I-405 Toll Lanes A "Dangerous, Slippery Slope"

KIM AND HARPER ANNOUNCE AB 1459
This morning - on a bright, sunny morning, in a parking lot on the haunches of the I-405 Freeway in Costa Mesa - Fullerton Assemblywoman Young Kim, Huntington Beach Assemblyman Matt Harper and several members of the 405 Freeway Cities Coalition held a press conference to announce the introduction of Assembly Bill 1459, co-authored by Kim and Harper.

 WOULD REQUIRE A 2/3 VOTE OF RESIDENTS
The bill, if passed, would hamstring the efforts of CalTrans to turn segments of major Orange County highways into toll roads by requiring a 2/3 vote of Orange County voters before ANY "toll facilities" could be constructed or implemented on any public highway in Orange County.  "Toll Facility" is described as, "a toll road, toll bridge, toll lane, or any other facility on a public highway within boundaries of the County of Orange for which a toll is to be charged, and includes the entire length of the portion of the public highway that is subject to the toll".  It also includes a high-occupancy toll lane.

MANY ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT
In addition to Kim and Harper, those present included Costa Mesa Rookie Mayor Steve Mensinger and Councilwoman Katrina Foley; Huntington Beach Mayor Jill Hardy; Westminster Councilwoman Diana Carey; Seal Beach Councilman Gary Miller; Fountain Valley Councilman Mark McCurdy and Rossmoor Community Services District Director Ron Casey.  There were also representatives of the Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA) present to observe.  It is the extension of the San Joaquin Toll Road that got this whole thing going in the first place.  Their organization will make a presentation at the Costa Mesa City Council meeting tonight.

THE MEDIA
The event was covered by ABC, NBC, PBS SoCal, Radio Station KFI, The Daily Pilot and a couple bloggers - Vern Nelson from The Orange Juice Blog and me.

HARPER LAUNCHED, THEN HANDED OFF TO CAREY
Harper kicked the event off by making introductions and a short speech.  He then handed the baton to Carey, who provided some background on this issue and emphasized the need for the proposed widening of the I-405 through the corridor cities - Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Westminster, Seal Beach and Los Alamitos - in which $1.3 billion of Measure M2 funds are proposed for this project.  She stressed the lanes should be FREE lanes, including any High Occupancy Lanes.

MILLER NEXT UP...
Next Miller, the Seal Beach councilman and member of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board, spoke.  He also stressed the need to NOT build Toll Lanes.

KIM CARRIED THE BALL

Next up was Young Kim, who described this attempt to hijack the freeway expansion for use as a toll facility as a "dangerous, slippery slope".  She said "We cannot allow Caltrans to force toll lanes down our throats."  She emphasized that it should be the decision of the residents of Orange County, not the state bureaucrats in Sacramento".  She stated that, "the Orange County Transportation Authority has twice voted to reject toll lanes of the I-405, yet Caltrans continues to try and march forward."  She painted a picture of such toll lanes being created throughout the state if this initiative by Caltrans is not successfully opposed.

NO VISIBLE STATEWIDE DEMOCRAT SUPPORT

I heard the speeches and agree with the idea, but worry about the ability of Kim and Harper to get this bill passed in a greedy, tax-oriented Democrat-dominated legislature.  For example, while there were local elected Democrats at this press conference, there were NO state-wide elected Democrats present.  This does not bode well for the possibility of this bill passing.  I hope they can convince some Democrats in the Assembly and/or the Senate to hop on board with this bill, or I fear it will follow the same path that most bills introduced by Republicans recently have taken - straight into the toilet.  I guess we'll see.  Stay tuned...

Greg Diamond Sets Us Straight, So To Speak...

CALM DOWN AND READ THIS...
OK, folks.  Greg Diamond over at the Orange Juice Blog provided us a little primer following the results of today's ballot tally.  Rather than attempt to do a feeble paraphrase of his comprehensive essay on why we probably shouldn't be getting our collective shorts in a wad yet, you can read his entire tome HERE.

NOW I UNDERSTAND!
Take a couple minutes to read his take on our numbers... perhaps you'll sleep a little better tonight and the rest of the week.

GRACIAS, AMIGO
Thanks to my friend, Greg, for this information.  In a week we'll know how right he was. 

Numbers

COMMENT PIQUED MY INTEREST
In a recent post another Costa Mesa-based blogger made mention that a site he follows is ranked high on scale provided by Alexa, so that got me thinking about my site and others around the area.

DECIDED TO TAKE A LOOK
Alexa, HERE, is a site that analyzes web sites - blogs and the like - and does a calculation to "rank" them both from a global standpoint and when comparing them to the countries in which they originate.

INTERESTING RESULTS
So, I did some research, slammed it into a little spread sheet and now present it for your viewing pleasure.  The information surprised me.  I listed these sites by "Global Rank" since some didn't have enough data to produce a number in the "United States Rank" column. The calculations were taken from the site today. 

(click on the image to enlarge it)

HAVE FUN WITH IT...
You'll see some familiar names on the list.  The top three shouldn't surprise you.  I was interested in how those of us further down the list compared - not that it means anything.  Enjoy...

OCTA Board Kicks The Can Down The (Toll) Road

"HOT" TIME AT THE OCTA BOARD MEETING

In what was reported to be another raucous meeting last Friday on the proposed plan to impose two High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes on the driving public on the I-405 from Costa Mesa to the Los Angeles County Line, the Orange County Transportation Board decided to defer a vote on the issue until their meeting on December 9th.

 (The dreaded Alternate #3)

TWO EXCELLENT REPORTS
I did not attend the meeting, but Nick Gerda of the Voice of OC provided an excellent report of the proceedings, HERE.  And, if you're looking for a report of the event with a little more "spice", try Vern Nelson's take on the meeting in his Orange Juice Blog entry, HERE.

RIGHEIMER RANTS
Both of the accounts mention comments by our mayor, Jim Righeimer, and quote other politicians, too.  Both are worth a read. 

STALLING FOR TIME...
I suspect the members of the OCTA Board who are inclined to vote to move forward with the HOT lane concept may think the December meeting - with holidays, not toll roads, in most of our minds - might make for a "kinder, gentler" meeting at which they could impose their will on us with fewer angry residents there to oppose them.  Righeimer as much as promised to "pack the place" on December 9th.

KEEPING THE PRESSURE ON...
So, the beat goes on and representatives of the corridor cities who oppose the HOT lane concept will keep the pressure on the Board.  And, we can also participate by going to the Costa Mesa web site, HERE, and write to each of the board members to express your views.

Dave Ellis Attacks Bob Ooten - Really?

OOTEN'S COMMENTARY
On March 30, 2013 Costa Mesa Sanitary District Director Bob Ooten published a commentary in the Daily Pilot, HERE, in which he defined his decision to forgo the stipend he would normally receive for his service on the board as a way to offset some of the costs the District incurred during their legal challenge to Jim Fitzpatrick's claim that he was entitled to hold a seat on the Board despite two separate legal opinions that holding that seat and one on the Costa Mesa Planning Commission formed a conflict.  You may recall that this fiasco went on for months before Fitzpatrick finally resigned his Sanitary District Board seat rather than continue the legal wrangling.

PIT BULL ATTACKS - WHY?
Over the weekend OC GOP uber-operative Dave Ellis penned a letter to the Daily Pilot that just dripped in sarcasm, challenging Ooten's sincerity in his earlier commentary.  You can read his contribution to the "Smart Ass Hall Of Fame" HERE.  I'm trying to figure out what would prompt Ellis, who is NOT a resident of Costa Mesa nor is a ratepayer of the Costa Mesa Sanitary District, to exercise his limited, but caustic, critical skills on a mild-mannered, sincere public servant like Bob Ooten.  I mean, what's his interest in this issue?  Does he have a dog in this fight?

OH, NOW I UNDERSTAND...
As I considered that question I realized that Ellis is a cohort of Buck Johns and Fitzpatrick has recently been shilling Johns' EB-5 visa plan to wealthy Newport-Mesa residents.  In fact, Fitzy's recent communication on the subject described Johns as a "Titan of Industry" - not a surprising description for a bootlicker like Fitzy to use for one of his benefactors.  For more on the Ellis/Johns relationship, just Google "Dave Ellis+Buck Johns".

JUST WHO IS DAVE ELLIS?
We need a little perspective here.  You need to know that Dave Ellis - who prefers me to refer to him as "David Ellis" - fancies himself a kingmaker locally.  He's presently a member of the 32nd Agricultural District Board of Directors - the Orange County Fair Board - and apparently was one of the major players behind that group's attempt to buy the Fairgrounds on the cheap a few years ago.  Following a long investigation by a group approved by the current Fair Board, that issue has been delivered to the Orange County District Attorney's office.

A PLAYER OF DIRTY TRICKS?
Ellis has also long been involved in local politics, representing many local politicians in their quest for office - including current Newport Beach councilwoman Leslie Daigle in her campaign when she was challenged by current Orange County Register columnist Barbara Venezia.  Venezia dropped out of the race when the Ellis-directed campaign began attacking her husband's business.

SOME READING MATERIAL FOR YOU...
Let me provide you with some interesting reference material about Dave Ellis.

On 11/28/2002 Anthony Pignataro authored a piece in the OCWeekly titled, "Backstabber (Ellis screws friends and enemies alike)", HERE.

In 2007 the Newport Beach Voices blog offered  an entry titled "King David Ellis of the Orange County Fair," HERE.

Early in March, 2011, Vern Nelson published an item on the Orange Juice Blog titled, "Who is Dave Ellis?  A Portrait of our Fair Board Chairman", HERE. 

In June of 2011 Chasen Marshall published an entry in the OCWeekly titled, "David Ellis Opens Up About the Fair Board Foundation, the Appraisal and His Reputation", HERE.

And, just a few days ago, InlandPolitics.com published an entry that includes references to Ellis titled, "DA Advisor Entangled In Second Political Prosecution", HERE.

OPINIONS, PLUS SOME FACTS...

I make no claim about the "facts" provided in any of those links, but they may give you a view of Dave Ellis and his modus operandi that might be helpful to you as you try to answer that question above: "What's his interest in this issue?"  I wondered, for example, whether Buck Johns has retained him to attack Ooten for his part in the challenge to Fitzy's position on the Sanitary District Board.  It's just a question that seems reasonable to ask under the current circumstances.

DON'T MESS WITH DAVE...
I can tell you one thing, though, from personal experience.  Don't let that smiling face, above, fool you - Dave Ellis is not a guy to trifle with.  I've found his sense of humor limited to only those clever comments he authors - like his attempt to pillory Ooten in his most recent public pronouncement.  He doesn't take kindly to criticism.

WAITING FOR HIS CALL...

History tells me that I will soon have a communication from Ellis, complaining about this entry and accusing me of trying to defame him - kind of like what he did to Ooten.  Of course, I've done nothing of the sort.  I've just provided information from my personal experience with him, an opinion of his attack on Ooten and links to information that will help you with some perspective on him.  He has my number...

Clock Is Ticking on I-405 Comments

GET CRACKING WITH THOSE COMMENTS
Although it seems like you've heard plenty about the I-405 Improvement Project, the clock is ticking for comments from the public to be submitted to the appropriate authority on this issue.  So, right at the top of this post I'm going to give you the proper addresses to which you may mail or email your comments.  The public comment portion of this project has been extended to July 17, 2012, which is right around the corner. 

Your written comments may be sent by mail to:
Smita Deshpande
Caltrans District 12
2201 Dupont Drive, Suite 200
Irvine, CA, 92612
       OR
email your comments to: 405.dedcomments.parsons@parsons.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Some have suggested providing copies to the local media - the Daily Pilot and the Orange County Register.  Personally, I don't recommend deluging them with all the comments and letters.  However, I DO suggest submitting relevant letters to the editor to each of those organizations.

MEETINGS
The Orange County Transportation Authority Regional Planning and Highways Committee will meet to discuss this project at its meeting on August 6th at OCTA Headquarters at 600 South Main Street, Orange, CA.  The full Board will make a decision of a "preferred" option at it's meeting on August 13th.  Here's information you should know about the venue if you plan to attend.  Plus, you may wish to carpool because it may cost you $11.25 for parking all day if the meeting stretches on.  As the meeting dates draw near you'll be able to find the actual agendas HERE. (Click on map to enlarge)

To summarize what's happening on this project..

OCTA PROJECT INFO
Traffic on the I-405 through Orange County is a major problem.  You can read all about it at the OCTA site HERE.  The decision has been made, based on public outcry, to NOT widen the right-of-way to enhance traffic flow.  Instead, four alternatives have been suggested.  The first one is a "no build" option, which means we will soon strangle on our own exhaust on the 405.
ALTERNATIVES #1 AND #2 CAUSE LESS CHAOS
The first viable choice - Alternative #1 - adds one general purpose lane each way between Euclid and the 605 interchange.

The second is Alternative #2, which adds two general purpose lanes through the same corridor.

These choices DO NOT require the removal and replacement of the Fairview Street bridge over the 405, although they DO require replacement of bridges further upstream on the project.

ALTERNATIVE #3 IS NOT SATISFACTORY FOR COSTA MESA
Alternative #3 is the one the OCTA is pushing because it adds one general purpose lane AND one High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lane to the existing carpool lane - both would be 'managed" together and WOULD require the demolishing and replacement of the Fairview Bridge.  In addition, this choice  - due to limited access to the lanes - creates major difficulties for Costa Mesa residents and visitors trying to reach our city through the major portals at Harbor Blvd., Fairview, Bristol and the SR55 Freeway.  OCTA prefers this choice because it produces income via the toll lanes, although they won't be pinned down as to the actual cost of driving in those lanes.  They use the fascinating term "congestion pricing", but won't give us numbers.  Basically, those who presently use the carpool lanes are out of luck unless they're willing to pay through the nose (transponder, that is).

ALTERNATIVE #3

OTHER VOICES...
Much has been written about this project on this site and elsewhere.  The Daily Pilot and the Orange County Register have done a good job of providing coverage.  Alternative media, like the Orange Juice Blog, has also done an excellent job of giving different views.  You can read some of the commentaries that have appeared on that site recently HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE.

OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONS
You can also read Mayor Eric Bever's recent angry commentary against Alternative #3 in the Daily Pilot HERE and a letter also appearing in the Daily Pilot a month ago by representatives of three homeowner's associations in the north part of town, HERE.

ADDITIONAL NEGATIVE IMPACTS
Additionally, there are some VERY significant impacts on a couple dozen homes that abut the freeway right-of-way.  Some, our neighbors on Nevada Street for example, may end up with a 20+ foot high sound wall just a few feet from their homes.  The City is trying to work with OCTA and CalTrans on possible mitigation measures for them.
NOW'S THE TIME....
Alternative #3 - the only issue I've seen in a dozen years of paying attention that has galvanized much of the community and the City Council in a common goal - will NOT provide ANY benefits to Costa Mesa and will cause significant inconvenience and turmoil for a very large part of our populace.  The folks making the decisions need to hear from us all about this.  The City Council has already sent a resolution to them opposing Alternative #3.  Now it's time for us to do our part and send those messages immediately.  Recommend that Alternative #2 is the proper choice.

 ALTERNATIVE #2

Kelly Thomas Death (Proceed With Caution)

I'M PRO-LAW ENFORCEMENT
Let me say right up front and un-apologetically that I'm a big supporter of law enforcement. I understand and admire the hard work they do to keep us safe.   I personally know many police officers - my best friend since we were five years old was with the Los Angeles Police Department for 31 years before retiring.  Through him I know many officers from many jurisdictions.  I consider many current and former members of the Costa Mesa Police Department as friends.  Former LAPD chief Daryl Gates was a friend.  Heck, I went to high school with Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca.  

KELLY THOMAS' DEATH
That being said, the incident in Fullerton nearly a year ago that took the life of Kelly Thomas, a homeless man, has caused me much distress.

 VIEW WITH CAUTION
The trial of two Fullerton police officers began this week and the tapes of the event are now available for viewing.  Let me tell you, watching them is VERY painful.  I'm providing these tapes for you to watch if you choose to do so.  I suggest that you NOT permit children to see these tapes - they are much, much too powerful.

ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER REPORT
There have been many things written and said about this incident.  I've tried to stay abreast of the news as it occurred.  I've read most of the local things - newspaper articles, blog posts, etc - and heard local radio commentators rant about this case.  You can read a recent Orange County Register story HERE.  It also includes a link to a short video of the event.  It has a slide show of still images, too.

TWO LOCAL VOICES
You can read Greg Diamond's piece in the Orange Juice Blog HERE.  He includes a link to the longer, un-edited version of the tape.  And, you can read a piece from the Voice of OC HERE.

VERY TROUBLING
This is a very troubling event and, as you watch the tape, you'll probably come away feeling the same way.  It may cause some of you to unfairly indict ALL police officers and to make you distrust them.  That's a shame.

 

 












MAJOR CHANGES IN FULLERTON
This event has long tentacles.  It may cost three Fullerton City Council members their positions - a recall effort is in progress.  One of those men was the former Police Chief for Fullerton before he ran for City Council.

THE COMPRESSED TAPE
Here is the short, almost 9 minute, tape.  This one has better audio clarity, but compresses events and, in my opinion, distorts it a little.  It will certainly evoke emotion from anyone viewing it.
 
THE LONGER, MORE PAINFUL TAPE
This tape is the longer, 33 minute unedited version.  The audio is a little more difficult to hear in the beginning but watching this through to the end will tear your heart out.  You watch Kelly Thomas, handcuffed and incapacitated, on the ground surrounded by at least a half-dozen officers as the blood pool from his wounds grows.  You'll hear the firefighters/paramedics express concern about placing him on a gurney on his back for fear that he would aspirate his own blood.  Again, this should not be viewed casually.  You will not forget the images once you see them.  The sound of Thomas crying out for his father while being subdued is going to ring in my head for a long, long time.







CHANGE WILL HAPPEN
I don't know what the outcome of the trial will be.  I do know that this event has caused huge changes in Fullerton and will likely cause other municipalities and police organizations to more carefully assess their policies.