Tag Archives: Wildomar

SOMETIMES MIRACLES HAPPEN

Wildomar has become the recipient of two new bus shelters in town. One is located in front of the Wildomar Library.

The next one is at Central and Palomar a stop for the clockwise southbound Route 8 bus.

That make 5 covered bus stops (out of approximately 67 stops) in Wildomar all on the southbound side of road.

My bad. The last time I went by the Wildomar Assisted Living Facility in August of 2016 they didn’t have a covered bus stop and they now have one in April of 2017.

There is also ONE at Inland Valley Hospital, at the south end by the Surgery Center. (Done know many people who would take the bus to have a surgical procedure done.

The miracle was dashed by the announcement there would be a ribbon cutting for the new stop at the library. The cost of this dog and pony show would be better spent on additional stops across from 4 of the newest covered stops, much like they have in Lake Elsinore at Malaga.

While chasing down information about bus stops, which was difficult because no one wants to talk, it became apparent the biggest delay in getting new covered bus stops has to do with the American Disabilities Act which requires any upgrades to existing bus stops be made ADA compliant. That means curbs and wheelchair accessibility, can’t put a covered stop in the dirt.

WILDOMAR’S ELECTED ELITIST ELECT

Once again the elitist elected to “RUN” the City of Wildomar have pretty much chosen the path of Nirvana.
By jumping to the finish line they hope to fool the masses into believing all is well in river city.

An opportunity has once again come to make a decision on where to temporarily house
CITY HALL
and the elitist have decided temporary trailers in the middle of reality is not the answer,

wildomar-city-hall
We must have either a sparkling new stick building on the outskirts of town closer to the unseen enemy that feared the voters into making this community something it isn’t

or we can go just as far the opposite direction to a series of buildings that are literally falling down around themselves surrounded by what has become a broken field of asphalt an a jungle called a playground all located next to a newly formed river called Lemon St.
Jean Hayman

After watching this city bring back from the ashes and re-habilitate a parks program that the County of Riverside spent multi-millions of dollars on just before turning them over to a small group with the I wants.

What was turned over to the city of Wildomar in July 2009

What was turned over to the city of Wildomar in July 2009


As it looks in December of 2014

As it looks in December of 2014


Not a very good job was done I might add as we have one park that continues behave much like a storm drain,
After a rainfall in 2014

After a rainfall in 2014

an addition to the parks in which the elitist have chosen to destroy the “Tot Lot” by ripping out the only ADA access ramp and replacing it with a device that turned out to be inappropriate for a public park with no full time staff resulting in an eyesore being left behind.
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The third park has a welcome sign that should be the envy of any town, not.
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This city has also taken on a roadway system that is falling apart faster than they can seal the cracks.
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They have adopted a storm drain system that no one claims as their own which has resulted in countless failures an cost residents thousands of their own dollars to deal with.

The latest installment just a couple of days ago.

The latest installment just a couple of days ago.

Now they are contemplating taking over an abandoned school sight (Closed since 2008).

As it looks now.

As it looks now.


This sight was abandoned for a couple of reasons, one being a declining school age population in the area, another being a lack of available state resources as the Great State of California has decreed it will not dump funds into school located on an earthquake fault. (This school started out in controversy many years ago when it was built in the flight path of a local airport which was forced to abandon a secondary runway)
This school sight in my opinion is being foisted on us to satisfy the ego and future desires of one of the elitist. Helping the school district rid themselves of this liability will garner this person much accolades amongst that persons peers.
The school district has been hurt by a series of downgrades on its Mello Roos Bonds over the last few years an being able to rid themselves of this piece of property along with the Butterfield Elementary site to the county and now the Summerly site back to the developer as these sites are deemed no longer necessary, this move will temporarily alleviate the financial pain of their half a billion dollar plan an shore up their financial arm that manages the financing of many of the Mellos Roos Bonds in the valley.
Currently this city has a deal to extend the current lease in the retail center, taking away space for a tax collecting and taxpaying business.
They have several option such as staying the same size for more money or expanding for a lot more which they try to convince everyone is the better deal. In the end we have nothing to show for all that money spent. The four options on rent amount to $805 thousand over 5 years all the way up to 1.5 million over 7 years.

They will try and convince everyone that the idea of placing office trailers in Marna O’Brien park is totally out of the question because of what they claim are unanswered question about ownership of the parkland. If Quimby funds or dedications were used to purchase the property this would not be an option.
Marna O’Brien park was in fact purchased using both Certificates of Participation and Quimby funds. The original 7 acres (where the ball diamonds are) was a purchase with the Certificates, the last 2 acres (where the basketball courts are) added being Quimby Funds. The excuse that it would be two difficult to figure it all out is just that, an excuse. A State of California Audit done in 2002 shows that even if the County of Riverside had not paid off the Certificates of Participation and continued payments they would have run their course and been paid off in 2012 anyway.
I say cover up a ball diamond with office trailers it was only good for water polo after the last rains anyhow.
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HAS WILDOMAR BITTEN OFF MORE THAN IT CAN CHEW

Work has been completed on the crack sealing portion of a recent project to further the life of Wildomar streets. Instead of concentrating these efforts to a smaller portion of town and doing a quality job the city has chosen to spread the effort beyond its ability to watch over it.
Photographic evident shows numerous areas which call into question the preparation of cracks requiring sealing and the proper application of such materials.

For reference the blue tape is 60 inches long or 5 feet

For reference the blue tape is 60 inches long or 5 feet


That is a penny hiding after I cleaned out the dirt.

That is a penny hiding after I cleaned out the dirt.


Per the contract this crack should have been routed.

Per the contract this crack should have been routed.


Per the contract sealer is to be applied to a cleaned road for adhesion purposes.

Per the contract sealer is to be applied to a cleaned road for adhesion purposes.


Some cracks are more important than others.

Some cracks are more important than others.


At least the grass is dead.  No herbicide treatment was called for in contract.

At least the grass is dead. No herbicide treatment was called for in contract.

Also questionable is the decision to apply crack sealer only in an area of town that clearly needs a more extensive repair job, such as grinding and application of a leveling course after base repair.

This is in an area where crack sealing only is to be done.

This is in an area where crack sealing only is to be done.


Again some cracks are more important

Again some cracks are more important


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Instructions to contractors during bidding process.

Instructions to contractors during bidding process.


Its apparent that quality is not job one. This whole process is nothing more than dressing up a city in the emperor’s new clothes.

For those that have doubts about what the contract states, it (the contract) can be found in the City Council Agenda Packet for September 10, 2014 Agenda Item 3.3 starting on page 810 of 980.

WELCOME TO WINDSONG PARK

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CHANGES ARE AFOOT IN THE PARKS AND IT KIND OF STINKS

The fence was removed from Windsong Park on Friday October 24, 2014. At least partly which is so typical of this city.

Couldn't get the fence all the way out of the sidewalk.

Couldn’t get the fence all the way out of the sidewalk.


When Wildomar City Council members were contacted by concerned neighbors about why they were not notified of this event the political drivel started.
Even though some living elsewhere have claimed knowledge of its impending removal for weeks, with a surprising degree of accuracy, most council members claimed ignorance about the timing of the removal and a lack of notification being given to homes surrounding the park.
Even though a Council Consensus reached at a February 12, 2014 meeting stated the fence would remain until such time as appropriate security measures were in place just maybe citizens should have asked for this situation to be entered as a formal agenda item requiring a vote.
At the February meeting several items were discussed as appropriate security measures.
1. A log in station located inside the park for park security personnel requiring them to walk up to it and check in to insure they did more than just drive-by.
NOWHERE TO BE FOUND
2. Security lighting along the perimeter to eliminate some of the hiding places of those violating park hours. DAWN TO DUSK
NOWHERE TO BE FOUND
3. Security cameras meant to provide remote monitoring of the parks after hours.
NOWHERE TO BE FOUND

While some council members claim these security measure are in place with the addition of an ADA restroom (maybe the security office)
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A phone number (951)245-1974 to contact the private security company (A number which is only on the cheap ass signs at Windsong Park, if something happens at one of the other parks forget it, call (800) 950-2444 for Wildomar Police Non-Emergency (Non response as well).
Speaking of the cheap ass signs, it appears the fence was left in the way otherwise there would be no place to hang the cheap ass signs.

Example of a real sign

Example of a real sign


Another real sign. As often as the ones we have get stolen we pay for a good one in a year.

Another real sign. As often as the ones we have get stolen we could have paid for a good one.

Lights in the gazebos, which have been there since the county installed them and remained on 24/7 until electricians doing some work installed a photovoltaic cell which turned them off in the day time.
These lights currently can turned off by accessing the box with the switch, currently unsecured.

Look ma no lock

Look ma no lock


The log in station is nowhere to be found (unless the restroom is wired).

Perimeter lighting according to the city manager is still a couple of weeks away.
Cameras are going to be like the cameras that were promised at Marna O’Brien Park some years back costing $12,000 that never showed up even though the money disappeared. A figment of someone’s vivid imagination.

Couldn't even get it off the sidewalk

Couldn’t even get it off the sidewalk


Notice the chain to it from being stolen, the last one at this park was set on fire.
Let’s add some more insult.
The grass might grow
This grass is front and center of the park

This grass is front and center of the park

if the sprinkler wasn’t buried

Under a rock

Under a rock


Lets hope this was done so no one can be lock in the crapper.
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In case you didn't notice the broken latch in the previous picture.  If locked in just kick.

In case you didn’t notice the broken latch in the previous picture. If locked in just kick.


All is not a complete disaster as shown below.
Before
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Now looks like this
All better with a new box.

All better with a new box.


If you should notice something that is broken please call the new maintenance number at (951) 678-2451

FIRE UP THE BRAIN, RE-USE THE SPACE

http://mfpp.ymca.net/
Page opens in separate tab search for Author “Kenneth Mayes” and please vote.

If one goes to this page they can vote for a project to bring a permanent chess table to one of Wildomar’s parks. This table would fit nicely in one of the unused gazebos at Windsong Park.
This table would also give some a reason to venture to the park and engage with others they might otherwise not ever meet.

One of two empty gazebo's abandoned by the city.

One of two empty gazebo’s abandoned by the city.


This large gazebo could hold several tables

This large gazebo could hold several tables


One example of the type of table that could be purchased

One example of the type of table that could be purchased


This once was an unused walkway in Glendale California. Now a chess park.

This once was an unused walkway in Glendale California. Now a chess park.

WHO YOU GOING TO CALL ?

This past Saturday October 4, 2014 at around 8:00 AM while attempting to attend an advertised event, Coffee and Cars, at Marna O’Brien Park
(This event is listed on revised notice received September 4, 2014 from City of Wildomar)
a problem arose at the park, besides the fact this event had apparently been cancelled, as a couple of cars drove by only to find no one present so they moved on, as I was about to do as well.
This problem required immediate attention or it had the potential to damage infrastructure at the park along with neighboring property which could have cost the City of Wildomar some big bucks.
No where in the park is a list of emergency contact numbers, as this problem did not require 9-1-1 I went home and e-mailed the City Manager and Assistant City Manager at 8:15 AM, not knowing when I would receive an answer I took the initiative to contact another agency to resolve the problem.
This other agency also attempted to contact someone, anyone at the city to no avail. Thankfully this agency arrived at the park and was able resolve the problem by 9:15 AM an to prevent further damage from occurring. The first response to my e-mails arrived from the City Manager at 9:15 AM
Had I not stopped by the park and another citizen not familiar with the City of Wildomar and surrounding agencies seen this they would not have know who to call and this incident could have become quite expensive for the city. Far more expensive than utilizing the bulletin board located on the utility building in the park to post a list of emergency contact numbers and making sure someone is available to respond.
The agency I contacted to deal with the problem appears to use an answering service, much like doctors, to triage the calls and pass on the information to the best person to respond who then make contact to further assess the situation.
It would be nice if the event would have occurred as advertised as well.

AN UPDATE TO THE SPEED TRAP STORY

Some times complaining does work. The previous signs that change the speed limit on Grand Avenue passing David A. Brown Middle School have been changed to the proper signage lowering the speed limit to only when children are present.
BEFORE

This was taken on August 31st

This was taken on August 31st

AFTER

This was first observed on September 17th after leaving Coffee with a Cop.

This was first observed on September 17th after leaving Coffee with a Cop.

WHAT IS THE PRICE OF FREEDOM

Many months ago it was announced that a young citizen in furtherance of their scouting life would be allowed once again to donate a project to the City of Wildomar that is supposed to enhance the parks for all of its citizens using donated materials and volunteer hours.
This project has been called “The Freedom Swing” and is the donation of a wheelchair accessible swing for those children unable to leave their wheelchair and enjoy swinging with the rest of the children.
On the surface this would appear a fine project that would benefit a small but important group of citizens. But due to a lack of foresight by city council members and a lack of homework by staff this project like ones before it is turning into a taxpayer nightmare with cost estimates to the taxpayer of between $10,900.00 and $28,750.00.
This project at first scheduled to be placed in the cities premier park, Marna O’Brien, on August 23rd is still without a home. The city staff is madly scrambling to locate a suitable location that will fulfil all of the goals of inclusion and safety that are required when a city installs equipment in its parks, most especially its Tot-Lots which entertain the youngest members of our community.
On Monday August 25th, two days after its initial placement date, the City of Wildomar Standing Committee for Parks will hold a meeting to determine a final resting place for this project along with an estimate of how many thousands of taxpayer dollars this project is going to cost to bring to completion.
At this meeting which will determine where and how much, city officials are already making plans (once again) for the celebration of its placement at a park that may not be finished in time, cost effective nor its final home.
Talk about the cart before the horse, this is a common theme in Wildomar. Let’s make a promise and then figure out how to fulfill it no matter what it cost the taxpayer.

A MIRACLE WORKER IN WILDOMAR ?

At the City Council meeting on Wednesday August 13, 2014 the current mayor of Wildomar asked staff to look into signs so that residents can find the local library. After leaving the meeting having made a suggestion of attaching a sign to the existing stop light where a street sign normally hangs, I have been to the Mission Trail Library at least a thousand times since it opened July of 2001 and get there by rote, I decided to swing by the library on the way home.

A beacon in the night

A beacon in the night


The best I can do with my phone. The green sign hanging says library.

The best I can do with my phone. The green sign hanging says library.


Low and behold within minutes of the mayors request to staff there in the darkness is a sign calling out to me, it says library.

Approaching the library from either the north or the south are international road signs for a library.

Approaching from the north, traveling south.

Approaching from the north, traveling south.


Approaching from the south, traveling north. As was the bird.

Approaching from the south, traveling north. As was the bird.


Granted some work needs to be done with the encroachment of shrubbery in the easement which blocks the sign
If you look close the sign is there.

If you look close the sign is there.

and cleaning these signs as both could use it, but they are there.

While we are at the library there will be a meeting concerning buses and routes in the local area held on September 8, 2014 from 4-7 PM. Some people are concerned about the lack of routes in Wildomar but I think the more important item to be concerned about is

A typical bus stop in Wildomar.

A typical bus stop in Wildomar.

The lack of covered stops, have you ever stood in the baking sun or the pouring rain waiting for a bus. Some stops in this town don’t even have a bench. Advertising could be used to pay for maintenance, if it doesn’t violate the counties banner ordinance. One other thing this meeting is being proclaimed to set the routes for the next ten years, problem with that is this local meeting is held every year about the same time.