It’s truly amazing how, by selectively choosing what to print and how to publish it, and the point you wish to make, you can make a garlic plant smell like a rose.
Point in fact: This week’s Mojave Desert News banner headline; “Grand jury clears CalCity officials.”
Then it goes on to say that they did nothing wrong with the decision not to follow the Planning Commission’s recommendation and thus making Mr. Michaels go through a CUP for his proposal to build a set in his property for a motocross film/series. The article notes that these were stated by a Mr. Glen Chesbrough (don’t know who he is), Chairman, Cities and Joint Powers Committee. The strange thing about this is that the paragraphs preceding his signature are not placed in “quotes” meaning that these comments indeed came from him. The so-called exoneration of City officials, in fact, have no quotation marks. What does that tell you? Well maybe it’s a publishing error, as there are many in every issue. But when you do a bit of research, you find other things that bring questions to mind.
I downloaded the following, and placed the text in “red” type, which is from the Kern County Gran Jury. Please pay close attention to what they say, and let me know if the Gran Jury really exonerated Cal City officials as the newspaper article wants you to believe: “COMMENTS: The crux of the issue in this complaint appears to be two-fold, as follows:
1. Whether the property at issue is subject to the requirements of a CUP for development of a motocross track as part of the movie studio, based on the M1 zoning; and
2. Whether the City Manager has the authority to override the recommendations of the Planning Commission.
FINDINGS:
1. Relative to the first issue in “Comments” above, it appears from the information located on the City’s web site and as considered by the Planning Commission, based on the zoning ordinance in effect at the time of the re-zoning to zone M1, a movie studio does not require a CUP for the planned activities described in the complaint. This is consistent with the ruling of the Planning Commission.
2. Relative to the second issue in “Comments” above, it appears that it is not the “custom and practice” within the City for the City Manager to override the recommendations of the Planning Commission. In fact, it appears that the City Manager acted inconsistently with the City’s own ordinances relative to zoning. The recourse for the City Manager or the Planning Commission in such a disagreement is to refer the issue to the City Council. There is no evidence that this was done by either party.
3. While not necessarily relevant to the complaint, but certainly of interest to the City’s overall financial stability, it appears that the economy of the City would fare well if the motocross track was developed on the movie studio site. This would tend to bring in a substantial amount of revenue not normally available to the City, through an influx of temporary film-crew workers for such things as lodging, dining, and gasoline purchases.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Given the amount of time that has passed since the decision of the Planning Commission and the resulting confusion, the Planning Commission should re-visit their decision of August 14, 2007, and, if their decision remains unchanged, should officially reiterate that decision so that the Complainant can proceed with the proposed plans.
2. If the Interim City Manager is in disagreement with the decision of the Planning Commission, the Interim City Manager should appeal the matter to the City Council. Absent such an appeal, the decision of the Planning Commission should stand. The City of California City should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review.
Note: Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed through the Kern County Library system and on the Kern County Grand Jury website: www.co.kern.ca.us/grandjury.
RESPONSE REQUIRED WITHIN 60 DAYS TO: PRESIDING JUDGE KERN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, 2ND FLOOR BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301
cc: FOREMAN KERN COUNTY GRAND JURY 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301” Maybe I’m reading this wrong, but please tell me where the above exonerates City Officials. You know already that CBS didn’t want to wait any longer and took their $2,000,000.00 budget for the film to Arizona, I believe. One more example of the slanted views we see in national media and newspapers “tanking” for their favorite politicians.
I wish I could post this response in the Mojave Desert News but:
· It is far too long. You are only limited to 500 words (although there are many articles in the paper that go on and on for far many more hundreds of words, that at times, put you to sleep).
· If they indeed were to publish it, it would come out after the November 4 elections for mayor and city council.
· We already know who Mojave Desert News wants to support. Fruitless, I say. Which brings me to more proof of my statement of “tanking” for certain candidates.
I’ve had several articles published by Mojave Desert News, which I thank them for it, although I had to restrain myself to 500 words. And I know several of the candidates have had their articles published. Well and dandy. But in this week’s Mojave Desert News, Thursday, October 30, 2008, page A-3, there’s a terrific banner atop the page: “ELECTION 2008.” Guess who are featured in that full page? I won’t keep you in suspense. The incoming Mayor Davis Evans, with a 28-point mast head of his name and likewise incumbent Councilman Kevin Schafer. That’s it. Nobody else! Mr. Michael Sellard, also a candidate, had to buy a quarter page ad and was put on the same page. Did Mojave Desert News ever bother to call all the other candidates and invite them to put their platform in this “special election” page? I carry my telephone with me. I didn’t get a call. This is the page that should feature all the candidates for office in California City, because it is an important page, just before the Nov 4 election, so that their readers can make up their minds if they haven’t done so before next Tuesday. It is a vital page for those who subscribe to the Mojave Desert News. Tell me how is the newspaper serving their paid subscribers? No, I’m afraid it doesn’t work that way, I guess, even in small-town politics. The only two that are prominently featured with FREE space are Mr. Evans and Mr. Schafer and, of course, Mr. Sellard with his PAID advertisement, the others?
What a “crock” of $#@%. Unfortunately, this is the reality nowadays, which is played in the big leagues with publications such as the L.A. Times, Washington Post, New York Times and many others--all in the “tank” for Barack Hussein Obama, while only the few honest, fair and minded media, dedicate their pages to everyone else. How would you rank the Mojave Desert News among those above? I’ll leave that up to you. If I become mayor of this great city, I’m going to make sure that there is another newspaper in town or at the very least, the City will publish all the uncensored, unbiased and honest truth of everything that is happening in our city and the comments that people make about our performance.
YOU CAN TAKE THAT TO THE BANK!
Lou Peralta
Candidate for Mayor Of California City
Asking California City Candidates For Mayor And City Council To State Priorities
October 28, 2008
Dear Candidates,
Thank you for your interest in serving as key members of city government. I appreciate the sacrifice you have already made and/or will be making, whether you continue in your current role or are newly elected. In hopes of becoming an informed voter, I have been asking questions around our city, examining election mailers, reading postings on this website, and I also attended the one public forum for which I was in town.
As is often the case, several of you have mentioned a number of things you’ve worked on, and you’ve offered comments on a wide variety of topics you believe are important to our city. On the other hand, some of you have offered very little in terms of communication. Only seven days out from election day, I and many other people, who want the best for California City, would appreciate a summary of your priorities.
Will you please respond to the following: What are three to six top priorities you will focus on if elected?
Please make your remarks in the context of the office you’re seeking and think about being held accountable. Please also consider explaining these priorities in terms of challenges, issues, opportunities that are before us, and what we should do first to make other goals feasible.
I hope you will support our democratic process by providing this type of focused summary. Best wishes to each of you as you seek to serve our community.
Jay Dunham
ANSWERS TO MR. DUNHAM’S QUESTIONS Asking California City Candidates For Mayor And City Council To State Priorities
Mr. Dunham, thank you for the opportunity to respond to your questions.
As Mayor of California City, I will employ the best tool for making important decisions that affect everyone: COMMON SENSE. Everything can be resolved, achieved and planned by using simple common sense. If it makes sense to me, the likelihood that it will make sense to most people, is great.
· We must bring “new” money into this City. We must stop playing with our own money. The way to do it is to encourage businesses, tourism and potential investors to look at our City as the absolute best place for their needs. How do we do this? By showing that we are willing to listen to their projects or proposals and instead saying “No, it can’t be done,” as we often do, we will say something to the effect that; “We don’t know if we can do it just like you want it, but let us work together to find a way which will satisfy us both.” There’s never been anything that I thought was worth doing that could not be done.
· Absolute “transparency in government” is what I’m aiming for. Everything will be out in the open so that our citizens know what’s going on at all times. No hidden agreements, or secretive resolutions or “closed sessions,” will be allowed in my administration. With the exception of absolute privacy when dealing with matters of a personal nature with an individual or city employees, everything should be out in the open for everyone’s evaluation. I will use our local media, our staff and our city website to get the word out. I will also implore our citizens who wish to be kept informed regarding city matters, to provide the city with their e-mail addresses. In fact, I have been speaking with several people in our city who could digitize every City Council and RDA and perhaps Planning Commission meeting so that anyone, at any time can download them in “real time” or through our archival process. Absolute transparency in government is a MUST!
· The Parks & Rec. director must institute daily and weekly programs for our children and young people. They must be kept active and involved. We have great baseball, football, soccer fields, golf courses and plenty of room for a plethora of sports and recreational activities. I will call on our own city volunteers to help Parks & Rec. put on youth programs. In recent weeks I have met a number of people who have tremendous amount of experience in, for example” Bass fishing, trampoline, computer science, soccer, lacrosse, motorcycle riding/racing, archery, target shooting, canoeing, sailing, dancing, etc. There’s no reason why every day of the week, our park should not offer one or more of those activities. The Sports Center must be open and put to use NOW!
· Code Enforcement has some power, but it is perhaps somewhat limited. I want to give that department some “teeth” to go after violators who commit infractions such as dumping, properly maintaining their residences, renters who do not clean up their homes, Section 8 violators, and absentee owners. Firstly, give them a 20-day notice to correct; secondly, give them a citation if not corrected or partially corrected; and thirdly, the City will clean up, fix or remove and then send the owner of the property and the resident, a bill for the costs, concurrently, with placing a lien on the subject property.
· If it means adding one or two more people to the department, then we must do it. Our city cannot depend on the wonderful volunteers that help us keep our city streets clean twice a year. This must be an on-going priority project. I would even “deputize” retired citizens with past like-experience to become Code Enforcement officers. I would also encourage and make it my point that when a violator is found, he or she should be exposed to our citizens via newspaper and other media outlets. It only takes once or twice for someone to be embarrassed, for people to realize that crime is not allowed in California City. Crime will not pay here!
· I wish to be the biggest cheerleader for this City. I truly believe it’s a great community whose potential has yet to be explored. I will start with our City employees and staff and work my way to our administrators, councilpersons, City Manager and eventually to outside sources. It all has to start from the ground up. If our city staff and employees are happy to be here, and truly believe in our future potential, they will sell our city to others.
Mr. Dunham, I have much more, but I believe the above will give an idea of what I’m committed to accomplishing. On the other hand, let’s say I do not get elected mayor of this great city, I will, nonetheless, continue to strive for all the points I’ve delineated above and more. This city deserves the very best. Thank you again for the opportunity.
To my Spanish speaking friends: Deseo que voten por mi, por Alcalde de esta gran ciudad. Tambien es ciudad de Ustds. y cualquier momento que tengan problemas o desean servicio, o tengan ideas de mejorar nuestra ciudad, por favor vengan a City Hall y yo los apoyo. Gracias amigos y amigas. Candidato pro Alcalde de la ciudad de California City.
Lou Peralta Candidate for Mayor of California City
ANSWERS TO MR. DUNHAM’S QUESTIONS
First of all, thank you for taking the time to ask a great question. If you or any citizen have suggestions please bring them forward, as a member of this community could bring forth valuable information and suggestions. This community can only become better with citizen involvement. Grocery /Retail Stores My first priority would be the grocery store and more retail businesses. As you are aware, it appears that we are in an uphill climb to attract large business to this community. It is time this city markets itself through advertising, video, and word-of-mouth in order to bring in new and larger retail companies.
The city also needs to be more business friendly and receptive to the businesses that we already have. In addition, why not ask the surrounding communities such as Rosamond, Tehachapi and Ridgecrest what they are doing that makes them successful in bringing in retail business and supermarkets. You should never be ashamed to learn from those who are more successful. California City Fire Department Secondly, our fire department is extremely understaffed. Our fire department consists of three city employees per shift, if lucky, and one auxiliary fire fighter. Under NFPA 1710 and Cal OSHA it is strongly recommended that when an engine shows up to a structure fire that there be enough crew members for two firefighters in the structure and two fire fighters outside of the structure in case of emergency. That should leave the engineer to supply the water and the shift captain to oversee operation. Currently our fire department does not meet the suggested minimums.
Last year our fire department responded to 1,733 calls for service. To explain how busy our single engine station is, if they were part of the Kern County Fire Department system they would be the fourth busiest in the county. If they were part of the Los Angeles County Fire Department system they would be 70th out of 536 stations. If they we part of the Los Angeles City Fire Department system they would be in the top 50. And if they were part of the San Francisco Fire Department system they would be 18th out of 42 fire departments. We as a community have to protect those that protect us. That’s the least we can do. The City Water Supply If you are not aware, we receive a large amount of water from AVEK. Due to circumstances beyond our control our water supply has been drastically reduced. I agree with the path that the city administration has taken in trying to secure water for our community. I would continue with the studies that have recently taken place to see where our aquifer is and if there is an ample amount of water for this city to draw upon.
If there is a large amount, I would suggest that the city drill and start pumping water for this community in order to bank water and supply the city’s needs. If possible we should also sell water to bring in funds to help the city in its daily operations. Being a desert community. water should always be a high priority. Central Park The park is also on my list of priorities. This is the community’s park and for reasons, unknown to me its care and beauty have diminished drastically in the last few years. When I was participating in this year’s Renaissance Faire and working security for the event I had the opportunity to speak with many of the visiting vendors, and one conversation stuck out in my mind. A man told me that our park was beautiful; that he came out to this community and was surrounded by brown desert, and then he happened upon this oasis. Can you imagine what he and others would have said if our park was at its full potential?
Could you imagine a running waterfall which is not only pleasant to the senses but also aerates the water in our lake? Can you imagine grass that is full, lush and green? Can you imagine brightly colored flowers throughout the park? Can you imagine a fenced off park ensuring safety and security to the gem of our city?
When I first moved here in 1971 this park was incredible. It was a brightly shining diamond for this community, complete with a waterfall, bridges, boats and fishing. I want that back. And I want that for all the children and members of the community who haven’t seen what this park can be. City Employees This city’s number one resource is our city employees. When called upon the vast majority of them go well beyond and above the call of duty. If our city employees didn’t care about this community you would in all probability see them work from 8 to 5, and would not see them again until the following work day. Instead the men and women go that extra mile to ensure that things are done for this community.
What I would love to see happen is all departments receiving additional personnel. I don’t want to see, for example, four people being hired for parks and then pulled from there and put in other departments. We have just defeated our purpose in doing this. It appears to me that this city is running on a skeleton crew and as we all know, Murphy’s Law comes into play on a regular basis. It’s not if, it’s when.
When it does occur, I want to ensure that this community is not caught short handed and our city employees will be able to handle and correct any major problems this city might incur. I understand that in any business employees are the biggest cost but, like the fire department, we need to take care of those people that serve this community. City Spending Last, but certainly not least, is the city spending. I feel that city government should be crystal clear when dealing with any large expenditures of the taxpayers’ money. Any large expenditure should be brought to the public’s attention so that the right hand and left hand know exactly what is going on. We are dealing with a sacred trust and it is wrong for a city government to feel that they don’t’ have to be held accountable for how the money is spent. I feel if you handle the small things correctly the big things will handle themselves just fine.
I appreciate your interest in my position in this election and it was with the greatest of pleasure that I responded to your inquiry. Hopefully, I have answered your question. If you or anyone else have any other concerns or questions please feel free to visit my website at www.newcityofcaliforniacity.org where you can contact me and see more about my platform.
I thank you for your courage to join our effort to make positive changes to this City. I had the pleasure to sit next to you during the September 29 forum, and I know you were very nervous about public speaking. However, you shared great ideas with me and I wish to compliment you for your courage to attempt to do something meaningful for your community. I can assure you that if I am honored to be elected mayor of California City, I will call upon you to assist us in making California City a greater community.
In deference to your comments of paring down the list of mayoral candidates to one or two, I also agree. Recently, as Ms. Nichols suggested, Mr. Adams, Mr. Sellers and myself got together to discuss the very same subject Ms. Nichols broached. Three or four mayoral candidates would certainly dilute the vote when running against an incumbent. Former Mayor Adams is passionate about this City. He wants to work hard to make this city great, and basically follow what he started years ago. Mr. Seller is also passionate. He wants nothing but good things for everyone to enjoy living here. He’s a businessman and recognizes the needs of the city. Like the gentlemen above, I’m also passionate about California City. However, I wish to take a different path to achieve my goals, one that has never been attempted before. I don’t wish to run the city with business as usual in mind. I want to attempt new things to make our lives here in California City vibrant, joyful, and full of great expectations and our economy richer. At the end of our harmonious meeting we all decided for each of us to continue our paths and let the best man win. Moreover, we all agreed that this city deserves a change from the top. It’s up to the voters now to do what they think is correct.
Personally, I believe Mayor Evans has tunnel vision. He does not see the opening at the end of the tunnel. Recently, and on several occasions before, I was accused by Mayor Evans for wanting an “Off-Road Disneyland” for our community. His tone was tantamount to a soft slap to the face, condescending and pompous. I would say; “From Mr. Evans’ mouth to God’s ears.” That and many other ideas of mine would be greatly beneficial to our community. I would love to have an off-road Mecca, just like I would like to have California City be the Mecca for soccer tournaments, fishing tournaments, mountain bike competitions, the biggest national Boy Scout and Girl Scout Jamborees, the best place to visit Spas, golf courses, the absolute best city to open new hotels that surround our magnificent lake and the best city to welcome manufacturing plants and commercial enterprises that will bring in more people to this city than we know what to do with. Yes. I’m for that 100%.
Another great example of the Mayor having tunnel vision is the recently enacted California City Trail #1. I’ve been the sole proponent of this effort since my wife and I were living in Cantil at our rancho over ten years ago. Mayor Evans was the only person who opposed the measure at a recent Council meeting, saying that (I’m paraphrasing): “we’re opening a can of worms.” Fortunately it passed by a majority. But don’t take my word, all you need to do is to go to the IMC Business Center and ask the business owners about their improvements in revenues. Ask our police officers how OHV’ers who ride into town are behaving and how grateful they are to have this opportunity. Now we need to open a cross-walk into Aspen Mall and also Trail #2 and Trail #3 to help other parts and other businesses of the city.
During early meetings of the Off-Road Committee, Mayor Evans fought not to have the California City OHV License fee enacted. I’ve been suggesting this for over ten years, ever since I proposed the very same thing to City Manager Steve West. Nonetheless, it passed thanks to the efforts of many in the city and volunteers. Now, we have collected well over $60,000 from March 3, 2008 to date (including the very slow summer months). These are moneys that are being used to offset city costs for OHV users and to help improve Borax Bill Park, and other related services. Conservative estimates are that the city will collect from $100,000 to $110,000 before the end of the year. Can you imagine if we had started the OHV License fee ten years ago how much better we would be?
As Ms. Nichols stated so eloquently; we need the change from the top. We need to have this city represented by people who really care and just don’t take credit for something that they were forced to accept. On November 4, my name will be in the ballot as a candidate for mayor. Vote for me and give me the opportunity to prove what I can do for this city. You will not regret it.
It is with some sadness that I make the following decision to step aside from running for Mayor, even though many of my friends and family would like for me to continue. I have given this much thought and have come to this conclusion, as I understand it, there were 7 total Mayor candidates until the "Meet The Candidates Forum" last week, when Mr. Fisher dropped out because of the number of persons running, which he stated would divide the total votes in the election to a point that the existing Mayor could win on that point alone. Using the same logic that Mr. Fisher gave about divided votes, I also wish to step aside from this election and sincerely hope that one or two of the other candidates would consider doing the same to greatly reduce the possibility of the existing Mayor to remain in office another two years. If they would be so humble to do so, I would encourage them to join me by endorsing and or supporting Mr. Michael Sellard as candidate for Mayor. I believe Mr. Sellard would be a good, fair and honest Mayor and truly has our communities interest at heart. I plan to support his campaign, work closely with the Citizens for Better Government and help where needed to turn our community around for the better. I wish to thank those who were encouraging me to run and were there to support me.
With 6 candidates this year as opposed to all the onesy and twosy's in the years prior, we are faced with actually having the chance to pick an opportunity for change. Which of these 6 candidates could actually bring about change? The answer lies not in their boasting, or their flag waving, or their political signage, or lack of, but in their want! The one that wants it the most will make it known the loudest.
I want someone that wants to be in office as Mayor, someone with the gumption it takes to look at the long term of this city, see the mistakes of the past, qualify them and make the changes necessary to make a difference based on pride in government and leadership. I want a man or woman on a mission to seek and destroy the weights that have held us down long enough.
We can not afford to face the future with the past so ingrained into those that lead us. We must face the facts. Most of the 6 that are running are running for office, because they think their going to be able to do things their way.
Some of these 6 are running, because they have been hurt by this city in one way or another. They don't want to use the checks and balances already in place, they take time and rely on others to decide and make decision in their favor or not.
So how do we the people pick a Mayor from this 6 Pack? I can only say that in football you might consider a "Hale Mary" but in politics we had better sort it out and make sure we get it right. Let's make sure we choose based on some level of experience and performance, not on popularity. Let's choose based on history of success, not on history of friendship. Let's choose from are hearts, that we are making the best choice possible for our city, and put all other feelings aside.
We have a great city, and it needs a leader determined to face the challenges of tomorrow, as well as today, and to plan long term on how to solve them, There are many and they must be met. Look at where we're going, ask how we are doing, come to the council meetings and hear what's happening, then take that information, calculate it and determine who is best to run this city. Leave your feelings at home in November, and remember it's what you want for your city that counts. Vote accordingly.
January 21, 2008
Prop. 91 still stands as a warning against ballot-box budgeting. Even the authors of Proposition 91 want you to vote against it. It's an "orphan" measure that got onto the Feb. 5 ballot as part of an overreaching bargaining strategy by a coalition of transportation advocates. They already got what they wanted: Proposition 1A, approved by 77% of California voters in November 2006, locks up the sales taxes that motorists pay at the gasoline pump, allowing the revenue to be used only for transportation projects. The complete article can be viewed at: http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/opinion/la-ed-prop91-21jan21,1,2604394.story?coll=la-news-comment
