Foothills Sentry - November 2024

Foothills Sentry Page 4 NOVEMBER 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 OCTA responds Dear Editor: I was disappointed in a recent guest commentary ("Pay Me Now and Pay Me Later") that claimed tax dollars funding the Orange County Transportation Authority only serve to “keep empty buses running around most of the county,” which is misleading, and fails to recognize the many benefits these funds provide for our community. Measure M, approved by nearly 70% of voters, is a half-cent sales tax and a critical investment in our transportation infrastructure. It is projected to generate approximately $14 billion for transportation through 2041, including essential improvements to freeways and local streets that enhance mobility and reduce congestion for everyone. It’s important to understand that OCTA’s transit services are part of a comprehensive and balanced strategy to meet the diverse transportation needs of our growing population and keep the entire region moving. With 25% of revenues going toward transit, these funds help pay for programs like senior mobility, discounted senior bus fares, Metrolink train service, and local and seasonal shuttles that better meet cities’ specific transit needs. Just recently, OCTA awarded over $42 million to these city shuttle services, which in the last year generated more than 700,000 boardings. It’s important to note that funding for regular bus operations does not come from the Measure M local sales tax, but is paid for primarily with state and federal dollars. The majority of Measure M funds, 75% in all, goes toward improving freeways (43%) and streets (32%). Measure M has funded important freeway projects countywide, including to I-5, I-405 and SR-55; has funded numerous street improvements; and has synchronized traffic signals to help drivers see more green lights. Additionally, Measure M supports environmental initiatives that remove transportation-related pollution for cleaner waterways and preserve open space to protect valuable animal and plant species for generations to come. In summary, our local tax dollars for transportation are actively invested in a transportation framework that benefits everyone in Orange County for a more efficient, sustainable, and connected future, no matter how they choose to travel. Darrell E. Johnson OCTA Chief Executive Officer Pardon your dust Dear Editor: The following letter was sent to the Local Enforcement Agency: Representatives of Orange Citizens to Keep Orange Safe are in support of the Orange County Health Care Agency’s most recent letter to Chris Nichelson and Bret B. Bernard of Milan LLC, dated Sept. 23, requiring Milan to safely remove Stockpile H from the site. We appreciate that you conducted an independent review of the report from Leighton and Associates, consulted with the water board and CalRecycle due to the level of contaminants found in the four soil borings and the 38 soil samples from Stockpile H, and subsequently determined that the material in this stockpile does not meet residential use criteria and may not be used for any fill purposes. As there is no correlation or consistency with depth, type and amount of the contaminants found within Stockpile H and that contaminants that may pose risks to human health are likely present throughout the pile and cannot be effectively remediated, we thank you for using your enforcement authority to determine that all Stockpile H material must be removed from the site. Due to the history of the site, the first N&O [Notice & Order] required that all stockpiled material be removed from the site. Residents living in the area are concerned about their health, both from contaminated dust blowing off the stockpiles, as well as runoff and leaching into the Santiago Creek and recharge basins, with the potential of impacting our water supply. We support and understand that removal of all material in stockpile H will require trucks in and out to accomplish the cleanup. As Milan agreed with the SNO [Stipulated N&O] requirements, the company must comply with the conditions of the SNO. If Milan is going to contest each stockpile, perhaps more borings are in order for the remaining stockpiles. Your response letter refers to section 5.5.6 of the SNO, that the contaminated stockpile be safely removed. The surrounding community is invested in the safe removal of any contaminated stockpile, and supports the LEA in this enforcement, per the SNO, Title 14 and other relevant regulations. Kim Plehn Dru Whitefeather Bonnie Robinson Orange Failing furry friends Dear Editor: Dedicated OC animal shelter volunteers are sounding the alarm. A recent letter, sent by a group of volunteers to local officials and posted on OCShelter. com, shows that shelter director Monica Schmidt is lying to cover up her failure. Under Schmidt, innocent animals are losing their lives, the result of sub-standard care and inadequate adoption opportunities. A 2023 report by the OC Grand Jurydocumented theunderstaffing in animal care attendants (ACAs), the conscientious frontline staff responsible for the day-to-day care of "hundreds of dogs, cats, kittens, and other animals.” Instead of addressing the problem, Schmidt has resorted to false statements to cover it up. Speaking on this topic at the Aug. 13 Board of Supervisors meeting, Schmidt surmised that about 90 out of 137 staff positions handle animals. A slick diversion, say the volunteers, "The Grand Jury wasn’t asking about everyone who ‘assists with the care of animals' ... They were asking about the frontline staff who provide direct daily care.” The volunteers offer a stark breakdown of the staffing numbers. At the time of the Grand Jury report, there were only 21 ACA positions. The county’s own consultants recommended having 52 (two weekly shifts of 26 each). Can 21 staff members do the work of 52? Shockingly, the volunteers point out, "the number has only gone DOWN since.” What’s the trend? “We’ve gone from 32 in 2017 to barely 19 today.” This significant drop in staffing levels means the shelter cannot provide industry-standard care. Dogs don’t get daily out-of- kennel time. Big dogs are rarely socialized. Smaller dogs are kept out of view. Adoption visits are rushed or delayed, which leads to fewer adoptions. All of these together mean additional stress and more animals at risk. Schmidt "tries to divert attention away from the problem at hand” by lumping together various staff classifications rather than addressing the specific shortage of animal care attendants. “You’ve been lied to,” warn the volunteers. Schmidt "has done what she does best and told you a story about staffing that simply isn’t true.” Schmidt also claimed that the shelter’s volunteer program makes up for the lack of staff. Another distraction. Volunteers are neither trained nor permitted to do most staff tasks. On top of that, Schmidt came up with an inflated number of active volunteers, ignoring the fact that many volunteers are there only sporadically. Public records show that 100 or fewer volunteers fulfilled the required minimum service. Schmidt claimed 400 volunteers. No one knows how she came up with that. Schmidt has a "penchant for making up numbers." The letter urges the Board of Supervisors to investigate further and to "send a clear message to Monica Schmidt that lies will not be tolerated." Her failure to address these critical staffing issues directly impacts the care of the animals. The letter concludes with a powerful call for action. On paper, the shelter has a Strategic Plan created in 2018 by national experts at a cost of over $400,000. Schmidt “refuses to abide by that document.” Instead, county bureaucrats claim they need a new plan, at additional taxpayer cost. And what good is a new plan? Schmidt and the bureaucrats will disregard it, just like they are disregarding the current plan. These concerned volunteers paint a troubling picture of mismanagement, understaffing, and a lack of accountability at the shelter. Local officials must urgently act and require the shelter to fulfill its mission and meet our community’s standards. As the letter states, “the animals and frontline staff deserve better.” New revelations surfaced after the volunteers’ letter: It appears that Schmidt grossly inflated her qualifications in her job application. This certainly explains the combination of ignorance and disinformation that are the hallmarks of her management style. Margot Boyer Yorba Linda Orange Elks add Antlers The Orange Elks have further expanded their reach to benefit the youth of the community. As of Oct. 1, the Orange Elks Lodge was approved for anAntlers Char- ter, and will be known as Orange Antlers Lodge No. 1475. The goal of the program is to help develop Antlers – youth of the community – and instill ser- vice, leadership and charity today, for the leaders of tomorrow Orange Park Acres to host Town Hall Orange Park Acres residents are invited to attend a community Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at Salem Church, 6500 Santiago Canyon Road. For information, visit orangeparkacres.org or the OPA eTree. Orange Emblem Club 418 initiated six new members at its Oct. 3 meet- ing held at the Orange Elks Lodge, bringing the total membership to 42. From left, Club Marshal Jan Genelle; new members Lynn Butler and Gary Doebereiner; Club Trustee Tim Smith; new members Sarah Saun- ders and Meri Wagner; Club President Kim Smith; new member Wanda McWhirter; member Karen Kremer; Past Supreme President Jacki Fan- zo from national; and Club Treasurer Kim Raya. Standing behind Karen Kremer is new member Kevin Wagner. VP prepares for Marine Thanksgiving Locals are encouraged to share their blessings with young ser- vicemen and women – many of whom are experiencing their very first holiday away from home – by hosting a Marine for Thanks- giving. Show your appreciation for these young Marines who are serving our country by sharing your home and a meal. For more information, and photos of past Thanksgivings, see VillaPark.org/ Marines. The event is sponsored by the Villa Park Community Services Foundation, vpcsfounda- tion.org .