'm with my kids, they never ask me to sign the medical marijuana petition. When I'm alone, it's the first thing they ask.

So let me just explain a few things...the city of Lake Elsinore has received an application for a business license from Mother Earth, based out of Fallbrook. The president of the company, Robert Riedel, wants to manufacture pot here in Lake Elsinore. By manufacture, I mean grow it, dry it, sell it, smoke it, you name it. Mr. Riedel accused the city of "supporting organized crime" if we did not see fit to lift restrictions on marijuana. Mr. Riedel does not live in Lake Elsinore.

In addition, we have another person, Mr. Wayne Williams, who wants the city to lift the current ban on medical marijuana dispensaries. Mr. Williams lives in Wildomar.

Mr. Williams has stated to the press that he feels there are two options before him - 1) push for a voter initiative to be placed on the ballot in November, or 2) get enough signatures to force the city to hold a special election. A special election would cost the city around $40,000-60,000. I should say it will cost you, the taxpayer, that much.

The measure proponents want to get on the ballot in November would legalize the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana for adults 21 and older. Residents could also cultivate marijuana gardens up to 25 square feet.

The city council wants time to review all of the details, hence the moratorium we passed last week. We don't want to make an uninformed decision. Unfortunately, Mr. Williams stated to the press that, "Those are just more excuses. I'm done with excuses." So much for mutual respect and understanding.

If you're all for easy access to marijuana, by all means, sign the petition.

If you're not, signing the petition under the assumption that it doesn't mean anything is dead wrong. Putting your name on that petition is the same as signing away your tax dollars to pay for a special election. The choice is yours.

Dec 22 Council Meeting Results

mmelendez@lake-elsinore.org (Melissa Melendez) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 06:57:00 +0000

1) Add new chapter to Lake Elsinore Munical Code (LEMC) Regarding Water Efficient Landscaping.

We adopted the WRCOG model of the ordinance, which essentially leaves the job of "water police" to EVMWD. Since the City has no control over rates, we didn't feel it was appropriate to be put in the position to enforce EVMWD's rules.

2) Ordinance approving a First Amendment to Development Agreement between the City of Lake Elsinore and Pardee Homes.

This item passed unanimously, allowing an extension of Pardee's development agreement. It will allow them to continue to develop The Canyon Hills neighborhood as planned.

3) Approve Tentative Parcel Map for Pasadena Business Park

This item passed unanimously, with a modification to allow the developer to work on Satudays since it will not impose on neighboring residential areas. It is completely surrounded by industrial uses.

4) Implementation Agreement with Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) regarding Assembly Bill (AB) 811.

This item passed with 4 votes. I asbstained because I do not agree with using taxpayer money to fund home improvement projects. My belief is, if I want to put in new energy efficient doors, windows, etc. I should have to pay for it myself.

This implemenation agreement allows a property owner to get a loan from the government to make energy efficiency improvements to their home. They can then sell the home at a higher appraised value, keep the money from that sale, but leave the loan to the person who buys the home.

I abstained because while I don't agree with the policy, I do want our residents to have the same opportunties other cities have.

5) Consideration of moratorium on marijuana manufacturing activities.

This item passed unanimously. A moratorium will go into effect.
We had several speakers on this item, all from out of town, save for one. My statement to them was if they want their own city to allow this type of activity, they should lobby their own councilmembers, not ours. They were not the most respectful bunch that's for sure. But then, they don't live here, so that came as no surprise.

Council Happenings for Dec 22nd

mmelendez@lake-elsinore.org (Melissa Melendez) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 05:20:00 +0000

Below are the highlights for our Dec 22nd council meeting.

Click on the title above for full staff reports on these and other items.

1) Add new chapter to Lake Elsinore Munical Code (LEMC) Regarding Water Efficient Landscaping.

This is a text amendment mandated per state regulations. It requires us to adopt Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines.

2) Ordinance approving a First Amendment to Development Agreement between the City of Lake Elsinore and Pardee Homes.

This is to extend the term (it's about to expire) of the original Development Agreement in order to allow full development of Canyon Hills.

3) Approve Tentative Parcel Map for Pasadena Business Park

The applicant is proposing to construct five (5) concrete tilt-up buildings for industrial use. The area of construction is the NW corner of Pasadena and Central Avenue.

4) Implementation Agreement with Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) regarding Assembly Bill (AB) 811.

The state assembly signed into law AB 811 which authorizes cities and counties in California to designate areas where property owners could apply for a loan to finance energy efficiency upgrades to their home. The financing comes from the Obama administration's stimulus plan.

5) Consideration of moratorium on marijuana manufacturing activities.

The city received a business license application for the purposes of growing, drying, farming, packaging, processing, warehousing, and wholesale manufacturing of "medical" marijuana. The consideration of a moratorium (which is a temporary ban) allows us to study the issue further.

Here We Go Again

mmelendez@lake-elsinore.org (Melissa Melendez) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:06:00 +0000

At Tuesday night's Planning Commission meeting, the decision was made to hold a public hearing to determine the fate of Trevi Entertainment's ability to retain a permit to provide night-time entertainment.

This all started around March of 2008. About 2 months after I was elected, in 2008, council made the decision to send it back to the Planning Commission to revoke the permit because of a variety of code violations, some relating to safety issues.

The Planning commission suspended the permit for 90 days, and a 6-month review of their compliance with code regulations and conditions of approval was set.

That 6-month review period was Tuesday night, and now it is set for a public hearing. At this public hearing, the Planning Commission will decide whether or not they will permanently revoke the permit.

Now if I were a betting woman, I'd say that if the Planning Commission revokes the permit, someone from the public or on the council will not be happy with the decision and it will be appealed, placing it squarely in the lap of the city council, again.

If you click on the title above, it will take you to the staff report from Tuesday night's meeting. There's just too much information to put in a blog, so if you want the full scoop, go to the staff report and click on Agenda Item #2.

I should point out that the staff report gives the city's perspective, not Trevi's.

Your comments??

So, You Say You're Just Visiting?

mmelendez@lake-elsinore.org (Melissa Melendez) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 04:58:00 +0000

Federal agents arrested almost 300 illegal immigrants in California recently, almost all of whom have a criminal past. By criminal, I mean they committed a crime other than just being here illegally of course.

The operation ended this past Thursday, and almost 200 of those arrested had been already been convicted (in this country) of rape, armed robbery and other major crimes.

Here's the interesting part, only 6, count em' 6, of those arrested did NOT have a prior conviction. The rest were all apparently "familiar" with the system.

Now I know this will shock and surprise you, but groups that advocate illegal immigration, (like our friend Ricardo Dominguez, an associate professor at UC San Diego, who came up with the GPS app for cell phones to help with border crossing) are enraged at these arrests. Their beef? There were some people (illegally here) arrested who didn't have a criminal record.

So they entered illegally, but because they didn't rape, murder or knock off a liquor store while they were here, they shouldn't be arrested?

By that line of thinking, I guess I can steal cars, and as long as I don't crash and kill someone, then I really haven't done anything wrong, have I?

What the Heck Happened Here?

mmelendez@lake-elsinore.org (Melissa Melendez) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 04:39:00 +0000

Here's the rundown of last night's meeting everyone.

The reduction of TUMF fees

We decided to reduce them, but not by 50%. The majority of the council was not comfortable with this high of a decrease. There was some "spirited" discussion about the topic to be sure.
We did ask that they rework the proposal and bring it back when they're done.

The Grading Ordinance

This was unanimously approved, with some additional language added relating to prohibition of mining and processing material onsite for commercial purposes. This does not apply to permitted mines already established, this is strictly for residential and commercial developments. No spirited debate on this one as everyone recognized the value in protecting the city's best interests.

Reorganization of the Council

RDA Chairman - Bob Magee
RDA Vice-Chair - Tom Buckley
Public Finance Authority - Daryl Hickman
Mayor Pro Tem - Amy Bhutta

And I am proud to announce that I was appointed as the new Mayor.

I am looking forward to your ideas, suggestions and comments this next year, as always!