Happy 90th Birthday to Wildomar Resident, John Corey. His party was today (June 25th) but as it turns out he shares a "birthday" with Wildomar → July 1st.
The party took place at Wildomar Assisted Living, where he's been living for the past several years. Though he is ninety, he's as spry as they come, and he did the room decoration himself. The meal was a bountiful spread including chicken parmesan, tricolor tortellini, Italian vegetables and salad. Most of the guests were his family or fellow church goers, along with a few residents and the Mayor, Bridgette Moore. He was presented with a certificate from the Wildomar Chamber of Commerce and the City.
Mayor Moore and John Corey.
The highlight of the party was the live entertainment. John arranged to have a belly dancer come in and the gathering loved it... especially the birthday boy himself. ☺
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Never attempt to change what you see into what you'd like. People who transform pussy cats into tigers may not wind up as dinner companions, but as dinner.
—E.G. Marshall, CBSRMT
Wildomar Rap tip of the day:if you want to make it 90 years, don't treat your body like it was only built for 60 or 70.
What better setting than a warm (on its way to being hot) morning for a ribbon cutting highlighting the opening of a new, stand alone, filtered water and ice maker in Wildomar.
A modest crowd watched as the Wildomar Chamber of Commerce welcomed a new member, Kooler Ice, which installed a stand alone ice maker in the Elks Lodge parking lot.
People lining up for ice on a hot June morning.
Below you can see the interface, which includes a variety of ways to pay, including credit/debit card.
After the ribbon cutting I asked Craig McIlroy, Western Regional Director of Sales for Kooler Ice, some specifics about the new machine.
The machine is self contained and it automatically makes and bags ice in about 12 seconds. It also has a reverse osmosis system that purifies the water, and makes it real clean.
All the drainage that's created from the machine actually is pumped into a tank so we can use to irrigate, so nothing goes wasted; so it's a very green effect machine.
Even the ice maker on top has got the Energy Star rating.
Craig McIlroy along with Mayor Bridgette Moore.
☺
My only concern would be vandalism. If Wildomar has seen its wheelchair swing vandalized, and a boy scout trailer stolen —then thrashed (which was housed within 100 yards of this spot), I have to imagine that this bright and shiny machine will become a prime target for hooligans.
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God created man and, finding him not sufficiently alone, gave him a companion to make him feel his solitude more keenly.
— Paul Valéry, 1871-1945
With Wildomar Rapyou get both news and opinion. Sort of like how at Bob's Country Bunker they have both kinds of music: Country and Western.
If your school age child is looking for something different to do this Summer, or you just want them out of the house for a few hours, consider taking an RTA bus trip for just a quarter.
I was at a T-Now meeting (Transportation Now), and spoke to RTA rep Eric Ustation about the program.
I asked who this program is targeted at and he told me, "Students, grade 1 through 12, with a valid student ID, or some proof that you're a student, and you can board any bus that goes anywhere, except for dial-a-ride. Commuter link, fixed route, go to the beach, go to the mall, go wherever we go."
This is valid through September 10th, 2016.
I know that the world has changed a lot since I was a kid (when riding buses all over town was the norm), and many parents don't seem to give their kids much freedom these days, but if you're not one that has your child perpetually swaddled in bubble wrap, think about sending them off on an adventure for the afternoon. It'll be fun, just like it was when we were that age.
The Wildomar Friends of the Library, established in 2001, is a non profit group that is comprised of members of the community that are interested in helping the next generation of readers develop a love of books and reading.
They meet monthly at the library, with about ten meetings a year. Holiday months don't usually have a meeting. The meetings last from one to two hours where programs for the kids are discussed.
The Friends of the Library get their funds from member dues, and used book sales (big events in April and October). They have their own corner room in the library where used books, along with DVDs, are for sale year round. They then use the funds to pay for programs, performances (about every other week) and things that the library may need, but aren't in the budget. The example of a small refrigerator for the library staff break room was given.
Donating (gently used) Old Books
If you have books that you no longer want, and they are in good shape, consider donating them to the Friends of the Library.
The first picks go to the library, looking for any books that can help solidify their collection.
After that, they are separated, cleaned and put up for sale.
Be advised that often times books, that may appear to be in good shape to the naked eye have to be put in the recycle bin (where they get turned into paper mulch), because they are discovered to have mold on them, other nasty spores or even worse. If you've been storing books in the attic or garage, be forewarned, they may have been home to vermin over the years, and the health department will not allow books with mildew and/or other offensive substances on them to be distributed (like mousy poopies... Latin name being: Mus Excrementis). Those end up being "recycled".
A peek into the Friends of the Library used book room.
The group hasn't had much new blood infused into it in quite awhile and they are actively reaching out to interested members of the community to join them. They had many more members in the past, but father time has eroded their numbers. There are currently twenty-one members. Six are board members, with three of those being up for electionnext year. The terms are four years.
The costs are minimal, $10 a year for individuals ($5 for seniors), $25 for a family, $75 for a business and $100 for a life membership.
I asked what is expected of members While there is no set guidelines or duties for members, and meeting attendance isn't a requirement, they would like members to attend at least a couple of meetings a year and have a willingness to volunteer. This isn't like digging ditches on hot August afternoon we're talking about. A friendship grows among the members and the time and money needed is rather minimal on the grand scale. They'd love to hear new ideas from the community It was jokingly put to me that they've been listening to each other's ideas for the last ten years, and have already heard them all. If interested in joining the group, come into the library and ask for one of their flyers, fill it out, and turn it back into the person behind the counter.
A thought about volunteering
Many members of the community are not in a position to volunteer (I'm not speaking about those that are infirm). They may want to, but they're busy raising a family and fighting the rat race which takes more hours than are in a day.
For those that do have the time, but maybe not the proclivity for such, consider this. As much as volunteering helps others, it also helps you.
Without getting too touchy-feely about it, getting out of the house a few hours a month is good for the body and the soul. Not to mention the connections made with fellow volunteers.
I maintain that volunteering helps the person giving up his/her time every bit as much as it helps those in need of the program(s).
I was surprised to learn that there are no corporate sponsors of the group. Though some local merchants will donate items (usually for prizes to occasional contests they put on).
One of their racks of books for sale.
Some of the programs they provide for the youth of the community include performances. Adults are welcome too, but priority seating is for the kids so be prepared to stand in the back. They have things kids love, such as magicians, balloon artists and jugglers.
Buster Balloon, one of the favorite performers
paid for by the Wildomar Friends of the Library.
I saw the juggler last year and was dazzled by his ability to juggle and entertain a room full of kids at the same time. That sounded odd, but you knew what I meant. ☺
Sample of the library's typical schedule.
To discover more programs and performances at the library, be sure to visit their website.
I spent three days a week for 10 years educating myself in the public library, and it's better than college. People should educate themselves - you can get a complete education for no money. At the end of 10 years, I had read every book in the library and I'd written a thousand stories.
A beautiful evening for a flag day ceremony. As the flyer shows, it started with a welcome by Mayor Bridgette Moore, followed by a nice rendition our national anthem/ by sisters Jocelyn and Galilea Leon.
Looking eastward.
The flag salute was led by some of Wildomar's scouts.
Looking westward.
There were many onlookers as Mayor Pro-Tem Tim Walker discussed some of the lesser known aspects of our flag's history.
Members of the local scouts, along with the Mayor Moore (center), Councilmember Swanson, and Mayor Pro-Tem Walker, pose for a picture after the ceremony was complete.
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We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us really happy is something to be enthusiastic about.
—Charles Kingsley, 1819-1875
Wildomar Rap tip of the day:Instead of ending up a day late and a dollar short, think about making better plans from the get go and avoid having to explain your failures.
Last week's temps were at about 100 for the Wildomar ALS-ONE 5K, this week they didn't even hit 70, and if anything, it got a bit cooler as a mild breeze arrived. C'est la vie. In total about 150 kids signed up for the bicycle safety course put on by the Wildomar Rotary Club.
Rotarians Paul Bakeman and Mike Nichols help kids get signed up.
They were reminded about the importance of wearing a helmet, and were provided one too. They then went through an obstacle course to test their knowledge on the rules of the road. There were many information booths in operation. Among them, CHP, VFW, Wildomar City CERT, Wildomar Chamber, water safety and many others.
Kids learning about the Highway Patrol
Like years past, the most popular part of the event was the BMX Pro stunt show.
Miss Wildomar Jessie Taylor closes her eyes as one of the BMX Pros jumps over her.
A popular skit had eight volunteers being jumped over. The first time had the BMXer get off his bike at the last minute and jump over them on foot. The crowd was asked if they wanted to see him "jump with his bike"? So he pedaled up to speed, and at the last moment dismounted and jumped over the eight, with his bike in his hands. In the end, he did do a bunny hop jump over the eight and the crowd loved it.
There were three shows by the BMX Pros, and a drawing for Storm tickets and three different bicycles donated by Walmart.
Reading out the winning numbers.
Funny story about the bicycle giveaways The first bike to be given away was a pink bike, but of course the winner was a boy. The pink bike was bumped to for the next ticket called... also a boy. Third time was the charm as the pink bike was won by a girl.
The pink bike goes to the girl in pink.
After the first BMX Pro show, there was time for some pictures with the riders.
(L-R) Councilmember Ben Benoit, BMX Pros and Wildomar Queens,
Mayor Bridgette Moore, Mayor Pro-Tem Tim Walker.
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When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me.
—Emo Philips
Wildomar Rap reminds you that there is more than one way to skin a cat, but any method you choose will end up with you explaining it to the judge.
It's been many months in the making, but I have it on good authority that Yellow Basket will finally be opening for business... very soon!
Get a last look at this empty parking lot before they open for business.
They plan on joining the Wildomar Chamber of Commerce and having a big grand opening shortly, but in the meantime they have a soft opening slated for 3:00pm Sunday June 12th.
Just as the sun was about to set, June 9th 2016.
No fanfare on Sunday, just food and people eager to get a taste of their food. Yellow Basket has been mentioned in Wildomar Rap several times. Last August was the first time, and at that time, the hope was to open by October, 2015.
The next blog that Yellow Basket was discussed in was a week before Christmas 2015. At that time they were hoping to have their doors opened by February, 2016.
Then last night at the city council meeting Gary Nordquist, City Manager, mentioned that Yellow Basket was due to open sometime this month. Looks like this time it's for real... hope to see you there. Located on the western side of the freeway in Renaissance Plaza, 32310 Clinton Keith Rd, Wildomar, CA 92595, USA.
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Now when it comes to GoNuts Donuts (in the Stater Bros shopping center)... that's a different story. I peaked in the window there just yesterday and it seems a long way from opening.
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The world is divided into people who do things and people who get the credit. Try, if you can, to belong to the first class. There's far less competition.
The newsworthy nuggets from the June city council meeting start with Administrative Analyst Janet Morales getting a five year pin. In addition to her duties at city hall, if you've ever been to a parks event, you have to thank her for helping them come to fruition.
Janet Morales (pronounced Jenette) showing her 5 year pin and Mayor Bridgette Moore.
Public Comments These are on items NOT on the agenda. • Kenny Mayes spoke about having the council chambers used as a second cooling station on hot days. Currently, the only one in town is at Lakeview Chapel. •Miss Miller reminded people that the election is not over yet, then went into song about the virtues of being a progressive. • Erin Hartley spoke about her experience with the ALS-ONE 5k held the Saturday before. They raised nearly $4000 for their charity.
The consent calendar is a merciful invention that consolidates many agenda items that don't need debate, into one simple up or down vote.
However, a councilmember or —member of the public— can ask to have an item "pulled" so they can talk about it.
Public Comments on Consent Calendar items • Miss Miller. No singing here, but a bit of back and forth with the council and I could have sworn she suggested that Bernie Sanders was going to fix the Brown House after getting funds out of the Cadmen [sic] Islands. Watch the video and you decide. She also encouraged veganism and sent a zinger Councilmember Walker's way, comparing their relative sizes at the 0:40 mark of the video.
• Kenny Mayes touched on the Freedom Swing's re-installation at Marna O'Brien park, and whether it's been properly certified/inspected yet.
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2.2 FY 2016/17 Budget Amendments There has been a yearly hit to the budget based on reduced Gas Company franchise fee that is paid to the city. It's gone from about $58,000 per year to just $1600 per year. There were also increases for fire and police services, as indicated in the image below.
It appears to zero out due to the debt payment to the county being eliminated by last year's AB 107, with a projected surplus of $9,400.
3.1 Planning Commissioner appointment
There had been six applications submitted for the open seat and Councilmember Marsha Swanson chose someone that has lived in Wildomar for 36 years, Kim Strong.
She will be sworn in at the next Planning Commission meeting, and will serve out the term vacated by former Commissioner Gary Brown, which ends at the end of 2018.
3.2 General Election November 8, 2016
As city clerk Debbie Lee pointed out, elections normally go under the consent calendar. However, this being Wildomar's first City Council election since being forced to divide the city into districts, and her first "by districts" election in her 26 years as a city clerk, she wanted to go over the parameters. Not all voters in Wildomar will be getting a ballot that has a city council race on it. Actually, most voters will NOT be voting for a coucilmember this year. Only districts 2 and 4, which are currently being held by Councilmembers Moore and Cashman. Debbie Lee went on to explain that though Bridgette Moore is the mayor for 2016, the election is for a Councilmember, not a Mayor. If you live in either district 2 or 4, and are thinking about a run for a City Council seat, starting July 18th you'll have two weeks to file the paperwork. As an aside, if you live in district 4 (Bridgette Moore's area) and are thinking about a run for City Council, allow me to suggest you have your head examined. Thanks to the misanthropy of some self styled community activists, the districts in Wildomar have become de facto safe seats for any councilmember that puts in more than a perfunctory showing.
After the meeting I asked Councilmember Cashman if he was planning on running and he didn't give me a yes or a no. He wants to cogitate on it a bit more. He mentioned that he's been active in the community for 35 years and hinted that maybe that's enough. Many people do not know which district that they live in. Check the map below and find out.
Key to Districts
Ben Benoit
Bob Cashman
Tim Walker
Bridgette Moore
Marsha Swanson
City Manager Report
• There is a trail subcommittee meeting slated for June 20th.
• Yellow Basket is said to be opening in mid June.
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Anyone can get old, all you have to do is live long enough.
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