The class of 2013 of the Yorba Linda chapter of National Charity League is hosting the 17th annual Fashion Show, Luncheon, and Auction: “California Girls…Dreamin’ of a Cure” for the benefit of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  The Fashion Show will take place on Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Disneyland Hotel and will include a silent auction, opportunity drawings, surprise packages and a grand-prize drawing.  The public is welcome and is encouraged to attend. Tickets are $75 which includes parking, and must be purchased prior to the event.

National Charity League, Inc (NCL) is a non-profit national organization of mothers and daughters dedicated to serving their communities and fostering the mother-daughter relationship.  The mothers and daughters participate in a six-year program (grades seven through twelve), working together as they assist various local philanthropies, participate in educational and leadership activities, and attend a variety of cultural events.  The Yorba Linda chapter (the Chapter) was founded in 1990 and consists of Yorba Linda residents and students attending schools in the Placentia-Yorba Linda School District.

Each year, the mothers and daughters from the Chapter’s junior class host a fashion show and fundraiser to benefit one of the many philanthropies with which the Chapter works.  This year, the class has chosen the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) as the beneficiary in hopes of making a difference in the lives of those afflicted by this life-threatening disease.  CFF is the world’s leader in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis.  A nonprofit, donor-supported organization, CFF does not receive any federal funding for its work.  The Foundation’s focus is to support the development of new drugs, improve the quality of life for those with CF, and ultimately to find a cure.

NCL’s fashion show will be produced by James Campbell Productions, a top-tier, Los Angeles-based fashion show production company.  The models will be the 23 girls of the NCL Class of 2013, all juniors at local high schools including Yorba Linda High School, El Dorado High School, Esperanza High School, Lutheran High School of Orange County, Rosary High School, Santa Margarita Catholic High School, and Whittier Christian High School.

NCL has sponsorship opportunities for businesses and individuals interested in supporting this event.  For information about event tickets, sponsorships, or to donate items for the silent auction and opportunity drawings, please contact Cherry Kiely at caligirls2013forcff@yahoo.com.   Anyone wishing to find out more about the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation should visit the CFF website at www.cff.org.

Media Contact:   Susan Barrett 714-777-3148 barrettfam5@att.net

2012 Yorba Linda HS Soccer Team schedule is as follows:

1/3 TUES PACIFICA** 5:30- HOME GAME – Chick Fil A  will be at the game and will donate proceeds of the food sales to the team!

1/5 THURS TUSTIN** 5:30- HOME GAME

1/9 MON @ WESTERN** 3:00-

1/13 FRI @ VALENCIA (Bradford Stadium)** 5:00

1/16 MON ***St. MARGARET’S (WITH HOPE GAME) 5:00-HOME: this is our Breast Cancer Awareness Event

1/17 TUES CYPRESS** 5:30- HOME

1/19 THURS @ KENNEDY** 3:00

1/24 TUES @ PACIFICA** 3:00

1/26 THURS @ TUSTIN** 3:00

1/30 MON WESTERN** 5:30- HOME

2/3 FRI VALENCIA** 5:30- HOME

2/7 TUES @ CYPRESS** 3:00- HOME

2/9 THURS KENNEDY** (Senior Game) 5:30- HOME

Visit their website at : http://ylhswomenssoccer.com/

And their Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/womenssoccerYLHS.news

Approximately 10 days ago, the City of Brea posted a response to the recent actions the Yorba Linda City Council regarding the Police Contract. This was  subsequently removed by the City of Brea after apparent complaints from  the City Council majority members. I personally feel the residents need to hear the information from all sources in a transparent and open forum.

The following had been posted on the City of Brea’s  web site:

Q. How did the Brea Police Department’s relationship with Yorba Linda begin?

A. The City of Yorba Linda, which incorporated in 1967, was initially receiving police services from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. After about three years, city officials became interested in a more local approach and looked to Brea, its neighboring city. On October 1, 1970 the Brea Police Department began patrolling the City of Yorba Linda and have been doing so ever since.

Members of the Brea Police Department are part of every facet of community life—both professionally and personally. In fact, 21% of police department employees live in Yorba Linda. A generation of police families has grown up in Yorba Linda during the past 41-years of the Agreement. Consequently, Brea Police have a vested interest in the community and are grateful for the support they receive from the Yorba Linda community.

Q. In simple terms, how does the contract work?

A. Both cities have long recognized the mutual benefits created when critical services are shared between cities. The Law Enforcement Services Agreement, cost-sharing formula and contract timeline are developed jointly by Brea and Yorba Linda. Using the expertise of the Brea Police Department, and its 41-years of experience patrolling the community, Yorba Linda officials decide on the service levels for their community.

Q. How are the costs calculated?

Direct costs: Yorba Linda pays 100% of the direct costs for personnel assigned to the City of Yorba Linda. (Detectives, Patrol/Traffic Officers, School Resource Officers and Police Services Officers are assigned to Yorba Linda.)

Indirect costs: Yorba Linda pays a mutually agreed upon percentage, as contained in the Agreement, of the costs for services required to support field personnel, such as Police Records, Dispatch, CSI and Police supervision. The formula is based on the direct field support needs for Yorba Linda officers.

Q. Every contract must be monitored. What “checks and balances” are in place?

A. Part of fulfilling the police services contract is to be good managers and stewards of the agreement. The contract is managed by the Yorba Linda Police Services Commander and is one of his top priorities in that assignment.

Contract negotiations between Brea and Yorba Linda result in a complete review of service levels and cost-sharing formulas. Over the years, the agreement has been modified to adapt to the changing needs of the Yorba Linda community and the priorities of the City Council.

Yorba Linda service hours are tracked daily and compiled at least monthly. A full report is submitted annually to the Yorba Linda City Manager, and data can be retrieved at any time upon request.

Q. How do City officials ensure one City isn’t subsidizing the other?

A. Neither city is subsidizing the other. We have a serious obligation to the residents of Brea to make sure that their tax dollars are not being used to subsidize police services in Yorba Linda. And we have the same obligation to the citizens of Yorba Linda. As previously, mentioned, there are many checks and balances in place and the contract is closely monitored. The law enforcement agreement only makes sense if it is of mutual benefit to both cities, so consequently ensuring that it is fairly implemented is a top priority.

Yorba Linda pays for, and is directly assigned its own detectives, patrol/traffic officers, SRO and PSO personnel as determined through open discussions between Yorba Linda and Brea (direct costs).

Yorba Linda also pays their share of indirect services based upon the mutually agreed-upon formula contained in the Law Enforcement Agreement. Indirect services include administrative supervision, police records, dispatch, CSI, and other technical support.

Patrol officers, detectives and other police services employees assigned directly to Yorba Linda are not “reassigned, or diverted” to Brea because of any potential extra daily Brea activity. A major incident in either city, such as a large brush fire, or multiple homicides, could result in redeployment for that specific incident. But, those occurrences are fortunately very rare in both cities and units would be called in to backfill any extended vacancies.

In addition, should any question arise, many lines of communication are always open between Brea PD and Yorba Linda City officials and their constituents. At least one member of the Police Command staff attends every Yorba Linda City Council meeting. Council Members and City staff communicate regularly with Brea Police to address issues or concerns.

Q. How does Brea respond to any such issues raised?

A. Brea City officials and Brea Police play close attention to the cares and concerns of the Yorba Linda City Council regarding the Police Services Contract.

For example: Controlling costs of providing quality public services is a mutual concern of both Yorba Linda and Brea (as it is with all public agencies), while also continuing to provide quality, responsive public safety services.

To that end, on July 1, 2011 Brea implemented a significant change to the retirement formula for public safety employees. This demonstrates responsiveness, sound fiscal management and commitment on the part of Brea City Management and the Brea Police Services employees. The City of Brea is one of the first agencies in Orange County to take such action.

New Hires after September 16, 2011 New sworn personnel now pay the full portion of their employee contribution to retirement costs (9%, formerly 0% contribution).

In addition, the formula is now 2% at 50 years of age (formerly 3% at 50 years), with no provision of the “Single Highest Year” retirement formula.

New civilian police employees now pay the full portion of their employee contribution to retirement costs (7%, formerly 0% contribution).

Existing Employees (those hired prior to September 16, 2011) Existing sworn police employees now pay 2.25% (formerly 0% contribution) of the employee contribution to retirement costs in the first year of a two-year contract. This contribution will increase another 2.25% on July 1, 2012.

In addition, sworn personnel (employed as of the 7-1-11) are now paying 1.62% the cost of “Single-Highest Year” retirement formula.

Existing civilian employees now pay 1.125% of the employee contribution to retirement costs in the first year of a two-year contract. The contribution will increase another 1.125% on July 1, 2012.

Another example: At the August 16, 2011 Yorba Linda City Council meeting, the City Council directed staff to open discussions with Brea City Management and the Brea Police Department on various issues. (Potential formation of a Joint Powers Authority (JPA); contract costs; deployment: use of asset seizure funds; vacancies; Yorba Linda representation during collective bargaining negotiations.) Brea City Management and Brea Police agreed to consider every point of direction, and had three productive meetings to that end prior to Yorba Linda’s decision to request proposals from other agencies.

Q. Has the City of Brea ever provided a police services proposal to the City of Yorba Linda?

A. Until Yorba Linda City Council meeting on November 1, the Brea Police Department has never been asked to participate in a formal competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) effort. However, years of negotiating and reexamining the police services contract, has provided opportunities for extensive review of costs, service levels and quality controls.

In addition, while no formal bid process has occurred (or been requested), there have been several (at least three) formal comprehensive efforts over the years by Yorba Linda to review the cost of Brea Police Department services and evaluate the quality of services.

In the most recent effort, in spring, 2008 the Yorba Linda City Council hired a third-party professional consultant to evaluate Brea’s Police Services (quality and cost effectiveness) and develop a comparison with other service provider options (including the Orange County Sherriff Department, City of Placentia, and City of Anaheim) and were also asked to evaluate the feasibility of a Joint Powers Agreement for police services as well as a Yorba Linda Police Department.

The report, prepared by the consultant and delivered to the Yorba Linda City Council in December, 2009, concluded that Yorba Linda continues to be best served by the Brea Police Department vs. other viable options.

The report yielded a number of recommendations designed to further improve police services to Yorba Linda. Brea Police Services responded to those rec-ommendations in writing in May 2010. The Police Department was already performing some of the recommended actions, and has since implemented, or has begun implementation of other recommendations.

Q. What is the issue regarding Asset Seizure Funds mentioned?

A. The Brea Police Department participates in a program called PACNET (Public and Commercial Narcotic Enforcement Team) managed by the Department of Justice. Brea currently assigns and pays 100% of the funding for a K-9 Police Detective to be part of the task force. This is a regionalized task force directed at narcotic enforcement through parcel interdiction.

PACNET members aggressively target and monitor large U.S. postal distribution centers and airports as these parcel systems are extremely popular method of transporting narcotics by drug trafficking organizations. Through the PACNET agreement, a portion of the assets seized is distributed to participating law enforcement agencies. These Asset Seizure Funds are restricted by law to be used only to support law enforcement services in the City.

Currently, Yorba Linda does not fund any portion of the participation in PACNET, nor does PACNET operate in Yorba Linda. Consequently, the City does not receive any of the Asset Seizure Funds earned by the Brea funded PACNET unit.

However, per the Brea Yorba Linda Police Services Agreement, when/if Brea PD seizes assets in Yorba Linda, during the normal course of serving the City, all of the seized and forfeited assets are returned to Yorba Linda. (Subject, of course, to any conditions of the federal/state government.)

In response to Yorba Linda’s interest in PACNET, Brea and Yorba Linda officials have been in discussions to determine if it is feasible for Yorba Linda to share in part of the funding for the PACNET officer and as a result, share in the Asset Seizure Funds.

Q. What about revenue from Commercial Traffic Enforcement fines; does Yorba Linda share in that?

A. Yorba Linda receives 100% of the city revenue from all traffic fines issued in their city limits by police officers, including any fines incurred for truck/commercial traffic violations. Unlike Brea, Yorba Linda has chosen not to contract and pay for a designated Commercial Traffic Enforcement program.

Brea maintains a designated Commercial Traffic Enforcement program for two main reasons: 1.) the volume of truck traffic travelling to the Orange County Landfill through Brea city limits, and 2.) the traffic associated with Brea’s large business sector. Currently, the Brea Police department assigns two, full-time officers solely to Commercial Traffic Enforcement within the City of Brea. Since the enforcement is in Brea, it is 100% funded by the Brea. Therefore, any city revenue from fines is returned to the City of Brea.

Several years ago, Yorba Linda and the City of Brea tried sharing the cost (and revenue) of one full-time Commercial Enforcement officer in order to add the patrol to the City of Yorba Linda. However, the low volume of truck traffic in Yorba Linda did not warrant the dedicated enforcement, and a decision was made jointly to remove the position (and the cost) from the City of Yorba Linda.

Q. Both Brea and Yorba Linda are viewed as safe cities. What are do the crime statistics mean?

A. Being a victim of a violent crime in either Brea or Yorba Linda is rare occurrence. When crime statistics are reported in the media, it leads to a flurry of questions because of its complexity. Analyzing and applying crime statistics in a meaningful manner is complex and difficult. Often the reporting and conclusions drawn are erroneous and misleading.

The most often reported (and consequently misused) crime statistics report is the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) annual report. It is so commonly misused and misunderstood that the FBI itself includes a disclaimer when issuing the report. It cautions readers of the UCR report against using the statistics as the sole measure, or even the leading measure of safety within a community and to avoid ranking cities based on the UCR.

Specifically: Since crime is a sociological phenomenon influenced by a variety of factors, the FBI discourages ranking the agencies and using the data as a measurement of law enforcement effectiveness. The FBI does not provide a ranking of agencies, but merely alphabetical tabulations of states, metropolitan statistical areas, cities, metropolitan and nonmetropolitan counties, and colleges and universities. [Source: FBI website].

In Perspective

To put the most recent FBI statistics in perspective, the report, among other things, shows that in 2010 the City of Brea experienced 39.9 “Part 1 Crimes” per 1,000 residents.

Seven crimes make up Part 1 Crimes (homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft (including shoplifting), and stolen vehicles). These can be divided into two additional categories, violent crime (murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault) and property crime (burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft and arson). It is very important to avoid characterizing all Part 1 Crimes as violent crimes, as is sometimes erroneously portrayed in the media and personal blogs.

Brea continues to be a very safe city in regard to the frequency of violent crime. In 2010, Brea experienced only 71 violent crimes. Aggravated assault accounted for the vast majority of these crimes (39) and consisted primarily of incidents of domestic violence, child abuse and elder abuse where the victim knew the perpetrator. The remaining crime categories and total number of crimes per category are as follows: murder (1), rape (3) and robbery (28).

As you can see from the statistics, the likelihood of being a victim of a violent crime committed by a stranger in the City of Brea is very low.

Conversely, like in other cities, property crime occurs more frequently. In 2010, the City of Brea experienced 1,471 property crimes of which the vast majority was burglaries (197) and other thefts (1200). Of these 1,471 crimes, 525 or 34% occurred at our regional Mall. In addition, of the 525 property crimes which occurred at the mall, 478 of those crimes occurred inside the mall, which are typically handled by their loss prevention personnel and require little police follow-up.

Consequently, these crimes would not overly tax assigned Brea officers and would not require officers and detectives assigned to Yorba Linda to report to the City of Brea, nor would police command staff supervision efforts be disproportionately directed to Brea due to such activities.

The services provided by the Brea Police Department in Yorba Linda are considered excellent by both the community and current and former City Councils. Numerous public verbal and written comments to that effect are on record.

December, 2011

On September 24, 2009, I received notification a complaint was filed with the Fair Political Practice Commission against me along  with this notification. The complaint referenced two meetings I had participated: January 13, 2009 and April 21, 2009.  Two YLRRR  members and two members of the current City Council filed this complaint.

The essence of the complaints were:

On January 13, 2009, after consulting with the City Attorney, I participated in a meeting to discuss the Draft Housing Element.  I routinely consulted with the City Attorney since I own property within 500 feet of the Redevelopment agency and my family’s property is adjacent to one of the sites designated for high-density housing.  The City Attorney had informed me I could participate since there would not be a vote to rezone. The discussion was to set policy.

During the January 13, 2009 meeting, all five Council Members expressed concern regarding the inequitable distribution of the high-density housing sites. The west end of Yorba Linda was and is currently slated for the majority of the state mandated housing, many of the sites at 20-30 units per acre. At the conclusion of Council’s “Questions & Answers” with staff, I made a motion directing staff to try to spread the density more equitably throughout the City and reduce the density on the west end. In my comments I mentioned the Lakeview corridor and the street name Altrudy. I was unaware Altrudy was within 500 feet of my home.  The vote was 5-0 in favor of the motion.

On April 21, I voted along with all of the other Council members to send the revised version of the housing element to the state. We were asking for their opinion whether they would accept our plan in accommodating their unfunded mandate to forever changes the look of our community.  Prior to this meeting, I verified with the City Attorney that I was, in their opinion, able to participate in the vote because we were not changing the densities on any of the sites.

Facts/ Results:

• Neither vote resulted in the change in density or zone designation on any site.
• Any change in density or change in zone designation will require a Measure B vote. No Council member has the ability to increase the densities beyond 10 DUA without the voter’s approval.
• I was unaware Altrudy was within 500 feet of my home. Although I take responsibility for my actions, it was an unintentional mistake.
• After I became aware Altrudy was within 500 feet of our home, my attorney recommended I have our property appraised in light of potential development of the Altrudy site. We hired a State Certified Appraiser. I did not have personal contact with this individual to prevent any perceived coercion while evaluating the properties. The appraiser concluded development of this site would not affect the value of our property. Two stated reasons: lack of line of sight and no direct access from Altrudy to my housing tract. This appraisal, submitted to the FPPC, was not accepted.  A new Administration has changed the interpretation of the law and the litmus test to determine Conflicts of Interest.
• I have paid the fine with my personal funds. No campaign funds have been used.

What is unfortunate, we have all made mistakes while on Council. The laws are complex and the interpretations are undergoing revisions making it difficult to avoid mistakes.  I acknowledge inadvertently mentioning property within 500 feet of my family’s home and have paid the fine imposed by the FPPC.

It is unfortunate individuals on the Council and in YLRRR filed this complaint. Filing this complaint nine months after the mistake was an apparent attempt to discredit me during my re-election campaign. These same individuals were responsible for the most negative campaign this community has ever witnessed.  Their personal attacks and twisting of facts has become their hallmark of winning an election. This is unfortunate for the voters of Yorba Linda.

CHOC-LITTLEST ANGEL GUILD’S 34^TH ANNUAL HOME TOUR AND GIFT FAIRE

The Littlest Angel Guild of CHOC invites you to its 34^th Home Tour and Gift Faire:  Gift Faire Pre-view Event – 10/20 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Gift Faire – 10/21 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Home Tour – 10/21 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Proceeds to benefit CHOC Children’s Hospital of Orange County.

Since 1965, the Littlest Angel Guild, a multi-generational group of volunteers, has raised awareness and monetary support for programs and services at CHOC Children’s, CHOC at Mission and the CHOC Clinics throughout Orange County.

Tickets are $40 pre-sale and $45 the day of the event.  Free Admission to Gift Faire. Tickets are available after September 1:  in Anaheim Hills – Zae’s Women’s Boutique;  in Brea – Mandel Jewelers; in Fullerton – Mums the Word…a Florist;  in Placentia –  and in Yorba Linda – Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce, Gifts from the Heart and David Hayman Jewellers.

Three unique and beautiful homes in Yorba Linda, Anaheim Hills and Placentia are showcased this year.  Each home reflects a different Orange County lifestyle.  One of the homes has been the center of a rumor for many years.  This ultra-modern 19,500 square foot home built at the highest point in Yorba Linda was believed to have been built for Arnold Schwarzenegger.  That rumor is false, but the view from this stunning home is spectacular.

Exquisite  floral arrangements designed by Mums the Word… A Florist, The Garden Gate and Sherry’s Party Affair will be featured.  Designer table settings by Villeroy and Boch and Crate and Barrel will also be a highlight.

This year’s Gift Faire at the Yorba Linda Community Center (4501 Casa Loma, Yorba Linda, CA) promises to entice our guests with unique and creative gift items.  A special Pre-view event is planned for 10/20 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Our guests will also enjoy a light refreshment from popular North Orange County Caterer – Sally Ann’s Catering  (served from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, 10/21 only – included in ticket price).

For additional information, call (714) 970-2003 or www.littlestangelguild.org.  Tickets available at CHOC.org and the above mentioned locations.

The Littlest Angel Guild/CHOC  have joined forces with community partner, Java Joe’s, and the comedy group – The Funniest Housewives of Orange County for its Second Annual Comedy Night to raise awareness and monetary support for CHOC Children’s.

By participating in this event, you are supporting a special place for children in Orange County to receive medical care regardless of their family’s ability to pay.  CHOC Children’s Hospital is one of only 44 free-standing children’s hospitals in the United States.  It may be one of the youngest free-standing children’s hospitals in the nation, but CHOC performs on par with children’s hospitals that have been around for a century, and in the last decade, has become the fastest growing children’s hospitals in California.  U.S. News recently ranked CHOC Children’s as No. 28 in Pediatric Cancer Care.

The community is invited to join Guild members and friends for a night that promises to be both full of laughter, camaraderie and support for CHOC.  Featured at this year’s event will be Cindy Burns – Anti-aging Housewife, Karen Rontowski – Hippie Housewife and Stephanie Blum – Lazy Housewife.  Host:  Scott Stewart from “What’s Up Orange County”.

Join us at Java Joe’s (4975 Yorba Ranch Road, Yorba Linda, CA) on Thursday, September 22 at 7:00 p.m.  For reservations, contact:  Karen Allen at (949) 981-0743 or contactus@littlestangelguild.org.  Tickets are $50/person (includes one drink and light refreshment).  Seating is limited.

Yorba Linda’s Concerts in the Park are held at Hurless Barton Park, located at 4601 Casa Loma Avenue on 4 consecutive Sundays 5:30-7:00 p.m. Bring a picnic and join in a relaxing evening in the park.

2011 Schedule  as follows:

July 17 Southland Band (Classic Rock)

July 24 The Doo Wah Riders (Country)