December 26, 2007
How Dare you scare Woman and Children
"How dare you?" A questioned asked by city council members, Mayor Evans and Mr Edmonson as they hammer a citizen of California City. "How dare you" scare old women and children is the cry from city council members as they badger and torment a man, who dare question words printed in a recent news article by the local Mojave Desert News. The words of the water and roads department head, Mr. Bevin's were, "We will charge 20,000 to 40,000 for sewer hookups to citizens of California City as needed.
When a lone Citizen questioned this, remarking that it would be easier if the city find another way to charge for sewer hookups, that would relieve some of this cost, the head honcho of California City and his sidekick decided they would chastise this man for his disregard for old women and children. Although to tell the truth, personally I can't understand why old woman and children would fear such a statement. "How Dare you" among other things was the cry that lead the charge to batter and punish anyone questioning the acts of city officials in our city even though it was the city head of water and roads that made the statement.
Mr Edmonson went on about how he had shunned this man at the airport. He repeatably said he had shunned this man over some deal at the airport. In itself, a serious offense by any member of any city council. Shunned is a word used to show disdain and anger. A word used to belittle and chastise. Mr Evans is the Mayor of our city and should never use a threatening tone with anyone, never the less, chastise and belittle a citizen of our city for questioning a city official.
The Mayor should read the local newspaper. He would be better informed. As most citizens of cities as small as ours that are fortunate enough to have a newspaper. The reason we have a city council is to help solve problems, not rule over us, chastise and belittle us, when we come to them with concerns. Calmer and more caring minds should oversee our problems, not people, with no tolerance for being questioned.
This is the skinny on how the city council speaks to citizens of California City.
City council member Mr Shaffer told a woman who was having difficultys, she should go to church and the fact that she wasn't was the cause of her problems.
The mayor, Mr Evans, stated he believes some of us were wained on dill pickles, and informed the press to quote such a statement. He also stated he believes we shouldn't fight if we're not pregnant. "What"????
City Council member Mr Edmonson shuns people, and is so proud of it, he repeatedly tells those he has shunned, they have been shunned, in city council hearings.
Mr Bevins is head of the water and roads department. The reason behind all this turmoil to begin with, stated at a City Economic Development Dinner, that he would suck every last drop of blood out of every developer that comes to this city in order to pay for improvements. This could be the reason we have no developers!! Gentlemen, I believe your the ones scaring people! You should all be saying "How dare on you" in the mirror.
Stay tuned, I predict a documentary will be in the works, one that will question how small cities govern and how they form. "Who's in control or out of control in our small cities". This after all is election year, it would be nice to know how and what the little guys are doing.
For more on this story email Russell Michael at eastkernnews@fvmca.com or call office number 760-373-4966, fax at 760-373-8565 or toll free at 866-966-3456.
December 11, 2007
New School Bond Measure A To Be Included In Proposition 39
On February 5, 2008, the citizens of California City will be asked to pass a new School Bond to raise the funds to finish the two new schools. This new School Bond is called Measure A and will fall under Proposition 39, which only requires 55% of the votes to pass, not the 2/3rd that was required to pass the extension of our current 2002 School Bond. There are some facts that everyone needs to know about Proposition 39. First, this School Bond will cost $60 per $100,000 of assessed property value per year. Second, the money raised by this Bond can ONLY be used for what it was requested for. Third, there must be an annual audit for as long as the bond loan is due. Finishing these two new schools will help everyone in California City with the following:
First - It will improve the overall value of your home. Second - It will help get large corporations interested in investing here (stores & jobs). I know everyone has heard this old story over and over again, that a supermarket might come if we do this or do that. But let’s face facts, if California City does not have a completed High School, the city will never be able to get any large corporation interested in investing in our city. If a large corporation were to invest millions here, what does California City and the School District have to offer their employees? Their employees will have kids that will need to attend school, but if the school system is not in place and complete, what large corporation will come here to California City. Now, $60 per $100,000 of assessed property value works out to 16.4 cents per day. I’m on permanent disability and I’m willing to pay 16.4 cents per day ($60 per year) to ensure that the current students and future students of California City have a completed High School. Having a completed school system (that’s K-12) in California City is good for everyone living here and will give our children a chance at a good education. Will the 611 "No" voters from the Measure E election, vote No again in Feb 2008? I hope not. Measure A will only be $60 a year (just 16.4 cents a day) on $100,000 of assessed property value, and that’s not too much for anyone to pay. I hope that everyone will help the children of California City and our School District complete the two new schools. Help support this new School Bond and get it passed. One last thing, to all the renters who are also registered voters in California City. It will not cost you a thing to vote yes. So please go and Vote Yes on Measure A, coming Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008. Vote Yes on Measure A.
Bill Spellman
October 29, 2007
Pros & Cons Of Measure E
I have read the pros and cons about Measure E and have my own opinion. In most communities the building of schools is added to cost of new homes thru the contractor. Maybe I am off-base, but didn't Cal City get caught up the big building surge that left all those vacant homes? If all those homes were occupied, there would be no deficit in the school funding. Why should all the property owners pay over and over again because the schools were built before the money was in the pot to pay for them. Now we have unfinished school buildings and empty homes.
Dyanne Nyquist
October 16, 2007
Airborne Mobile Homes
Well here I go again. I live in Wonder acres. About two years ago, I had an opportunity to speak with Mike Edminson about a potential problem somewhere down the road. As you go east, down CCB on your left at Lutie, there are three mobile homes that have been left to just fall apart for at least four years. Every once in awhile when the winds really kick up, we will see parts of these mobile homes sail through the air and land, who knows where. When I mentioned this to Mike his response to me was "it's not the City's problem". My response to him was, since we have put the city on notice, it could very well become the City's problem. Today as I watch a piece of siding about 10 feet by 4 feet fly off the trailer, my only question is, "How long will it be before the City has to defend itself against a wrongful death litigation?" I guess my point is, there is something truthful about the old saying "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".
Ken Frandsen
September 26, 2007
The Apathetic and Narrow Minded Registered Voter
I want to start off by thanking everyone that worked so hard trying to get Measure E passed. From the people that got the signs made and put up, to the people that made phone calls. And a big thanks to the group of people that went out to the schools holding up the Measure E signs asking people to go vote. Also, thanks to everyone that took the time to vote.
Now the people that care about the kids and the city have a very difficult job. We have to tell the kids of California City that a small group of 611 very narrow minded people stopped the completion of their schools by voting NO on Measure E. By voting No, this small group is showing that they do not care if the schools ever get finished.
This will leave the kids at Hacienda Elementary and California City High School lacking needed facilities. The High School will have the biggest problems to deal with, they will have to do without a school office, library, gym and sport fields. These NO voters are telling the kids that they do not need a school that is completed and able to give them a good education. The apathy of some of the registered voters in California City is very upsetting. With over 4100 registered voters, only 1704 people took the time to vote. That means over 2300 votes did not vote. If you're a registered voter and a renter, voting yes on measures like this would not cost you a thing.
The day after the Special Election I talked with some people that are registered voters that wanted Measure E to pass, but for some reason they felt that their vote was not needed or that it would not matter. Well I'm here to let you all know that Measure E failed to pass by less then 3%. If you care at all about the kids of California City, you must get out and VOTE, EVERY YES VOTE IS NEEDED.
If we, as a City want the improvements like a supermarket along with other stores and businesses that bring in jobs, we have to overcome this group of people. A completed school system in California City would be a step in the right direction. It shows outside businesses that California City cares about the people of this city, that California City is looking to a bright future. That we have what it takes, a city worthy of their business. We will have to work hard to overcome this group of apathetic and narrow minded people.
We have to save the kids of California City from the ranks of narrow mindedness, stupidity, welfare, and unemployment. I'm asking the School District and the City of California City to get this measure back on the ballot for approval as soon as possible. Let's not wait for a year or more, lets do it now. It's for the kids, we have to do it for them.
Bill Spellman
August 23, 2007
Argument Against Measure E
I notice there was no argument against Measure E on the ballot. Interesting.
I suspect that few people will read, or think about what I’m about to propose here, but I feel it needs to be stated. While I have no issue with the fact that our new schools may require some amenities that are no longer in the current budget, I have a problem with the method of funding the solution.
We, the citizens of California City didn’t cause this shortfall. We, the citizens of California City shouldn’t be required to pay for this shortfall through additional property tax revenues (on top of the recently approved “Not so Special Tax”). As I understand it, this budget shortfall was caused by excessive delays, red tape, and bureaucratic waste associated with efforts to comply with California’s excessive environmental regulations. The citizens of California City didn’t cause the problem; we are not responsible for creating the resulting budgetary shortfall. I am not eager to fork over additional tax monies to fix something that I didn’t’ cause. Have we approached state or federal agencies to obtain the funding that was squandered as we waited for the approvals to finally build the schools? Has a full accounting of the original budgets, costs to date, waste to date, schedule overruns, and related issues that delayed these projects and resulted in the cost increases (or eventual decision to eliminate certain facilities) been published? I didn’t think so.
It is an extremely rare instance when taxpayers can vote against a tax. I implore the citizens of California City to do just that. Vote against Measure E until a full accounting of the cause of the problem is presented to the citizens of California City and all reasonable avenues to correct the problem at the state and federal levels exhausted. Don’t be so quick to tax yourselves into solving a problem that you didn’t create. Politicians have a never ending list of problems, and obviously have found the solution to most of them can be found through additional taxes. Do you really think this is the last time they’ll come to the well?
Until the above accounting is complete and all available avenues short of taxation have been explored - you can count on my NO vote.
Respectfully,
Rich Backs
August 6, 2007
Animal Control Or Out Of Control?
I think someone (maybe the City Council) should set up some very strict guidelines with reference to animal control in California City. The city is running amuck in this respect. There are far too many lost, abandoned, and deceased animals in this town. You wonder how this happens. The owners should be mandated to be more responsible for their animals. It should be required that people should have i.d. tags on their pets, so if they are found running around loose in the town, they can immediately be identified and returned to their owners.
Maybe there should be some kind of public gathering set up at our local dog pound, whereby people could stop and see some of the orphaned animals and maybe want to keep one, but the main purpose would be to have i.d. tagging available for people to purchase, or give free to the people, or maybe for a small donation to the pound for its upkeep.
I just read in the Mojave Daily News on Thursday that some very kind person donated dog food to the pound. I thought that was so wonderful! Dog Tags -inexpensive dog tags - that's what we need. Maybe it can be incorporated into the event they are having at the park in August to fingerprint and i.d. the children. Maybe there could be a booth for i.d. of pets. Just a thought to ponder.
thank you...
Judy
July 20, 2007
Speed Train or Metro Link?
People of California City. Your input is needed. Speed train planning is still in progress. Up until now the route for the speed train might pass through Mojave. But that can always change. If it does pass through there, we need a stop there. Trains don't stop in every city they pass through. If there is no stop there, what good does it do us?
Metro link serves LA, Ventura, San Bernadino, Riverside, Orange, and San Diego counties. It stops in Lancaster then returns to LA. As I come off the 14 freeway and cross the railroad tracks on California City Blvd, I wouldn't mind seeing a Metro Link Park and Ride station there.
If you would like the Speed train to stop near us, or Metro link to come to California City. Write, call, or email your State, County, and City Officials, also Metro link or Speed train. All numbers and address are available on their websites. Remind them that we are the 3rd largest incorporated city in California and are growing fast.
Caliman Mike
July 5, 2007
Just A Thank You
Just want to say thanks. I am new to California City. Just got some land here in early 2007. I am still going back and forth from Los Angeles. I hope to spend more time in Cal City. When I am in L. A. your site makes me feel like I am close to Cali bl. I will e-mail you anything that might be news worthy. That I see when I am in town. (use it or not).
Great Job CaliforniaCity.com Keep up the good work
Caliman Mike
June 11, 2007
Area 14 - Did A Great Job!
Area 14 known as CCB South to Rome Beauty Drive. I am proud of our Neighbors that came out in our Neighborhood. Mr Wayne and Ms Mary did a Great Job in organizing this one for our Area. We had 2 children from our neighborhood. Just goes to show that our youth still care about where they live. And it also shows that Our Neighborhood Watch is working. I applaud all the Citizens that did come out for this event and hopefully we don't have to wait until October 2007 for the Clean Up to continue. Most of us Clean Up everyday around our neighborhoods every little bit counts.
Carla
May 19, 2007
To Everyone Who Is Helping
The date today is 5-18-07, and I have never felt safer in Cal City then I ever have before.
It feels SO good, to not be scared to go outside tonight.
Most people would say, "move then", but this is MY home town and I love it to death. I do not want to leave this place, because from what I saw tonight as the spotlight went over our neighborhoods repeatedly, it told me Cal City still has a chance. I know others feel me as well, especially ones who have seen the differences go on through this town, just for the past few years, even the past few decades. Seems like we are slacking, and for a 20 year old to say this.. A 20Year old!! To say things like this...
All I have to say is...
Thank you for this day, on this feeling of being so safe. I will sleep better tonight.. and the sad part to this is.. it was only for tonight.. wasn't it?
Signed a person who wants to help her home town instead of watching it be sucked into crime,
Chell |
December 20, 2007
Higher Taxes, Less Voice For Voters
Did you know that California has found a way to raise taxes and reduce the rights of voters? Are you surprised? In one stroke of the pen, property valuations have increased and the percentage of voters needed to prevent future tax initiatives has been decreased. What does this mean to you California City voters? It means that now you get to pay higher property taxes and that only 55% of voters need to vote yes on Proposition 39 in order for it to pass on February 5th, 2008 instead of the 67% required previously for Measure E. Your voices were heard, and they would prefer to hear fewer of them that disagree with approving new taxes.
If you believe that this is the last time politicians will be coming after your hard earned money in the form of tax increases, you haven’t been listening to the news on healthcare reform. We’ll get to pay for that pretty soon as well. We also have a defense crisis, mortgage crisis, security crisis, energy crisis, education crisis, immigration crisis, labor crisis and let’s not forget the Academy Award winning global warming crisis…I think you see the trend. Need money, create a crisis. Need a solution, create a tax. Can most California City residents afford to fund this particular bond initiative? Probably, (especially the city’s registered voters who are only renting here), but that’s not really the point.
Those of you who objected to Measure E for the reasons, I’ve identified in previous letters, and voters who are interested in trying to hold government accountable to produce results and not squander precious tax resources beware. We are destined to lose this upcoming vote to those who desire a solution to our current school construction “crisis.” Never fear, another crisis will come along, and they’ll be back again.
Does anyone seriously harbor the illusion that completing these schools alone will substantially increase property values? Housing prices are falling all across the nation, even in communities with completed schools. There are larger economic forces at work here. It’s a gross oversimplification to equate completing the work on the schools to an increase in property values or an increased corporate interest in investing in California City.
For the record, I’m not opposed to finishing the schools. The work needs to be completed. However, nobody has attempted to equate the cost of completing that work with the amount of Bond money being proposed. Not necessarily “to the penny” Mr. Spellman, I’ve managed many multi-million dollar government programs and I understand the uncertainties. I believe most voters would be satisfied with a published accounting of a reasonable justification that produces an estimate to the nearest million dollars. I’m simply opposed to wasting large sums of taxpayer money without adequate plans in place to prevent the same mistakes from being made again. The accounting “safeguards” don’t prevent money from being wasted, they simply help tell you where it was wasted. I’m against writing multi-million dollar checks to politicians to solve a “crisis” that they created and I’m against anything that increases the government’s ability to tax the citizens now or in the future.
Don’t worry California City voters, if Proposition 39 fails they’ll be trying again in the November 2008 election. Oh, and if it passes, expect a new “crisis” to emerge on the ballot to take its place.
Respectfully,
Richard T. Backs
October 24, 2007
Answers For Measure E "No" Voters
In response to Mr. Backs;
It's my opinion, those who voted against Measure E are short sided and those registered voters who didn't vote are apathetic. As a city, we must take responsibility for the children of this city, to make sure they are given a chance for a good education. Yes, "Save Our Children" is an emotional appeal. All the problems with the state which stalled the building process along with the increased cost of construction have been talked about, as well as the reasons for the additional funding. But for some reason, you want a penny by penny accountability of the $24 Million dollar bond issue.
You continue to say that there are other ways to complete the schools other than taxing ourselves. I would like to know what you would do to solve this problem. You stated that "I cannot support anything like Measure E. Taxation should be a last resort, not the first avenue pursued when political failings create budget shortfalls and additional funding is required." So you're saying that the children of California City must suffer until the new schools are finished. Our School District needs additional funds to complete both schools now, not 10 to 20 years from now.
I wish our school district had asked for $48 million the first time to cover unforeseen budget shortfalls, but they only asked for what was needed, $24 million. You stated, "Nowhere have I seen published results from any contacts with state and federal offices to solicit funds to complete the school construction, given that the delays and cost overruns were caused at least in part by compliance with state and federal regulations." If you think that the State of California or the Federal Government will compensate us for the shortfalls brought on by their delays, you are dreaming. Even if we spend money to try, it might take 10 to 20 years to get anything out of them. Have you gotten your Electric overcharge refund payment yet? Meanwhile our School District and the students are waiting for the funding which may never come, to complete the two schools. If it was up to you these students would have to wait, and continue to attend uncompleted schools. That is unacceptable to me.
There was no way to predict how the state's red tape, along with its complicated environmental regulations would slow down the process so long, and that the costs of construction would go up so fast. By purchasing prefab buildings and taking delivery before the site was ready, the school district saved money and was able to open both schools this year not two years from now. But the escalating construction costs left the district without enough money to complete the schools.
Mr. Backs, You state that the school bond is a "new tax," but it is not, it's only an extension of that same bond issue. You stated "extending an existing tax has the same economic impact on the pocketbook of the taxpayer as initiating a new tax. Money that the taxpayer would have been able to keep and use as disposable income will instead continue to be extracted for a prolonged period of time." I am on permanent disability with a very tight budget, but I'm willing to pay this prolonged bond issue. Are you and the other "No" voters of Measure E so broke that the small amount needed each year is just too much for you to pay?
One last thing, you stated "To put it in perspective that $24 million dollars would purchase the equivalent of a $50 thousand dollar college scholarship for each of 480 future students that graduate from our new high school." Now stop and think about what you just stated, it's a very short sided. There will be more than 480 students attending the High School over the coming years. What about the students that will follow the first 480 students? Completing both new schools will give California City's current students and future students the needed start for life and college. You would give just 480 lucky students a scholarship, while saying sorry to all future students.
Our school district does not have the additional funds to complete our new schools. California City has a parcel tax which helps provide basic needed city services; the city does not have the funds to help. The only way to fix this problem is to ask the people of California City to extend our school bond. Completing the schools will improve the quality of life in our city. Quality schools will improve the value of your property; incomplete schools will lower the value of your property.
Measure E must be on the next ballot and it must pass. We need people to care about this issue and to help get the next Measure E passed. These two unfinished school need to be completed, let's not hurt ourselves and the students and future students of California City. Let's put it on the ballot again and get it passed this time.
Bill Spellman
October 10, 2007
Neither Apathetic Nor Narrow Minded
In response to Mr. Spellman's insinuation that those who voted against Measure E are narrow minded. I'd again like to respectfully offer an opposing view. While the "save our children" appeal to emotion might seem a valid argument to the narrow minded, anyone who has ever studied logic will immediately dismiss it. I submit that this type of appeal to emotion, in lieu of an explanation of facts, was the primary reason that Measure E was defeated.
On to the facts as I see them. Measure E was placed on the ballot before the sponsors completed the due diligence owed to the taxpayers and citizens of California City. Nowhere In Mr. Spellman's response(s) is there any indication that the sponsors of Measure E completed an itemized audit of the cost overruns that created this dilemma and determined the cause(s). Nowhere (including "informational" flyers or the published ballot for Measure E) have I seen an itemized cost accounting of what we were supposed to get for our $24 million dollars. How was that figure arrived at? That's a lot of money - where is the breakout of what the taxpaying citizens are getting for that money? Nowhere have I seen published results from any contacts with state and federal offices to solicit funds to complete the school construction, given that the delays and cost overruns were caused at least in part by compliance with state and federal regulations. Until these issues are addressed, I cannot support anything like Measure E. Taxation should be a last resort, not the first avenue pursued when political failings create budget shortfalls and additional funding is required.
The claim that this is not a "new tax," while factual, is misleading. For those who may be confused, extending an existing tax has the same economic impact on the pocketbook of the taxpayer as initiating a new tax. Money that the taxpayer would have been able to keep and use as disposable income will instead continue to be extracted for a prolonged period of time.
My opposition to Mr. Spellman's view is not emotional; it's based on accountability and objective economic principles. I'm not suggesting you surrender your reason and "save the children." I'm suggesting the sponsors of Measure E act on behalf of the citizens and taxpayers. I call on them to complete the necessary due diligence, and then propose a bond initiative only after all costs are understood, itemized, explained and a plan to prevent a similar budgetary shortfall is in place. Please don't ask for more taxpayer money, only to squander it again and fail to complete yet another multi-million dollar project.
Until the sponsors of the next "Measure E" have completed the above due diligence, don't even think about putting this on the ballot again. I assure you, not all 611 of the voters Mr. Spellman insulted are narrow minded enough to accept his argument from emotion and come around to his way of thinking. Should another "Measure E look alike" be placed on the ballot before the above actions are documented and presented to the taxpayers of California City, don't be surprised when it fails.
The sponsors of Measure E need to do their homework and explain the plan before asking taxpayers for more money. To put it in perspective, that $24 million dollars would purchase the equivalent of a $50 thousand dollar college scholarship for each of 480 future students that graduate from our new high school. What do you think is the better investment in the future of our children?
As Sun Tzu stated over 2500 years ago, "If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles." Don't insult people's intelligence, find out why people voted against Measure E and address those concerns. You have my answer.
Respectfully,
Richard T. Backs
September 26, 2007
26 Million Dollars=Industry
The high desert county's north of Hollywood are having a major impact on filming In California. We are with out a drought becoming a major destination for film Makers, states Russell Michael owner of California City Studios Inc. The High desert has a lot to offer film makers add in the fact we now have a film commission dead set on promoting Kern County as a vital film makers haven.
The dream team that makes up the Kern County film commission are Rick Davis film commissioner, Dave Hook assistant film commissioner and Annie Hess Marketing and Promotions Associate. This team has been responsible for the new serge in filming in Kern county. The impact so far from there hard work for our county this year with October, November and December still to come, is $12.856.200, this does not count prep or strike days associated with film projects.
This number by its self would be amazing for the high desert film industry and for our Kern County economy. We also have to factor in the amazing work Antelope Valley is doing, attracting filming as well. The film commission is reporting year to date (2006- 07) figures of $ 13 million in economic in pact to high desert and it must be noted that they have three times the assets to offer film makers, then we do.
So what does all this mean to residents of the high desert? A vital industry exists here and its growing and will continue with the support of our film Commission here in Kern County and in the Antelope Valley. Jobs are being created history is being made and just like our very own Air & Space Port in Mojave, we are making an impact on the economy of Kern county and the high desert, said Russell Michael.
What's the future of this Industry here and what changes are taking place. The future is bright our studio is in negotiations with major studios in Los Angeles to create a campaign to gain back runaway production. We are in talks with Raleigh Studios headed by Mark Rosenthal. He and I did the Michael Jackson Radio show a few years back, where we discussed the problems with runaway production and how it was devastating our local economy, said Russell.
The future of our studio is bright ,said Russell Michael, we are developing assets in Kern County for the purpose of filming as well as our studio facility. We are also in negotiations with broadcast new groups in Los Angeles to sell air time for news broadcast we will generate here in Kern County.
We are also creating a location service here in Kern County by teaming up with California City Real Estate and Al Gagnon to list business and residential property wishing to attract film makers to there homes and business.
So the future looks bright for the high desert and we are feeling a bit of relief now that the Kern County film commission is doing such a great job of promoting Kern County filming, said Russell Michael.
For more information on this story Please contact Nute Kelly at 760-373-4966
September 12, 2007
Response To Argument Against Measure E
Mr. Backs has some good points, and yes the state problems with environmental regulations and other red tape delayed the building of the two new schools. Also, Mr. Backs seems to feel that the state should refund us for all the delays, and in a perfect world that would be great. But, it's not going to happen anytime soon. The kids that are going to these two new schools now, should not be punished for the states' short comings.
Mr. Backs argues that Measure E will burden the citizens of California City with another new tax. Well, that's not true, we will just extend the bond tax that was passed in 2002. These additional funds are needed now, not 5 or 10 years from now. I ask everyone that cares about the kids that are going, and will go to these new schools, lets finish the job, get out there and VOTE YES on Measure E , it's for the kids.
Bill Spellman
August 24, 2007
Brick & Mortar Film Studios Fading Fast
Jack Warner came to California after finding trouble in Arizona by leaders of the city not wanting filming. He found more trouble in Los Angeles at his first studio Location on Sunset Blvd. He eventually built Warner Brothers studio In Burbank California In the Dusty Dry San Fernando Valley on a 110 acres.
Jack believed that cost containment was the biggest determinant success and that all his movies should be shot at the studio in what are now called back lots. Back lots are key to filming an containing cost jack said to his investors and his brothers. I want to make you money not spend it fullish. They could create the jungles of Africa or the streets of New York on his acreage. Jack was wright the cost of creating a film off the lots now is ridiculously high. Only that cost now is off set buy the extremely large and for ever growing number of film consumers.
So why with production company's willing to fly crews to Africa. Pay Millions to actors for one scene just to get the top names in a film for marquee value. And to top it all off there willing to pay every mom pop shop on sunset blvd. an absorbent amount of money to close or be inconvenienced for a few hours while they film across the street.
And further more Why would anyone build a Brick and Mortar film studio 100 miles from Los Angeles in a Dusty dry portion of the Mojave Desert where the city has try-ed a number of times to run them out of Town and now wants to control the content at the Film Studio by forcing them to get Conditional use permits for everything they shoot, destroying there 5 th amendment rights to freedom of expression?
Russel Michael owner of California City studios has one answer. to both questions. Its the right thing to do.
He said low budget films and student films are his quest. Unlike sun-dance that encourages low budget films but does little to fund them or give those under privilege future film makers the tools to do it. He welcomes them, lowers there day rates to fit there budgets and build sets often out of his own pocket just to help them create there vision.
I grew up in the Baltimore Housing projects the sun of a coal Miner and former convict. The streets where tough the opportunities low and the thought of never braking out depressing.
As and artist I was able to create beautiful things that Could sell for large Somme's of money and eventually, rented them as well to production company's. That along with a few Lucky brakes a lot of prayers and relentless hard work I made it out. I know what its like to need a break. So I give what I got a few breaks to people with the hart to create.
Is it worth the fight? Last year a pair of Chinese American sisters with degrees in medicine wanted to try there hand at film making before settling in to there respective practices. The Father hocked the house the daughter went to work and just as they where running out of money they called me.
A film maker that shot here before told them I could help. I did and there film White Wall Will be out this year. The guy who recommended them to us first came to us with a 35.000.00 budget he got from his credit cards. We helped him buy building sets and various props and lowering his date rate to fit his financing. he now has a contract with a film company, a million dollar budget still low by Hollywood standards but this time its not his money and he want to shoot here in the fall at a much higher rate. Russell said.
We could not do this in Los Angeles with the cost of property there. So if we have to fight the city to continue we will. There wrong, they have an evil agenda and good will win over.
For more information on this please contact Neut Kelly at 213-628-8801 or 1-866-966-3456. art@fvmca
August 14, 2007
A Thank You From David's Family
On August 3rd of last year my brother passed away. The year of his passing was coming up fast and my mother asked if I could make a cross for the spot where David (my brother) passed. I called my son to the house and we came up with the idea of what we thought would be a marker for David. A cross made of old auto wrenches, David was a master mechanic. The cross was a reminder that he would never be forgotten. Here’s where the story get interesting. The anniversary of the day of David’s passing, my mother along with my stepfather where hoping to get a call from the police department letting them know the place to put the cross. When they didn’t receive a call, they jumped in the car and took off for California City (knowing that David’s passing was close to the town). They tried the Police Department with no avail. My mother was going to do everything she could to find someone to help. My stepfather suggested that they go to the Fire Department. When they got there they inquired if anyone could help. Just as they started to leave thinking no one knew, a young firefighter step out and told my mother he was there when they found David and knew of the spot. His Captain told him to take them where it was. When they got to the spot, the firefighter help my stepfather dig the hole, place the cross, and cement it into place. This act of giving by this young man will never be forgotten. Without his help, we would not have the closure that we needed that day. So thank you "Firefighter Andrew Roach" for caring. Things like this happen for a reason, and our family believes that God guides all of us with his outreaching hands.
Joyce Bennet
P.S.
David James Alford Feb 21, 1970-Aug 3, 2006
"Come up to The Rising"
July 27, 2007
Personal TV Station
Wow! On the Flashing pictures!!! It's too fabulous - it's like having our own personal California City television station. Wow! I am so entirely impressed! Who's great and fabulous idea was that? Give them a bite for me. I used to spend so much time going back and forth just to see what new pictures you had on the site. You know, we're all vain and all we want to do is see pictures of us. Now we can just sit back and watch. This is better than primetime. This is our town, beautiful California City... The Council needs to declare your site the Official site of California City. I know you already are, but I don't know if it's official.
Signed,
Happy Girl
July 18, 2007
The Water Tank Mystery
A couple of weeks ago we called the city to get information regarding the water tank that has stood in Wonder Acres for years. We spoke to the city clerk. When we asked what happened to the tank, we got a story about not knowing, but she would get the answer. RIGHT! When we called back the story then became, "Well it wasn't being used so the city took it away", but the city clerk didn't know where it had ended up. "Maybe in the yard", quoting her.
We now believe that if we took a ride out to Cantel, we might just find the tank. If we are wrong about it being in Cantel, sorry, but we do think we would find it there. If our neighbors in Cantel needed it, we say great let's help each other out.
However, if the city knew where it ended up and lied to us about the whereabouts, shame on them... The trust level for government is at a super low already. Why do they feel the need to lie? Or is it just such a bad habit they can't help themselves anymore.
If we are wrong about this, we are again sorry, if the city personal lied, shame on them.
Ken Frandsen
June 16, 2007
Ashburn Legislative Reform Bill Passes Senate
Measure on redistricting, term limits,campaign finance and accountability sent to the Assembly
SACRAMENTO – Senator Roy Ashburn (R-Bakersfield) announced that his political reform measure, SCA 9 passed the Senate by a vote of 29-5, Thursday, June 7th. SCA 9 seeks to reform California’s legislative and political process through changes to legislative redistricting, legislative term limits, campaign reporting requirements, and legislative accountability.
Under the legislative accountability provisions of SCA 9 the Chief Clerk of the Assembly and the Secretary of the Senate would be directed to make available a legislative report card on a public website that states the number of legislative oversight hearings, town hall meetings, and district office hours by each member of the legislature. Additionally, legislative pay would be withheld during budget stalemates. During it’s annual recess the legislature would be required to conduct hearings on the oversight of state government.
“This is going to require Republicans and Democrats working together to turn away from our self interests, the self interest of those who are in power now, the self interest of the special interests – to give the power back to the people of our state and to let the voters of California have their say on how our political lines are drawn,” Ashburn noted.
“Whether there’s going to be a reduction in the number of years a person can serve under term limits and to require 24-hour instant reporting of major political contributions during critical times of the legislative year and to say to the legislature “no budget – no pay” These are significant major reforms that the people of our state ought to have a chance to vote on,” Senator Ashburn concluded.
June 10, 2007
To Everyone Who Helped
A special THANK YOU for the efforts of everyone involved in cleaning up California City this past Saturday! You faced an incredible task--just a drive down some of Cal. City's streets would attest to that!
To the organizers of the event--Mr. David Stafford, Chairperson, and Mr. Buford Land, co-Chairperson, and others--it's an inundating task to organize such an event--and then get people to actually turn out for events of this kind! Those involved in the organization of this event did a terrific job! Their efforts were rewarded with some 250 people showing up to help pick up trash from California City streets!
To each and every person that showed up--children, teens, adults, and senior citizens--THANK YOU! I was unable to join you in your efforts this day, but I did see many of you out there, in the blazing desert sun, diligently picking up piece after piece of trash. You faced an incredible task--and your efforts show! Many of California City streets and empty lots look 100% better today--thanks to each and every one of you!
To the sponsors of the event--the EDC and the Chamber of Commerce--and to the person(s) responsible for providing and cooking the food for the barbeque that followed--thank you for caring about California City and for providing the funds necessary to make this event possible.
My hat is off to each and everyone participating in this event! Your love of and concern for California City--YOUR city--is very evident.
I understand another Trash Pickup day is scheduled for later this year. As soon as the date is posted, I plan to schedule it on my calendar to be there and not make any other plans or appointments for that day. I encourage all citizens of California City to do the same. Let's take pride in our city! Speak to any one of the 250+ that showed up Saturday--each one will tell you, I'm sure--how much fun (yes, fun!) they had--but more importantly, the pride they feel in knowing they took part in cleaning up California City!
Let's double the number of people showing up for trash day this past Saturday! 500 people cleaning California City streets and lots! Think of how it will shine!
Again, a heartfelt thank you to each and everyone involved in June 9th's event!
Elizabeth
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