What a ride this year has been.
I hope you had a blessed Christmas and have a safe and healthy 2011.
High points:
The Fam-- Amy and Derek's wonderful wedding in Laguna. Everything was perfect. I am so glad my son, Bret, and his wife, Blithe, moved back to the US bringing my two grandchildren with them. Two years was such a long time! Also, Emily, who turned 21 in March, continues to excel at Gold's Gym, Pima College and now has started her Beachbodies business http://teambeachbody.com/eleece. Megan is exploring her options for her own business too.
The City. So thankful and humbled for the people who re-elected me. I promise to continue to do my homework, meet with residents and business owners and come to the meetings prepared to listen to the public and staff and vote accordingly. I tried very hard to run a low budget, "anyone can do this in Costa Mesa" campaign. I believe we can all work together. We have a wonderful city. We are diverse, eclectic, creative, traditional, opinionated, smart and strong-willed to name a few. As I have met and talked this week with nearly all of the Council, Planning Commision and Parks and Recreation applicants, I appreciate our diversity, talents and love for Costa Mesa even more. We have many challenges, but we have many opportunities to use the talents we each bring to the "table."
I'm always open to meet at my favorite place or yours. Just let me know! wendyleece@gmail.com
Be safe tonight!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
O.C. crime stats mixed as U.S. rate falls
O.C. crime stats mixed as U.S. rate falls
Costa Mesa got an early Christmas present--Costa Mesa saw 32 per cent drop in violent crime in first half of 2010.
We are down 17 officers and have other non sworn layoffs--thanks to all of our hard working employees who made this possible.
Costa Mesa got an early Christmas present--Costa Mesa saw 32 per cent drop in violent crime in first half of 2010.
We are down 17 officers and have other non sworn layoffs--thanks to all of our hard working employees who made this possible.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
City of Costa Mesa, California
City of Costa Mesa, California
Marine Care Package Program
Please go to our Costa Mesa link for the flyer and more information about purchasing items to donate to our Marines.
Please drop off times in the City Hall Lobby.
The City of Costa Mesa and the 1st Battalion 5th Marines (1/5) Support Group have been working together to support 1/5’s “Sister Battalion” 3/5 Marines which are part of the 5th Marine Regiment with a home base at Camp San Mateo at Camp Pendleton. 3/5 Marines are currently deployed to Afghanistan taking the fight to the Taliban. As a result they have suffered heavy casualties. While the City has adopted 1/5, the Support Group has recently raised funds and sent Care-Pacs to the 3/5 Marines. The Support Group is encouraging the community to join them in raising funds and donating items for Care-Pacs for the 3/5 during the month of December. This will allow the Care-Pacs to arrive in early January to the Marines.
Please note that all items will need to be dropped off at City Hall no later than 1 pm December 29.
A collection box is located in the first floor lobby of City Hall. Thank you.
List of Items: Financial Contributions, Tooth paste and brushes, dental floss, chewing gum, disposable razors and shaving cream, foot powder, hand sanitizer, soap, shampoo, Q-tips, jerky, granola bars, vienna sausages, Spam, handi-wipes, instant coffee,sunflower seeds, canned nuts, lip balm, hand lotion, sun screen, sardines, smoked oysters and tuna. We don't want to take up space with items the troops won't use.
- Support Marines and their families by making a donation payable to: City of Costa Mesa
1/5 Fund. Donations made to the City of Costa Mesa exclusively for public purposes are considered to be tax deductible in accordance with IRC 170(s)(1), as long as the donor does not receive any substantial benefit in return for the contribution. Contact Dan Baker at (714) 754-5156 for questions or comments.
Marine Care Package Program
Please go to our Costa Mesa link for the flyer and more information about purchasing items to donate to our Marines.
Please drop off times in the City Hall Lobby.
The City of Costa Mesa and the 1st Battalion 5th Marines (1/5) Support Group have been working together to support 1/5’s “Sister Battalion” 3/5 Marines which are part of the 5th Marine Regiment with a home base at Camp San Mateo at Camp Pendleton. 3/5 Marines are currently deployed to Afghanistan taking the fight to the Taliban. As a result they have suffered heavy casualties. While the City has adopted 1/5, the Support Group has recently raised funds and sent Care-Pacs to the 3/5 Marines. The Support Group is encouraging the community to join them in raising funds and donating items for Care-Pacs for the 3/5 during the month of December. This will allow the Care-Pacs to arrive in early January to the Marines.
Please note that all items will need to be dropped off at City Hall no later than 1 pm December 29.
A collection box is located in the first floor lobby of City Hall. Thank you.
List of Items: Financial Contributions, Tooth paste and brushes, dental floss, chewing gum, disposable razors and shaving cream, foot powder, hand sanitizer, soap, shampoo, Q-tips, jerky, granola bars, vienna sausages, Spam, handi-wipes, instant coffee,sunflower seeds, canned nuts, lip balm, hand lotion, sun screen, sardines, smoked oysters and tuna. We don't want to take up space with items the troops won't use.
- Support Marines and their families by making a donation payable to: City of Costa Mesa
1/5 Fund. Donations made to the City of Costa Mesa exclusively for public purposes are considered to be tax deductible in accordance with IRC 170(s)(1), as long as the donor does not receive any substantial benefit in return for the contribution. Contact Dan Baker at (714) 754-5156 for questions or comments.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Transparency In Local Government:Protecting Your Community Against Corruption - Western City - December 2010 - Sacramento
Transparency In Local Government:Protecting Your Community Against Corruption - Western City - December 2010 - Sacramento
Dear Friends,
I have decided to get back to updating my blog now that the election is over. I find this article in the California League of Cities December issue of "Western City" to be timely and insightful. The revelations and shockwaves sent from the City of Bell cause us to pause and take stock of our responsibilities as public officials/servants.
From the article, "Engaging the Public in Commuity Decision-Making:" What steps can a public official take to create external support for public service ethics and decision-making grounded in the public's interests? An active and engaged community helps, which is why former Supereme Court Justice Lous Brandeis observed that 'the most important political office is that of private citizen.'"
I hope you will take the time to read this article and share it with other Costa Mesans. There are many practical ideas, much food for thought, in the article.
wl
Dear Friends,
I have decided to get back to updating my blog now that the election is over. I find this article in the California League of Cities December issue of "Western City" to be timely and insightful. The revelations and shockwaves sent from the City of Bell cause us to pause and take stock of our responsibilities as public officials/servants.
From the article, "Engaging the Public in Commuity Decision-Making:" What steps can a public official take to create external support for public service ethics and decision-making grounded in the public's interests? An active and engaged community helps, which is why former Supereme Court Justice Lous Brandeis observed that 'the most important political office is that of private citizen.'"
I hope you will take the time to read this article and share it with other Costa Mesans. There are many practical ideas, much food for thought, in the article.
wl
Monday, July 26, 2010
Crime is Down is Costa Mesa-Great News!
From the July 23 edition of "From the Mesa" from the City Manager
PART 1 CRIME STATISTICS DOWN
"The police department reports that Part 1 Crimes through June of 2010 are down 12% from the same time period in 2009. Part 1 Crimes are the most serious offenses, including sexual assault, murder, robbery, burglary, theft, aggravated and simple assault and stolen vehicles. We measure these statistics each month and we will closely monitor them to see how the recent reduction in the workforce may affect them."(Chris Shawkey, Police Department)
PART 1 CRIME STATISTICS DOWN
"The police department reports that Part 1 Crimes through June of 2010 are down 12% from the same time period in 2009. Part 1 Crimes are the most serious offenses, including sexual assault, murder, robbery, burglary, theft, aggravated and simple assault and stolen vehicles. We measure these statistics each month and we will closely monitor them to see how the recent reduction in the workforce may affect them."(Chris Shawkey, Police Department)
Sunday, May 23, 2010
A time to Remember
We drove up to the Century Plaza last night for the LA area ALS/Lou Gerhig's Disease Gala. We don't always attend, but it would have been my mom's 86th birthday. My dear mother, Helen Brooks, had ALS and passed away in 2003. It was a great event to raise awareness and money for a disease that has no cure and for which the cause is unknown. The cure is out there--it just hasn't been discovered yet!
Our family loves history--and my mom was particularly interested in grave sites--I remember as a child going to Abraham Lincoln's tomb in Springfield, Ill., Louisa May Alcott's grave--and others---so today I am going to push my Sunday nap back a little and go to our Historical Society's Open House with speaker Michael Barry. He will speak at 2 pm. about "Orange County's Dead and Famous." Collections can be viewed from 1-3 p.m. Hope to see you there. (1870 Anaheim, Costa Mesa).
Costa Mesa has a rich heritage and our Costa Mesa Historical Society does a great job of preserving it and sharing it with our residents.
Our family loves history--and my mom was particularly interested in grave sites--I remember as a child going to Abraham Lincoln's tomb in Springfield, Ill., Louisa May Alcott's grave--and others---so today I am going to push my Sunday nap back a little and go to our Historical Society's Open House with speaker Michael Barry. He will speak at 2 pm. about "Orange County's Dead and Famous." Collections can be viewed from 1-3 p.m. Hope to see you there. (1870 Anaheim, Costa Mesa).
Costa Mesa has a rich heritage and our Costa Mesa Historical Society does a great job of preserving it and sharing it with our residents.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Surprise!
Katrina, Gary and Allan Roeder will travel to Sacramento early tomorrow to meet with the Governor's representatives at 11 a.m. to present the offer from Facilities Management West to buy the Fairgrounds. Am I surprised? Yes. Between the two proposers, American Fairs and Festivals had the most details, but there must have been a deal breaker for the negotiating "Team" to get to this monumental decision. We still have miles to go before we sleep (and promises to keep), but let's hope we get a favorable response from the officials in Sacramento. I can honestly say we have done our very best because that's just the kind of people we are in this great city. We do our very best. If things don't go our way, we know we tried.
THANK YOU KATRINA, GARY, ALLAN R., BECKY & KATHY!
May 19, 2010
Costa Mesa, California – CITY OPENS NEGOTIATIONS FOR FAIRGOUNDS OPERATOR
The City of Costa Mesa announced late today that it had selected the firm of Facilities
Management West to enter into an exclusive negotiating agreement for operation of the
Orange County Fair and Event Center. News of the agreement was released by City Manager
Allan L. Roeder following marathon negotiating sessions between the City and the two top
rated proposers for operation of the site. The City is scheduled to meet Thursday with
Governor Schwarzenegger’s Office to review the status of the City’s efforts to select an
operator and arrange financing to acquire the 150 site from the State of California.
The City Manager noted that Facilities Management West has agreed to public ownership of
the property, fulfilling one of the key principles guiding the City’s effort to preserve the
fairgrounds. The exclusive negotiating agreement is one of many steps remaining in the
negotiations and subject to a final decision by the State to sell the property to the City.
***30***
THANK YOU KATRINA, GARY, ALLAN R., BECKY & KATHY!
May 19, 2010
Costa Mesa, California – CITY OPENS NEGOTIATIONS FOR FAIRGOUNDS OPERATOR
The City of Costa Mesa announced late today that it had selected the firm of Facilities
Management West to enter into an exclusive negotiating agreement for operation of the
Orange County Fair and Event Center. News of the agreement was released by City Manager
Allan L. Roeder following marathon negotiating sessions between the City and the two top
rated proposers for operation of the site. The City is scheduled to meet Thursday with
Governor Schwarzenegger’s Office to review the status of the City’s efforts to select an
operator and arrange financing to acquire the 150 site from the State of California.
The City Manager noted that Facilities Management West has agreed to public ownership of
the property, fulfilling one of the key principles guiding the City’s effort to preserve the
fairgrounds. The exclusive negotiating agreement is one of many steps remaining in the
negotiations and subject to a final decision by the State to sell the property to the City.
***30***
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Great Event for Kids!
It was great to see so many families and kids get a glimpse of history today. I enjoyed visiting the tents and listening to participants share their stories.
Civil War Re-enactment at Fairview Park
It was a great day in Costa Mesa! Took a break from thinking about the Budget and the Fairgrounds to watch the Civil War Re-enactment. Pictured here with Parks Commissioner Terry Shaw, nearby Swan Drive residents Susan and David Kinkade, Eloise Ott and friend Beth.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
I was pleasantly surprised....
Gary, Katrina and Allan R. did a great job last week when they went to Sacramento to present the
Governor's aides with the City's proposal to purchase the Fairgrounds. Actually, I was prepared for the worst since rumors circulated last week that other interests were competing with us. But our team brought back good news that we have thirty days to finish the entire plan.
The City will not take on ANY debt. Meetings with interested parties who will commit to generate the revenue to purchase the Fair, are expected to take place this week.
I am not dismayed by Councilman Bever's decision to not go forward. That is his choice. If it looks like it won't be in the City's best interest to structure a deal, then I believe the Council will have the good sense to not move forward. The door is still open and we will go through it. If the door closes--the Governor's people may not like the City's proposal---- we know we have done our very best to try to preserve our beloved OC Fairgrounds and we can go on with our lives knowing we tried.
Governor's aides with the City's proposal to purchase the Fairgrounds. Actually, I was prepared for the worst since rumors circulated last week that other interests were competing with us. But our team brought back good news that we have thirty days to finish the entire plan.
The City will not take on ANY debt. Meetings with interested parties who will commit to generate the revenue to purchase the Fair, are expected to take place this week.
I am not dismayed by Councilman Bever's decision to not go forward. That is his choice. If it looks like it won't be in the City's best interest to structure a deal, then I believe the Council will have the good sense to not move forward. The door is still open and we will go through it. If the door closes--the Governor's people may not like the City's proposal---- we know we have done our very best to try to preserve our beloved OC Fairgrounds and we can go on with our lives knowing we tried.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
What can I say about the Fair?
Not much. For those who have never been elected to public office, it is difficult to understand that the BROWN ACT is written on my forehead with invisible ink. When I was on the school board, I was careful not to break it and now, more than ever, on the City Council, I am conscious of every word I speak about the City's work to purchase the Fairgrounds.
I am forced to speak in generalities and hesitate to say anything lest I be in violation of the sacred Ralph M Brown Act--the holy writ of public officials who must keep confidential all things done in closed session and not talk to more than one other council person about an upcoming vote.
Thus, at this point, I can only say that our city manager Allan Roeder, Becky Bailey-Findley, a top numbers cruncher from Los Angeles, our city attorney and Gary and Katrina continue to work overtime to meet the April 21 deadline imposed on us by the Governor on which we have to present a substantial agreement. I can't talk about the agreement of course, or what is in it, or anything else.
I can only say we continue to move forward, and for those who have labored with us for months, I hope this is encouraging news. The county supervisors, and my dear friend Supervisor John M. W. Moorlach, have opted for a different approach because they don't want to pay the Governor the $96,000,000 he wants to be paid. Stay tuned. At least I said something, but I admit, it isn't much. You can thank Ralph Brown. Keep praying.
I am forced to speak in generalities and hesitate to say anything lest I be in violation of the sacred Ralph M Brown Act--the holy writ of public officials who must keep confidential all things done in closed session and not talk to more than one other council person about an upcoming vote.
Thus, at this point, I can only say that our city manager Allan Roeder, Becky Bailey-Findley, a top numbers cruncher from Los Angeles, our city attorney and Gary and Katrina continue to work overtime to meet the April 21 deadline imposed on us by the Governor on which we have to present a substantial agreement. I can't talk about the agreement of course, or what is in it, or anything else.
I can only say we continue to move forward, and for those who have labored with us for months, I hope this is encouraging news. The county supervisors, and my dear friend Supervisor John M. W. Moorlach, have opted for a different approach because they don't want to pay the Governor the $96,000,000 he wants to be paid. Stay tuned. At least I said something, but I admit, it isn't much. You can thank Ralph Brown. Keep praying.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Not Fair!
It doesn't seem fair that after all the work we went through to persuade the Governor to stop the sale of the OC Fair that now we have to engage in negotiations with the State. But, as I have said to my kids hundreds of times--"Life's not fair". Now comes the really hard part: putting a deal together.
We have the best negotiating team of Allan Roeder and Becky Bailey-Findley to deal with DGS and other state officials. We will persevere, be patient and prudent, and pray (if you are so inclined). We accept Supervisor John Moorlach's wise words of caution as well. The end result--the deal--has to be a win win for now and the future. The price has to be right. Yes, we are emotionally involved, but we can't let our emotions rule.
We have the best negotiating team of Allan Roeder and Becky Bailey-Findley to deal with DGS and other state officials. We will persevere, be patient and prudent, and pray (if you are so inclined). We accept Supervisor John Moorlach's wise words of caution as well. The end result--the deal--has to be a win win for now and the future. The price has to be right. Yes, we are emotionally involved, but we can't let our emotions rule.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
WOW! You should see the new Tustin Library!
You may have caught the story in the Pilot about Tom Egan and me working together on several projects tied to kids and books. Tom is on the Library Foundation Board. In better times I believe the City would certainly consider helping to fund a new main library and much needed expansion and renovation of the two branch libraries. But in lean times, we need to come up with other revenue sources. And that's what Tom and I have been talking about for months.
Tom and I began meeting to figure out ways to raise the level of interest in our libraries and the need for a central library. We came up with the idea of putting a cart of library books on the City's mobile rec van that went out to different neighborhoods each week. Although it doesn't make sense to me, the city council axed the mobile rec van project so there went our idea!
We have been visiting after school programs-SOY, MIKA, THINK and Tewinkle School--to see how we can get more books into these programs to get kids interested in going to the library. Yesterday Tom, Bob Ooten and I met for a tour of the new Tustin Library--wow! Kind of like if Tustin can build a new library, then we can too! Here is the link: http://www.tustinca.org/Library/index.html
Bob is with the Friends of the Library located on the Mesa Verde site. He read the article about Tom and me and wanted to help too. Bob collects, sells and gives books away. The money from book sales goes to the Costa Mesa libraries.
The three of us had a great conversation afterwards at the coffee shop across the street. We kept looking at the Tustin Library and thinking--this couldn't be too hard!
I am looking forward to the Library Foundation Community Forum on May 15 at the Downtown Commuynity Center. Architectural students from OCC will present their visions for a new central state of the art library and will show their renderings. (Sponsors are The Lab, The Camp, Mesa Consolidated Water District, Newport-Mesa Daily Voice, Friends, Taco Mesa and OCC.)
Are you as passionate about reading, books and libraries as we are? I hope so! Why build a new central library and update and expand our branch libraries in this computer age? Well, you would have to see the people using the Tustin library on a Friday afternoon to become a believer too: teens (they have their own room plus a homework center for tutoring), little guys with their own computers and rows of computers for adults. Others had their own computers on WiFi. And there were a few reading books!
I believe working on this worthwhile project will unite our community. We need a common goal to improve our public libraries for all residents. Libraries bring people together. If ever there was a time we need to come together, it is now. If Tustin can do it--so can we!
Tom and I began meeting to figure out ways to raise the level of interest in our libraries and the need for a central library. We came up with the idea of putting a cart of library books on the City's mobile rec van that went out to different neighborhoods each week. Although it doesn't make sense to me, the city council axed the mobile rec van project so there went our idea!
We have been visiting after school programs-SOY, MIKA, THINK and Tewinkle School--to see how we can get more books into these programs to get kids interested in going to the library. Yesterday Tom, Bob Ooten and I met for a tour of the new Tustin Library--wow! Kind of like if Tustin can build a new library, then we can too! Here is the link: http://www.tustinca.org/Library/index.html
Bob is with the Friends of the Library located on the Mesa Verde site. He read the article about Tom and me and wanted to help too. Bob collects, sells and gives books away. The money from book sales goes to the Costa Mesa libraries.
The three of us had a great conversation afterwards at the coffee shop across the street. We kept looking at the Tustin Library and thinking--this couldn't be too hard!
I am looking forward to the Library Foundation Community Forum on May 15 at the Downtown Commuynity Center. Architectural students from OCC will present their visions for a new central state of the art library and will show their renderings. (Sponsors are The Lab, The Camp, Mesa Consolidated Water District, Newport-Mesa Daily Voice, Friends, Taco Mesa and OCC.)
Are you as passionate about reading, books and libraries as we are? I hope so! Why build a new central library and update and expand our branch libraries in this computer age? Well, you would have to see the people using the Tustin library on a Friday afternoon to become a believer too: teens (they have their own room plus a homework center for tutoring), little guys with their own computers and rows of computers for adults. Others had their own computers on WiFi. And there were a few reading books!
I believe working on this worthwhile project will unite our community. We need a common goal to improve our public libraries for all residents. Libraries bring people together. If ever there was a time we need to come together, it is now. If Tustin can do it--so can we!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Good News for Costa Mesa Kids!
It is finally starting to sink in that recently announced changes in the leadership of Costa Mesa High School and Estancia High School will definitely make a BIG difference in our city. For parents who care about the quality of their kids' educations the best is yet to come. This summer current principal Phil D'Agostino will be going to CMHS and current Tewinkle principal Kirk Bauermeister will be going to Estancia. Both have done wonderful jobs at their schools to improve student learning. Both connect well with parents to keep them involved in their kids' educations.
Yesterday when I got my car washed at Harbor Trinity Baptist church (where tons of parents and students were washing cars for the family of CM Middle School student Eric Valdez who passed away last week) I shared my excitement with former school board trustee Linda Sneen and current PTA president Vanessa Hatch and we all agreed that the best is yet to come. Linda represented the zone that includes Costa Mesa High School and has been passionate about improving the quality of education at CMHS for many years. Vanessa is the wife of our awesome assistant city manager Tom Hatch.
Yesterday when I got my car washed at Harbor Trinity Baptist church (where tons of parents and students were washing cars for the family of CM Middle School student Eric Valdez who passed away last week) I shared my excitement with former school board trustee Linda Sneen and current PTA president Vanessa Hatch and we all agreed that the best is yet to come. Linda represented the zone that includes Costa Mesa High School and has been passionate about improving the quality of education at CMHS for many years. Vanessa is the wife of our awesome assistant city manager Tom Hatch.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Daily Pilot - Serving Newport Beach & Costa Mesa, California
Daily Pilot - Serving Newport Beach & Costa Mesa, California
We are pleased the State has decided to reject all bids to buy the Orange County Fairgrounds. Many residents of our great city, including our former Mayor Sandra Genis, and her team, put a lot of pressure on the Governor's office and on DGS to have them stop the sale. Other cities joined in as did many legislators. We are thankful for everyone's hard work!
We are pleased the State has decided to reject all bids to buy the Orange County Fairgrounds. Many residents of our great city, including our former Mayor Sandra Genis, and her team, put a lot of pressure on the Governor's office and on DGS to have them stop the sale. Other cities joined in as did many legislators. We are thankful for everyone's hard work!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Where have I been?
I'm back! Being a city councilwoman and mayor pro tem and a substitute teacher keeps me more than occupied every day. Not to mention that I still have five kids although thankfully the youngest turned 21 this past week which means I graduate into the empty nest or something. I enjoy everything about my life except the fact that there are not enough hours in the day to accomplish everything that I THINK needs to be done. I will start posting local, state and national news of interest to conservatives. Uploading articles is easy with Google and is a tremendous opportunity to highlight conservative articles. Stay tuned.
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