Talega News

CUSD Recall Election

2006-10-11T13:52:00.000-07:00

The following is a Blogjack from Talega resident, parent, attorney and long-suffering NY Jets fan Mike Winsten -

I hope you don't mind me contacting you this way. I am writing because you live in the Capistrano Unified School District, and for the first time ever, I am reaching out to support candidates in a local race for public office.

As you may be aware, I'm proud to be at the forefront of the fight to reform the Capistrano Unified School District, for oh so many reasons. I am writing to request that you strongly consider voting for challengers Ellen Addonizio, Anna Bryson and Larry Christensen for the 3 CUSD Trustee seats up for re-election on November 6, 2006. An informative campaign flyer is attached.

One notable example of why CUSD needs new leadership is that the current Trustees are spending $52,000,000 dollars on a lavish new administration building for themselves, while they leave teachers and students in unsafe and unsanitary portable classrooms. This is wrong.

In San Clemente, my neighborhood is lucky enough to have our very own Vista Del Mar Elementary and Middle Schools, yet in only their 3rd year of operation last year, they hauled in 4 refurbished portable classrooms, and several more are coming next month.

The current CUSD Board of Trustees fails at long range planning, and at every fiscal and planning activity they undertake. The test scores in CUSD are strong only because of the efforts of the onsite principals, the dedicated teachers and the hand on involvement of the parents, not because of this Board of Trustees, who are, for the most part, are uninvolved, uneducated, lacking in sophistication, and most disturbing, lacking in basic ethics and morals. They have been caught blatantly violating the laws requiring open board meetings. They are building a new high school in San Juan Capistrano at the outrageous price of $130 Million, and voted to bus the children of Talega - including my children - to this new high school when the La Pata Extension is based, even though it is going to be twice the distance as compared to the distance from Talega to San Clemente High School, and even though the La Pata Extension is going to be built right through the operating county garbage dump!

The District Attorney recently served search warrants based on information provided by my CUSD Recall Committee into the systemic misappropriation of funds and corrupt business practices that permeate the recent history of CUSD. We are anxiously awaiting the outcome of an ongoing Grand Jury investigation.

To put it bluntly, and not at all diplomatically, the CUSD Trustees have been repeatedly caught lying to their constituents, and they are undeserving of our trust. You can learn more at www.cusdrecall.com or at http://www.ocregister.com/education/cusd_trouble_wide.php - the link to the Orange County Register's compilation of its investigative stories about CUSD.

There are 3 (out of 7) CUSD Board of Trustee seats up for re-election on November 6th. One incumbent is retiring after 18 years of screwing up CUSD and 2 other long time incumbents are running for reelection. They are undeserving of another day in office, and certainly not another 4 year term. Thankfully, we have a wonderful slate of three candidates running in this November's election.

“Reforming CUSD: Easy as ABC”
Addonizio Bryson & Christensen
(The ABC Reform Slate)

Our candidates are endorsed by the Orange County Republican Party, the local teachers union, and many of our most influential elected officials. Ellen Addonizio is a CPA. Larry Christensen has owned and operated a civil engineering firm for 30 years. Anna Bryson is a serial entrepreneur who is the former treasurer of the California Republican Party, she speaks 4 languages, and brings a wealth of experience and influence to a tough job. Most importantly, they are committed to restoring openness, accountability and integrity to our school district. Please see the attached flyer for a list of some of those key endorsements and visit our website at www.ReformCUSD.com to learn more about these candidates and the very important issues that require our intervention as parents, taxpayers and voters.

If you want to meet these candidates to learn more about why they are the best choice for our school district, please let me know and I'll let you know about upcoming "meet and greet" events.

Thanks,

Mike

For more information, including a copy of the CUSD Recall election flyer, send an email to cusdrecall@yahoo.com.

Village Center - Updated Tenant List

2006-09-14T11:39:00.000-07:00

In case you have not been by lately, rough grading is complete and the site is fenced. Expect foundations within 60 days and, hopefully, some vertical activity by the end of the year.

Several tenants are now confirmed in the TVC -

Ralphs Fresh Fare
Wells Fargo Bank
Panera Bread
Peet's Coffee
Juice It Up
Aveda Hair Salon
Paper Annex
Fitness Together Gym
Wild's Animal Supplies
Verizon
Unnamed high end women's boutique/jeweler
Unnamed dry cleaner
Unnamed barber shop

Also on the horizon is an Italian restaurant and another sit down restaurant (or two).

Possible additional tenants include an ice cream parlor, a surf shop, a bicycle shop, an art gallery, an optometrist and a home décor store.

Thoughts, input, suggestions?

Talega Practice Center

2006-09-08T11:44:00.000-07:00

After 3 years . . . THERE IS GRASS GROWING ON THE FUTURE DRIVING RANGE!

Here's to the opening of the Talega Golf Club Practice Center - coming July, 2008.

--Still Bitter in SC.

Judge in CUSD Lawsuit Splits the Baby

2006-09-07T14:08:00.000-07:00

The judge in the Prop 209 suit against the CUSD determined that the District's policy is acceptable, but that its application of that policy to Talega's school kids was improper.

More info here.

Editorials on the situation can be found here and here.

Trial is set for October, although it seems clear that the judge has already decided that CUSD acted improperly. What remains undecided, however, is how the Court will address the situation. Stay tuned.

CUSD Lawsuit Set For Hearing

2006-08-09T09:24:00.000-07:00

Talega resident, attorney and all-around great guy Mike Winsten is getting his day in court.

On behalf of all Talega residents, he sued the Capistrano Unified School District claiming that their plan to bus high school age Talega residents to SJC (rather than allow them to attend San Clemente High School) is in violation of Prop 209.

More info here, here, here and here.

you can read the complaint for yourself here.

My prior post on the issue is here.

Good luck, Mike!

Do You Know the Way to San'O, Eh?

2006-07-21T10:43:00.000-07:00

Fellow blogger -- and SC resident -- NeoN has an amazing blog covering all sorts of interesting stuff.

You can find it here.

This just in . . .

2006-07-20T10:51:00.000-07:00

Nothing is happening with the purported driving range. They are still just pushing piles of dirt around.

Stay tuned for more non-information.

Talega Residents and the La Pata Extension

2006-05-31T11:47:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, the EIR for the La Pata extension is currently underway. As you may not know, those who live in the northeastern portion of Talega have great concerns over how it is been conducted.

The EIR contains two proposed alignments - the "Project" alignment (running close to Talega) and the "Alternative" alignment (running closer to Forster Ranch). Those who live in the Talega communities of Escala, Sansol and Mirador are concerned that the location of the Project alignment -- which is currently the preferred alignment -- is mere feet from their homes.

If you are concerned, or just want more information, please check out this website. The website is still under construction, but should include information, including how you can get involved, soon.

Puttin' & Chippin' or Just Pickin' & Grinnin'?

2006-05-30T16:28:00.000-07:00

Allegedly, work has begun on the Talega driving range.

Allegedly.

I'll believe it when I see something more than the same piles of dirt being pushed around the same area, as has been going on for over two years now.

Feh.

-Bitter in San Clemente.

p.s. - for those who do not know, the alleged driving range will allegedly be located south of the AVH bridge, to the west of the TVC. Allegedly.

Ladies And Germs . . .

2006-05-02T21:18:00.000-07:00

We have a Village Center!

Tonight, the City Council unanimously approved plans for the 100,000 plus square foot Talega Village Center retail component that many of us in San Clemente have been awaiting for nearly three years.

Fingers crossed, ground will break soon and shops will open within a year. Keep checking in for tenant updates.

With this issue nearly behind us, your humble blogger will have little left to do except fret over Marblehead Coastal and the La Pata/AVH Park. . . . So happy . . . yet left with a slightly empty feeling inside. . .

In all seriousness, congrats to everyone involved. This project is a great example of quality responsible (and responsive) development by the City and the developer.

Unanimous Approval For Talega Village Center Plans!

2006-04-06T09:35:00.000-07:00

Last night, our Planning Commission voted 7-0 to approve the plans for the TVC.

Next stop - City Council.

Details to follow

Talega Village Center Update BLOCKBUSTER - And A Call To Arms

2006-03-28T21:07:00.000-08:00

Tonight, the developer of the TVC, Hopkins Real Estate Group, held a meet-n-greet at the Talega Swim Club. The session lasted nearly two hours and included a detailed presentation of the site plan and architecture (which is beautifully designed thanks to KKE Architects with guidance from Nagel Planning + Design and input from Hahn Partners, Inc.). Let me tell you, if this thing gets built as conceived, all San Clemente residents will have a wonderful new place to dine, shop and hang out. Also, the Center has been designed in an effort to minimize traffic, light and noise impacts on nearby residents (including your humble blogger).

Anywho, three main points -

First, the prior dispute over signage appears to be on its way to resolution: The new plans call for a single additional signage monument carrying a subdued Fresh Fare logo that should blend in nicely with the other monuments in our community. If you want to know about this issue, visit City Hall and take a look at the plans for yourself. Alternatively, an e-mail to KKE or Hopkins may get you more info.

Second, the TVC goes before the planning commission for approval on April 5, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. San Clemente residents are urged to attend the meeting and voice their opinions of the project. If you cannot attend, please send a letter to -- or e-mail -- the planning commission and be heard.

Third -- the anticipated tenants! The anchor, as first posted here last August, is Ralph's Fresh Fare; kind of a cross between a Gelsons/Bristol Farms and Ralphs. It will include a deli, florist and a walk-up pharmacy. Also anticipated to come on board are Peets Coffee & Tea, Panera Bread, Wells Fargo, a few high end women's clothing stores, a children's clothing store, a high end pet store (William and Maddie will be psyched), a day spa, a stationary store and a few personal grooming spots (no nail salons, thankfully). As far as food goes, mum is still the official word, but expect two upscale sit-down spots with inside and outside seating and full bars. Also, look for a possible sushi restaurant and a cafe for lunch.

If all goes according to plan, construction should begin within six months and the first stores could open by Spring 2007. That gives me a year to buy a skateboard so that I can roll downhill to bed after a night at the martini bar. . .

Thoughts? Comments? Concerns?

There's a New Kid In Town

2006-03-23T14:56:00.000-08:00

Today, our little beach town got a little bigger - it now has a permanent presence on the internet!

If you want the scoop on where to go and what to do in town, go to www.esanclemente.com. Since the reviews and content are partially contingent on visitor input, you can bet that it will stay up to date and accurate.

While you are there, don't miss the beautiful photo tour.

Truly a killer site.

CET

New City Hall in Talega?

2006-03-23T10:10:00.000-08:00

Our local government has outgrown its space. As a result, the City Council is looking into moving to, or building, a new location. All signs pointed to moving City Hall to a space on Calle Negocio in R.S.C. - until last night.

Now, the City Council is investigating moving City Hall to the corner of La Pata and Vista Hermosa, next to the brand new fire station.

Your humble blogger wonders aloud - if the new City Hall goes in there, where will they put the Chilis/Islands/Mimis/Other family-oriented casual restaurant that we so desperately need in our 'hood?? The cost to the City to use this prime space for City Hall goes beyond development costs; it will result in thousands and thousands of dollars of lost tax revenue (which could be used to build the adjacent park) if the land is not converted to retail or service use. Hopefully, the Powers That Be will consider this fact in their analysis.

Brothers . . . Living Together. . . Can You Dig It?!??!

2006-03-17T09:41:00.000-08:00

Turns out, SC has another blogger.

Check out esanclemente here for more local goodness.

CET

Toll Road APPROVED

2006-02-24T20:31:00.000-08:00

All we need now is $875 BILLION (Wha?!??!) and no lawsuits.

More here.

Someone please explain to me how this road will destroy surfing and endangered species. I am willing to listen, but just don't get it.

Curses! Foiled Again!!

2006-02-24T20:24:00.000-08:00

Due to a fight over signage, the Planning Commission's vote on the Talega Village Center has been delayed until April 5.

There is a chance that Ralph's Fresh Fare will pull out if the issue is not resolved; they are insisting on "Ralphs" signs that the Planning Commission feels are too much.

Your humble blogger tends to agree with the Commission - although Ralph's desire for more prominent signage is understandable in light of the off-the-beaten-path location of the Center, do Talega residents (who will account for at least 90% of the anchor tenant's business) REALLY need a constant reminder of which retailer is in the TVC? We'll know who it is and will be there on a regular basis.

If Ralph's pulls out, bring on Bristol Farms or Gelson's!

More details here.

Talega Village Center Public Hearing - 2/22/06

2006-02-11T07:12:00.000-08:00

The S.C. Planning Commission's public hearing for the TVC will take place next Wednesday, February 22, at 7:00 p.m. in City Council chambers located at 100 Avenida Presidio.

The submitted plans consist of 7 buildings and over 100,000 square feet of commercial space. If you want to inspect the plans before the hearing, call the CDD at 361-6100 and make arrangements to do so.

If all goes well, the plans will be approved by the City Council in late March and construction will be begin shortly thereafter.

New Dirt on La Pata Park and the Talega Village Center

2006-01-27T07:02:00.000-08:00

Last night, the City Council unanimously approved a deal with Talega Associates concerning dirt left over from grading efforts within Talega. It will be used to grade the park that is underway at the corner of La Pata and A.V.H.

Talega Associates saves transportation costs. The City avoids more traffic and noise on Avenida Vista Hermosa. The City saves about 2 months of development time and money. Sounds like a good deal.

Finally, it looks like the Talega Village Center plans could be approved as soon as March 21. Given that, with luck, we COULD see it open within the next 12 months. Stay tuned.

PANIC IN S.C.!!! South Orange County To Become Giant Speed Trap!

2006-01-21T08:22:00.000-08:00

Now that I have your attention, did you receive an e-mail warning that the CHP was going to be issuing thousands of extra speeding tickets in or around San Clemente over the next 30 days?

Did it come from a friend of a friend who knows someone in the CHP who has verified the information?

Are you worried? Troubled? Angry? Concerned?

Don't be.

You've been had.

Even More Delay for the Toll Road

2006-01-21T08:04:00.000-08:00

On January 19th, the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency put off voting on the future of the 241 extension until February 23. The California Resources Agency asked for the 30 day delay. The Sun Post News' report is here.

The TCA's site can be found here and a map of the toll road's alignment is here (in green).

Opposition to the project can be found here and here.

Could In-N-Out Be Back In? Or Out? Or In? Or. . .

2006-01-12T10:21:00.000-08:00

The saga continues.

Last night, the City Council held off on denying In-N-Out's plans for the Carrow's site on Pico. They did so to allow the chain to explore a sit-down only restaurant. Council members hoped that such a plan would avoid the expected traffic snarls that led to the current design's demise.

Details can be found here.

No In-N-Out. . . . For Now

2005-12-27T12:53:00.000-08:00

According to the Sun Post News, the City Council denied plans to convert the Carrows on Pico at the 5 into an In-N-Out Burger. Noise and potential traffic problems killed the deal.

Details can be found here.

How about putting one in at Marblehead Coastal?

Knoblock Wins Council Seat

2005-11-09T06:56:00.000-08:00

The L.A. times reports: "In San Clemente, voters had six candidates from which to choose to fill the seat held by Councilwoman Stephanie Dorey, who stepped down in July for medical reasons. Businessman Steve Knoblock won. He will serve out the term, which ends in November 2008."

More local results can be found here.

Results are not yet final.

Congrats to Steve. His practical approach to moving San Clemente forward while striving to retain its small beach town atmosphere should serve the City well.

Capo School District Recall Effort Advances

2005-11-09T06:48:00.000-08:00

The L.A. Times reports that the committee to recall the Trustees has gathered, and submitted, enough signatures to put the issue up for vote. (That said, the redistricting map graphic included in the print edition of the Times shows that Talega is still within the boundaries for SCHS. Sloppy drafting?)

Coverage can be found here (registration may be required).

The official recall site is here.

For those of you wondering what that monstrosity is that is being built on the north side of the 5 freeway just north of the Dana Point exit, it's the new administration building.