Friday, January 11, 2013

A Fun Time Ahead On Tuesday

HERE WE GO AGAIN...
Next Tuesday, January 15, 2013, the Costa Mesa City Council will meet at its regularly scheduled meeting - the final one of the month - at 6:00 p.m. in council chambers.  A closed session will precede it at 5:00.

AGENDA PENDING
This meeting promises to be short, but potentially very entertaining.  As I prepare to post this at 2:00 p.m. Friday the agenda has not yet been posted, but I got a sneak peek at it, so will whet your appetite for what's ahead. Agenda now available HERE.

COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
The big item on the agenda, HERE,  is the appointment of new Planning and Parks and Recreation commissioners.  Originally there were to be five (5) appointments, but now there are six (6) because Parks and Recreation Commissioner Dan Vozenilek resigned suddenly Thursday, creating four (4) slots open on the Parks and Recreation Commission.


PLANNING COMMISSION ROSTERS
The Planning Commission presently consists of the following individuals (the termination of their appointments is shown in parenthesis):
  • Colin McCarthy, Chair (Feb. 2013)
  • Sam Clark, Vice Chair (Feb. 2013)
  • Rob Dickson (Feb. 2015)
  • Ed Salcedo (Feb. 2015)
  • Jeff Mathews (Feb. 2015)  He's filling out the unexpired term of Jim  Fitzpatrick, who resigned last year.
This produces two (2) positions for the council to fill.
*APPLICANT RESUMES AVAILABLE HERE.


PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ROSTER
The Parks and Recreation Commission presently consists of the following individuals.
  • Kim Pederson (Feb. 2013)
  • Dean Abernathy (Feb. 2015)
  • Vacant (Feb. 2015) - Ethan Temianka's position, who resigned following his election to the Mesa Consolidated Water District Board in November.
  • Vacant (Feb. 2013) - Jeff Mathews position, who was appointed to the Planning Commission
  • Vacant (Feb. 2015) - Dan Vozenilek position.  He resigned Thursday.
This produces four (4) positions for the council to fill.

*APPLICANT RESUMES AVAILABLE HERE.

ROSTER OF APPLICANTS
Here's the roster of applicants for the positions on both the Planning and Parks and Recreation Commissions.  Three people, Byron de Arakal, Devin Lucas and Tim Sesler,  have applied for a seat on both commissions and are noted by the asterisk (*) beside their names. (click on the image to enlarge)
FITZPATRICK GIVES THE AG "THE FINGER"
There are so many potentially interesting stories in this roster of folks, but the only place to begin is with the re-emergence of Jim Fitzpatrick as a candidate for a Planning Commission seat.  Anyone following Costa Mesa politics lately know most of the story of Fitzpatrick thumbing his nose at solid legal opinion and holding seats on both the Planning Commission and the Costa Mesa Sanitary District Board of Directors.  It has been reported that he was advised by lawyers that he was forbidden to hold both seats simultaneously.  Eventually, the middle of last year and following legal action initiated by the remaining four members of the Sanitary District Board, he resigned from the Planning Commission.  The legal action remains and the State Attorney General, Kamala Harris, recently advised the Sanitary District that the lawsuit could continue.

ARROGANCE AND/OR STUPIDITY
And yet, here we are, with Fitzpatrick effectively giving the Attorney General the finger by re-applying for the Planning Commission seat!  One can only assume that he intends to resign from the Sanitary District Board - or else he's willing to go through with the legal action and potentially lose all he owns to legal fees.  I'm trying to figure out whether he's getting bad legal advice or is just plain stupid.  Could be a little of both.

WILL THE COUNCIL COMPOUND THE PROBLEM?
So, the question then is whether the council majority will re-appoint Fitzpatrick knowing all the drama that surrounds him in this matter.  Of course, Fitzpatrick could resolve the issue by resigning from the Sanitary District Board BEFORE the appointment process on Tuesday.  Stay tuned!

WILL THE COUNCIL OUST CLARK AND/OR MC CARTHY?
Under more normal circumstances the top question here would be whether the council is willing to dump either Sam Clark or Colin McCarthy - or both - from the Planning Commission.  Clark has been a loyal GOP foot soldier and has not done a bad job on the commission.  McCarthy managed to irritate a lot of people around town during his failed City Council campaign last year, so I'm wondering if they will cast him aside.

KRUPP IS BACK
The roster of applicants has other provocative names on it.  Marshall Krupp, for example, became the invisible man once he terminated his campaign last fall.  His background includes significant planning-related experience.

ELEANOR EGAN IS BACK, TOO
Long time activist and former city employee, Eleanor Egan has directly related experience, having been a member of the Planning Commission in the recent past.  She served with distinction during her tour and was always a voice of reason on the commission.

STEVE SMITH?  REALLY?
Columnist Steve Smith is on the list.  That's interesting, since he has zero background for this kind of an assignment.

BYRON'S BACK, TOO
Byron de Arakal applied for either commission, has been on the Parks and Recreation Commission in the past - including a tour as Chairman - and did a great job.

YOUNG LAWYERS
Two recently-active young lawyers, Devin Lucas and Tim Sesler, have applied for both, too.  Personally, it might be fun to have them on the Parks and Recreation Commission.  Sesler has proven to be pretty thin-skinned when it comes to criticism of his views as expressed in commentaries in the local media and in the comment threads online.

MORE THAN A ONE-TRICK PONY
Sue Lester applied for the Planning Commission.  She has demonstrated that she's far from being the one-trick pony most assumed she would be when she became active in local issues primarily to protect her business.  She has become a tireless activist on a variety of issues and is currently on the 60th Anniversary Planning Committee.

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST, TOO
Other items on the agenda include the re-naming and re-tasking of the Investment Oversight Committee, HERE,  and Mayor Jim Righeimer's appointments to the Conference and Visitor's Bureau Board, the Transportation Corridor Agency and the Orange County Vector Control District, HERE. At this point the agenda is not posted on the City web site.  When that occurs the applications for all the individuals will be available online for our review.  I'll comment more at that time.

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26 Comments:

Anonymous Mike said...

Sesler has certainly kissed Boss Hogg's ring... sounds like he's a slam dunk. Yuck.

1/11/2013 02:57:00 PM  
Blogger Mike H. said...

Yawn. So boring and predictable.

Clark and McCarthy will go back to Planning.

de Arakal, Sesler, Pedersen, and Devin Lucas go to Parks.

1/11/2013 07:11:00 PM  
Anonymous crow hunter said...

mike may be correct but i think it will be a slight change from his lineup: clark not reappointed and fitz appointed to planning.

1/12/2013 06:56:00 AM  
Anonymous Boy Band said...

We simply added up the pro-Righeimer comments under Daily Pilot stories for the last 90 days. Sesler and Lucas had the most. Therefore they will be appointed.

1/12/2013 07:00:00 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Skimming the resumes Lucas would be a decent add. Most of the applicants cited their "planning" experience and not their philosophies. Maybe i should have pout in my name, thought there were more candidates that could spell out a better vision.

Don't our city staff review and do all the technical/legal work? A commission appointment is a political one, not a "senior planner" position. Dare I say our Secretary of Defense is not necessarily a combat fighter, or in the case of the current one, not the best combat fighter of all.

"Dare i say" that McCarthy has a good plan outlined in his application.

1/12/2013 07:06:00 AM  
Anonymous sk said...

All I can say is Fitzpatrick is unbelievable to apply for planning commission while sitting on the sanitary board. I think his ego is so big he has to keep stirring up issues so he is in the lime light, this does provide free marketing and marketing (most of the time it is false advertising) is what Fitzpatrick is all about.

1/12/2013 07:57:00 AM  
Anonymous Eileen Truxton said...

Not so fast, Mike H. Steve Smith could be the dark horse. After all, he did have coffee with Mensinger. And who can forget his plan for us all to vote for the charter, as the only way to see if it works? Then, he thoughfully scribbled together his application and faxed it from Bally's-Las Vegas. Seems like a natural fit with the Council majority.

1/12/2013 08:27:00 AM  
Anonymous Rub The Ribs said...

Mike H.-- what about Mr. Fitzpatrick? He seems like a shoe-in or has his time come to an end with this council and It's followers?

1/12/2013 09:26:00 AM  
Anonymous History Channel said...

Mathews made contributions and got a PC seat. Have Lucas and Sesler made any contributions?

Also, as attorneys, will Lucas and Sesler be making any special disclosures? i.e. Since he is counsel for AAA Insurance, we are concerned about whether Sesler will be lobbying for his employer.

1/12/2013 01:51:00 PM  
Anonymous Predetirmined outcome? said...

A lot of the applicants have just fallen all over themselves fawning on the current councilmen and supporting their policies. That is one of two required “qualifications”, the other a promise to vote the way the councilmen want whenever they need a predetermined outcome. Look for an attempt to make big changes during the General Plan review and update, and plans to mess up Fairview Park.

Byron did the obligatory one commentary. He has other real world qualifications, but in his DP commentary wrote the usual talking point charter misinformation. The charitable view would be because he didn’t do his own research, he relied on what he was told from other people who had been lying about it since day one. Just taking the word of others is not a good characteristic in a planning commissioner. They need to be able to verify what staff and the applicants are telling them is true. None of the current commissioners demonstrate much knowledge of the City’s Design Guidelines, Municipal or state code, or Costa Mesa General Plan. When reminded, they disregard them. Sam Clark occasionally bucks the majority and actually listens to residents and will take their side. He’s not a ball of fire, but he is the only one who seems to know or care about the Design Guidelines and codes and doesn’t automatically grant outrageous variances to anyone who asks, so he’s probably out. Salcedo shows signs of thinking for himself too, but his seat isn’t up.

1/12/2013 05:03:00 PM  
Anonymous Circus is still in town said...

Who sucked up the most. deArakal probably gets the nod for most impact. Smith the least. But Sessler gets the most times and Lucas was a recent suck-upper. Gee now they are all applying for a PC or Parks Appt. SHOCKER Huh?

Onething is for sure this council will only appoint suck-ups.

Clark is out as he didn't suck-up and even though he is a supporter and the best candidate of the bunch he gets dumped for deArakal or Fitzpatrick. McCarthy is a shoe-in. Weitzberg would be a fantastic choice but there is no way in hades because he is too much of a threat as it is to council. If Weitzberg runs again I think he wins a council seat.

So my top 2 candidates are not going to get it Clark and Weitzberg

Look to Sessler and Lucas getting Parks nods. Along with deArakal if they chose Fitzy for PC. How freaking funny is that!

What would that say further about this council if they actually appoint Fitzpatrick. The OCGOP and this council will look even more ridiculous than it has recently. And yes I am an OCGOP Republican conservative disgusted with my local and nat'l party like so many are.

1/12/2013 08:28:00 PM  
Anonymous Do your jobs. said...

Extremely telling... Daily Pilot has had pathetic journalists, reporters etc for a long time. Smith, Wu etc. inc.

The problem is not only most of them are pathetic but they don't do any homework or real reporting and basically have no clue. So they usually write whatever the council tells them about Costa Mesa and never check their facts and they do a terrible job of getting the other sides rebuttal or their take.

Bradley Zint should go back to music as he does a disservice to the community.

Could someone please tell Bradley that Kim Pederson is male and not female. Good reporting by the Pilot as usual.

Parks Commissioner Kim Pederson, whose term expires Feb. 1, has applied to keep her seat.

1/12/2013 08:41:00 PM  
Blogger Mike H. said...

I didn't pick Fitz for Planning because I thought it would put the AG's nose right on top of Our Dear Mayor's horn-rimmed glasses. If I'm logical about the whole thing, I would not think he would want that kind of proximity.

But, as Ms. Truxton has dutifully pointed out, I am likely overlooking some key details. Ha!

At least we all agree about Bradley Zint...

1/12/2013 10:06:00 PM  
Anonymous watchers anonymous said...

Predetermined Outcome, Lot of us disgusted republicans out here. Inside the the boyz club too, they just don't know who. I took the ? off your handle because there really is no question. There was a meeting. They'll do a little theater and make nicey so it's not too obvious. That is planned, so if it looks staged it’s not just your cynicism kicking in. However this is all about power and political and business connection advantage. these are petty men with personal agendas. I wish I could tell you otherwise, but can't honestly say so.

Nothing has changed, except Jim is getting deportment lessons from an elections coach. Smile more. Remeber to use eye muscles when you smile. Here's what to do to make it look and sound like you are sincere. Act repectful in public. Make certain only friends are around when you express your disdain and use foul language. Do what you wantbut tell people you are doing something else or doing it for other reasons. Cut out the public temper tantrums. Don’t yell where you can be overheard. Cut down on the rants, no one loves the sound of your voice as much as you do, etc. His poll #'s were down, they will check again in a couple months to see if it's working.

1/12/2013 10:55:00 PM  
Anonymous OCGOP forever said...

"sucking up" comments have not place here in this kinder, gentler year. How about "sharing the same philosophies"? Yes, it is possible that people with certain philosophies congregate with like minded people. Some may even write an op-ed supporting those who share philosophies. Especially if a bunch of frogs have written op-eds against their group. Why are the frogs not referred to as "suck ups"? Yes, this term is not terrible but it starts the animosity which will continue to grow. Learn some tolerance and allow people to have different viewpoints and the world will be a better place. Argue facts, don't resort to name calling and we may find some common ground. Did the OCGOP sneak into my brain and take me over? No, I found them because I admire their platform. If I write something good about them I am not sucking up, I am joining them in a philosophy. The Dems run the State. What is to admire about the job they have done?

1/13/2013 06:43:00 AM  
Blogger Gericault said...

Why do deArakal, Lucas, and Sesler, have asterisks on their names when you look at the list of applicants on the City's website?

http://www.costamesaca.gov/index.aspx?page=40&recordid=565

1/13/2013 07:51:00 AM  
Blogger The Pot Stirrer said...

OCGOP forever,
So, you criticize those who, in their opinion, think certain folks are "suck ups", then refer to others as "frogs"... double standard at work here.

Greg,
those three applied for both commissions, hence the asterisks - which are explained on the site.

1/13/2013 08:57:00 AM  
Anonymous Eileen Truxton said...

In all fairness, I loved Bradley Zint's description of Vector Control. "handles insects and rodents that spread disease and other discomforts to humans." Hell, even I would have chosen Mensinger.

1/13/2013 09:35:00 AM  
Blogger just wondering... said...

I agree with Circus: I'd like to see Clark and Weitzberg in office. They are highly qualified. So is Eleanor, but because she's a woman, she won't be allowed in. De Arakal appears to be capable of free thinking, albeit, not much in the homework area. I do believe Fitzpatrick would be a bad choice, as he would bring too much scutiny and problems to the mix, and as previously stated, I don't think the councilMEN want that type of scrutiny. Plus, even though he served before, he is not qualified to pick up poop. His appointment would be blatant cronyism. There are several more qualified applicants. Sesler, Smith and Lucas don't seem to have as much experience or background, but hey, when has that mattered?

1/13/2013 10:11:00 AM  
Anonymous Rib-it said...

OCOP forever, you show exactly what is going wrong with our party. First your chosen name is telling. It says loyalty to a group no matter. It shows you have no ability to think on your own. I guess if the OCGOP decided to kick out all Latinos your behind the OCGOP forever. I won't call you a suck up because I think intelligence and self thinking is what you lack and it's not based on disagreeing but on your own writing and logic.

The other clue you have no self thinking ability is the Frogs comment as possible suck ups. If you had any intelligence at all you would know that is Impossible as The Frogs as you refer to them were a total diverse group from different backgrounds and political philosophies who came together for the purpose of saving the city from what they perceived based on actions and history as a self destructing force of our city.

Suck up also often requires the person or entity being sucked up to to be in a position to payback the suckee which is usually the reason behind sucking up.

Plus did you even read any of the commentary from both sides. One side clearly included heavily stroking of each other, just read Smith, deArakal, Sessler and Lucas comments.
Then go read the Frogs commentaries. Most of their comments were about the situation, turmoil and what would happen if the charter passed and how one minded and disrespectful the past council was. The frogs chose their candidates by the way, if any sucking was done it was actually the opposite of your comment(Which again shows your lack of intelligence) and the only possible sucking up had would have to have been the candidates themselves not the Frog Group. It's so sad and actually scary how pathetically wrong you can be. I sure hope you are not one of the candidates but in likelihood you are either one of the candidates or Mensinger.

There is a great deal more as to why your comment of the Frogs being suck ups shows a lack of intelligence but you probably wouldn't understand it being in the state you are.

1/13/2013 12:21:00 PM  
Blogger Gericault said...

The Dems run the state.....thankfully.
Jerry Brown in a little over two years has turned a $26 Billion dollar deficit into a balanced budget with a small surplus.
What's to admire?......THAT!!!!
http://www.mercurynews.com/california-budget/ci_22351494/california-gov-jerry-brown-wins-praise-eliminating-budget

1/13/2013 02:53:00 PM  
Anonymous ocgop forever said...

pot stirrer: purposely used frogs and the double standard. this isn't gonna be one sided.

1/14/2013 07:46:00 AM  
Anonymous ocgopforever said...

I hit a nerve! this blog is going downhill into the gutter again. haha

1/14/2013 07:59:00 AM  
Anonymous Troll Tracker said...

ocgop forever wrote:
"pot stirrer: purposely used frogs and the double standard. this isn't gonna be one sided."

ocgopforever wrote:
"I hit a nerve! this blog is going downhill into the gutter again. haha"


Internet Troll

A person whose sole purpose in life is to seek out people to argue with on the internet over extremely trivial issues. Such arguments can happen on blogs, Facebook, Myspace and a host of others.
-Urban Dictionary



1/14/2013 09:36:00 AM  
Anonymous Reader said...

Geoff: What happened to your new program of moderation of nastiness? You allowed one person to call two others a "pathetic journalist," you allowed one person to state of another, "I think intelligence and self thinking is what you lack," and people are referred to as "suck ups." If you have a no nastiness policy, it is quite unique.

1/14/2013 03:09:00 PM  
Blogger The Pot Stirrer said...

Look, serious issues are discussed here, with folks on both sides expressing their views with passion. It's better than it was before because everyone is throttling back their venom. However, opinions about a person's skill set is still fair game. I will define where the line falls... it continues to be a work in progress.

I'm sorry if you're offended. If you want to read fairy tales please visit your local library. Or, watch the programming on the Disney Channel.

1/14/2013 03:14:00 PM  

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