The Capistrano Insider

Cancer Strikes Former Planning Chief Tom Tomlinson *Updated

Many folks remember Tom Tomlinson, who was a longtime Planning Director while George Scarborough was City Manager. He and his wife, Ruth, were also active in St. Margaret's. He and Ruth moved to Nebraska, from where he'd send thoughtful, entertaining and insightful emails.

He's battling a tough case of cancer, and can use our prayers and good thoughts.

His last email:

December, 2009

Hello there! You know I never thought that opportunities for writing articles for the Nebraska Newsletter would cease.  In my latest update, you became aware of all the medical issues that I have been dealing with.  All the symptoms have been masking a much greater threat to my life than what I had previously described.  On Thursday, December 3^rd the doctors were able to provide me with a diagnosis.   The bottom line is that I have stage IV cancer of the esophagus and stomach which has spread to my liver, lungs, and joints.   Obviously, this was a major shock because now it appears that I may only have 6 months to live. Therefore with these changed circumstances, I am not able physically to continue to author additional articles, in fact Ruth is typing this one. 

 Although the news is grim physically, spiritually I am full of strength. I could look on the negative side, but I am focusing on the positive which is I will be victorious and completely healed when I pass from this life to the next.   For those who may feel sorry for me, be assured that my life has been blessed in so many ways by so many people including your gift of friendship to me. 

Because it is physically painful for me to sit at the computer and type, if you wish to respond to this e-mail, please send your comments and thoughts to Ruth at rmtomlinson@yahoo.com.

I pray that this letter finds each of you and your families in good health and eagerly awaiting the birth of our Lord at Christmas.  With God’s Blessing, Tom    (and Ruth)

UPDATE:

The Tomlinsons created an online journal and wishbook at Caring Bridge. See that here.

Open Space Update: More Deals Possible

This update from Colleen Edwards, a member of the Open Space Committee, based on reports from the committee's meeting this week:

• The Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park of San Juan Capistrano acquisition continues to move forward this month with unanimous overall support from the City Council – in fact, the City approved LAFCO annexation just this morning . Details are being fine-tuned with every step to ensure this is a win-win for the City and the seller, as every negotiation should be.
• The City has received a willing seller letter from Saddleback Valley Christian Schools, assuming agreement can be reached on purchase price and appropriate terms, covering all or part of 57 acres located at the confluence of Trabuco Creek and Oso Creek. The City would utilize funding from the Measure M Freeway Mitigation Program. This potential acquisition would allow the City to protect a critical wildlife passage.
• San Juan Capistrano has been pursuing Measure M environmental preservation funds and, while there are no guarantees of funding, we believe our City is extremely well positioned because of the pivotal role it plays in completing the wildlife corridor from Orange County's eastern preserves, such as O'Neill Regional Park and the Cleveland National Forest, to its coastal wilderness preserves, including Crystal Cove State Park and Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Riparian projects are also attractive for Measure M funding, particularly those areas, like SJC’s Open Space in the Northwest, that are home to protected species of steelhead trout and gnatcatcher birds. The pursuit of Measure M funding is a long, science-centric process, and the Open Space Committee along with City staff and expert consultants, has been working diligently on informing and educating the key Measure M decision-makers for over a year. Decisions about which projects make the first cut will be made in a December 17th meeting. We will report back to you at that time.
• The City is also working on Proposition 84 grant applications which have deadlines of March 1. These grants range from $100K - $5 million. We are submitting grant applications for 1) Northwest Open Space Phase 1A (approximately $2.85M); 2) Artificial turf of Stone Field near downtown (approximately $1 million); and 3) a new skate park near the existing Sports Park (approx. $500K). Other grant apps may also be submitted for subsequent deadlines.

 

Alternative Energy and Photovoltaic Ordinance Workshop Dec. 15

 

The public is invited to attend a workshop on Dec. 15 regarding a proposed mandatory alternative energy and photovoltaic ordinance the city of San Juan Capistrano will consider adopting.

The workshop is from 10 a.m. to noon at the Nydegger Building located at 31421 La Matanza.

The City Council directed staff to host the public workshop to identify any related issues before considering adopting the ordinance. The City, which has long been a leader on the environmental front, adopted a Sustainability Charter in 2007 and continues to work to reduce its carbon footprint.

Solar photovoltaic power generation consumes no fossil fuels, generates no air pollution and therefore increases energy efficiency and reduces greenhouse gases and air pollution. The ordinance will not impact single-family homes or duplexes.

The workshop will focus on the proposed ordinance; available residential and non-residential rebates; and photovoltaic construction-related issues.

The draft ordinance is available on the City's Web site at http://sanjuancapistrano.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=15490.

For more information, contact Ziad Mazboudi at 949-234-4413 or zmazboudi@sanjuancapistrano.org.

City Clerk appointed by City Council Tuesday

From the city:

 

Maria Morris was appointed as San Juan Capistrano's City Clerk by the City Council on Tuesday.

Morris, who has more than 10 years of service with the city, has served as Acting City Clerk since March when Meg Monahan left the post. She has held the title of Deputy City Clerk since March 2006.

During her tenure, Morris has prepared City Council agendas, managed official municipal records, participated in the election process and managed public records requests.

As Acting City Clerk, she attends council meetings, prepares minutes, ensures agenda packets are completed on time and manages the day-to-day operations of the Clerk's office.
 
Working with the public is also an essential component of her job.
 
Mayor Londres Uso said Morris is an asset to the city and the right fit for the post.

"Maria’s professionalism impressed the council; her ability to coordinate with our department heads and deliver top-quality work made her the ideal replacement for our beloved Meg," Uso said.

Last month, Morris fulfilled the requirements of the Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) Program of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) and earned the CMC designation. She is also a member of the City Clerks Association of California.

Morris said she is excited and grateful for the position.

"It has been a true honor to serve the City of San Juan Capistrano for the past 10 years," she said. "I am honored by the council's appointment and the opportunity to serve the community, council and staff. I look forward to serving the community in this role for many years to come."

Morris  lives in Riverside with her husband, Todd, and their five kids.

Be Thankful: City Hall closed Thursday, Friday

 

Posted Date: 11/25/2009 11:00 AM

 

City Hall will be closed Thursday and Friday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, with normal business activities resuming on Monday.

Trash and recycling collection will be a day behind.

Police and emergency services will be unaffected by the closure.

For more information, call the City's main number at 949-493-1171. Information about the City is also available at www.sanjuancapistrano.org.