Commentary For Immediate Release on November 24, 2008
Mayor Elect "Speaks Out"
|
This week and two weeks ago we heard from Dr. Larry Adams,
our Mayor Elect on what he plans for our city, as stated in the
Mojave Desert News. He said and I quote "I hope I'm up for it".
I sure hope he is "Up For It", since he was voted in! I guess time will tell.
I found it interesting that he mentioned Michael Ellison and
stated that, Mr. Ellison should have listened, he got good
advice from businessmen in town, had Mr. Ellison done so, he
would have done better. He also stated that Mr. Ellison had lost
2 million dollars when everybody else was making money. First of
all, I believe the businessmen Dr. Adams refers to are the same
ones who made these same statements in an
EDC meeting awhile
back that I attended, if so, it was foolish for Dr. Adams
to quote him or them. It is a fact that Mr. Ellison's handsomely
created billboards, out on the 14 freeway had everything to do
with the last building boom, everything. Though we now have 400
or so empty homes, and no billboards, seems to me some of that
good advice Ellison was receiving never made it to anyone but
him, maybe it should have been a little more disseminated.
Many businessmen have come to California City,
Dropped their
fortunes and were sent on their way. Very few have survived
here. Mr. Ellison received no special favors, and tried
desperately to make it here, but seemingly failed,
at least here, he
may be doing better somewhere else. He also backed the Mayor's
election 2 years ago which brought about a loss to Dr. Adams. I
hope this belittling of a man who tried to make it here is just
sour grapes and not a direct insult to someone that could not
survive the seemingly impossible task of doing business in
California City.
Dr. Adams should ask those businessmen he is referring to, how They are doing now.
This city has a long way to go. Dr. Adams should take a look
at all the projects undone in this city and speak in the same
manner of some of those great businessmen. That by the way, have
received special treatment. I have never met, or spoken to Mr.
Ellison, but I can tell you, I know his pain all to well, having
struggled to stay here myself.
I also placed billboards out on the 14 Freeway, and the 58
Freeway during that time and still have one near the
Mojave Airport on the 58, we now have 3 new movie studios
between here and Rosamond. The billboards work!! Those studios
are struggling, but billboards worked.
California City went over 8 years without a building boom
prior to Mr. Ellison, he must have done something right, things
were sure hopping while he was here, so to say bad things about
him now is unfair. The fact is, whoever gave him such good
advice that he did not listen to, should try replaying that
tape. Maybe we will get another building boom, or a lot less
unfinished projects here in California City, not left by Mr.
Ellison.
Russell Michael
CCS
|
Commentary For Immediate Release on November 12, 2008
Press Release November 3, 2008
Press Release November 1, 2008
Friends and
Supporters,
As much as it distresses me to get
into the politics of name calling I feel I should answer the latest attack on me
by Mayor David Evans.
By Larry Adams
Press Release November 1, 2008
Do Headlines Lie ?
It’s truly amazing how, by selectively choosing what to print and how to publish
it, and the point you wish to make, you can make a garlic plant smell like a
rose.
Point in fact: This week’s Mojave Desert News banner headline; “Grand jury
clears CalCity officials.”
Then it goes on to say that they did nothing wrong with the decision not to
follow the Planning Commission’s recommendation and thus making Mr. Michaels go
through a CUP for his proposal to build a set in his property for a motocross
film/series. The article notes that these were stated by a Mr. Glen Chesbrough
(don’t know who he is), Chairman, Cities and Joint Powers Committee. The strange
thing about this is that the paragraphs preceding his signature are not placed
in “quotes” meaning that these comments indeed came from him. The so-called
exoneration of City officials, in fact, have no quotation marks. What does that
tell you? Well maybe it’s a publishing error, as there are many in every issue.
But when you do a bit of research, you find other things that bring questions to
mind.
Press Release October 30, 2008
Press Release October 29, 2008
Response to
"In the Jar of
Prego!”
I would think you could have come up with a better one than that.
By your answers I figure that I must be right on with my assessment of how much
this administration has hurt this city.
You and David Evans are really good at twisting words and distorting the truth.
I guess that's what you do when you really have no valid answers to the truth.
Press Release October 28, 2008
Biased Political Page
Thank you so much for the links to local candidates for the California City elections. This has been very helpful to me, as I could not find this information elsewhere and needed to contact several of these people.
I'm concerned though about a comment at the top of the page that says "The editor@CalCity.Biz Does Not Endorse Any Particular Candidate or Political View." This statement is incorrect.
Near the bottom of this page is a link to "Points to Ponder on Presidential Candidates". At that point, many biased views are given against the presidential candidate, Barack Obama, which I might add, appears incorrect from what I have read. I stopped 3/4ths of the way down because this page is filled with lies.
I think you can say anything you want on a page, but to say you are not endorsing anyone is not true. It is clear this page attacks Obama, so that only leaves McCain to vote for. I am not trying to change your position. Just requesting that you change your statement or remove it so viewers know these are your views. It would have been better if you had just provided a link to each presidential candidate's pages as you did with our local candidates so people can judge for themselves. Let's do our part to be as truthful to the American people as we can be.
Overall, I am grateful that you have put together this page so we can gather information on the candidates.
Sincerely,
Marion Young
California City Resident
PolitiFact
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/attacks/
Which candidate lies the most
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/personalities/
John McCain Website
http://www.johnmccain.com/splash32615.htm
Barack Obama Website
http://www.barackobama.com/
CalCity.Biz Editor Responds :
Thank You for taking the time to express your view here.
If you will, please notice that we are posting the links you have included in your message, completely and without bias.
The editor and staff here are not the writers of the content you find to be biased and only present information as provided by the public, such as yourself. It is the choice of the people to research information and then make a decision as to what you believe or not.
These are also "Not the Only Choices" for Presidential Candidates as you will see if you look here: Keyes, Nader, McKinney and others can be viewed here or here.
Thank You for Your Support,
Editor and Staff at CalCity.Biz
Press Release October 28, 2008
I must weigh in on this media thing with Mr. Peralta and Mr. Deaver
What ???????????? Did Mr. Deaver say no creditable
news agency would cover such an event ????????????
Mr. Deaver with all due respect, that's a statement I find offensive, silly, and
down right foolish.
You are the only paper in this city, but other news agencies report more news
and receive more readers than your paper, that's a fact. Your paper has been adjudicated, which simply means you can print
articles presented by courts,
and other court reported official statements.
Your paper is no more creditable then The loop,
calcity.biz,
asnbc.com or
californiacity.com .
The loop does a great job and Asnbc.com
works with journalism students from 3
colleges in California,
californiacity.com is reporting millions of hits a year, and you answered
statements in calcity.biz .
A news agency in a local community that chooses not to
cover local events and creditable news worthy events is
doing a disservice to that community.
Step up, take a look around, others are here and more are coming. For you to
discredit them is foolish.
I hope you haven't been here so long that your starting to think that "You Are
This City", as others have stated,
they are, in The Mojave Desert News.
I for one, respect the work you are doing Mr. Deaver, and
the pressure you are under. But to shun an event like that on September the 29th
was wrong!
Not to cover those wishing to change the city because you don't like that
they're
not telling you who they are, "Is Wrong", not covering the only candidate
stumping for Mayor in this city, at this time "Was Wrong". Not allowing a paid
add because he voices opinions about someone's religion "Is Wrong"!!
We are all grown ups and can handle the truth, we need people to report it.
That's news! Even you not doing those things is news.
Freedom
of the press as freedom of expressions is yours to do what you wish with.
You should also keep in mind that you have a civic responsibility and that is a
burden you must bare in order to be fair and honest with this community.
We would all like to know who the citizens for a better government are, one way
to find out is to attend their meetings and events and ask questions, that what
news agencies do, to their credit, whoever they are.
Best Regards,
Russell Michael
ASNBC.COM News
California City Studios Inc.
Press Release October 6, 2008
The Truth about the Sports Center
I have been silent too long and now after deciding to run for
Mayor it is time to set the record straight. Some people have two
misconceptions; one is that the
The previous city manager went to
several people in the community to have a small building built in exchange for
50 acres. No one stepped forward. The city manager asked us to build the
A plan was drawn for a larger
If the City had truly made this a “joint effort” as was declared at the ground breaking, the Center would have opened sooner, as Eagle was willing to work to completion. It is so interesting how some people state how wonderful they are while taking credit for the hard work of others.
The city audited Eagles books and found
that $635k was accounted for and the city spent about $400k for the interior.
The
There is no law suit as the current city
manager and I are working together with the mess
Respectfully,
Michael and
September 25, 2008
Letter to Editor:
The purpose of this letter is to discuss the rationale why “The Citizens for a Better Government” will hold a separate and independent “Meet the Candidate” forum on September 29, 2008.
There have been some changes in personnel in our Planning Commission (appointed by the Mayor/City Council) and the Chamber of Commerce, which may seem on the surface as benign to some and disturbing to others when you begin to follow the power game/politics of the community.
We have heard rumors of the Mayor and City Council actions recently that gave us cause to do some home work of our own. We did some research into a Land Purchase (aka 152) made by the City for $4.3M for future use? The problem is, we can not find any independent property appraisals/statistics that will value the property any where near what your tax dollars paid for it. Along with that, it appears the Mayor/City council did most of the discussion and procurement actions during closed session meetings.
Another very curious City Council/RDA activity surrounds the proposed “Desert Jade IV” housing/building project. We could not agree more that these type of projects are needed for our senior citizens…however, we are very concerned how our elected officials and City Officials conduct the process which is dictated very clearly by California State Public Contract Codes. After reviewing 2007/2008 to date City Council and RDA meetings, we discovered once again, that most of the discussions on this topic were done in closed sessions.
Most recently at a public City Council meeting it was clear to us that the RDA/City Council was ready to make a $9.3M total project cost decision with out following California State Public Contract Codes which clearly states in section 20162.When the expenditure required for a public project exceeds five thousand dollars ($5,000), it shall be contracted for and let to the lowest responsible bidder after notice. This means there shall be an open and fair solicitation of prospective bidders, not covertly given to one contractor.
It is for these reasons we felt it necessary to conduct our political forum/open discussion, independent of a potentially staged meeting with controlled results that satisfy the current regime in office today. Our meeting offers a true unbiased look at those candidates that participate in our forum.
Written by: William Tarvin
Citizens for a Better Government
Special Thanks to Jean Paul LeBlanc in Support of "City Voices" and California City by the Editor@Calcity.Biz
September 22, 2008
Open Letter to
Upon evaluation of the magnitude and the expenses involved
with the “Proposed Desert Jade project”, I Jilly Banker, being a
For some time now, I have followed intently the many
council meetings in
Which is what compels me to voice my opinion on this
particular subject since it concerns me that a handful of residents are trying
to seemingly strong-arm the City Council (city residents) into confirming their
claim of owning this proposed project, as if it had been legitimately awarded
and needs to start this project
now
as if this is very urgent.
However, now I believe the State Budget is no longer an issue with relation to
the RDA funds. This is of questionable relevance.
To start with, I have a few questions about this
proposed project, along with some observations and opinions with suggestions for
resolutions.
Q. 1.
Under what circumstances did this project become a
private proposal ?
Q. 2.
Has this proposed project been introduced to council
correctly as
Municipal Code (CCMC)
requires when a project cost will be above 75K ?
Q. 3.
On the list of city priorities where does this project
fall into place ?
Q. 4.
Did California City Residents vote on this project to be considered a
feasible
choice ?
Q. 5.
How well does this project serve the community compared to the
estimated cost ?
Could this be of direct benefit to 5-9 people now and when
completed possibly 80-100 after time and or another project benefitting 40-100
and at completion 100+ people or the entire city for many years to come?
If
question # 3s’ answer places this matter on the low end of the city priority
list then council should stop wasting time discussing this subject along with
giving a false sense of consideration to this group of individuals that are
thinking they have a chance to sell this project to the city as they think they
have an exclusive right to do so. If the priority is low, shelve it for the time
being and possibly address the matter in the future.
If
question #2s’ answer was negative and protocols were not followed then the
discussion should be moot, none, zip, zero, end of discussion.
Because the Public Works Director should have all the
particulars in place for the project package to be properly bid on and open to
public examination.
If my observations are correct, then some time ago it
had been suggested to add an additional 80 units of housing to the DJSH
facility.
This suggestion and by whom it was made is an important issue,
since you have a Municipal Code which you must abide by. These codes have been
created and adopted specifically for
Should the City Public Works Director have introduced this
item, according to Municipal Code1… then this item would be
considered legitimate as presented by the City and its Council.
It
seems long ago, that city council did recognize this item (rightly or wrongly)
introduced by 4Star Const. / Viento, Inc.
At that time this funding apparently was to have come from a loan to
be acquired through the CalFHA. However, at that time the “numbers” did not
quite “Work Out” and the entities got too busy to pursue this proposed project
(4yrs ago).
I
observed, in the previous meeting that the individuals who brought up this
project, spoke as if they had already been awarded the contract to start and
complete this project. It appeared this group tried to strong-arm the council
into making their claim legitimate as if no one would notice, by having the
council decide in a yes or no vote to direct moneys from the RDA to this project
in order to start earth work on-site.
By-the-way, I do not believe
RDA moneys have been earmarked or specially set aside for this purpose.
Has the group in question been retained as a fact
finding entity ?
I do
not believe this to be true, because it turns out that the Mayor has been
retained by the group in his profession as a CPA, which thereby constitutes a
conflict of interest as mayor & client relationship, and the numbers that this
group came up with are said to be “proprietary”.
Hiring the mayor does not make this project or the group
legitimate as if they own the contract for this proposed project. This is why
the project is only a “Proposed
Project at Best.”
Currently this group is no longer busy and seeks a large scale profitable
project to work on. They know there are moneys in the RDA and wish to apply it
to their so called project (for low-moderate senior housing). These funds,
according to this group are for moving dirt or “ground work” to prepare for the
rest of this proposed project. This proposed plan sounds all too familiar as
when an entity actually received funds from the city to do “ground work” and
pursue development on their property next to the library2.
This
group 4 Star Constr./Viento, Inc. appear to claim exclusivity in this matter. If
this is fact, then please explain to the public, How and When did this happen? I
have not been a resident for many years and I am therefore asking and seeking
out the history or background on this matter for clarification. Contributions
and volunteer services to the city are just that, Contributions. No one is
entitled to be granted any contracts because of this type of action.
(Contributions / donations & volunteering services).
I
do not believe that the
citizens of this
By my estimated calculations, in-the-long run, only less then
100 people will benefit in roughly 30 yrs(time to repay the loan). Yet the
minority at the onset of the proposed project (10-25) will benefit greatly and
the rest of the citizens will have to pay the these costs for the duration of
the loan.
Who gains much and who loses significantly?
(See chart below)
When local history shows City Projects started, then not
completed, that is the time to “Stop and Clearly Prioritize” the cities projects
and overall needs. Most importantly to “Focus on What Really Matters”, and “What
is truly needed” for this community and to stay the course to completion or
fruition.
If
this City is unable to hire additional police and fire personnel due to budgets,
then this city can not afford additional senior housing at an expense to the
community of $56,646 as a monthly loan payment. This amount could be the salary
for one individual serving the community as Police or Fire personnel for a year
or some valuable equipment added to these departments….
A loan amount of $9.2ML, estimated at a 6.25% interest rate
will in 30 yrs grow to a total of $20,392,554ML with a monthly payment of
$56,646.
How much of this amount is defrayed by income from the
residents?
Allow me to calculate this for 80 residents @ $275 per month for 30
years = $7,920,000.
(See
chart above)
With an additional amount (shortage) to be paid by
Monthly owed = $34,646. Thereby to still be operating
in the red. These calculations do not include the maintenance/management of
these premises which is suggested at over $100K per year.
If RDA funds are in place as a reserve, then these reserves
should stay reserves.
This proposed project at the DJSH is “Not Prudent” and “Not Reasonable” along with being “Not Profitable for the community” in plain and simple terms.
So basically, this is
“Just
Not Worthwhile to Pursue” under the proposed terms.
(Does
not matter who would be doing it, it is just wrong). The numbers tell the story.
In closing,
Please exercise due consideration for the information
presented here along with your own common sense and Cease all Discussion of this
project until Protocols and Procedures are met by All Parties according to the
California City Municipal Code.
Thank you for All Your Positive Efforts to This
Community,
Jilly Banker
September 21, 2008
Commentary For Immediate Release.
Small
town politics,
What
is really wrong with Our City ?
I
feel the anger in Bill Smith's sign in front of Ace
Hardware, he wants change. I feel the hurt in Patrick Bohannon's letter in the
I feel any city council that doesn’t question those
who want to contract for large sums of money from our city tax payers, ought to
be put in line. I am under the belief that the city was put on notice about the
price of this project for senior housing. I feel slighted by the fact that this
senior housing project started out at cost plus 10% but is now all about profit.
I am flabbergasted that so many people had to leave the room when that project
came up this last time, but every other time some of them stayed, I want change.
Every
administration we have had has acted the same way. Mr. Bohannon stated were
painting the roads again, it is election time. Mr. Smiths sign infers we paid to
much for the airport project, the sports center and that the city is doing
little to get a market and is even unfriendly to business.
What
is the real problem with our city? Why are so many city funded projects sitting
vacant and in ruble? Why is the motel/hotel unfinished? Why don't we have a
large grocery store? Why did we pay so much for the Airport Project, the sports
center, and why our other business waiting for what they were promised.
Personally I don't think we paid to much for the Air port Project. Personally if
I new it was for sale and could have raised the money there would be a film
school there right now. I personally believe the road that leads to our city
needed paved and they did a good job, our city looks great as you drive in. I
believe that the last time it was none, during last election, it was done with
shoe polish and I'm still removing it from my car, which at the time was brand
new.
It
cost me 85.000.00 to settle debt made during my fight with this city council and
I still owe a few thousand that needs to be paid soon. In that fight we lost, a
good television show that we will never get back. The city lost tax dollars
and retail revenue.
Am
I bitter? I am, but I am trying to weigh, what is, against what was and the
equation unfortunately is the same. The Mayor angrily stated that he's tired of
people going to the grand jury about this city. That's something he can correct,
just stop giving reason. The grand jury and the County's DA'S office are our
lines of defense, our checks and balances and I encourage every one to keep that
in mind. Let the Mayor rant and rave all he wants, we need checks and balances
obviously.
Where does this leave us? I'll be dammed if I know, I can't imagine going
backwards. I don't feel anyone running for mayor other than Larry Adams and
Mayor Evans qualify to run this city. Does Bill Smith really want to be on the
city council? Or does he just want to correct what's wrong with it? There are a
lot of questions that will be answered in the way the city council handles the
senior housing project. Will it be fare? Will the tax payers be treated
fairly? Will this city council look at that senior housing project and make the
right decision that's best for the tax payers?
Look at the air port project we are paying as we go no pain there, it's actually
a great asset. We need to do something with it!! For the sports center we gave
away dirt, no one was using it and no one wanted it. We may have paid a little
much, but we got a sports center!! The road leading into town is important!
I
have knowledge that, the new
road and cleaning up a few spots on the blvd will get us the grocery store
soon, for sure! I
further believe that it will bring other major investors into town, and that we
as business people can and will sell projects to. It will also help get
investors to our city that will help with projects on the table now. It was
important! The other roads are important two, but we need business now.
There have been only two business in town who have built anything of any
importance on the boulevard since I have been here that are opened for business!
Those are Ace Hardware and the
What is really wrong with our city? Why does the city have only two successes
to their name in 8 years? Why are we looking at 4 or five junked projects the
city funded. Why do we have projects that we pay interest on with tax
payers’ money that bring us nothing and that look like abandoned housing
projects. I'll tell you why! It is not the seated council, it is the out side
influences that have always been there. And that is the bottom line. Fix that
and you’ll fix this city.
Thank Bill Smith, Fred Whitney, Cheryl Gober and hand full of others for
not abandoning their retail projects and leaving this city with more scars. Show
up at their retail business and thank them for hanging in their. Spend your
money at their projects and encourage them to do more and you'll change this
city. Let’s show up at our retail establishments and do all we can to help them.
lets don't lose anymore. Let’s work on the core problems.
Let's
hold the city council accountable. Make them do what’s right. Show them that we
will hold them accountable. That will use our checks and balances. Show them
that it's not what they can do that makes them worthy of serving us. But
It's doing what they should do that earns our respect. The fact that their
attorneys says they can do it, doesn’t mean they should. Respect is earned, it
is not an entitlement.
Bill Smith has the courage and the right Idea. Put this city council on notice.
Patrick Bohannon has taken money from his pocket to make sure everyone knows his
view on the roads. These are business men that want change. Their not alone, Ed
Collins and others are fighting hard for a fare break on an honest bid for a
city government contract. This city council has the power and the knowledge
that can make change, their a hard working group, they need to listen more,
quit making us feel they don't care what we say. If they make these changes, or
not, change will come. Never before have the people of this city stood up like
their standing up now!! Change is coming.
Russell Michael
ASNBC.COM "news"
California City Studios Inc.
Toll free 866-966-FILM
September 20, 2008
A Commentary :
"An Observation"
Like most people of California City, I drive the boulevard almost daily. This
sign can be seen on
September 13, 2008
September 10, 2008
In Response to "Last of the Good Old Boys"Upon reading the article in the “City Voices” section of
CalCity.biz, it inspired me to do more research into this matter for my own
benefit as well as that of the citizens in this
I did observe the City Council Meeting on 09-02-08, via the community channel. I am not impressed that Mr. James Quiggle of Viento, Inc in association with Four Star Construction, tried to imply justifiable cause and manhandle the council into awarding the (Low Income-Moderate Senior Housing Project) also known as “RDA Desert Jade Senior Housing Plan” (RDADJSHP) to them in a backhanded manor, and then to suggest procuring the funds from an account not designated to this project, in the interim.
This Project has yet to get beyond the level of a “Proposal” as it appeared.
It is my opinion that the council should have immediately halted the discussion of this project with this entity and should not have tabled it for the next meeting, since this Project is nowhere near being ready to be put out for bid as required by the terms of the “California City Municipal Code” and or being awarded to any individual or entity.
According to the news article dated 09-04-08 in the Desert
News: The Proposed DJSHP was in the
hands of Viento, Inc/Four Star Construction. Upon the conclusion of my research
at the
CSLB
, the following information provides the current available status report
regarding these licenses:
|
Entity Name & Lic. # |
Active |
Cancelled |
Suspension |
|
Four Star Construction1
769025 |
|
As of 2004 |
|
|
Four Star Construction2
876276 |
|
|
As of 2008
Joint Venture Entity License is suspended / possibly valid as of now |
|
Grimshaw Construction 547528 |
Current |
|
|
|
Shawn Jay Sprague 506693 |
Current |
|
|
|
Mike
Strong Inc.1
718642 |
|
As of 2005 Per request |
|
|
Mike Strong Inc. 2 802040 |
|
As of 2002 Per request |
|
|
Strong Real Estate Inc. 847448 |
Current |
|
|
|
James M. Williams 336722 |
Current |
|
|
This action suggests to anyone, “If I can come up with a statement on paper and request funds for a project (legitimate or not), “It should be considered” and council needs to make a decision (Yes/No) to ”pay me” and therefore legitimizing the claim (and implying) that this project was granted to me, especially because I have “worked on it” (spent time) and you are in a manner “penalizing me because the project could not be done till now” as stated by Shawn Sprague of Four Star Construction. (as quoted from Desert news 9-4-08)
As a resident here, I am concerned how the city is being run, and I am sure that other citizens are too.
Upon further research into the matter and a close look at
the
Municipal Code
(California
City Government page)
as specifically designed for and adopted by
According to the
TITLE 3.
FINANCE
Chapter 3.EXPENDITURES
DIVISION 4. PUBLC WORKS,
Sect. 3-3.1.407 Formal Procedures
(a) If Uniform Cost Accounting procedures are followed, the Public Works Director
May recommend a public work be performed under a contract awarded pursuant
To formal bidding procedures for works estimated to cost $75,000.00 or more.
(b) The recommendation of the Director shall be presented to the Council for authority
To solicit proposals with a report showing how the proposals will be solicited. The
Report shall include the plans, specifications and working details for the project.
The Director may award the contract within the parameters established by the Council.
(c) A notice inviting formal bids shall be mailed to each trade journal specified
By
the Commission for
Opening of the bids. The notice inviting formal bids shall also be published at least
Fourteen (14) days before the date of opening of the bids in a newspaper of general
Circulation printed and published within the City. The notice inviting formal bids
Shall state the time and place for the receiving and opening of sealed bids and
Distinctly describe the project.
The Public Works Director is responsible for coordinating all the particulars regarding any project over $75,000.00 to be undertaken by the city, which is why I believe “This Project has yet to go beyond the state of a Proposal”.
As Mayor Evans explained, The “Numbers” needed more information, and at this time this is NOT Mr. Quiggle’s responsibility in my opinion.
High Priority questions are as follow :
“When were he and his company, Viento Inc., retained or
commissioned to do this job / project or preparation, and on what authority is
he authorized to apply for CALFED FHA funds on behalf of
Did the Public Works Director present this information to Council for determination as required by Sect. 3-3.1.407 (b) as quoted above ?
Where is the documentation on the hiring/retaining service of Viento & 4 Star Construction regarding this city project ?
Where is the documentation of the RDA’s funds for this project ?
Where is the documentation of the CALFHA* guarantee that funds have all ready been set aside (in a lender institution or other) for this Project ?
Was this provided for under a particular Proposition ?
Is the City Council ready to provide the history of discussions on this Project for further clarification such as the meetings minutes throughout the years regarding the discussion and decisions for this proposed project ?
I do believe this would be considered being pro-active in
order to clarify and avoid any misunderstanding that the old/new residents of
this
It helps for everyone to be on the same page and to maintain “Full Transparency” in our City Government .
Evidently a great deal of information has been left out and left unsaid regarding this matter, I am not sure why, but these issues should be addressed more sooner then later because inquiring minds, along with Taxpayers of this Great City are entitled to know.
This type of project is usually administered by a
Non-Profit entity such as the RDA.
However, due to the fact that this Project will be on City Property / Land, this
work falls under the jurisdiction of “Public Works” in
If my information is correct, these are completely reasonable conclusions and this matter should be “Managed Properly or Not At All”.
Signed Me,
Concerned Citizen /
September 5, 2008
The Last of the "Good Old Boys"
When I bought my property in the Wonder acres portion of
California City California, I asked the broker if Rattle Snakes were a problem.
He replied that he had been here since 1973 and had only
seen one rattler that whole time. As I ask around town many others that had been
here awhile said the same thing, they had only seen one
rattler since they have been here, all of them giving the length of time here,
about the same.
Needless to say I bought the property and since then and up
until now, I have killed 11 Rattle snakes, for self defense reasons, in 8 years.
I use my property as a film studio and I warn every film
shooter and their crews to be careful and watch where they walk and always watch
where they put their hands.
So we have wind and heat and snakes, we deal with it. The north poll has polar bears and large things that can eat you alive.
What does all this have to do with "Good Old Boys" here in California City California ?
I have been told they don't exist. I have been told I'm foolish to think so. Well let me say this, "I don't care what anyone thinks," just like those words told to me about the rattle snakes, they are just words, actions speak louder.
At Tuesday nights City Council Meeting here in California City, they were loud and clear, when a group of contractors and long time residents headed by a long time resident and owner of a local consulting firm applied for a contract to build an 80 unit low income Senior housing project with a suspended California Contractors license.
No one ever checked to see if a group about to take 9.2 Million dollars from our city had a valid Contractors license.
The city and all that work there had 90 days to do so. No one explained why the staff at city hall never investigated to see if this groups Workman's comp was in order, or if the numbers made sense. Although you need to show insurance for a 10 dollar business license.
"Good old Boys" Or was everyone mistaken, did everyone in city hall forget that we need to verify before we give away 9.2 million dollars ?
Could they have at least found out if they had a valid contractors license ??
Never the less on Tuesday night at the City Council meeting in California City Hall. I saw a group get up and ask for 9.2 Million dollars from our city for the desert Jade Senior housing project. This group wrote the city a paragraph that says in essence this project will cost 9.2 million, we're putting in a wall and some shrubs in addition to the buildings if you need any further info call me.
Now, I have built Movie studios and art Galleries in Los Angeles and other parts of the country and have yet to make a bid to get millions of dollars with a paragraph, a note if you would. This group According to their own words in the Mojave News newspaper, which at least two of them own, stated that "They are this city". Well when someone states that, they usually mean they "Own it," or if you were to infer, they "Think they own it."
This group is not this city, they may be "The Good Old Boys". But it's my bet this is "The last of he Good Old Boy's".
Change is coming to the world, our state, our county and our city. That little lady from Alaska just made small town politics big time news.
We are all under their radar now, we must fall in line, walk the line if you will and behave like grown ups.
The Mayor denied them this contract Tuesday night. I don't know the true intentions of the Mayor denying their request for 9.2 Million.
This group should have never been standing there that night asking for 9.2 million, they were out of line and they embarrassed all of us by not being prepared. I hope their Contractors License being suspended had something to do with the Mayor denying them, but maybe he smelled a problem with the numbers, or maybe they "Embarrassed him", in any event this project should go out to bid.
You have to believe that they maybe out of compliance with Workman's comp and probably many other aspects of fair trade.
The numbers they used when they presented this to the city 90 days ago were cost plus 10%. The cost should be about $90,000 per unit, that would be a fare bid according to contractors in town. Cost plus 10% seems to be the norm and that's what they originally asked for.
Their original bid was to be on 40 units suddenly that doubled with no prior hearing, all of this was sprang that night.
This group suddenly wants $115,000 a unit. The cost plus 10% must have gotten lost with their contractors license.
The price of $115,000 a unit would allow them to make a cool 2.5 million profit. A long way from cost plus 10%.
And they want an exclusive bid.
Plus in the interim they wipe out all the money we have for low income housing plus $600.000 from some other account leaving our city with zip for other low income housing projects.
I hope the Mayor had the best interest of the city in mind when he denied them.
The Mayor, after discovering their contractors license was suspended, stated it was OK they didn't have a license.
The Mayor may have stated it's OK their licenses is suspended, out of courtesy to them, but only he knows.
If someone is out to get 9.2 Million not only should he dot his I's and cross his T's, "This city should make sure he did."
The truth is if your license is going to be suspended you get plenty of notice before hand, so a 5Th graders answer given that night by one of the group as in "I forgot it" or "It got lost" Don't cut it. Fess up, take the hit, call it a night, re-group and don't insult the rest of this city by making such a statement.
None of us in this city, no matter how long you have been here, no matter what you have done, nothing has earned you the right to try and do as you please and ask for forgiveness later. No one has absolute entitlement to anything, no matter how long you have been here.
And no one "Is this City" alone. We are all part of this city.
For more information on this story and others here in east Kern County call or E-Mail Russell Michael
at news@asnbc.com or Call toll free at
866-966-FILM
Go to Home Page