• Measure T: Your Yes Vote Raises Your Yearly Taxes By $197*

*If you buy one of those new homes off of Palomar in the Avalino development.

Measure T is asking for $28 per $100k of assessed value.

My wife and I purchased our home in 2001 for $194k (that was blindingly high for the times), but I took a peek at our tax bill and its assessed value is closer to $280k today.

These are my most recent property taxes. I can only imagine how much higher the taxes a newer home, sold recently must be... and that's not factoring in the crazy new insurance rates or HOA fees.

Though I voted against Measure V, and will be voting against Measure T (knowing full well that my fellow residents love raising their own taxes every chance they get), I'm already prepared to shell out another $76.69 per year.

A lot of money is going into this campaign. Don't worry Pro-Measure T peeps, Californians love higher taxes, and with the paltry 55% threshold to get over, it's a lead pipe cinch. 

In preparation for this blog, I went and read my opinions the last time LEUSD asked for $100,000,000 from the property taxpayers (2016), and my opinions really haven't changed on the subject. 

Link to 2016 blog regarding LEUSD's previous bond

There were a couple of images I created for that blog that I'll reuse here since they are still applicable and make the point.

If you vote against school bonds, you're a big meanie!
(It's always with the heartstrings to get into your wallet)

At the time of the 2016 Measure V vote, LEUSD had no bonds. I like the members of the school board, but back then there was a quote in the Press Enterprise where a member of the board said something like this, “We’re one of the few school districts in the whole county that doesn’t have a school bond.”

Which inspired me to create the following graphic, now known as a meme.

Sometimes it's just fine to not try and keep up with the Joneses.

In fact, they're sort of using that same card again by trying to shame us since we're currently paying the lowest school bond payments in the sampled region.

Do what the old Washington Senators fans used to do when reading the standings... turn it upside down and you'll see that we are actually doing better than all the others listed.

If it does pass, you're supposed to be pleased that we aren't Hemet based on my editing of the above graph to show what the new figures will become.

Maybe all these NEW taxes are something that you welcome. I just wasn't raised that way.

Below I'll add the flyers from the Yes on T group, then follow it up with one more opinion (scout's honor). 

There is something about qualifying for matching grants if this is passed. Just another way the state jerks around with the voters. Giving us "damned if you do, damned if you don't" options at every turn.

Lucky me, the average will be paying $104 per year, and I'll be under $80.
Being below average never felt so good.
Until you factor in Measure 2016's Measure V that is.

Wildomar Rap opinion time

Let me start off by saying that I was raised in a middle class family... oh wait, that's someone else's tagline.

I've long since adjusted to the 2016 $105,000,000 bond passed in 2016.

It's a 30 year bond, but less than eight years into that bond they are coming back for nearly double that asking for another $198,000,000. 

It's VERY fair to ask, so when will LEUSD be coming around with their hand out again? 

WHEN? 

How many different bonds are they willing to ask homeowners to shoulder?

That's not even taking into account current demographics that are saying growth in California, even the IE, is no longer a thing. Below is a link to the recent SCAG (Southern California Association of Governments) Demographics Workshop that I attended. 

It's all interesting, but it's also nearly four hours long. This video is cued up to the keynote address (about half an hour) where the expert discusses the future of SoCal.

I did talk with one of the LEUSD higher-ups at the Wildomar State of the City event 10 days ago. I told him I was going to give my opinions on Measure T. We all have opinions, and this is what mine looks like.

Vote your conscience, don't be swayed by emotionalism... even from friends in high places.

Link to voter info that you should be getting in the mail

wildomarrap@gmail.com

• Cops For Kids, Who Are They?

You've probably heard about Cops For Kids, but might not be sure what they do. 

I sat down with former Wildomar Chief of Police Dave Fontneau, Executive Director of the group, and learned more about them, a few days away from their biannual fund raiser at Chili's.

What started twenty years ago, by a couple of patrolmen out of the Lake Elsinore Sheriff Station, who saw a need among some in the underprivileged areas, who then went back to the station and took up a collection, bought gifts and distributed them to kids in need, while on duty, in uniform, from their marked patrol cars, has blossomed into an institution in the area: Cops For Kids. 

From that humble beginning it has grown to full 501c3 non profit, with an executive director and full board of directors (which is comprised of leaders in the community, donating their time). 

In addition to Christmas gifts, Cops For Kids operates year round and do other things including: 
     • Providing clothes for underprivileged children during back to school time.
     • Emergency housing.
     • Transportation to school.
     • There was an example given of supplying the necessary parts to repair the family automobile so that they could get their kids to school.

They also have a senior outreach program where they reach out to seniors during the holidays. People that are nearing the end of their lives with little or no family and are basically shut ins. They sing some Christmas carols, spend some time with them and provide them gifts.

The area served by Cops For Kids stretches from the unincorporated areas north of Lake Elsinore down to Wildomar. It basically mirrors the Lake Elsinore School District boundaries.

Some years they've served over a thousand kids. One year in particular they served over fifteen hundred kids. The events have been so large that they've been held at Storm Stadium in past years. It became so big that it was split into two events.

The excitement of picking out your own toy.

One is Breakfast with Santa (not to be confused with the Breakfast with Santa held at the Wildomar fire station) which is held at Lakeside High School. Typically the culinary arts department prepares the breakfast for the kids and families. 

Happy kids having a great morning.

They get a picture taken with Santa, and a chance to pick out their own gifts from what looks like a toy store, where thousands of toys are on display. 

As Santa listens attentively.

The other is for families that can't make it the breakfast, and they deliver the toys in uniform, in marked patrol vehicles, wearing Santa hats. Last year that number was around 125 homes... which often have more than one child getting gifts. 

How can you contribute?
The key ways are time, money or gifts. They accept new, unwrapped toys for kids of all ages. Specifically the need is for older children. You can also attend one of their fundraisers. *More about the next one below (Tips For Kids).

How do local kids get on the toy list?
They can be referred through their school, a community member can suggest a candidate family, and families can self refer.

All of the candidates are vetted through the board, to insure that they are truly in need. 

Their key fundraising events include Tips For Kids, which is held at Chili's in Lake Elsinore; which occurs twice a year, in May and in November. Wednesday, November 15th is the next event at Chili's. *More about the event at the end of the blog.

"Nash", the mini police car, is at the Tips For Kids event held at the Lake Elsinore Chili's.

There is an annual golf tournament that is typically held in May at the Dos Lagos Golf Club in Corona. 

Small businesses can participate through their toy drives where a collection box is placed for donations of new unwrapped toys.

The best way to get in touch with Cops For Kids is through their website at this link: Cops For Kids, they also have a facebook page you can visit, Cops For Kids FB page.

While talking to Dave Fonteneau I heard about a group of phone scammers that were claiming to be raising money for Cops For Kids in the Denver area.

Like with ALL charities, you need to make sure you're dealing with the actual representatives of the organization you're seeking to help.

 Caveat Emptor/Buyer Beware.

I've attended Tips For Kids at least four times. Though the restaurant is crowded, and there can be wait times not usual for a weekday evening, it's a fun time —especially for kids. 

They have "Star Cars" in the parking lot and I was happy to see the "Bluesmobile" there last year. They've also had Kit Car from Nightrider, the Delorean from Back to the Future among others.

Looks like Austin Powers stopped by.

One of the greatest Star Cars out there. The only cars that could top it would be the original Batmobile or Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. ☺

There are officers on horseback, a jail that you can send your friends to, even elected officials or the officers "on duty" at Chili's. 

Plenty of photo ops for the family.

These horses are so patient with people.

Smiles all around.

If there's a chance you'll be hungry for dinner on Wednesday, November 15th, and you'd be planning to eat out anyway... head over to Chili's. 

Sandi Fandrick, treasurer for Cops For Kids, got sent to the hoosegow.

Remember to bring a few extra sawbucks so that you can have a warrant served for someone's arrest... it's all in fun, and the money goes to a worthy cause. 

•                •                •

Those who have the privilege to know have the duty to act.
– Albert Einstein

Wildomar Rap thanks all those that donate their time and energy to worthy causes that seek to add joy to the lives of others.

• Wildomar Residents Give Back

It's always nice to hear about community involvement on a local level. 

The bench was built by Ed Munguia who is a longtime woodworking hobbyist.

Wildomar resident David Masters, and his second grader grandson Nathan Merritt, were some of the keys behind the donation of a "Buddy Bench" at Nathan's school, Withrow Elementary.

Withrow's principal, Mr. Baskent, started their usual Friday morning assembly where they had the pledge of allegiance, and a couple of songs before he told them about the new bench. 

Detail of the artwork done by Michelle Blair.

At which point he handed the microphone over to David Masters to say a few words about it.

This project was started by my grandson Nathan Merritt. He approached me last year —he wanted to have more friends here at this school. We talked a little bit about different ways how he could make some friends. I'm not sure how he [came up with the idea of a bench] but he said, "maybe we could have a bench or special lunch table to meet some friends."

Nathan Merritt and his grandfather David Masters.
Photo courtesy of Mark Dennis, LEUSD.

We talked with Mrs. Conkright and we came up with this idea. I didn't make this bench myself, Ed [Munguia] built this bench for us, and his friend (Michelle Blair) put the stenciling on it, and I hope you guys like it. [We're] hoping that all of the students will be able to use this bench as a way to promote friendships and make new friends."

After the assembly was over, I had a chance to ask Ed how he got involved with the project.

"I started making these [types] of benches back in April, and I started selling them online. Mr. Masters contacted me [and asked], "Would you be willing to donate one of these to a school?""

He's made thirteen of these types of benches so far, and his method involves re-purposing old headboards that people no longer want. He has made some with new headboards too.

Assistant principal Mrs. Conkright, David Masters, Nathan Merritt, Ed Munguia, Kaitlyn Munguia, Michelle Blair and Carmen Munguia.

The bench will be placed on the primary playground once the professionals have a chance to secure it appropriately. Mr. Baskent also mentioned the possibility of getting a similar bench for the upper playground too.

Nathan, Mrs. Conkright, Michelle Blair and Ed Munguia.
Photo courtesy of Mark Dennis, LEUSD.

Way to go Nathan, it's always uplifting to read about young people taking an active part in their communities. Keep up the good work. ☺

•          •          •

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.”
– Oscar Wilde

With  Wildomar Rap you get both "the smallest acts of kindness" and delivered with the "grandest intentions".

errr... that sounded better in my head than it does written out. 

• LEUSD Special Olympics 2017

Of all the things that I've been able to see and do because of writing Wildomar Rap, it's things like LEUSD's Special Olympics that makes it all worth while.

First, the setting, Lakeside High School's football field, couldn't ask for a more picturesque location, with the hills looming above the line of palm trees that ring the campus.

Such a great view that many of us don't even really see anymore, we're so used to it.

The opening ceremonies started with the various schools' teams being announced, then marching around the track. All the Wildomar schools were represented, though I wasn't able to get pictures of each of them. Sorry about that. 

Ronald Reagan Elementary.

David A. Brown Middle School.

Elsinore High School.

Waving to the spectators, with Sycamore Academy closing in behind.

SASCA (Sycamore Academy or Science and Cultural Arts).

There were many local elected officials on the stage. Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez spoke for a few minutes and wished all the participants good luck, and hoped they could all finish first. 

Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez delivers a few words of encouragement. A much nicer setting to spend the morning than in Jurupa Valley watching the governor sign a bill. ☺

Before the games could officially begin, they had one of the participants light the Olympic flame, with some assistance by a RSO deputy.

LEUSD board member Heidi Dodd takes a pic as the flame is lit.

The various track events included assisted walks, motorized and non motorized wheelchair races, 100M run and 100M relay.

This competitor made the entire 50 meters on his own power.

This non motorized wheel chair race brought out some competitiveness among friends.

The field events included bean bag throw, tennis ball throw, softball throw, running long jump and standing long jump.

The softball throw.

The tennis ball throw.

The running long jump.

The event was a well oiled machine and not long after each race was completed the medals were awarded.

Two of the many medal winners on the east side of the field.

A hand shake is in order for this winner.

While out there I ran into several members of the community. Some were there with their child's school as a volunteer, others had children that were participating. 

Wildomar resident Kimberly Fox takes a picture of four friends that are long time veterans of the LEUSD Special Olympic game. Her daughter Ashley is on the far right.

It's quite an inspiring event to be at. Seeing the courage of the athletes, as many struggled to do things the rest of us take for granted. 

The courage to excel where the difficulties are great.

•          •          •

Love is but the discovery of ourselves in others, and the delight in the recognition. 
– Alexander Smith, 1829-1867

Wildomar Rap is always delighted to learn about others discovering this blog... just never knew to call the recognition of such love until now. 

• Twofer Youth Night in Wildomar

The Elks Lodge and Wildomar Little League showed their community spirit with two events.

What do you do when there are two worthy events scheduled for the same time about a mile and a half apart? Attend both of course. ☺

The Elks Lodge held their 18th annual scholarship dinner, where thirteen local youths received college scholarships that totaled more than $10,000.

The funds are raised at the Elks annual Christmas Tree Lane event.

The names of the Elks Ladies Scholarship winners are Reina De Young, Destinee Davis, Jordan Castello, Jordyn Strange, Megan Carter, Brianna Gorham-Moran.

Lake Elsinore-Wildomar Elks Ladies Scholarship winners.

The names of the Elks Scholarship winners are Jolie Anderson, Shayan Khan,  Dylan Dickerson, Ashely Arrucha, Sydney Southwick and Justin Dela Cruz.

Lake Elsinore-Wildomar Elks Scholarship winners.
From left to right: Elks Exalted Ruler Gary Brown, Jolie Anderson, Shayan Khan, Dylan Dickerson, Ashley Arrucha, Sydney Southwick, Justin Dela Cruz, and Patty Quick.

How inspiring it was to watch our future leaders accept scholarships to help them with their schooling, and watch them all tell about their future plans.

From aspirations to teach at the local high schools, to chemical engineering, it was quite a sight watching them beam with enthusiasm as they told the audience of their future dreams.

All the Elks 2017 scholarship recipients.

In the audience were LEUSD Assistant Superintendent Kip Meyer, Stan Crippen LEUSD board member (and grandfather of one of the winners), Lake Elsinore City Councilmember Daryl Hickman and Wildomar City Councilmember Bridgette Moore.

•      •      •

About a mile and a half to the southeast, there was a casino night fundraiser taking place to help fund the local Little League's season.

It was a packed house over at the Corporate Room as the people enjoyed a full evening of fun, and dinner, for the entry fee of $25. There were blackjack tables, roulette, craps, and other poker games to be found too.

The raffle table had at least a dozen different things to win.

The league, in it's fourth year back, is sowing the seeds for a great league for years to come. 

This year's TOC (Tournament of Champions) will be in Wildomar. Marna O'Brien Park will be the spot for many high caliber games throughout June and July. 

Bridgette Moore did the honors of pulling the numerous winning raffle tickets.

•          •          •

I have to tell you, I'm proudest of my life off the court. There will always be great basketball players who bounce that little round ball, but my proudest moments are affecting people's lives, effecting change, being a role model in the community.
– Magic Johnson

Wildomar Rap tip of the day: 
Bouncing a ball is fine, but helping others bounce the ball is even better.