HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/11/2009 PSAC Reports
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CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISO~Y COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
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AGENDA"
MIKE NORKIN, CHAIRMAN
DR. SHAWN BHUTTA, VICE-CHAIRMAN
NICOLE DAILEY, COMMISSIONER
AL LYONS, COMMISSIONER
DENNIS "JAY" STEWART, COMMISSIONER
ROBERT BRADY, CITY MANAGER
WWW.LAKE.ELSINORE.ORG
(951) 674.3124 PHONE
(951) 674.2392 FAX
LAKE ELSINORE CULTURAL CENTER
183 NORTH MAIN STREET
LAKE ELSINORE, CA 92530
,
FEBRUARY 11 'I 2009
6:00 PM !
The City of Lake Elsinore appreciates your attendance. Public participation provides the
Commission with valuable information regarding issues of the community.
Regular meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of every month.
If you are attending this Public Safety Advisory Cbmmission Meeting, please park in the
Parking Lot across the street from the Cultural Center. This will assist us in limiting the
impact of meetings on the Downtown Business District. Thank you for your cooperation.
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The agenda is posted 72 hours prior to eachmeetihg outside of City Hall and is available at
each meeting. The agenda and related reports are also available at the City Clerk's Office
on the Friday prior to the Commission meeting an'(j are available on the City's web site at
www.lake-elsinore.orQ. Any writings distributed within 72 hours ofthe meeting will be made
available to the public at the time it is distributed to:,the Public Safety Advisory Commission.
In' compliance with the Americans with Disabilitie's Act, any person with a disability who
requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in a meeting should
contact the City Clerk's Office at (951) 674-3124', ext. 261 at least 48 hours before the
meeting to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility.
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
PUBLIC COMMENTS 'I
(Any person wishing to address the Public Safety Advisory Commission on any matter
must complete a request form prior to commencernent of the meeting. Comments limited
to 3 minutes.) I
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
(All matters on the Consent Calendar are approved in one motion, unless a Commissioner
or any member of the public requests separate action on a specific action.)
1. Minutes of the January 14. 2009 ReQular Public Safety Advisory Commission
Recommendation: Approve PSAC minutes of January 14. 2009
BUSINESS ITEMS
2. Update on public outreach 'Town Hall' meetinQ plan for 2009
Recommendation: Discuss public outreach plan and set proposed event date(s)
3. Goals and Obiectives for year 2009
Recommendation: Discuss and update Goals and Objectives from prior year for
proposed 2009 PSAC Goals and Objectives joint study session with City Council
PUBLIC SAFETY SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
CITY STAFF COMMENTS
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS
PUBLIC COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT
The Lake Elsinore Public Safety Advisory Commission will adjourn to a regular meeting to
be held on Wednesday, March 11,2009. at 6:00 p.m., at the Cultural Center located at 183
N. Main Street, Lake Elsinore, CA, 92530.
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
I, CAROL COWLEY, Interim City Clerk of the City of Lake Elsinore, do hereby affirm that a
copy of the foregoing agenda was posted at City Hall, 72 hours in advance of this meeting.
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CAROL COWLEY
INTERIM CITY CLERK
DATE
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MINUTES
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE
183 NORTH MAIN STREET
LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14,2009
...............................................................................
CALL TO ORDER - 6:00 P.M.
Chairman Norkin called the Public Safety Advisory .commission meeting to order at 6:02
p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by IT Technician Herrera.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
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CHAIRMAN NORKIN'
VICE-CHAIR BHUTTA
COMMISSIONER LYONS
COMMISSIONER STEWART
ABSENT:
COMMISSIONER DAILEY
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Also present were: Information/Communications Manager Dennis, Assistant City
Attorney Mann, IT Technician Herrera, SergeanfChavez, Fire Chief Hendershot, Public
Works Manager Payne, Traffic Engin~er Basubal3 and Office Specialist Porche.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
COMMISSION APPROVES CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMlS)
1. Minutes
Minutes of regular PSAC meeting of December 10, 2008.
Recommendation: Approve
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The following vote resulted:
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AYES: CHAIRMAN NORKIN
VICE CHAIRMAN BHUTTA
COMMISSIONER LYONS
COMMISSIONER STEWART
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: COMMISSIONER DAILEY
4. Lake Elsinore Citizen Coms Councillnauaural Meetina Uodate
Information/Communications Manager Dennis introduced Public Works Manager Bill
Payne and indicated he would be available to answer any questions that the
Commission may have.
Public Works Manager Payne indicated that he is serving as the Chairman of the
Lake Elsinore Citizen Corps Council. He indicated that the first meeting went very
well and indicated that the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and City Manager attended the
first meeting. He indicated that he has been contacted by Senator Benoit's and ~
Senator Jeffries' offices expressing support of the program.
Public Works Manager Payne indicated that the Citizens Corps Council is made up
of seven (7) individuals representing the City, Police Department, Fire Department,
School District, EVMWD, Chamber of Commerce and a representative from the
PSAC. He indicated the meetings would be held on the same day as the PSAC
meetings, which is the second Wednesday of each month at 4:00 p.m. He indicated
that the meetings are open to the public.
Chairman Norkin pointed out that Commissioner Dailey was not able to attend the
first Citizens Corp meeting due to a prior commitment and a.time issue. He
indicated the importance of having a representative from PSAC attend on a
consistent basis.
There being no further discussion, Chairman Norkin requested staff comments.
PUBLIC SAFETY SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
None
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n CITY STAFF COMMENTS
Traffic Enaineer Basubas commented on the followina:
· He provided an update to the Commission regarding the proposed Canyon Hills
Town Hall meeting. He stated that the City's School District would send a
representative to the meeting, however, requested an advance notice.
Information/Communications Manaaer Dennis commented on the followina:
· He reminded the Commission of the mandatory AB 1234 Ethic's training and
indicated that the training should be completed by January 30111.
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS
Vice Chairman Bhutta commented on the followina:
. No comments.
Commissioner Stewart commented on the followina:
(\ · He wished everyone a Happy New Year.
· He thanked Information/Communications Manager Dennis for the great
presentation regarding the City's new Web site.
Commissioner Lvons commented on the followina:
· He wished everyone a Happy New Year.
Chairman Norkin commented on the followina:
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· He wished everyone a Happy New Year.
· He spoke of getting an update on enforcement of the "panhandling" or
solicitation ordinance.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
ADJOURNMENT
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It was the consensus of the Commission to adjoum to a regular meeting on February
11111, 2009, at 6:00 p.m. in the Cultural Center located at 183 North Main Street, Lake
Elsinore, Califomia, CA, 92530.
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Chairman Norkin adjourned the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
MIKE NORKIN, CHAIRMAN
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION
ATTEST:
DANA C. PORCHE
OFFICE SPECIALIST
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CITY OF A
LA~ 6LSiNORJ:
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'?'~ DREAM EjTREME
REPORT TO PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION .
TO:
.HONORABLECHAIRMAN
AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION
MARK DENNIS
INFORMATION/COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
FROM:
DATE:
FEBRUARY 11, 2009
SUBJECT: UPDATE ON PUBLIC OUTREACH 'TOWN HALL' MEETING PLAN
.2009
BackQround
This item is to follow up on a proposal for scheduling PSAC 'Town Hall' public outreach
meetings, which was authorized by the PSAC at its regular meeting on December 10,
2008.
Discussion
Since its formation, a stated goal of the Public Safety Advisory Commission is
participation in community outreach activities.
The first public outreach activity this year is scheduled in Canyon Hills on Tuesday,
February 24, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in the Canyon Hills clubhouse, located at 31989,
Hollyhock Street, Lake Elsinore, 92532.
This is a regular meeting of the Canyon Hills HOA; therefore, we have been asked to
focus on a PowerPoint presentation of about 20 minutes with time for questions and
answers immediately following. We will have an opportunity to introduce the PSAC,
highlight community issues, such as traffic safety: and plug the new Citizen Corps.. Staff
has also invited a school Traffic Committee representative to address school safety.
UPDATE ON PUBLIC OUTREACH TOWN HALL'
February 11, 2009
Page 2
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The main objectives of this and subsequent community outreach events are:
A. To meet with citizens in a public forum to gather diverse views and concerns
about a variety of public safety needs, interests and concerns;
B. To introduce the PSAC to citizens by getting out into the community proactively;
C. To participate in existing events in multiple areas of the community such as
HOA/POA meetings, the annual spring Children's Fair at McVicker Park, the
annual Night Out (cosponsored by LEPD and Target), Neighborhood Watch
meetings and others;
D. To accommodate the busy schedules of citizens by holding evening 'town hall'
forums in. different .parts of the community, or in conjunction with regularly
scheduled HONPOA meetings;
E. To evaluate 'town hall' meetings to learn citizen preferences about format, venue,
duration, and scheduling; .
F. To stimulate public attendance of regular PSAC meetings, which are always
open to the public;
G. To initiate contact with citizens and to facilitate two-way communication in order
to increase customer satisfaction about the City's performance;
H. To promote public involvement by inviting citizens to participate in the Citizen
Corps;
I. To promote transparency in government by urging citizens to visit the City's Web
site and follow issues that affect them, by viewing City Council meetings or
attending public hearings and workshops.
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Opportunities for the PSAC t? confirm between now and spring include:
1. Addressing CERT trainees during "lunch break" at the next CERT classes;
2. Confirming with other HOA/POAs to have the PSAC as a gu.est speaker;.
3. Manning a public safety booth at the Lake Elsinore Children's Fair on Saturday,
April 11, 2009, in McVicker Canyon Park;
4. Attending the quarterly meeting of The Lake Elsinore Citizens Committee (April
16,2008) in Tuscany Hills;
5. Sharing a public safety booth at the next Community Night Out event sponsored
by Target and the LEPD. ()
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UPDATE ON PUBLIC OUTREACH TOWN HALL'
February 11, 2009
Page 3
Fiscal Impact
Nominal. The proposed outreach approach leverages existing channels for publicity,
such as the City's Web site, newsletters, HOA/POA communication materials, and
media publicity via news releases, all at no cost to the City. Incidental costs for
refreshments, copying of handouts and meeting room or booth reservations (if not
waived outright) would be less than $500 per year.
Recommendation
Discuss public outreach plan and set proposed event date(s).
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CITY OF ,4
LAKE 5LSiNORJ:
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'?'-~ DREAM E;(TREME .
REPORT TO PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION
TO:
HONORABLECH~RMAN
AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION
FROM:
MARK DENNIS
INFORMATION/COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
DATE:
FEBRUARY 11, 2009
SUBJECT: GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR YEAR 2009
Backqround
This item is a review of year 2008 annual goals and objectives to be updated for a
proposed 2009 Goals and Objectives joint study session with the City Council.
Discussion
Annual goals and objectives for the Public Safety Advisory Commission have
customarily been presented to the City Council during a joint study session with the
PSAC.
Staff will facilitate a review of last year's goals and objectives for PSAC discussion. The
intent is to formulate proposed 2009 goals and objectives, which will be the subject of a
joint study session with the City Council (date pending).
A goals and objectives staff report and presentation from last year's joint study session
with the City Council (held on January 8, 2008) are attached.
Fiscal Impact
None.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR YEAR 2009
February 11, 2009
Page 2
Recommendation
Discuss and update Goals and Objectives from prior year for proposed 2009 PSAC
Goals and Objectives joint study session with City Council.
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CITY OF .~
LAKE 6LSiNOIU:
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V DREAM EjTREMEN
REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL
AND PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR
MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION
FROM:
. ROBERT A. BRADY
CITY MANAGER
DATE:
JANUARY 8, 2008
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF PUBLlC~AFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR YEAR 2008
Backqround
The purpose of this study session .is to set the. Public Safety Advisory Commission's
annual performance goals and objectives. These goals will guide the direction and
priorities of the PSAC over the next twelve months.
Discussion
The Public Safety Advisory Commission was established to provide transparency in
government by giving citizens a role in shaping public safety policies and priorities.
The Commission's five voluntary members serve as an impartial set of "eyes and ears"
on public safety issues, reporting their findings and recommendations to the City
Council to increase the City's responsiveness and commitment to public safety.
The City Council meets annually with the PSAC to establish guidelines for the ensuing
year.
The proposed goals and objectives for 2008 are listed on the following pages.
PSAC/City Council Study Session
January 8, 2008
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1. Lake and Shoreline Safety
a. Shoreline Safety Plan Implementation-The PSAC will monitor the
ongoing implementation of the Shoreline Safety Plan and work with staff
on these and other safety measures:
i. Shoreline safety team
ii. Shoreline call box pilot project
iii. Boater safety inspections
iv. Lake-use acknowledgment & waiver form for boaters
v. Lake safety rules public education strategies
b. Hiah Speed Zone Needs Assessment-The PSAC will work with staff and
stakeholders (e.g., boaters, manufacturers, Lake Patrol, LEMSAR, etc.) to
assess warrants for further regulation of the High Speed Zone:
i. Evaluate accident report data
ii. Evaluate speed-related safety measures
iii. Evaluate direction of travel safety measures
iv. Evaluate signage, buoys and delineators
v. Develop HSZ public information strategies
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c. Lakeshore Overlay District Code Revisions-A joint subcommittee of the
PSAC and the Planning Commission was created to improve' the City's'
existing Lakeshore Overlay District Ordinance for clarity and consistency
regarding:
i. Updated dock standards
ii. Updated construction standards (e.g., fencing, pads, structures)
iii. Regulations for camping, RVs,storage, etc.
iv. Enforceability
v. General Plan Compatibility
vi. Public Outreach strategies and stakeholder involvement
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PSAC/City Council Study Session
January 8, 2008
Page 3
2. Animal Control Services Public Safety Assessment
a. Increased Service Levels (reQular and'after hoursl-Following a meeting
with representatives from Animal Friends of the Valleys, the PSAC
discussed recommendations for improving responsiveness and safety:
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i. Renegotiate contract to increase service levels for full time
coverag~ (currently 5 hours per day per officer)
ii. Improve 24 hour response by increasing duty hours,of coverage
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b. Vicious DOQs- The PSAC met with Animal Friends of the Valleys
representatives to discuss procedures for reporting and enforcing vicious
dogs. The PSAC is developing recommendations for consideration
including:
i. Mandatory vicious dog tags and/or collars
ii. Public access to vicious dog registry via Animal Friends' Web site
iii. Public education and outreach on vicious dog reporting, owner's
responsibilities and "right to know" information for affected residents
and neighbors
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3. Municipal Code and Ordinance Analysis
a. Hotel/Motel ReQistration ReQuirements:...-At the request of the LEPD, this
proposed Ordinance may help prevent criminal activity from occurring in
local hotels/motels by tightening record keeping requirements for
registered guests.
b. Alcohol DispensinQ TraininQ-A proposed goal to evaluate the City of
Solana Beach's model for training bartenders and restaurant workers in
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limiting alcohol beverage service toreduce public intoxication, as a
condition of permitting and/or business licensing (bars, clubs, lounges,
restaurants, etc).
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PSAC/City Council Study Session
January 8, 2008
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4. Emergency Preparedness (City and Community Training)
a. Citizen Corps subcommittee-A goal of the PSAC is to assist the.City in
emergency response planning and preparedness. The Citizen Corps
subcommittee is tasked with developing a framework for a community
safety volunteer program. The objectives are to:
i. Draft a Citizen Corps mission statement
ii. Detail Citizen Corps goals & objeCtives
iii. Specify Governance requirements (including Administrative Council
representation, duties, procedures and local participating agencies)
IV. Identify budget requirements and potential funding sources
v. Identify staffing support (technical, professional, legal, clerical, etc.)
vi. Develop Citizen Corps workplan and implementation schedule
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b. CERT Traininq-'-A goal of the PSAC is for each member to become a
certified Citizen Emergency Response Training (CERT) participant.
c. . Public Outreach-A goal of the PSAC. is to increase public awareness of
emergency preparedness responsibilities in the' household and
businesses through public information efforts, such as direct mailings,
newsletter articles, community disaster drills and the City Web site.
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5. Traffic Safety Monitoring
a. School Traffic Safety-PSAC's goal is to communicate with S?hOOI
officials to improve traffic safety at specific school sites where citizens
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have reported concerns during drop off and pick up hours.
b. Neiqhborhood Traffic Safety-PSAC's goal is to ensure effective
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communication and follow through with residents who report neighborhood
traffic concerns to the PSAC or directly to City staff.
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PSAC/City Council Study Session
January 8, 2008
Page 5
6. Graffiti Ordinance Enforc~ment and Outreach Program
a. Graffiti Communications "Best Practices"-Approved in March 2007, the
Graffiti Ordinance and many of the "best practices" below rely on outside
communications support for maximum effectiveness; most are pending.
b. Business Outreach-Provide affected businesses with information to .
comply with point of sale requirements.
I. Survey and identify affected retailers
ii. Direct mail notification letter
iii. Inspection follow-ups
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c. Utilities & Public Aqencies-Work with utilities and other agencies to
implement a voluntary right-of-entry agreement for graffiti abatement.
i. Develop right-of-entry waiver form
ii. Provide to utilities, special districts and local government
d. Public Education and Outreach-Inform residents and property owners
about the new regulations, consequences, responsibilities and penalties.
i. Develop a direct mailer, brochure, or use existing City publications
ii. Web site FAQs, Graffiti reporting online forms
iii. Graffiti Hotline (dedicated phone message and response line)
iv. Work with LEUSD to promote anti-graffiti messages & programs
e. Information & Surveillance TechnoloQy-Evaluate technology for tracking
graffiti and gathering evidence to lead to the arrest and conviction of
vandals.
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i. Geographic Information System (GIS) database tracking
ii. Digital Photography/GPS point identification
iii. Digital Surveillance pilot program
iv. Web site information, forms, waivers, links
PSAC/City Council Study Session
January 8, 2008
Page 6
Fiscal Impact
None at this time.
Recommendation
Discuss and prioritize proposed goals and objectives for 2008.
Prepared by:
Mark Dennis
Information/Communications Manager
Approved by: .
Robert A. Brady
City Manager
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Family files $1.3 million claim against Lake Elsinore in
son's parasite death
08:47 AM PST on Wednesday, February 4, 2009
By LORA HINES
The Press-Enterprise
The family of a Lake Elsinore boy who died last SUmmer from a rare amoebic parasite
has filed an estimated $ 1.3 million claim against Riverside County and the city of Lake
Elsinore.
Josue Montes, 9, died Aug. 2 from the microscopic parasite Naegleria fowleri, which
thrives in warm freshwater lakes. The infection typically enters the body through the nose
while a person is swimming.
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In their claim, Josue's parents, Mehchsac and Adela Montes, said their son became
infected while swimming in Lake Elsinore. They state in their claim that Lake Elsinore
and the county are responsible for Josue's death because they did not warn people of the
risk of contracting Naegleria fowleri and dying from swimming in the lake.
Story continues below
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Click to enlarqe
The Monteses are seeking almost $103,000 in medical bills, $3,500 in funeral expenses,
$1,100 in out-of-pocket expenses and $1.2 million in "general damages."
The Monteses couldn't be reached for comment.
No warnings
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Public health officials have not identified the lake as the source for the boy's infection.
The couple's Santa Ana attorney, Edoardo Salvatore, said there were no warnings about
the amoeba at the lake or recreation center.
"This family lost a child," he said. "We'll see what we can do for them."
Lake Elsinore spokesman Mark Dennis said the city's claim adjuster is reviewing the
matter. It could take up to 30 days before the adjuster offers the City Council a
recommendation, Dennis said.
Lake not tested
Barbara Cole, the Riverside County Department of Public Health's disease control
director, said no one tested the lake for the amoeba after the boy's death because officials
weren't confident they would get accurate results. Lake conditions could have changed
between the time the boy went swimming and tests were performed, she said. Officials
also didn't know which sections to test.
County spokesman Ray Smith said administrators are reviewing the claim.
Josue's was the only person in 2008 to die from the amoeba infection. Arleen Porcell-
Pharr, spokeswoman for the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, said her agency
didn't receive any other reports last year.
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After Josue's death, county public health officials said he had swum in Lake Elsinore
several times during the summer. They didn't know whether he got the parasite from the
lake or some other place where he might have swam.
In their claim, the Monteses said they sought treatment for their son July 30 at Inland
Valley Medical Center in Wildomar.
Brain infected
After entering the body through the nose, the parasite infects the brain and spinal cord,
Symptoms include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting and stiff neck.
When infection occurs, it almost always results in death, according to the CDC.
Although the amoeba itself is common in warm, fresh bodies of water, infections are very
rare and occur mainly during the summer months. Health officials say people always
should assume there is some risk of infection when they enter any warm freshwater lakes,
hot springs or rivers.
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There were 33 cases reported in the United States from 1998 through 2007. Six deaths
were reported in 2007.
Reach Lora Hines at 951-368-9444 or Ihines(ciJ,PE.com
Print: LAKE ELSINORE: City Council closes budget gap: North County"Times - Califor... Page 1 of2
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Last modified Wednesday, February 4, 2009 10:09 PM PST
LAKE ELSINORE: City Council closes budget gap
By MICHAEL J. WilLIAMS - Staff Writer
lAKE ELSINORE ---- City leaders turned to their rainy day fund Wednesday to close a budget
gap expected to reach $442,500 by June 30.
In its midyear budget review, the lake Elsinore City Council voted 5-0 to use the
supplemental revenue reserve rather than resort to measures such as layoffs and truncated
services.
While City Council members cautioned the city's fiscal condition could get worse in the fiscal
year starting July 1, they were willing to resort to the. reserve in the short-term.
"When we had good times, we had enough foresightto anticipate, and that's what it's for,"
Councilman Daryl Hickman said of the reserve fund after the meeting. ''This is just up through
0June and then, God help us."
Tuesday's action came after the City Council in September let nine employees go and took
other actions to cope with revenues expected to totat$30.2 million by the end of the fiscal
year, nearly $2 million less than projected.
The shortfall stemmed largely from shrinking sales tax revenues as consumers pulled back on
spending in a repressed economy. At that time, the city projected $603,400 less in sales tax
revenues than the $8.4 million adopted in the budget.
Since then, the sales tax picture has worsened. Budget analysts say the city will come in an
additional $901,000 short, 13 percent less than projected after the September adjustment,
according to a report by city administrators.
As a result of the declining sales tax as well as reduced fee revenues stemming from a lack of
construction, the midyear report projected a total shortfall of $1.2 million. The city, however,
has been able to reduce expenditures by $703,200, administrators said. That and other
measures left the city with the net deficit of $442,500.
The reductions occurred largely because of efforts made by lake Elsinore to squeeze
spending, including unpaid vacation days taken by employees and management forgoing
merit raises, said City Manager Bob Brady.
rile also said lake Elsinore was looking at the possibility of more work furlough days and
.;Iosing City Hall on some days as well as such actions as using light-emitting diode street
lamps to reduce energy costs and drought-resistant landscaping at parks and medians to
http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/02/04/news/califomianllake _ elsinore/z593 f3ba8c4cc... 2/5/2009
Print: LAKE ELSINORE: City Council closes budget gap: North County Times - Calif or... Page 2 of2
lower water bills.
The council members praised the city's staff for its frugality, but warned that relying on U
reserves won't always be an option. Last spring, the city tapped the supplemental fund for
about $500,000 to ensure a balanced budget.
"Continued deficit spending is not a strong fiscal policy, and we can't continue to that," Mayor
Bob Magee said. '
The infusion from the reserve fund is expected to give the city projected revenues of $29.5
million through June, $42,300 more than it plans on spending, according to the midyear
projection.
The supplemental reserve'still has about $2.8 million, while the general fund reserve that is
kept for dire emergencies remains at $3.5 million, according to budget figures, Combined with
money in the general fund's unallocated reserve, the city still has total reserves of about $7
million, James Riley, the city's acting finance director, told the council.
The projected budget for the year is down a little more than 8 percent from July 1 when the
city started with a prediction of revenues totalling $32.1 million.
Community activist Tim Fleming, one of a handful of residents attending the meeting, said he
agreed with the decision to use the reserve fund, but would have liked to have seen other
measures taken.
"I'd like them to have been a little more conservative ... maybe a Plan A and Plan S, in case U
things get worse very quickly," he said.
Contact staff writer Michael J. Williams at (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2635, or
mwilliams@californian.com. . ,
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http://www.nctimes.comlarticles/2009/02/04/news/califomianllake _ elsinoreIz593f3ba8c4cc... 2/5/2009
Lake Elsinore may be forced to make creative cuts to budget I Inland News I PE.com I So... Page I of2
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Lake Elsinore may be forced to make creative
cuts to budget
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~ DownlQag story podcast
06:25 AM PST on Thnrsday, February 5, 2009
By AARON BURGIN
The Press-Enterprise
PDF: L{lk~_El!ijnQre'sJl1id-=Y.eaL1:mdgeLrePo!1
A stormy long-term financial forecast, which could include more employee furloughs, layoffs and City
Hall closures, is bringing out the creativity in Lake Elsinore officials and staff.
.r'\Officials vowed Wednesday to explore all means to cut the cost of government, whether by making city
( 'buildings energy efficient, eliminating grass on street medians and switching the lights used at traffic
signals. .
These were all pitched as cost-cutting measures during Wednesday's budget brainstorming session. City
officials there acknowledged tough times are ahead if the city's revenue picture does not improve.
"Every way we can save money is great," Councilman Thomas Buckley said after the meeting.
The city can plug a $442,500 midyear budget gap by using money from one of its three reserve funds,
which total $7 million. The City Council will approve the use of the funds at its next meeting.
Officials are wary of making the habit of continuing to tap the reserves and said a long-term strategy of
cutting costs must be developed during budget meetings scheduled for May and June.
"Continued deficit spending is not a sound long-term fiscal policy," Mayor Robert Magee said.
City Manager Robert Brady said he asked staff at an employee meeting Tuesday to come up with ideas
to cut costs. Staff, in turn, responded with a number of concepts.
In addition, the council said it would also explore buying 30-year animal shelter bonds, which might
have a 6.75 percent interest rate.
("Jut looming large next fiscal year is a $1 million commitment to staff a fire station under construction
in the city's Rosetta Canyon neighborhood. The city must also pay its share to operate the Animal
http://www.pe.comllocalnews/inlandlstoriesIPE_News_Local_S..sbudget05.4670a45.html
2/5/2009
Lake Elsinore may be forced to make creative cuts to budget I Inland News I PE.com I So.... Page 2 of 2
Friends of the Valleys shelter, which is set to open in 20 I O.
The state is looking at deferring payment of cities' share of state gas tax funds to balance its budget.
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This may force the city to explore closing City Hall on a weekly or monthly basis, or asking its staff to
take more unpaid days off in addition to the monthly furlough in effect, pay freezes, or, as a last resort,
cutting employees or services, including police services.
"It is a sad reality," Magee said.
Even within those measures, city officials said they are looking at being creative, such as having
furloughs occur the day before or after holidays, or closing City Hall on the same days.
_._-"---_._'---~----~-~_.~_._-~~--,~._-~..._._--
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2/512009
Print: REGION: North County law enforcement sign up for Graffiti Tracker: North Coun... Page lof3
Marlene Paltza
('\
From: Marlene PalIza
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2009 11 :35 AM
To: Mark Dennis
Subject: REGION Norlh County law enforcement sign up for Graffiti Tracker
Mark, FYI.
-marlene
Last modified Sunday, January 25, 20095:07 PM PST
o
('\
Escondida employee Aliena Watson paints over graffiti on a wall on North Broadway on Thursday.
(Photo by Bill Wechter - Staff Photographer)
REGION: North County law enforcement sign up for Graffiti Tracker
o . ..
By SARAH GORDON - Staff Writer
The Sheriff's Department is the latest North County law. enforcement agency to turn to Web-
based technology to fight graffiti.
Cmdr. Ed Prendergast said the Sheriff's Department:s $84,000 contract with Los Angeles-
based Graffiti Tracker will allow deputies to access t~e program, which tracks every instance
of graffiti in an area.' .
The program will be used in the department's contract cities ---- including Vista, San Marcos
and Encinitas ----and unincorporated areas.
Prendergast, who was captain of the Vista Sheriff's Station until May, said he has been eager
to bring the program to the department since seeing it in action in Escondida.
Escondida has subscribed to Graffiti Tracker since the middle of 2006; Oceanside also
(""\recently subscribed. Sheriff's Department deputies will be trained to use the service in early
February, Prendergast said. . .
2/5/2009
Print: REGION: North County law enforcement sign up for Graffiti Tracker: North Coun... Page 2 of3
Graffiti Tracker works in conjunction with a GPS-enabled camera. In Escondido and
Oceanside, public works and code enforcement crews charged with painting over graffiti first (. '\
snap a picture, which is then wirelessly uploaded to Graffiti Tracker's server, along with data ~
on the time, date and exact place the graffiti was recorded.
As part of the contract, Graffiti Tracker analysts decipher the painted or penned scrawl in the
photos.
When a vandal is caught painting his nickname on a wall, police can search the database and
see where the tagger has struck before, Escondido police Sgt. Mike Kearny said.
Graffiti Tacker marks a radical change in how police handle vandalism arrests, Kearny said.
"Traditionally, what would happen is someone would be out spray-painting and police would
interrupt him and tie him to the one or two cases," Kearny said. "Now we go back and
research who this kid is and what he's putting up in other places."
When police routinely tie vandals to multiple crimes, it has a deterrent effect, Kearny said.
"If I can take a multicount case to the DA's office, it's going to send a message to not only that
kid, but his whole crew that we're going after the prolific taggers," he said.
Police say most of North County's graffiti is the work of young taggers who mark under a
chosen moniker. Some of them work with "tagging crews," and tag their crew's name along
with their own.
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Deputy District Attorney Jamie Corbin, who prosecutes many juvenile vandalism cases, said
that when offenders see the evidence Graffiti Tracker has gathered, they usually admit the
crimes.
The court usually orders taggers to compensate cities for the cost of cleaning up their graffiti.
The potential restitution generated by Graffiti Tracker makes the service worth its cost, Corbin
said.
. .
Kearny said that in 2008, those prosecuted for vandalism were ordered to repay Escondido a
total of $221 ,000. He said $185,000 of that was linked to Graffiti Tracker-aided arrests.
Escondido's Deputy Director of Maintenance and Operations Rich O'Donnell said that' in
2008, his department spent about $300,000 in materials and labor to remove graffiti.
In a recent demonstration of the program, Oceanside Neighborhood Policing Team Officer
Mark LaVake pulled up a list of the 10 most prolific taggers in Oceanside in December.
The list showed that someone smeared the same nickname in differentlocatiolJs 31 times.
With another click, LaVake generated a map of where all the acts occurred and a photo of
each.
LaVake said the Neighborhood Policing Team would use the database's information and U
traditional detective techniques ---- interviews, possibly search warrants ---- to find the vandal.
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With every city along the Highway 78 corridor using Graffiti Tracker, LaVake and others said
that members of law enforcement will be able to tie taggers to acts outside their jurisdiction.
n Kearny said that's especially important, because the Sprinter allows young vandals who might
otherwise be confined to their own neighborhoods to take their hobby out of town. Taggers,
unlike gang members, are not particularly territorial, police say. Their goal is to get as much
notoriety as possible, by tagging as widely and often as possible.
Officials from Escondido and Oceanside both said Graffiti Tracker is part of a citywide
emphasis on reducing graffiti that includes several departments. Both cities have graffiti
hotlines where residents can report vandalism and public works and code enforcement
personnel who respond quickly to remove graffiti. In each city, all the departments involved in
graffiti abatement meet monthly.
Both cities recorded drops in graffiti cases in 2008 compared to 2007, according to police
department data.
"As far as fighting graffiti, I'd say that's a combination of Graffiti Tracker, police enforcement
efforts, DA prosecution efforts and quick removal, and if anyone of those things isn't there,
graffiti tends to grow," said O'Donnell, the Escondido Maintenance and Operations official.
Prendergast said that the Sheriff's Department has not worked out all the details about how
Graffiti Tracker will be combined with existing abatement efforts around the county. In contract
cities like Vista and San Marcos, he said public works personnel would probably carry the
n GPS-enabled cameras.
Contact staff writer Sarah Gordon at (760) 740-3517 or sgordon@nctimes.com.
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2/5/2009