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Interesting scene seen around the city
Jim Drummond - Political Perspectives
Yorba Linda Star - November 10, 2005 - Viewpoints
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Yorba Linda’s civic life is always
interesting. Let’s take a look at the current scene:
DÉJÀ VU AGAIN –A
couple recent City Council meetings are reminiscent of sessions
during the turbulent 1990s. Of course, council members aren’t
calling each other names these days but some have singled out
specific audience members for negative criticism.
Mayor Keri Wilson tries to keep meetings
on a business-like level, but it’s difficult to rein
in the public after some of her council colleagues excoriate
individual speakers.
The council has a sensible policy — “the
Mayor may ask that speakers refrain from engaging in personal
attacks, name-calling or (campaigning) on any election issue” — which
Wilson should consistently enforce for both the public and
council members.
TAKING LAND — Some
Orange County cities, including Anaheim and Placentia, have
adopted policies or laws that prevent their Redevelopment
Agencies from using eminent domain to take private property to sell
to other private parties for development purposes.
Similar action by Yorba Linda’s
governing body would renew faith in the current council and
build a wider base of community support for the Town Center
redevelopment project.
SPEAKING OUT — Two
1990s council allies and longtime low-density advocates have
taken different positions on the controversial Right-to-Vote
initiative on the June ballot.
Former three-term Councilman Mark Schwing,
who has attended most council meetings since leaving office
in 2000, signed the initiative petition. At the Oct. 4 meeting,
he spoke eloquently about citizens using the initiative process
to guide council members back to the city’s low-density,
semi-rural heritage.
Former seven-term Councilman Hank Wedaa,
who didn’t sign the petition, says he understands citizen
concerns but opposes “government by initiative.” He
maintains council members should be allowed to do their jobs
for four years and, if voters are unhappy with their decisions,
removed during the regular election cycle.
MASSAGE LAW — Approximately
10 to 15 violations have been discovered at the city’s
various massage establishments since the council approved strict
regulations two years ago.
“The majority of these were for
ordinance violations such as no visible permit, no proper business
license and inappropriate touching of patrons, that did not
reach the level of penal code violations for prostitution,” according
to Brea police Sgt. Darrin Devereux.
“We respond to specific complaints
and spot check the … establishments with surprise
inspections. The inspections are random with no set schedule,” Devereux
commented.
No prostitution or solicitation arrests
have been made since last year’s incident at a now-defunct
Main Street massage parlor, Devereux noted.
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