March 27, 2009

Let's Open A Supermarket

You don't have to be a multi-millionaire to build and own a supermarket. One idea that might bring us a supermarket sooner is to start a co-op. "Of the people, for the people by the people", borrowed from a famous speech. A people owned business. California City residents, business owners, and outside investors interested in owning part of the supermarket could collectively make it happen sooner than later. I wouldn't mind being a part owner. No matter how small my part might be. This could be a permanent or temporary situation depending on the Co-op members. The supermarket can always be sold to Stater Bros. or any other chain in the future. The Co-op can be dissolved if we get one large investor, who is willing to take on the whole project. It doesn't matter just as long as we get the ball rolling. Information on co-ops can be found on web sites like "The National Cooperative Business Association" and others. I think this option and others should be looked into by someone like the Chamber of Commerce. Who will benefit from a co-op supermarket? Everyone. Co-op members who share in the profits and will also be customers, I am sure. Residents, who will not have to make long drives to the supermarket. Rver's who won't have to pack away so much food for the long drive here, and of course the City, through taxes. One famous Business Co-op is the "Best Western Motel".

A California City shopper

March 25, 2009

Opportunity Knocks

I think you should run "A call to all investors and developers" interested in building a new supermarket on your headline ticker on the home page. At least for awhile anyway. Your "Stater Bros not closing" might have not gotten their attention. There are probably a lot of visitors to the site that don't read these letters. So that will let them know there is an opportunity here in the future. The reason for calling Stater Bros. at 1-888-992-9977 is to let them know we need a supermarket here, and when we do get one, the Mojave store is going to lose our business. This might motivate them to build a supermarket here as their trucks could deliver here very easy. So all those who haven't called, please do so. There are also a lot of other supermarkets out there looking to expand. Stater Bros. is not the only fish in the sea. In case they are not interested in a supermarket here. So that is another contact option. Calling the City is also a good idea, but I don't know if they are willing to get involved at this point as they are a public entity. Once someone has a proposed plan and site, the Building Dept. will step in for sure. I also suggest putting ads on web sites such as Recycler and Craigslist making a call for investors and developers. There are people out there who have never heard of California City, and don't know where we are. These sites will reach them. One might be the developer or invester just waiting for an opportunity like this. I hope you don't mind, but I am going to direct them to CaliforniaCity.Com. You are a powerful information source. Here, they can get a preview of our City and can be directed to the California City EDC, Stater Bros, and local real estate companies. There are hundreds of acres of commercial zoned properties here, just waiting to be developed. Being a former small time general contractor, I know these things take time, and if the people of California City really want a supermarket, they are going to have to get the word out one way or another.

A California City Shopper

March 22, 2009

Arrogant Staff Gets Under Skin

I know that being bitter does not help. I tried to be up beat everytime the city has pushed me. It's enough now. I can't understand why a member of the city staff, Mr. Bevins in particular, would say to a business person standing in the same city council meeting, meaning me, and while actually taping the event, if the movie studio never get its water that is just to bad. Who would say that to a businessman? This man is not only, not business friendly, he is rude and arrogant.
The bigger problem here is this all could have been solved had Mr Bevins made a few phone calls. He would have found out this problem could have been solved in 30 days. Now it has dragged into months and maybe years. What this city needs is a Congressional investigation. We need answers to all the problems here. Not just water, fire abatement, unkept promises, and arrogant remarks, but the basis for all our problems. The true reason why so much has gone wrong to so many business.

Russell Michael

March 18, 2009

Dropping The Ball

Tonight was one for the record. I have video tape of the last issue with the City Council, Desert Jade, and local California City contractors. Here is what happened at the last RDA meeting. City Council directed staff and the city attorney to formulate a plan that would allow contractors to summit proposals, Mr Bevins and Mr. Lemieux drop the ball. Nothing was done. Tonight, Larry Adams goes ballistic asking contractors to summit something and they're waiting on Bevins and Lemieux to summit to them so they can comply. Several of these contractors tell me they have plans. Only one, Mr Collins corrects Adams and ask for the plan that was suppose to be formulated by staff. The others crawl under a rock and are afraid to upset Mr Quiggle, whom they believe is a good ole boy. Bill Smith smacks around the City Council for dropping the ball and not having the plan formulated by staff, and ready for the contractors, Larry Adam's head spins around and is obviously upset that Mr Quiggle may not get his money. Mr. Edmondson all but crawls up on Jim Quiggle's lap trying to get Mr Quiggle what he wants. Al Gagnon, who represents the sellers of the Legend property, gets dumped on by the sellers, The city attorney calls for a closed session and threatens the sellers with a hard ball $800,000 drop in price for not playing with the chosen one. They panic, run over, and start kissing up to Mr.Quiggle. Al Gagnon, who stands to lose 50% of his hard earned commission, sets dumbfounded by the fact now the whole city is bending over backwards trying to get money into Mr. Quiggle's and Mr. Strong's pocket. And nothing got done. But you can bet after closed session, things will turn around for Mr Quiggle.
I could not have hired Spielberg to write me a better script, If this town is not run by good ole boys, it sure looked like it tonight. And I have yet to make sense out of what happened. I'm looking for an end to a show we are doing titled, "The Last Of The Good Old Boys", which just needs an ending, narrated, some horrible music, and packaged. I can't seem to find the ending, but trust me you will see and hear things, when this show's complete that will boggle the mind and hope fully cause several investigations.
But here's the real show stopper for tonight. For 20 years, the Wonder Acres area of California City has not had fire pressure adequite for fire abatement. I hope you can follow this. Our Mayor Larry Adams, who has first hand knowledge of this, try's to sell a package that doesn't remedy the problem, but excuses it away. The citizens of Wonder Acres have signed a petition, and sent it to the city, and all that should be concerned, asking the city, the fire department, and all those who should protect us, to do so. The public works director, Mr Bevins speaks untruly of how that can be done and try's to sell the city a meter that cost 10 Gs to the city for $60,000 and to me for $180.000 and then tries to pawn it off as adequate fire abatement. It's not, and I have proof.
Well, tomorrow morning I will be on the phone with the California Fire Commissioners and I assure every one in Wonder Acres. I will not drop the ball, if I have to hock my studio. This area will get proper Fire abatement and several good ole asses will swing. I have had it with all this fluff. Mr Bevins told Mrs Newman from Wonder Acres, she has adequate fire abatement. An untruth, that if not corrected could cause great injury and possibly death. I'll have the California Fire Commissioners here testing those fire hydrants or their representatives, our own City Fire Department, and several retired Fire Chiefs that now work for or consult for the film studios in Los Angeles. Men I know very well. One who was appointed by the Governor himself. This problem will get corrected. We'll find out and correct what Mr Bevins can't.
Who wants to live or work were people jeopardize lives by dropping the ball, telling untruths, turning a blind eye on obvious misuses of private property, and acting like only they matter all the time. This city is not only, not business friendly, it is down right impossible to work with. Sometimes, I feel I must be nuts to keep any part of my business here, but I refuse to be run out like this. The sewer issues they talked about tonight is not going to stop people from coming to our city although it may make them balk This city's own actions have that covered. If this city doesn't want to be thought of as a duck, it has to quit acting like one. I predict many problems for this city because of their actions, both past and present, and it won't be a grand jury action. It is not far down the road!! Enough is enough.

Russell Michael
Mojave Studios

March 14, 2009

Maybe A Supermarket In The Future

I want to thank all the people who have called Stater Bros. and asked them for a supermarket in California City. And I would like to ask all those who have not called, (residents and RVer's) to call now. Don't let a few do all the work. We will all benefit from this supermarket. Your call counts. The more callers, the more they will take notice. Stater Bros. customer service phone number is 1-888-992-9977 (a toll free number). Lets keep the pressure cooker on. Don't let them put this on the back burner.

A California City Shopper

March 12, 2009

Pro Growth Or No Growth?

Which would you rather do, cut costs or increase revenues? For cities and business owners, revenues are offense, while cost cutting is defense. And just like the football team up by 2 points late in the fourth quarter going to a prevent defense, results in more lost games than survival victories. For all of the rhetoric about wanting to bring businesses and jobs here to California City, we aren’t doing what’s right for the citizens of our community by requiring that all commercial projects connect to our sewer system. What we will be doing is potentially eliminating jobs and tax revenues to our community. The intersection at Highway 14 and California City Blvd. will never be developed in my lifetime or maybe your children’s. We need to make it easier for businesses to relocate here, not by putting up roadblocks and fighting them all the way until they give up, go broke, or find another city to move to.
We have allowed businesses to open without being connected to sewer in the past. Victor Plaza didn’t have sewer when they opened in the early 90’s. If the city at that time would have required sewer, a lot of us would never have had the pleasure of dining at Ramon’s, banking at AltaOne, washing our clothes at the Laundromat or shopping at Cactus Market. They’re several other businesses without sewer here, Hyundai Test Track, Silver Saddle Ranch, Quick Change Lube, City Hardware, California City Studios, Shawn Sprague Construction, Benz Propane, Sprague Plaza, Concrete Plant, Looking Good commercial building, Sunset Plaza, my business at both ends of town, the gas station at Wonder Acres, and probably some that I missed. All these businesses contribute to the city by providing jobs, property taxes, sales taxes, and services for our community. Our city is in the process of annexing thousands of acres south of the California City and with this attitude forget the university, and forget any commercial or residential developments between Highway 58 and California City.
California City economics has not created long-term, sustainable economic growth for industry and businesses. Our city and residents are hurting and need help, but growth will solve the problems, no-growth will merely maintain the status quo, or worse. I hope that you will seriously consider the impact that approving this city ordinance would have on our city. Such a city ordinance can only cause the potential loss of jobs and income, and create disgruntled residents. Please withdraw your support for the city ordinance amending the municipal code requiring all commercial and industrial projects be required to connect to our sewer system. But require the property owners to connect to the sewer lines when they become available.

Sincerely,
Al Gagnon

March 10, 2009

Batter Up!

The City decided Friday to play hard ball with California City Studios and up the anti for land owners in Wonder Acres by sending out letters demanding a 55 foot easement from them instead of the normal 30 foot. This new development is a tough blow for us at California City Studios, though we knew it was coming. They have to drive us out, or make us perform like yard animals, not sure why. For anyone keeping count, this makes it impossible for the land owners of those properties to sign, who in their right mind would sign away a 55 foot easement, when the norm is 30 foot, and again no call from the City to these people. Just a sign and shut up letter. My advice to these land owners is to tell the city shove it, or explain why.
This City takes $175 special tax from absentee land owners, then promotes use of the absentees owners land, for free to campers. Why should they not try to take more than they should from everyone else as well? So if your keeping score, it's one big down for California City Studios. But keep that score board handy, I have faith this will turn around. The funny thing about this is, all cities with any growth at all have freeway property. Drive from San Diego to Lancaster and you'll see what I mean, they grow because of the collateral business. Freeway business can bring dollars to a city's coffers. Take Stater Bros for instance, they get boater business, ski business, gamblers going to Reno, and campers for Jawbone Canyon (where BLM has set aside land for campers), and all other desert sports enthusiast headed for Inyokern and parts north. The truth is if California City gets 35,000 campers on a good weekend, think of how many pass us headed for all other sports and desert activities all over Northeast Kern and beyond that stop at Stater Bros not counting motels and fast food shops. Collateral business is where it is at. That is exactly what the studio brings to this city, business from everywhere that normally would go elsewhere.
But if you have a sweet deal where you get 3/4s of your money from absentee owners to support your town and you can promote their land as your own to campers, then I guess everyone should keep their mouth shut. Don't want that deal to get out, if that's the way you want to live and how you want your city to grow. Personally, if your a resident of California City I would not go on any long vacations, just in case the city should run out of money or campers. They may start promoting vacant house rentals. After all, if your not using it!!!. Is this the kind of city you want to be. This is not a challenge. Keeping business is a challenge. Letting more go is easy. Taking advantage of absentee owners is easy. Trying to save a business is a real challenge, that the city is not up to. The last thing I have to say about this city publicly that wont be on camera is, we at California Studios have trusted and tried to work with all the officials this city has taken in. We believed in Jack Stewart. That was a big mistake. We believed in Linda Lunsford. We took Jack at his word, and after we found out that this city does not back any of its employee's, we still trusted Mrs Lunsford, which was big mistake. We hoped it would be different and accepted an authorative permit to settle the last problem with the city. That was a big mistake. That authorative permit was not signed or voted on by City Council and it is toilet paper, just like Jack's letters. I am not stupid. I just want to work with a city I can trust. It is very important, when your building something of this size. I was wrong in, who I trusted here. That doesn't mean we are lost and have no recourse, and I'm just going to fold and leave. It means we know we have to fight, and by God we will. There will be no more lies here in Oz, and as far as influence, we will see the last of that from the good ole boys, trust me. Keep your eye on televised news.

Russell Michael

March 6, 2009

Bad Road Work

I have notice that city workers have been doing “road work” on the west side of Hacienda on a dirt road near a church. My question that I pose is...if that is the finish product? Which I hope not! I would like to believe that the money I am paying the city in taxes is not going to what looks to be yet another wasteful project! I hope that they plan on at least paving that road, not just setting a few inches of gravel on top and calling it good, just so it can be washed way by rain or blown away by the winds. And if it is going to be paved over, why that dirt road? There are far more roads that are in dyer need of repair, such as Neuralia and Randsburg-Mojave, which is slowly being eroded away by the trailers going through there to the open desert. If the road is going to be left as is, what a waste! Yet another wasteful project with our money to pay the workers, equipment and coast of materials. They could have spent that time doing something else. On a side note, I to called Stater Bros, and got nothing but the run around.

John Jakehobe

March 6, 2009

Abuse Of Power?

Tuesday, I learned that Mr. Bevins has asked that his employees not talk to a certain City Council person . I have heard stories such as this before in different departments about Mr Bevins. I know people want to keep their jobs, and therefore need to keep quiet, and be careful who they tell about this sort of abuse. It is my city to for as long as I can hold on, now that we know according to Mr Bevins that there is no water for development In Wonder Acres. When I hear this stuff about abuse, my blood boils. First of all this is abuse and you should not keep quiet!
For example, Mr. Bevins stated that an 8" meter in Wonder Acres would suffice in fire abatement. It won't. If I did not call him on this and notified MPUD of his intentions, he would have put it in, and lives and valuable property could have been lost. As it is, this city has ignored this fact for 20 years here in Wonder Acres.Iit needs to be fixed now. Mr. Bevins also told me this meter would cost into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. It cost $10,000 at most. If he would have comunicated with the right people, he would have known all of this. The City Attorney, I guess would defend this by saying we're not there yet, it's only been 20 years. Does one have to lose their life in order for him to encourage the city to get there. Twenty years of blind eye, this city is dam lucky. I checked into this, especially Wonder Acre Residents.
Point: Mr. Bevins has no communications skills, no wonder he wants you to keep quiet. For example he has had no direct communication with the right members of BLM, nor did he know who to talk to, to get easements across federal and private lands to my property, until last week. In fact, he stated in the Mojave Desert News that it could be harmful to me if I bring attention to the fact that the city illegally ran water lines across federal and private lands. He did not even bother to find out himself, how to get these easements, or even who best to speak to. He had a private citizen call around for him. What kind of crap is that?
These lack of actions of Mr Bevins has cost me 10 more months of my life, and I'm still waiting on something that could have been solved long ago had people with competence been working on this problem. Now he is claiming it could take 5 more years to get our lines, which is bull, because at the same time he claims in the Mojave Desert News there is no water for proper development or growth in Wonder Acres. The city invited us to come here, now were dog meat. It's not a secret that I cooperate well with the city. I lost plenty over their spiteful actions, and I still played well with these bad boys. Not anymore. The city needs to fix the problem of allowing, condoning, and even encouraging illegal trespass not just with me. If they knowingly allow abuse of trespass they're still guilty. So much for not doing anything illegal.
Point: All of this complaining has cost me friends, money, and other hardships. Had any of this been out of the city's control, I would absolutely have worked with the city. I have in the past. This city has had the power to fix this. They always have. That is another reason why my blood is boiling. Mr Bevins don't care enough about people to find the best solution to a problem that could cost people their lives, homes, and other valuables. Then why would anyone want to keep their mouth shut to help him? You have to listen to him and don't talk to your council people. Whoever they may be, and may be hurting your neighbors and yourselves. Speak to your councilmen. That's why you elected them. The City Council has proven over the last several weeks that you can talk to them even past the three minute limit, and they will listen and take appropriate action. Especially the man I speak of, and I'm sure all of them will keep it confidential. No one wants you to lose your job.
Point: When someone is trying to make the city a better place like this city councilman is doing, you should talk to them. They seem like they want improvement. It's time Mr Bevins takes his tough guy crap down the road. Hopefully I wont be passing him along the way, but I will have bottled water if I lose this fight and have to go. But keeping my mouth shut or my cameras from rolling is not an option. This kind of action by any staff member, city council person, or Mayor is unconscionable and it must stop. This is why outsiders, and people like myself of California City believe in the "Good Ole Boys", because people like Mr. Bevins make you believe we still live in their mist.
I was recently tolled by a councilmen to calm down and let things take their course. My answer to him and all the city staff is NO! Let me shut you down, in spite, refuse water to your and family for protection, or for your commercial development. I'm sure you would take action. And I will not calm down, while you have obvious abuses of power happening, foot dragging, and incompetence running things. For me it's not just the water, it is all this double standard "hoha" that goes on here. For me it's not even the money we have lost, the opportunity was worth it, besides we'll do fine, we have other projects. Some we even tryed to bring here to California City. It really is just the disrespect, the underhandedness, and the lack of gumpsion that causes this city so much trouble that bothers me. With all the great opportunities this city could have had, if they just played fair. It really just saddens me to see it. Good luck California City.

Russell Michael
California City Studios

March 5, 2009

Supermarket Support

Upon checking the letters to the editor today, you cannot help but notice the mention of a supermarket in California City. Well, all I have to say is that it is nice to see that other residents of the city feel the same way that I do. I became a resident of this beautiful community almost 25 years ago, and I have seen the continual growth that this city has experienced. Why then, I ask, have we not been able to enjoy the availability of our own supermarket? Rite-Aid came here, some years ago, and they have been a steady, growing business. I know that a supermarket would enjoy that same growth. In addition to the residential growth, we have growth spurts every weekend that consist of the hundreds of dirt bike riders and RV’s that roll through our town. I know, from personal experience, what a pain it is to run to Fastrip, when you’ve run out of bread, hot dog buns, or ketchup and see that these items have been cleared out by our weekend warriors. Now, I know what you’re thinking, we have a market, if you need those items, go there. Here is my response to that, while I love this community and the numerous businesses that we have, that is one that do not support. I do not enjoy shopping there, and it is not the caliber of store in which I will do my shopping. I do not mean to insult the owners, but I think that we can do better. I know that we can do better. Not only do we have the area to support a store of this magnitude, but we have the population to support the business also. In order to continue to grow, blossom, and take advantage of the amazing potential that is area holds, we need to take the first step and I feel that a supermarket of our very own could be that step, and it would be a step in the right direction.

Sincerely,
A California City Resident

March 4, 2009

Another Great Night For The City

One reason why I fought so hard to keep my film studio in California City is nested in last night's City Council meeting. Last night, the City Council listened to the citizens, and there were many speaking of dogs and OHV issues that concern them. They stood in rows waiting their turns, polite, orderly, and steadfast in their commitments. The City Council lead by Mayor Larry Adams, ignored the timer, listened to every word, and offered great comments and insight on how they should best proceed. As I said, another great night for the city. If this keeps up, you will have a great city. This is all it takes. City Council people that listen and act in the best interest of the city. Another bad night for me. Although, I must say Dr Nick tried to council me. The problem with me is I don't play well with those that stand above me and look down. Never did. I have never tolerated, nor will I have someone telling me they're working on something, when there is no obvious progress shown after such a long period of time. There has been and there still is an easy solution to my problem.
To many untruths! Mr Bevin's is making a mountain out of a molehill, His incompetence is costing me tons of money and financial hardships. It's making it tough to deal with banks, who I have a long and healthy relationship with, and many other problems. I may not be able to overcome. There is a real possibility, and for the first time, I'm facing the fact that I could lose my studio. This, even after offering this city a quick fix, "a real solution".
So anyone that hears I'm to pushy, or that I want immediate results, or that I want to intimidate anyone, remember I offered this city 10 months ago a simple solution to a long standing problem. Not just with me, but also to their inability to provide adequate water pressure for fire abatement to all of Wonder Acres. Something they have never in 20 years addressed like me. They just ignore it, hoping it will go away. Instead of jumping on my offer, they pound me into ground and have me begging like a dog in the street in the name of "We are not there yet". No wonder so many business have left here.
Last night, I felt like some real piece of dog crap standing around after the meeting looking for any bone they could throw me. They know I have offered. God knows I have done my best to hold on. My children our proud and the rest can kiss my firey Irish ass. I won't take this any more.

Russell Michael

March 2, 2009

Fairy Dust

A term, Mayor Larry Adams used to describe what contractors were spreading on a deal, he wished to go to his daddy, or whom he apparently believes is his daddy He refers to Jim Quiggle as his daddy all the time to the point, I'm not sure he may believe it. This alone should disqualify him from voting on anything Mr Quiggle brings to the table. Thank God last week. Mr Adams, our Mayor was awoken to the fact people will stand up in California City and demand fairness. Mr Adams, who had an obvious display of anger last Tuesday, because only one contractor even knew there was going to be a decision on the bid for the Desert Jade Housing Project after he made several fruitless and obvious weak cries for bids with no other attempts to reach contractors. This is fact not Fairy Dust.  Mr Adams, instead of facing the fact know one knew, accused contractors of sprinkling Fairy Dust on the project, an obvious substance brought here by outsiders wanting to confuse the few that run OZ. Excuse me, California City! I guess one could confuse facts for Fairy Dust if one chose to, like someone similar in age could call his friend Daddy all the time, if he chooses to do so.
That brings us to what Fairy Dust can do to water If there is no water, but one sprinkles enough Fairy Dust around does that actually bring water. The fact is no. But here is what happens in OZ, where it seems to effect only those in charge of the city like our Public Works Director, Mr Bevins. He feels that  one phone call to solve a problem is enough. If he waits several months. and if no one calls him back, he may make another, then wait again. Is this the standard operating procedure here in OZ? He also feels that an 8" meter placed on an 8" line will give you adequate fire abatement to protect lives and fight fires. It wont. Mr Bevins also believes that if he or the city does something wrong, and you find out, that you should keep your mouth shut, or bad things will happen to you. This is a classic case of Fairy Dust Delusion or FDD as it is known.  The city should really check this guy out.
Back in the day's (Two weeks ago), when the good ole boys ran OZ and love was spread everywhere among themselves, they all believed that facts confused things. Not wanting to be confused, they invented Fairy Dust. Anyone spreading facts such as myself and contractors was really spreading Fairy Dust. It's not hard to believe if you shut your eyes and click your heels together.
Here is the real facts about my situation. Everyone in OZ knew of the fact that there is no water in Wonder Acres sufficient to allow the development of a 100 acre movie studio not back in 2000 or now. They continue to allow development. They have allowed 9 homes and a day care center to be built here in Wonder Acres along with my studio knowing they did not have adequate water or sustainable water pressure for development. So when confronted with the facts, the Planning Commissioners, the City Council, and the Public Works Director started accusing me of spreading Fairy Dust all over their city. This time, they even through in intimidation as part of their accusations.   Where am I going with this? The Planning Commission and the City Council back then and now, the Council who recently approved new water lines to my studio knew there was not sufficient water for sustainable pressure here in Wonder Acres. Even if they do bring the lines, what they knew then and  what they know now won't allow it. That's why they have fought me. Close your eyes to facts and imagine someone wanting to cause this city government a problem. Then take in to consideration that I'm not alone. Others before me and after me have spread this dust all over the planning department and the city council chambers (so they believe), then click your heals together and imagine your city, when you open your eyes you won't see OZ. The new developments are the roads that lead to my studio. They could never be paved even though the city had promised me they would be. The city opened them up without environmental studies or easements. Again this is fact not Fairy dust.
The Mayor accused me of making some deal with the former City Manager Jack Stewart. Da!! That's who you make deals with, the CEO, the big kahuna, the one in charge. They give you a commitment letter, and when they act on it, you keep going. Just like Linda Lunsford, our present City Manager, who gave me an Authoritative Permit to settle the last battle with the city. The term authoritative means something and that Authoritative Permit was never approved by City Council. It did not need to be. City Managers have the authority. It's standard operating procedure. Mr Adams sees Fairy Dust, where he should see facts. Hopefully, after the last City Council meeting, he got the message. Fairness and facts, not Fairy Dust. If Jack Stewart was wrong, then why is he not in jail?
Why did we not collect from Matrix Motors? What happened to vehicles left there that needed DMV attention, but now don't appear on anyone's list?  These vehicles  were referred to in a City Council meeting. What happened there? Why is Mike Ellison gone? Why is the city allowing projects to go undone like the Tiera de Sol behind the new bank?  I'll tell you why everyone in charge believes in this dam, Fairy Dust! More to come!!

Russell Michael
California City Studios

March 1, 2009

Does Stater Bros Know Or Care?

On Thursday, February 26, 2009, I was shopping at the Stater Brother’s store in Mojave. I overheard a customer comment to the District Manager Mr. Don Wetzel about the need for a new store in the area. Mr. Wetzel replied that they were looking at it. To that the customer replied, maybe one in California City? Mr. Wetzel stated “You don’t have enough people there to support a store”.
While I finished my shopping, I could not stop thinking about Mr. Wetzel’s statement. I looked around the store, and the one thing that stood out in my mind was at least half the shoppers, if not more, were from California City. We can’t support a store in our community? Well we’re doing a pretty good job keeping the Mojave store open.
The more I thought about what was stated the angrier I got. “We don’t have enough rooftops in California City”? Hey, Mr. Wetzel, why not look at the 2000 Census. California City has nearly three times the population of Mojave. What’s next, transit traffic? The freeway bypass cut into that figure. Do your homework! A large portion of that transit traffic is in the form of Off Roader’s that are coming straight to California City.
Statistics from the California City Police Department shows an estimated 8,000 vehicles come into our city each major holiday. Using the manner set forth by the State of California in which to calculate the average number of occupants per vehicle, the City of California City has reported to the State 300,000 visitors per year in 2007, and 340,000 visitors per year for 2008. Now divide the low number of 300,000 by 12 months and you come up with average of 25,000 people per weekend. Add 25,000 to our population of approximately 14,000, and we have more people than the City of Ridgecrest and they have a Stater Brother’s store.
While the search for a market is a priority for our city’s leaders, I can’t help but wonder if there is something everyone of us could do to help. If we are so insignificant, it seems to me, that if our community was to stop shopping at the Mojave Stater Brother’s store for a month, maybe they might notice that we can indeed support a store! I would welcome a coordinated effort to inform the "Off Road Community" that passes through Mojave on the way to California City, as well as the citizens of California City to boycott the Mojave Stater Brother's store to prove just that point.
The Stater Brother’s Corporation on their web site indicates they are for the community, but actions speak louder than words. It is true, we are located well off of two major highways, but you have a community who is longing for its own supermarket. It appears Stater Brother’s is only interested in the all mighty dollar and not the community, how sad.

Keith Howard

February 21, 2009

No Water In Wonder Acres

Just A quick note. I have one more thing to say about Mr Bevin's statement in The Mojave Desert News. He stated in the Mojave Desert News, January 12, he would say no to any development in Wonder Acres today, because of the lack of water. If he would say no to development in Wonder Acres now, then why did he allow a day care center and 9 new homes to be developed with no water, and not adequate water pressure for fire abatement? Is Mr Bevins being selective based on what type of development he will allow, or is he being selective based on the name on the city license? The real question is why would you allow a day care center and 9 new homes to be built where he believes there is no water, and where there is not water pressure for adequate fire abatement? That also begs the question what did the city know in 2000, when we came here? Stay tuned. It's going to get interesting.

Russell Michael
California City Studios

February 17, 2009

A Night To Remember

February 17, was a great night for the California City council meeting. The people spoke, and the City listened. No one in this City could be more proud of what went on tonight then me. Although, it was a bad night for me, my studio and vinto corporation, it was a great night for California City. When the City Attorney wants to put something off, he says, "We're not there yet". A bad statement that delays the inevitable and has no backbone, but put it in context of what happened tonight with all the complaints about the city not listening and that they don't care. We can put that behind us, because we're there now. The City is listening and I happy for them. Mr Smith made some great points, and the citizens stuck to there guns. Mayor Adams listened to the people and stated that he realized they had spoken, and Mr. Edminson followed suite. Good work men! That's the way to run this city.

Russell Michael

February 12, 2009

A Mojave Desert News Correction

I would like to correct mistakes made in the Mojave Desert News about waterlines to Wonder Acres.
1) I sent letters to everyone on the city council about the waterline issue three weeks ago, and noone answered me. The Mayor finally asked me yesterday, if he could do anything to help, after the letters to the press were already published and I had chosen to peal back the onion. He should have called me, he had plenty of time. This is all fact, I sent them all by email, and only one was returned for improper addressing.
2) After three weeks, I called Mr Bevins, this past Friday, and was told the same thing I heard in the city council hearing. That it could take up to 5 years to get a promise made to me 8 years 8 months ago completed, if at all. I was also told my waterlines could be shut off by anyone of those property owners that the temp lines run illegally across. I feel this was a scare tactic by Mr Bevins due to his tone. I have contacted most of the owners. I have sent letters to the Fish and Game, I have spoken to the Mojave Water District, and I have letters out to everyone else concerned. I am not a thief. I feel these people need to know, no matter what the cost to me, that lines to me run across their property, I would want to know. This city has had 8 years and 8 months to correct this.. If the city council did not approve the lines and the city attorney is right, tear out the lines.
3) The city attorney forgets there were city employees and city equipment and city spending to bring all the temporary lines to me.
4) Mr Bevins tried to scare me with "Anyone can shut off my lines". He should, in my opinion, drop the tough guy crap. He should have called me that this could have all been worked out. Now it will probably cost the city a lot of money.
5) Mr Bevins stated several untruths when I called him on Friday, one, Mojave is not a wheeling station. They own the lines up to the meter here In Wonder Acres and we receive our water from a Mojave well. They also have an agreement with our city signed in 1991, when this property was annexed in. He also stated that an 8" meter would bring the pressure up, so we would have adequate pressure for fire abatement here in Wonder Acres. An untruth that could cost lives.
6) This city is full of it. I'm not done with the press yet. I'm just pealing back the onion. And the people need to know, when the city is messing with someone and treating a business unfairly. If they worked as hard at correcting this problem as they are trying to excuse it away, we would have been done 5 years ago. Same goes for a grocery store.
7) The city council approved these lines after the battle over conditional use permits. They said 35 days, and I have been patient. And I practice patience, forgiveness, and economical harmony. Nothing works with this bunch.
8) Finally Mr Bevins stated to me on Friday that he has a meter lined up that cost $120000 and he is going to get it for $8000 Well I spoke to Mojave Water District supervisor Mr Gains, and Mr Bevins is full of it. That meter cost $8000, and it wont increase pressure. Put a tank in and and a pump. Try saving lives, not jeopardizing them with untruths, Mr Bevins.
I have been told to many untruths about why I can't get my lines. But let me get mad and I' m the bad guy. I have right on my side and I'm never going to let up on this city. I want what was promised to me. I want this city to stop threatening to run business out of town. I have council minutes ,where the council has stated that several times about several businesses. And I want myself and all that live in Wonder Acres to have water pressure for fire protection. And I want my promises kept. I am again not interested in suing the city, but I will get justice. There is no argument that trumps safety and I won't have someone like Mr Bevins spouting untruths that could cost lives. I feel this type of untruth about the meter adding pressure, can cost lives. I hope that from now on, someone checks his information for facts.
Let me also say, the deal I made with this city was to buy their water, not use my own. That deal was made to benefit the city. We had proposed a million gallon tank for water, which shows that would be needed for filming here. This was a good deal made by a brilliant Jack Stewart. It would have made this city a ton of money and been an asset to the Kern County for Film Revenue. The same is true about the road. People in the film industry will not drive down 15th St, which is not marked to our restaurants, because it is unpaved. Again a great deal for the city business, had the city kept its promises.
What is sad here, Mr Bevins and Mr City Attorney, is not that I went to the press, but that this city did not keep its promises. The city suffers again. I wish everyone would take a look at all the unfinished projects in town, then take a look at how hard I'm trying to hold on, then make up your own minds about how this city treats us in business. Before Friday, Mr Bevins had no conversation about these lines with me. Continued...

Russell Michael

February 9, 2009

Proposed Businesses

I want to say sorry to the people who live along or close to California City Bl., and are opposed to businesses like the new proposed gas station. California City Bl. is the only logical street for business expansion. When I purchased my property, I bought far enough away from California City Bl.,because I knew that someday businesses will stretch from Ellison Plaza up to the 14 freeway and down to the 58 freeway in the other direction. Many people come up the 58 freeway to the second city and need a gas stop. It will only be a matter of time until the motel, market, and plaza businesses open with a new developer. People can try and stop expansion, but they are only fooling themselves. It will come sooner or later. For now, most businesses of this type would be best kept on or close to a major street like California City Bl.

A citizen for business/resident
harmony and coexistence

February 3, 2009

Benefits Outweigh Anger

I also live in the neighborhood of the proposed gas station and welcome it. It is about time that we have a gas station on this side of our community. I can’t tell you how many times we have assisted visitors to our community with directions or trips to the gas station when they have run out of gas in the 18 years we have lived here.
If the Ellison project were to have been successful, we would have experienced increased traffic and noise. I would have welcomed the conveniences that would have been provided by the trade off from that project. I’m sorry that you aren’t happy with the proposed project, but we all need more business and tax revenue in our community and occasionally, we must compromise. On South California City Blvd, there were the "not in my neighborhood" complaints about the Texaco Xpress Lube and Dennis Automotive, when they were proposed. Today, they are businesses that are valuable to our community. We do have many off road motorcycles , not only from the visitors to our community, but the those who live here and enjoy their sport. Law enforcement will have to enforce the illegal routes taken by off road vehicles. The benefit of having another gas station will be an asset to this community.

Respectfully,
Jennifer Wood

February 1, 2009

Help On Hamburger Hill

We're about to start working on our City Park, especially Hamburger Hill and we need citizens of California City to step up and give us a hand. I'm an individual, who thinks we can get it done quickly and do it well with the help of the multitude of people who live here in California City. We're going to try to spruce up, at least get a start, the once beautiful park waterfall.
Here are some of the projects:
Re-grade the hill, fill the holes, clean it and compact it.
When done, plant the hill with ground cover.
Fix both ramps to the top of the hill.
Fix the bricks that were vandalized by either cutting the bad ones out and replacing them or just put a cement cap to match the color of the bricks.
Clean the canals, fill the cracks.
Repair the bridges from one side of the hill to the other.
Clean debris and cut back branches.
Take out dead trees and bushes.
Fix the bridge over portions of the lake to meet California standards.
Fix the walkways and rails.
Replant flowers, shrubs, grass and ground cover.
Get the pump working so that the waterfall operates daily and certainly on weekends.
Get everything spruced up surrounding Hamburger Hill.
We are going to need some equipment, material and personnel to do the hard work:
backhoe, front loader, skip loader, cement cutters, chainsaws, rakes, shovels, hoes, hoses, pumps ladders (tall and medium size), A frames, scaffolds, dirt, cement, bricks, lumber.
And we are going to need:
Man and woman power and teens and kids, too. Cement and brick layers, landscapers, heavy equipment operators, green thumb people who know how to plant, miscellaneous labor to clean up, cut and take trash.
THIS IS NOT FOR JUST A FEW VOLUNTEERS!
This is something that I think the entire city can get behind. We need people so that just a few don't do all the work. If we can get a hundred or so people, I will try to coordinate, with the help of others, schedules, and specifics according to your experience. Then all you have to do is dedicate and contribute a few hours of your time on the project. If there is a SPONSOR or SPONSORS out there, please contact us.
This has to be a CITY-WIDE effort, because all of us owe it to our city and to our kids and grownups so that we can all have a truly beautiful park setting. It was once the jewel of our city, and it will be again. Please contact me at:
lou@altavistaevents.com or call 760.578.6258 or 760.373.8227 phone/fax. We are shooting to have it all done by May 1!

Thank you,
Lou Peralta

January 23, 2009

Wonder Acres Residents In Jeopardy

I want to inform all Wonder Acre residents. Your lives, your homes, and all your personal possessions are in jeopardy, because of where you live. Your homeowners insurance may be in jeopardy, because you do not have adequate service to you area. I am not an insurance salesman. I'm a concerned citizen that can help you get the proper services you need, services that you have not received in the last 20 years, since this property was annexed in. Please call me. I need 5 residents, but wish to speak to all of you about this obvious neglect. You must be wiling to speak at a taped interview.
For ASNBC.COM
Thank You,
Russell Michael,
California City Studios Inc.
Toll Free 866-966-3456 or on my cell at 213-820-2477

January 16, 2009

To Publish Or Not To Publish?

I must tell you that the relationship between the Mojave Desert News and me is not good. I was critical of their political handling and I said so publicly. If Mr. Bill Deaver would have had the courtesy to call me back or answer my e-mails, I would have said the same things to him, as my opinion. However, that didn’t happen and now, it appears I’m banned from ever having anything published in the MDN. A proof of that is that recently, I’ve sent “press release” to Mr. Deaver, Publisher of the Mojave Desert News and none have been published.
The first couple of press releases can be considered as self-serving since they were about events that we plan to promote and he did not published them. OK, I can understand that. However, the last two have nothing to do with me personally but are dedicated for the benefit of the City of California City. Still, he has chosen not to publish them. The first was an article I wrote about our “local riders” and the fact that some, not all, are causing some problems with our citizens. I offered suggestions as to how we can try to mitigate the problem. The second was a ”A Call to Arms” which deals with the City Park and how we, citizens of this great community, must take it upon ourselves to upgrade and bring back our City Park to the glamour and status that it once was. The article called upon people to contact me and volunteer to help. Still Mr. Deaver has chosen not to publish it. That’s really too bad, because it really concerns the whole city of California City and I believe it is important that we all should be aware of what’s happening.
It appears that in the future I’m going to have to rely on friends to submit editorials to the Mojave Desert News under their own name. Hopefully some will get through. Isn’t that sad?

Lou Peralta

January 11, 2009

Thank You Again

On January 9, 2009 Judy Smith was laid to rest. On behalf of Mattie Bass, the Judy Smith family, the brothers and sisters, children, grand children, nieces, and nephews we wish to again thank our friends and our community for the out pouring of love and concern for our family.
We especially would like to thank the following:
Rev. Ron Sparks, the California City Police Department, the California City Fire Department, Subway restaurant, The Flower Shop, Holland and Lyons Funeral Home out of Ridgecrest, and last but by no means least the American Legion. Everyone involved made something that was so very hard and sad a little easier and we are so very grateful.
With all our love and respect, Thank You.

Chuck McGuire

January 3, 2009

The Idiots Are Here

Now that the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year weekends are almost over and astronomical sales figures for this city have buoyed many of us and our businesses, we must sit back, take a deep breath, and reflect towards the immediate future.
Sure, we had over 100,000 people visit our desert during Thanksgiving and Christmas weekends; and I believe around 80,000 during the long New Year weekend (five days) and to date over 18,000 California City OHV Licenses have been sold; local businesses report increases in sales from 50% to over 500% from previous weekends. 99.95% of the people who visited us were good people, family people who obey the simple rules and the posted speed limits. Sadly, as always there’s a miniscule percentage of “stinkers” who can very well ruin it for everyone.
One perfect example: While traveling on California City #10 OHV (Off Highway Vehicle) route from Jawbone to California City, there were a lot of riders using the new route. There were kids on mini bikes, quads, grandfathers and grandmothers on UTVs (Utility Terrain Vehicles), all obeying the right-of-way of the trail, maintain reasonable speeds, being courteous with each other and the on-coming traffic. Yet I saw something that will ruin it for everyone. Several riders on bikes and Quads, were impatient, so rather than wait to get around the slower traffic in a safe and thoughtful manner, they decided to drift into the “open desert” and make their own tracks in order to get around traffic. This is unacceptable! We must do something about that. I spoke to my grandchildren and pointed out the error of their ways.
But the worst was yet to come. We have idiots in California City. I’m not talking about those who visit us on any given weekend. I mean the idiots who live among us! The “local riders” as we refer to them. Riding up and down paved streets: Redwood, Hacienda, Mendiburu, North Loop, Conklin, 20 Mule Team Parkway, some even venture into Fastrip and McDonald’s. What are these clowns thinking about? They are going to ruin it for everyone else. The city is enjoying badly needed outside revenue, expecting even more during the holidays and during terrific springtime weekends ahead. All could be lost because our local riders think that they are above the law.
My answer: Please Chief Colerick, come down hard on local riders who do not obey the rules. If the cops on the beat see someone riding where they are not supposed to; impound their bikes, quads, whatever. Issue the maximum citation and in cases where they are under age, hold the parents and/or guardians responsible for their kid’s actions. No second thought about it. No leniency. It’s going to take a few incidents to drive the point across. Many local riders know me personally and know that I’m one of their biggest supporters. But I can also be one of their biggest nightmares when it comes to not obeying the simple rules. I will use the power of the pen to oust them.
Why ruin a beautiful thing. California City is rapidly becoming the mecca for OHV’ers and we can’t let a few destroy it for all. If anyone wants to tell me how wrong I am, contact me at: lou@altavistaevents.com

Lou Peralta