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.

Supervisor Bates: Anderson Retiring, SONGS Drill Success

From Supervisor Pat Bates' most recent report:

Thank You Assistant Sheriff Jack Anderson

Assistant Sheriff Jack Anderson has announced he will be leaving the Department next month, creating a significant loss for the Sheriff’s Department. Over the course of his 23 year career with OCSD, Jack has provided the Department with steady leadership. His passion for law enforcement and dedication to public service is evident by the enthusiastic manner in which he has carried out his duties on a daily basis.

Perhaps most notable in his service to Orange County was his tenure as Acting Sheriff for five months in 2008. Taking on the task of Acting Sheriff was a challenge, and Jack met that challenge well. At a time when the Department’s reputation had been damaged by the previous administration, Jack took important first steps towards restoring the community’s trust. He initiated significant changes including introducing the concept of staffing our jails with professional correctional officers other than sworn deputies. This is a reform that will ultimately save the taxpayers millions of dollars and has been used successfully in many other agencies. It is with much appreciation that I ask the public to join me in thanking Jack for his dedicated service to protecting public safety in Orange County. He is truly one of OCSD’s finest.

SONGS Exercise

This week, I participated in a training drill at the County’s Emergency Operations Center designed to prepare the County in responding to a potential disaster at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS). The event was a dress rehearsal for a federally graded drill that will take place next month. The SONGS exercise is particularly significant to the 5th District because of our close proximity to the nuclear plant. Virtually every department in the County, as well as local cities, the Orange County Fire Authority, the Orange County Transportation Authority, and local school districts were involved in the extensive drill. I am extremely impressed by the professionalism and diligence of all those who participated. Not only as an elected official but as a resident of Orange County, I am comforted in knowing that we truly have a first-rate team that is well-prepared to handle any emergency or natural disaster.

Allevato V. Smith Gets Ugly *UPDATED

Updated at bottom (August 4)

Irvine Co. heiress Joan Irvine Smith has attended City Council meetings for quite awhile now, and she frequently crosses swords with Councilman Sam Allevato over transportation issues.

Allevato supported the toll road extension, which Smith opposed, and Allevato has also supported the widening of Ortega Highway, which Smith opposes, too.

Smith owns the Oaks horse ranch at the east edge of town, on the Ortega. Her son also lives in town.

But the usually entertaining back-and-forth got ugly last Tuesday, when Smith took her place at the microphone and accused Allevato and Councilman Tom Hribar of ordering some sort of drug investigation at her Ranch. They denied it -- Allevato was visibly angry -- as did our Chief of Police Services Lt. Dan Dwyer, who'd gone to the ranch to drop off a thank you card for a copy of Smith's book she'd given him.

Oddly, Smith continues to call Dwyer one of the finest law-enforcement officers anywhere.

Smith gave out letters of her allegations, too. I guess the thought is that Smith has become such a pain to transportation projects that they're trying to get rid of her.

I didn't think it warranted a story, but Schelden over at the Register has posted this.

Update from August 4 City Council meeting:

Joan again spoke in the public comments portion of the August 4 meeting; she said as far as she was concerned "the whole matter can be laid to rest."

But she didn't quite apologize.

Councilman Allevato asked whether she was retracting the statement she made two weeks ago.

Joan replied: "I'm not going to retract anything other than what was said."

Coincidentally, and amusingly, the recording from the meeting at which Allevato and Hribar allegedly ordered Dwyer to inspect her property is unavailable; the machine (relatively new digital equipment) didn't work. I was there, though, and didn't see any outburst (over that, anyhow) from the councilmen.

Be On the Lookout for a White Truck ...

From Homefront America:

Dear SJC Friends & Neighbors,

This is probably a crazy request, but I thought that maybe you can help to be our ears and eyes as you go about your business in and around SJC.

Sometime between Saturday evening around 6 p.m. and early Sunday morning, one of Art Hasselbrink’s vehicle turned up missing.  The vehicle was parked in front of his house.  It is a 1988 White Chevy Blazer S-10, license plate #5PNX731.  There is also a tow hitch in the back of the vehicle.  While “Betsy” [as she is fondly referred to by her owner] may be “old,” you can’t beat her loyalty, faithfulness, and ability to perform extremely well under pressure.  What more than any guy ask for?  :-)  I can’t tell you how many times she has come through in a pinch for Homefront America events and activities.

While it is believed that her abductor(s) may have taken her across the border, there is a possibility that she may have just been taken out for a “joy ride.”  The vehicle has been reported stolen.  If you happen to see Betsy anywhere in town, please contact the SJC Sherriff’s.  According to the Sherriff who took the report, please do not approach the vehicle, simply make the call and they will send someone out.

Thanks for your help.

Mamie Yong Maywhort, Homefront America, Inc.

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN:  54-2178448

www.homefrontamerica.org

Capistrano Mayor Nielsen Profiled on Web site

From PublicCEO.com

Motown isn’t the only place where the car industry is causing problems.

In San Juan Capistrano, Calif. where car dealerships have long been a mainstay and an answer to the city’s bottom line, it’s time to look elsewhere toward other businesses that could help the city grow, according to Mayor Mark Nielsen.

“The biggest issue we face relates to the long-term financial health of the city.  The recent economic downturn has pointed out the need for our city to diversify its revenue sources. Too much reliance has been placed in the past on new development to keep funding capital improvements.

“We also need to find other retailers to provide future sales tax revenue and not place such a great reliance on new car sales for almost half of our sales tax revenues. While we continue to support our auto dealers, and will do what we can to help them grow their business, we cannot look only to them to keep us healthy in the future.”

A Businessman

The 49-year-old Nielsen knows a thing or two about business, that’s for sure. When he isn’t wearing his mayor’s hat, he is the chairman and director of various software companies and a member of the Executive Committee of Tech Coast Angels (a southern California group of “Angel” investors who are similar to venture capitalists). Both jobs have some similarities, making life a little easier for Nielsen.

“Running a business is easier on a number of levels, especially when it comes to decision-making and planning,” he shares.

For example, he says that in government, there are numerous laws that thwart efficiency in operations and impose long lag times on decisions. For instance, you cannot discuss things with your other council members except in public session and only if the issue was published in advance on the agenda, Nielsen says.

“While this is important for public transparency and participation, it makes it very difficult to quickly and effectively work issues in the way that private industry acts.  The similarities, however, are the need to establish a clear vision and set of priorities, the need to lead by example from the top, and ultimately to make decisions that are in the best interests of the shareholders (or taxpayers), and not merely for the benefit of a select few.”

Better Than Most

Lack of new retailers aside, SJC, like many communities in So Cal, is suffering from the bad economy, but it is doing a bit better than most, says Nielsen.

“San Juan Capistrano is probably in better shape than many other cities.  We have a great staff that has helped us maintain reserves of about 50 percent of our annual operating budget. However, we have made cuts of about $2 million recently for the current fiscal year ending June 30, including cutting back on funding for social service programs and community events.”

He says he is hopeful that SJC will be able to backfill some of these cuts with private funding and new sponsorship opportunities from businesses and residents that see the importance of continuing these programs in difficult times.   

To keep the city moving along, SJC has imposed a hiring freeze and put more of a burden on existing staff to do more. It has also had to cut back on the frequency of various city services, including street sweeping, tree trimming and landscape watering; and it is reducing its support for various programs from the Chamber of Commerce and the Boys & Girls Club to cutting back funds for community events.

Who He Is

No stranger to local politics, Nielsen, born in Chicago, was elected to the city council in 2006 prior to his current post as mayor. He says being mayor is definitely more demanding.

“Finding the time to respond to all of the requests for the mayor’s time while spending quality time with my family and keeping up with my business obligations is a challenge,” he says.  “In addition, it takes discipline and commitment to ensure that you are inclusive of your whole council.  If you have a majority, it is often easy to ignore the minority view.  However, I believe that is a recipe for disaster and in the long run, will make it much harder to accomplish important goals for a city.”   

On the flip side, while serving as mayor, one can more directly influence the tone of meetings, and establish subcommittees that can move issues forward that as a council member one cannot, he says.

Fast Forward

As for what lies ahead for SJC – at least while Nielsen is in office – is to move forward with plans for the downtown revitalization.       

“Revitalizing our downtown is and has been one of my top priorities. There are no other cities in Orange County that have a true central downtown with a train depot and historic Mission all within walking distance,” he says.

SJC has the foundation for a vibrant and unique historic town center that should attract visitor and resident alike with numerous restaurants and shops in a setting that harkens back to the old world charm of the 1800s, he points out.  

“Contrary to what some think, I am not opposed to development in San Juan Capistrano, only that which detracts from the rural, equestrian and historic character of our town.  I have supported development that actually enhances our community and its unique character.  I also have been a great advocate of preserving more of our open space that is a defining asset of our city,” he says.

For example, he mentions that when anyone enters San Juan Capistrano, if driving from the north on the I-5 at night, they will see that it suddenly gets very dark.  Why?

“We prohibit building on our ridgelines and have hundreds of acres of natural land on which wildlife thrives. Recently, our citizens agreed to tax ourselves for a $30 million bond that will enhance and preserve more open space in our city,” he says.

In spite of fellow council members and half of the open space committee thinking they were crazy to pursue a $30 million bond in this economy, Councilman Tom Hribar and Nielsen pushed to go to the voters in November and they agreed by an overwhelming 70 percent to approve the bond.  

“This is a true testament to the seriousness with which San Juan residents take our open space,” he says.

Happy to serve as Mayor of SJC, Nielsen’s term will end in Dec, 2010, but don’t look for him to move up the political ladder at that point.

“Not if I want to keep a happy family and balanced work life,” he says.