The Graham family's exodus to Montana was a great 13 out of 14 day event. We saw a bald eagle up close, a big grizzly, a moose (no squirrel), several rams and many other creatures. But our family vacation hit a wall that I thought could never happen. We actually had a family argument. One of my sisters went "off" on an insignificant issue and the episode really left a bitter taste for the rest of us. But on retrospect, that's what makes us a family, being able to fight and eventually reconnect. I really do look forward to that particular memory dissipating as time goes on. Also, in the last issue, I wrote about longing to "play catch with my sons again" as a way of reconnecting to the past. Several other Dads had the same feelings. See ladies, we do have feelings.
1) On Grand Ave. you see the military banners proudly displayed of those from our community that are currently serving our country. The first military banner to be retired went to Mr. Eddie Sosa, who served in Iraq and left military duty. He needs a job!
2) A pet peeve of mine is the different types of Chino Hills logos you see on city vehicles and elsewhere. I believe we should brand our community with only one visual mark. I really like the new city emblem on the city entrance monuments. I know it doesn't affect life much but it is something that bothers me. I am saying "out with the old. "
3) FYI - In Chino Hills who knew there are three mobile home parks that contain 633 units?
4) I was on a council sub-committee that reviewed two water fountain features for the new city hall. A major fountain runs along the front of the library and costs $500K and another was planned for the employee lunch outside area and would cost $80K. To save some costs we decided to delete the employee fountain but opted to keep the front fountain since it would visually break up the long outside library wall.
5) Did you know there is nothing the city council can do to prevent 31 Starbucks stores opening next to each other in one center? Those are business decisions made by the business owners (Starbucks) and the owner of the shopping center and not by the council. That's why you see a Lowe's next to a Home Depot, restaurants that cluster together, Subways every 2 miles, etc. It works for their business model. The city is allowed to implement a broad general plan as to what goes into a business shopping center or strip mall but not allowed to dictate the specific store. That's the law. However, with The Shoppes, it was very different because the City was the owner of the land. We basically partnered with a developer and specified that only certain types of stores would be allowed in this center. Our agreement was specific as to store titles that could go into the Shoppes. For the major stores that came in or are coming in, we had input. By the way, I just got back from my favorite store that started it all in Chino Hills, Costco.
6) The council members spent most of June working on the city budget that runs from July 08 thru June 09. Unlike the state, we pride ourselves on adopting a budget without deficit spending and get it approved on time. Here are several highlights from our workshops and hearings: a) we assume the state legislature will take money from cities to make up some of their budget shortfall of $24.5 billion. b) Our budget must subsidize $700K to fund Landscape and Lighting (L&L) fees of homeowners that do not pay into the L&L due to Prop 218. That number is projected to grow rapidly so we must make plans to stop that hit on our budget by getting everyone to pay his or her fair share. For our future it becomes a question of what level of service taxpayers are willing to support. c) Looking at a possible soccer center located south of Big League Dreams. We approved engineering and a preliminary environmental review to see if one is possible. Funding for this facility has not been approved. D) Implement a long-term citywide facility replacement fund. Set aside money now for buildings that will need rehab a decade from now. In 1991 we had one building and now numerous ones. e) Last year we got 14% of our revenue from sales tax. f) We spend 31% of the city's budget for law enforcement. We now have 46 sworn officers and going to 51 as we enter year 2 of our 5-year plan.
7) The parking meters at the Shoppes are now activated and tickets will be $30 for those that don't have a quarter to spare.
8) Volunteers can handle some graffiti removal and in Chino Hills we have ten to fifteen residents that have stepped forward for the graffiti abatement team. They provide 24-hour turnaround service. The city provides the supplies and they provide the response. Thanks for helping the visual impact of our community and they can always use more help.
9) Mayor Hagman and I met with a contingent of parents who felt African-American teens were being targeted by the police department at the Shoppes. The dialogue was excellent and positive.
10) Mayor Hagman is the Republican nominee for the state assembly seat that covers our city. He is gearing up again for the election and his probable victory in November. Time to get the absentee ballots ready.
11) I was sorry to see the Gem Sports Bar go away. However, companies continue to step forward and build in our community. Permits issued at The Commons: Lucille's, Corner Bakery, Wahoo's Fish Tacos, and BJ's. In Gordon Ranch Marketplace a Korean restaurant, Young Dong and Tesco's Fresh and Easy. At the Shoppes: Le Vive Jewelry, Farm Boy Produce Mart, Jared Jewelers, and corporate headquarters for Jacuzzi Corporation are taking the upstairs of an entire block. At the Harkins Theater Plaza a Circle K gas station is going up now. At Fairfield Ranch Business Park there will be a Sweet Craze Yogurt and at the Pine Corporate Center, Info Springs Technology will soon open.
12) Since SCE has proposed behemoth electrical lines through our proposed community center on Pipeline, it has stopped that project dead. We have $6 million from Supervisor Ovitt's office ready to build at that location. Staff has looked at various alternative sites for the community center and is recommending that a 3-acre immediately adjacent to the McCoy Equestrian Center, owned by the City be designated as the preferred site. This would get us a community center now and not years down the road and we can still utilize the $6 million funding to build it without spending city money.
13) I missed the "Pet Fun Day" held at McCoy's in June. From all accounts every dog and human had good times. 101 dogs (not Dalmatians) barked and sniffed to their delight along with their 300 owners (none who barked and sniffed as far as I know). The dog costume contest was another success. Maybe next year we could add a "Look Alike" category?
14) The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a cooperative of 26 cities and water agencies serving 18 million people in six counties. The district imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies. Chino Hills has participated in MWD's Dry Year Yield Program in which we store water for MWD and charge them for that luxury. They are pulling their water out now because of the water crisis in the state and will reduce their water flow to Chino Hills by 50%. We will be OK as long as each of us conserves water. Go into the city website and check out the 20 Gallon Challenge. I was surprised how little changes can mean big savings.
15) Here is a conceptual recreation facility plan that staff has presented to the council. It has 12 parks listed for development or upgrades. No decision has been made on any piece of this plan since a budget of approximately $50 million is needed.
Big League Dreams - development of one additional lighted ball field.
Bird Farm Park - development of two lighted baseball fields, two soccer fields, tot lot, restroom building and parking.
Civic Center Park - removal of existing City Hall buildings, renovation of approximately 1500 sq. ft. Library building and 7200 sq. ft. Fire Dept. building, development of a "temporary" neighborhood park, playground and tot lot, and activity areas for basketball, volleyball, exercise/fitness equipment and picnic areas.
Crossroads Park - additional restroom building.
English Springs Park - additional restroom building.
Galstain Park - playground/tot lot, parking expansion, picnic structures, tennis courts, soccer field, and restroom.
Grand Avenue Park - replacement of turf for two soccer fields
Los Serranos Tennis Center - eight to ten tennis courts, 3000 sq. ft. tennis/community building, vendor/exhibit areas, parking.
McCoy Equestrian Center - Master Plan the remainder of the parcel.
Mystic Canyon Recreation Building - 2,800 sq. ft Recreation building.
Richland Pinehurst Park - Soccer fields, playground, restroom.
Torrey Pines Park - 2,800 sq. ft Recreation building, playground/tot lot, and parking lot.
16) A public service announcement. A credit monitoring service has settled a lawsuit and decided to offer 6 months free service. If you want to check your credit score for free this is the link to use. <http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/105364/Get-Free-Credit-Monitoring-Services> I signed up.
17) For the past several years we have been meeting with the Department of Corrections and proposed an innovative plan to jointly develop the land around California Institution for Men (CIM). The monies from this plan would help fund the construction of a new facility for the to replace the existing aging facility, which is severely deteriorated and has been consistently overcrowded for years. The department of corrections has decided without any further dialogue with Chino Hills and Chino to drop the whole plan based upon their flawed analysis. We certainly do not agree with them. Mayor Curt Hagman stated, "Agencies in the Chino Valley took a proactive approach in developing the proposal. Instead of saying 'not in my backyard,' we worked together on a comprehensive plan that sought to improve conditions for inmates and staff at CIM and protect the safety of our residents and businesses." I think we are all shocked that the state would turn its back on a plan that would actually generate revenue to fund improvements.
18) I occasionally get email about the No Right Turn on Red at the corner of the 71 and Shady View. That intersection is controlled by Caltrans and here are the reasons that rule is implemented. a) Opposing traffic is exiting SR-71 via the southbound off-ramp. b) The "No Turn on Red" sign is required to avoid conflicts with southbound ramp traffic. c) The vertical alignment of the Off-Ramp restricts sight distance of oncoming vehicles. d) The "No Turn on Red" sign is typical and recommended to increase safety and reduce the potential of traffic accidents. The restricted sight distance of the opposing off-ramp is the chief safety concern. Here is a note from our Department Head of Engineering, "Even our staff does not want to change that requirement because in their opinion it is very unsafe to allow right turns on red. Our sheriff's traffic deputy that patrols the area also agrees with Caltrans. It is not readily obvious to motorists that the opposing off-ramp dips such that visibility of oncoming vehicles is impaired. We believe a false sense of security could lead to serious accidents." It was not the answer I was looking for but makes safety sense.
19) Chino Hills is sponsoring its first Habitat for Humanity home to be built at the LA County Fair. A total of 40 families applied and the Cessna family from Fontana were deemed most needy in terms of their living conditions. Families are chosen based upon their need for decent housing, their ability to repay a no-profit, zero-interest mortgage and their willingness to help build their home. They must put in at least 500 hours of sweat equity.
As always, please feel free to call or email.
Council Member Ed
