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Benoit Files For Council Candidacy
Newly seated planning commissioner Ben Benoit has filed to run for city
council in November. Just days after attending his first planning commission
meeting, Benoit reportedly filed documents at city hall to become the first
official candidate for city council.
Three seats on the city council will be up for election this fall,
those currently held by Scott Farnam, Marsha Swanson, and Sheryl Ade.
Farnam recently held a fundraising re-election kick-off event at the Lake
Elsinore Diamond. Marsha Swanson has enlisted the aid of a political campaign
director and has indicated her intent to run at local functions by setting up
information tables. No visible re-election efforts on the part of Ade have
been presented.
As reported by Michael J. Williams in The Californian: Click Here 07/24/2010 | | Views: 13 - Comments: 0 |  | 
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Wildomar Planning Commission Postpones Action On Marijuana Dispensaries
The medical marijuana dispensary decision was postponed until August 4,
2010 commission meeting as not all commission members were present last night.
Commission chair Robert Devine was not in attendance.
Media reports indicate a near capacity crowd was in attendance. Some
indicate the majority were in favor of allowing the facilities, while all
reported at least some attendees against. The commission received public
comment on the topic before it decided to postpone their decision.
Commissioner Gary Andre suggested the postponement to allow the full
commission to weigh in.
New commissioner Ben Benoit suggested postponement until after the November
election, where California voters will have the opportunity to vote on
legalizing marijuana for those over the age of 21 without a prescription.
As reported by John F. Hill in The Press Enterprise: Click Here
As reported by Michael J. Williams in The Californian: Click here
As reported by Toni McAllister on SWRNN.com: Click Here 07/22/2010 | | Views: 24 - Comments: 0 |  | 
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Planning Commission To Consider Marijuana Dispensaries
The Wildomar Planning Commission to consider marijuana dispensaries: allow
them, not allow them, regulate them, etc., at their Wednesday July 21, 2010
regularly scheduled meeting.
By 4-1 vote (Mayor Bridgette Moore dissenting), city staff was directed to
research marijuana dispensaries in California and to provide direction
for the planning commission to consider.
To download your own copy of the report the commission will consider: Click
Here
As reported by John F. Hill in The Press Enterprise: Click Here
07/18/2010 | | Views: 78 - Comments: 1 |  | 
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City Council Announces Public Hearing On Park Maintenance Fee
The Wildomar City council announced Thursday that a public hearing will be
held to discuss the assessment they approved at Wednesdays council meeting.
The council voted unanimously to impose a $28 dollar per year assessment on
residents that mirrors the assessment amount deemed illegal by the state court
of appeals. That decision may be heard by the State Supreme Court at a future
date as the County has announced their intention to petition there. In the
interim, the City intends to assess the fee to help maintain it's three parks.
When the city's fourth park is built, the assessment may increase to $45 per
year.
The location and time of the meeting was not announced - only the date: July
28, 2010, which is a regularly scheduled city council meeting date.
As reported by Yazmin Alvarez on SWRNN.com: Click Here 07/16/2010 | | Views: 32 - Comments: 0 |  | 
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Wildomar City Manager Responds to Grand Jury Report
Wildomar City Manager Frank Oviedo has drafted a report that refutes all
claims made by the grand jury regarding the city's awarding of contracts,
council voting on Cornerstone Church project, and city hall hours change.
The council voted to send Oviedo's report as their official response to the
grand jury.
As reported by John F. Hill in The Press Enterprise: Click Here 07/15/2010 | | Views: 25 - Comments: 0 |  | 
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City Council Moves To Charge Park Fee
Wildomar city council voted unanimously to charge residents a $28 per year
parks maintenance fee. The fee was deemed illegal on appeal by resident Steve
Beutz. The city has decided to continue the assessment while the matter makes
it's way through yet more appeals.
Riverside County has been denied a re-hearing by the appeals court and has
stated their intention to take the matter to the State Supreme Court.
As reported by John F. Hill in The Press Enterprise: Click Here
07/15/2010 | | Views: 19 - Comments: 0 |  | 
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Wildomar Parks Face An Uncertain Future
Wildomar resident Steve Beutz on Wednesday May, 26, 2010 received a favorable
decision on his appeal regarding parks assessments. His suit contended that the
County decision to assess fees on property owners to fund then shuttered parks
in Wildomar was unconstitutional. He lost that suit, but appealed the decision.
He has now won on appeal.
What does this mean for Wildomar's parks? Can the cash strapped, fledgling
City of Wildomar find the funds necessary to keep them open, or will the
parks yet again be closed to public use?
Beutz ran a failed attempt at election to the inaugural city council in 2008.
He campaigned against Wildomar incorporation.
Beutz and associate Gerard Ste. Marie have filed multiple lawsuits regarding
issues relating to Wildomar.
To download a copy of the decision: Click Here
Added 5/29/10 per Mayor Bridgette Moore request: Wildomar Park Supporter: Please see the Press Release
below. As soon as we know more, Mayor Pro Tem Marsha Swanson and I will
call for a Parks Meeting. All will be invited. ed.
Added 6/2/10: Wildomar Park
Funding Threatened By Court Ruling, an article by John F. Hill as published in
The Press Enterprise: Click Here ed.
Added 6/10/10: City of Wildomar
postpones budget decisions while Court decision effects are weighed,
an article by John F. Hill as published in The Press Enterprise: Click Here ed.
Added 6/12/10: County of Riverside
to fight apellate court ruling, as reported by Michael J. Williams in The
Californian: Click Here ed.
Added 6/18/10: More in depth explanation of the County's petition for
rehearing to the Apellate Court, an
article by Michael J. Williams published in The Californian: Click Here ed.
Added 7/7/10: Comprehensive special report Carl Love published in The Press
Enterprise: Click Here ed.
Added 7/14/10: Beutz comments as reported by Michael J. Williams in The
Californian: Click Here ed.
07/14/2010 | | Views: 389 - Comments: 7 |  | 
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Grand Jury Critical of Wildomar City Council Actions
Riverside County Grand jury report criticizes Wildomar city council decisions
regarding Cornerstone project and awarding of contracts to local business.
The council voted 3-2 to approve a project brought by Cornerstone Church
while at least two council members are members of or attend the church.
Wildomar business Diamond W Events was awarded contracts that were not
competitively bid. The company owner has prior relationships with current
council members.
To download your own copy of the grand jury report: Click Here
As reported by John F. Hill in The Press Enterprise: Click Here
Council members Farnam and Moore respond to grand jury report, critical
of it's conclusions, in the below interview.
As reported by Michael J. Williams in The Californian: Click Here
07/01/2010 | | Views: 195 - Comments: 1 |  | 
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Yet Another Funding Setback For Wildomar
Wildomar resident Gerard Ste. Marie sued in 2008 claiming County decision to
provide partial funding for new cities was unconstitutional. Appellate court
decides in his favor. Future funding for the Cities of Wildomar and Menifee is
now in jeopardy.
This decision coupled with Ste. Marie associate Steve Beutz's recent
favorable appellate court decision has placed the future of the City
of Wildomar in a most precarious financial position. The combined negative
affect on Wildomar's budget is estimated will be nearly $450,000. With
reserves of just over $1 million in the just approved budget for 2010-2011 the
City will be severely cash strapped.
For background on this Ste. Marie challenge: Click Here and Click Here
Ste. Marie and Beutz are long time cityhood opponents and have mounted
numerous challenges against the County of Riverside and the City of
Wildomar.
As reported by Michael J. Williams in The Californian: Click Here
UPDATE 06/30/10: As reported by John F. Hill in The Press Enterprise: Click Here Ed.
06/26/2010 | | Views: 96 - Comments: 2 |  | 
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Appeals Court Denies County Request To Rehear Parks Matter
Riverside County is denied in it's first attempt to have a parks assessment
decision revisited. For now, the supreme court decision that invalidates
the assessment of a $28.00 annual fee on property owners for parks
maintenance stands.
County officials are quoted as stating they may appeal the decision to the
State Supreme Court.
Wildomar resident Steve Beutz filed the initial suit against the assessment
contending it violated a portion of the state constitution. His initial suit
failed, but on appeal was successful.
The City of Wildomar may need to find the approximately $200,000 per year the
assessment raises in order to keep it's three parks operating. For more on the
City's stance on the matter: Click
Here
As reported by Michael J. Williams in The Californian: Click Here
As reported by John F. Hill in The Press Enterprise: Click Here
As reported by Yazmin Alvarez on SWRNN.com: Click Here
UPDATE 6/29/10: County likely to appeal to California Supreme Court, as
reported by John F. Hill in The Press Enterprise: Click Here
06/25/2010 | | Views: 80 - Comments: 0 |  | 
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Nevada Hydro Keeps LEAPS Alive
Nevada Hydro resubmits application to construct 500 kilovolt transmission
line in Cleveland National Forest West of Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, Murrieta,
Temecula, and Fallbrook.
The controversial Lake Elsinore Advanced Pumped Storage (LEAPS) project
would use the transmission line to deliver it's electricty to the regional
power grid.
For background on the LEAPS project: Click Here
Photo renderings of what the transmission line might look like: Click Here
As reported by Michael J. Williams in The Californian: Click Here
06/19/2010 | | Views: 59 - Comments: 0 |  | 
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Farnam Appointment Announces Possible Council Run
Ben Benoit, son of County Supervisor Ben Benoit, announced last week
through a public relations firm his possible intention of seeking
a council seat, even before being sworn on to the planning commission
panel he had just the week prior been appointed to. Benoit was nominated to
a vacant planning commission seat by council member Scott Farnam. The Benoit
appointment by Farnam has raised the ire of council member Sheryl Ade, who
suggests the appointment of the inexperienced Benoit was politically motivated
by Farnam. Ade supported the appointment of a long time Wildomar resident
and community supporter George Taylor over relevant newcomer Benoit.
Farnam's residency was brought into question by Ade as well. Farnam recently
relocated his business from Lake Elsinore to a residential address in
his native Redlands area. Family law court records indicate Farnam's wife
petitioned for divorce in January of this year. Recently thereafter Farnam
announced the relocation of his business.
Three council seats will be available on the November ballot currently held
by Farnam, Ade, and Marsha Swanson.
As reported by John F. Hill in The Press Enterprise: Click Here
06/18/2010 | | Views: 40 - Comments: 0 |  | 
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Wildomar Pair Mount Numerous Challenges
Wildomar residents Steve Beutz and Gerard Ste. Marie have a history of
mounting legal challenges.
Beutz' most recent favorable decision in court, the overturning of the
validity af a parks assessment, is estimated will cost the City of Wildomar
$200,000.
As reported by John F. Hill in The Press Enterprise: Click Here
06/06/2010 | | Views: 56 - Comments: 0 |  | 
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Wildomar Council Appoints Supervisor Benoit's Son to Commission
Ben Benoit, son of former state senator and current Riverside County
Supervisor John Benoit, was appointed May 26, 2010 to a vacant City of Wildomar
planning commission seat. The relatively recent member of the Wildomar community
was selected over long time resident and community supporter George Taylor.
The council voted 4-1 to accept the appointment. The dissenting vote was cast by
council member Sheryl Ade.
Benoit was nominated by council member Scott Farnam. During nomination
discussions council member Ade lobbied for Taylor to be appointed to the seat.
Ade contends the appointment of Benoit may be self-serving on the part of
Farnam. Farnam at one point last year mounted a challenge to Ade's appointee to
the commission, Gary Andre. That challenge met with community resistance and was
abandoned by Farnam.
The discussion brought to light the current residency situation of Farnam.
Council members are required to be a resident of the community they serve.
Public records indicate that Farnam's wife filed for divorce in January of
this year. Farnam recently announced the relocation of his business from
Lake Elsinore to the community of Mentone, an area east of Redlands where
Farnam once lived. The address listed for his new business location is a
residential property, a property listed as the address for multiple businesses
that the Farnam family has operated. Farnam maintains he still resides in
Wildomar.
As reported by Michael J. Williams in the Californian: Click Here
05/29/2010 | | Views: 42 - Comments: 0 |  | 
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Elk Grove Civil Suit Lists Wildomar City Manager As Participant
Suit says city manager reneged on
separation offer
Former Elk Grove City risk manager Laurence
Brilliant has filed a civil suit against the City of Elk Grove and City Manager
Laura Gill alleging breach of contract in the commitments they made as part of
his lay-off last spring.
According to the suit, which was filed in
Sacramento Superior Court on Friday, March 12, Brilliant says he received
written notification from city manager Laura Gill that the city council would
consider eliminating his position during their May 27, 2009 meeting. Pending
city council approval, his position would be eliminated effective May 29.
Subsequent to that meeting, the suit says that then deputy city manager
Frank Ovieda made an offer to Brilliant that if he voluntarily resigned prior to
the council meeting, he would be given two extra CALPERS service credits.
Brilliant says that Ovieda represented that he was acting with the permission
and authority of Gill when he made the offer.
In return for this,
Brilliant would have to forgo his opportunity to wait for the city council’s
approval of elimination of his position and he would forgo his opportunity to
address the city council.
The suit says that Brilliant accepted the offer
but later was informed by Ovieda that Gill said the city rescinded the earlier
offer. The lawsuit also says that Brilliant sought administrative relieve prior
to filing suit.
The suit alleges breach of contract, breach of covenant
of good faith and negligence on the part of the city and Gill. The suit does not
state a specific amount of damages being sought.
Gill and city attorney
Susan Cochran declined to comment for this story.
As published by ElkGroveNews.net
Sacramento County Superior Court Case Number 2010-00072916
03/16/2010 | | Views: 138 - Comments: 0 |  | 
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