The Capistrano Insider

Shoot Capistrano Allow Coyote Hunts?

Resident Clint Worthington related how his dog was bit by a coyote in the northwest Open Space -- dog OK, but Clint had a $700 vet bill -- and another resident how a dog was snatched and killed in the neighborhood between the golf course and La Novia.

(Both dogs were off leash.)

What to do, though? The town is proud of its open space, so there is an expectation of the wildlife ... It's illegal to fire a weapon in the city limits, so residents cannot shoot the predators.

Laguna Woods saw a pet (on leash) taken and a woman accosted by a coyote. That council has agreed to allow professionals come in and thin the coyote population.

Here's that story, via the Los Angeles Times.

Capistrano's Marie Callender's Survives at least the First Cut

Marie's is in bankruptcy and some stores have been shut down. The OC Register is reporting more stores are closing, but the only Orange County restaurant on the list is in Costa Mesa.

That means Capistrano's Marie Callender's on Del Obispo Street, survives, for now at least.

Here's the whole piece.

Capistrano Steps Up Communication

San Juan Capistrano Mayor Sam Allevato issued another Mayors Message for residents and the media today through the city's public relations consultant. In that, he talks about all of the public-works construction projects going on around town -- eight of them. Some are city and some are state.

Here's a copy of that:

Download Mayor Sam Allevato July 2011 message

Allevato has long said more communication would help ease some of the ... angst ... that some in town seem to have (and share.) He was doing a series of Lunches with the Mayor, but those faded. He was criticized for allegedly grabbing the spotlight by holding the hourlong sessions at City Hall, but then said he would open them up to other council members to take a rotation.

Now, there's grumbling he doesn't do them anymore.

But new in the communication effort is a "City Manager Update" by new City Manager Karen Brust. I've seen these in other cities, and Brust followed a similar formula -- a no-frills (and no PR hyperbole) rundown of what's going on in the city, department by department.

Some examples:

Information Technology

The City’s IT team is currently in the process of implementing a new work order management system to better organize and track the City’s operations and asset maintenance activities. Phase 1 will largely focus on water and sewer assets with subsequent phases primarily focused on facilities and vehicle fleet. A “thin client” desktop system is being tested to replace end-user desktop computers. Network applications and data will be served from a centralized server, eliminating the need for desktop computers for most end-users. This project will result in lower costs through lower power consumption and longer replacement life-cycles for desktop terminals. The IT team is also configuring the City’s new phone system menu for routing calls increase efficiency and customer friendliness.

The Development Services Department consists of five divisions including planning, building & safety, code enforcement, historic preservation and housing. The following depicts the status of current and future projects.

Costco Wholesale: Demolition has begun on the front of the store to add 25,000 square feet of building including an outdoor dining area. Expected completion is in November 2011.

Marriott Residence Inn: Is nearing completion of the framing stage. Completion expected February 2012.

Orange County Chrysler: Open and pending approval of a permanent sign program.

Tuttle-Click Ford: Processing Architectural Control application to remove modular buildings, upgrade showroom, add service bays, car wash, and entry canopy. Expect entitlements by October 2011.

Capistrano Terrace Mobilehome Park Closure: An application for park closure is being considered by the Housing Advisory Committee on July 27, 2011.

There's more in community services, which is essentially the city's planning department.

I've put in an email to see if it's just an e-letter (it's also online at the city's website) or whether it will be printed and mailed in water bills ... although how many folks still get water bills versus going online?

Here's a link to Brust's update.

 

Son of Former Interim Capistrano Manager Joe Tait Passes Away

This just popped up in my inbox ... Joe Tait has a contract with the city to oversee construction of the system to remove MTBE from the groundwater and ensure San Juan Capistrano receives its full share of the Chevron settlement.

***

Jeffrey William Tait began his earthly journey on November 13, 1981 in Provo, Utah.  His parents, Joe and Denise, were thrilled, scared and excited to start their new family.  Jeff evolved into the greatest of big brothers to Greg, Jennifer and Jason.  Jennifer returned home to her Heavenly Father in 1985 and is now trading stories and with her big brother.  Jeff spent two years in the service of God and his fellow man on a mission to Boise, Idaho.  In 2003, Jeff married his sweetheart Emily Pryor and later that year they honeymooned in Kauai where Jeff fell in love with the Islands.  Jeff and Emily were soon blessed with their daughter Taylor who is talented and cherished beyond description.

Emily is the template for all Moms and Taylor's Grandparents John and Vici Pryor and Denise and Joe are blessed to have her in their lives. 

Jeff was a trusted friend blessed with immense talents, loyal friends, and gave unconditional love without prompting.  Jeff loved his Brothers Greg and Jason and considered Sarah his soulmate Sister. He considered Greg, Jason, Sarah, Jean, Jeff and Rachael his true and everlasting compadres. It was with this group that his days and nights were filled with innumerable hours of joy and adventure.  He also considered the Larry Bowen Family and the Rob Perry Family mentors and friends that he loved and was blessed to learn from when he was young boy.  The Love of his Life is Taylor Jane and he knows she couldn't be raised by greater parents. Jeff returned home on Sunday July 17 at 11:30 am.  If you would like to pay your respects you can visit Remembering Jeff W. Tait on Facebook. Chapel Services will be held Saturday July 23 at Eternal Hills Memorial Park Chapel in Oceanside, California at 1 pm.  If you knew Jeff - you loved him !!

***

Our condolences and prayers go out to Joe and his family ...

Now, Here is a City that's Nearly Bankrupt

It's more than a bit of hyperbole when San Juan Capistrano's critics describe the city as nearly bankrupt, but here's one community that is in serious financial trouble:

from www.latimes.com:

Compton's financially struggling City Hall may have to shut down if the City Council doesn't approve a new budget Tuesday night.

The council in recent weeks has twice voted down a budget that would lay off dozens of employees, including several department heads.Those voting in the majority said they wanted to see alternatives to layoffs.

City officials including City Manager Willie Norfleet and Mayor Eric Perrodin said last week that without a budget, a government shutdown could be imminent, with all city employees involuntarily furloughed except for public safety workers and other essential staff. City Treasurer Douglas Sanders said that he would not issue city paychecks this week if there was no budget appropriating the funds. City employees received notices weeks ago warning that their paychecks might be delayed.

Unions representing city employees have threatened to sue if the budget calling for layoffs is adopted. The unions contend that a resolution passed in 2009 gives the city authority to keep functioning until a budget is passed. City officials, however, said they did not have authority to operate without a budget under the city’s charter.

The city's fiscal situation is dire. Its general fund has been running deficits for the last three years. The city’s independent auditors, citing the deficits and “liquidity problems,” have questioned the government's ability to remain solvent. According to a report provided by the city, Compton’s general fund ended the latest fiscal year with a deficit of about $23 million, equal to about 40% of the city’s budget for the period. The deficit was inflated by $11.6 million because money was transferred from the general fund to pay off an accumulated deficit in the city’s general liability fund.

Here's the entire post.