• Railroad Canyon Public Outreach Meeting

Tonight there was a public outreach meeting at the Lake Elsinore city hall regarding the traffic issues on Railroad Canyon. I went because it's just a couple of miles north of us and many Wildomar residents use that area.

Currently the area is a complete nightmare with traffic coming at you from all directions. There are four options they are weighing. Option one is to do nothing. That costs the least, but considering that the intersections are currently rating an "F" it's scary to imagine what it would be like when they hit build out in 2035 if they do nothing.

The other options, that do not include the roundabouts, are very cost prohibitive. No matter what, it's all going to be a ton of money, but redoing the off ramps with more lanes is crazy money. In option 3, you can see where they would be completely moving the on and off ramps off of Railroad Canyon.

There were large scale posters with realistic artist renderings of what the area will look like once completed. Very impressive and it gives a person a better sense of what is going to happen there. You can find the images online at the official website of the project. The link is below.

Gustavo (I didn't get his last name) of RCTC is discussing the potential roundabouts with George Cambero.

Below is an animated video of how the traffic will flow at the five roundabouts. Further along in the video the animation changes from areal view to street view. It starts at about the 6:20 mark.

Click here to jump to the in car view.

The main speaker was Scott Ritchie, his title was roundabout expert, and he gave a pretty convincing argument for the proposed project. From cost, to safety, to construction time it's seems like a no brainer over the other options.

One question from the audience was about safety. That's been my worry too. How do you expect this to work when common courtesy has dipped so low. Where young punks on a city facebook group will lambaste 80 year old women and then hide behind, "but it's free speech man,"?

The answer was poignant. Those people have to be endured no matter what design is chosen. 

If you're interested in this, be sure to visit the webpage and give it a good perusal. While there, you can sign up to be on an email list, and they'll gladly send you updates. If you are a resident of Lake Elsinore, they'd like you to weigh in with your opinions. This will be voted on in the next month or two and this is your chance to be heard. The soonest that construction will begin is Autumn of 2017.

Click here for the official webpage of the project.

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UPDATE ON GRAND AVE REPAVING

I had a chance to speak with County Supervisor Kevin Jeffries about this and was glad to know that the center turn lane will be coming back. The current striping is for the safety of the workers as they make improvements to the shoulder areas. Below is the official update.

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One of these days Alice... bang, zoom, straight to the moon. 

― Jackie Gleason as Ralph Kramden, The Honeymooners

Wildomar Rap is not in the "Bang-Zoom" business, and no one will be going to the moon... nonstop or otherwise. 

• Centenarian Celebrated in Wildomar

Today Floyd Pixley turned 100 years old. He is a long time resident at Wildomar Senior Assisted Living.

Here you see Floyd checking out his birthday cake. The blue is the Lake in Lake Elsinore.

I asked Marilyn Gevedon, of the Activities Department at WSAL, for some info on Floyd and I learned that he was a graduate of  Michigan State. An engineer that worked on the Apollo mission that put a man on the moon. He helped develop the Packard engines that propelled the PT boats of WWII. He later worked for the government of Japan, helping them rebuild aeronautical aviation system after the war.

He came to Lake Elsinore because he and his wife wanted to learn how to water ski. He built a home up at the end of Grand and Riverside Dr near Ortega Highway. He and his wife of 60 years were generous with the community. They helped school children that were needy, and those in the community that were in need of food and clothing. 

Floyd receives a key to the city, and a certificate of recognition given to him by Mayor Pro-Tem Bridgette Moore.

Cheri Zamora, or Wildomar Chamber of Commerce, gives a certificate to Floyd in honor of his 100th birthday.

It was an honor to be invited to lunch there, and quite a sight to see, as many of the seniors sang along to a Frank Sinatra song I'd never heard. Then to top it off Rex Paris, the guitar player, who had been entertaining the lunch crowed throughout, had Bridgette Moore, Grace Morabito and me sing Happy Birthday to Floyd as he played the guitar. Now that would have been something to behold, and a time to remove the batteries from any hearing aids within the vicinity. ☺

Rex, 75, has known Floyd for more than a dozen years, and got him to agree to be present when he turns 100. Happy Birthday Floyd. It was an honor to be at your party today.

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I had a Virginia once, and she was slim too. 

― The words of a, nearly blind, 90 year old man at a senior center to my mother back in the mid '70s as they discussed smoking.

Wildomar Rap is a blog about local things going on in Wildomar. Since I'm not a mind reader, the only way I know something is happening is if someone tells me. If you think there is something that the people of Wildomar would like to hear about, leave me a facebook message. No guarantee, but I might follow up on it.

• City Birthday Bash at Marna O'Brien

It was a fun night at Wildomar's Marna O'Brien Park as the city celebrated its 7th birthday.

It started at 5:00pm with a car show featuring The Drifters Car Club and various vendors. Then at 6:00pm The Fabulous Woodies played surf music until 8:00pm when there was a '50s costume contest. 

On the left is Dan York, winner of the contest on the men's side, the other guy is me.

There was a shave ice vendor along with one that was selling hot dogs and nachos and the like. Over at the main snack bar, drinks were available for $1 and was being run by Kids Worldwide. A group that is looking to put on youth basketball leagues in the parks. I look forward to learning more about them soon.

You can't get any cuter than the kids that entered the contest. 

The evening concluded with the classic movie Grease. Thank you to the team that made this possible. Let's spread the word to more of Wildomar's residents for the next city event. Which happens to be Wildomar Community Night at the Lake Elsinore Storm game.

Part of the proceeds will be going to Wildomar VFW... plus you'll be getting a shirt out of the deal plus a fun night out. See you there.

Check out the video produced by Jack Neal of TemescalNewsdotcom.

To see more pictures, follow this link to the album.

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There are few treasures that exceed the wealth of good times with good friends. ― Joseph Morabito

A Wildomar Rap would be a Reuben sandwich tucked into a tortilla if it were served at a deli.

• New Council Chambers, Another Look

Last night was the maiden voyage for the new City Council Chambers and tonight was the first community event in there. Luckily the entire chamber was opened so I was able to take some pictures to give you a better I idea of how it looks.

This is what you see as you look towards the dais from the entry doors.

I'm standing behind the lectern for this shot.

The event was Wildomar Chamber of Commerce hosting a mixer. The room was full as Pie Nation pizza was being enjoyed by the attendees. Thanks Pie Nation!

This shot was taken from the back of the room looking towards the dais.

What  a great new asset for Wildomar. I was asking Mayor Ben Benoit if the room could be rented out for things like Senior Art Classes as an example, and he responded with a resounding yes. He did mention that the rates are different in the day time hours versus the night time hours. Primarily because a city staffer would have to stay overtime so that they could lock up.

The panoramic doesn't give the room it's due.

For those that may be new to the area, City Hall and the New Council Chambers are in the south end of the Albertson's shopping center off of Clinton Keith. If you'd like to stay up on city events be sure to sign up for the city's Stay Connected option.

Reminder that this Saturday is a city party. Be sure to come out for the car show that starts at 5:00pm, followed by live music that begins at 6:00pm, and then the movie Grease that starts at 8:30pm. Don't be fooled by the posted start time, it's about 8:15pm on a cloudy evening as I'm typing and it's still not dark enough for an outdoor movie. ☺ Be sure to bring blankets and chairs.

Also there is supposed to be prizes for best '50s costumes. So guys that means you're supposed to come dressed as either James Dean, Arthur Fonzerelli, Richie Cunningham or Ward Cleaver. The ladies are supposed to dress in poodle skirts, as Marilyn Monroe, young Elizabeth Taylor, Bette Davis or Sandy Dumbrowski (look it up).

Come out and have some fun!

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Backward, turn backward, O time, in thy flight; Make me a child again, just for tonight. ― Elizabeth Chase Allen

Wildomar Rap is not a city service. It's just one guy that is fueled by curiosity and creativity, and his lovely wife telling him what to do. 

• City Council Meeting July 2015

After many months, the new city council chamber was ready for business tonight. What a great improvement over the old set up. There are several large video screens for easy viewing of any presentations, and the audio is much better too.

Here is one of the new video screens.

There are a couple of short comings. First there is a supporting beam that is right in the middle of the room, and though it is where the center row is, it does interrupt how people in the back can see all the members. Second, the chamber is deep instead of wide, so even the front row is further away from the dais than the old back row was.

All in all it's a great improvement from the old council chambers.

Before the council meeting there was a brief open house where cake was served.

Bridgette Moore, Bob Cashman, Marsha Swanson, Ben Benoit and Tim Walker.

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The meeting itself was the quickest one I've been too. It was over just over half an hour after it started. There really wasn't much to speak about that came out of the meeting.

There was a presentation where Mayor Ben Benoit and Mayor Pro-Tem Bridgette Moore give recognition to Jake Moore for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

Still trying to figure out the lighting and best place to stand for pictures.

The few items on the agenda all passed 5-0 with little discussion.

So the only real thing to share was Miss Miller doing what Miss Miller does best. Entertaining us in new and exciting ways. Last time she asked to be escorted out, but didn't have the nerve to follow through. Tonight she waited until the officer came and escorted her out... as if she was at a wedding waiting to be seated by an usher.

She basically referenced the camera and wanted me to post it. I had a good mind not to, but I know that many people never seem to grow tired of her antics so here it is.

But If she does it next time, I won't be uploading it unless it's truly spectacular. She'll have to throw a glitter bomb, deliver a pie in the face, take her close off and streak around, ride a unicycle, walk on stilts, do a dramatic reenactment of a classic movie scene or something awesome.

Otherwise, I'm going to be adopting Major League Baseball's policy of when fans run on the field. They do NOT allow it to be broadcast on TV so as to discourage copycats.

 

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Reminder that tomorrow, July 9, 2015 will be a Wildomar Chamber of Commerce mixer right back in the same room... though the dais will be closed off. From 5:30 to 7:00pm.

Also remember that this Saturday, at Marna O'Brien Park there will be a Wildomar birthday bash. Check the flyer for the details.

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A good conscience is the best pillow. 

― German Proverb

Wildomar Rap doesn't shrink in the dryer.

• 4th of July Parade... The Farm Style

Happy Birthday USA!

Today was a fun morning over at The Farm in Wildomar. They celebrated Uncle Sam's birthday with a parade that wound it's way through the community, something they've been doing since 1977, on a circuit that took about an hour to drive.

There were about half a dozen decked out golf carts, and about a dozen or so cars (including a 1923 Ford) followed by a Station 68 fire truck bring up the rear.

This is basically an event that is closed to those outside of The Farm. We were guests of The Farm resident, and The Farm Facebook Group moderator, Mary Haire. I'm thinking this was her first parade at The Farm since things didn't go quite as planned.

First I just thought we were going to watch the parade. Then I thought we were going to walk in the parade. Soon we found that we were going to have a car in the parade too. 

Good thing our car is just right color of blue for a patriotic parade. ☺

Also in our group was Council Member Bridgette Moore. We actually started the parade on foot, behind the blue Rap-Mobile, and things were pretty good for about 3 mins.

Then we got out of the area with gravel and onto the main roads. Right away we saw George Taylor, long time Wildomar resident out at The Farm, as he was videotaping the parade. He asked if we were going to walk the parade route in a surprised tone.

"Yes" we replied, and went on our way with big smiles. Then we noticed that our ride was about to disappear around the corner, as we'd been left in the dust. Somehow, we thought this was going to be a slower, more traditional parade. Silly us.

Earlier I had done the math in my head. The number of miles divided by the one hour event time and knew the pace was going to be past human capacity... but I ignored that little voice that was trying to communicate with the rest of me.

Luckily, when we got to the first cross street, I saw a flagman about 200 yards up the street. Though the parade had gone a couple of blocks on before turning left, I suggested we go right and see if we couldn't head them off at the pass.

We got there just in time to see the front of the parade. In fact, one of the people in one of the leading cars looked at us in a confused manner and asked, "Aren't you two in the parade?"

We laughed, as we rejoiced, at seeing the Rap-Mobile come around the corner just in time to save us.

What a beautiful sight to see... our Knightess, Grace Morabito, in shining Honda CRV armor.

From there it is was a spectacular time. People were out in front of their houses, on corners, or down at the street's edge as they were waving American flags and exchanged smiles and "Happy 4ths" with us as we drove by.

Dena Piraino was in front of her home, with one of the best shirts I saw out there and waving a flag.

♥

Some of the cars in the parade were tossing candy out to the watchers.

One of countless groups of people out celebrating Independence Day.

♥
What a fun event, and afterward they had a big community barbecue, but we headed back home. If you live in The Farm, check out their Facebook page to stay up on the latest news there.

Here's the link.

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America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination, and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand. ― Harry S. Truman

Wildomar Rap isn't affiliated with Wildomar Rapid Transit. Primarily because there is no such thing. 

• Grand Ave Repavement Project

If you use Grand Avenue you know that there has been a road improvement project going on for the past month or so. I use the road about one day a week, and just three days ago the lines had not been painted yet. Today I had a bonus trip down that road and it was striped, though the project appears to still have more to do before it's finished.

How the road had been striped before.

What I noticed is that it went from one lane in each direction, and a center turn lane... to a lane in each direction and NO center turn lane. The missing lane got divided up as shoulder room on each side of the road.

At first I thought that the new addition was the bike lanes, but you can see bike lanes in the old photos. So I'm not sure how the new striping helps. I'm glad I don't use the road regularly, and never in rush hour, but I see more problems created by eliminating the turn lane than solved with the extra room on the right.

Here you see a car turning left across traffic from the south bound lane... without the protection of a turn lane.

Instead of traffic flowing at a normal pace through Lakeland Village, now you'll need to be on your toes for sudden stops as people will be looking to turn left against traffic from the main lane of travel.

Here you see Corydon and the tiny turn pocket that they created instead of the old turn lane.

One place that looks like it is really going to be a mess is the intersection of Grand and Corydon. At the end of the day, that is the main route from Ortega Highway to the freeway. It's not uncommon for the lineup of cars to reach more than a dozen waiting to turn left.

The new turn pocket looks like it might accommodate 5 cars... maybe 15 if they were Smart Cars. I hope the additional cars at peak usage time will just use the same space they did before and NOT block the southbound lane.

A look at the original lane configurations and Grand Plaza on the east side of the road.

Also, when I've used Grand, going south in the afternoons before, it was common to see cars turning left into the strip mall on that corner. There is no turn pocket for them. I bet this is going to get dicey if this is the final lane scheme they have in mind.

One good thing that I saw, for those that turn right from Grand to a side street, is that it is much safer for them since they have their own 'lane' now... sort of a lane anyway.

Have you driven on it yet? Do you have thoughts on the new lane set up? If so, post them below... just keep in mind that anonymous comments that stray too far afield will be obliterated. Thank you, drive through. ☺

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What is meat and drink to one, is bitter poison to another.
― Titus Lucretius

Wildomar Raptor is not a creature in Jurassic World.