• Planning Commission Meeting November 2018

Very little transpired at the November planning commission meeting. 

There was a compelling public comment about a voter being disenfranchised on election day (see the video), a zoning amendment involving craft fairs/open air markets, and four EOTs (Extension of Time) for projects that were approved in the past. One was approved way back in 2005 when the city of Wildomar was still just a gleam in the eye of the WIN committee.

In brief, the quick rundown on the projects include:

   •  Rancon medical/retail center (96,000sf) on Clinton Keith and Elizabeth Lane (3 years, until October of 2021). 
   •  Elm Street subdivision (3 year extension)

Link to 2015 blog about the Elm Street project

   •  Beazer homes, McVicar and Grand, 170 units. Approved in 2005, (looking for extensions through 2021.) 
   •  Villa Siena, 170 apartment units at Elizabeth Lane and Prelippe (3 year extension)

Link to 2015 Villa Siena Blog

Wildomar Rap opinion time

Never having been in the developing business, I simply don't understand how delaying a project for years helps. 

The meeting was over in under 30 minutes. The video is below. 

Publisher's Note:
As some of you know, the writer of Wildomar Rap (Joseph Morabito) won a seat on the city council yesterday. Detailed blogs about Planning Commission and City Council meetings are being phased out. I'll still endeavor to get the details out, but not in the same manner traditionally seen in Wildomar Rap. 

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“For the want of a nail the shoe was lost, for the want of a shoe the horse was lost, for the want of a horse the rider was lost, for the want of a rider the battle was lost, for the want of a battle the kingdom was lost... and all for the want of a horseshoe-nail.”
– Benjamin Franklin

Thankfully, Wildomar Rap doesn't use nails in shoes in the first place... so nothing has been lost.

This blog was produced for viewing on a desktop or a laptop. Though it's been optimized for smartphones, the formatting can look odd on a smartphone or if you get this delivered through email (such as missing video links). Link to proper format.

• Better Know a Local Non-Profit: The SWAG (Social Worker Action Group)

Have you heard of The SWAG? They are a group of people that are on the frontlines in Wildomar when it comes to addressing the impacts of homelessness in the community. 

The SWAG team, Summer 2018.

I sat down with Aaron (studied sociology at Cal Baptist university) and Adrian (substance abuse counselor for the last ten years) at The Bean and asked them to tell me about themselves and their mission. 

The other key members of the group include Monica (masters in social work), Kendra (licensed substance abuse counselor/eighteen years), David (bachelors in sociology) and Ricky (substance abuse counselor).

Group shot on location.

They worked in governmental homeless social services for many years before taking the step of creating a nonprofit to serve the people that are in need. 

My first question was...
 WR  How did The SWAG come about?
 SWAG  We worked in governmental homeless services and there are a lot of gaps [in what is needed]. So we all took the bold step [...] of doing this on our own, as a nonprofit, to serve the people that are in need. 

 WR  What are the types of homeless people that you encounter in this area?
 SWAG  If we're talking about those on the streets, definitely a high concentration are both mentally ill and addicted to a substance. There is a correlation to drug abuse and mental health because [...] to shed the basic self preservation skills we have, to not sleep outside in the rain and weather [...] you're at a level of depression, even if it's undiagnosed, you're severely depressed. That's the largest portion [of homeless people]. 
We are also dealing on a daily basis with families, seniors, people that are facing homelessness —at risk because of economic issues.

Wildomar Rap clarification time

This part of the conversation was far more detailed than the paragraph above. However, mention of the criminal element, those released from jail or prison early due to AB 109, Props 47 and 57, weren't brought up here.

In the field.

 WR  What is it that SWAG does on the ground level?
 SWAG  On the ground level it's relationship building. The people on the streets, generally speaking, they're not looking for help or they're so lost they don't even know how to begin finding that help. A lot of their interactions on the streets are negative interactions. Law enforcement, code enforcement, public works, business owners saying 'get off my property'. So much of their daily experience is negative they have their guard up [when we first approach]. 

We have a commitment to always be connected to the work and the work happens out there (referencing to a nearby encampment) not in some office.  —Aaron of The SWAG

 WR  How many are on the streets because they "missed a paycheck"?
 SWAG  (Adrian) Typically, someone who "missed a check", and that's it, their homeless episode will not last very long. Someone who "missed a check", who's had an ongoing check, they're used to working, used to making it work, that [still have the] survival instinct [...] might just need a leg up and connected to a short term program that's going to assist them getting on their feet.

(Aaron) We like this question, we talk about this a lot. That's a common misconception. We use that analogy [to illustrate the point]. If I were to lose my paycheck, there're safeguards with unemployment. Hopefully I was doing things right and I have some savings, or I have something I could sell. But even if all that was gone and I even lost my house [...] I still have a support system [...] we have some safeguards still in place.

Someone that's on the street has burned their bridges with friends and family. Rarely do you find someone who grew up an orphan that has nobody. It wasn't one decision that got them on the street, it's a process of bad decisions —relationships, mistakes, addiction. We like that question because it's not that "one flat tire away from being on the street'. 

Meeting the people where they "live".

 WR  What about people that want to give food to the homeless?
 SWAG   (Aaron) I would never deny anybody food, but [suggest] let's go eat together —it's feeding with a purpose. I'm not going to tell you what to do (the homeless person), but I'm going to tell you that you're better than this. We're in the greatest country on Earth, everybody can, and should have a place to stay, let's help them find that.

(Adrian) I've watched people do feedings before, and groups that have gone and fed families and I've watched them, in the trunk of their car, carry the food that's wrapped in a foil lid. And I've watched them grab food with their hands. 

This isn't sanitary. There are [proper] temperatures for food for a reason. You're quite possibly putting someone else in a position where, if he doesn't have medical insurance or doesn't have a clinic available, to get sick and go back out to the cold streets.

Between April (2018) and October 31st- 152 individuals and 24 families off the streets in the area.

 WR  What's your experience between homeless, panhandlers and scammers?
 SWAG  Awhile back I worked for a lady that was Romanian and she let me know about the travelling Gypsies and I've never seen a family —a mother and children panhandling that were really homeless; they've been professionals. There are professional panhandlers, because it pays well. Again, I've never once met a family that was homeless who was panhandling.

The SWAG team, all smiles, in September 2018.

 WR  What authority does SWAG have? You work with the cities, you're not just a group of do gooders, how does that break down?
 SWAG  That's what makes us different. We're full time professionals. This is like our trade, and this is like our craft. There are a lot of well intentioned people who do [this work] part time, and that's good —we need that, we absolutely need that, we want to team up with them. But we also want to team up with government because they have [authority]. We want to continue to inform both government along with the [volunteer] citizen that feeds on Saturdays in the park, and everybody in between.

It's our mission to inform everybody, and be true and accurate with the data. So the cities we work with, we provide them monthly with demographics.

 WR  In the early going of The Swag has been the greatest challenges to overcome. Conversely, where have things gone smoother than expected?
 SWAG  I think one of the biggest challenges [as a nonprofit corporation] is bringing in money to pay qualified employees who are professionals. Funding for homeless services hasn't been traditionally through the cities. Big cities like Riverside or Los Angeles contribute, but all these other cities [increased homelessness] is brand new. It's kind of a new norm and having cities understand that this is something they need to help, because the county can't do it by themselves, and geographically we're a big county.

On the positive side, unexpectedly, cities are understanding. The wheels of government turn slow, we know that —it's hurry up and wait. On the flip side, things have moved quickly. The challenge and the benefit has been seeing cities on board with "helping" [homeless] versus just an enforcement [approach].

Working directly with those in need.

 WR  How do people donate time or money to The SWAG?
 SWAG  You can contact us through our website (link is below). You can reach out the anyone of us with our tollfree number​— 1 (833) SWAGORG • 1 (833) 792-4674.  We work with a lot of faith based organizations, community members. We look for people that are passionate about giving back; anybody who'd like to help. 

The SWAG Facebook page

Wildomar Rap opinion time

What most of us remember as "homeless people" of the past has greatly changed in California over the last decade or so. Compassion for people in need is a good thing, but misplaced compassion can have the bring the opposite desired results.

If you want to help do not, repeat, DO NOT hand them money. You should assume that the money will be going directly to a drug habit... you might as well be handing them a dose of heroin (or whatever substance they prefer).

Instead, donate your money or time to a vetted organization, that is dealing with the homeless in a strategic way, that will minimize the attraction of more people to this area.

Use this LINK to visit The SWAG website

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For after all, the best thing one can do when it is raining is let it rain.
– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Wildomar Rap suggests that a close second to letting it rain when it's raining, is to use an umbrella or just stay inside from the get go.

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• Neighborhood Watch Meeting October 2018

The topic for the October 30, 2018 Neighborhood Watch meeting was Identity Theft and Mail Theft. I'll include the 57 minute video of the meeting for you to watch at your leisure. (video link)

This meeting was a "block captains" meeting, and it was opened to everyone in Wildomar and Lake Elsinore. I counted twenty-one people in attendance.

Investigators Brandon Cardinale(R) and Jeremy Klemp(L) led the hour long meeting.

The bullet points from the meeting included: 
  •  Sign up for "informed delivery" (a free service from the post office that lets you see what is to be delivered ahead of time)

Link to informed delivery

  •  If out of town, put a hold on your mail with the post office. (This can be done online)

  •  Bring in your mail every day

  •  If your mail is stolen:

        •  Immediately run a credit report
        •  File a report with BOTH the post office and law enforcement
        •  Immediately run a credit report
  •  If you are a victim of identity theft:
        •  get all the information you can from your credit card company so that you can give it to the police. If you wait for the investigators to serve search warrants, it could slow the case down by several weeks to several months.
        •  Freeze your credit (consider doing this before you're a victim)
  •  Shred your junk mail (at least the part with your name on it)
  •  If you fell for an international scam, use the website called IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center)

  •  Holiday season means an increase in package theft
  •  Run your credit information at least once a year
  •  Be a "good witness"
        •  This can't be overstressed. If you see a crime, in addition to calling and reporting it, you need to be able to describe what it is you saw. Full descriptions of people, places and vehicles will make the chances of catching the perps a better bet.

Below is the contact info for our local investigators.

If there are misspellings, it's on them.

Much of the above is basic common sense stuff, but the crime rate suggests that many people aren't employing enough of it at any one given time. We can't prevent all crime, but by avoiding things that make us more of a target will go a long way in reducing the chances of being a victim.

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Quality is not an act, it is a habit.
– Aristotle

Wildomar Rap can't act its way out of a wet paper bag.

This blog was produced for viewing on a desktop or a laptop. Though it's been optimized for smartphones, the formatting can look odd on a smartphone or if you get this delivered through email (such as missing video links). Link to proper format.

• Trunk or Treat 2018

Wildomar's fifth annual Trunk or Treat event at Marna O'Brien park was probably the most well attended park event I've seen to date. The parking lot was already full before the official start time of 5pm. 

There were 39 "Trunks" and an estimated 2000 participants.

The perfect photo spot was set up near the Faith Bible Church ice cream truck.

An early look at the crowd.

Based on length of lines, the "Haunted Shipwreck" was the most popular attraction.

One of the many displays in the "Haunted Shipwreck" maze.

Wildomar Police were on hand to meet and greet the trick or treaters.

City Councilmember Bridgette Moore posed with a superhero, a couple of bottles of yummy sauces and what appears to be a post apocalyptic survivalist. lol

My best group costume award goes to Living Hope Lutheran Church. They came as The Wizard of Oz characters. Last year they dressed as members of the original Willy Wonka cast, and the year before they were dressed up as "Where's Waldo" characters. 

The look of pure enjoyment on the kids' faces was worth its weight in candy.

Lake Elsinore Education Foundation were giving out children's books.

Cops For Kids were on hand.

 The Relay For Life leaders were in the house. ☺

The Girl Scouts handed out a lot of candy.

Crowds cycled in and out during the three hour event. Though it was difficult to pinpoint how many people visited altogether. As I was leaving around 7:15pm I saw fresh a troop of costumed candy connoisseurs traipsing into the park with their chaperones. 

Holly Stephens of Furry Tail Dog Training was one of the local business owners in attendance. There were many more... (Note to self, take MORE pictures next year, and do so before it gets too dark). 

Melissa Melendez, 67th State Assembly district elected official, in attendance. Her district has more than 450,000 people in it and it stretches from Murrieta to Hemet to Lake Mathews. This was her second consecutive Wildomar Trunk or Treat event to be at.

Being a person that believes in equal time, Michelle Singleton (candidate for 67th Assembly district seat) and her team were at the event too. I wonder if it's too late to do a Better Know a Candidate blog with her?

Elsinore High School cheerleaders performed for the crowd throughout the event.

Last on the city park's 2018 calendar of events is Breakfast With Santa, which is slated for Saturday, December 15th at the Fire Station on Gruwell St. 

To keep informed about various city events, be sure to sign up for the email reminders at the following address. 

Link to the city's stay connected page.

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Clothes make a statement. Costumes tell a story.
– Mason Cooley

Wildomar Rap makes statements, then the story just grows on its own.

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• Better Know A Local Business: Furry Tail Dog Training

Holly and Mark Stephens.

I love sharing local businesses with the community. Today I'm sharing Furry Tail Dog Training operated by Holly Stephens.

She and her husband Mark have been in Wildomar for about six years now. 

She's always wanted to work with animals and earlier in her life she worked at Seaworld for many years. 

She's worked in the animal care and husbandry departments at aquariums and at the zoo, but really wanted to help people with their pets as she became more familiar with the statistics of dogs being put down due to lack of training.

Gaining the trust of one of her student pups.

A lot of her clients are concerned with chewing, jumping up, digging, barking, house training and "counter surfing" among other bad habits that need deprogramming. Her classes also cover basic obedience that all dogs need.

Behavior Corrections:

Pulling on Leash, Not Coming When Called, Jumping, Chewing/Destructions, Excessive Barking, Stealing and Scavenging, Nipping and Mouthing, Begging, Digging and Bolting.

Holly, in action, during a lesson.

Though she lives in Wildomar, classes and consultations are held at ​Canyon Hills Community Park in Lake Elsinore. That's where she's permitted and insured. (Off topic, I know she'd like to bring her services to Wildomar, but the permitting process has been a big obstacle so far)

Obedience Cues:

​Focus, Sit, Down, Stay, Come, Drop-it, Leave-it, Take-it, Heel, Kennel up, Wait, Stand, Loose Leash Walking and Crate Training.

A previous graduate of Furry Tail Dog Training.

The group classes last an hour per session and there are six sessions per class. The groups can be up to ten dogs at a time (per her city permit), though they are usually not half that size. Like other reputable dog handlers, she only works with dogs that are up on their vaccinations.

High fives for a job well done.

A little bit of training for your dog, especially if you get them while they're still puppies, will go a long way in having an obedient and well trained dog. 

Eager for more training.

Let's be real for a sec, for as awesome as dogs are as pets, friends and even family members, poorly trained dogs can cause a lot of unnecessary grief to the owners.

Holly is a caring person that is there to help get your dog on the right path, contact her and see about the various lessons she offers.

Certificates Holly Has Earned

• ABC Certified Dog Trainer

• Pet First Aid and CPR Certified

• Certificate in Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

• Certificate in Feline Management and Training

• Certificate in The Art of Selling and Teaching Private Lessons

Visit Holly's website for more information.

She also has a facebook page to visit.

Link to Furry Tail Dog Training website

Link to Facebook page

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"Money can buy you a fine dog, but only love can make him wag his tail."
– Kinky Friedman 

Wildomar Rap's vestigial tail hasn't wagged in years.

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