Pacific Progressive

Call Vector Control and Tell Them No Private Pest Control Companies

 The Orange County Vector Control District (OCVCD) helps to control little critters who carry diseases.  (These animals are called "disease vectors" because they move the disease around, hence the name.)  If you have a problem with a dead bird and there is West Nile Virus in the area, you call Vector Control.  Same thing for a neighbor who won't take care of their pool which is now a mosquito farm - call Vector Control and they will work with the neighbor so you don't have to.

A plan is being considered to privatize rat control services. Currently, if you see rats around, Vector Control will come out and give you (for free!) traps and bait and show you how to properly use them. They will also help you find the openings the rodents are using to get into your house and show you how to close them off.

These services are paid by an assessment of about $6.98 per year per residence in the County.  Taxpayers are able to get a lot for their $6.98.

Now, some members of the Vector Control board want to let private extermination companies (Terminix, Orkin, Truly Nolen are some common names) provide the rat control services. The plan is to send the companies out on calls to homes to provide the rat control services to the home owners.  Then, the pest control company can then sell the homeowner services to control pests on the inside of the home.

Smell a rat?  Does turning Vector Control into a marketing company for private pest control companies sound like a bad deal to you?  Call and write your representative on the Vector Control District. Each of the 34 incorporated cities has a representative. If you live in the unincorporated areas, your rep is Supervisor John Moorlach.

The representatives for each area are listed.  If you have a relationship with them, please use that to tell them "No to Private Pest Control Companies."  You can also call, fax and write them at the Vector Control Board.  Sending faxes works very well because it creates a paper trail of who objects and carries more weight than an email.

Orange County Vector Control District (OCVCD), 13001 Garden Grove Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92843

Phone 714-971-2421 949-654-2421  Fax 714-971-3940

Aliso Viejo - Mayor Phillip B. Tsunoda 

La Palma Considering Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan

At their meeting on Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at 7:00 p.m., the La Palma City Council will consider final adoption of the Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan. In 2009, the City Council contracted with MIG, Inc. to develop the Master Plan, which will establish a vision for the future, while taking into account the existing condition of facilities and the total parks, recreation, and cultural arts desires of the community. 

During the development of the document, numerous public outreach efforts occurred, such as a phone survey, onsite surveys, focus groups, and stakeholder interviews. The results have identified both recreational needs for facilities and the types of programs desired by La Palma residents that would meet their expectations for a successful park and recreation system for the next 20 years and beyond. 

Based on these findings, a Conceptual Site Plan for Central Park was developed to incorporate items considered most important given space constraints. The proposed Site Plan provides for several new amenities, including: group picnic shelters, a children’s water plaza, reflection/meditation garden, walking/exercise trail, and improved park entryways. The Site Plan also addresses a number of space conflict issues, such as the relocation of the existing children’s play area from next to the basketball courts to a more user friendly and expanded area; relocation of the softball field to maximize field space and field orientation; and relocation of the park restroom to serve both park and greenbelt users. In addition to Central Park, other parks, schools, and the Edison right-of-way were identified for possible future improvements. The Conceptual Site Plan was reviewed by the City Council in January.

La Palma Community Activities and Beautification Committee Needs Volunteers - Due by March 31

La Palma Residents are invited to submit applications for current vacancies on the Community Activities and Beautification Committee.

The Community Activities and Beautification (CAB) Committee works with City staff to coordinate City special events including Memorial Day, Concerts in the Park, and the annual Holiday Tree Lighting event. CAB committee members also assist the City in planning the annual La Palma Days event. CAB members meet on the second Tuesday of each month from September to June. The CAB Committee currently has one vacancy with a two-year term and three vacancies with four-year terms. 

Applications for all vacancies are available online at www.cityoflapalma.org or at City Hall and are due by March 31, 2010. If you have any questions or for further information, please contact the City Clerk’s office at (714) 690-3334.

La Palma Meeting on Proposed Water Rate Increases - Feb 9

The City of La Palma will conduct a community meeting on February 9, 2010, to discuss the results of a recently completed water and sewer rate study, which recommends increasing rates and implementing a tiered water rate structure. The workshop will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Royal Palm Room of the La Palma Community Center, 7821 Walker Street, La Palma. 

The community meeting will be an opportunity for the residents of La Palma to hear about the proposals and provide comments before they are considered by the City Council. Depending on which rate model is ultimately selected, the typical residential customer in La Palma would pay between 13% and 30% more per month for water.

The City of La Palma's current water and sewer rates were established in 2005 and have not been increased since then. Over the last five years, wholesale water costs have increased approximately 50%. Further, California is experiencing one of the worst water shortages in recent times and water supplies are being limited due to the drought and environmental restrictions. The tiered rate structure is intended to help encourage water conservation by charging higher rates for increased levels of consumption. Consumers using the least amount of water will pay the lowest per unit rates.

La Palma Getting New Clean Street Sweeper

The City of La Palma was recently notified that a $25,000 Clean Transportation Funding grant has been awarded from the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC) to partially fund the replacement of an aging street sweeper. 

At its meeting on March 17, 2009, the City Council authorized the replacement of the City’s 1987 Tymco Model 600 Street Sweeper with the newer generation Liquid Propane Gas (LPG) Tymco 600 sweeper, at a cost of $215,829.53. The street sweeper is used for cleaning streets of spills, blowing of sidewalks, event cleaning, storm drain cleaning, and emergency response. 

The new Tymco 600 LPG sweeper utilizes fuel that is 90% domestically produced, which reduces the dependence of imported fuel. In addition, the use of LPG provides the best balance of fuel economy, performance, and emissions. Other alternative clean fuel sweepers to the Tymco 600 LPG sweeper were considered, including a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) sweeper. However, fueling stations for CNG are sparse and require several hours to fuel. LPG fueling stations are available at the City of Cypress, local stations, and other locations. The City continuously seeks to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

La Palma Considering Conservation Pricing Tiers for Water and Sewer Rates

The city of La Palma is considering a new, tiered rate structure for water and sewer rates which has built-in incentives to stay within a water budget.  The item was heard at the December 22, 2009 city council meeting. Council directed that the public involvement part of the process begin, so look for hearings, study sessions or other forms of outreach regarding the plan.  

La Palma operates their own water enterprise system using both groundwater and imported water.  The Orange County Water District (OCWD) manages the groundwater basin and sets limits for pumping of groundwater.  Imported water is purchased from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan or MWD) thru the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC.)  

For FY 2009-10, La Palma will receive slightly less water from MWD than in the past - about 95% of the previous year's purchase.  For water purchases from MWD within the 95% allotment, the price is $249/acre foot.  If the City goes over their quota, the price goes up to $1981/acre foot.  The 5% loss of allocation cannot be made up simply by pumping more groundwater because the OCWD has allocated each city their share of groundwater, which cannot be exceeded.

As a way of keeping the City within the water budget and not getting a huge water bill for going over budget, a new tiered pricing structure for water and sewer rates is proposed.  Single family users will have three tiers, the first tier being fairly low cost to encourage people to stay within their water budget and the third tier is over twice as expensive as the first tier.

Multi-family and non-residential users will be divided into groups based on meter size and will have two tiers of service.  The second tier will be over twice as expensive as the first tier. 

Sewer services will also be tiered because the amount of discharge generated is proportional to the amount of water used.  

The dates of the public input sessions have not been announced yet.

The report with the proposed rate increases is available here Download LaPalmaWaterSewerRateStudy

La Palma Water Conservation Workshop - Dec 7

The City of La Palma will conduct a workshop on December 7 to educate residents about the importance of water conservation. Representatives from the City’s Public Works Department and the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) will be discussing water conservation goals and will provide consumer tips for further water conservation. The City’s Community Development Director will also present an overview of the City’s proposed Water Efficient Landscaping Ordinance, which is scheduled for City Council approval on December 15. The workshop will be held at 6:00p.m. in the Sago Palm Room of the La Palma Community Center, 7821 Walker Street, La Palma. 

Governor Schwarzenegger signed a new water conservation law in November that aims to reduce the State’s urban water usage by 20% before 2020. Public Works Director/City Engineer Jeff Moneda said, “Education on water conservation is important if the community is going to meet the statewide reduction goal.” For more information about the workshop, please visit www.cityoflapalma.org or contact the Public Works Department at (714) 690-3310. 

La Palma Days - Parade, Food, Music, Crafts - Nov 14

The City of La Palma will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of La Palma Days on Saturday, November 14, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Central Park, 7821 Walker Street. The volunteer La Palma Days Coordinating Committee has been working diligently to provide the La Palma community with an event to remember. The Band Review starts at 9:45 a.m. with the community parade beginning at 10:00 a.m. Special guests joining the parade this year are the 1st Marine Division Band from Camp Pendleton. Representatives from La Palma’s Sister City, Hanam, South Korea, will be on hand at the community festival following the parade to provide information and answer questions about their community. 

On Saturday, November 14, over 130 units, including Honorary Grand Marshal Mickey Mouse, marching bands, dignitaries, schools, organizations, and community groups, will march down Walker Street in the annual La Palma Days Parade and Band Review. Considered one of Southern California’s premiere events, the Band Review will feature 30 high school and junior high school bands competing for top honors. 

La Palma Needs 2 Development Commissioners and 3 Community Activities and Beautification Commissioners

La Palma has vacancies on both the Development and Community Activities and Beautification Committees.The role of the Development Committee is to review and evaluate plans for new construction in the City, and act as an advisory body to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission relies on the Development Committee’s expertise in ensuring that every project meets the high standards maintained throughout La Palma. The Development Committee meets every other month on the second Monday of the month, with special meetings conducted on an as-needed basis. Two vacancies with four-year terms will be created when the incumbents’ terms expire on December 31, 2009.   

The Community Activities and Beautification (CAB) Committee works with City staff to coordinate City special events including Memorial Day, Concerts in the Park, and the annual Holiday Tree Lighting event. CAB committee members also assist the City in planning the annual La Palma Days event. CAB members meet on the second Tuesday of each month from September to June. The CAB Committee will have three vacancies with four-year terms when the incumbents’ terms expire on December 31, 2009. 

Applications for all vacancies are available at City Hall and are due by October 30, 2009. If you have any questions or for further information, please visit the City’s website at www.cityoflapalma.org or contact the City Clerk’s office at (714) 690-3334. 

Orange County Sanitation District to Address Cost Recovery and Potential Chemical Shortages

The Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) treats the wastewater from the cities of La Habra, Brea, Fullerton, Anaheim, La Palma, Buena Park, Los Alamitos, Stanton, Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, Westminster, Garden Grove, Cypress, Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Orange, Villa Park, Tustin Placentia, Yorba Linda and Irvine.  OCSD is the agency responsible for maintaing the outfall pipes offshore. and is the third largest wastewater agency west of the Mississippi River.

OCSD is working on an update to the strategic plan to address the potential shortage of chemicals and getting better cost recovery from other agencies.  Both of these issues are key to the successful future operation of the District.

A reliable supply of quality chemicals is a requirement of operating a wastewater treatment facility.  Chemicals are used to mitigate odors, enhance settling of solids, reduce bacteria formation, and disinfect then dechlorinate the effluent prior to discharge.  

La Palma Days Sliver Anniversary

La Palma Days will have their 25th Anniversary, a Silver Anniversary, this year, and La Palma is celebrating!

On October 20, 2009, La Palma City Council will recognize the volunteers who have made La Palma Days happened.  The reception at City Hall, 7822 Walker St, La Palma is for all La Palma Days volunteers, current and former, and former Miss La Palma's.  During the 7 PM meeting, City Council members will present the volunteers with awards.

The first La Palma Days was held in 1985,  was called International Days and commemorated the 30th anniversary of the incorporation of the City.

On Sunday, November 8, La Palma Days Silver Jubilee starts with the La Palma Pageant.  On Saturday, November 14, watch the parade, band review and join in the community festival.

For more information, contact La Palma Recreation and Community Services at 714-690-3350 or at www.cityoflapalma.org.

Fire Departments Have Open Houses This Weekend

National Fire Prevention Week is during October 5 thru October 10.  Visit a firehouse near you during this weekend during an Open House. These events are always a favorite with the kids because they get to meet firefighters, see the firetrucks close up, and learn what an important job firefighting is.  The firefighters also teach families and business owners how to protect themselves and their loved ones in the case of emergency.

All events are on Saturday, October 10, 2009 unless noted.

Aliso Viejo OCFA Station #57, 57 Journey from 9 AM to 2 PM.

Anaheim from 10 AM to 2 PM at:

Euclid Fire Station #6 - 1330 S Euclid

Stadium Fire Station #7 - 2222 E Ball Rd

Weir Canyon Fire Station - 8270 E Monte Vista

Twila Reid Fire Station - 3078 W Orange

Brea from 10 AM - 2 PM at Fire Station #2, park in downtown parking structure and walk across Brea Blvd using the signal at Ash St

Buena Park OCFA Station #61, 8081 Western Ave from 9 AM - 2 PM

Costa Mesa  from 10 AM to 2 PM at:

Station #1 - 2803 Royal Palm Drive

Station #2 - 800 Baker St

Station #3 - 1865 Park St

Station #4 - 2300 Placentia Ave

Station #5 - 2450 Vanguard Way

Station #6 - 3350 Sakioka Dr

Cypress OCFA Station #17 - 4991 Cerritos Ave from 9 AM - 2 PM

Dana Point OCFA Fire Station #30 - 23831 Stonehill Dr from 9 AM - 2 PM

La Palma Building Permit Fee Holiday

La Palma homeowners - this is for you.  La Palma is waiving all City permit fees - building, planning, and public works - for remodels, additions and improvements to existing single family homes.  This is good opportunity to install new windows, a tankless water heater or add solar panels. You can get rebates and loans on these energy saving products and the La Palma fees are waived.

A homeowner adding a 360 square foot maser bedroom and bath addition could save up to $1647 in plan check and permit fees.  The program is scheduled to run thru June 30, 2010.  All fee waivers are first come, first served until the money for the program, $50,000, is used. Only La Palma permit fees are waived - some projects may require fees or permits from other agencies which are not waived under this program.

"Even in these difficult economic times, we have a large budget surplus due to prudent financial management.  The Permit Fee Holiday Program is an excellent way to return our resident's money and encourage home improvement that may lead to higher property values in La Palma," said Mayor Mark Waldman. 

For more information, contact the Community Development Department at 714-690-3340.

OC Register 2nd Worst Person in the World for Sports Column Mocking Jaycee Dugard's Captivity and Rape

Here is the original post by Mark Whicker. This never should have been printed, never. Baseball is more important than the kidnap, rape and years long captivity of a child. Whicker should resign or be fired.  And the Hoile family wonders why people don't want to read their paper?

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

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September 19 is Coastal and Inner-Coastal Watershed Clean-Up Day

Saturday, September 19, is the statewide Coastal Cleanup and the 13th Annual Inner Coastal and Watershed Cleanup Day. Many cities, agencies and organizations participate in this yearly event to build awareness of how trash and debris clog our local creeks, beaches, ponds and watersheds.

Local organizers for the event include the Ocean Conservancy and Trails4All.  Trails4All has a list of clean-up activities on the website.  Sign up thru your city or the OC Parks and Recreation department.

Local cities and areas participating in include Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Black Star Canyon, Brea, Buena Park, Canyon View Park,  Costa Mesa, Dana Paoint, Fullerton, Glenwood/Glenbrook Park,  Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Hill, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, La Habra, Lake Forest, La Palma,Long Beach, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, O'Neill Regional Park, Orange, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Silverado-Modjeska Canyon, Trabuco Canyon, Westminster, Yorba Linda, Yorba Regional Park.  

Keeping trash and litter out of the water makes the areas more user friendly and saves the lives of animals. Many animals die each year after consuming trash which they think is food. Take a few hours on Saturday, September 19 and help clean up Orange County beaches, creeks, parks, and canyons.