On Super Bowl Sunday I attended the memorial services of a man I had not talked to in 20 years. He was a basketball mentor for me in the 70's, and helped change my philosophy of the game, influenced my basketball coaching career, and sparked a love of the game that is still strong. Bill was a college coach for years so we listened to players and other coaches talk of legacies, relationships, commitments, God and family. It was uplifting to hear what was said. Kind of what I would love to continue seeing in this community; love of family, friends, God, a legacy to leave. After participating in the memorial I headed to my Dad's house and watched the Super Bowl game with him. I need to do more with him.
Time to Change: For the past 19 years I have held community meetings on a weeknight, mostly at the Butterfield Fire Station. On Saturday, March 20, 10am - 11am, join me for coffee and casual conversion about our city. This first one will be at Roscoe's Deli on Pipeline across from 24 Hr Fitness. Questions, concerns, gossip, grousing, etc. are certainly encouraged. I am even paying for the coffee.
Brea Traffic Signals: I have received calls and emails about the two new signals recently installed on Carbon Canyon Road in Brea. The two signals are approximately a mile outside of our city limits so clearly not in our jurisdiction and being so close poses enormous challenges. We have been told by Caltrans that they are continuing to refine the timing of both signals and will continue until it is felt they are operating at optimum levels.
A special moment: I need to share that our city employees showed some love during the holiday season. A resident who has been involved in numerous events to help the needy in our city had cancer surgery and the bills started to mount. Within several days staff held a 50/50 raffle, raised $2400, and gave her $1,200. The winner of the raffle gave her the other $1,200. That was pretty special.
Elementary School Traffic: Last month I had the opportunity to meet Wickman Principal Clements and Board Member James Na to figure out how we can soften the blow of more cars next year at Wickman when the traditional schedule begins. City staff came along and I believe we can develop a small change that will help with traffic flowing into and out of that school. Details next time. Chaparral Elementary is developing a parking management plan for Bird Farm and Banbury Ct. I also spent some time near Oak Ridge Elementary at Mahogany and Ficus to watch what happens there during the morning and afternoon rush. And remember, all these traffic issues are a prime example of neighbors being their own worse enemy; the ones creating the problems are the ones that live there.
That's a Lot of 'Yes Dears': I attended a birthday bash to celebrate the Aegis Senior Living facility on Peyton. While there I met a couple that has been married for 64 yrs!
Help the Friends: I participated in the Friends of the Library Reading fundraiser at Barnes and Noble. I read several books to the children that attended. Did I ever mention that children love me...cats too.
Report from the State Government: Situation normal. CA legislators continue to battle over the position of Lt. Governor. Anyone care what that guy does? Does Arnold or Meg or Jerry really need an LG? Another waste of money and time.
Chino Hills has a Federal Agenda: We have gotten into the game of chasing federal monies like other major cities. This year Peter Rogers and I are headed to Wash DC to meet with Congressman Gary Miller, Senators Boxer and Feinstein, and our lobbyist who manages our Federal Agenda. Congressman Miller has always been awesome, the other two not so much. This year we are submitting 4 projects and 2 programs for federal funding. Our top priority is to get funds for improvements to the Los Serranos community for stormwater infrastructure and for lighting and park development. The next high priority is for the city's first Community Center. Last year we received $250K and are on the hunt for more.
Level of Police Service: This year the San Bernardino Sheriff Dept. charged CH $9.8M for the following: 56 officers, 22 general staff, 35 vehicles. That same level of service would cost us another $18M-$20M if we had a stand-alone police department.
Round 2: The Vista Bella Townhomes project was removed by the city council for a full review at a future date. The residents on and near St. Gaudens/BR Road had numerous safety concerns of the traffic flow into and out of the project. Councilman Rogers and I met with many of them and listened to their specific concerns to see where the council can and can't help them. The project calls for 65 units, which is well below what they were allowed to do and it has been greatly improved from the past plans that were submitted. I believe we can find a win-win for all of us.
Military Banner Program: Lately our city council meetings have started with recognizing numerous families that have purchased a military street
banner for their loved one. The parents always share how proud they are to have one of their own serve our nation. Amen.
Too Much: A handful of wealthy California gaming tribes, which together gave nearly $130 million to political causes in 2008, rank as the nation's largest special-interest donors to campaigns, according to a recent study of two of the nation's leading watchdog groups.
A traveling Wii: Have you seen our city's new Mobile Recreational Van traveling to parks and schools around town? It will be available for private rentals on Sat and Sun for $150/hr with 2-hour minimum. You get two staff members and a host of activities. Check it out.
Restaurant News: An Italian Restaurant, Bel Cibo Ristorante Italiano, is coming to the Crossroads Entertainment Center where the former Que Pasa was located. Cici's Pizza already opened in the CH Marketplace Center. It is only $5 for all you can eat buffet style pizza and a host of other items. The place was packed the day I attended. Although not a restaurant, a convenience store called Chino Hills Fine Wine and Spirits will move into the Pine Ave Retail Center.
Can't Sweep it Under the Rug: The City provides street sweeping twice a month on public streets in neighborhoods, and weekly on main roads throughout the City. By Federal mandate, we must keep clean streets to keep storm drains clear of debris, reduce the potential for flooding, and prevent pollutants from reaching the ocean. It is currently illegal to park on the street on street sweeping days from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Your neighborhood's street sweeping day is posted on a sign at the neighborhood entrance. If you are not sure when your street sweeping day is, go to www.chinohills.org to view the street sweeping schedule. A City Parking Enforcement Officer follows the street sweeper and issues parking citations to vehicles that are illegally parked on City streets on sweeping day.
Retail Business Signs: Cities can't help much with making a retail establishment successful (only you can by buying from them) but we can reduce our fees for a while during these difficult times. So you can now get a temporary sign permit for120 days instead of 90, pay $35 instead of $80 for the permit, and no longer have to pay a deposit of #315. Yeah, that $315 charge was even embarrassing to me.
Not a Costco Dog, but Just as Good: As our spring sports go back into high gear, CH Community Park Concession Stand becomes a primary money maker for sport organizations that need to cover the cost of lights. The system that has been developed works for those involved so spend a little money there while you watch the game.
Cluck! Cluck! A resident requested we change the Chino Hills Municipal Code regarding limits on the number of chicken imposed on properties in Chino Hills. This code exists to balance the desires of some residents to have chickens as pets or livestock with the impacts they can have on residential neighborhoods. They are regulated in residential areas by lot size to reduce the negative impacts on the neighborhood. I don't believe there is any desire to make a stink about this one by any council member.
Summer Concert Line-up: Billy Joel Tribute, Dave Matthews Tribute, Led Zepplin Tribute, Surf, Top 40, 80s, Contemporary/Classic Country, Big band /Swing/Jazz, Latin/Salsa, and Classic Rock.
Local Group Makes Good: In the Carbon Canyon area a group of residents banded together and joined the fire safe council, whose mission is to mobilize Californians to protect their homes and communities from wildfire. The group won a State award for their work in CC. Congrats.
Stats: Here is the link to demographic information on Chino Hills. It also includes the Census website which may have additional information available. http://www.chinohills.org/index.aspx?nid=94
222 is Not a Lucky Number: That's the number of prisoners at Chino Prison that have had charges brought against them for last fall's riot.
$80K is a Prison officers' median gross wage in 2008, according to a Sacramento Bee analysis of state pay data. Since '08, they've lost 14% of that to furloughs. CHP officers? Their 2008 median gross was $100,139, and they're furlough-free.
A Plague on our City: SCE proposal and its future transmission towers continue to afflict our community. Our legal fight continues but no news this month.
I thank the numerous people that stop me to say hello. As I wander through the grocery aisles, or sit in restaurants don't hesitate to stop and ask a question or register a complaint. It is part of the job that I was elected to do and I welcome your input.
Yours in service,
Vice Mayor Ed
"My 19th year of Commitment and Communication to Chino Hills"
Follow me @ Twitter.com/chmayored
