Foothills Sentry - October 2024

Foothills Sentry Page 8 OCTOBER 2024 Circulation … 40,000 Published on the last Tuesday of each month and distributed to residences, businesses, libraries and civic centers. Printing by Advantage, Inc. 714-532-4406 Fax: 714-532-6755 foothillssentry.com 1107 E. Chapman Ave., #207 Orange, CA 92866 © Foothills Sentry 2024 Publisher/Editor Anita Bennyhoff 1969-2013 Editor Tina Richards editor@foothillssentry.com Sports Editor Cliff Robbins sportseditor@att.net Graphic Designer Jef Maddock graphics@foothillssentry.com Advertising Sales Andie Mills advertising@foothillssentry.com 714-926-9299 Office Manager Kathy Eidson officemanager@foothillssentry. com Follow the money Dear Editor: As a follow-up to my guest commentary in September (“Vote no on the Rancho Santiago CCD Measure G Bond”), I believe it’s important to let readers know the college district has found $8 million it was previously unaware of, as reported by the “Daily Pilot/ Times OC” on Sept. 9. How could we trust Rancho Santiago with a taxpayer-funded $720 million bond if it can’t keep track of $8 million? On Nov. 5, I urge voters to vote “No” on Measure G. Barry Resnick Orange Not again Dear Editor: In 2004, Steve Rocco was elected to the Orange Unified School District School Board of Education without any communication to voters about who he was and why he was running. He has continued to run for various positions in Orange County ever since. He was an avid conspiracy theorist with a vendetta against many organizations, corporations, and local officials. As an elected trustee, he was extremely damaging and disruptive to the school board and to the district. He wore dark sunglasses, a beanie cap, and spoke only about his conspiratorial beliefs. He also verbally attacked fellow board members, staff and local law enforcement. Mr. Rocco demonstrated, through his actions while serving on the school board, that he wasn’t interested in serving anyone except his own self-serving interests. He refused to maintain confidentiality on issues requiring it, therefore putting the district at risk for litigation. The board majority eventually censured Mr. Rocco for his disruptive behavior and unwillingness to maintain his ethical obligation as a member of the school board. Voting is a sacred privilege and a right for all registered voters. We must do our best to be informed voters. Unfortunately, Mr. Rocco was elected because voters used his ballot designation as the determinate factor, as he listed himself as an "Educator/ Writer." We must not let this happen again. We must always do our due diligence in understanding not only a candidate’s policy positions, but also their character and sense of service to the community. Mr. Rocco has neither any appropriate policy positions, nor the character of an appropriate school board member who would be able and willing to serve the students and the community. Kathy Moffat Kim Nichols Lissa Smith Past OUSD Trustees Read on Dear Editor: I’m writing on behalf of our beloved Orange Public Libraries, which have suffered huge financial cuts due to the $19 million budget deficit that the City of Orange is experiencing. Perhaps like you, I have spent many hours, over the years, enjoying the many invaluable services that the library provides—not only books, but educational materials, workshops, technological resources and community events. The libraries provide so many important benefits to Orange residents of all ages and backgrounds, including learning opportunities, a place to explore and gain personal growth, knowledge and cultural enrichment. We, as a community, now need to support our libraries financially. I hope your readers might make a donation to the Orange Public Library as well as communicate to the mayor and city council members how important our libraries and their services are to the City of Orange. Catherine Smith Orange Dear Editor: Due to the financial crisis facing the city, our city council has been forced to make difficult decisions regarding the programs and services we enjoy as citizens of this great town. And while there has been an outpouring of support for some of the areas being considered for cuts (e.g., public safety), one area has been noticeably silent from the chatter – the Orange Public Library, which has suffered drastic cuts that truly jeopardize the future of this essential community institution. Did you know that 100% of the library’s budget for new acquisitions was slashed, including all physical and digital resources? This means that there will be no new books for our children and teens to enjoy, no new resources or subscriptions for the much-beloved local history center, and no materials that promote literacy for adults within our community. Not only does the absence of these materials force the library into an unfavorable position that immediately lessens its relevance, but for the 300,000-plus annual library visitors, it means that a critical lifeline is gone. Libraries are so much more than just a place to borrow a book – they are true community gathering spaces where seniors, school-aged kids and adults can come together to learn, discuss and grow. Even though the library makes up less than 3% of the city’s total annual budget, services are being cut disproportionately, which is absolutely disheartening. In addition to the acquisitions budget, a significant amount of money has been cut from annual operations. I hope my fellow citizens agree that these reductions are a recipe for disaster. It has never been more critical to support the libraries in our hometown. Please join the Orange Public Library Foundation in their efforts to ensure our libraries stay accessible for all in our community. Find out more at oplfoundation.org. Sunny Erickson Orange Best for TUSD Board Dear Editor: We are supporting Bill Pevehouse for Tustin School Board. Let us tell you briefly why. Bill and Michael-Ann Pevehouse have deep roots in North Tustin. They grew up here attending local schools. They settled here and sent their three children to Loma Vista, Hewes and Foothill High School. Beth served on the Tustin Public Schools Foundation (TPSF) Board of Directors with Bill Pevehouse during his tenure as president of the foundation, and the many years he chaired the successful Dino Dash. He spent countless hours volunteering for the benefit of ALL Tustin schools. We know how personally dedicated Bill is to our community and students. Bill Pevehouse understands that extracurricular activities, including sports, art, music, civic groups and other activities build character and teamwork in young people. In more than a decade as director of operations for the SOCAL Water Polo Foundation, Inc., he has enabled such experiences for thousands of young people of all ages across Tustin Unified. Bill Pevehouse has the business experience to manage the large budgets and 2,500 employees of the Tustin Unified School District. Bill Pevehouse will work to prepare our students not only for college, but also for successful careers. Not every student goes to college, but nearly all get jobs. Past Superintendent Greg Franklin, past Deputy Superintendent Kathie Nielsen, and former high school principals Adele Heuer, Al Marzilli and Margie Sepulveda have endorsed Bill, knowing that he will build upon the Tustin Unified School District legacy of excellence. Beth and Doug Raff North Tustin Dear Editor: I’m endorsing Bill Pevehouse for TUSD Board of Education. Bill Pevehouse is dedicated to maintaining the tradition of academic excellence in Tustin Unified by promoting strong foundational skills, ensuring conservative fiscal management and emphasizing key areas, such as communication, critical thinking, rigorous math, science, technology and economic competitiveness. He is focused on providing all students with the essential skills they need to succeed in an increasingly complex world. Bill Pevehouse has shown a strong commitment to enhancing education for ALL students across Tustin Unified, not just at the schools his own children attend. For over 20 years, he has actively volunteered on the board of the Tustin Public Schools Foundation, the largest nonprofit dedicated to supporting all schools within the Tustin Unified School District. I encourage you to give Bill your vote! Margie Sepulveda, past Principal, Hewes Middle School and Tustin High Dear Editor: As Superintendent of the Tustin Unified School District from 2011 through 2021, I endorse Bill Pevehouse for Tustin Unified School Board Trustee Area 2. Here is why: Bill was appointed several times to the Citizens Oversight Committees overseeing TUSD technology and facilities programs, assuring that funds were used efficiently and effectively. His performance was outstanding. He is the only candidate who has been a budget watchdog protecting tax dollars. Bill has been a volunteer board member of the Tustin Public Schools Foundation (TPSF), the largest nonprofit organization focused on improving educational quality for all TUSD schools, for 17 years. Many parents help the schools their own children attend. Bill dedicated himself -- for two decades -- to strengthening every student at every school in our school district. Bill's business background prepares him to understand complex budgets and large organizations, which is exactly what is involved on the TUSD school board. Only Bill Pevehouse has the business experience, proven dedication to all TUSD schools, and preparation to be a watchdog over taxpayer funds that qualify him for the Tustin School Board. Greg Franklin past Superintendent Tustin Unified School District Water matters Dear Editor: As water resources grow increasingly limited, the working families of Orange County deserve a Municipal Water District director who has the scientific expertise to understand the technical challenges and the community leadership experience to deliver practical solutions for our water needs. As a chemistry professor and executive director of STEM-NET at the CSU chancellors’ office, Dr. Frank Gomez is a respected leader in the scientific community. He is a proven community leader with experience as a mayor, school and city council member, and trustee on nonprofit community boards. Dr. Gomez will fight for a better future by delivering greater transparency over water import issues, equitable distribution and increased supply of water with cost-effective solutions. Please vote for Dr. Frank Gomez for Division 6 of the Municipal Water District of Orange County. Jordan Weltman North Tustin Natural causes Dear Editor: Following is an open letter to Irvine Company CEO Donald Bren. Dear Chairman Bren: Twenty-eight years ago, my wife and I moved from my beloved birthplace of Whittier to Orange. The main purpose was to enjoy the many wonderful outdoor areas available for hiking, looking for birds and other animals, overall to embrace the well known benefits of interacting with nature. Before that move, as a youngster, I caught my first bass at Irvine Lake. During those years, the water level was just below Santiago Canyon Road. As well, the area was nearly devoid of housing and strip malls. The other day I was aghast to see one of my favorites, the Puma Ridge Trail, fenced off, as is the land near Jamboree and Santiago Canyon Roads. As you know the pros and cons, there’s little need for me to continue except that I envision further such projects that will continually deprive folks of interacting with nature. I beg of you to cancel this project. Stephen Tyler Orange No mercy Dear Editor: Thank you so much for printing Jay Chais’ letter about the Intracorp project on Katella. I agree with him. Neighbors got the shaft from our own city council, without any explanation. The applicant has the upper hand, and the neighbors are left holding the bag. It’s a terrible system. The project did not meet the Small Subdivision Guidelines, and it’s going to get built anyway. So much for ‘our Slice of Old Towne Charm.’ Jamie Fingal Orange Woman’s Club hosts Holiday Craft Fair The Woman’s Club of Orange invites the community to a Holi- day Boutique and Craft Fair, Sat- urday, Oct. 12, at the Clubhouse, 121 S. Center Street. The Fair features Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas items, plus a sweet shop and lunch meal deal and raffle. Admission is free. The event is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information, contact Debbi Todd, (714) 856-0901.