tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297487993604619194.comments2018-03-05T04:19:22.747-08:00OC Public SquareOcpublicsquarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194241917129451713noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297487993604619194.post-20239403047603359932017-05-18T08:16:00.069-07:002017-05-18T08:16:00.069-07:00So Righeimer doesn't value the opinions of old...So Righeimer doesn't value the opinions of older folks? <br /><br />Well, he might recall Reagan's witty response to Walter Mondale's question about Reagan's advanced age ...<br /><br />"I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent's youth and inexperience," Ronald Reagan quipped during the 1984 presidential debates when asked if, at 73, he is too old to be President.<br />Tom EganOC Public Squarehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07631924404835558389noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297487993604619194.post-47739601192345061182016-11-19T19:31:42.038-08:002016-11-19T19:31:42.038-08:00Well, we got number 8! And a lot more too! Sandy h...Well, we got number 8! And a lot more too! Sandy has been re elected and John Stephens will make an excellent council member. Both care for and will vote for what's best for Costa Mesa. It's a brand new day! People woke up and then, voted!<br /> 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.OC Public Squarehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07631924404835558389noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297487993604619194.post-29344105159699375372016-01-02T22:18:43.655-08:002016-01-02T22:18:43.655-08:00Wonderful list Wendy!Wonderful list Wendy!Gayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12554719975482232810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297487993604619194.post-79687813251488776422016-01-02T17:01:10.642-08:002016-01-02T17:01:10.642-08:00Good ideas, Wendy. Should come in handy as a check...Good ideas, Wendy. Should come in handy as a check list when voting this November.Tom Egannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297487993604619194.post-79347572177923852762015-03-04T21:04:41.426-08:002015-03-04T21:04:41.426-08:00Wendy, thank you for all you do and continue to do...Wendy, thank you for all you do and continue to do. You are a true hero to this family. You know. Thank you.<br />Activistnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297487993604619194.post-83751865271481667952012-06-23T10:14:43.632-07:002012-06-23T10:14:43.632-07:00TestTestOcpublicsquarehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05194241917129451713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297487993604619194.post-50689180484390020622012-02-21T21:56:52.698-08:002012-02-21T21:56:52.698-08:00I think you've got it right. This new kind of...I think you've got it right. This new kind of treatment of and accompanying language aimed at our city employees is strongly influenced by politics of the nastiest kind. The use of the term "Union thugs" comes to mind. And it always seems to come from political operatives with an agenda. Unfortunately for Costa Mesa, our property values may suffer the consequences of this political attack/power grab and the cronyism which will stay with us long after the vote. We can predict this based on City Council meetings and newspaper editorials. <br /><br />HubrisTina Wilcox Goldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07196410830916161810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297487993604619194.post-56589112745481020682012-02-21T21:09:04.103-08:002012-02-21T21:09:04.103-08:00It makes me very sad to see what is happening to o...It makes me very sad to see what is happening to our beloved city. I am amazed at how much harm an ambitious and ruthless politician can do in so brief a time.<br /><br />This is the first time in my many years in Costa Mesa that there has been a professional political operative in elected office, and I hope it will not last long and will never be repeated.CM Citizennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297487993604619194.post-5811965743144407382012-02-21T19:00:48.703-08:002012-02-21T19:00:48.703-08:00Hubris is the perfect word for what we've witn...Hubris is the perfect word for what we've witnessed for this past year on Costa Mesa City Council. Somehow we wound up with two mayors. Residents are as confused by this as they are by the proposed charter by Mr. Righeimer. I feel sure they go together. The other mayor seems to have stepped back (and is seldom in attendance at council meetings, though he has actually accessed public funds for sprucing up his property on Newport Blvd. If only we all could). Thank goodness Wendy Leece attends meetings, listens, and actually hears what residents say, tries to submit those concerns, and is ignored and voted down every single time. <br /><br />I am sensing a gradual awakening from those who turn out to attend recent meetings and wonder what is happening. Not knowing why, or if there is any actual benefit to Costa Mesa in following the lead of a few select others, who have no knowledge of, or concern for, the consequences of our own town; or very possibly their own communities. This is a business venture. That is what has been transpiring in our own city hall. And it’s neither honest or civic minded.<br /><br />I'm so grateful to Wendy Leece for her ability to sit there, take it all in, and stand up for the residents of Costa Mesa. The need for a "bogeyman" is particularly nasty when it is at the expense of our own city employees who have stepped up to the plate. They have no agenda other than to do their jobs and keep this city thriving. <br /><br />Honor is the word that comes to mind for Ms. Leece. And to our various city department employees who do their jobs in the face of this attack on the way of life of the average resident of Costa Mesa. I honor Ms. Leece and thank her for her service.Tina Wilcox Goldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07196410830916161810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297487993604619194.post-19580644829658122062012-02-21T11:49:15.210-08:002012-02-21T11:49:15.210-08:00Wendy's comments are a breath of fresh air in ...Wendy's comments are a breath of fresh air in the miasma enveloping Costa Mesa through the efforts of supposed leader Monahan, actual leader Righeimer, and enabler Bever. <br /><br />Her comments remind me of the decades of good government we enjoyed under leadership by people like Buffa, Erickson, and even the "old" Monahan (the pre-Righeimer Monahan, that is).<br /><br />She recounts the steps a real representative of the people takes with each issue -- such a heartening contrast to the non-representative dictating by Righeimer and the cabal that's guiding him. <br /><br />Doubt there's a cabal? Then check out Agenda Items 13 & 14 in the minutes of the June 13, 2011 Auburn CA council meeting and you'll see familiar words, rationales, and rushed schedule for getting councilman Hanley's charter onto the June 2012 ballot (http://www.auburn.ca.gov/services/Clerk/Charter%20Docs/CC%20M%2006-13-2011.pdf). Hanley began his moves in Auburn six months before Righeimer began his in Costa Mesa.<br /><br />There’s even an appearance by the apparently well-traveled Eric Christen (who also spoke at Costa Mesa’s Feb. 13 meeting) about “misconceptions and disadvantages of ‘prevailing wage.’” btw, Auburn is a little town NE of Sacramento, a long, long way from Costa Mesa.<br /><br />Hanley even pulled the feel-good “transparency” fig leaf over his moves by insisting that all he wanted to do in this first charter meeting was to direct the city manager “to make all Charter correspondence easily accessible on the city’s website.”<br /><br />Kudos to Wendy Leece for being true to her city and not bending to the will of out-of-town power brokers.Tom Egannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297487993604619194.post-36423555512022376962012-02-15T22:23:53.617-08:002012-02-15T22:23:53.617-08:00OrangeMath says it well...OrangeMath says it well...The Pot Stirrerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00561445581111656693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297487993604619194.post-90882169869951707362012-02-15T14:27:48.953-08:002012-02-15T14:27:48.953-08:00A charter like a constitution must be written and ...A charter like a constitution must be written and rewritten with fairness and comity.<br /><br />Whether the proposed charter is correct in the the council members minds is not the issue. Process matters. Considerable time for reflection and debate is necessary.<br /><br />To meet some minimum legal requirement in "reading" a charter; as if it was simply a traffic law is not acceptable to a free people.<br /><br />I have supported Mr. Righeimer in many of his efforts. Even though I'm a union member; I fully appreciate the need for pension reform - which has been happening!<br /><br />Still, the charter effort is a "Bridge too far." It must defeated. It is wrong on many levels. If in the name of freedom, we are to have a binding document shoved down our throats; paid for by manipulative advertising by non-Costa Mesans, then it is clear that <b>Mr. Righeimer isn't seeking the public interest which include fairness and equity</b>. <i>Is the City Council acting like a nanny state telling us what pill we need for our own good?</i><br /><br />This charter effort seems to merely be "practice" by those who want to hold people down. I don't enjoy being a self-appointed doctor's first patient.orangemathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05099727076265177042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297487993604619194.post-84706990653266888872012-01-10T10:18:11.024-08:002012-01-10T10:18:11.024-08:00"If you do not want to lose your job, perform..."If you do not want to lose your job, perform better and work for cheaper." Well, the citizens of Costa Mesa have no intention of accepting second rate standards of city services. The citizens worked hard for what they have and they deserve the best.<br />Regarding outsourcing- here is an item for consideration; review the pay scale for those positions that need to out sourced. Then, as we consider outsourcing, we need to remember that the downside of outsourcing which is the displacement of city jobs in the pursuit of the almighty dollar. Also, as the recession continues, expect government legislation or court orders to stop or correctly regulate the practice of outsourcing city services.<br />Outsourcing is the act of a given city contracting with another agency or company to provide services that might otherwise be performed by in-city employees. Often the tasks that are outsourced could be performed by the city itself, but in many cases there are financial advantages that come from outsourcing. Many cities now outsource jobs such as dispatch services and payroll services. These jobs are handled by separate companies that specialize in each service, and are often are offered for less costs. There are many reasons that cities outsource various jobs, but the most prominent advantage seems to be the fact that it often to save money. Many of the companies that provide outsourcing services are able to do the work for considerably less money, as they don't have to provide lucrative benefits to their workers and have fewer overhead expenses to worry about.<br />Outsourcing also allows cities to focus on other core city issues while having the details taken care of by outside experts. This means that a large amount of resources and attention, which might fall on the shoulders of city staff, can be used for more important, broader issues within the city. The specialized company that handles the outsourced work is often streamlined, and often has enhanced capabilities and access to new technology that a city couldn't afford to service on their own. Plus, if a city is looking to excel, outsourcing is a cost-effective way to start building foundations for greater services.<br />There are some drawbacks to outsourcing as well. One of these is that it often eliminates direct communication between a city and its citizens. This may prevent a city from building solid relationships with their citizens, and often leads to dissatisfaction on one or both sides. There is also the danger of not being able to control some aspects of the city services, as outsourcing may lead to delayed communications. Any sensitive information is more vulnerable, and a city may become very dependent upon it’s outsource providers, which could lead to problems should the outsource provider back out on their contract suddenly.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297487993604619194.post-76644621994583766232012-01-06T11:45:50.182-08:002012-01-06T11:45:50.182-08:00Wendy I wasn't your biggest fan in the past, b...Wendy I wasn't your biggest fan in the past, but I am now. You are so commited to our great city and I appreciate all of your hard work. Thank you so much for taking the time to really investigate the issues.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297487993604619194.post-31834223292412744852012-01-06T10:32:06.662-08:002012-01-06T10:32:06.662-08:00Wendy your passion and commitment to the City and ...Wendy your passion and commitment to the City and residents of Costa mesa is shining through at this dark moment. Keep up the fight......we're behind you.CMResidentshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05733169108468020138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297487993604619194.post-15089666543960840302011-12-08T07:56:37.735-08:002011-12-08T07:56:37.735-08:00Why is living in Costa Mesa for a long time so imp...Why is living in Costa Mesa for a long time so important to you? <br /><br />If person A bought a home 40 years ago, and person B bought a home 10 years ago for a million dollars, perhaps not worth that now. <br /><br />Do you realize that with Prop 13, Person B paid the same or likely higher taxes than Person A? <br /><br />Or what of person C bought a home for $1.5 million? <br /><br />Why do I get the sense that your opinion and the opinion of many council speakers, is that the opinion of Person A, as a "Costa Mesan", carries more weight than the thoughts, desires and recommendations of Person B or C ... Combined?Questionnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297487993604619194.post-6686126542744449902011-09-03T16:10:29.737-07:002011-09-03T16:10:29.737-07:00Can Wendy Share...? You're that poster people ...Can Wendy Share...? You're that poster people say is Martin Millard. Not saying you are, but like this one your posts are mean and ooze bitterness while you whine about people you don't like. A positive is that the unintentional irony makes people laugh. You need to update your material tho, you're using a bone-tired list of talking points. <br /><br />Positives? Well, happy to oblige. Here's a short list: 1.So glad Wendy is on the Coucil. 2.Wendy listens repectfully to the public even when they disagree with her. 3-5. She understands the issues, does her homework, and is always prepared for meetings. 6. She stays civil and does not insult other Councilpeople or the public. 7. She asks probing questions to get at the truth of budget and other discussions. 8. Wendy "gets" public safety. 9. She stands up to bullies. 10. She stood up for ABLE. 11. She truly cares about Costa Mesa and Costa Mesa residents. I could go on, We have a lot of positives here in Costa Mesa besides the nice weather, and one of the biggest is Wendy on the City Council.Wendy gets it, Thank God!noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297487993604619194.post-63751444341163970722011-09-03T07:49:06.999-07:002011-09-03T07:49:06.999-07:00Also, I have been here for a couple years. I see ...Also, I have been here for a couple years. I see the Helicopter way more now than I used to.<br /><br />Can someone pull records of actual fly time before compared to now? As I understand it we were only flying the Helicopter for 5 hours a day. I see the new helicopter more, and at more hours.<br /><br />I like to make my decisions based on fact not a small group of people who want Costa Mesa to stay the way it was 40 years ago. I am OK with change. Others are not.<br /><br />Can someone tell me how to get that information so we can compare facts?Costa Mesa Residentnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297487993604619194.post-86400736019197607502011-09-03T07:46:16.036-07:002011-09-03T07:46:16.036-07:00Wendy,
Does someone need to live in Costa Mesa fo...Wendy,<br /><br />Does someone need to live in Costa Mesa for 40 years to be considered a Costa Mesan by your standards?<br /><br />My family and I have a house worth $1 Million here in Costa Mesa. I do not see you focused on the things that are important to me, my wife and my family. I hear of you challenging youth sports. You called my kid and his friends greedy. <br /><br />In the Council Meetings I have watched, I see you struggle on several issues.<br /><br />I do not like all the things that are going on in the City, but I like what the other Council Members are trying to do more than you.<br /><br />I feel that you are not reflecting my needs as I am not a Costa Mesan with 40 years residency. My neighbors and I are all new families, and I bet we pay way more taxes than someone who bought 40 years ago. <br /><br />Why won’t you represent our interests?Costa Mesa Residentnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297487993604619194.post-90908528975641681692011-09-02T17:49:05.187-07:002011-09-02T17:49:05.187-07:00I just do not think Wendy gets it, nor do her foll...I just do not think Wendy gets it, nor do her followers. Although Nick with the Union does, as he is quoted as saying Wendy “has a grasp of the issues”. I bet he thinks that …<br /><br />I am tired of all the whining that goes on with Wendy and her followers.<br /><br />For me I look at this event and celebrate that our new Police Chief was on site. When was the last time we had a local Chief that could show up like that and comfort some of the neighbors. <br /><br />Can anyone encourage Wendy to be positive, and see the good things happening? Wendy seems as angry as Geoff West.Can Wendy share the positive?noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297487993604619194.post-30116079539810117762011-09-01T22:55:03.924-07:002011-09-01T22:55:03.924-07:00My prayers started with the first sirens, and cont...My prayers started with the first sirens, and continue for all those affected by this tragedy. I knew something serious was going on in the neighborhood from the number of sirens, all converging somewhere very near my home. It turned out I live just two blocks away from. I kept listening for the helicopter but didn’t hear it. It would have been reassuring. I took ABLE for granted, and now really miss the security it provided.<br /><br />I’m not going to second guess the Police strategy. Maybe HB helped capture the suspect? They co-ordinate with CMPD and if they don’t have an emergency of their own or one in Newport a situation like this would have priority. We’re third on the list now, not first. We pay them $700/hr, but the City Council only allocated budget for what averages out to a little more than an hour a day, for calls only, no patrol. ABLE patrolled 5 hours a day and could respond quickly as needed night or day. Perhaps our City Councilmen are having second thoughts. The 3-month contract we have is almost up. Newport shared the cost with us, 50/50. We may have lost the opportunity to revive that partnership but if there is a way to bring back ABLE, I hope they will pursue it.Robinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297487993604619194.post-27387171421095861382011-09-01T09:11:17.951-07:002011-09-01T09:11:17.951-07:00Wendy, we love the HB helicopter. True, it's m...Wendy, we love the HB helicopter. True, it's more noisy, but we see it almost every night. It's much more visible than the ABLE helicopter was. We never saw ABLE, it only flew a few hours a day.<br /><br />Someone should do a flight time comparison of ABLE to HB. I have to imagine we're getting more flight time. Just a thought.Rick Martinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297487993604619194.post-3000255829691608142011-08-05T13:25:45.227-07:002011-08-05T13:25:45.227-07:00Thank you Wendy.
I hope you will focus on the fa...Thank you Wendy. <br /><br />I hope you will focus on the fact that the new helicopter in Costa Mesa has been way better for our City than ABLE. I see it every night in my neighborhood. I never saw ABLE. This has turned out to be a great thing for Costa Mesa to share with Huntington. We are much safer with this new program.Phillips Familynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297487993604619194.post-60451184721666137712011-08-01T17:37:42.117-07:002011-08-01T17:37:42.117-07:00It's saved! Thank you for going the extra dis...It's saved! Thank you for going the extra distance for our community!JTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297487993604619194.post-81502442248394575612011-08-01T08:44:55.338-07:002011-08-01T08:44:55.338-07:00Thank you so much for this opportunity, I only hop...Thank you so much for this opportunity, I only hope the building can't hold all the people that I hope show. Thank you for fighting so hard for all the people,neighbors,employees,all the people that love this CITY. Hang in there I believe you have alot of support from the people,you are doing the right thing. Thanks Sooooooooooooo..... MUCH along time resident of Costa MesaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com