Yesterday, April 5th 2019, President Donald Trump arrived in Beverly Hills for a fundraiser where tickets ranged from $15,000 to $150,000 a pop. Photographer Marc Langsam was there to capture the moment, the supporters, the protesters (Black Lives Matters and Bernie Supporters). You are invited to Make America Great Again and Feel the Bern with through the Mr. Langsam’s art.
As we hear daily all the “Climate Change” propaganda and the Green New deal, I was astounded when I found the reprint of a sobering speech by the UN director of the New York Office of the UN Environment Program, or UNEP, a Mr. Noel Brown in the Notable & Quotable section of the Wall Street Journal. the following Quotations stem from a June 29, 1989 Associated Press Dispatch, in which the before referenced Mr. Brown stated that entire nations could be wiped off the face of the earth by rising sea levels if the global warming trend is not reversed by the year 2000. Coastal flooding and crop failures would create an exodus of “eco-refugees,” resulting in political chaos.
Mr. Brown said governments have a 10-year window of opportunity to solve the greenhouse effect before it goes beyond human control. He threatened, global warming would melt the polar caps, the oceans would rise three feet, thereby, covering the Maldives and other island nations. Bangladesh alone could be flooded, displacing 90 million people. One fifth of Egypt’s land in the Nile Delta would also be flooded, cutting off food supplies. Furthermore, oh horror, the U. S. and Canada would suffer a new “Dust Bowl,” while Russia would reap bumper crops.
Well, here we are in the year 2019 and none of the horrid predictions came true. Finally, realizing that the overblown prophecy made their case look ridiculous, the advocates of doom quickly changed the nomenclature of their political policy from global warming to “Climate Change,” a paradigm under which the pseudo-scientist can designate weather, in any form, to be a threat to the planet.
Kutubdia, Bangladesh, July 2009 – A family in their adobe house next to a wind farm.
Sigrid Weidenweber grew up in communist East Berlin, escaping it using a French passport. Ms. Weidenweber holds a degree in medical technology as well as psychology and has course work in Anthropology. She is co-founder of Aid for Afghans. Weidenweber has traveled the world and lived with Pakistani Muslims, learning about the culture and religion. She is a published author and lecturer. You can find her books on Amazon.com
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This is a very sad story which I am afraid has been repeated thousands of times of late. Polarization between the left and right has become so pronounced that the two sides have lost the ability to be civil with one another.
For me, this moment came when one of the individuals in the Curmudgeons Political Coffee Club on Saturday morning I attend, proudly put out a post as a letter to the editor of the East Bay Times which read:
Why highlight a guy who is an obvious bigot, who has no interest in the common good, and who hates liberals, per se? These are the people who move to Arizona into communities that pride themselves on not paying taxes for the local schools. These are the people who support the divisive policies of Donald Trump and the “make America white again” movement.
After reading this rant I asked Jimmy what made this conservative guy, who was leaving the state, a “bigot” and likely a racist -Nazi type. To this I was told: ‘The opposition to “an open immigration policy” is the give-away. This is bigot stuff.” This Jimmy further explained:
“Are you talking about the northern or southern border? That makes a difference, if you are only talking about the southern border. Most who talk about not wanting open immigration are not talking about European immigrants or Canadian or even Asian, for the most part. They are talking about people who have dark skin and who may not know English that well. That translates into the people like that who already live here, for the most part. The guy in the paper sounded like he only had interest living near to those of Anglo Saxon descent. “
After this exchange of views I basically cried “Uncle”. What did controlling the Canadian border have to do with the problems with Mexico? There was no crisis going on up North. How could my concern for dealing with the horde of illegal immigrants entering the USA from the South make me a hater of these folks? (Especially considering my son in laws families both hail from this region)
At this point it would have been easy for me to drop the whole matter. I have known the people who hang out at the Curmudgeons Club for many years and believe they are well intentioned-decent individuals. Much like me, at times they tend to act in the “Look before you Leap” mode, made famous by Aesop’s Fables.
However, in this instance I wasn’t willing to hide behind the skirts of “We hate conservatives but you are OK” pronouncements which often follow heated political discussions of this kind.
I explained Webster’s dictionary refers to a bigot as a person who is obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices with hatred and intolerance.
Notice the similarities between your beliefs Jimmy and those you depict as bigots because they oppose open immigration policies. By what you think, I am a bigot because of believing my country has to control its borders in terms of who is allowed into the USA and what goods cross from foreign countries to our sovereign soil.
A different legitimate take was made by one of the other leftist Curmudgeons present last Saturday who argued that because of the spotty record of the United States, especially during WWII of rejecting Jews fleeing Hitler’s Germany, that our country presently has the moral obligation to welcome all those fleeing tyranny.
To such a notion I can only say the USA has made mistakes in the past but is by and large is the most generous country in the World welcoming refugees from all regions. We should not mire ourselves in guilt.
It must also be noted that the vast numbers of people we have accepted in the past, entered our borders in a lawful manor. They also came in without breaking existing immigration laws passed by Congress. While such a system has flaws, this is way our democracy should work.
As such I will not accept the accusation of being bigot for defending American sovereignty. Being considered to be prejudiced against anyone because of their religion, race, or skin color is insulting. Preaching such hatred is never cool.
At this juncture it is my intent to take a leave of absence from debating political issues on Saturday morning with this group. This is not a decision that I take lightly. For me such a stance is a resounding defeat for all of us. There is plenty of guilt to go around.
It isn’t nice being called a White Supremists nor does my labeling of Progressive beliefs to be Socialistic or even Marxist seem to be palatable on several levels. If the truth be known, I am probably no better than those who attack me. The concept of those who live in glass houses should not be throwing rocks”, might apply to all of us involved with the polarized politics of today.
What transpired at Curmudgeons Club is what has happened throughout our country. The left and right are so divided that they can’t even sit down to talk about protecting the border, taxes, medical coverage, defense, the national deficit, or much of anything else without name calling ensuing. How do we find a middle ground between the likes Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Kamala Harris with the Trump Administration?
Why can’t we go back to the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton when compromise for the common good allowed the Federal Government to operate more efficiently?
I know reminiscing about these Pollyanna times is stupid. In the good old days we didn’t have social media, the internet, CNN, Fox News and the current Congressional leaders on both sides of the isle, to contend with. Have we come to such a low point that Dan Rather is an upgrade to the right on what is currently found on network TV today?
We seem to be in a political clinch that does not allow ourselves to separate ourselves from extremist elements. My current impasse with the Saturday morning confab has become for me The Breakfast Club without any resolution.
None of this is good. There is a literal “wall” in American politics that has nothing to do with how much is to be spent for construction projects on the border of Mexico. In order to scale this structure, we all have to cast aside our beliefs and prejudices to work out differences out.
This includes me as well.
Richard Eber studied journalism at the University of Oregon. He writes about politics, culture, education restaurants, and was former city and sports editor of UCSB Daily. Richard is president of Amerasa Rapid Transit, a specialized freight forwarder.
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Oxnard Beach Park, 1601 S. Harbor Blvd, Oxnard CA 93035
Saturday April 13 2019 10am-7pm
Sunday April 14 2019 10am-6pm
The Oxnard Powwow Committee is pleased to invite you to attend this nonprofit cultural event. This intertribal powwow is the first of its kind in the history of the City of Oxnard. This event is being supported by the community based nonprofit organization LUCHA, assisted by the City of Oxnard, and endorsed by the Ventura County Supervisor of District 5, Mr. John Zaragoza. The OPC mission is to bring a powwow to the city and surrounding communities to promote awareness, unity, and respect for native peoples and the rich tapestry of their cultural history by enjoying their songs, drums, and dances while also providing a network of service providers that Native People can contact to better their lives. Oxnard Beach Park at the Channel Islands was selected as the location to recognize its ancestral ties to the Chumash people.
Many members of local and out of state tribes will be participating, and there will be a variety of food and crafts vendors for you to enjoy. Admission is free. Parking is $5 per day. You are encouraged to bring your lawn-chairs for seating. No alcohol or firearms is allowed, and no tobacco or sage will be sold. Pets must be on a leash. We look forward to your attendance at two special days of celebrating native culture, helping native peoples in need, and bringing awareness of those peoples whose ancestors were our First Americans.
The Oxnard Powwow Committee
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Several pilots and mechanics took off in four planes from Seattle in an attempt to make the first flight around the world on April 6, 1924 — 95 years ago.
The Seattle and Boston flights did not complete the journey due to accidents, however. The Seattle experienced engine problems in Alaska while the Boston went down in the ocean, according to Atlas Obscura.
The pilots in the Boston plane survived and joined Chicago and New Orleans in a second plane called the Boston II, the Smithsonian reported.
The Chicago and New Orleans successfully made it back in late September 1924 after traveling for 175 days. The journey covered more than 26,000 miles and landed in 22 countries, according to the National Park Service (NPS).
The purpose of the global flights were to see if the planes could survive various environmental conditions, create better international relations through air routes and establish support for the Army Air Service, the Smithsonian reported.
Classic air plane propeller on display at Smithsonian Museum, Dreamstime
The fliers went through multiple environmental changes — from exposure to the frigid temperatures in Alaska to typhoons and diseases in Asia, according to the Smithsonian. Fliers could only take 300 pounds of supplies to keep the planes light. They chose not to bring parachutes or life preservers. (RELATED: Airline Goes Bankrupt, Leaves Thousands Stranded Across Europe)
Seattle has a monument dedicated to the U.S. Army officers who took part in the world flight planes. The structure has a pair of bronze bird wings on top of a tower, according to Atlas Obscura.
Port Hueneme Police Department– Incident Press Release
On April 5, 2019, at 11:35 PM, Officers from the Port Hueneme Police Department responded the 400 Block of Park Avenue regarding a call of several gun shots heard.
The officers contacted a resident who said their house had been hit with by several bullets. The officers located 4 bullet strikes to the exterior wall of the residence. None of the bullets penetrated the wall.
In speaking to the residents, they stated they did not know who might have targeted them.
Two witnesses were located who stated they saw a Hispanic male wearing a dark colored hoodie, walking on the sidewalk and stopped in front of the residence. The suspect than fired 4 shots at the residence and then fled on foot east bound.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Michael Hamrick at the Port Hueneme Police Department, (805) 986-0541.
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Governments around the world began trying to bring the Internet under control as soon as they realized the danger to their power represented by unfettered public access to, and exchange of, information. From attempts to suppress strong encryption technology to the Communications Decency Act in the US and China’s “Great Firewall,” such efforts have generally proven ineffectual. But things are changing, and not for the better.
The European Parliament recently passed a “Copyright Directive” which, if implemented, will force Internet platforms to actively monitor user content instead of putting the burden of proving copyright infringement on those claiming such infringement. The Directive also includes a “link tax” under which publishers will charge aggregation platforms for traditionally “fair use” excerpts.
The US government’s Committee on Foreign Investment is attempting to force the sale of Grindr, a gay dating app, over “national security” concerns. Grindr is owned by a Chinese company, Beijing Kunlun. CFIUS’s supposed fear is that the Chinese government will use information the app gathers to surveil or even blackmail users in sensitive political and military jobs.
Those are just two current examples of many.
Big Governments and Big Tech are engaged in a long-term mating dance.
Big Governments want to regulate Big Tech because that’s what governments do, and because, as with Willie Sutton and banks, Big Tech is where the Big Tax Money is.
Big Tech wants to be regulated by Big Governments because regulation makes it more difficult and expensive for new competitors to enter the market. Facebook doesn’t want someone else to make it the next MySpace. Google doesn’t want a fresh new face to send it the way of Yahoo.
It’s a mating dance with multiple suitors on all sides.
The US doesn’t like Grindr or Huawei, because FREEDUMB.
The Chinese don’t want uncensored Google or Twitter, because ORDER.
The EU is at least honest about being sexually indiscriminate: It freely admits that it just wants to rigorously screw everyone, everything, everywhere.
Big Tech wants to operate in all of these markets and it’s willing to buy every potential Big Government as many drinks as it takes to them all into the sack.
Everybody wins, I guess. Except the public.
Governments and would-be monopolists are fragmenting what once advertised itself as a Global Information Superhighway into hundreds of gated streets.
Those streets are lined by neatly manicured lawns per the homeowners’ association’s rigorously enforced rules, and herbicide is sprayed on those lawns to kill off the values that made the Internet the social successor to the printing press and the economic successor to the Industrial Revolution.
As Stewart Brand wrote, “Information Wants To Be Free. Information also wants to be expensive. … That tension will not go away.”
Big Tech and Big Government are both coming down, increasingly effectively, on the side of “expensive” and on the side of Ford’s Model T philosophy (“you can have any color you want as long as it’s black”).
They’re killing the Internet. They’re killing the future. They’re killing us.
Thomas L. Knapp (Twitter: @thomaslknapp) is director and senior news analyst at the William Lloyd Garrison Center for Libertarian Advocacy Journalism (thegarrisoncenter.org). He lives and works in north central Florida.
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Casa De Vida will be celebrating their graduates at a fundraising dinner on April 27, 2019 at the Ventura Missionary Church Family Room, 500 High Point Dr, Ventura, Calif 93003. Come join us for this joyous celebration!
Casa Da Vida’s mission is to minister to individuals who are homeless, or dependent on drugs or alcohol. It is our goal to reach, teach, and release these individuals back into society so that they will become productive citizens. We achieve our mission by meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of individuals through our 6-12 month program.
Casa De Vida, Inc.
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Rebozo Festival, Inc. is pleased to announce its 15th Anniversary, which will be held on Sunday, May 19th, 2019 from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm at Camarillo Ranch.
In 2005, a small group of community volunteers, called Las Madrinas (the Godmothers), gathered to organize the 1st Rebozo Festival, a benefit event established to raise funds for Ventura County non-profit charitable organizations focusing on the cultural, social and educational needs of the community. This unique cultural event promotes the rich heritage of our area by highlighting the colorful Mexican Rebozo (shawl) as our theme.
Celebrating its 15th Anniversary, Rebozo Festival will be held at the Camarillo Ranch, located at 201 Camarillo Ranch Road, Camarillo, CA 93012. This includes a delicious Mexican brunch, silent and live auctions, a tiendita to shop for unique gifts. Entertainment includes: Trio Los Principes, Ballet Folklorico Mestizo of Oxnard College by Mati Sanchez, Mariachi Aguilas de Oxnard, special performance by Estefani Lopez “Mariachi Girl” and live music for your dancing pleasure by Instone and La Gran Sonora de Colombia.
Proceeds from the 2019 Rebozo Festival will benefit Primary Recipient: Many Mansions, Secondary Recipients: Assistance League of Ventura County and The Discovery Centers of Science and Technology. Since 2005, the Rebozo Festival has raised over $320,000 for Ventura County non-profit charitable organizations.
For available Sponsorships and Program Ads opportunities, please call 805.500.3292.
Individual advanced ticket sales are $60.00 and reserved table of 10 is $650.00, these can be purchased through Eventbrite online at www.rebozofestival.org or at the following locations: Radio Lazer – 200 S. A Street, Suite 400, Oxnard – Solis Bridal & Boutique – 631 W. Hueneme Rd., Oxnard, – Pacific Premier Bank – 1825 So. Broadway, Santa Maria and La Unica Panaderia – 313 E. Harvard Blvd., Santa Paula.
On April 2, 2019, the Oxnard Council tried to get its arms around a massive five year $437 million capital capital spending plan assembled by Public Works, Finance and other departments. While there seemed to be agreement on the needs, it was clear that there wasn’t consensus on priorities and that it is massively underfunded. But officials who spoke seemed to think it was an improvement over past attempts. City Manager Nguyen estimated that they are 87% there, but didn’t explain how he arrived at that figure or what it meant. Numerous Mandalay Bay residents* objected to: the city seawalls renovation plan which calls for them to pay 22 of the $25 million budgeted, the longtime neglect of the aging structures, and the 14 years of endless talking and negotiations resulting in only minimal work actually performed.
The Council also approved the Housing Department’s capital plan, which is separate from the main city budget and grant-funded. Staff said no significant changes have been made to it.
We were warned of an impending $10 million general fund deficit (why doesn’t our financial system warn of this more in advance?), part of a seemingly perpetual structural deficit. In past years, this has been dealt with by interfund transfers and loans. We weren’t told what course of action would be taken this year.
Earth Day was noted, along with its upcoming Saturday celebration at Plaza Park.
1.CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2)) (City Council) Based on existing facts and circumstances, there is significant exposure to litigation against the City in one potential case.
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Government Code section 54957.6) (City Council) Agency designated representatives: Alexander Nguyen, City Manager, Steve Naveau, Director of Human Resources; and Jennie Kelly, Assistant City Attorney. Employee organization: International Association of Firefighters, AFL-CIO (IAFF), Local No. 1684.
City Attorney Fischer said there were no announcements as a result of this session.
E. Ceremonial Items
1.SUBJECT: Presentation of a Commendation to Pacifica High School students from the Academy of Business and the Health Science Academy who established a Firefighters care package center.
2.SUBJECT: Presentation of a Proclamation Designating April 13, 2019 as “Earth Day.” Celebrate on Saturday, April 13 at Plaza Park.
F. Public Comments on items not on the agenda
Gabrielle LeMay- I had an Oxnard Home equity rehab loan- was abused by contractor who overcharged and did substandard work- reported it. He damaged my property, stole stuff. I now have PTSD. Was charged $23,700 for roof for that was worth $12-15K.
Hymie Moreno- Recently promoted to head Football Coach of Oxnard HS. – Promoting the Summer at City Hall program. Need help from Council. 25 students involved in last summer’s program- paid and credit – learned new skills.
Ashley Hernandez- Promoted Summer at City Hall program- Interned at Police Dept. Became Oxnard Police explorer and will pursue Law Enforcement career.
Christine Cananyezado- Also promoted Summer at City Hall- Learned much, inspired her to pursue law.
Brian Rodriguez- Jr. at Oxnard HS, was also in Summer at City Hall. Loved exposure to city govt. Wants program to continue, grow. Now working with Jacqui Irwin.
Pat Brown- Big trucks take up too much room in downtown. Just saw one making a right on 5th St., taking up both lanes. Need action now. Get rid of junk cars at used car lot.
Ann Jordan-Lives at Mandalay Bay. $160K allocated from Oxnard Waterways District. Wants to know what we are paying for. They told her it was for benches, irrigation , plants., pruning, weight control. None of that has anything to do with waterways, seawalls. Money is not being used wisely. There was talk of increasing the assessment, which is needed for seawalls- maybe up to $1500.
Pete Placentia- Re Colonia Boxing Gym. Helps kids. Problem with leaks in gym. Floor is wet. Also water upstairs.
Arnaldo Torres- Representing Camino Real consultant. 80,000 people of 204,000 population on MediCal in Supv. Zaragosa’s County District. Needs a better system. Zaragosa should have moved on this years ago. System is now under federal audit. Wants the “Two Plan Model.” Want local meetings to discuss.
Evano Morales (translated)- From Rose Park community. Want study done of the garage. Was told that he didn’t qualify because he only has 2 cars, should not be discriminated against. Others are being allowed to do it.
Mario Castille- Community workforce agreements. Plan to recruit and hire low income, veterans, women workers, with targets. No strike provisions.Helps prevent delays, ensure quality, safety. 200 projects with $480 million in total.
Jonathan Duran- Represents SW Regional Conference of Carpenters. Tell students about opportunity to be part of a union. Represent 400 carpenters in Oxnard.
Mayo Castro- With Carpenters. Vocational programs should be restored in schools.
Armando Delgado- USMC vet and a carpenter with local 805 Carpenters- 1700 members, many in Oxnard. Unions provide a decent living. We want to recruit, train people.
Victor Gajarrdo- Same basic message + good for local economy. He is a longshoreman.
G- City Manager/Executive
1. City Mgr. Nguyen. We have $480 million in unmet capital improvement needs. Only have a small fraction of this available.
2. Job Fair – Fri April 12 at 2 PM at Oxnard College. Many more employers now signed up and will be present.
Councilman Perello- Met with members of public on various items, wants a community work agreement- wants on committee agenda. Need people with marketable skills for middle class jobs. Went to Rose Park neighborhood meeting. Issues were requirements for home expansion. Agrees with Pat Brown
Ramirez- Encouraged Plaza Park Earth Day event participation. Went to water education for Latino leaders meeting- fine presentation by Development Services Dept. Mgr. Jeff Lambert. Re: Clean Power Alliance- people getting first bills. Says her bill went down $6. She is chair of energy procurement/planning, to bring projects here. Will approve 2 new local solar projects,. which have project labor agreements.
Basua- Went to Pacific Point HOA meeting. Re: Homeless community problems. Thanks for City staff support. No doubt that we have an issue- an epidemic- in all districts. Need budget money for this. Must set policy for staff to follow.
Madrigal- Today is World Autism Day/month. Thanks to police dept for job well done. Went to Rose Park and Southwinds meeting. This Thurs- East Village meeting. Frank School art Gala this Thursday (after school program). Went to East Side Little League’s opening day. Went to Chavez march and Downtown Dist. meeting and homeless discussion.
MacDonald absent- in DC on behalf of Naval Base affairs.
Flynn- on new meeting system, only twice a month now. Most business now transacted by committees. Most business tonight is just consent agenda approval. City council undoing decades of mismanagement and financial problems. Anticipate up to a $10 million deficit.Unfunded pension liabilities is a big problem. On Tuesday, CFO will give a financial projection- encourages meeting participation.
K- Information Consent Agenda
Ten different approval items,. See agenda for details. Flynn says all items, some very large, were already covered by committees, televised.
Pulled for discussion- K-3 (Madrigal), please postpone this on behalf of MacDomald, who is in DC now.
Public comment
NONE
Vote 6-0 approve (MacDonald absent)
L-1- SUBJECT: Zone Text Amendment to Oxnard City Code Chapter 16 Article II and Article V, Division 13 Related to Accessory Dwelling Units: Continuation of Public Hearing. RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council continue the noticed public hearing to the April 16, 2019 City Council regular meeting. Legislative Body: City Council Contact: Jeffrey Lambert, (805) 385-7882
L-2- SUBJECT: Five-Year & Annual Agency Plan and Capital Fund Program (CFP) 5-Year Action Plan for Low Rent Public Housing. (10/15/5) RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Oxnard (OHA): 1. Hold a public hearing to receive comments concerning the fifth year of the Five-Year Agency Plan, the 2019 CFP Budget, and the CFP 5-Year Action Plan; and 2. Adopt a resolution: a. Approving the Five-Year and Annual Agency Plan for the Housing Authority; b. Authorizing and directing the Chairman to execute the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Public Housing Agency Certification Compliance Form certifying the Housing Authority’s compliance with HUD’s policies and procedures; c. Authorizing the Housing Director to execute and submit all reports, documents and all other certifications required to comply with HUD’s policies and procedures regarding the Five-Year Agency Plan; d. Approving the 2019 CFP Budget and CFP 5-Year Action Plan; and e. Authorizing the Housing Director to accept and expend the funds as indicated in the revised 2019 CFP Budget and CFP 5-Year Action Plan. Legislative Body: Housing Authority Board Contact: Rhonda Hodge, (805) 385-7889 .
Brenda Lopez from Housing authority presented. HUD required, presents basic regulations, expenditures and how they intend to serve. Applying for these funds, only for improve mt of existing public housing. Reviewed on Jan 18, plus held 2 meetings with resident advisory board. No significant changes proposed.’
Requested $1.482 million for 2019. This approves action plan, budget and agency plan.
She said zero about what the money would be used for.
Council Comments
Ramirez- did public have input? Lopez said no significant recommendations. Ramirez- how many were there? 15-20 + staff.
Perello- Any other feedback? Parking is an issue, especially for elderly/disabled resident parking. Fencing was a question, color of paint, “micro level” issues as Lopez termed them.
Madrigal- For La Corta project. When will old buildings come down? Lopez- 10 families still there. She estimates 6 months, but can’t be sure.
Basua- Scores? Lopez: Last year we were a high performer. This year standard performance, because we can’t invest $ in Las Cortez, which is being torn down. New units “RAD”, which is a non-profit independent organization.
Ramirez again. Old units in bad shape and at risk of being broken into/occupied by transients. Lopez confirmed that- An ongoing problem. Ramirez wants police intervention.
Perello again- Wasn’t there a fire recently? Yes, vacant, no one harmed.
Councilwoman Lopez- 30% of budget is capital improvement? What about the rest? Lopez: debt service, admin, technology, ADA “504” compliance.
New units will exceed the number of old ones.
Flynn- Federal 1998 public housing reform law mandated self-sufficiency. How viable is Oxnard’s program to do this? Residents must donate 8 hours community service a month. Non-compliance results in loss of lease. Want people to become self-sufficient- move out of public housing. He says he’s brought this up annually and never received a satisfactory answer. (so, why does he vote for it, then?). Lopez gave a list of excuses why many residents can’t be self-sufficient. Families are becoming self sufficient, but not enough to move out of public housing. Flynn wants City Manager report on what we’re doing to help public housing residents become self-sufficient.
Public Comments
NONE
Vote to approve 8-0 (includes 2 housing commissioners, minus Councilman MacDonald- absent).)
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M-1- SUBJECT: Five Year Capital Improvement Program and Use of Bond Proceeds. (30/10/20) RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council: 1. Select which projects to fund from the Draft 2019-2024 City of Oxnard Five Year Capital Improvement Program (“CIP”); 2. Adopt the 2019-2024 City of Oxnard Five Year Capital Improvement Program; and 3. Approve the proposed list of non-CIP redevelopment bond proceeds projects and appropriate funding to these projects. (By the time this item is posted for City Council, the CIP will not have yet gone to the Public Works and Transportation Committee for review. It goes to the Committee on March 26, 2019. Staff will provide a report to the Council at a later date regarding the recommendation of the Committee.) Legislative Body: City Council Contact: Rosemarie Gaglione, (805) 385-8055
Nguyen- Stated at Transportation and Public Works Committee- has 87% confidence in what is in this capital improvement plan. Feels it is a significant improvement to the previous plan, which was almost impossible to use. Tremendous progress made. Will continue to refine and improve annually. Some have large, multi-year projects. Constitutes $480 million in unmet needs- much is deferred maintenance. People demand budget funding, but not cuts and setting aside for future needs.
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Council Comments
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Perello- a sobering speech by Nguyen. Average City Mgr turnover is about 3 years. Nguyen has courage to mention shortcomings of the plan.
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Presentation
Asst. City Manager Shari Klima- Started off with opening line of the song “We built this city on rock ‘n roll” – relevance was uncertain. 2019-2014 Five Year Capital Improvement Program. Doesn’t address maintenance- it addresses construction/renovation projects > $100,000. CIP was posted on line- approximately 200 projects.
Grant funding considered. Staff capacity considered. Balancing competing needs.
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The linked presentation/reports do a good job of summarizing what is in the CIP. Clearly there is much work to be done in prioritization, consensus building and funding, since much of this is an unfunded wish list at this point.
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Storm water catch (SIC) basins- regional board is telling us what we need to do- not discretionary. Requests that council prioritize within category 1 projects (about $4 MM) and select priority 2 & 3 projects if they have funding.
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These are overwhelming transportation and utilities projects. ($179MM in 5 years).
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$25.2 million for seawalls is only in the next 5 years (estimated $80MM total but even that may be low). The plan calls for owners to fund $22 million of the $25 million for the first five years). Bonds would be required.
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40% of city buildings are said to be in poor condition, needing significant work.
over 1000 PC’s and 1500 mobile devices are in city inventory. Quite a few IT projects are in the city. Data center and networks projects are needed.
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Parks and city facilities 48 sports courts- $3.9 mm needed. 53 city parks – most need work. City has 56,000 trees and is far behind on maintenance (not sure how this applies to capital budget).
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Street Pavement Condition Index (PCI) is now a substandard 65. $82MM in the plan- $16.4 MM annually. Current rate of spending of $8MM would result in third world conditions in only a few years. An $11 mm rate would maintain it at a level of 65. It would take $15-16 MM to bring it up to desired standards in a few years. The new gas tax funding will help, as would more grants.
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Transportation and drainage. (see slides).
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There are nine major water projects.
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This does not include housing authority stuff (separate fund/budget), except for the two city-owned housing projects.
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Many funding sources, General Fund and Measure O, are default sources. Development fees, and grants. State gas tax funds some street resurfacing projects. Ratepayer-funded utility funds handle much of it. Special districts funds handle some projects (see Appendix A for funding sources).
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No attempt was made to balance projects by district, but by need. (see Appendix B for district breakdown.).
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Mayor Flynn- what decisions need to be taken? What positions were taken by commissioners (this was posted before they met)? Funding? Klima summarized some briefly. Flynn asked for roof, VSR, traffic signals, were a few. MacDonald was in agreement with priority 1, also wanted adaptive traffic signal project.
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Public Comments
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Ray Blutel-Representing Oxnard Tennis Center users. Thinks it should be priority one. Claims center is used to maintain one’s health. Courts have severe cracking and uneven surfaces- getting worse.
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Ann Jordan-Lives in Mandalay Bay. City owns seawalls- a safety issue. 2018 projects weren’t completed. Why? Serious concerns about future funding. $25MM was allocated for the next five years. Budget calls for the waterways fund ($300,000) to fund $22 million (90%) of that, in contrast with the 50-50 City/resident split previously specified. Where is this funding coming from? Oxnard owns the sea walls. This has just been kicked down the road. If seawalls start failing, this will be a catastrophe. Current plan of removing decks would be extremely expensive to the residents
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Debbie Mitchell- The City presented a funding plan for seawalls in 2006. Back then, a tripling of the assessment would have been required, which would have brought that to $1.3MM annually, still not enough, but it would have been something., Do pilaster repairs now. We have the funds. Do not further defer maintenance. It’s not even priority 1 in the plan now. City Mgr. Nyhoff had said it would be insane not to proceed with this project. Start the pilaster project now.
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Patricia Eunice- Good presentation of long range, smart planning. You have made some commitments that need careful consideration. Take time to review it first. I live in Mandalay. Seawall issue has been so ever casually dismissed, year after year. Your goal of protecting city assets was ignored, even though permitted, approved and funded. This is a health and safety issue. This could impact health, safety and city’s reputation.
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Carol Taylor- Mandalay Bay resident. City is deferring critical pilaster project and place us in potential litigious situation. Inflation is our enemy here, too. City staff turnover requires constant re-education and redirection.
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Judy Havis- Mandalay Bay resident. Wonderful report. This is a complex city with diverse needs. Little said about how the seawall money will be addressed, How are you dealing with this particular issue? No seawalls collapsed yet, but what will happen if they do? Have to get started with funding.
Bill Clark
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Tom Schiller- Had a boat in Channel Islands harbor since 1988, lived here since 2008. Saw Trans Systems report. Two projects, neither implemented. Now looking at a completely different approach, to drive galvanized sheet metal pilings and insert concrete filling. He questions if it will work (he has a contractors license). It would also force the removal of docks, pilings and decks, which could cost another $80MM.
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Allison Gable- Need more research on funding and what we are doing. This is critical for community.
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Bill Clark- Mandalay HOA President. Funding will be a problem, The $500K annual fund is obviously insufficient. Funding plan needed.
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Public Works Director Rosemary Gaglione
Public Works Director Rosemary Gaglione- agrees they should fund initial project. $3M is planned for following year. Applied for FEMA and CA OES grants- no answer yet ($2,25 MM). The previous proposed method was never implemented the way it would be on the Mandalay seawalls. It would matter if the news
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The $80million current estimate could go 40% higher and is not indexed for inflation.
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Flynn- when will study be done? Gaglione- 3 months then go out for bids.
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Nguyen- Acknowledged the sheer frustration of the residents and why they have no faith in the city given the track record. Important we get a second opinion and make sure we are using the best method,. This will be transparent via the committee. I see no method other than a bond. He did NOT mention city vs residents’ share. He will not override “an engineering decision.”
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The Mandalay Seawalls
In the 1970’s, the city, in its infinite wisdom, elected to build and own the seawalls and greenbelts in the all-waterfront Mandalay Bay subdivision. The developers, in their infinite wisdom, elected to have a loose, non-mandatory membership homeowners’ association, which even now only charges $50/year membership for those civic-minded owners who elect to join.
At the meeting, a well-organized speaking effort by Mandalay Bay residents exposed the city’s longtime neglect of the crumbling 7.6 miles of seawalls it owns on those canals and requested meaningful and cost-effective solutions. What triggered this effort, besides inadequate action for 14 years, was that the capital plan called for the residents to provide additional financing for $22 million of the $25 million budgeted for seawall renovation over the next 5 years. They may previously have been led to believe by the city that they would have to come up with only half of the funding.
Previous smaller projects have patched up the seawalls over the years. Now that they are approaching the end of their useful life, major work is required. The residents have attempted to engage the city for at least the last 14 years, but have not been able to finalize a master plan and financing, although some work has been done in some of the high-risk areas. HOA officials told me that negotiations seem to reset back to square one whenever city players change. New Public Works Director Rosemary Gaglione has challenged the entire engineering approach and is conducting studies to determine what is most feasible and cost effective. Her current idea of driving in galvanized sheathing and back-filling with concrete would necessitate first removing all of the residents’ decks, docks and pilings, an extremely expensive and disruptive undertaking.
The magnitude of the project would require much higher waterways assessments on property tax bills and new bonds to finance the projects in the interim while the money is raised to pay them back over, say. 30 years. The two biggest issues are engineering approach and cost sharing.
Council Comments
Perello- supports the roof work. Make new building have a standard roof approach. Will we make a decision on some Oxnard assets being surplus/liquidated/fixed up? Streets very important. Have a big alleys problems too- not fully addressed. Can we blend and co-mix general and enterprise (mostly utility) funds. What about our 42 inch outside water supply pipe’s cathodic protection?
Lopez- A lot of projects and not enough money. Agree with priority assignment. Can we use bond $ for something other than it was designated for?
Ramirez- Years of deferred maintenance. We didn’t even know where we stood financially and had poor credit rating. Both are better now. New district orientation may create some problems with agreement on priorities. Roof repair is absolutely critical. Feel very worried about the sea walls, trust that engineering staff is getting the right information to spend the money wisely. Not just about 75o residents, but affecting the city/economy. Boxing gym in Colonia should be a priority. Thinks the tennis courts not used by poor youth. Nice that people from Mandalay are here, but where are people from other parts of the city. Census is important to get more federal money.Veiled reference tat illegal immigrants may be hesitant to participate,
Basua- The unassigned fund value was $15MM and now it’s $7MM? Concerned. Move ahead on projects with grant funding. Should finance some of repairs to keep unassigned fund balance at $12-14MM. I actually like tennis and we play there- in dire need of attention. Please resurface. Local schools use for tournaments, too. Try not to impact the general fund much
Madrigal- Priorities are food, shelter and clothing. Other things are wants. We face this situation as a city. So, it will include getting bonds. Two years from now we’ll be even worse than today. Civic Center east wing has $152K general funding. Yes, need roofing. Residents preferred soccer field over basketball court resurfacing.
Flynn- Financial overview: Good news 40%of a half billion dollars in projects are in utilities, which are funded by rates and have healthy reserves. The bad news- the other 60% aren’t. Can use measure O and redevelopment monies (and grants?). We’re not now on an sustainable (financial) path. General fund is $130MM., For a city this size, it should be $180MM. We are short $50MM every year (not deficit, but shortfall to needs). The City will either have to raise taxes or cut spending. He hinted at raising sales taxes by contrasting Oxnard’s to others. Aquifer project (recycled water) has been stopped. We need it. But he said it’s not certain that it will even work. Feels strong about traffic signals and fiber optic plan. Re: Seawalls- bottom line is that value engineering survey is looking for an alternative. No one has made a final decision on solution. Residents are scared. Have to make sure that any pilaster needing repair gets done right away. Really need to get started on building reserves- need to cut services, raise taxes or both.
Nguyen- Addressed some questions- Re; Perello’s question on mixing funds- interfund transfers/loans are legal if done properly and have clear repayment schedule which is executed. Yes, we should sell unneeded properties- yes- city is beginning that process. Bond proceeds (Lopez question)- Re: financing projects- not convinced that it is the moment- will have Finance look into it. He thinks the roof costs are higher than shown. We really don’t have any general fund dollars (available for projects?). Will try to cut basketball resurfacing and also address soccer fields.
Perello- where do we stand on reserves, what is the action? How will it affect our new bonds?
CFO- we’re well below our (reserve) targets. (Bond rating) agencies are more concerned about structural balance between revenues and expenditures. Lowering reserves indicate a problem.
Staff says that roof work is FULL replacement of designated buildings.
Thien- Asst Public Works Director. Cathodic protect is to avoid corrosion. A sacrificial anode is to use up another piece of materiel (sacrificed) in lieu of the asset (pipe).
Madrigal/Basua- remove #45 and 47 from current fiscal year. Fire stations 5 and 6, Police annex and others were highest priority.
Public works- 11 roofs need replacement.
Mayor Flynn attempted to adjourn the meeting, but was reminded that a vote was required. Debate went on about project priorities and funding for some time, with little progress, before they finally voted ….
Vote: 6-0 to approve.
Voted on the two project lists, clarifying which they aren’t going to do- Removed #34, ADA civic center improvements,
Adopted the CIP. Acknowledged that hard priority and funding challenges lie ahead.
“Honoring our Elders and Veterans”
