Foothills Sentry - July 2021

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Dan Slater’s experience on the council obviously provides him insight that is unattainable to nearly all Orange citizens. His first-hand experience with how the city works and, more specifi- cally, how our governance team has not been working together in the best interests of its citizens, is of value, even to those who dis- agree with some of his points. The observations and positions taken by Slater, whom we have known for over 35 years, were, in our opinion, profound. Issues such as the Chapman University expansion and the homeless, are understandably of greater interest to residents of Old Towne. But they are of no less importance than the resolution of the Sully-Miller site, or short- term rentals are to other areas of town. The actions of the council, commissions, and staff affect us all, no matter our address. Resolution of all issues, in the best interests of the citizenry, can only be achieved by a coun- cil, commissions and staff who understand the value and impor- tance of openly dealing with citi- zens, regularly, face-to-face. And less often with representatives of special interests whose motiva- tion is not always Orange first. Tom and Jeanne Grochow Orange Dear Editor: I wanted to express my thoughts on the article “Putting Orange to the Rotary’s Four-Way Test” written by Dan Slater in the June issue. I believe Dan hit on many top- ics that need to be addressed. Our city leaders were put into their positions through an election process so the citizens of Orange could make an educated decision. But when District 3 found itself with an open council seat, it was not filled in the way the rest of the council seats were, with the deci- sion being made by the constitu- ents of that district. Instead, it was filled through a council majority, with a person who had not had to answer pointed questions like the rest of the candidates. The bottom line is that the Ro- tary’s Four-Way Test should be used by the leadership in Orange, and I fully agree with that. For example, “Will it be beneficial to all concerned?” doesn’t mean just for those who run in your circle, or are your friends. It means to every person the decision will af- fect, which in the case above, is every person in our city. “Will it build goodwill and bet- ter friendships?" This is intended for the masses. It’s intended to bring everyone together by mak- ing the best decision for ALL in- volved. But, based on some of the decisions that have been made in our city, it seems as though some believe it means building person- al goodwill and better personal friendships. This is way off the mark. I won’t go through the rest of the Four-Way Test because the outcome of each of them will be the same. I think Slater should run for mayor in the City of Orange, as he lives by Rotary’s Four-Way Test each and every day. I know he would use it when making decisions for every citizen in the great City of Orange. Chris Horton Orange Dear Editor: Dan Slater’s mention of the Four-Way Test in the last Sentry is a good vehicle for the major- ity of Orange’s city council to ap- ply. Decisions are made without fairness or creating goodwill, to name two of the four. Examples that Slater mentioned include the Sully-Miller project in East Or- ange; the decision by the mayor to hold council meetings once a month limits community input. Other issues that were mentioned in Slater's column were council’s dedication to deep-pocket devel- opers and party insiders, which does not bode well for residents. The homeless issue has not been solved. A greater interest is needed in HART. With the North Tustin Street Specific Plan, the proposed expansion of Chapman University and the extension of the Plaza Paseo, we need leader- ship that will include the concerns of residents, not special interests. Dan seems to have a clear under- standing of the issues currently facing our city. Patty Ricci Orange Dear Editor: I read with interest the well- crafted letter from Dan Slater regarding the state of leadership in our city council. I am sorry that our current situation regard- ing District 3 seems to have gone from bad to worse. Slater articu- lated what should be the high ideals that anyone in government should strive for, and I know what he tried to accomplish when he served us on our council. Years ago, there was a plan to replace the Monterey pines in the Plaza with more historically ac- curate queen palms. All the coun- cil thought it was a great idea, and initially all voted in favor. When a group that was against cutting down the pines brought their pleas to the council, Slater actu- ally changed his position, leading to much dialogue, and in the end, the pines stayed. What I remember is a council- man who had the courage to lis- ten to his constituents, even when it was unpopular with his fellow councilmembers. It meant more time had to be given to the pro- cess, but also allowed for all par- ties to have a say, and in the end, we had a much improved center of Old Towne, with better drain- age, hardscape and pedestrian crossings. The trees were a small part of that, but I appreciated his willingness to listen. Lisa Ackerman Baldwin Orange Dear Editor: I would like to express my thanks to Dan Slater for so elo- quently stating the attitudes we should be focusing on regarding our community, development of our city, and how we value our family, friends and neighbors. The Four Pillars Slater alludes to should be our “moral compass.” It is refreshing to see these feel- ings expressed, and hopefully now embraced in our community as activism to making our city better Tim McCormack Orange Dear Editor: I applaud Dan Slater's com- ments in the June 2021 Guest Commentary section. I feel he hit on every point of contention I, and my husband, have with the way the current mayor and ma- jority council behave and/or vote. This is not a transparent council, nor is it even a friendly one, un- less there is a shared vested inter- est. Letters to council go unmen- tioned if it doesn't jive with the majority vote. Both Arianna Barrios and Ana Gutierrez are doing a heck of a job trying to change this, but they are two against four. I hope you will continue to report on this council and hold them accountable for their back- door decisions which affect all in our community, but benefit only a few. Diana Zdenek Orange Fenced out Dear Editor: At the far eastern end of San- tiago Boulevard (near Stacey Lee Lane), exists Orange/Villa Park’s version of the Berlin Wall. Pre- viously, this dead end roadway overlooked a view of the Santia- go Creek, its beautiful waterfalls, tree-lined canyons, birds and wildlife habitat. It was a lovely, quiet place where I would fre- quently walk; I would even take my grandkids there and show them nature in action. It was also a wonderful place to take in a gor- geous sun/moon rise or set. But all this is no more. Several months ago, construction began with the building of a 10-ft. high metal fence blocking public ac- cess. It was soon covered with an opaque screen, totally blocking all views of the beautiful skyline, canyon, creek and wildlife. This canyon and its views have been extolled for their natural beauty several times in this very publica- tion. Now there exists a wall that deprives area residents of their right to enjoy and view beautiful public areas. Shameful. Who approved this eyesore and assault on the beauty of my neigh- borhood? I was not consulted, and none of my neighbors were aware that this barrier, which is entirely out of character for the neighbor- hood, would dare be built. Who is the elected politician, unaccountable bureaucrat, or un- caring administrator that “signed off” on this useless and unnec- essary disaster? And what did it cost? After all, it’s only tax dollars, you know. I would like to know, as would many of my neighbors. To paraphrase my hero, Ronald Reagan, “Mr. Ms. Politician, Bu- reaucrat, tear down this wall.” Stan Faulwetter Orange "Letters" continued from page 5 Canyon High's Matthew Cheng earned a 5.04 Grade Point Average (GPA), and will be attending UCLA, majoring in history. He excelled in the classroom, the community, and on athletic and academic compe- tition teams. Masin Kearney graduated with a 5.0 GPA. She will attend Oxford College of Emory University, majoring in neuroscience and behavioral biology. Connor Quinn, with a 5.0 GPA, earned several scholarships to Chapman University, including the Presidential Schol- arship. He will enter the University’s pre-pharmacy program. El Modena High's Kady Hong earned a 4.86 GPA. She will major in immunology molecular genetics at UCLA. She plans to attend medi- cal school to become a neurologist or anesthesiologist. Maxwell Bui graduated with a 4.83 GPA and will attend the University of Califor- nia, Irvine, where he will major in biological sciences. He plans to attend medical school to become an orthopedic surgeon. Dagny Pa- rayao, with a 4.83 GPA, will attend UCLA to study computer science. She also plans to study abroad and later enter the technology industry. Orange High's Emily Gallardo earned a 4.82 GPA, and will attend the University of California, Berkeley. She will major in legal studies and psychology. Kelly Bui graduated with a 4.77 GPA and will major in biochemistry at UCLA. While at OHS, she was dual-enrolled at SCC. Villa Park High's Kelly Pham earned a 5.09 GPA and will major in chemistry at the University of California, Irvine. She plans to partici- pate in internships and research projects and pursue a Ph.D. in chem- istry or a PharmD. Daniel Fong, with a 5.03 GPA, will attend UCLA, majoring in mathematics, financial actuarial. He plans to supplement his studies with an internship at an actuarial firm. OUSD applauds high achievers Free food bank opens West Orange Elementary will hold a free food bank between 10-11 a.m. beginning July 28, and continuing on Wednesdays each month: Aug. 25, Sept. 29, Oct. 27, Nov. 17, Dec. 15. The school is located at 243 S. Bush St. in Orange.