FFFF’s own Travis Kiger, a member of the City’s Planning Commission hit a home run last week in his comments about the proposed high-density government subsidized housing project on W. Santa Fe Avenue in downtown Fullerton.
In Search of Leadership, A Floundering Fullerton Finally Finds It
Posted by admin in A Step in the Right Direction, About Us, Home Town Hero, Redevelopment, Statewide Stuff, Victory on February 22nd, 2012
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#1 by Erin on February 22, 2012
TRAVIS!! Nice work there..
#2 by Hollis Dugan on February 22, 2012
Who was the other no vote besides Kiger? You can hear at least one other supporting his position during the voice vote.
#3 by Greg Sebourn on February 22, 2012
Grand slam!
#4 by Kevin on February 23, 2012
Hardly! He still lost the board. A grand slam would include controverting the outcome. It was a nice RBI, but the game was still lost.
#5 by Fred Alcazar on February 23, 2012
True. But Walter Johnson played on losing teams for 20 years, and he’s in the Hall of Fame.
Still, it’s nice to win, even if your teammates are awful. Sometimes you have to carry them – but you’ll hardly ever win the pennant.
#6 by fullerton lover on February 22, 2012
Travis sounds like the designated driver who is trying to wrestle the keys back from a bunch of drunk drivers hellbent on driving our city into bankruptcy.
#7 by merijoe on February 22, 2012
What is involved in a redevelopment “project”
#8 by Travis on February 22, 2012
Your money being given to someone else.
#9 by Billy Bob The Blight Boy on February 22, 2012
Finally, a guy who doesn’t fall into the “we have no choice but to approve this” category.
The rest of those drones should be ashamed of themselves. Of course Larry Bennett took a powder.
#10 by Anonymous on February 22, 2012
Travis, please enlighten us. I thought that since redevelopment has ended that new contracts cannot be entered into for any existing projects under the redevelopment arm. PERIOD. I would think this would apply here, thereby shutting down the project.
#11 by Snowhume on February 22, 2012
The question is: under the Governor Brown shut-down of RDAs statewide, what is the fate of the 20% affordable housing set-aside funds? Or, at least, of those funds which had accrued, as of the termination dates of the RDAs??
Remember, for the last few decades, state law has required that 20% of the property tax diversions by RDAs are required to be put into “affordable housing set-aside funds”. Best wishes, WSH
#12 by Violently Curious on February 22, 2012
Snow, Redevelopment’s over, fin, done, kaputz, finito, gonzo. That means there’s no 20% to set aside.
#13 by Travis on February 22, 2012
Correct. But the redevelopment profiteers are hoping for a new bill to bring back the low-income housing subsidies.
#14 by Jane H on February 23, 2012
That sound about right. But it doesn’t make sense in this economy to mandate/legislate something that is coming right out of people’s pockets, especially if they don’t benefit from it in their own community.
#15 by SherBear on February 22, 2012
Very nice, Travis. It’s a shame others on the board don’t get it. I’m curious, too – who was the other person who voted no?
#16 by Travis on February 22, 2012
I think that was just an echo in the microphone.
#17 by Anonymous on February 22, 2012
Travis- Please educate me also, who is the putz Cochran? It appears he has been Vice chair on this commission since at least 2002. I need to know more about him and there isn’t anything here at FFFF that comes up. How does one get to be on the commision for over 10 years?
#18 by Peaches on February 22, 2012
“Friends in high places” = probably recommended/appointed by one of the 3 monkeys
#19 by Billy Bob The Blight Boy on February 22, 2012
There is an 8 consecutive year limit. Or there used to be.
The mummy Wade Richmond was actually Bankhead’s appointee before – right after the last Ice Age.
#20 by Anonymous on February 22, 2012
Forgot to add, Nice job Travis. Thanks for having the Chutzpah to not go along with the gamers.
#21 by Markup on February 22, 2012
Since the information Regarding Kelly Thomas pumped out by this site was proven to be pack of lies. I like the idea of this site going back to its roots….complaining about brick veneer.
#22 by Evrything's just Shell on February 22, 2012
Lies huh? what lies? he had trash- knew it,FFFF said it, the call came from a lady directly to dispatch…knew it, so what lies are you referring to Mark up? the broken bones..lie? Lynch mob- what lies-The ones told by the officers who had the video at their disposal for weeks? sound fair huh? Mark up….you old fool, you better get your pen out…your writin a few checks…starting with Gennacco…70 thou got you what..vindicated…that is funny…get out your check book….O wait its other peoples money and someone else’s kid…I hate to say this…BUT if they treated your family like this…I would stand next to you…yep that makes me better than you…but from your past posts and what they contain- that aint too hard…good luck living in la la land…I have a pen if you need it..for that check.
#23 by Billy Bob The Blight Boy on February 22, 2012
Lies? Like the burglary, the broken bones, the “fight.”
The lies came from Goodstink and no amount of Gennaco brand perfume can cover up the obnoxious odor.
#24 by PJ on February 22, 2012
Well done.
I wish those pols would say “taxpayer” instead of “government” when they talk about money. Next, they’ll accept high speed rail for Fullerton because they can get “government” money!
#25 by Evrything's just Shell on February 22, 2012
I need to post a sign in the parking lot of the three story vomitorium, hmm, hmm I mean parking structure,the sign will say..Vegas is for pussies, stay and do the beat and greet in Fullerton……..I think the entire city, and those who get paid by said city, are all in on it…from the street sweeper who makes 60 thou to the city clerk making under 200 thou….anybody else smell the rotting standards here?
#26 by Erin on February 22, 2012
DO NOT FEED THE TROLL!!
#27 by Cody on February 22, 2012
Why is the second someone disagrees they are a troll. It’s as if when someone disagrees, all of you full force on that person. Those officers need to go to jail for what they’ve done. From what I understand. There is a good chance they won’t. Which sucks. But hating on alibis the businesses downtown and implicating every member of city government that doesn’t in some way endorse this blog, makes it seem lime there is giant octopus conspiracy existing in Fullerton with its tentacles reaching into every facet of life in this city. While I love a good conspiracy theory and question the amount of complete corruption in everything (The LAUSD stuff going on right now) I think you guys go a little too far.
#28 by Concerned Texan on February 22, 2012
The reason that certain people are labled as a troll is because they change the discourse of the topic and puncuate their comments with inflammatory language. The topic for this blog is leadership in Fullerton… NOT Kelly Thomas. And your post is in fact way off topic.
#29 by karma on February 22, 2012
Cody, I think you need to wake up, because that is exactly what is happening in Fullerton.
And about the troll part- I don’t mind an opposing opinion, we are all entitled to them but that is entirely different than what the recent troll(with multiple aliases) is doing. Ignoring the one poster who is here only to incite people (by definition is a troll) is the best MO.
#30 by Cody on February 22, 2012
Well then, my apologies for being off topic.
#31 by Allan Bartlett on February 22, 2012
Awesome job Travis.
#32 by Tom Hanson on February 22, 2012
Yes, thank you Travis. Valiant effort. The crony capitalists won’t hear your reason.
#33 by Friendly Neighbor on February 22, 2012
Bravo Travis!!!!
#34 by truthseeker on February 22, 2012
Travis Kiger is already in the chair. A lateral move to his right up there will do this community and its taxpayers a tremendous service.
#35 by Your Checkbook on February 22, 2012
Blog comments are cheap and it’s time to step up boss. If you have ever appreciated what Travis has done for this city, write a check to “Elect Travis Kiger.” If you’re struggling, write a $25 check. If you’re making it, write a $100 check. If you are blessed, write a $500 check. With Travis and Bruce, this city is one smart and honest leader away from truly intelligent governance. The Fullerton voters need to see that Travis has broad-based support. Mail, door-hangers and signs are not free people.
#36 by karma on February 22, 2012
where do I mail the check?
#37 by Your Checkbook on February 22, 2012
I’ll get back to you on that.
#38 by Eddie on February 22, 2012
Disband the Fullerton PD has been the cry here on FFFF. Let’s see what our Friends from the south have to say about OCSD.
“I think it’s very important for the residents of San Clemente to know that you City Council members, as well as the city manager, have no say-so over the Orange County Sheriff’s Department disciplinary actions or the release of information,” Richardson said, calling on the council to “fire” the Sheriff’s Department and reinstate a San Clemente Police Department, disbanded in 1993 in a cost-cutting move.
#39 by still loves fullerton on February 22, 2012
here’s some of gennacos interview outside from last night, from kfi’s website
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOWxiiW27Uo
#40 by Alex Stouffer on February 22, 2012
That’s a video from The Fullertonian. Not KFI. I shot it and wrote the subsequent article. Here it is: http://bit.ly/yZuM7i
#41 by still loves fullerton on February 22, 2012
so sorry, my bad..
i found it posted on kfi’s site..
again sorry..
#42 by Alex Stouffer on February 24, 2012
No worries, I just had to claim credit for work. Hey can you shoot me the link for that?
#43 by Alex Stouffer on February 22, 2012
I shot that video for THE FULLERTONIAN, and not KFI. Here’s the subsequent article: http://bit.ly/yZuM7i
#44 by One for the books on February 22, 2012
TRAVIS KIGER for GOVERNOR!
#45 by Erin on February 22, 2012
I concur..
#46 by Erin on February 22, 2012
Well Well Well… The cats outta the bag!!!
How would a Tustin painter know about an obscure ethics regulation buried in the California Code? And why would he take the time to file complaints against 68 city council members in Orange County?
http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2012/02/22/mystery-mans-complaint-sparks-warning-letters-to-40-oc-officials/149335/
#47 by Kevin on February 23, 2012
Stupid article. As if a painter can’t be astute and involved! I may file complaints in my county. I’ve identified over a dozen council members involved in the same thing. The hard work is finding all the boards that pay a stipend. Get a list of your city/county board appointments from your city/county clerk (or search the January board minutes–January is usually when new appointments are made). Then start calling and asking each agency (i.e., air pollution, waste management, etc.) if they pay their board members and get a copy of the stipend policy. Yes, lots of work. Accountability takes work.
#48 by Alex Stouffer on February 22, 2012
Damn these multiple posts! I’m obviously a new commenter.
#49 by Pat McPension on February 22, 2012
I am violently opposed to this man.
#50 by Rain on February 22, 2012
Thanks Travis ! You are doing important work.
#51 by Home Countywide This Just In Fullerton Mayor Issuing Apology to Thomas Family on February 22, 2012
http://www.voiceofoc.org/countywide/this_just_in/article_db96354c-5da8-11e1-9dfa-0019bb2963f4.html
#52 by Erin on February 22, 2012
Have to get through the 3 clowns first I’m sure.
#53 by Franklin on February 22, 2012
he was a little slow off the mark, but he found his groove about half way through. Travis is correct and I am surprised how everyone is surprised about the votes. I am surprised how much I agree with Travis. In fact I see his ideas as democratic ideals. you would be surprised how political philosophies are not so married to economic philosophies.
#54 by Hoodwinked on February 22, 2012
Grandstanding always bores me, but a planning commissioner overstepping his bounds is too much to bear. The way I understand it, the city council sets policy and the planning commission’s purpose is to pick color palettes and what pretty flowers to plant. And oh by the way, affordable housing did not go away with redevelopment and cities are still expected to provide affordable housing opportunities as outlined in each city’s General Plan housing element..
#55 by AB on February 22, 2012
“opportunities” does not equal multi-million dollar subsidies. Nice try, mooch.
#56 by We The People on February 23, 2012
No you are wrong and quite ignorant. Planning Commsissions are established by State law and have discretionary authority to vote any way they want on issues; they may also initiate zone code amendments.
The future of “affordable housing” is very much in doubt as we speak. And “opportunities” doesn’t mean handing away millions in public subsidies to the sleaze bag Dick Ackerman’s clients by the Three Empty Beer Bottles.
Next time do some research before to pop off on subjects you know nothing about.
#57 by Curious on February 22, 2012
Charles, is that you?
#58 by salty dog on February 23, 2012
Travis WILL make a great council member and may even be skilled enough for higher office. In my humble opinion he needs a bit more seasoning and he is starting to get that in the PC.
Travis – is the PC appointment about what you expected? Is it easier or more difficult than what you anticipated?
That clip shows the beginning of insight as to how to begin to get things done within the context of a political body.
It’s about building/repairing/modifying what exists NOT tearing down and starting from scratch relationships, institutions, established procedures, etc.
I see this recall effort as a choice:
1) RECALL- tear down and start over with all all the social angst that might entail
2) No Recall – the system is retained (less angst) but the changes that seem to be needed may be more slow (if at all) in coming.
#59 by Travis on February 23, 2012
Salty,
My experience on the Planning Commission has been both enlightening and frustrating. It’s been difficult to watch business owners get saddled with extra costs and restrictions at the whim of city staff, although I have been successful at reversing some of the most unreasonable burdens that the city has tried to place on people who are trying to improve their businesses.
It’s challenging to sit on a commission made of mostly self-proclaimed fiscal conservatives who refuse to use their position to protect taxpayers from massive public subsidies.
I have discovered just how much power the city staff have over the conditions and ultimate approval of projects and permits, and have come to understand the subtlety with which they wield that power. Countering unreasonable requirements on business and property owners has become a cause for me on the PC, and with the help of some of a few of my co-commissioners, I feel that I have been somewhat successful.
You are correct that the recall is about cleaning house and starting with fresh leadership. Sometimes change is difficult, but in this case it is absolutely necessary.
#60 by Former Commissioner on February 23, 2012
Too true. City staff is always trying to load up oppressive conditions of approval and then getting the owner to agree with them.
The favored business owners, however, get the old blind eye from staff. Think Florentine and Franklyn.
#61 by salty dog on February 23, 2012
thanks for your thoughts.
The recall is about ‘cleaning house’. Fair enough. Of course that begs a myriad of questions.
What will the ‘new leadership’ look like? I for one do not miss the dysfunctional city council when Nelson, Quirk and Keller were on the dias.
How deep does the ‘house cleaning” go? Again, my suggestions that we are faced with choices to Improve/modify/change things that are problematic over time or dismantle and rebuild. I would ask for your thoughts,
I would like to see a platform for you and others that may be considering a bid for office to be able to promote your ideas so that voters can see what is at stake AND hold future office holders accountable for what they say.
#62 by Greg Diamond on February 23, 2012
So … IS there a state mandate for subsidized affordable housing outside of redevelopment? Travis didn’t think so, during the meeting, but now there is time to check.
If he thinks that such a mandate, if it exists, should be directly met by a public agency rather than a private enterprise, then that position would be consistent. I’m sure that some people would call it “socialism,” but at least it would be consistent.
#63 by Former Commissioner on February 23, 2012
There is no mandate. That’s what the puppets like to parrot.
The State requires General Plans that have affordable housing plans; regional housing needs assessment quotas are handed out by SCAG to cities. These are targets for opportunity, not mandates.
Sorry Hee Haw.
#64 by Greg Diamond on February 23, 2012
Thanks for the reply. So, presuming that you’re accurate, does the non-required nature of these “quotas” mean that there is absolutely no legal reason that affordable housing has to be provided to any extent? If so, what are the consequences of such a policy?
I’m all for not letting people get rich sucking on the public teat by diverting money from important public services to their own pockets. I’m not happy about the solution being “well, then to hell with important public services.” My hope (as usual) is that there is common ground between liberals and libertarians here.
#65 by Curious on February 23, 2012
Greg, if there was extra money to go around, perhaps it should go to help subsidize lower income peoples rent, like in form of rental assistance…Section 8 certificates.
What’s happening in Fullerton and elsewhere is that developers, their lobbyist, bond salesman, contractors, architects, etc. are all making huge profits at the expense of the tax payers.
Oh, I forgot to mention the biggest beneficiaries of all; the city/redevelopment staffers who just love playing developer.
#66 by Former Commissioner on February 23, 2012
You may indeed presume I’m accurate. There is no penalty, no consequences – other than putting a bunch of housecrat drones out of work.
OC repuglicans have turned “mandates” into a growth industry for influence peddlers. This is not a public service, important or otherwise. There is no advantage to anybody in building housing that costs 2-3 times the regular kind. That’s just dumb, no matter how much it salves one’s conscience.