Foothills Sentry Page 6 JUNE 2025 We are proud of all you have accomplished and excited for the bright future ahead. Keep striving toward your goals—this is just the beginning of great things to come. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors! Orange Uni�ied School District Trustees, Administrators, Teachers, and Staff CLASSOF 2025 ESTABLISHED 1953 Oh, no, not another learning experience! Further (Re)developments Sil-Mod Recreation and Parks District (SMRPD) directors and local activists have lately gotten a crash course on the distribution of property tax revenues, which largely fund SMRPD, but were supplemented, until recently, by leftover monies from state redevelopment agencies, abolished in 2012. Their remaining assets were since then regularly redistributed, including in Orange County, to projects including our recreation and parks district. Surprising to SMRPD, those anticipated funds in fact ran out last August, with the county suggesting it might use other sources to partially support us, now short significant anticipated annual operating funds -- about which nobody told the board last year. Among other needs, President Ted Wright points most urgently to the district’s liability insurance bill, due on both Silverado and Modjeska parks and community centers in July, with worries that the timing of promised property tax monies in fall threatens continued use of these popular facilities over the summer months. The Children’s Center is in the black for now, but utilities and site maintenance are at risk even as the board has taken measures to eliminate less essential services. Wright identified an estimated immediate $40,000- $50,000 shortfall, and recently asked for help and direction from Supervisor Wagner’s office. It responded by contacting the OC Auditor-Controller’s office, mostly toward answering everybody’s biggest question: Why wasn’t the SMRPD notified of the shortfall for this fiscal year? Meanwhile, thanks to two stalwart volunteers who have placed their names into consideration as replacements for outgoing directors Brittney Kuhn and Tamara Beauchamp. Wright and the board announce their appointments in June. At your service May’s ICL meeting featured reading of Representative Young Kim’s (R-CA 40) written response to the board’s letter regarding the firing of 1,700 full-time National Park Service workers, and staffer John Ding reporting the Congressmember’s willingness to meet with canyon residents. Lately averse to town halls, an in-person visit would be a welcome first from a sitting member of Congress. Her letter reminded Leaguers that Kim supported the March Continuing Resolution (CR) if inexplicably referencing “a historic pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers” [sic], i.e., those in U.S. military service. The letter also referenced the CR’s long-overdue pay raise for unionized federal wildland firefighters. It continues: “… we have received strong assurances from the Natural Resources Committee that full staffing for the Forest Service remains a top priority for Chairman [and forester Bruce] Westerman [R-AR]." To further these efforts, the Congresswoman will be leading an appropriations request to direct the Forest Service to prioritize addressing the growing threat of Goldspotted Oak Borers (GSOBs) in our forests.” How a firefighter raise relates to GSOBs is unclear or only AIgenerated. Thus far, Cleveland National Forest (CNF) has no plans, much less staff, to address infected or vulnerable trees. More ICL … History Committee member Scott Breedon’s report celebrated Clara Mason Fox (1873-1959), pioneer, watercolorist, and poet of Orange County. An exhibition of her work, “Canyon Colors: The Botanical Art of Clara Mason Fox,” is at the Moulton Museum in Laguna Hills through June 26. ICL. Fire Safe Council sponsors a Chipper Day, June 7, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Riviera. Francesca Duff reported that a county consultant will survey unincorporated areas subject to planned road maintenance and development plans, with a visit from Public Works likely at the Aug. 5 (first Tuesday of each month) ICL meeting. Volunteers are needed, including licensed bartenders, for the Oct. 11-12 annual Country Fair. Contact geoff. sarkissian@intercanyonleague. org. Third Saturday No, not the name of an OC cover band, just the date to remember for the Silverado Summer Concert Series, this month on Saturday, June 21 featuring 70s rockers Act Yer Age and classic 80s outfit Flip Out, live on the Zach Dupree Stage. Audience participation! The Library of the Canyons offers eclectic educational and entertaining summer programming in June, starting with the first Wednesday book club discussion of "Lies and Weddings" by Kevin Kwan. See the online calendar for knitting, adult crafts and origami classes; a docent-led family hike and astronomy lecture; and two comedy-magic shows featuring juggling, puppetry and games. Thanks to Friends of the Library, whose June 1 “Spring Fling” fundraiser supports these activities. Lorraine (Lopez) Castruita, RIP Longtime Modjeska resident and pet whisperer Lorraine Castruita reportedly passed away just weeks after departing her Modjeska Canyon home. Her gentle manner and big smile were appreciated by locals, but her singular, remarkable gift was a St. Francis-like empathy for animals. Locals Chris and Dayna Edwards: “Lorraine began as our pet sitter but quickly became our friend, and the apple of our dog’s eye. When she pulled up in her ‘treatmobile,’Abbey could hardly contain her excitement. Our pets knew, as we did, just how deeply she loved them. One of the most compassionate, loving, and kind-hearted people we’ve ever known, Lorraine will be missed.” OC Dems to feature Katie Porter The Central Orange County Democratic Club will welcome former House member and present California governor candidate Katie Porter at its Wednesday, June 25 meeting. This event will fill up quickly, so anyone wishing to attend should sign up early. Club members get first access to meeting notices, so join the club to be the first to know about club events. Snacks and conversation at 6:30 p.m.; general meeting starts at 7 p.m. Visit the club website calendar, Mobilize.us or the club Facebook link to access the Mobilize link to RSVP, which is required to attend. Central Dems includes the communities of Tustin, North Tustin, Orange, Villa Park and Anaheim Hills. All, however, are welcome to join. Meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 1221 Wass St. in Tustin. Central OC Dems is not affiliated with St. Paul’s. Contact the group at CentralOCDems@gmail.com or visit CentralOCDems.com.
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