Foothills Sentry - June 2022

Foothills Sentry Page 6 June 2022 WE HAVE ORDERS. WE NEED INVESTORS. Real Estate is hot right now! Call Kevin Groot: (657) 505 - 8265 Kevin Groot Investments • Personal Financial Adviser Business Consultant Democratic Crossroads A modest proposal A speedy, if not swift, response to the challenge of local gover- nance might be helpful, urgently needed, or only provocative. Silverado-Modjeska Recreation and Park District (SMRPD) elec- tions arrive soon, with no can- didates declared for three open seats. The history of our singular community government agency, one of hundreds of state “spe- cial districts,” includes a period of tumult. A decade ago, when sitting board members failed to complete their filings, then-Su- pervisor Bill Campbell appointed political allies. A grassroots citi- zen campaign assembled a slate and, in November 2014, elected a competent, committed, hard- working majority including Phil McWilliams of Modjeska. Metamorphosis? Observers see a similar poten- tial threat on the horizon, with financial reporting snafus, new policy requirements for SMRPD volunteers, publicly-voiced frustrations about administra- tive workload and the future of the Children’s Center. Commit- ment to that beloved, if perpetu- ally bedeviled project, a gorgeous community resource, along with managing two community cen- ters and their adjacent parks, is ostensibly the entire and singular purview and responsibility of the five-member elected board. Ironi- cally, the Children’s Center is in the black financially, if serving a tiny minority of actual canyon families and faced with costs of delayed maintenance. Its non- profit, Friends of the Children’s Center, is responding. New insurance-required pro- cedures complicate volunteerism and programming and the board has, for obvious reasons, added limited disaster response to its wheelhouse, the only govern- mental agency that meets certain organizational criteria for grants and insurance. Let’s check in with McWil- liams, who once served on the board and recently read (so you don’t have to) a 43-page 2021 memorandum to the Califor- nia Association of Local Agen- cy Formation Commissions (CALAFCO) whimsically titled “The Metamorphoses of Special Districts: Current Methods for Consolidation, Dissolution, Sub- sidiary District Formation and Merger.” His take? “SMRPD has had some great boards. The traits of these board members were simple, and no political experience required. Members needed management or basic people skills, a genuine love, respect and concern for the canyons, no hidden agendas or self-interests, a willingness to serve and listen, and to fight for the mission of the district. People hate politicians, so if you were a straight shooter and answered questions directly, that didn’t hurt. We’ve also had some not- so-great boards. Here’s the rub; good people who could success- fully run the district are here, but many have retired, or are too busy to volunteer, or don’t want the hassle. It takes considerable time to learn and understand pro- cedures, rules, deadlines, and nu- merous complications needed for successful district management, all with no pay. Each election cycle I worry when no one with the traits needed steps up. Or that someone less than qualified is ei- ther elected or appointed.” Phil sincerely, perhaps bravely, floats an idea: “One possible so- lution, which may be forced on us anyway, perhaps sooner than later, is absorption of the district into OC Parks. I understand con- cerns about loss of local control, but if good canyon folks don’t step up, effective and efficient lo- cal control is simply not possible anyway.” Benevolent takeover might stir outrage or cries of “big govern- ment.” Or, perhaps, as a result of Phil’s gentle thought experiment, potential candidates, hoping to avert a crisis, might step up. Fil- ing period, July 18-Aug. 12. Home improvement OC Parks’ restoration of the Modjeska Stone House, the Opid Cottage and drainage work has been underway at Arden since 2018. Successfully out to bid and ready to be awarded, the Opid Cottage portion of the project has been pulled to accommodate work at Mile Square Park. This essential improvement would complete the balance or restora- tion begun in 1992. Neighbors are concerned that the building is now at high risk of irreparable damage. Diane Carter RIP Modjeska resident Jean Chap- man shares recollections of Diane Carter, who passed away March 24. “Diane’s faith was unwaver- ing. As one friend said, she em- bodied unyielding faith through the toughest of times.” Carter volunteered in many capacities. An avid equestrian, she fought hard for open trails and trails for all, and was on the Search and Rescue Team for many years. She was active in the San Juan Capistrano equestrian group Las Vaqueras and the city’s Chamber of Commerce. Many treasure the memory of her riding in the Swallow’s Day Parade, proudly representing fe- male equestrians and American Horse Products. Just your type Red Cross Blood Drive: Sil- verado Community Center, June 7, noon to 6 p.m.. Ready, Set, Go! Check out OC Fire Authority’s online tool for property owner compliance with new wildfire safety regulations, per Assembly Bill 38: ocfa.org/RSG. There’s a virtual assessment with questions about eaves, gut- ters, and spark arrestors, and a re- port generated at the end, though local fire departments will visit by appointment too, all to provide you “…documentation stating that the property is in compliance with Section 4291 of the Public Resources Code or local vegeta- tion management ordinances.” Chapman community unites to raise over $1 million A 24-hour fundraiser on Giving Day 2022, held April 26, netted $1,237,714 for Chapman Univer- sity student scholarships. Student volunteers staffed the phone lines for 24 hours straight. They wrote thank you cards, posted outreach on social media and made donations themselves. Student gifts up to $2,022 were matched by Dean Jerry Price in honor of this year's graduating class. More than 650 donors partici- pated, with many contributions doubled by matching grants. A $275,000 matching grant, spon- sored by members of the uni- versity’s boards, was announced in the evening, and helped raise $550,000 in the final six hours of the day. At Chapman, the importance of Giving Day goes far beyond the dollars raised. “We talk a lot about the Chapman family, and on days like today it’s apparent how true that phrase is,” said Kim Greenhall, assistant vice presi- dent of strategic engagement and development. “Students and staff ensured every part of the day went off to perfection. Everyone – staff, faculty, alumni, students – came out to join us in the Attallah Piazza for our first in-person Giv- ing Day celebration.” Funds raised on Giving Day go to the Chapman Fund, a foundational resource for scholarships, university programs, student activities, faculty development, research centers and more. Some financial aid is received by 86% of Chapman students, which means there is an ever- present need for donor support. Arianna Benitez ‘22, Pete the Panther, Chapman President Daniele Struppa and Mareek Pitts ‘23 celebrate Giving Day at the Party in the Piazza. ElMo football golf tournament to tee off The El Modena High School football program will host its 13th Annual Golf Tournament at Strawberry Farms Golf Club in Irvine on Friday, July 15. The Bob Lester Classic honors ElMo’s legendary coach who finished his coaching career with 213 wins and three CIF titles over a 20-year span. The day begins with a shot- gun start at 8 a.m., and includes breakfast, beverages and a BBQ luncheon. Foursomes are $750, and individual players are $200. Visit elmodenafootball.com for additional information. Or, con- tact golf@elmodenafootball.com to register, and learn more about sponsorship opportunities.