The City of Santa Ana took over the Neighborhood Associations in town years ago – turning them into controlled sessions run by city staffers. Today I saw what could be accomplished in neighborhoods when residents take back control of their areas.
Santa Ana Councilman Sal Tinajero invited me to attend a “Walk and Talk” meeting in the South Coast Neighborhood, and we met at 8 a.m. at the corner of Flower and Alton. There were no city staffers – just Councilmember Tinajero.
One of the neighborhood leaders brought a box of donuts and brewed coffee for everyone. And then we got to work.
The first order of business was to walk over to MacArthur Intermediate, which was due east on the south side of Alton, past Flower. The major problem that the residents have is that the school is doing a poor job or controlling parents who drop off or pick up their kids.
The MacArthur lot is empty on Sunday, but complete chaos during the week
MacArthur is a fundamental school, that is located at 600 W. Alton, in Santa Ana. The Principal is a guy named Martin Smulowitz. You may email him by clicking here. He is, for whatever reason, not enforcing the contracts that parents at his school sigh, wherein they promise to follow traffic rules and drop off and pick up their kids on time.
A preschool across from MacArthur adds to the traffic mess during the week
What all this means is that the morning drop off time is chaos. Too many parents opt to do whatever they want to, often dropping off their kids on the wrong side of the street, which results in kids jaywalking across a busy street.
This is where the cars pile up during drop off and pick off at MacArthur
In the afternoon the parents take forever to pick up their kids. And Smulowitz isn’t keeping an eye on them. So the kids tear through the neighborhood. One neighbor told me that he found kids hanging from the tree in his front yard. When he tried to take a picture of them, as they were hanging upside down by their legs, a parent accosted him.
Another neighbor planted expensive sod in the strip of lawn by his sidewalk, and it is now dead. See the picture above for graphic confirmation of this.
The irony is that SAUSD Superintendent Jane Russo used to work at MacArthur – and these problems existed back then too. Now she is the boss at the SAUSD and the problems continue.
Street vendors apparently add to the mess by coming to the area in the afternoon to ply their wares to the local kids. The trash created by this supposedly is dumped on the neighbor’s lawns.
As we returned to our starting point, the residents showed Tinajero a street sign that does not light up properly, and he took note of that too.
Then we walked over to a bike path on the north side of the neighborhood, that borders a railroad track.
The path has a chain link fence next to it, and behind that fence we found grafitti and trash galore. You can see in the picture above that gangs are using improvised means to hurdle the block wall that separates the right of way area from the chain link fence and the bike path.
Graffiti also has marred the buildings across from the train tracks, which I believe are part of Saddleback High School.
It was all over in an hour, but Tinajero was able to reassure the residents that action would be taken on their issues, and they felt better for having talked it over with their Councilman.
Tinajero told me he would return in a few weeks with an update for the residents. It is nice to see at least one of our Council Members actually doing something to improve things in his Ward.
Good going? But why wait to be active just in time for re-election? No offense.
If he cares so much for ppl. why has he not spoken out for our neediest residents who meticulously look through our trash cans – because there is NO mess left behind. I gave a man a coat two months ago- he looked green in the face, the white part of his eyes quite yellowish. He said, “Thank you, God bless you- I just had a kidney transplant 2 wks ago.”–and this man was out digging through trash cans-looking for cans.
Also, why is this councilman supporting Ward 3 Councilman in wanting to cut Parks and Rec.’s most humble employees (reference last CC mtg)
The school system should only be responsible for educating the students. What goes on in the neighborhood is the responsibility of parents and residents. They (the parents & residents) voted for reduced school funding so they shouldn’t expect anything more from the SAUSD – certainly they can’t play nanny.
Sal has it in him to do what’s right- but he has trouble following his heart. We need someone that does not look to others for approval. Maybe if he stops being so “middle-ground” on issues. For an instructor to a debate team-that surprises me. He needs to stand up for what’s right. AND not just right before election time.
just in time,
The man is out walking with residents for a hour to hear of an issue that affects their neighborhood. and YOU have lots and lots of vague criticism about him. WHY?
Do any of the other council members do anything like this to touch base with the residents that they are supposed to be representing? I don’t know, and that is why I am asking.
But your attacking a guy who is actually doing something positive is silly. I remember when Michele Martinez was busy doing vigils for slain residents and she was given grief. I think that was a mistake to criticize her. I am not sure if she even does that any more. It seemed like one way to keep close with constituents and to bring attention to critical problems.
If you’re going to go all negative on someone in SA who is actually doing something, please make your criticism relevant and specific – not just general negativity. Just a suggestion
Re-read my posts. I am not going “all negative” on Sal. If you notice, I said, “Good going”. But why just before re-election. I am not saying I have taken my support away from Sal, however, he is supporting extending out contracts to these “Landscaping Consultants” without analysis, while supporting Ward 3 councilman in trying to approve these contracts- and supporting Parks and Recs. moron director with his brainless budget and brainless proposed projections in trying to lay off the city’s most hardworking and lower-paid employees. A few councilmembers spoke out against this and Sal was not one of them. Now this did in fact was a let down.
Now, question to you. How long has Sal been doing this- walking and talking? Again, negativity is not my banner. I don’t dislike Sal- however let’s hear more of what he has done these last 3-4 yrs?
Just in time,
Welcome to OJ and thanks for posting your comments and observations. Thanks, too, for being more specific in your points. It’s helpful to the readers here, to understand the issues more clearly.
You’ve got good points and you’ve obviously got a perspective of knowing about contracts and proposed personnel changes in the city.
I do not know how long he’s been doing these walks, but he and Sean would know. Maybe even Art.
When are the elections?
Sal’s ward is up in 2010. Art is out covering a good story, and probably simply being polite in returning the favor for Sal’s support in his campaign in 08— but too soon to tell. I don’t think Art is pleased with just in time action either.
And yes- I have a big problem with those Landscaping Consultant/ Landscape Maintenance Services contracts come on District 1 $274,176,
plus 5% for UNANTICIPATED WORK, District 2 $682,770 plus 15% for UNANTICIPATED WORK for a total of $787,045, District 3 $424,156 plus 5% contingency for again UNANTICIPATED WORK for a total of $445,364. Come on what do they think we are in Santa Ana – stupid. I didn’t see Sal questioning this???? Trust me Art is not supporting Sal that easily.- I have a big problem with the City budget presented by Ms. Brainless and Parks and Rec’s director Gerardo Muet’s projections. His justifications were quite shallow as well. Sal was pushing one of these contracts. These contracts need not be approved. There are other options.
Just in time,
Those are hefty fees during a time of recession and needed cutbacks. How will these contracts affect things? Will employees lose their jobs? Will residents have to pay more in fees?
You mentioned other options……?
Parks and Rec Director’s justification is a savings of 1.8 million, if I remember correctly. (Looked through my notes from his presentation at the last CC mtg. could not find it, but as long as my photographic memory doesn’t fail me-I’d say that’s about right) Anyhow there are other solutions, we as citizens need to make these city administrators work for better solutions. I have them, but am not going to do their job for them. In the meantime, we should all show up tomorrow to the City Council Mtg.–Public Hearing on the budget and all these pending issues.
SAL WAS NOT DOING THE RIGHT THING HE WAS PUSHING FOR ONE OF THESE CONTRACTS!!!
and of course Ream and his team of presenters were all there- they are not very smart. AT ALL!!!
hopefully Sal is reading this…
Redeem yourself tomorrow at the CC mtg. Vote these Landscaping Maintenance Agreements OUT,
and don’t cut Parks and Recs.
Let those that are at 100% of their salary at retirement GO HOME and make room for new energy and real brainpower.
Did Sal alert Ream & Pulido about this activity? he usually clues them in and then provides them with a wrap of events that took place. he’s a clever snake.
just is time,
Make your approach different. Take the positive and use it to your advantage.
Organize a group from your neighborhood using Sal’s self imposed willingness to meet with neighborhood groups, voice your concerns and demand action and/or answers.
If no meeting is forthcoming then you have alot to complain about with strong sentiments in your favor.
#12,
It is quite ironic that your cowardly attack on Sal was done anonymously.
I guess if he is a “snake” as you charge then that would make you a “worm”.
Hey Sean, if you don’t like this whole wacky “anonymity in the blogosphere” concept then stop reading comments and/or blogging on this site.
Until then, spare us that lame, meaningless argument.
Sean says that he never makes anonymous comments – or comments under any name other than Sean Mill.
Anybody buy that one?
#15
ditto!!! 🙂
Lomeli,
I KNOW you are not pleased with the aforementioned either. Sal is side swiping the union and wanting to ignore that his job is to see to it that Parks and Rec. is not cut at the core of its most humble employees. Parks and Rec. Director is trying to get approval to create a new inspector position (management position) while laying off our senores- you had to be there at that cc mtg. so you would have witnessed the scared, defenseless look on these employees eyes. Sal did not care. I expected this from others but never from Sal. What a let down. Claudia slam dunked that director, he was on the stand-roasted when Claudia told him —“you came here assuming that we would agree to your proposal”–laying off our humble workers!!! Sarmiento was on target seconding the need to not reach a decision that night. But if it had been for Sal and Carlos, forget it those poor defenseless employees and those union advocates would have been out the door with nothing. Sal needs to take a deep breath and do what’s right, because we expect him not to let us down. Our intelligence has been offended for way too long here in Reamville. Now anonymous is telling us something interesting here. Cuando el rio suena, piedras trae. or something to that effect. We know that Sal needs to be diplomatic and smart about surviving in his position, however, he needs to have a mind of his own.
Junior said he was leaving the Orange Juice for good…Anyone buy that one?
Anon,
Not too surprised to see a comment like that from somebody who has never put a name to a single comment, and there have been many, that you have posted on this blog.
To hide in the shadows and attack folks is quite cowardly. Art and I sign our names to everything we post here.
So the answer to your question “Junior”…errr…”anonymous” is yes you should buy that. Unlike you I am not posting under several different names and anonymously.
Sean,
If you really think that what you write/comment on this blog is ANYTHING like what you’d say to the people you attack here publicly…well let’s just say we ain’t buyin’ that.
And so it is YOU that has redefined “cowardly”.
I suggest Sean develop a filter where he can exclude all “anonymous” bloggers. That way he can continue to feel smug about himself sucking up to slimy sal and Crazy Claudia.
My question is why is Art all of a sudden on this bandwagon. I suspect there is some ulterior motive lurking in the shadows waiting to pop out at any moment.
Anon,
Again look who is lurking in the shadows and casting aspersions, not me. The next time you see me in public introduce yourself and I will gladly tell you that your actions are those of a coward as are those that attack Councilman Tinajero behind a cloak of secrecy, as are those of the local bozo’s behind “pedrozabot”.
I am quite sure that you are the one that lacks the stones as your continual blogging in the shadows demonstrates.
You have never put your name to a single comment you have made on this blog and that tells me all I need to know.
Please Sean, spare us your preening self-righteousness.
hey, are you guys kidding me who do you think lead the charge on NOT contracting out, it was Sal
talk to the unions and they will tell you, I can’t believe people would say he sold out the working class.
you don’t know Sal’s positions, unions love him because he has stood for workers rights
at the school dist he voted for part-time employee health benifits, domestic partner benefits and now he votes on NOT contracting out
get it right
CQT96,
I am no fan of Claudia – she is nuts and unethical.
Sal backed me last year over Bustamante. I appreciate that he stuck his neck out for me.
Of course I don’t expect Sal to stand up to Pulido – neither does Michele Martinez!
And it should be noted that Sal is a great teacher and debate coach.
“Junior said he was leaving the Orange Juice for good…Anyone buy that one?”
Does “leaving” include continuing to obsessively read and froth over what goes on at the OJ every single day?
If so, then yes, he did “leave” for good 😉
#14 – Sean,
Lamo response.
Re: #25 Art,
What does his ability as a teacher/coach have to do with his (in)effectiveness on the SAUSD & Council?
Absolutely nothing!
That’s the point.
I quit going to council meetings long ago due to all the hot air & smoke being blown around. It’s a pathetic carnival side show, and if any educated person can’t see that then they should go out and join the GOP.
CQT96,
I think that it IS relevant what our Council Members do in their lives. Sal does a lot of good. Compare that to the useless sack of crap that is Carlos Bustamante.
It is sad though that neither Sal nor Michele Martinez are allowed to vote as they would like to. They have to go along with Pulido. I would not, but then I am more of a maverick than they are. And I probably cannot get elected in this town.
I do agree that the council meetings are a joke. Who has time for such puñetas?