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.