Minutes of the September 19, 2005 Board meeting

Special guest Assemblyman Ron Calderon addressed the Board and public. He spoke about wages and wanting a good business environment. He described his actions regarding moderating bills and putting comprehensive bills before the Governor. He outlined the boundaries of his district and commented that he was once a small business owner. He stated that he had toured the landfill and mentioned how the Eagle Mountain project was in the process of being made ready to receive hazardous materials and waste. He addressed the Quemetco facility issue and indicated that he would be touring the facility soon to determine if it is meeting AQMD standards. He was aware of the value of sound walls along the freeway and his concern about the insufficient resources to move more quickly. He identified some of the legislation he has been working on: AB 535, Non-Profit Counseling; AB 424, Corporate Identity; AB 679, Diesel Fuel; and AB 758, Construction Defects. Issues brought to his attention by the Board and public included: five MRF's in his district, the Shell Oil (AERA) planned development, the Medical Marijuana Dispensary, and the trauma care system.

CHP Motor Officers Chris Valencia and Ben Sotelo shared that graffiti and tagging has decreased, and that Santa Fe Springs Station Captain Willie Godena has implemented plans to dedicate two motor officers to Hacienda Heights with a focus on surface streets and not freeways. They indicated that running through stop signs, failing to come to a complete stop, and fudging on the speed limit signs will result in an "exchange of autographs."

Hacienda Heights "town cop", Sheriff Deputy Brian Sanford, indicated that crime statistics are unchanged compared to last year. Deputy Ken Layman described the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. There is a current big push to train instructors who will then be available to train people in the community. The program includes: first aid, search and rescue, safety/survivor information, and medical triage. They also suggest that people have a 7 day preparedness sustainability. This need was demonstrated in the recent hurricane disasters.

Supervisor Knabe's Deputy Dickie Simmons said that the Supervisor has secured funding to revive the "town cop" Sheriff position including two additional deputies freeing him to have closer contact and interaction with the community. He reminded everyone about the September 22 trailhead opening at 7th and Orange Grove. A plan will be implemented to have a company paint over the graffiti as well as all of the walls along Hacienda Blvd from Halliburton to the 60 freeway. He requested that a Board Member participate in the panning committee for the May 2006 Taste of the Heights activity.

Deputy Simmons described how Supervisor Knabe had arranged for two independent contractors to work on the Hacienda Heights Community Plan, to eventually compliment the County General Plan, to look into how the $21 million tipping fees from the landfill could be utilized in Hacienda Heights. He introduced the two consultants, Jeff Lambert, Planning and Government Relations, and Anne Browning McIntosh, City Planning and Administration, who have interviewed, and will continue to interview, residents to gain a better understanding of the community and its needs. Dave Diotalevi, Road Maintenance Division, described his functions and his department's responsibilities.

David Wysocki, Hacienda Heights Library Manager, shared that the libraries are accepting donations for hurricane Katrina victims, and that the parking lot has been resurfaced and they were able to squeeze out a couple of more stalls in the process.