County Board does what the city of Newport wouldn't do

Earlier this year councilman Keith Curry brought a motion to the city council to place a measure on the November ballot that would require voter approval of future pension promises made to city employees. The highly unionized city fought it tooth and nail, and the motion never had a chance to be voted on. How a measure that simply would allow the people to have a say in how their tax dollars are spent could have upset so many people is beyond me, but the conservative city of Newport Beach said no to fiscal responsibility, and yes to continuing to cater to the public employee unions.

As of today, the county Supervisors have proven that they apparently advocate a true "power to the people" philosophy more than our own council. The voter referendum we pushed for in Newport will be on the ballot, only this time as a county measure. Expect the battle to be a nasty one, but in the end, the voters will do what has to be done, and what San Francisco and San Diego of all places have done with huge success: Not allow a small group of politicians afraid of unions to indenture our kids and grandkids with promises that can not be responsibly kept. Power to the people, indeed. Kudos, County Supervisors. Now, let's get this passed.

More comments will come on what happened in Newport Beach earlier this year, and exactly who spoke out in favor of what position.

Lawsuit Over?

So back in January, the residents (as the Concerned Citizens of Newport Beach, Inc.) decided to effectively sue themselves (actually the City of Newport Beach) for $250 million dollars (please use your best Austin Powers affect).

Well, Friday, they dropped the lawsuit.

While I was wrangling cats (actually, my toddler children), I thought long and hard about this and what I thought about it.

So I read and re-read the OC Register article and the Daily Pilot article in an effort to form an opinion.

First, according to Assistant City Manager Dave Kiff, the City of Newport Beach spent $100,000 of the taxpayers dollars to defend it (meaning $100,000 more will have to be borrowed to build stuff the City may or may not need)

But on the other hand, the Concerned Citizens of Newport Beach spent probably 4 times that (if what I've heard is correct) getting to where we are today.

So Half a Million bucks was spent...and where are we today?

Is the City of Newport Beach and it's residents better off because of it?

I'm not too sure...

The City is trying to settle it's own little spat with Sober Living by the Sea, using closed rehab homes as part of it's "Before Settlement" bed count.

So the bed count probably isn't dropping much...

In fact, if one can find a Silver Lining in the Sober Living by the Sea/City of Newport Beach "arrangement" it's that Sober Living by the Sea will be forced to spread it's bed count into other parts of the City.

What does this mean?

Read this carefully...

The City of Newport Beach is making Sober Living by the Sea take beds from the Balboa Peninsula/War Zone and put one of their Rehab Homes NEXT TO YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NO LONGER WILL THIS BE A NIMBY ISSUE.

Welcome to our fight Corona Del Mar, Newport Coast, Santa Ana Heights, Balboa Island, and to all the other "Villages" in Newport Beach.

So Concerned Citizens of Newport Beach is going to essentially re-boot it's message and tackle the City without Lawyers and Lawsuits.

and the City of Newport Beach will be helping their cause by distributing Sober Living by the Sea's beds to previously unaffected areas of the City.

But it'll only be close to 50 beds.

So congratulations Corona Del Mar residents...

Congratulations Newport Coast residents...

Welcome to the Club.

The Club of the Institutionalized Neighborhoods.

The Club of having 12 "Handicapped" (according to the ADA) people living next door to you and your children.

...and now we'll see the Nimby mentality gone.

Don't believe me?

Next time you see your Councilmember, ask him/her if this is possible?

And when he/she responds that they won't allow it to happen in their District, ask him/her how they can stop this juggernaut to happen, after all...it's allowed to be anywhere with "Reasonable Accommodation" thanks to the Federal and State Government.

More to follow...I'm sure...

Cigar Smoker With Bruce Herschensohn

The best kind of fundraisers?

THE FREE ONES!!!!

WITH FREE CIGARS!!!

So if you don't feel like going to the Newport Beach City Council meeting on August 12, go to the Balboa Bay Club and meet Bruce Herschensohn

Tuesday, 8/12/08 5:30 PM Special Event

Campaign Kick-Off Smoker With Bruce Herschensohn Committee To Re-Elect Tom Fuentes Trustee, South Orange County Community College District Where: Duke's Place, Balboa Bay Club Please join Tom Fuentes on the patio at Duke's Place, Balboa Bay Club on Tuesday evening, August 12th, at 5:30pm for a Campaign Kick-Off Smoker with guest Bruce Herschensohn. Admission is free to this informal summertime Smoker on the bay. Complimentary cigar and a no-host bar for guests. Attire is casual for the evening's gathering of friends. Bruce Herschensohn has a marvelous new book out, called Above Empyrean. There will be copies available for $20. Bruce will be happy to personally autograph the book for you. RSVP to kathy@tavpro.com.

Rumor Control - Newport Beach City Council

So...I've been making the "rounds" lately...more often than previous and I've been posed an interesting question/comment/rumor

"I hear your a running for the Newport Beach City Council again."

Maybe not word for word like that, but in different variations/incarnations/email threads.

So let me make it clear to my 4 readers (and their 4 friends).

I AM NOT RUNNING FOR NEWPORT BEACH CITY COUNCIL.

First off - I'm not that egotistical (well...depending on who you speak with).

Second off - I live in the First District - There is no race in 2008 for Michael Henn's seat. Michael Henn will probably win re-election in 2010, so the earliest there would be such an opportunity would be in 2014...a year after the World will end...I mean...the World should have ended when the Red Sox won the World Series in 2004...and again when they won it in 2007.

Finally - I absolutely detest Carpet Baggers (something I was infuriatingly accused of being in 2006), so there is absolutely no way I will move (again...I just moved in April) just to run in District 2. I'm arrogant and egotistical...but not THAT arrogant and egotiscal (again...depending on who you speak to)

So there...the next person who asks me will see the business end of my Beretta (I'M JOKING...please...)

Boone's Farm ...could grow big!

T. Boone Pickens is a Texas Oil man. He has been hawking
a plan to save America from dependence on foreign oil through
his paid "Public Service Announcements". At first blush, it
would be easy to suggest that Boone is busy pushing his plan
for Natural gas, Solar and Wind Power because he has some of
his own money in those things.

This morning Boone was interviewed on CNBC prior to his given
testimony before Congress. Boone mentioned that 38% of our
Fossil Fuel needs come from Commercial, Trains or Buses in
this country which accounts for $350 billion a year that goes
to Arab Sheiks and other oil countries. Boone is suggesting
that we move those vehicles out of Diesel and Gasoline and
put them into Natural Gas. Now one might be eager to suggest
that his reasoning is based purely on his personal engagement
with Natural Gas. We believe however that this idea is about
30 years late. It should have been done and could have been
done during the last run up in oil...back in 1978! Now that
the cost is edging toward a Trillion dollars a year...perhaps
it is time to pay attention!

Boone says that there would be positive side effects to his
plan which includes higher gas mileage for passenger cars and
a greater engagement on Solar and Wind Power. Boone says he
is making this plea because the two Presidential candidates
have yet to mention what they might do regarding our dependence
of foreign oil....and he wants to know what position they might
have on "The Plan"! "This should be a major discussion for
both candidates.." he suggests. "We can't drill our way out of
this!" he repeats often!

Now, it might be easy to simply say that T. Boone Pickens just
wants to "feather his own nest"...pick up where Enron, Ken Lay
and Jeff Skillings left off. Yet, when you look at how the
speculators yanked our chain...up to $147 dollar a barrel oil..
perhaps, common sense might be looked at as a possible option.
We wish Mr. Pickens well..it is about time that we did something
that could address our dependence on foreign oil.

Families for Fairness

If you haven't seen it, it's there...in black and white (and I'd attach it here, but I'm computer-slow...)

It ran in the Daily Pilot Friday and Sunday if you want to see it.

Go to the Library and see their copy if you've thrown it away, or if you don't get the Daily Pilot.

All Half-Page of it.

In all of its glory.

Families for Fairness put out a Wanted ad.

Wanted - Newport Beach City Council (District 2) Candidate.

• Must live, and be a registered voter, within District 2
• Must have an interest in Community Issues
• Must be well spoken and articulate.
• Must be willing to restore trust back to the Newport Beach City Council
• Serious Campaign Support will be provided by your concerned neighbors.
  

No Prior Civic Experience Necessary (or preferred).

Subtle enough?

What does this mean?

Who are those people?

It just means some people, who have lots of money, and who are from ALL parts of this wonderful City of Newport Beach, want change on the City Council.

They want a friendly (or friendlier...) voice representing them.

And no...this isn't a group of just pissed off people from the Peninsula...

...nor is it disgruntled members of Concerned Citizens of Newport Beach.

Like I said, it's Advisory Board Members are from ALL parts of the City...every District represented on the City Council.

This group wants trust, honesty and action from its City Council.

...and so far...they don't feel like they have it.

So...they want to go about it through Political Strategy and EFFECTIVE Public Relations/Promotional program.

And they are willing to open up their checkbooks to do it.

Sounds dangerous huh?

Want to find out more?

Look for the ad in Sunday's Daily Pilot. Dig out an old copy of Friday's ad.

Call the number on it.

Or send me an email at newportbeachvoices@gmail.com.

I might be able to steer you in the right direction...

As I understand it, their website will be up shortly, after the Public Relations/Promotional staff gets through with it.

...and after I approve it.

"Is it safe?"

What is a CERT, you may ask! Community Emergency Response
Team! Matt Brisbois is the affable, effective Community
Preparedness Coordinator for the Newport Beach Fire Department.
Matt describes himself as a "Body Surfing Lifeguard" that got
"volunteered" for the CERT Program. Last night at the Sherman
Gardens Matt gave a great presentation..to mainly business
owners and interested citizens....all about "Disasters"! It
wasn't exactly out of the "Poseidon Adventure"...but scary
enough to get your attention.

The on-site CERT Volunteers that attended were all dedicated
and motivated. They take this stuff seriously and bring great
credibility and support to Matt and his program. Right now,
Matt is looking for 1000 good men and women who want to be
available in case of a City wide Emergency. The City of Newport
Beach finally put together a Emergency Management Plan that has
put Matt's program on the map. CERT Volunteers go through 30
hours of First Aid and Emergency Training before they are then
Certified. They get a Green Helmet, A Green Vest, A T-shirt
and more! They also have the opportunity to participate in the
Ham Radio back-up Emergency Program.

Matt's three hour presentation was fast paced, thorough and
brought up several interesting issues regarding Tsunami's, the
Earthquakes and Terrorists possibilities. Talking about the
"realities of disaster in Newport Beach" opens the eyes to
issues most of us would rather not consider. Camping out for
three days without food or water, electricity or gas could be
a problem. Being there to help your neighbors is the one
important issue...which means that being prepared means having
enough First Aid supplies, Portable Radios and food to make it
...if roads are impassible!

If you don't have time to become a Certified CERT participant,
you still may want to find out when Matt is giving another of
his presentations. 949.644.3381 will get you that info. You
can talk directly to Matt to get on-board!

With Every Storm is a Port

Holding on to tradition and history is sometimes very difficult.
Many times we cling to history and tradition that is less than
exemplary of what should be protected or rewarded. Many times
egos take charge of effort and wisdom. Many times choices are
made that later need to be revised, due to lack of due diligence
or concern regarding unintended consequences. Many times pure
greed, avarice or just plain simple pragmatic resolutions too
often prevail.

The Port Theater however is one of Newport Beach's interesting
stories. It came to our beach town in 1950! During the very
pinnacle of Doris Day parking - came this elegant lady with the
very red carpet and the biggest Hollywood Blockbuster movies
from the great Film Companies of the age: MGM, 20th Century Fox,
Universal International.......this was big stuff for our little
beach town of 11,000 full-time inhabitants. We had the beautiful
Lido and Balboa Theaters to create a triumvirate for truly
"Cutting Edge Entertainment".

Then age takes it's toll. Edwards Cinema creates the Fashion
Island Megaplex and a list as long as your arm through the 70's
and 80's. Edwards then gets bought out by Regal....things change.
The old girl "Port Theatre" fell into a sad disarray. The carpet
turned faded and too dirty. The popcorn oil permeated the walls
and the curtains inside the theater. The once prized Loges.....
had too much sticky Coca Cola with too many burn marks from
cigarettes on the once elegant chairs..of red and oak. The fair
changed to odd ball art movies...it then closes. There was talk
.....that the once pride of Corona Del Mar would be torn down.
Replaced by some modern day mirrored high rise....supporting
another soon to be defunct Insurance Carrier.

We wrote, we cajoled, we begged....."Don't do it!" Someone
listened to the pleas. Someone said they would keep the
historic facade and still create a business building with
subterranean parking. It was all still sad...but better than
nothing. Then, as if by Divine Intervention....the word
came out. The business office idea was off the table and
"Total Restoration of the Port Theater" would be reality.

Fast forward to last week.....as the face of the Port Theater
was removed. We can look in now and see the projection booth.
The front of the building is gone....but her proud feathered
plume, announcing "The Port" with the Tri-Sail logo remains!
Thanks must go to the owner of the Port for making this historic
decision, along with the City of Newport Beach. These things
seldom happen without consensus and effort of a lot of people.
We are wishing the owner well, that the Newport Film Festival
will once again become part of the home - at the Port Theater.

We are waiting with great anticipation to see what the "full
restoration" will look like. We are grateful that a serious
attempt will be made to offer a notable regard for the history
and elegance of Newport Beach and its tradition! We cannot be
thankful enough that the Port was saved....and we look forward
to spending many evenings viewing both the new and the historic
films of Hollywood....at the New Port Theater!

Private Property Rights more important than personal preferences

That's all I have to say. My title is the article. If there was one thing the greatest city in California needs to accept, it is that they do not have the right to toss aside the rights of private property owners because they have personal preferences that conflict with these rights. It may be tempting. And there may be a great deal of self-righteous rhetoric that accompanies this opposition to private ownership. But "Greenlight", and other horrific attempts to spit in the face of private ownership need to go the way of the Gestapo from which they came. It would be tough to love this city more than I do, but I will not rest until we all learn to leave our NIMBYism at the door, and the socialist ideology that goes with it.

Why The Sober Living Deal Is Garbage

1 - Change In Bed Count analysis leading to decision has many
numeric misrepresentations and fabrications. (ie; The City outside
law firm states in Fall 2007 report on Rosansky's renting property
to a rehab owner "no rehab occupants were found to be residing in
rental unit." Yet now the City shows that bed count of 6 added to
the license bed count of the Shores Rehab bed count for a total of
12). Lots of other inaccuracies, ghost houses, over-counts, etc.

2 - Does not describe slippage (an increase in bed count mysteriously
occurred) that has occurred from Point of Moratorium to Ordinance
then from Ordinance to today. There’s over a 10% increase in Rehab
Bed Count during such period.

3 - City has no logical reason to settle before Public Hearings.

4 - City has not and will not acknowledge that the level of beds they
are proposing with this Agreement is only a starting point minimum
that will “creep” upward in bed count due to the following:
a - A change in Development Agreement (likely)
b - The City is unable to stop licensed “6 and Unders”
c - Public Hearing will result in less closure than City will admit
d - Invariably there will be more lawsuit fallout (Morningside)

5 - Development Agreement leaves WN\Lido\Penn with 85% of all
Rehab Beds in which area only accounts for 20% of City’s population.
Most ironic about the City's "sweetheart deal" is that BEFORE the
deal WN\Lido\Penn had 80% of all Rehabs in the City, AFTER this
spectacular "sweetheart deal" WN\Lido\Penn will (according to the
City's Changes in Bed Count Projection) have 85% of all Rehabs in
the City. Please.... make the City STOP....at this rate they're going
to negotiate WN\Lido\Penn right into having 100 % of all Rehabs !

6 - Based on industry\historic averages, the Over Concentration
remaining after the Development Agreement will START at 13x in
excess of what the WN\Lido\Penn area needs. This will "creep" to
greater excess in time.

7 - The City has begun to already violate its own mandates as per
the New Ordinance in this proposed Development Agreement and
can’t explain why. This is already seen in City's refusing to enforce
dispersal requirements for Sober Living on 39th Street as pointed
out by one angry resident at the City's presentation of the proposed
plan at Speak Up Newport on Wednesday.

8 - In the Development Agreement, the City agrees not to enforce
the New Fire Code (for Sober Living only) of which Federal Courts
have already ruled to be non-disriminatory, yet City will enforce
New Fire Code for all other rehab operators. Odd thing is though,
this New Fire Code, specifically applicable to Group Homes, if ever
enforced, would put such a burden on R-1, R1.5 and R-2 structures
to modify those structures in order to comply (ie: sprinklers, fire-
rated interior walls and ceilings, etc) that the Fire Code would force
most Rehabs to MFR structures as they have many New Fire Code
compliance measures already in place. This Over-Concentration
problem in all of Newport could be controlled in a reasonable, non-
discriminatory manner overnight, but the City is not pursuing or
talking about this though. I wonder why.

9 - City offers no assurance Development Agreement won’t be later
revised\expanded per Dave Kiff at Speak Up Newport on Wednesday.

10 - We are delaying an inevitable legal battle. Once Sober Living
gathers enough cash and political influence (influence meaning the
hiring of more ex-City Officials).."they'll be baaacck" for increases.

Lets all thank Henn, Gardner, Selich, Rosansky, Curry, Webb and
Daigle for a marvelous magic trick of a "sweetheart deal" that will
eventually make all West Newport \ Lido \ Penninsula residents
want to disappear from this area.

Cash for Silence - Newport Beach Edition

The title of this OC Register article says it all

N.B. offered rehab opponents money for silence

Background?

The Concerned Citizens of Newport Beach (Inc.) sued the City over the Rehab Homes proliferation.

Sober Living by the Sea sued the City over the Rehab Homes ordinance.

The City of Newport Beach is trying to settle with Sober Living by the Sea.

And I guess the City of Newport Beach is trying to settle with the Concerned Citizens group.

According to the OC Register article, here are a couple of the conditions:

•City pays group $100,000, agrees to hold regular meetings where residents can air concerns about rehab homes, and dedicates at least $100,000 annually toward enforcement of every rehab home permit issued for next four years.

The first condition - they've put in lots more than the $100k to pay their attorneys and sue the City, but I suppose getting some of it back might not be too bad. Dedicating $100k towards enforcement of the rehab home permits is nice, especially since we don't have to worry about how the City will pay for it (borrow, borrow, borrow), the employee's pensions and benefits.

•Group drops lawsuit and public opposition, and supports legal settlement between city and largest operator of rehab homes.

The second condition is the doozy - Dropping the lawsuit would be the given, but dropping the public opposition? Supporting the legal settlement between the City and Sober Living by the Sea?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Hold on...gotta catch my breath...

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

That's funny.

Now, I'm not part of that group, but I know plenty of people who are, and keeping their mouths shut over the hokey Sober Living by the Sea deal and actually publicly supporting it?

All for $100k?

I don't see any pigs flying yet...

Rehabigate or Progress?

Divisive issues are nothing new to Newport Beach. "Greenlight"
has been fighting excess developer abuses that included high
rises, density, big traffic generators and noise...for years.
The "High Density" has always been a big issue....that started
with Promontory Point, which took away the beautiful view of
our Newport Harbor from Pacific Coast Highway and Jamboree. Or
the Downey Savings building that blotted out and took away the
view corridor and beauty of the Upper Back Bay... and thusly
impacted our community with no view and more traffic.

We also had the John Wayne Airport issue which is a continuing
saga...and thanks to the work of the Airport Working Group that
resulted in an Airport Agreement which limited flights passed
11PM. Since then, even though the Feds wanted to change it, we
were Grandfathered on that issue! Even the expansion of John
Wayne Airport itself was a big over budget deal under then OC
Supervisor Tom Reilly. Then there were the ubiquitous "Mother-
in-law Units" on Balboa Island, or the on-going "Mansionization
of Newport Beach" everywhere, as new people came into town,
bought those dreaded tear down properties and blotted out the
sun for neighbors all around! How about "Party Houses"? How about
"The Fourth of July Riots and Revelry on the Peninsula"? It goes
on and on like that! What about the Arb Campbell Police Scandal?

The latest scourge and blighted action right here in our town?
Rehab Group Homes, Licensed CA Alcohol and Drug homes of six or
less persons? It has been a pretty big deal. It took the patience
of Jobe and the community efforts of many to get our City Fathers
to move on this issue. Senator Tom Harmon tried this and that
and Assemblyman Chuck DeVore stood up. Tough fighting Sacramento!

City Manager Homer Bludau and Asst. City Managers Dave Kiff and
Sharon Wood....got with the program and assisted our current
City Council Members to "get on with it!" Good grief, how did
Scott Baugh and Bob Burnham wind up in the mix ....on "the other
guys side"? Business!

The Rehab Group Home issue is no simple "go to dinner conversation"
here. It has both State Law and Regional implications that will
notably affect Federal Law sometime in the future. It goes like
this: Can local government require Rehab or Group Home facilities
to meet certain standards..and can they in fact restrict the number
and impact of "patients" on the community? At the end of January
2008....The City of Newport Beach passed Ordinance 2008-05 which
required the affected facilities to file for a Use Permit before
the end of May. According to the Ordinance....if any facilities
failed to apply for their permits....they would lose their:
"Use rights".

The largest Rehab provider in Newport Beach is "Sober Living by
the Sea". They currently have 156 beds with a maximum of 204
allowed by the "Settlement Agreement" which is being offered by
the City...according the Dave Kiff...Asst. City Manager. Then there
is "Morningside" which currently has 72 beds has not yet filed
for a "Use Permit" and faces closure of all their facilities.
Narconon of course, has a 49 bed tri-plex which has filed papers
....but maybe under certain restraints under the new ordinance.

So, what happens when these facilities close...for whatever reasons?
Will another provider be able to step right in and take over without
losing a step. Dave Kiff...says: "No, they would have to start the
entire process....all over again....as a new use!" One of the major
provisions of the Rehab and Group Home Ordinance is that fact that
"Parolees" must be omitted for participating in any Rehab facility.
This is a very big deal...and though you may have heard that "Sober
Living by the Sea" was challenging the Ordinance in the courts...
let's say a prayer that the suggested "Settlement Agreement" by the
City is agreed to by all sides.

There is little doubt that the Ordinance is not perfect. By the
reading of the State Law.....anyone could be considered "disabled"
if they were addicted to Ambien PM or Bayer Baby Aspirin! There are
"Big Loopholes" in who may be considered for these programs. There
is little doubt that State action to qualify these people should have
been done...many years ago.

Limiting the number and the density and impact to our community is
now the prime consideration and although, as we say, the Ordinance
is not perfect...it will certainly start to put a stop to the rising
tide of Real Estate Speculators who do not have to be State Licensed
and offer an unregulated Rehab Facility to make huge profits while
the skyrocketing Real Estate Values were rising. The Ordinance does
not however truly focus on the six or less Licensed State facilities.
Making neighbors accountable will still be an important part of the
process. How will we know....if "Parolees" are located in these type
facilities? How will we know if in the six or less Rehab Group Homes
there are prior Child Molesters or Felons? Should we have the right
to know?

Now that the Real Estate market has taken a momentary hiatus ...
those Rehab Homes are more open to Regulation. They don't want to
have to liquidate their "Cash Cows" right now! So, this Ordinance
is a great place to start - for communities throughout this country.
We doubt seriously that it will completely satisfy Bob Rush, Linda
Lorozco or so many who have given there hearts and souls to this
issue for years - but, as we say - it is a start!

So, to our City Staffers, Managers and City Council Members...as
well as State Senator Harmon and Assemblyman Chuck DeVore.
Thanks guys!

http://www.cacities.org/index.jsp?zone=wcm&previewStory=25624

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/politics/cal/la-me-sober29
-2008jun29,0,7548240.story

http://www.dailypilot.com/articles/2008/05/13/politics/dpt
-injunction051308.txt

Ordinance 2008-05 Group Home Ordinance

Rest in Peace Mr. Arst

For anyone who has paid attention to Newport Beach this decade will know the name Phil Arst.

Myself, I got to sit down with him a couple times a few years ago for a chat.

And while one may not agree with everything he campaigned for, you could never argue that he didn't try and do what he thought was best for Newport Beach.

But he always took it a step further than just grumbling and complaining.

He put his money, time and efforts where his mouth was and made his mark on this City.

And he never gave up.

He never backed down.

You gotta respect that.

You gotta appreciate that.

You gotta honor that.

There aren't, and will probably never be, enough people like Phil Arst out there.

And he will be missed.

I'm honored to have met him.

Rest in Peace Mr. Arst.

Joe Horn Cleared in Shooting

Remember this little tidbit about a fellow in Texas who shot a couple of his neighbor's burglars?

Well, a Houston Grand Jury cleared him of any crimes.

This was a truly fascinating story and it's good to see it end well.

For a reminder of what happened, click here for a pretty good rundown.