Oh Gee wrote on Sep 2, 2008 11:08 PM:No surprise here. The ruling troika of KFC, Kern, Feller and Chavez would like to see all Mobile Home parks out of the City! Vote Feller off the Council. He has done nothing for you folks. He didn't even support keeping rent control for you folks in Prop 99.
Rocky wouldn't support you either. Wait for 2 years and vote him off too!

Way to wrote on Sep 2, 2008 11:29 PM:get everyone's Depends in a bunch, city staffers! Esther's gonna have a party with this--what a wonderful little gift to give her right before the election.

Oceanside Resident wrote on Sep 3, 2008 1:09 AM:I checked the sales of coaches in this park, and they are listed at over $150,000. If a city was coming into a neighborhood and saying it was going to raze homes, there would be practically no re-sale value of the homes. City staff was irresponsible in letting something like this happen. They might as well have started the eminent domain process now. If the residents can show that the city's actions have affected the value of their homes and therefore their lives, how can the city make it up to the residents?

Perry wrote on Sep 3, 2008 5:41 AM:Jerry Kern ...I remember you saying that mobile home owners are victims of their own destiny because we couldn't afford to buy/didn't own the property underneath our coaches. I don't trust you or the rest of them sitting up there (except Sanchez and Wood). Condemn our park, and we will remove you from office.

Long Term View wrote on Sep 3, 2008 6:46 AM:It is easy to see the contrast between Wood, Sanchez and Kern. Wood and Sanchez prey on peoples fear and then pander to the fear they created, while Kern dwells on the possibilities of the future, even if it is twenty to thirty years out. Oceanside will not progress if we operate on fear, we need bold ideas and long term plans.

Coaster wrote on Sep 3, 2008 6:54 AM:Two things: One, these people were not left “out of the loop” there were week long meetings to which the public was invited-it was on the city web site and in the paper. Two, what does the park owner/landowner have to say. I venture to say that he/she may like the ideas that were presented. TenBroeck left out a critical part of the story.

Recall I Recall wrote on Sep 3, 2008 8:17 AM:This is a haves and have not story. City council members think they own the city. Where do [they] get off telling long time residents that THEY are no longer welcome in MY town? This kind of ideal is not acceptable in public office!

Get em out wrote on Sep 3, 2008 9:14 AM:That's prime ocean view land and they don't own the land. They are renters who can be moved to another park inland. I bet the owner has plans for that property that doesn't include them. I see more condos or row homes there eventually.

gen wrote on Sep 3, 2008 9:15 AM:Since the meetings weren't supposed to include the area the park was in, the people that live in the park didn't see a need to attend. Redo it, and make sure the public was truly informed as to what was going to be discussed, and I'd be willing to bet the park residents would have been very well represented.

The same thing happened at the harbor. If the city wants input on a vision for for the harbor, then announce it to the public so those interested can provide their input. When I read about the changes this "vision" had regarding the harbor, I was appalled.

The meetings were supposed to be for the Coast Highway, not the area where the mobile park is, and not the harbor.

As to Kern's comment, ever hear about how to cook a frog? You don't drop it in boiling water, you put it in cold water then heat it up. And before you know it, the frog is cooked. By telling them that the park residents shouldn't be worried about an idea, he's basically telling the frog to enjoy the nice, warm bath. I mean it's just warm water, right?

Jerthos Longer Term View wrote on Sep 3, 2008 9:39 AM:YES, we must dream big to create a beautiful future for Oceanside. Check the votes on the Council: big concrete plants, big asphalt plants, big holes in the streets, big loss of neighborhoods, big loss of parking, big campaign money from developers, big denial of resident needs. THAT is the future, unless we change the council and get Jack, Rocky and Jerry outta there.

Life Value not Dollar Value wrote on Sep 3, 2008 9:51 AM:Part of the past charm and community stability of Oceanside, like areas of South Florida was the retired folks in mobile homes or small dwellings, clustering together showing a cross section of family and community. In South Florida you now have multi story condos with only slivers of sun sneaking between the mile after mile of ugly high rise buildings. Don't know where the modest income older folks went, but they were pushed out of the coastal communities, to the loss of those communities. I hope that Oceanside thinks community and not just about the dollar when developing their shoreline.

They should have bought not rented wrote on Sep 3, 2008 10:06 AM:I bought my home 22 years ago. I had no desire to live in a condo or a mobile home, although those were cheaper options at the time. You get what you pay for

Whoever owns wrote on Sep 3, 2008 12:29 PM:the property makes the decisions. It is not up to those living there unless they own the ground the trailer is on. TRAILER is a vehicle that can be towed to a new place. That is why the are cheaper to own then Condos or houses where you own or are buying the land they sit on. It is said but c'mon folks you know you did not buy the property and this could happen at any time. If the owners want to sell they should be allowed to sell. Hey Esther, would you like someone telling you you couldn't sell your house!

FTM wrote on Sep 3, 2008 1:01 PM:Get rid of the trailer parks and you also get rid of Ester Sanchez. That's also why she will fight tooth and nail for these trailer park people. It's the last dying vestige of the old Melba Bishop constituency left. Jim Wood better stay nuetral on this - if he sides with the trailer parks it's gonna cost him an election. The residents of Oceanside are sick and tired of the filthy trailer parks and also thier representatives running roughshod at every council since Ed Bagley. We are not "Tinker Town" anymore, and any council members that try to preserve that old tacky look are not going to be re-elected.
It's time for the trailers to go.
Election time is the PERFECT time to fight this out, because it will get Sanchez out once and for all. I don't think Jim Wood would be that foolish.
The owner is going to petition to sell (wouldn't you? the city won't let him charge rent!) Why keep a looser? Kern, Feller, and Chavez will vote to allow the sale, Wood will abstain, and Snachez will vote no. That will be the end of that.
OR- you can all get the NCT involved and make it a big fight and REALLY loose even bigger. At least if you let the council handle it they will make sure the residents get set up in nice places near the beach and some compensation. Otherwise, if it becomes a big public fight, everyone looses (especially the trailer owners - they loose all thier equity).
Everyone needs to play this smart.

VOTE wrote on Sep 3, 2008 1:06 PM:Vote that Feller off City Council, and Don't vote for Gibson..they are the same monopoly that is who Rocky & Kern both support incase Feller gets voted out they still have majority.

Also Kern & city Manager say it is only an idea...then why must it be VOTED into future planning??? WE are not stupid City Staff, we know exactly how you all work.!

I hope wrote on Sep 3, 2008 1:39 PM:the city fathers realize they have just riled up some of the nicest people you would ever want to meet. I can assure you they will not go down without a fight.
Some of these people could not afford a condo or home 22 years ago. Thus the need for cheaper housing.
I think that the consultant and the planning people should lose their jobs for not putting this in the original plan if that was what was intended.
If you do lose your job you might lose your home also. But don't worry I have a mobile home I will sell you.

Pretty Clear wrote on Sep 3, 2008 1:51 PM:It's pretty clear the ruling majority on the Council, KFC Kern Feller and Chavez could care less about mobile home park residents. We must get one of them off the council right now: Do not Vote for Feller. We must vote for candidates who respect our current residents like Lowery & Wood & Sanchez. They care about these people while KFC could care LESS!

YOOKIDIAT wrote on Sep 3, 2008 2:40 PM:Hey, there's lots of land for trailer parks out in East County, way out. Let's get rid of those within the city limits and this is a good opportunity to do that. Trailer parks are a blight and the people living there are RENTERS, not property owners. Ultimately, it's up to the City and the property owner, not the TENANTS.

Why just mobile home parks wrote on Sep 3, 2008 2:51 PM:It seems that low-income problem apartments can never be bulldozed to make way for nicer developments like say half of Oceanside. But we can tear down low-income mobile home parks that house mainly seniors. Instead of just saying your going to bulldoze the area why don't you offer to clean up and revitalize the mobile home park or at least give the mobile home owners some breaks and options to move to an area with the same space rents. We know it is all about the money but like Jack O found out it doesn't do him any good now.

Property Owners wrote on Sep 3, 2008 3:19 PM:Well in order for you to change what you want to do with the property....

IT HAS TO GO TO COUNCIL VOTE, & PUBLIC HEARING...which is open to all RESIDENTS TO VOICE THIER OPINIONS, and you will have a chance if Feller stays on council.


But you forget everything is dependent on the PEOPLEs VOTE, COUNCILS VOTE, and APPEALs GALORE....

Do don't think you rule everything just yet, that are has also got to be RE-ZONED which is also in the PUBLIC HEARING.

You fail to realize PEOPLE MAJORITY HAVE THE POWER... so don't be bull-dozing anyones home just yet you BULLIES

NO FELLER wrote on Sep 3, 2008 3:21 PM:Vote No to FELLER to stop these happenings to our residents!

How un-humanistic is Feller along with KERN, CHAVEZ.

What have these 3 Council done to Clean Up our Current Buildings....NODD A DARN THANG!!!

NO Feller, and NO Rocky for Mayor, then Kern is off NEXT!! PS NO GIBSON either he is thier side-kick

Whats wrong with mobile homes wrote on Sep 3, 2008 3:34 PM:At least Mir Mar residents are not calling the police everytime you turn around. Their not a drain on city services. There are no sex offenders living there. Just some old people who fought for their country. Respect their neighbors, and want to live out their life with a little comfort. Sounds like the American dream to me.

Watch out for the old timers wrote on Sep 3, 2008 4:11 PM:You want to stir up a hornets nest KFC and Gibby go after our senior citizens housing. You can't just tell them to shut up, call them names or threaten to ship them out of town.

Bill wrote on Sep 3, 2008 4:26 PM:I've always liked it when someone comes up with a new name for something, because they are ashamed of what they have! Coaches? LOL

They're MOBILE homes...trailers. Hook em up and move em!

Harbor Condos wrote on Sep 3, 2008 6:22 PM:Why does the city not buy up the land under the mobile homes for top dollar and then sell it to the tenants at below market value? We all know only the tenants would want to buy it - just like Marina Towers!

Pazook wrote on Sep 3, 2008 7:28 PM:How 'bout a class action suit by all the home owners whose homes have lost immense value....?

Grump wrote on Sep 3, 2008 8:21 PM:The city should also do something about the ugly time share across the river from the mobile home park, it looks like somthing out of the Austin Powers.

They are not mobile. wrote on Sep 3, 2008 10:33 PM:There is nothing mobile about mobile homes. Once they have been there for a few months they are not going anywhere ever. Also the issue was more basic --it was the fact no one told anyone there were meeting about taking people's homes. In fact, these so called planning meetings had public meeting and private meetings. At which meetings do you think they talked about taking people's homes???
If I held secret meeting to discuss taking your home to let a developer build a condo project wouldn't you think you should be invited to the meeting? The ruling three on the city council thinks they can run folks out of their homes in secret meetings and can abandon more than 2000 mobile home residents because their developer-buddies want to make a quick buck. Come on you all be fair.

Andy wrote on Sep 4, 2008 8:41 AM:Some of these comments represent the ultimate arrogance! "Tinker town"?Renters? Do you know that many pay property tax on their land just like you?

Talk diversity and human rights, but not in my neighborhood! If you want nothing but million dollar condos and high rise hotels move to Miami.

Maybe count the medals and battle scars they have earned in service to their country - so people like you can have their attitudes. Try counting the number of times the police have been called to this park - none. This place is clean and tidy, more than can be said for many neighborhoods in Oceanside. Heck, you can't even find the park without seeking it out, so why does it bother you so? It's just a clean place that decent tax paying people live. And the issue at hand is one of open government and due process, neither of which happened in this case.

maureen wrote on Sep 4, 2008 9:35 AM:Education on Mobile Homes. When a mobile arrives at a site normally the axels are removed as is the hitch. It is called mobile because of the way it arrived. Manufactured homes and prefabs are built to the same standards arriving at the site on the back of a large flatbed.Sizes vary from 800sq.to 1500sq. ft. All three of these types of homes are not something you "hitch up" and pull behind your pick up truck! Once a "mobile" is in place it sells for a price because of what it is as a home and the condition and location of the "park". There are many homes in Mira Mar that sell for $140,000 because residents want to live in Oceanside and walk to town and be near their children and grandchildren.There are very few views left in Mira Mar because of the huge condo built in front of it. A normal mobile runs around $90,000 plus $12,000 for set up then you are paying for your location in the park and where the park is. These folks have already paid these prices. There are many "parks" across the U.S. where the residents are buying the land at a good price and can now live without fear. In the 50's and 60's this was a very popular retirement choice. These parks are still with us and we need to bring them up to date and leave the residents in peace. Most of the residents in Mira Mar are Vets or their widows. This sounds like something done to the American Indians when their land was desired. Just move them inland to a reservation and call it good; they have no rights to live near the ocean that is reserved for the "RICH".

to Yookidiat-Bill wrote on Sep 4, 2008 11:47 AM:Mira Mar is not a trailer park-it is a mobile home park.The tenants own their homes and many have mortgages on them; they pay property taxes on them; and they pay rent for the land. No one is ashamed of their homes. The state of Calif. has legislation to remove the term "mobile home" and use a common term for mobile, manufactured and prefab homes. Since the only difference is how they arrive at the site. All three have different levels of quality but have been built to "stick" standards since June 1975. Any built after 1981 are taxed as normal property tax.

FTM to Andy wrote on Sep 10, 2008 9:41 PM:Cmon Andy! Your not even in reality now! First off, no one wants to throw out the trailer park people. We all know they are the best people in the town, but thier fight with the rest of the residents has divided the city for 30 years!

You know darn well that Oceanside was called "Tinker Town" from the late 60's right up until about 13 years ago! Don't fend any false surprise on those of us who have been around long enough to know better. AND ANOTHER THING: Your 'people' in the Park Models around town are the same folks that gave us Melba Bishop! So don't go on about "what's wrong with trailer parks" crap! It's not the "trailer parks" or the "people" in them. If we are going to "susidize" your rent and force rent control on your landlord at the expense of the other taxpayers that are forced to pay the prevailing property tax on thier properties then I would expect you to at LEAST not saddle us with the added burden of the likes of Melba Bishop or Ester Sanchez!! Please GIVE US A BREAK!.
And, PLEASE don't DEMAND your ENDOWMENT to a SUBSIDISED home just because you were in the army. I have about 3000 Marines over here paying 1% on 550 thousand dollar homes trying to raise a family that you would not want to take the same attitude about paying your MEDICAID!!

It's always hard to get us old people to accept progress - but we must.

There is nothing WRONG with trailer parks, but it's just not the future in Oceanside. Change is unavoidable. It's happening all over the town, one by one, the parks go away. It's just not sustainable anymore. There is no "profit" in it. It's just the way it is.

Ferget the moral implications in that statement: you live in America where Free Enterprize is 'supposed' to run a market economy. You need to get on board or get out of the way - it's not a moral question, it's a FACT.

I watched the entire town of Moorhead, Iowa DIE because they kept electing silly little council members to "preserve traditional lifestyles" and in the process they created thier own un-doing. have you not noticed that 15 years ago you had 4 council members like Ester? Then you had 3, now, barely 2 (really 1-1/2). The trend can't be reversed. I suggest you make the best deal you can NOW while there is still a chance.

I say there is NOTHING wrong with the trailers, and I LIKE the trailer people. I also WOULD VOTE YES to susidize the old folks because they DID fight in WWII and preserved the nation! BUT, YOU SOLD OUT YOUR OWN VALUES to liberal hacks like Sanchez and Bishop just to keep your rent lower by 140 bucks a month! Even worse, YOU SADDLE all these young working families with the likes of Ed Bagly and Sherri Mackin and Melba Bishop just so YOU can save a few buck on rent?????

PLEASE! Don't try to snow me. If you guys want subsidies, you can HAVE THEM! WE will give them to you! YOU DON'T NEED SANCHEZ, and the more you shove them down our throats the more you just keep making enemies. The young new generation of Oceanside residents (WHO ARE NOW PAYING FOR EVERYTHING I might add) want a modern, shiney new urbanized community with trains and hotels and condos and lofts and a livley downtown. And guess what? THEY WILL GET IT! You know why? Because Andy, you and I will be DEAD! WE CAN'T STOP THEM! We are old, and they are young. The future belongs to them! (Why do old people have such a problem with this?)

What you need rght now is community support - not another hack politician. Like I said - play your cards right and you will come out ahead.