• Special City Council Meeting: Covid-19

Very brief meeting with only one agenda item. Mayor Dustin Nigg attended by way of phone, and also with his photo propped up in a chair (I loved that touch), which was made permissible when Governor Newsom relaxed certain parts of the Brown Act. 

Councilmember Ben Benoit gives the thumbs up when he hears Mayor Dusting Nigg compliment our "social distancing". At the far right you'll see the masked council member, Joseph Morabito (me) who had just learned from his (my) wife's doctor that I must wear a mask in public so as to protect her. 

3.1 Resolution Proclaiming the Existence of An Emergency Situation and Local Emergency Due to The Worldwide Spread Of COVID-19 
In brief, the emergency resolution is to allow the city to continue conducting business in these extraordinary times. Please watch the very short video at the bottom of this blog.

There was a proposal made by the Mayor that local grocery stores establish priority hours for the elderly and "other high risk groups of people". 

"The city council strongly encourages grocery stores to establish certain priority shopping hours each day for the elderly and other high risk groups of people. The council requests that the public respect this time period to allow elderly and other high risk customers to pick up the food and supplies they need."

— Mayor Dustin Nigg

I asked for a little clarification on that, if possible. 

My thinking was that the same type of people that disregard community needs when they use their wood burning fireplaces on "non burn days" (I'll burn my wood anytime I feel like it, why would I care if people with respiratory problems will be negatively affected) or that purchase cute little red vests for their dogs and then lie to people that their pet is a "service animal" would have no qualms about showing up and claiming to be in the "other high risk groups of people." (though I wasn't nearly that pointed during the meeting)

Ben Benoit got a good wide angle shot of the dais and the room... which had no members of the public present.

The city can't direct, but we are "highly recommending"... that means it's on the honor system... that applies to YOU too.

I wanted the Pikachu mask, but my wife had already called dibs on that one. 

link to original version of this blog

Later in the evening a press release was sent out:

• Richard Heil Memorial Service

This morning, while maintaining distances per the governor's "request" to self isolate, a medium sized crowd of friends and loved ones attended the memorial service for longtime Wildomar champion Richard Heil. 

I've asked Kristen Lloyd if she'd be able to pinch hit for me today... and supply some photos and a write up so we could share the info this week. Many thanks to her. ☺

—  —  —

Today, I am filling in as cub reporter for Joseph. We both attended the celebration of life for Richard Heil but he was asked to provide a video for the family. So, although he was front and center for the event, he is taking the backseat for this article and is busy working on editing video and writing another compelling “rap”.  

I digress, back to Richard. Richard Heil was a long-time resident and very active community member of Wildomar. Richard passed away earlier this year on January 18th, 2020. It took a while to organize family members travel and plan exactly what he had time to write down in his final wishes.

One of the collages at the memorial.

Today’s celebration of life was planned well before the outbreak of the “Covid19” and it was a shame that social distancing and executive orders kept many away. Sharon understood but it was hard to see an audience that wasn’t fully representative of all those who held such high regard and respect for Richard. If it weren’t for the state of affairs the room would have maxed the capacity with “Standing Room Only.”

The event was one of the first that blended a military procession and service with an ELK formal tribute. The honor detail performed a ceremony that included the most beautiful rendition of taps on a bugle that I have ever heard and the folding and presentation of the American flag to the next of kin. Sharon also received three bullets in a velvet bag that were fired in honor of his time in service from Arlington Cemetery Honor Brigade.

Sharon and RIchard Heil.

I had never attended an ELK formal tribute and it is filled with ceremonial rites and readings that touched my heart. They honor the time Richard served as an ELK member, which he took an oath to embody the principles and purpose of; four cardinal virtues: Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its members; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; and to cultivate good fellowship. Richard was all of these things and more. A true ELK.

City Council member Ben Benoit represented the mayor, the other council members and city staff that were not able to attend. 

Ben spoke back to when he was a junior council member that both Richard and Sharon were his benchmark to know if the city was moving in a positive direction. Sharon would sit and knit in the front row at council meetings and if things were going well, she continued to knit. If occasion arose that things weren’t sounding quite right, she would put her needles down. And, when things were starting to turn, Richard would put his hand on hers and assure her that everything would turn out okay. I am certain that she is missing that blessed assurance hand pat given today’s uneasiness.

There were two speakers that praised his service with the VFW and American Legion as a member, veteran, and fellow countryman. It was also my privilege to speak a few words on behalf of just one of the many organizations that he was a part of. 

Missed by his family and friends.

I was there to speak on behalf of the Historical Society, which was just many of the organizations he was an active member of for so many years. But you can’t  start in the middle of the story. My husband and I have been lucky to serve alongside Sharon and Richard throughout the years. Richard’s acts of service molded my husband and I as community members and citizens on this big blue planet.

We first moved here in 2001 and John met Sharon and Richard at a MAC meeting. (Municipal Advisory Committee – meetings that moved action with the county prior to cityhood.) Soon after that John got involved with re-opening parks and they both joined him at the meetings. They were encouraging, willing to say yes, and showed up.

They too thought it was so important for the children to have a place to play. They were selfless in their efforts. They put their actions behind their beliefs. Always attending meetings, functions, helping set-up and tear down, volunteering to serve where needed.

Their yesses were yesses. Their character was exemplary, something that we try to achieve. We’re always learning and maturing and it was so wonderful to have a couple that we could mirror.

And yes, of course we were able to open parks with their help.

They initiated the contact between the HOPE pantry and Grace Point Nazarene church in 2008 at a community event. Because of that introduction, Grace Point began to provide a location locally for the citizens of Wildomar to pick up fresh produce and pantry goods. This was during one of the most difficult downturns in the economy for the world.

I am proud to say that this program has been going strong since then and now there are other locations throughout this area that also are part of that fresh food program. This program has helped hundreds in our local community make it a little further along each month. The introduction has exponential growth and stories of grace and mercy that we will never know. 

Some of the flowers at the memorial service.

John joined the ELKS, with Richard’s help. He worked with him on projects with the VFW, and the American Legion to name just a few of the organizations that Richard was involved in. But he couldn’t keep up. Richard was the energizer rabbit. Giving where he could and to his fullest potential.

Lending a hand to others is their acts of service and we are forever grateful for their example and friendship. We never really knew what it was like to have one without the other, they worked as a well-oiled machine.

Richard would start a conversation, Sharon would add or Sharon would start a conversation and Richard would add his two cents, I mean memory of events.

It was a pleasure working with them helping to preserve the history of Wildomar. They offered up their ancient treasures to Wildomar Elementary History Day presentation for many years. The kids would be so curious as to what a dial phone was, an adding machine, a typewriter, a homemade kite. The awe and wonder in their faces truly inspired us. It was a highlight each year that we were able to participate.

Richard would tell of museums he went to on the trips that Sharon planned. Their ideas were boundless on what the historical society should strive for. We’re working on it but without their help it’s been a turtle’s pace.

I think that his love of history came from his own past and service in the military that lent to preserving the American way. He had strong feelings in for protecting personal beliefs and freedoms. He continued to dedicate his life to veterans and practiced acts of gratitude with both the VFW and American Legion in many chapters and locations throughout the county.

He is missed by many and I know the community will also miss his ethics, character, and shining example. In today’s turbulent times it would have been nice to have him on your side.

There are three things in this life: Faith, Hope, and Love.

The greatest of these is love and it was so apparent to all of us….
His love for Sharon…
his family…
his community… 
and God.

He was able to spend his last days writing his wishes down. The celebration of life was his and planned to perfection, no detail too small or left undone. Jan Ebel sang two beautiful songs. The ELKS Chaplain ended the formal ceremony with, “He is home and we will see him soon.” 

Fred Mlakar

The celebration ended with the accordionist, Fred Mlakar playing a few of their favorite polka tunes while we enjoyed breaking bread together.

He and Sharon made plans to travel, visit museums, and places of interest with him by her side. Seat belted and ready for adventures in his American flag themed urn.

I would count myself lucky to visit with her and hear about those adventures.

If you are missing a loved one, know that whatever you do today, tomorrow and each day that follows that you carry them with you….love remains!

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Kristan Lloyd and her family have been part of the community since 2001. Her day job is as an Administrative Management Specialist working with public water systems. She is also a Grief Recovery  Specialist with a purpose to create potential for a better tomorrow.

• Press Release: Temporary Public Service Changes

Temporary Public Service Changes

APPROVED FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BY: 

Gary Nordquist, City Manager Date: March 13, 2020

City Implements Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

The City of Wildomar is providing the following information as a precaution in continuing to provide public services and meetings while the Coronavirus Pandemic conditions exist. As Mayor Dustin Nigg has noted:

“To our residents, business partners and community members at large. As you’re reading the guidelines and plans, we are implementing for the remainder of March and through April 2020 please know that we are implementing this approach out of an abundance of caution. I recognize that some may think that we’re not going far enough while others might think we are going too far. I ask all to understand that the current environment created by COVID-19 is still evolving and very much fluid. We feel our approach will allow us to continue serving our community in a responsible way during these times. If the current environment changes for the worse, we will assess and adjust accordingly. As a reminder, please be judicious of your symptoms - If you’re not feeling well, avoid going to places where you may get someone else sick. Individual responsibility will go a long way with helping us ALL get through this.”


As several Health Orders and Declared Emergencies have been stated, the City of Wildomar is taking the following steps to comply with these conditions:


I. Cancellation of Special Events planned for March and April 2020 with an estimated attendance above 250 individuals per Order of the Health Officer of the County of Riverside (attached).

• Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt – April 4, 2020 at Marna O’Brien Park starting at 9:00 a.m.
• Teen Egg Hunt – April 4, 2020 at Marna O’Brien Park starting at 8:00 p.m.
• Health Fair/ALS Run – April 18, 2020 at Marna O’Brien Park starting at 7:00 a.m.

Rescheduling of cancelled events will be determined at a later date.


II. City Public Meetings: No regularly scheduled public meetings are cancelled at this time. City Council and Planning Commission Meetings are video streamed and available on cable TV for viewing. During these times, residents are encouraged to take advantage of these features. Seating in the Council Chambers may be limited in order to accommodate the recommended social distancing seating procedure. Other locations at city hall will be available for viewing the meeting on TV should the chambers room reach occupancy limits. Public comments will be accommodated from all city hall room locations.

•  City Hall Daily Operations and Front Counter Service: Residents and Businesses are encouraged to conduct business with the City by way of telephone or internet technology. If a personal visit to City Hall is essential, appointment scheduling will assure the most efficient means of service

III. Cemetery Daily Operations:

• Normal operating hours will continue.
• Scheduling of an appointment for services is recommended

For additional information, please call Kimberly Davidson at 951-677-7751, Extension 215, or email kdavidson@cityofwildomar.org

Link to press release on city website

• Press Release: Changes to Sign Ordinance to Reduce Banner Clutter

APPROVED FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BY: Gary Nordquist, City Manager Date: March 12, 2020 CHANGES TO SIGN ORDINANCE TO REDUCE BANNER CLUTTER

WILDOMAR, CA – At the request of City Council last year, an ad hoc subcommittee was formed to review the city’s current temporary sign regulations. This has resulted in changes to Wildomar’s Sign Ordinance (Chapters 17.252 and 17.254 of the Wildomar Municipal Code). 

The subcommittee, comprised of two Council Members (Ben Benoit and Joseph Morabito) and city staff first met in July 2019 to discuss current temporary sign standards, standards in neighboring cities and the desire to reduce the clutter of temporary signs in Wildomar. The proposed amendment to the sign ordinance was adopted by Council in February 12, 2020 and goes into effect on March 12, 2020. 

“The challenge is that we need to be fair to everyone in our city,” said Wildomar Mayor Dustin Nigg. “What we have seen over the years is that the temporary banners, the signs plastered along all of our fences have really gotten out of control. Wildomar is an absolutely beautiful city, but much of that beauty has been blocked by banners everywhere.” 

Gotta love the long memory of Google maps. If you go back far enough, this place used to be respectable, but for more than ten years it's steadily gone down hill and I feel bad for the long time merchants that try and do business in that shopping center. The banner blight is only the most obvious deterrent that keeps most would be customers from even entering the parking lot.

This photo was NOT part of the press release.

The majority of the changes to the code are the size of the banners (36 square feet max), a time limit for how long they can be displayed (30 consecutive days per quarter) and where they can be displayed (affixed to the business). A “no fee” temporary sign permit is required and can be obtained by contacting the planning department. 

Off-site signage, and particularly signage affixed to fences, is now strictly prohibited by the changes to the code. Inflatable devices and feather signs are prohibited as well. The changes do not affect garage sales signs, realtor open house signs, political signs or holiday décor. 

This is an example of banners gone wild.
FYI This photo was not in the city's press release.

Once the new code goes into effect on March 12, businesses displaying offsite signage in fields, on fences and walls around town will be asked to remove those banners via a written notice of violation. If the signage is not removed with 10 days, the city may remove the sign and make it available for pickup within 30 days at the Wildomar Cemetery (32000 Gruwell St, Wildomar). 

CITY OF WILDOMAR – PRESS RELEASE PAGE 2 While some may see this move as not being business friendly, the city’s Economic Development department disagrees. 

“Signage is very important to a business,” said Kimberly Davidson, Economic Development Director for the City of Wildomar. “But the most important signage is the business’ permanent sign and any temporary signage should be announcing a current promotion and switched out regularly to attract attention. The offsite signage that we see throughout the city creates visual blight that may hinder future development.” 

Davidson also explained that businesses may tend to rely on offsite banners because they are not familiar with other marketing strategies to attract customers to their doors. In order to help their businesses succeed, Wildomar is offering no-cost marketing consultations to its businesses. 

“One thing we can offer that many cities can’t is that we have a marketing expert on staff who is happy to meet with our businesses and give them low-cost ideas to attract customers,” Mayor Nigg said. 

The US Constitution protects political speech, but you'll notice that these banners are on a fence... a big no-no now. If the signs are free standing, and not in the public right of way, they are legal; assuming that they aren't up any sooner than 90 days before or 10 days after an election. If such signs go up this November, I'll be calling the various campaigns letting them know... and if they ignore the friendly reminder, it'll be time to see how serious we are about such things with a report to code enforcement.

I added this photo, it wasn't in the press release.

If you are a Wildomar business and would like to schedule a marketing consultation, please contact Davidson at (951) 297-3457 or at kdavidson@cityofwildomar.org. For more information on Wildomar’s Sign Ordinance (Sec. 17.252 & 17.254), please visit http://qcode.us/codes/wildomar/

Link to press release on city page

• City Council Meeting March 2020

Brief recap of a brief city council meeting.

TOP NEWS FROM THE MEETING

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• Fines for illegally parked RVs
• Weed abatement ordinance

Presentations 
Eagle Scout Jayden Coan

L to R: Amanda Fisher from Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez's office, Mayor Pro-Tem Bridgette Moore, Mayor Dustin Nigg, Jayden Coan, Ben Benoit, Joseph Morabito and Marsha Swanson.

Acknowledgement of Doug Ames' contributions to Wildomar over the years. (He's hightailing out of California to Nevada where the average July temp is 107°) Good luck and remember to bathe in sunblock from May to November. ☺

Doug Ames is flanked by the city council.

Elsinore High School gave an update (11:20 mark of the video below) as well as Reality Rally. 

It looks like Wildomar won't be fielding a team this year (other obligations that day) and with the coronavirus, maybe the entire event will be scrapped in light of the overreaction and toilet paper hoarding that's gripped the nation. 

A photo from last year's event. Wildomar's team consisted of Cameron Luna, Daniel Torres, Joseph Morabito and Big Brother "star" in the red shirt. (Sorry, I forgot her name over the last year... and I'm sure she forgot ours too.)

Department Reports 

Librarian Sandra Brautigam gave an update (27:30 of the video). Be sure to check out the library and all they have to offer the residents. It's a great resource that often goes underutilized.

Link to Wildomar Library's Webpage 

Stats from 4th Quarter 2019

For the Fire Report and Economic Development Update please watch the video at the bottom of this blog, starting at the 36:30 mark of the video.

1.16 Establishing Fines for Certain Parking Violations
I know that for many years there was scant enforcement when it came to parking abuses, but those days are over, and if you want to test it, just make sure your wallet is ready for the punch in the mouth it's about to get.

I bet there will be more than one person that ends up on the "Hattrick of Ignominy" list.

3.1 Hazardous Vegetation/Weed Abatement
The City of Wildomar’s Hazardous Vegetation Abatement program is designed to reduce fire hazards on private properties during the spring and early summer months. This program seeks to remove weeds, rubbish, litter or other flammable material from private properties where such flammable material endangers the public safety by creating a public nuisance and a fire hazard. 

3.2 Community Volunteer Roadside Cleanup Program
The program is still unfolding, but the basics at this point include that the city will provide bags to groups or individuals (at either the cemetery, city hall, or city events) to put trash in. 

The idea is that you can leave the bright orange bags along the roadside, and staff will pick them up during the week.

I'm including the Mayor's comments on this, because, well, they make good horse sense... if you don't litter, there wouldn't be litter to pick up... or something like that. (watch the video for his actual quote)

If you're part of a community minded organization, contact the city to see how your group can participate.

3.6 Wildomar Mobility Plan
Take a look at the video for the details of the Mobility Plan, also known as Go Active Wildomar. 

The meeting was adjourned in the memory of Richard Heil.

Richard and Sharon Heil.

If you want to stay up on things in Wildomar, be sure to be subscribed to the city's email blasts. 

Use this link to sign up.

•                      •                      •

“Inside us all faintly echoes the softest notes of a forgotten melody. Where did we once hear it, and when did we say it? Sometimes, in the absolute loneliness of the darkest night there is a whisper. Is it a vagrant breeze or someone calling out from the bottomless well of the past, and saying 'Remember me? Once I was you.”
– EG Marshall (CBSRMT)

Inside Wildomar Rap is the faint little echo of a forgotten guitar riff that is trying to remind me that I neglected to take the garbage cans to the street again.

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.

• Minor Rant (Bad Pun Intended)

It can be dismaying to see vandalism in any form, and additionally upsetting when it's more broadly aimed at the community as a whole. (Even if that's not what the perp was considering at the time)

At least one book that was destroyed near Windsong park. This photo was contributed by a local resident, and I was told that the image doesn't adequately portray the extent of the debris field.

Yesterday I was near Windsong park and saw several children's books that had been removed from the Free Little Library and thrown to the ground on the sidewalk down the street.

These two books weren't torn up, just thrown on the sidewalk near Gierson and Prairie. I rehomed them to the Free Little Library at DeJong's about half an hour after I picked them up. 

Who probably did this? 

Well, your guess is as good as mine, but if this was an office betting pool, I'd be laying my wager on a middle schooler (or someone a couple of years older that still has the cognitive acumen of a middle schooler), also one that doesn't get proper supervision at home.

Disrespect doesn't have to be taught, but it can flourish where proper parenting is lacking.

It's not necessarily an omen that this person will turn out bad (100% likely that it's a local teenage boy) because many responsible adults had periods of time of being a nuisance too. 

Everything has to be spelled out for some kids (I was one of those).

Back in the day I was in the category of being a thoughtless teenager too. 

My apologies to Pony League Baseball in Fontana, where in 1979 I removed all the light bulbs from the scoreboard... because, well, it was there and didn't have a screen to keep such numbskulls at bay.

Raising a child is a full time job, and even those doing their best can run into problems. Then add being a single parent into the mix, with three boys (Hi Mom), and the odds go up that the kids will get a little out of hand now and then.

Is this blog getting a bit preachy? 

Probably, but the rest of the community suffers when parenting is lacking... and I don't apologize for calling it out when it's as evident as this.

In a world where we hear accounts that parents of bullies are often found defending the indefensible, there is little that the rest of us can do without running the risk of being shouted down on social media for even bringing it up. Much less actually bringing such things to their attention, face to face. 

Yeah, no thanks. Though I'd rather you corral your little reprobate, far be it from me to put my nose on your bucket list of things to punch.

The days of Leave It To Beaver and Father Knows Best are long gone, where local kids respected their neighbors as much —or more— than their own parents. These days it's hard to even get eye contact and a "hello" out of kids. Obviously not ALL kids, but the majority to be sure. 

Oh well, we'll survive even if you allow your progeny to raise themselves... but will they? (Better keep SWAG's number handy, you'll probably be needing it the next 10 to 15 years)

To the good parents out there (which are most) I salute you for the work/time/effort you put into your kids... to the the ones that didn't fit into that category... thanks for nothing.

I will be interested in seeing if anyone will bother refuting some of my general points above. Being an apologist for antisocial behavior seems like such a waste of time... but is easier than doing the actual work necessary to produce well rounded community members. 

•                •                •

A series of minor incidents, mounting to a minor climax; the process of life. And yet, which one of us knows, or can suspect, how the smallest of happenstance may shape the pattern of our fate?

– EG Marshall (CBSRMT)

Wildomar Rap is most definitely the product of years' worth of minor incidents that serendipitously culminated into this digitized frenzy that you're looking at now. 

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.