• It's An Election Year: Morabito Declares Candidacy For Re-Election

It's an election year, and that includes three seats on the Wildomar City Council: districts 1, 3, and 5. 

NOT IN THIS JUNE'S PRIMARY ELECTION, IN NOVEMBER

Joseph Morabito (the writer of Wildomar Rap) is making it official that he's running for a third term from District 3.

Here are what I'd include in my list of accomplishments in order of magnitude:

DISCLAIMER: Even if a particular council member is a primary mover of an item, it takes three votes to make anything happen; a team effort.

Not in the old David Letterman reverse top 10, but starting with number 1:

1) City Hall Purchase With No City Funds in 2023


The city's lease on the building was going to expire in less than two years, and staff were busy looking to see what the other options might be. 

We were seriously discussing several unpalatable options at a city council meeting when I asked the city manager if he could inquire one more time if the landlords of our building would be willing to sell.

The purchase was made with federal money, so we owe nobody anything.

Such an honor to have been the mayor when this happened.

We stopped being renters (something I had always bemoaned) and, in the process, started saving about half a million dollars a year by not paying rent. 

2) Livestream City Council Meetings 2018

For those who don't remember, through this blog, I was providing the only videos of the city council meetings and planning commission meetings. 

I still can recall when a resident asked that the meetings be livestreamed during a public comment, and the response from one of the council members of that era was, "Joseph uploads the videos."

That was fun, but not what a 21st-century city should have been satisfied with.

The powerbrokers of those years made it a point to have some form of livestream up before my first meeting. 

3) Regular Town Hall Meetings 2019
This was a campaign goal of mine, and I can say that it was satisfied very early on with the Chamber's coffee with the city events. 

Though not as I'd originally envisioned, I had suggested quarterly town halls, being that this is a monthly event, it satisfies the aim. 

4) Cannabis Ordinance 2021

This was easily the most controversial item the city has dealt with in its history. It's a shame that it happened during the covid era, when the meetings were conducted on Zoom. 

As of May of 2025, the city has brought in $5,939,310 through cannabis retailers 

That's a lot of money for a small budget city like Wildomar, and I'm proud to say I didn't let my personal opinions get in the way. 

Despite never having tried it myself (and still advising others against it), I wasn't about to stand in the way of a legal product or the tax revenue it brings in.

Here is a link from 2019 that goes over my views at the time, which still hold true in 2026, on this issue.

5) 20 Acre Parkland Purchase 2023

I remember being on a Zoom call with the former city manager when this was first a topic. 

From the word go, I pushed for Wildomar to find a way to purchase this land from the lovely ladies who've long operated Anne Sullivan Preschool. 

They offered it to the city for about $2m. Their next option was to sell it to a developer and essentially add to the Windsong Valley area by another 80-ish houses. 

This still unnamed park is located directly off Palomar, just south of Anne Sullivan Preschool.

Though I wish it had already been opened to the public a year ago, the fact that this bit of land is going to stay in its natural state, and open to the public, will always be counted as one of my biggest accomplishments as a member of the Wildomar City Council.

6) Backer Of The CR&R Contract

This caused some angst among the community when it came through, and I was included in that group initially, primarily over the length of the contract (twenty years), which, as we found out, is the norm these days. 

In the end, after our legal team had finished negotiating the deal, the city had a much better deal than before. 

Link to blog covering the special meeting

7) Sign Ordinance 2019

I'm known as the anti-sign guy among my colleagues and members of WBV. 

One of the first things I pushed for was to create a robust ordinance regarding illegal/bootleg signs either erected in the public right of way or attached to roadside poles. 

For some, they may not appreciate the difference from then to now (out of sight, out of mind), but all you have to do is drive into our sister city to the north and see what unchecked signs actually do to the feel of an area. 

The light at Inland Valley Drive and Clinton Keith used to showcase an endless array of signs. Yes, every election cycle the problem crops back up, protected by the First Amendment, but there is a narrow window in which they're allowed to remain up. Look for WBV to remove those after we hit the "10 day after the election" mark.

Over the years, I've personally removed thousands of signs, delivering them to "sign jail." To this day, I don't believe anyone has come to bail out their signs or banners.

8) Beefed Up Code Enforcement (remember those junk haulers on Palomar?)

When I first ran for office in 2018, expanding code enforcement was a key part of my campaign. I'm pleased to report that we've grown from a single officer to a team of four full-time Code Enforcement Officers, plus a part-time officer as well.

9) Monthly Newsletter From The City

Though I envisioned something more closely resembling what former County Supervisor Kevin Jeffries would put out monthly, I'm happy to know that the city has had a monthly newsletter for many years now. 

This was one of my initial campaign pledges.

10) Helped Establish WBV (Wildomar Beautification Volunteers)

I'm so fortunate to be associated with Bridgette Moore. 

Over the years, we've been friends, frenemies, colleagues, but always stalwarts for the community of Wildomar. Though I can readily admit that she is the dynamo that others draw energy from. 

Back during the Summer of 2020, she asked if I'd go pick up trash with her on McVicar. I'd already been going out periodically, picking up trash or otherwise, beautifying the area.

Here's me (pre WBV) removing graffiti on the dumpster behind the old tamale shop across from Wildomar Elementary School.

In fact, the very first time I met her, I was out picking up litter with Kevin Jon Sax out where the Brown House used to stand (basically where the parking lot of Kaiser is today). 

The official first WBV pic. 
(Weren't we cute in our masks... outdoors no less?)

Fast forward nearly six years, and WBV has accomplished many great things, with hundreds of volunteers over the years.

Though I'm grateful each time Bridgette points to me, saying "We created WBV," the facts are that without her doggedness and inner strength, WBV would have never been a fraction of what it is today. 

In 2022, WBV was recognized as the volunteer group of the year by the county. 

Say Cheese!

Posing on the steps of the county building.

11) Haven't Missed A Single Meeting

I was looking back, and the only city council meeting I've missed was a couple of years before being elected to the city council, the day my wife got news that her mother had died. 

I've never missed a meeting since being elected in 2018

That streak had stayed intact, for ALL the meetings I represent Wildomar at... until just last month when I was in Sacramento (representing Wildomar) at a League of California Cities event. That was at the same time as a T-Now meeting, something I'd never missed since my first meeting back in 2015. 

12) Blocked Smoke Shop, Which Opened The Door For Montague Brothers Coffee 2019

This was on its way before I alerted the community with a blog in May of 2019.

In short, as an old business was leaving, before Montague Bros, a smoke shop leased the building, and were already putting in fixtures and displays (that would have been one horrendous blot on the character of the neighborhood). 

I blogged about it, got the residents involved, and the rest was history.

Here's a link to the blog if you want to go down memory lane: https://wildomarrap.blogspot.com/2019/05/goodbye-day-spa-hello-smoke-shop.html

In addition to those items... I've proudly represented Wildomar on various countywide boards and commissions. 

 
RCA 2019 to present (on the executive committee for the past two years).

RCHCA since 2019 (been the chair at least twice).

RCTC from 2023 to present (member of the subcommittee WRCP&P for three years, chair in 2025)

SCAG 2023 to present.

WRCOG 2023 through 2025 (was on the Admin and Finance committee for two years)

Bridgette Moore's understudy on RTA, and she's allowed me to be the regular attendee of T-NOW since my first day on council.

The above doesn't include the dozens of emails from residents I receive each month, seeking help with various issues in town. 

I've happily met with hundreds of residents over the last eight years. Simple meetings from locations such as a local establishment to their homes, or a more formal meeting with staff at city hall. 

What I have further to accomplish 

The voters first elected me in 2018 with 57% of the vote, then in 2022, I was stunned to see it went up to 71% in a reelection bid. 

I work for you, and though I'm not the most well-spoken, I'm willing to get in there and mix it up on your behalf just the same. 

You've allowed me to learn over these eight years; I still have the energy and the passion to seek another term, and you're going to want a proven champion in your corner during critical times.

Wildomar's rep at RCTC (Riverside County Transportation Commission) as we toured the 91-71 flyover before it was opened to the public.

With the inclusion of cannabis tax dollars in the city coffers ($6M through 2025) and the anticipated increases in revenue from Walmart, Sprouts, the hotel, and a handful of smaller businesses about to come online, I'll be your proven fiscally conservative voice on the council.

Speaking of 'wants', you're going to want me to be on your city council as these new monies come rolling in, pushing to have it applied to the community (public safety/roads/parks) and not directed towards city hall. 

This was the first campaign image I created for my 2018 city council run.

If you have questions about my campaign, please use my non-city email:

josephmorabito2018@gmail.com

If you have questions, concerns, thoughts, comments, or ideas about Wildomar, use my city email:
jmorabito@wildomar.gov

If you want to run against me, here is a link to the city's website that gives you all the information.

November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election | Wildomar, CA

• My Vote Is Going To Bianco

I'm voting for Chad Bianco.

I'm not telling you how to vote (how presumptuous that would be, and thinking too much of myself). I'm telling you how I'm voting because people want to know. 

Many residents will use it as a litmus test, and I'm fine with that

Wildomar City Councilman Joseph Morabito, Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco, and Wildomar City Councilwoman Bridgette Moore at a League of California Cities event, May 2026.

If you're a staunch blue-teamer, my support of Sheriff Bianco for Governor may now give you a dimmer view of me... if so, ok, I'm fine with that.

If you're a longtime member of Team Red, maybe that makes me a bit easier to tolerate. Again, I can't be worried about such things. 

If you're curious, I've been registered as NPP since I moved to Wildomar in the spring of 2001. 

This was taken in October of 2019 after an event. I had driven with Bridgette Moore, and as we were heading to the parking lot, we asked the new Sheriff to be part of a selfie. 

Sheriff Chad Bianco and I were elected in 2018 and I've been a supporter of his from the get-go, even though I'm a staunch NPP voter (No Party Preference). 

Look at the parties, BOTH OF THEM, and in my estimation, they've sorely lost their way... but this blog isn't about partisan noise, it's about the best pick for California Governor in 2026.

At the Deputy Calhoun Fundraiser event at Angelo's in January of 2023.

George Cambero, Joseph Morabito, Chad Bianco, Angelo Catalano, Bridgette Moore, Ashlee DiFilippo.

If you're looking for details of Chad Bianco's background, this isn't the right source. Those facts are everywhere out there (ask your favorite AI), both through the blue lens and the red lens.

Sheriff Chad Bianco and Wildomar City Councilman Joseph Morabito. January 2024. I believe this was taken at the one year anniversary of Deputy Darnell Calhoun's murder.

As I mentioned above, I came in at the same time as Chad and have liked his work all along the way. He's of high moral character and he gets things done. That's a great combination.

At a 2024 League of California Cities event, we heard details about Prop 36. 

There is only one way that you have a dim view of Sheriff Chad Bianco, and it's from taking in baseless partisan smears, or, I guess, you're just one of those odd ducks who hate all law enforcement. 

From an Oct 2024 town hall meeting at Wildomar City Council Chambers.

L-R: Joseph Morabito, Bridgette Moore, Sen Kelly Seyarto, Sheriff Chad Bianco, Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez, Carlos Marquez.

October 2024

At Deputy Calhoun’s Highway Dedication Ceremony, April 2025. 

Let me add a couple of stories here

The first dates back to the early Covid days. During the lockdowns I was watching the Board of Supervisors meeting as our Sheriff gave his speech heard round the world, where he became famous for saying, "[I won't be] making criminals out of business owners and single mothers for exercising their constitutional rights," and ", There can't be a new normal."

As I was watching it, I knew I had to share it. I backed up the livestream a bit and hit record. I then shared it on social media. 

Haters gonna hate

Blog about sharing the video and the reactions it got.

•

We met up at The Diamond (often mislabeled as Storm Stadium) in Lake Elsinore, May 21, 2020. This was in the early whirlwind of Covid and the idea was to get the positive cases lowered so that life could open back up.

LINK TO BLOG

L to R: Canyon Lake Mayor Jordan Ehrenkranz, Lake Elsinore Mayor Brian Tisdale, Menifee City Councilwoman Lesa Sobek, Lake Elsinore City Councilwoman Natasha Johnson, Canyon Lake City Councilman Jeremy Smith, Menifee Mayor Pro-Tem Matt Liesmeyer, Wildomar City Councilman Joseph Morabito, Murrieta Mayor Gene Wunderlich and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco. 

Ah, how the years can be seen on our faces. The grays in my beard really hadn't appeared yet, and his signature mustache wasn't a thing yet either. 

The next story is from a city council meeting in 2024. A resident commented on an agenda item regarding RSO and then said this, "My final question for the council is, "How do you feel about being policed by a Sheriff's department, Riverside County Sheriff's Department, that is led by a racist Sheriff who's constantly being investigated for corruption and violation of civil rights?"

She had asked for our reply, and I was happy to oblige.

"I 100% repudiate your assessment of our Sheriff, he's not a racist. I get it, you're entitled to your opinion, but that is not shared by me, and probably not anyone up here (the rest of the city council)."

Vote however you want, but as for me, I'm quite ready to take California in a new direction, and Sheriff Chad Bianco fits that bill perfectly. 

• City Council Meeting May 2026

The meeting began with a statement from Mayor Carlos Marquez discussing the social media dust up regarding items in last month's Planning Commission agenda. 

City Leadership Addresses Planning Commission Process and Rural Animal Setbacks

In the most recent city council meeting, Mayor Carlos Marquez and the City Manager took time during the opening remarks to address community concerns regarding a recent Planning Commission item.

Clarifying the Legislative Process

Mayor Marquez emphasized that the item in question... which sparked significant public debate, was initiated by city staff for a Planning Commission meeting, not by the City Council or the Planning Commissioners themselves. He clarified that the Commission serves an advisory role, and any final policy changes would require a full public hearing and City Council action before being implemented.

Acknowledging Communication Gaps

The city leadership acknowledged that the item was scheduled for a "special" meeting, which legally allowed for a shorter notice period than a regularly scheduled meeting.

The Issue: The shorter notice period did not provide residents with adequate time to review the proposal and participate meaningfully.

The Fix: Moving forward, the City Manager is implementing internal changes to avoid using special meetings for major community-impacting items. The goal is to ensure earlier and clearer communication with residents.

Focus on Rural Character and Large Animals

A major point of concern for residents involved setbacks for large animals in rural zones. The Mayor announced that the Community Development Director will be bringing back the setbacks previously adopted during the general plan update. The administration’s stated goal is to avoid overly restrictive rules for large animals while maintaining the community's compatibility.

Commitment to Transparency

The City Manager apologized for the "scare" caused by the proposal's appearance on the staff report and reiterated that there is no desire to change the equestrian or rural nature of the area. He noted that the community's quick response is a sign that the public is engaged and watching, which helps keep local government accountable.

•

I didn't know if the matter was going to be addressed or not, but I have to say that was a great example of leadership in a contentious time. No running from it. No excuse making. Just ownership, contrition, and remedy. 

Watch the short video and judge for yourself.

The tale of two public comments

There were two public comments on the issues the Mayor addressed. I loved the first and shook my head at the second.

"Why?" You may ask...

The first speaker, from her own words, "I was prepared to come with 'guns ablazin', but I will not do that, I accept your apology."

The second speaker started off pretty much the same way, but then decided to give her prepared speech anyway. Essentially accusing the city of "silently ripping away" her property rights. 

We all have the right to say whatever we'd like, but maybe reach out to the people you're about to lambast first, and learn how to edit on the fly when your prepared speech is obviously off the mark to the point that the dart didn't even hit the wall the board is hanging on. 

Your rights were never in jeopardy 

There was no way the items in the April planning commission agenda were going to be passed by the planning commission in the first place. 

Please stop insulting the members of our planning commission.

The commission is made up of five people who are homeowners in Wildomar and take their charge very seriously. Behind them is the city council, who also would never have let such setbacks be adopted, EVER!

I've heard the same rationale as to how the setbacks got to the planning commission agenda from our city manager, and though I accept it, I think it's a blemish that will take a very long time to fully fade away. Let's move on. 

•

Presentations: Shelly and Michael Wiggs. 

Actually, this part of the meeting was to honor retiring LEUSD teachers from Wildomar, but I'm keying in on Michael and Shelly because I have known them (we're family friends) for twenty years. 

They both started at Donald Graham Elementary when it opened back in the 1990s. They've each put in 36 years and are truly great people. Exactly the type we'd all want teaching our children. 

Back row: Mayor Protem Dustin Nigg, Ashlee DePhillippo, Joseph Morabito, Bridgette Moore. Front Row: Mayor Carlos Marquez, Shelly Wiggs, Michael Wiggs, Mrs. Brady (WES), and  James Judziewicz.

Photo courtesy Samantha Virrey

We also said goodbye to Officer Baca 

She has been part of the RSO Lake Elsinore Station as long as I've been paying attention. Happy retirement. 

Officer Baca is in the middle.

Other Public Comments 

It's so inspirational to see the youth participating, not an easy feat even for adults. Annabelle spoke about the historic bell at Wildomar Elementary, and Stella spoke about her idea of a Wildomar museum. 
Here is a link to the video where her comments begin

Annabelle (behind the microphone) and Stella to her right. 

Consent Calendar

Item 1.19 $459K for a Specific Plan of "Old Town".

For me, this was the most interesting part of the agenda.

I want to say that I was pleased with the way this item was handled by the council. I didn't count any of us who were sanguine with it being on the consent calendar. 

In the end, this was tabled for the next meeting, where there will be a proper presentation, and the public will have more notice so they can weigh in. 

This item should have been a general business item with a full presentation, not a "routine matter" found on the consent calendar.

Though I'd love to see a specific plan as described, I'm not going to vote to approve any (serious) money for the endeavor. 

I, too, was prepared to come with 'guns ablazin' on this item, but once I saw the direction the council was heading, I recognized it was better to 'keep my powder dry'  and save my A-game for when it comes back to the dais (which is said to be next month).

Stay tuned and please be ready to weigh in on this, be it in person at the next meeting, or by sending in an email with your thoughts. 

View the item on video with this link

The full meeting video is below.

• City Council Meeting Preview

I don't usually do previews on city council meetings beyond my customary bullet points that list the items.

There are only two items on the regular agenda: 

3.1 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation - 

Program Summary and Potential List of 

Streets for FY 26/27 Project

3.2 Streetlight Program Feasibility Analysis and Phase 1 Streetlight Project

These are fairly routine, straightforward items. What I find most interesting is in the Consent Calendar. 

The Consent Calendar is billed as: 

CONSENT CALENDAR

All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered routine and will be enacted by one roll call vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless members of the City Council, the Public, or Staff request to have specific items removed from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion and/or action.

I'm sorry, but a couple of the items in the April 2026 Consent Calendar agenda seem a bit outside of my definition of "routine". 

Specifically item 1.19 

Professional Service Agreement with Albert A. Webb & Associates (WEBB) for planning and environmental services for creation of the Old Town Specific Plan

If you go read the agenda item, it comes with a lovely 70 page PDF that is easy to get lost in... except for the tip I recently got about using AI to break down exhaustively long documents (Thanks RC). 

Of that, well more than half the file is fluff that doesn't pertain to Wildomar, and the images they submit of other areas may be nice and all, but they didn't do anything for me. 

The image was blurry, so I upgraded the font in the legend so it was more legible. Gotta love how they notched out Gina's house. lol

Staff recommends: Approve a supplemental appropriation for Fund 110 (Cannabis DA) in the amount of $459,225... (if that money is going to be earmarked, it's going to be going to parks). 

I don't begrudge people high-dollar payouts, they put a lot of time into learning their craft, but I do not see value to the city even at 1/10th that price (okay, maybe 1/5th). 

I had this table made from the information on page 23 of their presentation.

According to my AI pal, Claude, there were challenges that WEBB identified in their proposal.

Key Challenges They Identify

• Alquist-Priolo Fault Zone — most of the project area sits in an earthquake fault zone, which limits where buildings can go
• Palomar Road — the main corridor has large overhead power transmission lines and is planned as a wide arterial road, which conflicts with the goal of a walkable, human-scaled Old Town feel
  
  

Hmmm... "will require expensive fault studies"? I wonder if they consider their proposed work to be "expensive," too? 

I'm not going to go further into this, it's Mother's Day, and there's a lot to do, but I thought you'd like to know about this...

•

...oh, and another 51 houses in a place that will be known as Mission Hills - Como.

I'm not sure where the hills are and I'm not sure where the mission is, but it's almost as cool as the street name in Windsong called Empire Penguin.

The proposed development includes a 51-lot single-family residential subdivision, including 6 very low income, 6 moderate income, and 3 unrestricted ADUs, utilizing the affordable ADUs for a density bonus.

This hasn't come to the Planning Commission yet, and according to the information in the presentation (viewable at the link below), such a meeting date hasn't been determined yet. 

1.17 Tri-Party Consulting Service 

Agreement for the Mission Hills 

Wildomar Project (PLN-25-0085) 

Environmental Documentation

Here's what is in the staff report: 

BACKGROUND: On December 19, 2025, the Planning Division received a formal application package (PLN 25- 0085) from Oliver Investments to establish the “Mission Hills Wildomar” project. The proposed project includes a 51-lot single-family residential subdivision, and development of park and open space facilities, walls and fences, and necessary infrastructure. The project will include 15 ADUs, including 6 very low income ADUs, 6 moderate income ADUs, and 3 unrestricted ADUs, utilizing the affordable ADUs for a density bonus. The Proposed Project requires environmental documentation and analysis under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the proposed subdivision and development review entitlements. 

When are these out of town firms going to figure out to use actual photos of the place they're looking to work in? At least this one doesn't come with a "fiscal impact" to the city budget. 

FISCAL IMPACT: The cost associated with preparation of the environmental documentation is the sole responsibility of the Applicant, thus, there is no fiscal impact to the City’s General Fund. 

Don't be mistaken. I'm a staunch property owner's rights type of person. That goes for being able to use your property as you see fit, within the community codes and ordinances, and the same applies to landowners wanting to build on their property.  

And if you're dismayed at more development, keep in mind that the State of California has passed countless dozens of laws since the short time I've been on the Wildomar City Council that have stripped away local control. 

An election for Governor is happening this year. Will you be looking for more of the same, or are you ready to see a change in Sacramento? 

• Planning Commission Meeting April 2026 or Don't OC My Wildomar

This is how local government is supposed to work. It's of the people, by the people, and for the people. With apologies to the community for the wheels coming off the tracks in the first place. 

Left to right: Community Development Director Robert Flores, Assistant City Attorney Joaquin Vazquez, Commission Vice Chair Charles Golden, Commission Chair Nolan King, Commissioners Rene Cambero, Eric Filar, and John Hume. 

After a full day in Sacramento, I queued up the Planning Commission meeting on YouTube and stayed up past midnight, taking it all in. 

Know this, the city would rather I not blog about such things in the first place, and if they're being honest, that would extend down to my colleagues, too. 

Thing is, I got to the City Council by way of telling it like it is with this blog in the first place, and when I stop that'll be the day to replace me.

First: Kudos to the Commissioners

If staff chooses to read this, please wear a fireproof suit or don't complain about singes later. 

I've spoken with many of the commissioners over time. I always encourage them to remember the pecking order. 

The residents, especially the ones who vote, are the ones who have the ultimate say in the direction the city goes in. 

Not so much that City Council appointments are how they got there, but that the City Council is chosen by the voters... the residents of Wildomar. 

The residents, the people who call Wildomar 'home' are the ones with the ultimate power.

If you ever suspect that any of us has forgotten that basic fact, do not hesitate to remind us. The best place would be at a city council meeting, though I do understand the allure of social media (it's much easier to post things from the comfort of one's home or car). 

There were many public speakers at the planning commission meeting, and it was good to see such passion. Sadly, an uncommon feature in Wildomar for many years now. 

The idea for this came from Christine Salcedo and Anna Whitlock. Sorry, Will, I know you hate AI images, but I was in a hurry. 😅

•

If I can also be so bold as to suggest that [some of] you need to know what you're talking about when you are on the march with torches and pitchforks. 

Seriously, there is so much laughably off-the-mark nonsense that I see on Facebook, I often wonder if some people (you know who they are) are just trolling for laughs, or trying to upset the more trusting members of the community.

Please take a moment to gather the facts before accusing the city council, planning commission, or city staff of malfeasance. We're here because we love Wildomar and have put ourselves in the firing line as we work for the common good. 

Just ask any of us for clarification before torching us online. If, after we've given you more information on a matter, and you're still ready to storm the castle, ok, at least now you're better prepared for the task at hand. 

•

Back to what I remind all the commissioners: You're not there to be a rubber stamp, especially when there are controversial items on the agenda. 

You are in charge of the planning commission, and if you don't like what you're presented, absolutely pepper staff with questions. Plus, just as a matter of fact, most of staff do not live or pay property tax in Wildomar, but you do, and you are the gatekeepers.

If you don't like what you're hearing, even after explanations, DO NOT BE APOLOGETIC about being against the item. 

Do so in a collegial manner, be courteous to staff and the other commissioners, but if you've done your homework ahead of the meeting, and you think the item should be voted down — then vote it down, and be specific during your comments why you've voted that way. 

As you saw with this item, the residents appreciate that you're there, protecting the community's best interests.

There was no grand plan to remove large animals from Wildomar 

I have a high level of confidence in Wildomar's staff. They are very professional and well-trained in their specialties. That doesn't preclude them from "getting out too far over their skis" from time to time.

No one is perfect, and other than learning that the community is still engaged and ready to respond, no damage was done. 

Below is a transcription of the Wildomar Community Development Director's opening comment:

"Good evening, everybody. My name is Robert Flores, Community Development Director here with the City of Wildomar. 

Before we get into the staff report for item 2.1, I want to inform everybody that the modifications to the animal keeping section of the development code that were originally part of this ordinance are no longer part, and thereby not being considered under agenda item 2.1.

Briefly, I want to explain that the changes to the animal keeping section were driven by my staff due to recent code enforcement cases relating to animal quantities and also keeping violations.

However, we heard you, we heard the community, and determined that it was best to pull those changes out of the proposed ordinance to obtain community feedback and evaluate it, and then determine what the best next steps are and the best way to move forward."

Using a tennis reference, this agenda item was basically an unforced error, which I guarantee that staff would like to have back.

They don't call government "sausage making" for nothing, and there are going to be errors during the process, there just are. 

There are several layers to the process. The very first line is the planning commission, which is comprised of five local residents appointed by the City Council. Each member selects one... and you, the voters, elect the members. 

Also in the mix are the residents. Most are busy living their lives, and trust that the elected city council will be making the right decisions. 

There are some (though I'd like to see dozens more) who do go over the agendas and attend meetings. They are also there to point out matters of concern when they spot something.

Be assured, this was dealt with at the soonest possible point once the troublesome item made it to the agenda. 

Wildomar Rap opinion time

Trying to stay within the small box afforded by the very restrictive Brown Act, I can speak for myself and say that we just had an exhaustive couple of years putting together an updated General Plan. 

I understand that there are regular updates to our codes that the State mandates we adopt, so that part of the process is basically a 'rubber stamp' at the business end of a proverbial gun pointed at us by Sacramento.

However, as long as I'm a member of the city council, for discretionary things, it's going to take a 'pitch for the angels' to get me to agree to any, if not all, of the suggested changes that currently go before the planning commission or city council. 

I understand the desire to streamline a process, but we're not going to streamline things to such a point that local oversight, also known as "local control," is forfeited.

That's how I read many of the proposed changes, and it's a nonstarter for me.

Below is a link to the complete video.

Last, and definitely least... 

This is what I saw when I arrived at city hall at 10pm (to drop off the city vehicle), and later had it confirmed that they were up during the meeting.

I'm going to go with a simple, poorly-timed comedy of errors that had nothing to do with the planning commission meeting.

There is NO WAY that staff intentionally prevented parking at the council chambers on a night that a large crowd was expected.