February Meeting Notes

We had an extremely informative meeting this month, covering a variety of topics and issues, listed in the notes below. Carol Holzgrafe opened her home to us for this meeting, since the POA was closed for President's Day. We will be back at the POA in March. Important dates and action items are listed at the end of these notes. There are meetings to attend, and information to gather, especially for Robin Huffman's campaign for County Supervisor.

During introductions, we met April Grossberger, Paradise Planning Commissioner and Robin Huffman’s campaign secretary.


Review of Recent Meetings:

Karen O’Neill attended the Ad Hoc Committee meeting over “the burning issue” and proclaimed herself comfortable with the committee’s direction and commitment to the subject.

Sharing – Information Exchange/Community Information:

Geri Benedict, a 20-year Magalia/Paradise resident and community activist, proved to be a fabulous resource of information and strategy. She informed us of many details about the Ridge's history, and her (and her husband's) activism, including her first FAX Party on SB124, which (then) Governor Pete Wilson signed, and another FAX party which resulted in Wally Herger finally bringing some money to Butte County for the forest road. Much of this month's information about roads, water, politics, and community services came from Geri, and we were all avid listeners.
Geri said she has a long time commitment to a Skyway bypass, from Ponderosa in Paradise to Bruce Road in Chico. She has found some interest but no backing from agencies with funds over the years.

Geri is concerned about four things: water, roads, police and fire coverage. She said that the Ridge has the lowest proportion of firefighters to population in the entire United States. (An editorial comment: this is very bad. People must know about this).

Geri encouraged RDW members to attend the Upper Ridge Coordinating Council (Karen said she would). Working with the URCC would give RDW additional “oomph.”

Water – the water line issue has gone to LAFCO (Local Agency Formation Commission) LAFCo is responsible for reviewing and approving proposed jurisdictional boundary changes”.

Water meeting: Guest speaker spoke of a successful program in Texas, maintaining water levels in their aquifer, something the Chico area aquifer has had difficulty with.

The Census (2010) is now under the jurisdiction of BCAG (Butte County Area Governments)

Robin For Supervisor Campaign: (To define differences between Robin and Kim Yamaguchi)
Robin's projects: Skyway corridor, Paradise and Chico trails
Sees the big picture
On development, wants to be voice of sustainability in building – green means jobs
To protect the agricultural base (rural, open space availability)
Cooperate with CSUC and Butte College
Encourage new technology and innovation
Cooperation between cities and other governmental entities
Recreation –
Make trails official

Who is Kim Yamaguchi?
Running for his third term.
Not into the public good as part of private projects (no setbacks, easements for trails etc. required when approving development).
Did not start the Forest Highway but is taking credit for it.
Hasn’t done enough for the Ridge.
As a Realtor, development is his first priority.
Doesn’t initiate.
Doesn’t coordinate city and county development.

Yamaguchi votes:
• Find out how he voted – can check County Board of Supervisor meeting minutes online.

The forest Highway idea started in the early 1990s.
$5 million came from the Feds because part of the route is through a national forest (Inskip to Butte Meadows, just shy of 10 miles). Entire cost is $15 million for just basic improvements, widening road to allow two fire engines to pass.
Environmental Impact Report and the Engineering study are complete.
NOTE: Congressman Wally Herger considers any money brought into the district as pork, even money for this potentially life-saving road. He finally brought $7.5 million after Geri Benedict had a FAX party to his office asking for 15 million.


Tree Ordinance

The future of the tree review committee has been moved to the Planning Commission. It may be on the March 3 agenda (check web site), 6pm Town Hall. Usually only developers show up, according to Planning Commissioner April Grossberger.

A new development is being planned between Clark and Pentz, south of Pearson/Buschman, zoning change request. Once change is in effect, developer will sell property to another company to build houses.

Next action/brainstorming –
Air Quality meeting rescheduled to Feb. 21, 4 to 6 pm at the POA.

Upcoming Dates –

Robin Huffman For Supervisor Campaign appearance Friday, Feb. 22, 2 – 3:30 pm at the DeSabla Grange.

Air Quality meeting rescheduled to Feb. 21, 4 to 6 pm at the POA.

Upper Ridge coordinating Committee, POA, first Friday of every month 1:30 p.m. March 7

Town Council meeting, Tuesday, 6;30 pm at Town Hall

Action items –

Attend these meetings
Check Kim Yamaguchi’s voting record
Who contributes to his campaign

www.Townofparadise.com
www.buttecounty.net

Next meeting: Monday, March 17, POA, Magalia