Puttering, SOY and Politics

I was contemplating puttering yesterday, because working in my garden is very refreshing especially on Sunday

My garden and pond

when I try to rest. I was hopeful the Fairview Park Preservation Initiative would get the 7,000 signatures by today which meant I could relax, for a few minutes anyway.  (Yes! we got the signatures, exceeding our goal of 7,000, to get the initiative on the November ballot assuming it's approved by the registrar of voters).

But I kept thinking about Friday night's joyful Save our Youth annual Fiesta honoring founder and board member Jean Forbath and wanted to share a few thoughts.

The whole event was delightful and speaks volumes about how much we care for our community and our kids who need help with school work and a vision from a tutor or mentor who encourage them to succeed in school and to prepare for college after graduation.

Money raised from the Fiesta goes for a small SOY staff, headquarters, art and music supplies etc. and scholarships and trips for kids to visit colleges and many other things. More than $3.2 million in college scholarships to more than 450 students has been given to attend all UC campuses and almost every Cal State.

"SOY academic students have a 100% high school graduation rate and  100 % enter college after high school"- SOY brochure.

I admire Jean Forbath for her vision and commitment to help Newport-Mesa disadvantaged youth since 1993. Jean founded SOS too. She's got a lot of gems in her crown and still contributing to our community, although now will be retiring and continue as board emeritus and advisor.

Upon arriving at the Fiesta, Silvia Rosales and SOY youth welcomed guests, Eddie Iniestra MC'd with live music courtesy of SOY students, as we browsed the silent auction (I didn't win), and Ivan Calderon of Taco Mesa served a scrumptious meal.  Former Mayor Joe Erickson shared Jean's many accomplishments and we all clapped.

A  very well-spoken young lady, Claudia Flores, shared her story about how SOY mentors helped her with studies and prepared her for college. She and other SOY college graduates come back to SOY to encourage the younger kids.  When the kids visit colleges in the spring, former SOY students proudly give them campus tours.

Fiesta guests were from Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. (About half of Newport Harbor High School kids live in Costa Mesa, board member Mary Cappellini reminded me as we chatted during the silent auction. Mary is one of Jean's 7 children who were all there to honor their mom).

Former Mayor Joe Erickson honoring Jean Forbath.

Ivan Calderon explaining the delicious menu.

Chatting with board member Mary Cappellini.

This joyful event speaks well of our great Newport-Mesa community and the generous, kind caring people we are.

Councilwoman Sandy Genis was there as well as former Mayor Mary Hornbuckle. Sandy and I chatted with others about our wonderful community and the success of SOY.

But where were the Costa Mesa mayor and the mayor pro tem? I know they get invited to plenty of events but I think they would enjoy this one too. Don't they know this is an important community event supporting one of several Westside non profits which encourages, and inspires hundreds of kids to get a good education?   Surely they were invited. But then I don't think Mayor pro tem Righeimer's recent "...If you can't afford to live here..."  statement at a recent council meeting would have made him too popular with SOY Fiesta goers.  According to Mr. Righeimer Costa Mesa has become an exclusive, wealthy community so poor people should consider moving to less expensive states. Unbelievable!

Hopefully, anyone who missed the Fiesta will send in a donation. We need to continue to support SOY and Newport- Mesa teens and all the good work they do for Newport-Mesa kids.

Here's the address:  SOY Center, 661 Hamilton Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627  949-548-3255. Soycenter@aol.com

My 2016 Prayer/Hope/Wish List

Everyone is writing lists, so here's mine for Costa Mesa:

1. That the City Council would offer hiring bonuses for police officers wanting to make "lateral" transfers from other police departments to CMPD.   Mr. Hatch's $1 million (slush) fund could fund 20 officers @$10-$15K.  ($200,000-$300,000) This is a reasonable expense for our safety and to replace the "depth" the CMPD has lost through retirements, etc. We need a fully staffed police force with 134 officers when crime is increasing.  

2. That the mayor and mayor pro tem would drop the lawsuit and get on with the business of governing our city, not running it into the ground due  to  hatred of unions.

3. That within the next 90 days, the council would complete negotiations with our fire and police associations and sign contracts that "retain and recruit" the best public safety officers for our residents.

4. That the City would be proactive in its efforts to transition the Costa Mesa Motor Inn residents to their new homes and new lives and make sure all residents who need help are in fact, helped. (Similar to the way our city staff helped the residents from Anchor Mobile Home Park find new homes.)

5. That future apartment projects include units for those who need affordable housing because it's the right thing to do.

6. That the Council would pursue all leads to provide supportive housing to Costa Mesa homeless persons, including use of Fairview State Hospital.

7. That sober living home operators would incorporate a "best practices exit strategy" for all of their clients leaving rehab, and not dump these clients on our streets where some, not having maintained their sobriety, proceed to commit crimes in our neighborhoods. This is not being a good neighbor.  Also, that sober living operators require clients to do "community service" projects.  I'd like to see clients give back some sweat equity to our city and be openly appreciative of the gift it is to live here: scrape up gum, pick up trash, cigarette butts. Sober living recovery homes imbedded in neighborhoods were intended to promote healthy community living, not isolation.

8. That in 2016 Costa Mesa citizens would take the time to become informed about the many issues affecting our city's future such as the proposed changes to the General Plan on Harbor and Newport Blvds that will forever increase traffic. That citizens would ask questions and seek out the answers and be fully informed when voting in November.

9. That voters support the Costa Mesa First Initiative (http://www.costamesa1st.com) in November and sign petitions and vote for the recently launched initiative to preserve Fairview Park. (http://www.fairviewparkalliance.org) Both initiatives will give residents a voice in future city developments and uses of the park.

10. That the council follow the informed recommendations of its Pension Committee and request staff research and report on:  retiree medical, pension trusts, revenue/borrowing pre pay options, hybrid defined benefit and defined contribution plans, plans with employer and employee sharing basics costs 50 50, and also allowing employees freedom to contribute additional amounts. Paying down the Fireside Fund is goal too. Here is the complete report: http://www.costamesaca.gov/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=20327

11. And finally, should there be vacancies on any committees that the council would vote for the most qualified persons.