More conflicts wrote on Oct 1, 2008 9:19 PM:I think many on the council answer to two masters. Keep the screws to them. they are like Washington.. LOOKING OUT FOR THERE OWN. Give me a break.

Preservationsit wrote on Oct 1, 2008 10:02 PM:You know, it might not be too soon to consider placing bars on the windows of that 80 million civic center that Jeff and the boys (and girl) have been planning. If the truth comes out about our civic leaders, and justice is done, at least they could still enjoy the new building if it was turned into a correctional facility.

No Conflict wrote on Oct 1, 2008 10:45 PM:One Rancon company sells real estate and the other is in land development partnerships. Stephensen created two different companies and Comerchero didn't vote on the one he works for. The complaint is political and will go nowhere.

oh my... wrote on Oct 1, 2008 10:50 PM:Mr Comerchero states "What complicates the issue is that there is no Rancon Group. It's just a name," Wow, that is complicated! Just what are you the president and CEO of then? I hope we can finally get to the bottom of this Rancon run city council- this stinks. We need to dump ALL Rancon connected councilmembers.

happy Temecula Resident wrote on Oct 1, 2008 11:49 PM:I am a very pleased Temecula resident - this town has been run by extremely well group of people that we elected and I admire. I have been here nearly 20 years and watched this town explode and the growth has been very responsible. This group needs to save itself, not Temecula. It's obvious this group has a leader that is very sour for some reason... maybe they didn't get a development plan approved by the City or didn't get a property from Rancon...probably both...and now wants to find revenge and will spend any amount of time and energy to find anything POSSIBLE wrong with our council. That's a waste of our tax paying dollars and I"m not buying it. Go away you bunch of sour x-developers! Just because you are crooked doesn't mean our town leaders are! We've got the best City, great leaders and your ignorance is a joke! I"m thankful for the time and dedication that our council GIVES to the community. Perhaps you all should fnid some way of giving back to the community by leaving!

Thank you Rancon wrote on Oct 2, 2008 6:43 AM:Anybody who has moved into this town in the last 15 years needs to thank Dan Stephenson and what he did with Rancon. I have grown up in this Valley for over 35 years and have seen first hand the contributions Rancon has been involved in in this Valley. Rancon has single handily established parks, recreation and living infrastucture, first for my friends and I when we were teenagers, and now a place where I can take my kids. I chuckle everytime I drive by a vacant lot and see the Rancon sign on it. If you were out here 35 years ago you would have grabbed all the land you could also. good for dan, good for Rancon, and good for Temecula. Now quit the nonsense and worry about something a little more important.

Preservationist wrote on Oct 2, 2008 6:50 AM:Well Happy Temecula Resident, I'm glad you’re happy. It's very important to you that you be happy, and I can understand if something happened to Jeff (or any member of the city's leaders which have done so much to make you happy), you’d soon be unhappy. Obvious to you, is that the people who you think are persecuting Jeff are unreasonable in their not being happy. So go to McDonalds and buy a "Happy Meal", take it down to Bailey's on front St. and eat it during happy hour while ordering some wine from any number of Temecula’s happy vineyards, and soon you can forget about all your cares and be happy, which is after all, the important thing.

Seriously... wrote on Oct 2, 2008 7:41 AM:...the indiscretion is that of Rescue's endeavors.

44 Year Resident

Mark wrote on Oct 2, 2008 8:15 AM:To Happy Temeculan-Yeah you keep those rose colored glasses on!

concerned parent wrote on Oct 2, 2008 10:24 AM:The discretionary application of the law in this town is embarrassing. Every citizen should play by the same set of rules inspite of the size of their bank account.
Our children need a four year college more that we need a 80 million dollar city hall.
Thank you Rescue Temecula for your set of ears and eyes.

dk wrote on Oct 2, 2008 10:28 AM:no conflict doesn't get it.Two companies under one umbrella(bailout ring a bell) it all mixes maybe not visible, but it's there, give me a break. You are either one of them or extremely naive. The corruption has to stop, these people think they are entitled. This is AMERICA, by the PEOPLE, for the PEOPLE, we all should remember that. We all need to look at our elected officials and have the right to kick them out of office if they screw up.
City Attorney Thorson can tell you about what happened under his watch in the city of Carson, right!!!

To Thank You Rancon wrote on Oct 2, 2008 10:36 AM:Seems to me calling a FPPC filing nonsense is a little out of touch.
I'll wait to see tne results.

to Happy wrote on Oct 2, 2008 10:38 AM:If someone isn't happy with a suspect deal involving a councilman you don't 'leave the community'. This is America my friend, you challenge it to get to the truth.

To no conflict wrote on Oct 2, 2008 11:03 AM:You may be correct by the letter of the law they are two separate companies. But, seriously would you expect Jeff as CEO of the Rancon Group working for Stephenson to not vote for one of his bosses other projects? He'd be a short lived CEO. Although the law may say there is no conflict, common sense tells me otherwise.
I prefer my council representatives to hold themselves to higher standards than just the letter of the law.

To the complainers wrote on Oct 2, 2008 11:10 AM:Instead of whining about how bad it is in Temecula, why don't you pack your bags and find a better city??

At The table to Long wrote on Oct 2, 2008 12:40 PM:Given the allegations, and I fear more to come, we need to think about length of time these Council People are allowed to spend in office. I often hear said that the Council people only get paid 600.00 a month. It's not the amount of money paid that's important. It can be the influence peddled. That can be worth a whole bunch of dinero and inside deals to those in office. If some of these charges prove true, we might want to limit a Council Person service to two terms of 4 years ,8 years total. If it's good enough for the President of the US, it ought to be good enougn for our small time politicians. Power and arrogance have no place in Temeculas government.

Ole Doc Pane

ToTo The Complainers wrote on Oct 2, 2008 1:18 PM:Seems the word whining is being over used. Most of what I have read are serious points and serious questions about the way our City is being run. The whining seems to be coming from guys like you who are saying, "don't pick on our defenseless City Government,they bruise easily." I'm not packing up and going anywhere, but this City could be better.

Ole Doc pane

Pack your bags wrote on Oct 2, 2008 1:25 PM:I don't agree with the pack your bags statements. What you read as complainers, I read as concerned citizens. If everyone who stumbles across an issue with the city or council "packs their bags" all you will be left with is a crime filled city with rampant corruption. The people have to keep the politicians and city officials in check....
Your statements show no room for debate. Most people get beyond that about the 4th or 5th grade.

The other Rancon wrote on Oct 2, 2008 2:13 PM:It seems like the groups have more incommon than a name.

But HELLO! If Dan Stephenson is in charge of both groups, and Jeff Commerchero helps get a deal voted through for Rancon Real Estate, isnt' that still benifiting Stephenson?

Doesn't the promotion from consultant to CEO, just two months after this vote, seem like a reward from Dan to Jeff?

I don't know anything, but that's what it looks like to me.

c wrote on Oct 2, 2008 2:19 PM:Great to see justice start prevaling. I am sure more findings will happen in the future. The poor planning in this valley and out of control groups like Rancon are why our country is in financial crisis. We are the heart of it, with our 1000's of repo homes and billions of unpaid loans. Let's hold the county and city officials that made is mess accountable

Amazed wrote on Oct 2, 2008 2:36 PM:The city does not build colleges, it build city halls. People whine about 'why dont the city do this or that' - well the city is just a city, not miricle workers.

If you dont like it wrote on Oct 2, 2008 3:31 PM:move to New Orleans! (or Murrieta, same thing)

Amazed Im Amazed wrote on Oct 2, 2008 3:31 PM:Cities encourage and do build colleges. The Educational Complex that went under the wheels is a example. The City picked the wrong develper to do that one. As far being miracle workers,we know their not. We just want them to do their jobs above board with transparency

L wrote on Oct 2, 2008 3:38 PM:Thanks to concerned parent, it is obvious to those that are not part of the Rancon-Machine things are not what they appear.
Rescue Temecula and Rescue Murrieta are groups that need to be supported as well as Al Abbott for Council,because things need to change.
Washington DC told us everything was fine as well, while we can't clean up that mess lets support these citizen groups and make this a better more well thought out place to live.
Also I hope that more evidence will come forward and how can we participate more in the uncoverings or our elected officials.
Why do the papers not report more on this?

To If you dont like it wrote on Oct 2, 2008 3:41 PM:Please keep the grade school comments coming!
You are such the scholar, you should run for city council.......

to amazed wrote on Oct 2, 2008 3:47 PM:In your case of spelling a better school would have been on the order for sure.And if all a city will do to built City Halls, what do we need our elected officials for( oh right, more backroom deals)
When the city is broke has not enough good paying jobs and you are left behind with a home that has no value, do you believe that our "FRIENDS" will still be here.Should look into where their other homes and real estate is located .Things were good as long as the Economy was good, but today with the foresight they had we are headed nowhere except an overpriced City Hall that will bring tourist into town(sure) and more and more low income housing, that will really get things going in Old Town.If you have not enough money for rent, you CANNOT support local small business either, but since none of the Officials ever ran a business they wouldn't know.
There are lots of reasons to be concerned

If you dont like my comments wrote on Oct 2, 2008 4:04 PM:You can come up with some idiotic, non-catchy name like; "Preservationalist," or "Old Doc Pain," or "Concerned Parent."
For the love of GOD, get a life! Do you honestly blog so-much on the local Temecula site that you need to name yourselves something moronic? Go outside sometime, get a girlfriend, put down the Playstation or PC and join society. You might learn something, like, Government/City officials do not have you, the dim-witted trusting-taxpayer, in their best interests.

Youre all SO smart wrote on Oct 2, 2008 4:07 PM:If only the government could tap-into all the brilliant ideas you all have! If I was in the local government, I would not consult professionals or experts, I'd comb the local blog-o-sphere for insight! Sorry Cletus, Jeb, and Jethro; your ideas are non-sensical, none of you can spell; go back to working on your GED's (Murrieta).

NEW FACTS REVEALED wrote on Oct 2, 2008 4:17 PM:In light of the paper's admission and correction, 99% of these comments are not warranted. There can indeed be two seperate companies with similar names, founded by the same person. Also, if this Rancon company dID nOT oWN aNY of tHE pROPERTY there is clearly no conflict since Ranco did not get money from the city. Its obvious people on this site are either intentionally spreading misinformation or are incapable of comprehending legal definition of a "conflict of interest".

It is noteworthy and quite revealing that Mr. Lutz did not get the name of one councilman right (Roberts) and is so misinformed that he included a councilwoman who was not even on the council at that time. This demonstrates to me that Mr. Lutz is not very intelligent and/or that this is nothing more than a twisted witch hunt by someone who has issues with the city.

ToIf You Dont Like It wrote on Oct 2, 2008 4:25 PM:Been to New Orleans , and I appreciate the French Quarter. This Town is No New Orlenes. Its just sad, prostitued Old Town Temecula with many empty houses and stip malls surrounding it.

Im happy too wrote on Oct 2, 2008 4:51 PM:I totally agree with that "Happy Temecula Resident" guy. Things ARE great, this is one of the best cities on So-Cal!
And for grumpy, miserable, pathetic "Preservationalist," I do like local wine, I do like Baileys, and I do like Happy Meals. Go back to your cave and whine with your best "EOR" impression. As for us, we'll continue to be happy!

I agree wrote on Oct 2, 2008 5:01 PM:If you don't like the way the City Gov is doing stuff; LEAVE! (and that other reader has it right, there are plenty of double-wides in Murrieta you can move into)

If you dont like it wrote on Oct 2, 2008 5:16 PM:Do absolutely nothing except whine & cry on a local newspaper-blog site. Then, go back to your miserable life and continue to pay your taxes so people like ME can enjoy all the wonderful things a fully-funded city like Temecula has to offer!

City Hall is broke wrote on Oct 2, 2008 5:26 PM:No it's not, I was there the other week; everything seemed to be working just fine? Get your facts straight-

Funny... wrote on Oct 2, 2008 6:05 PM:Not enough people use the term "prostituted." By the way, is Orlenes anywere near Orleans?

Where are they wrote on Oct 2, 2008 7:11 PM:To if you don't like it: where are the strip places you mentioned? They're not in Temcula are they?

To New Facts- wrote on Oct 2, 2008 7:19 PM:I bet your mom is so proud of you! You brought the "new facts" to everyones attention! Straighten your pocket-protector, put new tape down the middle of your glasses, put on your best high-waters and walk with your chin up! There IS a conflict, YOU are the one who read things wrong. Wake up already...

Preservsationist wrote on Oct 2, 2008 7:33 PM:It's obvious that some of the bloggers are upset that anyone could find fault with the city or it's leaders. Since they are convinced that some of our leaders are being persecuted by hostile bloggers, they really should aproach amnesty international about putting an end to the hostile blogging, so that Jeff, his Boss Dan Stevenson, and Jeff's friends on the council won't continue to have their feelings hurt.

Marie wrote on Oct 2, 2008 7:49 PM:I feel that there are too many council members that in one way or the other have ties with Rancon. It does cause questions to be raised whenever Dan Stephenson and his companies become involved in local development.

I think its time to change the city council and end the suspicions that may or may not be legitimte

To To the Complainers wrote on Oct 2, 2008 10:45 PM:I did exactly as you called for, and left Teme-tucky after 15 years of living..mmm, I mean residing...there.

was the best move I made...I think you're on to something!

FACTS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WHINING wrote on Oct 3, 2008 1:06 AM:Dan Stephenson hasn't built anything or owned property in Temecula for YEARS. These bogus comments, complaints, and accusations are all campaign attacks so that AL and AG can get revenge - all talk and no proof or substance. Notice that the accusations are made anonymously because the accusers know they'd be sued. Lutz looks like a fool now that the Californian has printed the truth. HA! He can't even get the names of the council members right!! LOL!! The law is clear (if you can read). FPPC says there's no conflict. Attorneys say there's no conflict. DA says there's no conflict. The whiners have been discredited by the Press Enterprise (it just endorsed Washington and Naggar), the Californian, the Valley News, Old Town merchants, Temecula residents who visit the farmer's market, and every thinking person in town. The whiners have been proven to be wrong over and over and over. And BTW Temecula has $20 million in the bank and no debt, so anyone stating otherwise is flat out lying. The city is one of the best in California because of the strong leadership we have had for the past 20 years. You've got nothing but contrived accusations that you post anonymously so you can hide behind the newspaper. How pathetic is that. The council has my complete respect because they put themselves on the line to do the work you could only dream about. Instead of hiding, why don't you run for office? Or at least volunteer and try to make things better.
Again, You've got nothing but pathetic ramblings and no proof. The council has a lifetime of achievement and 20 years of beautiful progress to show for their dedication and hard work. You have anonymous incorrect comments as your legacy.

Well G o l l y... wrote on Oct 3, 2008 2:35 AM:how about that? Too many people on the council that have ties to Rancon...Phhhha!
If you were a local here in the late 70's you would know that 80% of the residents had a family member that worked for Rancon. Yep, how about them apples?
Most of the locals are loyal to Rancon. Get over it, move away, if you don't like it.
Most of us know Rancon's not only a real estate business, but an investment business...Dan's ideas have put more than food in our bellies, they've put many a local child thru college.


Born here in 1960.

JSten wrote on Oct 3, 2008 7:17 AM:Well, it doesn't matter if its meth, baby raping, murder, speeding, or official corruption. The laws are on the books and should be enforced as such. There is nothing wrong with an indictment, trial, sentencing, and punishment. Most of the people would most likely be first in line at the stoning of an adulteress. (another time honored system of justice in our rich tradition)

So lets have our investigation, indictment, trial, and judgment and see if the law was broken.

I dont know wrote on Oct 3, 2008 7:21 AM:if I would brag about being a California resident since 1960. It's laughable, from the rest of the country, that anyone would live in this state that long (unless incarcerated or an illegal alien).

I agree with Facts wrote on Oct 3, 2008 7:24 AM:Temecula rocks! The people complaining are unemployed bozos living in their mom's basement after losing a home they couldn't afford with a sub-prime mortgage; why would anyone listed to that pathetic bunch? The city is awesome, the city council does a great job, if you don't like it I dare you to move to Murrieta!

To to-to the complainers wrote on Oct 3, 2008 7:38 AM:You moved away from Temecula? And here you are, taking every oppertunity to read the local news about the city you wish you had never left, HA! If you "hate it" so much, why can't you stop reading about it? Right, I'm sure everyone reads local city blogs about places they can't stand...NOT! You miss it- What a putz!

Anonymous to Facts.... wrote on Oct 3, 2008 7:53 AM:Quite the diatribe from "Facts Speak Louder Than Whining"...especially his(?) complaints about anonimity, yet he didn't sign his either. Let me guess...another politician patting himself on the back? The great thing about blogging is that you don't have to sign your name and worry about retribution...something well known in this valley. KEEP ON BLOGGING!

Sign wrote on Oct 3, 2008 8:10 AM:What kind of under-achieving dissapointment rants about people not signing blogs?
For goodness sakes, you're living in your mom's basement, hen-pecking away on a Commodore-64 with re-runs of Star Trek playing in the background; and you want to demand people list some made-up-name on a local newspaper blog? "Get a life" just doesn't say enough.
How about this, we'll all list fake-blog-names for your benefit when you either get a full-time job or sell your Green Lantern comic book collection.

Facts Speak Louder is right wrote on Oct 3, 2008 8:13 AM:Personally, I really enjoyed the "diatribe" by Facts Speak Louder than Whining," I thought it was right on the money. You always know when someone has written the truth, all the clown-shows come out with their low IQ criticisms.

to all wrote on Oct 3, 2008 8:28 AM:there is more to come on these city council members. this is going to start getting very bad for them. they have got away with many things for years until Al started finding things that they would not think that anyone would catch.

To to all wrote on Oct 3, 2008 8:48 AM:Did you get your information from the aliens that gave you an "examination?" I love when people have insider-facts that only they know!
Thank goodness for Temecula that some secret-blogger has "information" that all the city officials are "getting caught."
I'll be standing-by for your next taste of info; the fat man walks alone, the eagle has landed...

Bill at FVE wrote on Oct 3, 2008 9:20 AM:I love Temecula, it's leaders are doing a great job. As a business owner in Temecula I could not be more happy.

Chuck Washington and Mike Naggar on Nov 4th!!!!!!!!!!

Bill is right wrote on Oct 3, 2008 10:53 AM:Things are GREAT! I would not live anywhere else either-

To The Whiners wrote on Oct 3, 2008 11:09 AM:To all you "Whiners" that are defending the City Council, keep pumping all that blue sky. You are protecting the incumbents like they are somehow above any possibility of cutting corners or wrong doing. Stop whining and deal with the allegations. I don't know what the FPPCA will do, neither do you. As a business owner in Temecula, I could not be unhappier about the City Government and their uncaring treatment of the history and importance of Old Town. I've always made a buck here, but my loyalty to this important piece of History is not for sale.

Ole Doc pane

Loyal to history wrote on Oct 3, 2008 12:25 PM:Old doc pain is loyal to history and not the rest of his community? Great attitude. "The importance of old town," give me a break again please. Please, pursue another hobby like NASCAR, denture replacement, or panning for gold.

Laughing all the way to the bank... wrote on Oct 3, 2008 12:52 PM:To: "To to-to the complainers"

Evidently you attended Temecula public schools, because you used quotation marks in your comment, indicating I said I hate Temecula ("... If you "hate it" so much, why can't you stop reading about it?..." I never said I hated Temecula, but evidently reading comprehension is not your strong suit.

Then your foolheartiness continues when you claim, "Right, I'm sure everyone reads local city blogs about places they can't stand...NOT!"

I said I don't LIVE in Temecula anymore. I did fail to mention that I still make a fairly comfortable living running a business selling to those who are doomed to live in a town that's only asset is cheap housing.

Have a good day!

Bill at FVE wrote on Oct 3, 2008 2:23 PM:Hey Doc, I respect you as an elder, however it seems you would like to go back to dirt sidewalks, ratty streets and the white trash look Old Town Temec had back in the 80's and 90's. I am glad it looks like it does now and it seems to be getting better. Current progress creates a new history for the future.

To Loyal To history wrote on Oct 3, 2008 3:30 PM:I've been around along time, have all my teeth and my brain works most of the time. Made a decent living in this business for a long time. I have hobbies but my business isn't one of them. If all you have is insults and wise cracks, you must be bankrupt in the idea department. If you can't do any better then the nonesense in your blog to make your point, you'd better stop playing with the adults.

Old Doc Pane

To Bill at Five wrote on Oct 3, 2008 3:49 PM:"current progress creates history for the future." That's scarry science fiction stuff.

To Facts Speak Louder wrote on Oct 3, 2008 4:03 PM:I’ve lived in Temecula for 30 years and have seen first hand how many underhanded land deals and other suspicious and hidden council activities have taken place in the past 8-10 years. I certainly would not lump every council member since the city’s incorporation in with this circus act. Yes, many good things have happened in the past 20 years, but let’s remember that this bunch of bananas has not done “squat” without the help of many individuals in the community who get no acknowledgement at all. My up-close observations of this current council is that they are extraordinarily arrogant, which is not how each of them first started out. Naggar is pompous and greedy. Roberts is “old-school, good ol’ boy” and, quite frankly, a waste of space. Comerchero is not the sharpest tool in the chest, but a tool nevertheless. Edwards goes along with whatever the “guys” tell her to in order to fit it. I wouldn’t doubt the reason she was appointed (not elected) to the council is because she’s easily swayed with little to no personal contributions as a critical thinker. But, hot diggity, she sure can sing! I am SO ready for a change. I will not be jumping on the Chuck Wagon (sounds like Ms. Maryann’s corny marketing brand) or voting for Naggar because I don’t like Mike. Regardless of the “facts”, I am so done with this self-serving council who do nothing.

To-To The Facts Speak Louder wrote on Oct 3, 2008 4:25 PM:I don't know what to say. You said it all......RIGHT ON

good citizen wrote on Oct 3, 2008 8:31 PM:This blog needs to keep going and growing.
We are pushing for change and we will get change, if our Boys have nothing to hide why do they not answer questions in a public forum without spining everything in their favor.Truth be told,it is coming to an end and they are going down with with all their lies and BS. Duke Cuningham ring a bell, yeah he's in a cell block,it's coming your way too, and that ... guy will be right next door.Thanks Rescue Temecula for asking the right questions and uncovering their wrongdoing.

What they dont hear wrote on Oct 3, 2008 10:36 PM:There is soooo much more to the "conflict" that nobody is hearing about!This is only a drop in the bucket! I have been the "fly on the wall" Too bad this is all that has come to light!!! The retalliation is hard to overcome though when you mention it to perhaps what one might think was the right person. Good luck!

i am amazed wrote on Oct 4, 2008 8:39 AM:i read all of the blogs and it sure makes for an interesting read. I believe that the proof is in the pudding and we will see how really smart the Temecula residents are come Nov. Until then though people do your homework and study the facts and don't just mark incumbent because it is easy. Oh yeah, 1 more question, why would you go to a town because they have an awesome city hall?

Coca cola wrote on Oct 4, 2008 9:11 AM:This is ridiculas...

If as a council member, I owned some stock in coca cola, I would not be able to okay a liquid refresment vending machine to be put in the city break room, simply because the vender might chose to sell "coke" in them.

That's it in a nut shell.

Oh Brother wrote on Oct 4, 2008 10:08 AM:Coca-Cola, your comment is ludicrous! Owning public stock and receiving dividend checks is NOTHING like receiving a private consulting fee via a municipal transaction where council members benefit financially by favorable vote of said transaction. Your simpleton analogy is awash with contradiction. Firstly, we are speaking about an elected official, not Johnny-stockholder. Secondly, your stockholder theory does not take into account that Coca-Cola has millions of investors who mutually benefit by a board action, not just one or two individuals acting as consultants. I suggest you enroll in the new CSUSM campus and take some business courses such as ethics and economics.

That’s it, in your empty nutshell.

To Coke Analogy wrote on Oct 4, 2008 10:43 AM:The analogy your flying with boggles the mind. That kind of thinking is a nut in a shell.

toi am amazed wrote on Oct 4, 2008 11:35 AM:If you have faith in the Temecula voting body,I have land in Florida to sell you. These folks voted for Bush twice and they would vote for him again if they could. I rest my case.

Oh Brother wrote on Oct 4, 2008 12:59 PM:To blogger Coca-Cola, your comment is ludicrous! Owning public stock and receiving dividend checks is NOTHING like receiving a private consulting fee via a municipal transaction where council members benefit financially by favorable vote of said transaction. Your simpleton analogy is awash with contradiction. Firstly, we are speaking about an elected official, not Johnny-stockholder. Secondly, your stockholder theory does not take into account that Coca-Cola has millions of investors who mutually benefit by a board action, not just one or two individuals acting as consultants. I suggest you enroll in the new CSUSM campus and take some business courses such as ethics and economics.

That’s it, in your empty nutshell.

Well G o l l y... wrote on Oct 4, 2008 1:02 PM:To all of you that don't like; California, Temecula, or Murrieta
...or those of us locals that voted to keep the name of this valley Temecula,
...or those us living here long enough to remember when all there was that represented a town was on the West side of what is now the 15 Freeway...

There use to be two popular bummper stickers in these valleys, in the 80's:

(1)Where the Hell's Temecula?

and

(2)Welcome to California, Now Go Home!

Born here in 1960

Johnny Stockholder wrote on Oct 4, 2008 1:10 PM:I can be an elected official of this city.
And by the way...as a stock holder for Coca Cola, I vote on the means as to the way the business is represented...making me a consultant.
I can have more than one master...there's no law against it.

No No Dear Brother wrote on Oct 4, 2008 1:28 PM:It's true.
The council member who owns stock in Coca Cola has no say over the vender's choice of liquid refreshment to sell...so long as it's legal to sell the refreshment.


That would be like telling the property owners, 'Sorry we can't make a decision to buy your land, because all of us (council members) have ties to the real estate broker the agent of your choice works for. Find some one else to represent you and maybe we'll buy your property.'

Nut case...that's your empty nut shell.

To Well Golly wrote on Oct 4, 2008 1:33 PM:And now we have Orange County gridlock, crime rate climbing, a home crisis,a gemeral urban mess. Well golly, ain't that great.

Shell game host wrote on Oct 4, 2008 1:40 PM:Why don't both of you put your nuts back in the shell and just say there is or is'nt impropriety.

To No No dear Brother. wrote on Oct 4, 2008 1:45 PM:The whole coke comparison is Nutsy.
If you hold a position of power in a private business and a government post at the same time, that's legal. If you allow your business interest to influence your government decisions, that's illegal. it's called conflict of inerest. Quit it with these dumb analogies.

Ole Doc Pane

to Ole Doc Pane wrote on Oct 4, 2008 2:12 PM:I beg to differ with you,it's called the Bush Administration.

Poor Bill at FVE wrote on Oct 4, 2008 4:44 PM:Why dont you tell it like it is Bill? Business gone bad, now sucking off the city with lucrative contracts. Do you think you will still have those contracts with the city if your boys go down? You would think someone as smart as you would be... smarter.

Conflict for Sure wrote on Oct 4, 2008 5:24 PM:Aside from the name calling, Mr. Stephenson is a generous person and an astute businessman. Let’s not forget, this issue is not about him. He did nothing unethical. He can hire anyone he wishes. It was a councilmember who made extremely questionable choices and used a serious lack of judgment. As a voter, I have long believed the current council does not work in the best interest of citizens. Why this councilman, as a then-Rancon consultant, would even consider voting on any Rancon project rather than abstaining is beyond common sense. Even if his vote was above-board,—and I doubt that it was—the very idea of a perceived conflict is so blatant. I surely can’t, in good conscience, vote or support any council member who uses such indiscretion. Another point to consider is that profiting or gaining in any way which results directly from an elected official’s visibility or decision-making position is very much a conflict of interest. It may be legal—barely—but it is most certainly a form of personal greed that should not be overlooked by voters, now or in the future.

Truth Seeker wrote on Oct 4, 2008 5:48 PM:This issue is very heated and controversial, and for good reason. I would encourage every voter to seek the truth for themselves and then make an informed decision. There are two sides to every story, so listen to both sides. Rather than getting bits and pieces from this blog, type in “Rescue Temecula” in your browser. This site is very informative and provides a great deal of detail. I’m not suggesting that everyone should claim the information as the whole truth, but it is a very factual website where any intelligent, free-thinking individual can draw their own inferences and conclusions. These facts can not be disputed and they are compelling. Then complete your truth-seeking with the individual council members themselves. Give them a chance to tell their side. If they are as transparent as they claim, then give them the opportunity. Once the legwork is done, one can then make a self-informed judgment.

Volker Lutz did the right thing by filing wrote on Oct 4, 2008 5:48 PM:The Fair Political Practices Commission without bias will make a legal informed decision.
The City Attorney may be too close to the parties to "always" make his interpetation of the law "without influence of loyality". Laws split hairs somethings both ways.
Thank you Mr. Lutz for questioning what you found to be an "acception" of conduct to the right agency.
The City Council, their employeers and investments are a concern to open 100% without predetermined ruling......as an elected offical.
I look foreward to reading the decision of the FPPC. And, so should all of you fellow bloggers.

To Oh Brother... wrote on Oct 4, 2008 6:00 PM:No where, I mean no where does it say, or is it written that the property owners were in anyway connected to either Rancon businesses...other than the property owner chose an agent from Rancon Real Estate to be their seller.

Even if the owner of both businesses gained by the sale, it was because of the business that the council member was NOT part of. If the owner of that real estate business chose to put his income in an investment company, where by wich the council member would benifit, after the the purchase by the city, then proof that it was part of the deal between the two individuals
PRIOR TO THE APPROVAL needs to come to light.

Until then there is no ethical impropriety.
AND I seriously doubt something of that magnitude would ever surface!

It's a witch hunt.
They throw the witch in the river and say she's a witch because she didn't drown...because she could float.

No Witch Hunt wrote on Oct 4, 2008 7:41 PM:Let’s not split hairs. Council members and city staff are privy to developer investment opportunities by the mere fact that they are on the “front line” when development transactions take place. I sincerely doubt any of these folk would have opportunity and access to make a little extra cash if it were not for their jobs.

This type of behavior is equal to Joe-employee tapping into and soliciting their employer’s client base for personal financial gain. The employee would have neither access nor opportunity to the client base if he/she were not working for the employer. This example is what is happening with council and staff. They are using trusted positions as public servants for personal gain because they are privy to the “money deals” AND their positions insure that the deals will go through.

No Witch Hunt wrote on Oct 5, 2008 10:15 AM:The people involved have the right to defend themselves. The FPPC will look at the case and make a judgement. From my perspective, the Temecula City Council has a lot of legitimate questions to answer, no matter what the final determaination of this one filing.

wow wrote on Oct 5, 2008 10:49 AM:This is starting to be fun.
Our friends Mikey and Chucky better focus in new careers as their political career s are coming to an end, once and for all.
Jeff, Ron and Maryann better think of a different path as well, because when the FBI is coming in here to look at this stuff their lovely City Attorney Big Boy Thorson can no longer protect them, because he is not clean himself.
To all bloggers check out his history in the city of Carson, and thank you Lorena Spencer for bringing it up in the last Council Meeting.
God Country Family, these guys have long forgotten that simple rule, because of their inability to either work hard or educate themselves, shame on you to enrich yourself on our dime.
Nov ember will show you the ropes

To Truth Seeker and everyone.. wrote on Oct 5, 2008 5:34 PM:...else seeking truth.

You're going to have to go a lot futher than Rescue Temeculas Web site to find the truth out about the Newport Road and Scott Road, as well as many other roads in Riverside County, traffic problems. It has nothing to do with Rancon developements. To understand traffic problems fully in Riverside County, you need to look into the RCIP, Riverside County Intergrated Plan, and why making a NEW general plan, instead of an updated one, was a forced subject, and it wasn't just because Temecula sued Riverside County.

It has a lot more to do with "Urban Sprawl" and how the county was sued, because of environmental issues...esspecially to stop roads from be built through areas that would chop up environmentally special habitat...to assure bio-diversity among species.

Again...it had nothing to do with Rancon. Particular areas were more diverse in environmental value than others.

...

It really is just a witch hunt, if you don't have all the facts.

A witch hunt and... wrote on Oct 5, 2008 9:18 PM:a politically timed ploy.

If Rescue's intent is to protect all of us, by pointing out the short comings of our council members...why haven't they gotten their non profit status yet?

This is wrote on Oct 5, 2008 10:18 PM:"To the truth seeker and everyone..."

I want to thank the 'Blog Master' for printing my post, even if it was only in part.

For the rest of you let me explain. In my comment I mentioned a person's last name. That person is the excutive director of the Endangered Habitat League. You can google him and about his involvement in the RCIP for more information about the Truth to my comment...

If you search you will find that Rancon's involvement with the property along Newport had nothing to do with why Scott, and Clinton Keith and other roads were not used to better the traffic problems of our residents...as Rescue Temecula's Web site implies.

Preservationist wrote on Oct 5, 2008 10:51 PM:I don't know about"Rescue temecula", but I'd certainly perfer if the members of the City Council regarded their office as a non-profit.

To Witch Hunt and... wrote on Oct 6, 2008 12:17 PM:Rescue Temecula has been around a long time. It is the only group that will step up and challenge the group we call our City Council. All kinds of diversions have been thrown up by all kinds of people. That includes those who have a iron the fire and money to lose if the City Council has a legal or ethical problem

Look in the Dictonary wrote on Oct 6, 2008 1:09 PM:If you look up in the dictonary, Urban Sprawl, you'll find several discriptions of Temecula.

To witch hunt and... wrote on Oct 6, 2008 4:20 PM:that doesn't answer why they don't have a non profit status yet.

Maybe someone should go on line and search county court records to see if any finanial gain is trying to be made off any other "Rescue" ousted council members.

Diversions Say it aint SO wrote on Oct 6, 2008 4:49 PM:The "front liners" of Rescue would certainly have the information to make financail gain off of past ousted council members.

I'll have to check out Riverside Counties Court records search engine on line. I'd hate to think that a "watch dog" group for the communities would allow its members to pursue any financial gain that wasn't for the imbetterment of the community as a whole.

I wish Rescue would post their members names. It's not a secret society is it?

Pardon Me wrote on Oct 7, 2008 9:14 AM:The comment..
To witch hunt and... @ 240 should have been from;
To: To Witch Hunt and...

To The Rescue Temecula Conspiracy Bunch wrote on Oct 7, 2008 10:32 AM:I have become active in Rescue Temecula for one reason. I personally believe that we are being governed poorly and, to a great extent, for the profit and benefit of a few. I believe that people have a right to form a group to counter, what many of us believe, are , wrong doings by some of our leaders. It is a old ploy to attack the messengers. Personally, I have nothing to gain but a bunch of flack from the Council Cheerleaders. Hopefully, when the smoke clears, the average citizen, will be represented by some new Council members who will level the playing field for all the Citizens of Temecula, not just the power brokers.

Ole Doc Pane

Preservationist wrote on Oct 7, 2008 11:47 AM:Diversions, you've found them out. They are indeed a secret organization determined to prevent City Councilmen from supplementing their meager council salaries by receiving contributions from valley citizens who can't help being leaders of large development firms, and taking positions with those firms. What could be more innocent? In the name of humanity "Rescue Temecula" must be stopped!!!!!

To Preservationist and Doc wrote on Oct 7, 2008 1:29 PM:Did you search to see if any past "front line" members of Rescue Murrieta tried, or are trying to gain any revenue from any past council members?

If you did, you may understand others concern about Rescue Temecula not having a "non profit" status.

It was not meant as a diversion or a conspiracy statement...just a fact finding mission.

It's just doesn't make good common sense to look down a finger pointing in any direction without looking at the three pointing back.

I know The Front Line Members wrote on Oct 7, 2008 3:26 PM:All different reasons for not trusting this Council. Those reasons will stand up to the light of day. There is more then one developer in this Town that has been given short shrift by our leaders,not without predigest
toward the favored and connected few. I may self am not a developer, and have my own reasons to not trust our leaders. I told one member of ther City staff that, face to face/
I am damn tired of the Cheerleaders using the "disgruntled" handle. There are a whole lot of disgruntled people in this Town that feel a change of leadership is necessary. You may point your finger wherever you want.
Ole Doc Pane

Dear Doc wrote on Oct 7, 2008 6:37 PM:Please understand, that I understand you have very good reason to not trust the Council, and to believe a "watch dog" group is the best way to have your trust restored.

I am not a developer nor am a cheerleader of the council. I am just one of those people looking and searching for answers myself.

As a long time resident of this area I have some property outside the city limits which I had some concern over years ago 1997 when an articule in this paper was printed showing my land in a habitat preserve.

At that point I started searching as to why it would be denoted as such in the paper.

That was when I found that the county was making a New General plan, and found that they wanted to change, in fact lower, my zoning to openspace because of the environmental value of my land...that was why it had to be a NEW general plan, rather than a revized one. That was the only legal way they could get away with downzoning it.

Anyway, that's how I know what I know about Newport Road, being chose over other roads in the area. I went to as many meetings a possible, often once a week, and listened intently to several of the committee members. Including the Edangered Habitat League "guy."

I in no way meant to offend you, or your personal endeavors.

I am very cautious who I join into any group with, for their behavior can back fire on me, so I did some research on RT.

I hope the very best for you. I believe intregrity is both, yours and mine, our wishes for the people of this community and society.

I may have joined the group to support the intentions, but what I gathered was not sound enough for me. If it is for you, then I wish you the best of luck.

Again, my appologies if my findings were too harsh...I hear your frustration.

Regards Dear, and Best of Luck.

To Dear Doc wrote on Oct 10, 2008 10:04 AM:Appreciate your clarification. We can agree to disagree in a reasonable manner, and that's a good thing. I have made my point of view very clear, and will continue to do so. I have many reasons not to trust our leaders. I used to believe in them but no more.
It is refreshing to read your measured and fair response
Ole Doc Pane

Habitat. wrote on Oct 10, 2008 1:05 PM:The City Of Temecula has cut many corners in their quest to build The City Hall Complex. The Mitigated Negative Declaration that the City declared, was bad enough but, I find they cut corners and bent the rules and lied about the condition of the land. They, in order to Declare a Negative Declaration, which avoids a real transparent EIR, has to have a professional Outside Biologist check the site for burrowing Owl Nests and other creatures that the MSHCP considers native to the site. This was to be done before grading. I have a copy of the City itself declaring it needed to follow that hard fast enviromental process. They didn't go through the process because they told RCA, and MSHCP that the project"disturbed land". I know the history of that property and what was on it before the City itself "disturbed" it. The real Statue Of Liberty" of Temecula, for those of us who have a modicum of respect for this place, was on the property before 1920. It was the first winery in Temecula. It had a fence around for a few years. It was moved by the City across the river to get it out of the way. It will become the food pantry. The other dwelling on the land was a temporary building, the Musicians Workshop. It was torn down to make way for the Monster. Over the years points, metates, and other Indian Artifacts were found. The one found recently (with in the last year)was returned to the Pechangas. Councilman Edwards and I had some interesting E Mails about what was found over the years in the way of local history. The only disturbance of this land was done by The City Of Temecula, when they illegally graded it. May not be a conflict of interest but it sure proves some of our leaders will do almost anything to push a project through. Think about what they say and what they do.

Dear Doc Here wrote on Oct 11, 2008 11:39 AM:Habitat:

I've never seen the document you have, although I am aware of what that sort of document normally details. So I will help as best I can, so you don't seem foolish in your endeavors...it took me a while to understand too.

First, no one, including a city, can declare a mitigated negitive declaration until after an EIR is performed, by a state approved biologist, and has been submitted...and this has to be done before the grading of a site.

Previous "disturbance of the land" can be reason for allowing "mitigation".

Secondly, "disturbed land" can be as simple as it has had cattle previously run on it by a "recognized" (they have rules on recognized too) farm family or orgainization, or any other farming process i.e. disc-ing of the soil, which is considered grading.

Remember they are looking for ANY disturbance to it's 100% natural state.

I know it's wierd but it's true. LOL. Tumble weeds or Russian Thissle, which are not native to America, can be proof of previous disturbance.

So yes, its being a winery at one time, which means the property has in the past been developed or disturbed, just as they see farming as a form of developement, (After all, farming is an industry.)meaning that the habitat has been disturbed from it's natural state.

"Mitigating" a "negitive" impact is this:
'Other property' (mitigated, or exhanged property),often much larger than any site where the declaration is declared, will be set aside, normally property within the MSHCP, Multi Species Habitat Conservation Plan (aka openspace 'wildlife' corridors), which is better suited (causing negitive, meaning "non" impact on the species)for the bio-diversity of the species.

Bio-diversity, makes the opertunity of better exchange of DNA, so that animals like the ground owl, don't become in-breed and harm thier own survival.

I would insist that the city, hang pictures of the winery in the front hall, or make some sort of larger homage to the winery. I realize that's not in keeping with 100% historical preservation...but I would like to see, something be done to commemorate it, just the same.

And just so you know, I have been refured to as a "developer", by an environmentalist (the Habitat League guy)...as a farmer, because we develope the ground into grain fields...killing K-Rat Habitat. We too were forced to pay to have EIR's done just to continue to farm.

I'm starting to think I need to sit down with you people. I believe in the need for a watch dog group...I just don't want to see a much needed watch dog group get smirred by having bad information...so when viable information comes to light your reputation would be sound.

I hope that wasn't too harsh...I want the BEST for this community too...and the BEST watch dog group too.

There are far more meetings we can go to, than just the ones of this city, to gain a better understanding as to why the city is run the way it is.
.....................

We the people, are acctually only those who gather and share in special interests groups. I find the truth in that statement to be gut wrenchingly ugly. Even our vote for president, is cast by an electoral college.

Have The Document wrote on Oct 11, 2008 4:15 PM:The City I'm sure, would use any excuse, to avoid ,first a Proper EIR. That would have lend transparency to the City Hall and one way or the other, we would not be discussing this City Monster at all. I am also sure that the City did not want to take the time and care to do the required mitigation. A survey for the burrowing owl shall be conducted by a qualified Biologist prior to grading. I'm sure the City used any excuse, including 100 year old cow trails to avoid doing it right. This City will push this City Hall come Hell or High Water. I've asked you in person to do it right,and address the EIR problem. I've asked that over and over again, and the answer has been, to paraphrase, "we know best, we're City Officials. Really considering public input is a waste of our time."
Ole Doc Pane

Dear Doc wrote on Oct 11, 2008 7:17 PM:I'm confused. When you say "I've asked you in person to do it..." your not speaking to me are you, I don't believe we've ever met.

If you believe the city is not following the proper proceedure for EIR's there are agency's...California Fish and Game, and Federal Fish and Wildlife...that you can have check them out. Their phone numbers are on line.

Regards Dear...
and thank you for acknowledging our mutual disagreement.

To Dear Doc wrote on Oct 12, 2008 10:38 AM:I've talked to RCA, Multiple Species Habitat people, and have done a little research. If we haven't met what the Hell is this "Dear" stuff? You're either patronizing or mocking me, or in my younger days we had some kind of relationship. Don't like any of those choices. Sorry your confused.
"Dear" Ole Doc Pane

Doc wrote on Oct 13, 2008 10:16 AM:As I had said earlier, I can hear your frustration.

I have a 'birth right' deep seeded love for this area, and its history, as an adult forth generation resident. I also admire that we, admittably for different reasons, share that same passion...perhaps, that was why my 'misuse' of "Dear" felt comfortable to me, and for that I appologize...there was no patronizing nor mocking intended.

It may also have been arrogant of me to think that my experience could help alleviate some of your obvious frustration, or that you may even have wanted assistance in some sort of clairfication. Again I appologize.

So now, I again would like to say, this area needs a strong watch dog group...I was hoping to strenghten the group that has taken on that roll with better information. I hope you can hear my frustration, for as it is now, I could not lend you my name.

To TO Doc wrote on Oct 13, 2008 2:50 PM:In reading your last blog, I realize I have been quick in to anger without understanding your real effort to help. Please accept my apology. We'll keep the communication going. I belive it will be valuable to the community.

Much Obliged
Ole Doc Pane

Dear Doc wrote on Oct 14, 2008 9:16 AM:By the way, I would not trust the RCA, after all the meetings I went to durring the formation of the Riverside County Intergrated Plan...I only stopped going after the meetings became public.

I used to have the call Honey (yes that's a first name) at the county to find out where the meetings were going to be held...just lik