The Truth Publication Online

TODAY'S RIVERSIDE

2012-01-30T05:10:00.000-08:00

The beutiful Riverside City Hall, on
10th Street, near Market St. Decisions
coming from it influence our lives.

The City of Riverside has progressed enormously in the last five years, thanks to the Renaissance Program and the hard work of City Managers, members of the Council, staffs, and blue collar employees.

Today, Riverside government is concentrating on issues of great importance: How to manage the lack of Redevelopment funds, amendments to the City Constitution (Charter), finishing the last projects of the Renaissance Program and how to fund new projects, the race for Mayor in June, the threats of the Occupy Movements (backed up by the Tea Party), how to lower the unemployment rate, the poor public relations between government and press, and the case actually handled by the Community Police Review Committee, regarding the death of man in a police shooting on January 7.

The race for Mayor is getting crowed. So far, there are six contenders and more are keeping in line. Even Terry Frizzel could get on the bus too, she told one of our reporters. The Truth Publication is endorsing Mike Gardner (see "Our Commitment" below). It will be hard there will be a winner in June, getting 50% plus 1 of the votes. So, there is a great possibility of a run off in November between the two top winners candidates in June. Of course, the presidential election will have a bearing on states, counties, and cities, depending who the winner will be: a Republican or a re-elected president. The Truth Publication is endorsing President Barack Obama.

The year 2012 will be an exciting and challenging one, in a convulsed world repleted of problems, conflicts, and injustice.

OUR COMMITMENT

2012-01-27T09:00:00.000-08:00

The race for the Riverside Mayor post is on. Out of six candidates already in it, we know very well Mike Gardner, Andy Melendrez, and Ed Adkison.

About of those three friends, we have the highest opinion of them because their talent, honesty, background, knowledge of City affairs and needs. We feel a great respect for them.

But it comes to the point when we have to make our minds, whom to endorse. There are a few factors that make us to endorse Mike Gardner: He is our Ward 1 Councilman, he has quickly responded all the time to us solving city matters, especially in our area, he has done a superb job as a Councilman, he is dedicated 24/7 to the City because he doesn't have an own business or profession to take care of, and he enjoys a tolerant and a low-key personality, being deeply involved and very savvy of all City issues.

Respectfully, Mike is a workaholic for our great town. We were in shock, when we saw him working in his office wearing an especial vest two days after having a major back surgery. He's doing fine now.

Ed and Andy are excellent people, excellent politicians. They are very nice persons too. We will never write anything negative about them, just because there is no motive for it. If for any reason, Ed or Andy are elected, we'll support them all the way. Regarding William Bailey, we think he has a brilliant future in politics and he's maturing rapidly.

This has been a very hard decision for us to take, taking in consideration that we love all of them. But we cannot stay impartial in this race because it will be irresponsible. It is the duty of the press to orient the people, for the common good.

Thank God, for giving us the strength to write this opinion. It wasn't easy at all.

WHEN YOU FEEL THROWING UP

2012-01-27T07:04:00.000-08:00

The debates between Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney have reached the lowest level in politics, although they have been evidences of both candidates carrying baggage's full of immoralities and personal greed. As a show competing with a circus, those debates have brought up lots of laughs. But they made us to throw up. If we were Republicans, we would have been very worried and disgusted about the future of the Party.

2012-01-26T21:08:00.000-08:00

PETIT INTERVIEW WITH RIVERSIDE WARD 1 COUNCILMAN MIKE GARDNER ABOUT THE CITY CHARTER.

(See below).

POLICE SHOOTING DEATHS

2012-01-26T02:51:00.000-08:00

It is very difficult to make a judgment about a happening, when you haven't been present at that moment. But we have observed that in cases involving police shooting deaths, the person or persons who have been shot at they have initiated the incident doing something wrong breaking the law somehow.

We have never seen a police officer shooting at someone, for no reason whatsoever. Having said that, if a police officer or officers have used unnecessary force on an individual, the Community Police Review Commission, the District Attorney Office, and a judge or a jury will have the last word after a throughout investigation.

We feel sorry for people who have lost relatives, including the next to skin of police officers killed in the line of duty. Being a police officer is a very tough and dangerous job, having to deal with violent individuals including all kind of criminals, those mentally disturbed, suicidal subjects, drunks, and drug addicts.
_________________

On January 7, 2012, around 4:00 p.m., relatives of David Ledezma, 52 years old, called the police department because he did struck his wife. Ledezma had served jail time before for domestic violence.

When officers arrived at the 1700 block of Cypress Avenue, Ledezma was holding tools and working on a car. He dropped the tools, then held a knife to his throat and threatened to stab himself before dropping it to the ground. He then threw a metal of PVC pipe at the police officers, 20 feet away. He picked up another pipe and raised it over the shoulder and moved toward officers, police reported.

One Officer fired a Taser, but it failed to work because high winds caused an electrical probe missing Ledezma. Three Officers fired their service weapons 18 times, hitting Ledezma 4 times, causing his death. Police reported that Ledezma could be heard on a police recording saying, "Just shoot me."

The Community Police Review Commission is investigating the case. Family members of Ledezma pleaded at the meeting of January 25, 2012, at the City Hall, to hold the three Officers accountable for excessive force. A lawsuit by Ledezma relatives will be filed against the RPD and the City of Riverside, commented a person attending the meeting, which could not be confirmed by The Truth.

CHARTER WORKSHOP ON JANUARY 7

2012-01-25T12:56:00.000-08:00

At the Riverside evening Council meeting of January 24, 2012, the Council unanimously approved to have a workshop on February 7, to decide the introduction of a ballot measure for the June election, regarding its wording.

INTERVIEW WITH MIKE GARDNER

1) What was the purpose of the City Council meeting about the Charter?

The council heard the report and recommendation of the Charter Review Committee and listened to comments from interested members of the public.

2) What was the disagreement between speakers?

Some speakers supported individual proposed Charter amendments and others opposed some of them. The Council will decide which proposals go on the ballot for the voters to decide.

3) What the Committee lead by Evans proposed?

The Charter Review Committee proposed eight areas of change to the Charter. Some are fairly substantive like creating the internal auditor as a new Charter officer reporting to the Council or creating a new Commission on sustainability as a Charter mandated city Commission. Others were very minor making changes in wording or eliminating responsibility for street tree maintenance from the Parks Department because that work has been moved to Public works.

4) Decision of the Council?

The Council decided to hold a workshop on February 7 to discuss the proposed changes. The Council will ultimately vote on which suggestions to move forward to the ballot.

5) Ultimate goal of the whole process?

The goal of the process is to review and, if necessary, update the City Charter. The Charter itself requires that this happen every eight years.

THE STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

2012-01-25T01:35:00.000-08:00

"WE HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER." -- President Obama

Strong messages from the
U.S. President in his State
of the Union Address

In a political year where the people of the United States will decide to re-elect President Barack Obama, or to place in the White House a Republican, the President delivered the State of the Union Address, which could be defined as a revolutionary and political speech.

The great emotional moment at Capitol Hill was the appearance of retiring Rep. Gabrielle Gifford, who have decided to concentrate in the total recuperation of the brain wounds she was victim of in a vile attack. Applause's last for a few minutes. She was looking great, happy, and very emotional for the outstanding support.

"We Calls For 'Fair Shot' Economy."

The President dedicated a great portion of the speech to the economy, referring to the deep disparity between a 2% of the population that makes a $1,000,000 or more a year, and the 98% that earns $250,000 or less, being both in the same percentage tax bracket.

The speaker remembered how the U.S.. recovered its economy after World War II, which can be done again, and how he has enforced regulation in the housing industry to avoid the repetition of what caused the present economy crisis for the lack of it.

Obama indicates how the economy is improving due to the decrease in unemployment, especially in the auto industry, which is doing much better. Importance was given to bring back investors to the U.S. via incentives. "We have to put an end to unfair trade policies, as with China. We have to bring jobs back to our land," he affirmed. "Tax cuts legislation is our goal."

Highlighting the President State of the Union Address, Obama declared how the last troops are coming back to the U.S. from Iraq, and how the same policy is being done with out service men and women in Afghanistan. 10,000 have already returned to our land and 23,000 more will follow up this summer.

Eulogizing the brave members of the Armed Force for their sacrifices for the country, the President mentioned how Osama bin Laden is not there any more, and how al Qaeda and the Taliban have been hit very hard.

Regarding education, the President defending a better way of living for good teachers; and how the bad ones have to be displaced. He opposed a higher cost for student tuition's, and how the states have to do their part on this matter. "Better educated people is closely related to growth in good jobs. A program of training followed by employment should be implemented."

Obama spoke about immigration reforms and the necessity to stop the affluence of illegals, but at the same time give the chance to citizenship to the the good ones who live here for a long time abiding by the law.

Natural gas, clean energy, health insurance, the protection to people from frauds and injustice practices were matters touched by the President. About Iran, today isolated from the rest of the world, Obama advised, "No nuclear building in Iran will be tolerated." Regarding Assad of Syria, the President affirmed the dictator will follow the destine of Hussein and Gadhafi, if he keeps massacring his own people.

"This nation is great because we work together," Obama said, and he mentioned how the Navy Seals operation that eliminate bin Landen, worked so organized, well trained, and unified.

The creation of a special federal unit of prosecutors to investigate mortgage lending practices that led to the housing crisis, and of a trade enforcement agency to investigate 'unfair trade practices' with countries like China have been ordered.

Committed to defend Israel security, he said that those who misjudge the U.S. power and leadership don't know what they are talking about it. And reaffirmed his decision to have our military ready and capable to affront any challenge.

"What’s at stake are not Democratic values or Republican values, but American values. We have to reclaim them. We have to work together," emphasized the President.

"I will take action with the GOP, or without it," sentenced the President.

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"We can either settle for a country where a shrinking number of people do really well, while a growing number of Americans barely get by. Or we can restore an economy where everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same set of rules."

Response of Councilman Bailey to The Truth

2012-01-24T06:47:00.000-08:00

Riverside Ward 3 Councilman William "Rusty" Bailey responded to The Truth Publication protests about the way City events organizers treat the press.

Bailey wrote, "I will look into this and advocate for common sense approaches."

rbailey@riversideca.gov

Thanks to Councilman Bailey, for his defense for rightness.

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Romney Reveals His Millions Under Pressure

2012-01-24T06:22:00.000-08:00

Full of Money

Finally, under pressure by his opponents in the race for the Republican presidential nomination, Mitt Romney reveals he and his wife paid $6.2 million out of a $45 million earnings last year. The amount of paid taxes were based on a 14% capital gain, instead of a 35% out of earned income.

Mr. Romney, a Mormon, has long said that he had promised to give 10 percent of his income to his church. His tax return shows that over two years he and his wife, Ann, gave $7 million in charitable contributions, including $4.1 million to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In addition to his 2010 taxes, Mr. Romney is set to release estimates for his 2011 taxes, which he will file in April. The campaign will report that he will pay $3.2 million in taxes for 2011, for an effective tax rate of 15.4 percent.The Romney's hold as much as a quarter of a billion dollars in assets, much of it derived from Mr. Romney's time as founder and partner in Bain Capital, a private equity firm. He said those assets generated at least $9.6 million in income in 2010 and part of 2011, most of it from capital gains, dividends and interest on their investment.

A question to economists: Why did the Romney's pay a much lower tax percentage than regular Americans? Why did they pay taxes out of capital gains and not out of earned income? The point that people is trying to make is not that the Romney's became so rich (which is perfectly all right in our free enterprise system), but if it was legal or immoral. The fact that the Romney's tried really hard not to disclose their finances, even when Mitt was Governor, doesn't look crystal at all.

Mitt Romney stores part of his money in the Cayman Islands, a "notorious Caribbean tax haven." Or because even with a net worth of as much as $250 million, he manages to pay a lower tax rate than most middle-class Americans. Maybe it's that when he says he's "unemployed, too," he forgets to tell you he's been making millions off his Bain investments at the same time. ----- Brad Hoodhouse, Communications Director of the Democratic National Committee.

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The Last State of the City Speech by the Mayor

2012-01-21T05:47:00.000-08:00

Mayor Ron Lovereidge. He
will be missed after retirement.

Please, see in this edition the complete State of the City speech of Mayor Ron Loveridge at the Convention Center on January 19, 2012. It is informative, emotional, great in optimism and achievements, and it describes a recount of a life dedicated with honor to serve the City. It does touch the economy and its relation to Sacramento draconian decisions. Details of the shooting inside City Hall on October 6, 1998, where the Mayor and others were wounded, will touch your hearts. The Truth Publication honor Mayor Ron Loveridge, a man of integrity, stability, and intense dedication to serve the community, a leader of freedom and nobility.

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Mike Gardner's Birthday Celebration

2012-01-20T21:38:00.000-08:00

On February 9, 2012, Riverside Councilman Mike Gardner and candidate for Mayor will be a year older, looking 51 years old. When we asked for his real age, he told us, "I am one year older than last year, and one year younger than next year." (!!!!!!!!!!!!).

Mike's birthday will be celebrated on the date mentioned above, at Mazz Bar & Grill, at the Riverside Plaza, 3555 Riverside Plaza Drive, from 5:00 pm. till 8:00 pm. (951) 205-3357. The fund raising varies from $125.00 to $250.00 per person. H-a-p-p-y b-i-r-t-h-d-a-y to-you...lara-lalarala-lararala....

LACK OF BRAINS

2012-01-20T03:47:00.000-08:00

ORGANIZERS OF

CITY EVENTS.

"We are ashamed
of ourselves."

The City of Riverside has progressed immensely, thanks to our leaders and the input of the private sector. But something is broken that has to be fixed: The public relations between most of those who organize events and the press. In most of the cases they don't invite the press, losing free publicity and promotions and credit. These types of administrative and dumb behaviours don't help the City at all.

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CONSPIRACY OR COINCIDENCE?

2012-01-19T21:52:00.000-08:00

Lately, several bomb threats has occurred in Riverside, Moreno Valley, and Temecula. So far, no real explosives have been found, but the bomb threats have created chaos, evacuations, and have cost money. Some individual or groups are trying to disturb the peace and intimidate the community.

You don't have to be a Sherlock Holmes to figure out that there is a potential conspiracy by individuals who are not happy with the government and law enforcement and are trying to create problems for them.

Without assuring any association between those bomb threats and several incidents that had taken place in the last week, it could open, anyhow, the eyes of any investigator.

Protests on our streets, some of them violent, in UCR, and the death of a man in a case where the police responded to a domestic dispute, makes you think of those coincidental happenings. But this is just an speculative thought, which, after all, makes some sense.The fact is that there have been several bomb threats, with no intention to harm (so far) but create troubles.

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UNDERSTANDING REDEVELOPMENT MESS

2012-01-14T22:20:00.000-08:00

ESPECIAL REPORTAGE ABOUT REDEVELOPMENT.

THE UNCERTAIN FUTURE OF RIVERSIDE PROGRESS, OTHER CITIES AND COUNTIES.

NEEDED CHANGES IN CA STATE GOVERNMENT.

Paul Sundeen is one of the Riverside Assistant
Manager, and Chief Financial Officer. He has been
one of the main city brains, to keep it out of the red.
His cooperation to this reportage has been the
main source of information. He's so savvy in
Accounting and Economics that sometimes we
could not reach to his level. He has a pleasant
personality, introverted, humility, and a sense
of humor too. His honesty and love for his job

makes of him to be loved by his peers.

This reportage about Redevelopment is directed to the majority of Riverside residents, who have openly said they don't understand what's going on between Sacramento and the California Redevelopment Agencies.

We don't blame the people because this is a very complicated matter. When we refer to people, please include us in this political and financial web.

Having said that, we are simplifying the subject in plain language to better understand it. We thanks Paul Sundeen, Riverside City Manager Assistant and Chief Financial Officer, for his cooperation and patience with us, and the input of Scott Barber, Mike Gardner, Paul Davis, Andy Melendrez, and Ralph Nunez.

What is Redevelopment?

Redevelopment is a process created to assist city and county government in eliminating blight from a designated area, and to achieve desired development, reconstruction and rehabilitation including but not limited to: residential, commercial, industrial and retail.

How do Redevelopment Agencies Secure Funds?

The State Law makes available to Redevelopment Agencies a method of obtaining funds called “tax increment financing.” On the date the City Council approves a redevelopment plan, the property within the boundaries of the plan has a certain total property tax value. If this total assessed valuation increases, most of the taxes that are derived from the increase go to the Redevelopment Agency.

These funds are called “tax increments.” Usually, the flow of tax increment revenues to the Agency will not be sufficient in itself to finance the full scope of redevelopment activities and development projects. Therefore, agencies issue bonds. These bonds are not a debt of the City or County and are repaid solely from tax increment revenues. Tax increments can be used only in the same project which generates them, except for residential projects which benefit low and moderate income households.

Riverside benefited in great scale, using Redevelopment funds to restore blights, infrastructure and many projects, which have made of Riverside a modern city. It is appropriate to state that among the great cities in California, Riverside has been the only one not to be in the red, thanks to the excellent job done by our officials, especially by the Chief Financial Officer Paul Sundeen.

California State in Big Troubles

Governor Jerry Brown faced a budget deficit of almost $20 billions, reduced to about $10 billion. Several factors were involved in this state economic crisis: Poor administrations by ex Governors Davis, Swarchenegger, and Brown himself. Then, Brown decided to balance the state budget going after 400 Redevelopment agencies in California, taking their money, but making the situation worse for the cities and counties, resulting in unemployment growth and the suppression of projects. This action affects more the poor people, cutting services and help.

DRACONIAN DECISION BY BROWN

On June 29, 2011, Governor Brown signed Assembly Bill 26, which effectively eliminates redevelopment agencies. Every redevelopment agency must identify a successor in interest to manage its dissolution.

At the same time, Governor Brown signed Assembly Bill 27, which exempts a redevelopment agency from dissolution if such a redevelopment agency agrees to an "alternative voluntary redevelopment program." This means payment of local redevelopment funds to offset the State's budget short fall. It would have cost Riverside $19,619.428 the first year and $4,616, 336 annually there after. The City was inclined to accept such deal, in order to keep its redevelopment agency alive.

THE CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT

But on December 29, 2011, the California Supreme Court ruled in the redevelopment litigation, regarding the lawsuit filed by the League of California Cities, the San Jose and Union cities, and the California Redevelopment Agency v. the State (Motasanto.) with the purpose to keep redevelopment agencies without funding the state with a percentage. The cases were named ABX126 and ABX127.

The California Supreme Court upheld ABX1 26 and struck down ABX1 27. Then the California Redevelopment Association and the League of CA cities tried to work with state legislators to develop legislation to revive redevelopment, in order to protect local communities, jobs creation and our economy. But, in case the legislature decides in favor of the petitioners, Governor Brown has to sign it, which, so far, it doesn't look he will.This reportage intents to simplify a very complicated matter, which only experts understand totally. There are billions of dollars involved, hitting very hard cities and counties. The City of Riverside has to pay Sacramento all the money obtained from redevelopment since June 29, 2011, when bill ABX1 26 dissolved the agencies, plus it won't get a penny in the future from such source. Exact amounts have to be disclosed.

MANY PROJECTS AFFECTED

In a memorandum written by the Development Department to the Mayor and Housing Authority, it does re-affirm the City as the successor agency to the Redevelopment Agency and the designation of the Housing Authority as the entity that will retain the responsibility for performing housing functions previously performed by the Redevelopment Agency.

The memorandum specifies that on February 1, 2012, redevelopment agencies will be dissolved, and successors agencies will be regulated by Oversight Boards to be created on May 1, 2012.

The Oversight Bord will consist of seven members. The Board of Supervisors will be represented by two members, one of whom shall be a member of the public. The Mayor will appoint two members, one of whom shall be a former agency employee. The County Superintendent of Education: one member. The Chancellor of California Community College: one member. And the largest special district taxing entity: one member.

The successor agency is required to make payments and perform other obligations due under the Enforceable Obligations Payments Schedule of the former redevelopment agency.

Some of the Riverside impacted projects are the Arlington Park Childcare Center, the Magnolia Police Station Improvements, the relocation of Victorian houses, Phase 2 of the California Square, Lucky Greek property exchange, Olivewood student housing development, contribution to Convention Center rehab, Villegas Park Community Center improvements, and many more.

We are stopping here, before we become crazy for real. We think we have given a good idea to our readers about what's going on with the redevelopment mess. We reiterate our gratitude to Paul Sundeen for being so cooperative and patient with us.

Paul Sundeen, without any doubts, is one of the top Riverside officials who has kept the City out of the red and maintain all the fundamental public services in the middle of the economic crisis. He and all members of the government involved in such a difficult task deserve our kudos, especially Scott Barber and ex City Mananager Brad Hudson. Dollars and cents affected, in the amount of billions, will be disclosed when this "web" will be over. We expect compromise will be made, to avoid catastrophic results for cities and counties. Some legislators are not happy with the actions taken by Governor Brown and the CA Supreme Court.

We will get more details when Mayor Loveridge delivers the State of the City speech at the Convention Center, at noon, on January 19.

This has been one of the most complexes and confusing journalist tasks we have ever been involved in.

Honestly, we don't like it at all. Perhaps you either.

No doubts about it, Seizing Our Destiny has suffered a huge temporary set back.
_______________

Riverside Mayor State of the City Speech

January 19, 2012 PRIDE IN RIVERSIDE…AGAIN!
Thank you.

This is my 19th, and last, State of City. 2012 will also end my 32 years as a local elected official.

Robert Kennedy is one of my three political heroes. I have dedicated myself to making a difference, to realizing Kennedy‟s vision for the good city: “The city is not just housing and stores. It is not just education and employment, parks and theaters, banks and shops. It is a place where men should be able to live in dignity and security and harmony, where people can see and know each other, where children can play and adults work together and join in the pleasures and responsibilities of the place where they live.”

Many thanks are in order; let me emphasize five.

The first is the continuing support of Riverside residents. I have stood for election nine times. I am honored by your confidence, trust, and thus the opportunity to serve as your Council member and Mayor.

The second is the sustaining support of my wife, Marsha. She is central to whatever success I have had being a good mayor, council member, and professor. For over 50 years, Marsha has been my best friend.

The third is the long standing partnership with the best Chamber of Commerce in the State of California, led so ably, first by Art Pick and now by Cindy Roth.

Fourth, over the years, many people answered the Mayor‟s call to come together, to set directions for the City. Many tables were set: including Task Forces on Use of Force, Santa Ana River, Clean & Green, Go Riverside, and High Technology.

And fifth, governance is not a solitary act. Success depends on collaboration with many others. Kudos to elected and appointed City officials. I am especially proud of the civility at City Hall, and our “best practice” focus on the quest for the good city.

I must also thank members of the Mayor‟s Office; no mayor in California has a better staff, led for 10 years by an outstanding Chief of Staff, Kristin Tillquist.

SUCCESS STORIES

The overarching message is Pride in Riverside…Again!

Over the years, I have been asked, what were my most important successes, what stands out? Specific highlights also profile why there is Pride in Riverside… Again!

First Election - Running against four other candidates, I was elected to the Council with 63% of the vote in 1979. I studied the best of campaign texts. I took an early survey -- out of 226 voters in Ward One, I was liked by twelve and disliked by one. All others did not know who I was. I knocked on nearly 5,000 doors. This was the Proposition R election. For the first time in the City‟s history, no incumbent council members were reelected. Across the City, the election was a defining call for a change in direction.

Restoration and Reopening of the Mission Inn - There was an extraordinary community effort to save the Mission Inn. The Mission Inn reopened in 1992; the highest kudos go to Duane Roberts, Keeper of the Inn. With his personal commitment, genius, and financial resources, the Mission Inn is back, and better than ever. It is the iconic key to the rebirth of downtown and surely the primary reason why most people visit Riverside.

Good Neighborhood Program - Since 1979, I have emphasized that neighborhoods are the building blocks of a good city and have sought their improvement. As Mayor, my signature effort is our monthly Mayor‟s Night Out; they now number 160. In 2000, I proposed a Good Neighborhood Program; most of its 22 proposals are being implemented.

Two Parks - The Citrus State Park and the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park deserve special mention. In the early 1980s, Riverside competed with other major citrus areas to become the State site for the Citrus Park. A great place to visit, it captures the time when citrus was king in Southern California. And, we will keep it open! Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park is 1,800 acres, the largest wilderness park in any city dedicated after World War Two. It is a wonderful location for hiking and biking.

University Research Park - The University Research Park is a different kind of park. Established in 1997 by a partnership between the City, County, and UCR, it is a 56-acre campus for technology transfer. Led by Bourns and Surado, the Park is a dynamic contributor to high tech start ups in Riverside.

All-America City - In 1998, Riverside was selected as an All-America City. The message -- we can be a leader in the 19,000 cities and towns in America. Thirty cities were invited to present their story and 10 were selected by a panel of expert judges. The President of the National Civic League, Senator Bill Bradley -- and my second political hero -- called out Riverside as an All-America City.

Shooting at City Hall - On October 6, 1998, Joe Neal fired over 20 shots in the Council Board Room. Chuck Beaty and Laura Pearson courageously fought back, and Chuck was seriously wounded. I was shot first, receiving a slight wound to the back of my neck. At high personal risk, the police officers at the scene decided to force the door to the Council Board Room; this decision saved my life -- I would not be here except for their courage and skill.

The shooting was a nightmare on Main Street yet a miracle at City Hall. Let me read a Press Enterprise letter written by my wife:

“It was one of those glorious fall days in Riverside. The Santa Ana winds of Monday had calmed down, the sky was incredibly clear and blue, the morning chill was being nudged aside by the rising sun. As I enthusiastically pursued my daily hike up Mt. Rubidoux I was thinking: This is the best time of year -- the enervating heat of the summer is over, the holidays lie ahead, fall is like a fresh start. As I rounded the southern curve of the down road I could hear sirens, then more sirens. “There must a terrible fire someplace,” I thought. Soon after I returned home the doorbell rang, and there stood Ann Gore. She took my hand and said words that stopped my heart: “Ron‟s been shot...but he‟s OK.”

“Elected officials and their families expect to make certain sacrifices -- loss of privacy, long hours, loss of time together, being “fair game” to reporters -- but to make the ultimate sacrifice is an unthinkable, yet latent fear. Tuesday October 6, 1998 took a very scary turn, but was not a tragic day. City officials, police officers, and emergency crews all did their job. Dead bodies were not removed from the Council Chambers.”

“The past few days have been a roller coaster ride -- and Lord knows I‟m not a roller coaster fan. Dormant emotions rose to the surface.

Notsurprisingly, the powerful impact has been the outpouring of love and support -- the flowers, the phone calls, the e-mails, the cards -- from all over the world. We have heard from friends and neighbors, from former students, from colleagues, from strangers, from businesses, from people whose paths crossed ours recently or many years ago. People on the street have hugged us and shed tears with us. This affirmation is overwhelming and it is crucial to the healing of our wounds -- for we all have been wounded.”

“Those whose lives were spared on Tuesday have work left to do. And the people of Riverside will be with them to do it. This is a great city. Thank you all.”

League of California Cities/National League of Cities - In 2004 I served as President of the State League. It was the year of Proposition 1 A, a statewide ballot measure to keep the State from taking local revenues. The measure passed by over 84%, an extraordinary margin. And in 2010, I served as President of NLC. It was a year when I took the story of Riverside on the road, to D.C. and many states, as well as internationally. However, my most vivid memory was the NLC Board of Directors meeting at the Mission Inn -- I can still hear their kudos for Riverside.

Diverse Community - As an increasingly diverse city, I am proud of many initiatives that have taken form over my years as Mayor. The Mayor‟s Multicultural Forum was the source of Building a More Inclusive Community Statement; it has been cited by leaders in the NLC as the best such statement in the country. The Grier Pavilion, named after civil rights and social justice advocates Jean and Barnett Grier, is also a striking statement of our commitment to be an inclusive community.

Downtown Mall - When elected as Mayor, the Downtown Mall was distinguished only by a red tripod sculpture outside of City Hall. Funded by the Riverside Renaissance, the Mall has undergone a $10 million dollar restoration -- it looks terrific. As Mayor, I have strongly supported the memorials on the Mall to Ismael Villegas, Wall of Honor, Martin Luther King, Ahn Chang Ho, Mahatma Gandhi, and Eliza Tibbets. And in November, there will be a memorial to Cesar Chavez. Except for Washington D.C., I cannot identify any other U.S. city with these kinds of memorials and the stories they tell on our Downtown Mall.

Clean & Green City - Riverside is a green city, California‟s first Emerald City. We have a defining Green Action Plan. By 2020, the City is committed to 33% renewable energy and to 20 megawatts of solar -- we indeed are the model solar city in Southern California. The City uses alternative fuel vehicles for almost all non-public safety uses. In competition among the greenest cities in Southern California, Riverside tied for first!

Sister Cities - Since taking office, our global reach has expanded from three sister cities by adding five more world class cities. We took the idea of a sister city to a new level by raising more than $600,000 for the Sendai relief fund. Our sister city innovations have made us the best of class.

This final State of the City is not, however, a personal inventory. Rather, let me offer a City perspective, first by looking back, then at 2012, and finally -- and most importantly, looking forward.

LOOKING BACK

Riverside has an extraordinary history. According to Tom Patterson in Colony for California, “Riverside‟s founder, John North, wanted the city to be well educated, well behaved, fair-minded, scientific, artistic, honorable, industrious, and wealthy.” In the first part of the 20th Century, Riverside had the highest per capita income of any city in the country. Kevin Starr, perhaps the best living writer on California, described Riverside as the “quintessential citrus town.” For many years, more oranges were grown in Riverside than any other city in the nation, and the Mission Inn was a major watering hole for Southern California.

Yet after World War II and especially in the 1960s, the City lost its civic vision, its civic will. Tom Brown, then the City Planning Director, offered this conclusion to a report in 1966: “Unlike many communities, Riverside has an inheritance to lose, and there is a clear and present danger of losing it… Not by identifiable villains but simply by growth.” The City grew rapidly and in my judgment not well as we doubled our population from 84,000 in 1960 to 170,000 in 1980.

During the 1960s, smog levels were dismaying. In 1965, the year I came to Riverside, there were nearly 200 days with Stage 1 Alerts and about 75 days with Stage 2. There were even days at UCR when it was difficult to see the Box Springs Mountains. By contrast, we now have no Stage 1 Alerts.

The downtown in the 1970s was at best disappointing. Restaurants were very few. Retailers had left. There was a limited, and decaying, justice center. The Mission Inn was open, but in poor fiscal and operating condition. There was no downtown association. By contrast, in 2011, we hosted the Annual California Downtown Conference. The Justice Center is a regional model. The Mission Inn is a national beacon for our City. And currently, there is nearly $250 million dollars of new construction that has or will be completed.

Another marker was our parks. They were few in number and disappointing in appearance and in use. Two examples -- La Sierra Park, jerrybuilt over time, too often hosted more gophers than ball players. And Fairmount Park was unsafe and badly deteriorated. By contrast, in 2011, our parks have never looked better. Andulka, Citrus, Hunter, Orange Terrace, and Sycamore are recognized as among the best in the State. And Fairmount Park was selected by the American Planning Association as one of America‟s 10 Great Places for 2011.

During the 1960s and 1970s, our three universities and RCC were small and little known. Now with over 21,000 students, UCR is an internationally respected research university. CBU may be the fastest growing private university in America, with the possibility of 8,800 students by 2020. La Sierra University has achieved more international awards for its Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) than any university in the world. And RCCD is considered among the country‟s finest community college districts.

When I ran for Council in 1979, I reviewed the City‟s past, and its possible future. After many conversations, a general campaign theme emerged: Pride in Riverside…Again!

LOOKING AT 2012

We have come a long way since 1979.

Riverside now ranks among the best cities, in California, and across the country. In the past two State of the City speeches, ten reasons underscored why Riverside has come of age in the 21st Century. Today let me offer other markers of being a best city.

Despite these difficult economic times, Riverside has a balanced budget, with a General Fund reserve of about $43 million dollars. No city of our size in California has this kind of reserve.

Local public opinion polls show that the City is heading in the “right direction.” Another marker was the overwhelming support for Measure I -- the 85% approval was the highest percentage of any revenue ballot measure before California cities last November.

At your table is an outstanding annual report, “Seizing Our Destiny: Celebrating Progress and A Call to Action.” The Report says: “Riversiders, across racial, age, and income groups, are uniformly happy with their overall quality of life and are proud to live and work here.” This high praise comes from a survey of over 1,450 residents.

Also at your table is a booklet titled “Riverside‟s 25 Best Practices.” These are state and national best practices. I will send this booklet to all mayors and city managers in California, and to the NLC‟s Board of Directors.

Beyond the 25 Best Practices, the City in 2011 received many awards and honors. Keep Riverside Clean & Beautiful was honored as the best in the nation at what it does. Riverside was identified in a State of the Internet report as the Best Connected City in the United States. And I particularly liked Newsweek‟s 2011 ranking of America‟s fifteen top “can do” cities -- Riverside ranked third on their list!

I take special pride in our City‟s signature event, the Festival of Lights. It keeps getting better and better. There was a national news story identifying the 50 best places to see Christmas Lights in America. Listing one per state, the choice for California was our Festival of Lights.

Likewise, I take special pride in the success of SmartRiverside‟s Digital Inclusion Program. Over 5,000 computers have now been given, with training, to low income families. I know of no other city in the country with such a successful program to “equalize” information and opportunity.

The Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) offers perhaps the highest marker of Riverside‟s emergence as a best city. The prestigious ICF focuses worldwide, on cities and their economic development in the broadband economy. In 2011, we were selected to be a Top Seven Intelligent Community of the Year. Over 435 cities applied. The ICF has a very sophisticated jury system. The point -- Riverside is now competitive with the best cities in the world! News bulletin: Yesterday, ICF selected Riverside as a Top Seven Intelligent Community of the Year for 2012. The only other American city selected was Austin, Texas.

There is Pride in Riverside…Again!

LOOKING AT THE FUTURE

The Urban Land Institute makes this powerful observation: “In a global world, cities have become more -- not less -- important. They really matter...They are increasingly the „wealth of nations.” Whether a city performs well or poorly is not its location or history, but rather the choices its leaders make…quality of decision making is important and quality of life is critical.”

We are on our own! The City cannot look to Washington or Sacramento for help.

For the foreseeable future, the emphasis in Washington is on deficit reduction. Most existing city programs will be cut, or even eliminated, and it is highly unlikely that any new federal initiatives for cities will be proposed, much less funded.

As to Sacramento, the verdict is worse. There is little statewide attention or support for local economic growth. And there is a significant mandate for realignment of our prison population without any funding for cities.

But most dismaying, the Governor has eliminated the City‟s primary economic development tool, redevelopment. As a large and older city, the loss of redevelopment is, quite simply, devastating.

We are a best practice example of redevelopment‟s relevance and value. Redevelopment has helped to fund or support almost every good initiative in our City: affordable housing, historic preservation, downtown and commercial revitalization, neighborhood improvement, and major capital projects. Looking back, without redevelopment, the Mission Inn, Plaza, major improvements in Casa Blanca and along University Avenue would not have happened.

Proximity to the beaches, mountains and desert does not explain the City‟s success as a best city.

Rather, Riverside‟s success pivots on our civic will, vision, and social capital. We have demonstrated the capacity to invent our future.

But in 2012, I certainly agree with the call of the Red Queen in Alice in Wonderland, “...it takes all the running you can do, to keep in the same place. If you want to get somewhere else, you must run at least twice as fast as that.”

Today I offer ten challenges for Riverside‟s future. How we respond to these challenges, what decisions we make will define our City for decades ahead, and especially our aspirations that Seizing Our Destiny calls out: “Intelligent growth, catalyst for innovation, location of choice, and unified city for the common good.”

1) Economic Prosperity - First, economic development must be the highest priority of the City. We must be a best place to do business. We must do economic development better and smarter than other cities. And we must understand that we compete in a global marketplace.

Seizing Our Destiny offers an innovative economic game plan. Organized in Eleven Routes, it centers on improving our economic future through strategic choices for quality of life. Much has been done, yet much remains.

How can Seizing Our Destiny succeed? Public and private sectors must partner to achieve what neither can accomplish alone. Economic development must be the “work” of every city employee. Kudos to Scott Barber for setting this objective as his governance approach as City Manager. And we must set and effectively implement measurable goals for the Eleven Routes.

2) University Community - Second, the City must recognize that Riverside‟s most important assets are UCR, CBU, LSU, and RCC. They are our major employers, they have the highest economic impact on our City, and they distinguish us from other cities in Southern California. The success of our future is closely tied to being a university community -- to wit, UCR‟s medical school.

We must go beyond good town-gown relations and continually look for ways to work together. Our three universities and RCC must be fully involved as partners in the future of Riverside.

3) Social Capital - Third, social capital is a concept I often use to explain why Riverside is a successful city. Harvard Political Scientist Robert Putnam says, “Social capital makes us smarter, healthier, safer, richer, and better able to govern a just and stable democracy.” Social capital centers on connections among people, social networks, and the resulting reciprocity and trust.

Successful cities require effective governance, but government alone cannot create successful cities. Our challenge is to continue to respect and increase social capital. We must value its many different sources.

The City must also be an inclusive community, for it is who we are. The 2010 Census offers a diverse portrait of Riverside. We all should support, and strongly so, the City‟s Statement on Building A More Inclusive Community.

4) Middle Class - Fourth, the City‟s most difficult competition is for middle class residents. Where we live is among our most important personal choices, and the middle class can choose to live in many different cities.

Improving neighborhoods must continue to be high on the agenda of the City. They are where the middle class lives, raises their families, and has their greatest economic investment. Neighborhoods are likewise the litmus test of city services and where quality of life is experienced.

RUSD uses a performance chart to show that test scores are increasing, despite decreasing affluence. This chart captures our challenge. Nearly two thirds of all RUSD and three quarters of AUSD students now qualify for free lunch. We must change the income direction. We must encourage middle class families to live and educate their children in Riverside. As we did for Shop Riverside, we need an even more effective campaign to Live in Riverside.

5) K-12 Education/Talent Dividend - Fifth, K-12 is both our Achilles heel, and our opportunity. For the middle class, K-12 schools are the center of virtually every residential real estate decision.

RUSD and Alvord have many good stories to tell, and these stories can make a persuasive difference. Visit At Home in Riverside; it tells good stories about our neighborhoods and their schools.

However, we must recognize that Riverside test scores are too low and those who complete a post secondary degree too few -- only 17 out of every 100 Riverside students will complete a degree or credential.

Beyond tasking RUSD and Alvord for excellence and innovation, the challenge is for the community to be fully engaged, to become exceptional partners with the two school districts. We must connect the City‟s social capital with improving the performance of K-12 and with increasing college graduation rates.

As to directions, I propose three strategies for community partnerships. First, I like the approach of the United Way of Central Indiana and their focus on two educational goals: “Children are ready to learn when they start kindergarten and are at grade level in reading and math by the 6th grade.” Consulting with the United Way of the Inland Valleys and our two school districts, I will appoint a task force to report on how this national best practice from Indiana can take root in Riverside.

Second, I strongly recommend a look at the Lighted School House or what others have called Community Schools. Expanding after hours services for kids and parents is an important strategy for improving school performance, especially for Hispanics. As explained by Juan Sepulveda, director of the White House Initiative

On Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans, “Community schools bridge the gap between education and antipoverty services by partnering with nonprofits and local agencies to invest in the care of the whole child.”

And third, Riverside is one of four cities to receive a $3 million grant from Bill & Melinda Gates to increase college graduation rates. Completion Counts is a defining opportunity for Riverside. The Talent Dividend is becoming the best marker of a successful city in the 21st Century. The presence of college-educated people explains much of a city‟s success. In Riverside, a one percentage point gain in college completion would yield an estimated $185 million dollar increase in per capita income.

6) Arts and Innovation - Sixth, Riverside has branded itself the City of Arts & Innovation. Successful branding requires commitment, ingenuity, and hard work.

As a destination brand, Arts & Innovation can attract visitors, engage all residents, and help retain talent workers in the 18-35 age bracket. Arts and innovation are a key economic driver. A recent Sunset article recommends that visitors go to Riverside and “Check out the artsy side of the Inland Empire.”

With the opening of the Fox Theater and Culver Center, the facilities necessary to be a City of Arts & Innovation are largely in place, and will be so when RCC completes its construction of the School for the Arts.

The challenge before Riverside is to celebrate, coordinate, and support the arts, effectively and financially. Route 9, Creativity Central, should advocate, monitor, and report on the City‟s Arts Plan.

7) Downtown and the Creative Community - Seventh, Downtown is everybody‟s neighborhood. I do not know of a good city that does not have a good downtown. Riverside has a good downtown -- there is no other like it in the Inland Empire. And I should say that as downtown residents, Marsha and I are happy campers.

Urban economist Richard Florida has introduced the creative class. Composed of highly educated professionals, they regard lifestyle as particularly important in choosing a place to live. The members of this class demand social interaction, culture, nightlife, diversity, and authenticity.

Demography is destiny -- there is a growing choice among Americans for walkable urban places. Many young people want to be in the center of things -- downtown. And even among the boomers, there is a desire for easy access to shopping, food, music, art, and health care.

The City needs to focus on the interests of the creative class and match them with the characteristics of a walkable urban place. The challenge -- we should set a goal for market rate housing downtown, say 5,000 units by 2025, and then figure out how to finance and support such an objective. A vibrant, 24/7 downtown requires full time residents.

We also need to figure out a way to rehab the downtown library, prepare a Complete Streets Plan, expand the federal court complex, and develop a major business center in the area of the Mission Inn Annex.

8) Green Machine - Eighth, being a green machine saves the City money, energy is used more efficiently, and we become good stewards of the environment.

The challenge is to stay the course. The City Charter Review Committee is proposing a Sustainability Commission. This Commission will both advocate and monitor our green initiatives, current and prospective. Please vote yes in June for a Sustainability Commission.

9) Fit, Fresh, & Fun - Ninth, as President of NLC, I attended a European Green Capital Conference in Stockholm. An internationally renowned keynote speaker, Richard Scase, emphasized that successful cities in the 21st Century will be judged on being Fit, Fresh, & Fun.

The challenge for Riverside is to commit ourselves -- in word and deed -- to be a city that is Fit, Fresh, & Fun. Many exciting initiatives are taking form. To focus on the “big picture,” a Forum of stakeholders was appointed. The Forum has so far agreed on six goals, including a city wide campaign -- with milestones -- to reduce obesity.

10) Senior Friendly Community - Tenth, successful cities of the future must be senior friendly. The boomers are joining the ranks of seniors. And as Janet Goeske used to say, you too will be a senior one day.

Many seniors have good health, time and skills to volunteer, money to spend, and they can choose where to live. The challenge is to increase Riverside‟s leadership as a senior friendly community both in programs and services and equally important, in attention and respect. The Mayor‟s Commission on Aging should undertake an annual evaluation of our progress in being a senior friendly community.

I was struck by the first major speech I heard as a Council member, when James Rouse, one of America‟s great urban practitioners, said: “I believe there‟s nothing more important in America than the future of our cities. It‟s where we truly cradle our civilization, our families, and young and older people...we are responsible for cities...we have the opportunity within our own hands to do enormously important things about them.”

NEXT SIX TO TEN MONTHS

I will be Mayor for six to ten more months. I am excited every day as Mayor. It will be a sprint to the finish line for which I have identified 12 goals for 2012! The torch has not yet passed!

Let me provide a preview of coming attractions...some of the events, meetings, and initiatives that I will be hosting or leading.

In conjunction with Seizing Our Destiny Route Seven, the Mayor‟s Office will host a PLACE summit, presented by Projects for Public Spaces.

The Mayor‟s Office will host a Community of Faith Summit focused on creating a college culture.

As Mayor, I will work with the Latino Network to help raise funds for the Cesar Chavez memorial.

Drawing upon a comparable event in Erlangen, Germany, the Mayor‟s Office will lead a Long Night of Arts and Innovation in downtown Riverside.

I will start and chair quarterly meetings of a Forum for Riverside Youth Sports. The objective is for Riverside to be the Youth Sports Center of the Inland Empire.

The Mayor‟s Office and Parks Department will work together to increase signage and other activities for the bike trail along the Santa Ana River. The Santa Ana trail from Seven Oaks Dam to Huntington Beach should be completed by the end of 2012.

To help be “Fit, Fresh, and Fun”, the City is contracting with Charlie Gandy, a nationally recognized leader, to expand the bicycling renaissance in Riverside.

Monthly walks with the Mayor will continue. And Walk Riverside, a nonprofit group, will likely be organized.

Several neighborhood initiatives will start. The Mayor‟s Office will offer a Certificate for Realtors centered on information sessions about the City. I will support a major new web effort called NextDoor to foster greater contacts and sharing within the City‟s 26 Neighborhoods. And I will work with the City Manager to start the first systematic evaluation of Riverside neighborhoods.

I will facilitate the City and the Chancellor in making University Avenue from Iowa to UCR more pedestrian and bike friendly.

I will organize a small group of Riverside leaders to meet with the Mayor of Los Angeles and members of the LA City Council to talk about local control of the Ontario Airport.

I will work with the Council and community leaders to understand the significance and choices involved in the Regional Transportation Plan, an historic effort led by SCAG, Southern California Association of Governments.

Enough of highlights of coming attractions -- the agenda of the Mayor, in summary, can be quite expansive.

NEXT MAYOR

In the middle of 1970s, I gave a speech to the Kiwanis Club on leadership in Riverside. Using the metaphor of the Greek philosopher Diogenes‟ search for an honest man, I said that Riverside‟s problem was not a lack of the honest man but rather a lack of leadership, and that such leadership could only be found in the Mayor‟s Office. It is also my view of the Mayor‟s Office in 2012.

Quickly framed, the Mayor has three major responsibilities. The first is to provide a vision for the City -- what policy and political directions? What best practices? The second is to bring people to the table, to be a facilitative leader, and to promote civility and inclusiveness. The third is to be the ambassador for the City, to be its representative locally, regionally, statewide, nationally, and globally.

Let the next Mayor‟s campaign begin....

CONCLUSION

My third political hero is Henry Cisneros, the best big city mayor in the last half of the 20th Century. In a recent letter, I was honored by a handwritten note from Cisneros: “I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Riverside --congratulations on the immense contributions you have made over the years.”

There is a quote from Robert Kennedy that is above Cisneros‟ desk -- it is also my view of a mayor‟s leadership, “The future does not belong to those who are content with today, apathetic toward common problems and their fellow man alike, timid and fearful in the face of new ideas and bold projects. Rather it will belong to those who can blend passion, reason, and courage in a personal commitment to the ideals and great enterprises of American society,” and I would add, to the City of Riverside.

Thank you for the honor and opportunity to work with you over the past 32 years, and God speed to the City of Riverside.

IN THIS EDITION:

* Lunar Fest Dragon Gala
* Riverside State of the City
* No lay-off from Redevelopment
* Police advise about burglaries
* Letters to the Editor

* A new year full of challenges
* At last, some good news
* The new Riverside City Manager
* Origin of the Occupy Movement
* The marvels created by God

* When real loves touches our hearts
* The great responsibility of W. Bush
* The Mexican hyenas
* Castro killed a prisoner by thirst
* History of al Qaeda

* It is criminl and stupid to smoke
* Riverside Constitution revised

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MORE MONEY FOR SENDAI

2012-01-13T13:53:00.000-08:00

People keeps helping the victims of the Sendai tsunami. Amount has reached $608,569.98 on1-17-12.

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THERE WILL NOT BE LAY OFFS

2012-01-11T20:54:00.000-08:00

Paul Sundeen, Riverside City Assistant Manager/Chief Financial Officer, informs The Truth there won't be lay-offs out of the suppression of the Riverside Redevelopment Agency by the California Supreme Court. At least for the next six months it is so predicted, but the future is uncertain. Nobody knows how the economy is going to be in half a year from now.

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2012-01-11T02:00:00.000-08:00

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See "Letters to the Editor" in the next page.

2012-01-06T23:19:00.000-08:00

ALERT TO RIVERSIDE RESIDENTS

2012-01-06T00:03:00.000-08:00

INCREASE IN VEHICLE BURGLARIES

Different parts of Riverside have been experiencing localized increases in vehicle burglaries and theft of items from houses and yards.

We need you to call the police non-emergency number, 787-7911, when you see suspicious activity. If the dispatch operator is reluctant to dispatch an officer please tell them, “Lieutenant Manning said I should call.”

If you are the victim of a theft or burglary please make a police report. The statistics of criminal activity help determine where officers are deployed around the City. If we don’t know an area is having a problem extra officers are not likely to be concentrated there.

There are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of being victimized. Lock your car, even at home, and do not leave anything of value in sight. If you can, park where it is well lit. Do not leave valuables on the front porch or other places readily visible from the street.

If you are going to be away arrange for neighbors to pick up mail, newspapers and advertising material at your house. Do not discard anything with personal information in the trash. Not all of the people picking through the recycling containers are looking for cans and bottles. Shred everything!

It is illegal to go through the trash. If you see it report it.

THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS RELEASED BY COUNCILMAN MIKE GARDNER.

We thanks Gardner for sharing the info and his concern for the safety of our residents, but it will be very rare if a dispatcher will send an officer if a citizen reports someone going through a recycle container; dozens do that everyday. It would be needed an especial Trash Unit that Chief Sergio Diaz and the government cannot afford to have now due to economics.

The Truth suggests to install locks on trash containers, making copies for the workers. It would be less costly to the City. Trash with alarms could be another solution. (sense of humor.) On the other hand, if you tell a RPD dispatcher "Lieutenant Manning said I should call," they won't believe you, especially our polite and bright dispatchers. They will ask you, "How do you know Lieutenant Manning?, when and where did you talk to him?

We love Councilman Gardner, he's one of the best Council members ever been at the Riverside dais, we back him all the way, but we think he has been a little bit, partially, naive this time. But his advice about being defensive from criminal has been very serious and we appreciate it very much.

--- Police Department, may I help you?

--- A man is scrapping in my trash can by the sidewalk.

--- Do you have anything valuable in it?

--- What? Lieutenant Manning said to call you.

--- Do you know him?

--- Who: the Lieutenant or the man by my container?

--- The Lieutenant.

--- I saw the Lieutenant on TV. He's very handsome.
--- Lady, have you been drinking today?

___________________

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Hello Mr. Santana,

I was reading your blog today and saw your comments regarding the mention of Lt. Manning to dispatchers. My neighborhood was having trouble a few years ago and I too had trouble getting dispatch to take me seriously or Officer's to respond on more serious issues than trash diggers. I had constant contact with (then) Sgt. McCarthy and one day I said, Sgt. McCarthy said to call"! Amazing the response I got.

When Lt. Manning came into our area and started attending MANA meetings he made it clear the Dept. worked for us and bad customer service would not be tolerated. When we made calls we would simply state Lt. Manning said, Lt. Manning is working this situation and he said... and so on. The mentioning of a Lt. or Sgt. you are working with really does help. Imagine being a Dispatcher and ignoring that comment just once... the time Lt. Manning DID say... would you like to cross him? =>

The trash diggers is a terrible problem and is increasingly getting worse. We call and make reports every single time we see it. Sometimes, Officer's arrive. We as residents understand this most likely will not be a priority call however, it is important to let the Dept. know what is happening and where.

I enjoy reading your blog, just wanted to let you know our experience with "Lt. Manning said" although, I would not have chosen to put that in a City e-mail as Council member Gardner did.

Respectfully,
Janice
Magnolia Area Neighborhood Alliance

"Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has". ~Margaret Mead

______________________________

A COMMENT FROM THE TRUTH:

Dear Janice, thank you for writing to The Truth. Lt. Chris Manning and Councilman Mike Gardner are straight people dedicating their lives to serve the community. Lt. Manning's wife, Jaybee Brennen is a bright lady and an excellent speaker. I know you agree with these comments and I do with yours. Congratulations for the job well done at the Magnolia Area Neighborhood Alliance.

THE NEW YEAR 2012: FULL OF CHALLENGES

2012-01-03T03:54:00.000-08:00

This will be a year full of great challenges, although hope and faith have to prevail.

With exceptions, people are not happy. There are serious problems all over the world. We are worried about the economy and the unemployment, without excluding inflation.

The government of Syria keeps killing protesters. The war in Iraq was not won by the U.S. Bombs keep exploiting on the streets of this unfortunate and suffered nation. Our U.S. soldiers are dying in Afghanistan. Jews and Palestine people never will make peace; this is the core of the world's problems.

Iran is a big threat. North Korea and its new baby/dictator are the incognito. Instability and tension reins in the Middle East and Africa. Europe struggles to straighten out its economy. Pakistan has been cheating the U.S. for a long time, playing in both teams at the same time. There are discontent and protests almost in the whole globe. While big U.S. corporations are becoming more reach, the common people are being squeezed to the maximum.

While Exxon reported revenues of $21.billions and Chevron $14 billions, we are paying almost $4.00 for a gallon of gas. Bank of America discriminated Hispanics and blacks issuing loans. Greedy banks and Wall Street made billions selling houses to unqualified buyers, creating the recession we are still suffering. Bank of America profits are close to $40 billion. Foreclosures are as many as opium in Afghanistan. Most of companies pay no taxes, and pay only about half of the 35% corporate income tax rate.

Prices at the super markets and restaurants are going sky high by day (We eat at Wendy's) Renters are paying overcharging amounts for shelters that most of the owners don't fix. Tenants have no rights, no matter what the letter of the law says. Inflation doesn't stop. All President proposals to fix what is broken are sabotaged by unscrupulous and anti patriotic politicians in the Congress.

Cities and counties are been hit really hard by the California Supreme Court, as a result of incapable Governors. You cannot spend more of what you get.

The moral in the country is going down the drain. This is the era of tattoos, drugs, pornography, same sex marriages and violent and sex on T.V. Hundreds of politicians have been caught behaving immorally. What a example for the youth, for the new generation!

Political contributions reached astronomic amounts: $23 million was spent on lobbying and $45.9 million on campaign contributions in California by Bank of America Corp., JPMorgan Chase & Co., Citigroup Inc. and Morgan Stanley. They helped defeat a bill that would have required a greater effort to modify loans before moving to foreclosure.

We could keep going, but the reader got the picture. It is suffering.

We are playing with fire, with the existence of our democracy and its free enterprise system. We don't want here a Bastille or a Tea Party. What we need is a strong government to fix what's broken. The walls of our Congress, unfortunately, are full of greed and corruption.

We are asking President Barack Obama the use of his constitutional powers, to become implacable with corruption and stop the game of the enemies of our country, in our land and abroad.

SOME GOOD NEWS

2011-12-17T13:43:00.000-08:00

Among so many bad news we read and watch in TV., two good ones have come out: The end of the war in Iraq, and the fall of jobless rate to 11.3% from 11.7% last October in California.

Still we have a long way to go to return to normality, but adding 211,400 workers is a respectable figure. Just remember that California lost 1.3 million jobs during the economic downturn. California's jobless rate is still well above he national rate of 8.6%, meaning 2 million workers remain unemployed.

But, still, the unemployment rate drop is an excellent news, needless to say the war that wasn't meant to be, which cost over 4,500 American lives, over 30,000 injured, and dried out our financial reserve. Near 100,000 Iraqis died. Can George W. Bush sleep in peace, responsible for thousands of deaths in a war that was not necessary?

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2011-12-12T12:19:00.001-08:00

The Truth Publication Online in Facebook now.

New City Manager Background

2011-12-05T16:46:00.000-08:00

Scott Barber

The Truth Publication was favoring Scott as the new City Manager.

Mr. Barber has worked as the Community Development Director with the City since August of 2005 and has nearly 25 years of public sector experience. He has held a variety of leadership positions including administration of a county Transportation and Land Management Agency.

Mr. Barber holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from California Baptist University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Riverside.

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POLICE LOOKING FOR DRUNK DRIVERS

2011-11-22T10:16:00.000-08:00

Nothing better than eat your turkey with family and friends. But if you drink and drive, there will be only cold hamburgers and water in jail.

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THE START OF THE OCCUPY MOVEMENT

2011-11-18T05:58:00.000-08:00

While violent or pacific confrontations have been taken place in New York and in many other cities of the U.S. between the Occupy Movement and Police, the roots of the unrests are based on political and social discontent by an approximately 33% of the nation population, mostly from those who are unemployed, vagrants, and Communists who always intervene in chaotic situations.

Members of the Occupy Movement refer to it as an international protest, which is primarily directed against economic and social inequality.

The Movement started in Kuala Lumpur, capital of Malaysia, on July 30, 2011, with Occupy Dataran, followed by New York City and San Francisco on September 17, 2011. Wall Street and San Francisco were occupied, and the Movement expanded to 95 cities across 82 countries and over 600 communities in the U.S. But since 20 years ago, Vancouver Magazine has been encouraging rebellion and sabotage against Black Friday and setting the stage for the Occupy Movement. The name Evan Samuel Heimlich has been single out as one of the main leaders of the Movement, but without confirmation.

By November 17, 2011, close to 2,600 towns and cities were "occupied." Vancouver is in the province British Columbia, Canada.

The movement was initiated by the Canadian group Adbuster (from the magazine with the same name) and partly inspired by the Arab Spring in Cairo's Tahrir Square and Spanish "Indignants." They used the slogan 99% symbolizing the victims of the present situation.

One of the inspirations for the movement was the Democratic Village set up in 2010, outside the British Parliament in London. They received additional attention when the Internet group Anonymous encouraged its followers to take part in the protests, calling them to set up kitchens in lower Manhattan. Kallen Lasn, long time editor of Adbuster---considered the Carl Marx of the Occupy Movement---has long believed that "Wall Street and vast corporate wealth have sent the US into what he calls, 'terminal decline.'''

As stated, this is a Movement that cannot be ignored because the great amount of followers, some of them becoming very violent. Sooner or later people are going to die, protesters or police members, and we'll be involved in a very serious social unrest, which will make the economy worse, as it is already happening because the revolts, which are costing billions of dollars.

Since the start of civilization there have been always those who have and those who don't have, plus those in the middle. The American Revolution had its origin because the English economic strangulation on Americans. The Russian Revolution was the result of the Czars abuses against the people. So, the French Revolution and so many more. Recently, Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya.

The Communist thesis of "equality" is a joke. Not even God made us equal. Some bigger than others, people with different skin colors, some more intelligent than others, some good workers and others lazies. The word equality is just that, a word.

But this doesn't mean we cannot find a way to make life more fair for humanity. We have touched this subject before and have proposed many times the legal mandate of PROFIT SHARING. Then corporation and proprietors could avoid the sinking of the world society. Why some big corporations don't have their fair share to pay taxes?

It would be unjust to blame President Obama for the present crisis, taking power with two wars going on and the debacle allowed by ex President Bush, who, even being advised of the coming financial storms many times, he didn't impose regulation in the housing industry, favoring Walls Street and his billionaires friends.

Let's be just and truthful. Yes, this world is hungry for Social Justice. But we regret violence. There are other ways to achieve it. Mahatma Gandhi did it in India.

It is legal, Constitutional, to protest, but peacefully. Liberty has limitations by laws, and laws have to be respected and obeyed.

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THE MARVELS CREATED BY GOD

2011-10-19T03:17:00.000-07:00

These beautiful photos taken during the Autumn season,
that started in September 23,
were sent to The Truth Publication Online by
Riverside Council lady Nancy Hart. The one above is
in Holland, the other in Scotland. Who cannot
believe in God looking at these pictures?

Let's humans understand that there is a Great Creator, that the lives of each one of us have a purpose while we are in this planet. Sooner or later, we all are going to get together somewhere; so, why don't we try
to do justice in this world and get along? A better distribution of the earth' resources would be a good start. The great gap between those who have and those who don't is increasing every year. This has to be stopped, or we all are going together to lose everything. The way we are going now, the middle class is on the way to disappear. Then, "Adios Lola."

Inflation and financial abuses are destroying America. The Truth Publication is a firm believer in Profit Sharing, which should be a law. Corporations and all profitable business should share some of the revenues that were impossible to make without the sweat of the workers. There won't peace and justice on earth while people are dying of hunger in Somalia and poker gamblers bet $500,000 in one hand. There is something very wrong there. Remember the Titanic: Rich, Middle, and poor sank.

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In Spanish and English: When Love Arrives

2011-09-27T10:36:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, The Truth enjoys many bilingual readers. Today, we would like to please both Spanish and English friends, especially those who love poetry in the Cervantes language.

This poem was the inspiration of our publisher, after a very pleasant experience.

Créalo o no, The Truth se enorgullece en contar con muchos lectores de habla hispana. Hoy, quisiéramos dedicarle a éllos este poema que fue inspirado por nuestro director después de haber experimentado una muy agradable experiencia.

Llegaste a mí en la oscuridad de la noche

para iluminar mi alma yerta en el desierto.

Fue así todo, de repente.

Saltó mi corazón del pecho

como un río que desborda su corriente.

¿Estaría yo soñando? ¿Estaría yo despierto?

¿Qué siento? No puedo contarlo al viento.

Es un misterio.

Es que pienso que te quiero.

No me preguntes, perdón, te ruego.

Será tu voz, será tu pelo,

Será el glamor de tu sonrisa

que acaricia mi alma con su brisa.

No comprendo. Sólo siento.

¡Es que siento que te quiero!

___________________

More or less says in English:

You came to me in the darkness of the night,
to illuminate my dead soul in the desert.

It was so sudden, so fast,

my heart broke off from my chest
as the current of a river overflows.

Was I dreaming? Was I awaken?

What do I feel? I cannot tell it to the winds.

It is a mystery.

I think it is because I love you.

Don't ask me, I beg you.

It could be your voice, you hair

It could be the glamor your smile

cherishing my soul with its breeze.

I don't understand it. I only feel it.

It is that I feel I love you!

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The Great Responsibility of George W. Bush

2011-09-13T04:57:00.000-07:00

The Taliban has carried out a massive attack on the US Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. No reports of deaths of injuries yet, at 4:10 a.m. Pacific Time, on September 13, 2011. The attackers occupied a building next to the Embassy.

This and other criminal activities by the Taliban rises again the question if the local Arm Forces can successfully face the enemy without American help. The Taliban, lords in illegal drugs traffic, has always control the country, but now they are reaching the capital.

Afghanistan is directly related to the security of the United States because their association with al Qaeda.

What's going on in that part of the world is the complete responsibility of ex President George Bush, who diverted the U.S. military resources from Afghanistan to Iraq, a country that had not weapons of mass destruction and was not a threat to the security of the United States. A war where 4,000 young soldiers died for nothing. Can Bush sleep in peace?

George W. Bush should be charged as a War Criminal, prosecuted and punished according with International Law.

HYENAS ARE BETTER ANIMALS THAN MEXICAN DRUG DEALERS

2011-09-07T06:31:00.000-07:00

Another victim of the barbarians in Mexico

She looks happy in this photo. She's smiling. But she cannot smile any more. Rocio Gonzalez Trapaga, ex journalist with Televisa and a free lancer at the time of death, was murdered by Mexican drug gangs, and her body was found naked near her friend and also journalist Ana Marcela Yarce Viveros, whose photo is shown below in this page.

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SHE WAS SO BEAUTIFUL AND NOBLE

2011-09-05T05:27:00.000-07:00

In the photo, Ana Marcela Yarce Viveros, whose body was found naked near another female journalist, Rocio Gonzalez Trapaga, ex Televisa reporter.

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CITY HALL OPENS MORE DOORS

2011-09-01T05:59:00.000-07:00

Isn't freedom of speech abused a
little bit at the Riverside City
Council meetings?

The new communication facility provided by the Riverside City government has been a great success. eComment has been implemented by the City Clerk's office and allows residents to share views on City Council agenda items. It is an easy, electronic way to participate in local decisions from the comfort of home.

Visit RiversideCA.gov and select City Council Agenda or City Council Meetings. Then, simply click on eComment and fill the form. It will be available every Friday for the following Tuesday's Council meeting.

Under the leadership of Mayor Ron Loveridge, Riverside is one of the most democratic local governments in the nation. Communication is "numero uno": Televised Public Speaking at City Council meetings, e-mails, 311, Channels 3, 21, and 99, Internet, magazines, brochures, and now eComment.

At the Riverside City Council meetings citizens can express their opinions freely. But it is not uncommon to see some speakers going over the board, some times even insulting members of the dais. Still, some people complain of the "lack of freedom."

Gosh!

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Castro Let Tamayo to Die of Thirst

2011-08-20T17:56:00.000-07:00

HONORING A CUBAN MARTYR

On August 21, 2011, Sunday, Cuban exiles honored the memory of Orlando Zapata Tamayo, 43, who died in Castro's prison by thirst on February 23, 2010.

Orlando Zapata Tamayo was
let to die by thirst.

The Cuban Patriotic Junta organized the event, which took place at Stevenson Stake House, 5332 Stevens Place, City of Commerce. Orlando's mother, Reyna Luisa Tamayo, coming from Miami, attended the emotive occasion.

Reyna Luisa was leader of "Damas de Blanco" in Cuba, who bravely and pacifically protest the Cuban tyranny on the streets. Her son Orlando was also an opponent to the Castro's regime and was arrested for "contempt" and sentenced to 40 years in prison. Being there, he denounced torture and deplorable conditions and went on a hunger strike. Then, the Castros ordered to cut off the supply of water to him, dying of thirst.

He was murdered!

How cruel these Communist beast are!

(See in this edition Fidel Castro admitting the fiasco of the Communist regime and his criminal background. Also, analysis of planning economic changes in Cuba.)

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WAL MART ARROGANCE

2011-08-08T12:37:00.000-07:00

If you're a Wal-Mart customer and write a concern to the corporation headquarters, don't expect a reply. We are not important to them. Well, history repeats: Today you're on the top, tomorrow you will be at the bottom. Arrogance is the mother of failure.

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FOR ALL YOUR PRINTING NEEDS...

2011-07-09T10:07:00.000-07:00

Call Santana Graphic Designs at (951) 536-6437. Free pick up and delivery. 22 years in the trade.

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2011-07-07T12:54:00.000-07:00

LOST AND FOUND---AV ISO A DAMA HISPANA

2011-06-18T00:14:00.000-07:00

The Spanish lady who was at Stater Brothers located on Magnolia Avenue the evening of June 17, 2001 (Friday), close to 10:00 PM, please contact The Truth Publication at (951) 536-6437. We found one earring she dropped next to her white van. She had a short conversation with our reporter in front of the market before she entered her vehicle.

Aviso a la dama hispana que estuvo en Stater Brothers, localizado en la Avenida Magnolia, en la noche del día 17 de junio (Viernes), cerca de las diez. Favor de llamar al (951) 536-6437. Un arete fue encontrado al lado de su vehículo de recreación de color blanco. Una breve conversación sostuvo élla con uno de nuestros reporteros antes de entrar en su "van".

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2011-06-14T03:32:00.000-07:00

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS ON TV AND THE WEB

2011-06-14T00:55:00.000-07:00

Riverside public meetings starts at 6:30 PM on Tuesdays, and they are broadcast by Charter Channel 3, AT & T Channel 99, and Verizon FIOS Channel 21. Rebroadcast Wednesdays at 4 p.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m. For live Webcast 24/7 visit http://www.riversideca.gov/citycouncil video/, or www.riversideca.gov

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Where Did the Money Go?

2011-05-07T11:59:00.000-07:00

We're still waiting for a disclosure of the money obtained from the Goeske Foundation "Dancing With the Stars" event at the Fox on April 16. In what they announced it was a "full house," tickets were sold for $15-$75. The purpose, they said, was to help seniors. The Truth is demanding a report of how the money was distributed.

2011-05-01T21:02:00.000-07:00

How al Qaeda Was Born

History of the Organization

The US Warns of Reprisals

Osama Muhammed bin Laden was born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In a 1998 interview on Al Jazeera T.V. Station, he gave his birth date as March 10, 1957. Accordingly, he was 54 years old. His father, the late Muhamed Awad bin Laden, was a wealthy businessman with close ties to the Saudi family.

Bin Laden was married 22 times, although to no more than four women at a time per Sharia Law. Osama was born the son of Muhammed bin Laden's tenth wife, Hamida al-Attas, who was a native of Syria.

Until now, not even the most sophisticated intelligence organizations in the world, as the London Lafayette, the Interpol and CIA were able to find out the whereabouts of Muhammed. Now, all is history.

Osama bin Laden and Muhammad Atef founded al Qaeda (The Base) in 1989. Its goals were to drive the United Stated armed forces out of Saudi Arabia and Somalia, and defend the cause of the Palestinian people.

Al Qaeda structure included a “majlis al shura” (consultation council) and it had ties to other organizations, including the al Jihad based in Egypt.

In 1991, al Qaeda established a headquarters in Khartoum, Sudan, and a series of businesses, including two investment companies, an agricultural corporation, a construction business and a transportation enterprise. All of them were operated to provide financial support to the organization for the procurement of explosives, weapons and chemicals, and for the travel of the operatives. Al Qaeda established another base in Afghanistan, protected by the Taliban regime.

In October 3, 1993, al Qaeda attacked U.S. Military bases in Mogadishu, Somalia, killing 18 Army personnel. On August 7, 1998, the U.S. Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania were bombed. At least 252 people died, including 13 U.S. Citizens. More than 5,000 were injured.

Al Qaeda was responsible for the World Trade Center bombing in February 1993, the attacks in Riyadh and Dhahran in the years 1995 and 1996, the assassination attempt on Egyptian President Mubarak in Ethiopia on June 1995, the bombing of the U.S. Cole in Yemen on November 2000, and the attacks to New York and Washington on September 11, 2001.

The second member in rank within the al Qaeda organization is the Egyptian surgeon Ayman al-Zawahiri. He has been single out as the brain organizing and executing the main al Qaeda's operations. They both were seen on TV laughing after the September 11, 2001, attack on the U.S.

Despite the millions of dollars offered by the Bush Administration for information leading to the arrest or execution of bin Laden, the al Qaeda leader managed for 10 years to evade his foes. During Bill Clinton's government, bin Laden could escape in Tora Bora in the intricate Afghanistan mountains. It was now President Barack Obama who finally put an end to the hunting of the most wanted subject by the U.S.

For Occident Osama bin Laden was a terrorist who killed many innocent people in the U.S. and around the earth. But for a great part of the Arabian world, he was a hero who could live a lavish life but chose to sacrifice it for a cause.

The US and the free world is on alert because reprisals are expected. Travel warnings have been issued. According with the Arabian custom, the dead is buried within 24 hours. It has been informed that bin Laden's body was deposit in the ocean, respecting Islamic tradition.

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A WAR AGAINST SMOKERS-KILLERS

2011-04-05T02:07:00.000-07:00

The Rights of Non-Smokers

You smoke, you kill others

As promised, our publisher delivered a speech at the City Council meeting of April 5, trying to persuade members of the dais to introduce and approve a motion banning smoking from apartment buildings.

Briefly and emotionally, Salvador Santana said, "I know for a fact that all members of the dais agree that smoking kills, that second hand smoking kills. It killed my father, it killed my younger brother.

"It didn't kill me because I quit 20 years ago. I also know this Council sympathize with our campaign to save lives, but there is some reluctance so far to extend the city ban smoking to the private sector.

"I do admire our city leaders for their feelings about ownership privileges in our free society, in our democracy. But sometimes we have to put in a balance those private privileges on one side, and the lives of people on the other side.

"Several cities, as New York, Sebastopol and Belmont, have taken courageous actions against smoking in apartment buildings. In Sebastopol, Sonoma County, California, Council member Kathleen Shaffer fought really hard to ban smoking in multi-unit dwellings. Her critics were saying, "Oh, that's Big Brother Talking, that ban will take our rights."

"Councilwoman Shaffer responded, "Not so, this is about giving rights to our children, to the elderly, to all people. Her motion was approved by the whole Council.

"Dear Riverside Council members, think about the rights of your constitutes, about their health, about the children, about all Riverside human beings. Think about the lives you could save.

"Thank you!"

_________________________

JOIN US IN THIS NOBLE CAUSE!
___________________

City Council meetings take place on Tuesdays at the City Hall, Art Pick chamber. They are televised by Channels 3, 21, and 99 at different times in the afternoons, and at 6:30 in the evenings. Reruns: Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m., and Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. 24/7 in the Internet: City of Riverside CA (link) Council Meetings on the Web.

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SPANISH POPULATION IN THE US

2011-03-29T14:35:00.000-07:00

The last US census shows that 50,000,000 Spanish people live in the country, a 16.3% of the total population. In the City of Riverside, California, 47% of the 310,000 residents are Spanish: 50,530. Illegal cohabitants are not counted. While Caucasian families have an average of two children, Spanish ones, predominantly Mexicans, have five or more. This means that in the future the Spanish population in the US will be way above the other races, and they will take over the country politically.

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Radioactive Elements that Kill

2011-03-19T23:05:00.000-07:00

The following three radioactive elements can be released in a nuclear accident:

Cesium-137.

Iodine-131.
Strontium-90.

Cesium-137 mimics potassium in the body and can cause cancer, blood diseases and birth defects. It has a 30-year half-life, the time it takes for half the atoms to disintegrate.

Iodine-131 an be inhaled or ingested. It concentrates in the thyroid, leading to thyroid cancer. It has a half-life of eight days. Taking iodine pills prevents the thyroid from absorbing iodine.

Strontium-90 spreads in dust. It accumulates in bones and teeth, causing bone cancer and leukemia. It has a half-life of 29 years.

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PHOTO OF THE YEAR

2011-03-15T08:18:00.000-07:00

Look this: A 4-month old girl rescued unscratched from tons of rubbles in Ishimaki, Japan. A soldier from the Self Defense Force smiles while holding the innocent princess. She should be named Milagros, or Mikado in Japanese.

Kudos to RPD Officers Dillon and Sturdavant

2011-03-14T09:13:00.000-07:00

The Truth Publication is congratulating RPD Officers M. Dillon and J. Sturdavant, for cleaning the streets of Riverside of a very dangerous sex offender. David Ray McReynolds was arrested in the area of William and Mountain streets. He was wanted for parole violations. Officers Dillon and Sturdavant have been doing a terrific police job for a long time, and they deserve a promotion. Chief Sergio Diaz should take note.

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CITY ORDINANCE ABOUT SMOKING

2011-03-09T13:22:00.000-08:00

This story is closely related to the one below, and it is the result of a research made by this publication regarding regulations for smoking in the City of Riverside.

After receiving conflicting reports from the City about if there were or not any ordinances about smoking, we have got from Councilman Mike Gardner a copy of the City Administrative Manual dated July, 2006, and reviewed July 2009.

The Administrative Manual states that City Smoking Policy is limited to the requirements of the Labor Code 6404.5 prohibiting the smoking of tobacco products in all enclosed places of employment, defining workplaces but not limited to offices spaces, libraries, museums, maintenance facilities, warehouses, fire stations, and City-owned vehicles and heavy equipment.

Then, the A.M. refers to the California Law Section 9.08.140, which prohibits smoking "in any area of any park or open space managed by the Park and Recreation Department and specifically designated by sign as a prohibited smoking areas by the Park and Recreation Department."

As we have verified, Riverside City's Smoking Policy is limited to protect workers/employees and, obviously, employees and visitors attending Park and Recreation areas.

But that's about it. The City's Smoking Policy ignores Riverside residents, personnel and visitors of private-owned buildings, leaving to their owners/managers the implementation of non-smoking restrictions, which past and present experiences reveal incompetence, privileges, and lack of fairness.

It is the editorial position of The Truth Publication Online that the present Riverside City Policy, although recognizable, doesn't have in consideration thousands of residents/voters who are exposed to the emissions of deadly smoke.

It is the responsibility of our government to protect the health of all citizens, no matter classifications of discriminatory places. The law cannot be administered by private individuals because, in plain language, they don't give a damn.

(We would like to thank Councilmen Mike Gardner, Chris MacArthur, Paul Davis, William Bailey, and City Attorney Greg Priamos for their responses and cooperation with this story.)

A JOKE ABOUT SMOKING:

Two old ladies were outside their nursing home, having a smoke when it started to rain. One of the ladies pulled out a condom, cut off the end, put it over her cigarette and continued smoking.

Lady 1: "What's that?"
Lady 2: "A condom. This way my cigarette doesn't get wet."
"Where did you get it?"
"You can get them at any drugstore."

The next day Lady 1 hobbles herself into the local drugstore and announces to the pharmacist that she wants a box of condoms. The guy looks at her kind of strangely (she is, after all, over 80 years of age), but politely asks what brand she prefers.

She replies: "It doesn't matter as long as it fits a Camel."

"Say what?"

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Riverside Council Seems Reluctant to Enforce Smoking Ordinance in Private Buildings

2011-03-08T21:47:00.000-08:00

After our publisher delivered a speech at the evening Riverside City Council meeting of March 8, 2011, appealing to the legislative body to write and enforce an ordinance to ban smoking in all areas and buildings of the city, some members of the dais gave the impression that government should not get involved in the private sector.

In other words, people who are victims of secondhand smoking in private buildings are at the mercy of owners and managers.

The following is a textual reproduction of the speech:

"Among many recognitions for the cause of a clean environment, Riverside received a 'Silver LivCom" award. Many trees and solar panels have been installed in the city, saving energy and keeping us green.

"Right in the seventh floor of the City Hall building, we proudly exhibit the Grier Pavilion that was intensively promoted by Mayor Loveridge. No wonder, among many names in the past, Riverside has been called The Green City.

"But there are no flowers without thorns. It has been a shock for us to learn that our city lacks a smoking ordinance. One of the main causes of cancer, smoking, has not been legally framed into the city's by-laws. Although, conflicting reports have been made about this subject.

"The fight against this sneaky killer has been left to the private sector, but without the weight of the law. Smoking killed Council member Nancy Hart's husband. Smoking killed my younger brother Alfredo past July.

"Half a million people died each year in the U.S. because smoking, 5.4 million world wide. Smoking is a pleasure that kills the smokers and those around them. The U.S. Surgeon General has classified that inhaling secondhand smoke causes lung cancer in no non-smoking adults.

"Approximately three thousand lung cancer deaths occur each year among adult non-smokers as a result of exposure to secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke may increase the risk of breast and lung cancer, nasal sinus, cavity cancer, and naso-pharyngeal cancer in adults, and the risk of leukemia, lymphoma, and brain tumors in children.

"This is why I'm appealing to the members of this legislative body to write and pass a City Ordinance banning smoking for good in all public places, including parks, buildings, and apartment complexes.

"You will save lots of lives!"

Right after our publisher speech, Roberto Morales, M.D. used the podium to describe how it wouldn't make any difference if secondhand smoke affects people in open areas or inside buildings. He stated that every year more women are victims of smoking and secondhand smoke because the increasing number of them falling to the bad habit. "In 48 years of practice, I have seen patients dying in my arms because smoking had destroyed their respiratory system."

The Truth Publication will continue a research about this important subject where the lives of millions of people are at stake. The Truth rejects the argument that government should not intervene in the private sector, even when people are dying.

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City Council Meetings on TV and Internet

2011-03-08T07:31:00.000-08:00

On Tuesdays, Riverside City Council meetings start at 6:30 PM. Free attendance to City Hall. They are televised by Channels 3, 21, and 99. Reruns: Wed. at 4:00 pm., Sat. at 9:00 am. Available 24/7 in the Internet.

2011-03-07T01:14:00.000-08:00

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2011-03-06T07:09:00.000-08:00

Riverside Constitution to be Reviewed

2011-02-22T03:30:00.000-08:00

Riverside Ward 4 Councilman Paul Davis' newsletter informs of the citizens selected to integrate the panel that will review the City Charter.

"After nearly 6 hours of interviews of 16 very well qualified applicants, the Council has selected the listed residents to begin the process of Reviewing our Charter. For those who are not familiar with what the City Charter may be, it is our city Constitution.

"Tom Evans,Chairman, David St. Pierre , Michelle Ouellete , Montgomery Van Wart , Michael D. Pope, Sharon Tyrrell, Damien R. O'Farrell, Maureen K. Kane, and Wendel W. Tucker. Brent W. Lee, Diana Medina, and Thomas A. Podgorsky are alternates.

"The 9 members of the selected Charter Review Committee will have the mission of performing a community review of the Charter and recommend amendments to the City Council, and the residents of Riverside. The reasons for this effort is to harmonize sections of the Charter for the purposes of achieving greater clarity and direction, in the functions of our city government.

"After the recommendations are presented to the City Council and public discussion has occurred, many, if not all, will be sent to the voters of Riverside. Voters will be asked to decide on whether or not to adopt the recommendation(s). The changes will appear as Measures on the June 2012 Ballot, with the Mayoral Election."

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X-RAY OF COMMUNISM

2011-01-08T11:33:00.000-08:00

A friend asked me why did I leave my country and came to the United States. She also inquired about what Communism really is.

The following were my answers to my dear friend:

Communism is the antithesis of freedom. Individuals under a Communist system cannot make decisions by themselves, the controlled state make it for them.

Freedom of the press, assembly, traveling don't exist. You cannot change jobs or even move from one house to another without the government consent. It is the state that controls everything, including the private lives of the people. Your children are taken away from you, to be indoctrinated in the Marxist doctrine. You're a number, not a person. Without future, without any hope.

It was a huge mistake of many Americans, including ex President Bill Clinton and Janet Reno, when they supported the taking by force from his Florida family the child Elian Gonzalez and be returned to Cuba. Parents have no control of their children in a Communist society. Elian's mother gave her life to save her son from slavery, but it was ignored in the U.S. Precisely by ignorance.

Communism is oppression, misery, incarceration, death. Members of families are separated. Children are taught to denounce their parents, if they express discontent with the tyranny. Firing squads constantly kill dissidents. Prisons are chambers of torture.

People try desperate to leave a Communist country. In the past, they were shot jumping the Berlin Wall. Now they are devoured by sharks in the Florida Stretch.

There is no heart in Communism, no paternity. It is brutal, inhumane. It was Joseph Stalin. It is Kim Jon il. It is Castro. They are the law.

Salvador Santana.

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2011-01-08T01:48:00.000-08:00

2010-12-24T04:20:00.000-08:00

2010-11-27T02:28:00.000-08:00

THE TRUTH PUBLICATION ONLINE:
THE WORLD WIDE WEB MAGAZINE

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2010-11-07T00:57:00.000-07:00

FOR MEN ONLY

2010-09-12T00:23:00.000-07:00

If you're a man and you have the opportunity to pick one of these beauties, who will you select?

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Castro Admits Communism Fiasco

2010-09-09T10:46:00.000-07:00

After 50 years of governing and destroying Cuba, after thousands of people killed by the dictatorship, after dividing the Cuban family, after converting a rich county in a miserable one, Fidel Castro has just admitted that Communism is not good, that doesn't work anymore. ``The Cuban model doesn't even work for us anymore," the dictator told a journalist.

Who gave him the clue?

Even the most poor educated people know that Communism is slavery and hunger, where individuals rights and freedom don't exist. This is why the Soviet Union collapsed in 1989-90, why in North Korea the people died on the streets by starvation.

The surprising statements of Fidel Castro, 84, to Jeffrey Godberg of The Atlantic magazine have to be taken with great reservation. Those who know Castro very well are aware of his stubbornness and manipulation of the masses. The situation in Cuba is so horrible that the tyrant is desperate and maneuvering something, not openly disclosed yet.

But we alert the people not to be optimistic about a real change of the Cuban system, much less having free election. Castro has lied thousands of times before for his personal benefit, so why to believe him now? But the good news is that the tyrant has admitted that Communism is a total political, economic, and social failure.

After 50 years! What a bloody joke! Those thousands of skeletons underneath the earth have to be shaking of joy and repugnance at the same time. The relatives of those who were victims of the Castro siblings are crying of indignation.

Let's wait and see what kind of new soap opera is elaborating this monster. What could it be behind this stunning admission? Could Castro and the U.S. government have been negotiating something? Time will tell.

Some Passages in the Life of Fidel Castro

At the triumph of the revolution in 1959, Fidel Castro told the whole world, "Our revolution is as green and the palms, not red," meaning it was democratic, not Communist. He promised free elections.

After a while, when he organized his militia nation wide, he declared, "I have been a Communist all my life. Elections for what?"

When he visited New York in 1959, Castro told the American people he was a democratic leader, at the time he was showing a Jesus Christ necklace.

______________________

Some of the Castro's siblings are bastards sons and daughters, due to the unlawful sexual relations between his father and the maid Lina Ruz. At that time, the Cuban society repudiated bastards. This caused a profound psychological damage to the future Cuba dictator.

When Lina Ruz died and Raul Castro was lamented her death, Fidel told him, "Who cares about that bitch?" Later on, being in power, he said horrible things about his father, "an exploiter of workers." Fidel was the favorite son of his father, who gave him everything but the kitchen sink.

During one of his long speeches on T.V., Fidel's brother wrote a note to him saying, "Your son Fidelito just has been involved in an automobile accident and he is in serious condition in the hospital." Fidel kept talking for three more hours. When he finished, his wife Mirta told him in front of many people, "You are a monster!"

There is much more to say about this selfish and diabolic individual. We will come back soon.

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The Great Creation of God

2010-09-05T22:02:00.000-07:00

Such a beautiful home was given to us by God, and we are destroying it and ourselves. (Photo taken by the telescope Hubble.)

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AMERICA: REMEMBER US!

2010-08-12T00:36:00.000-07:00

We are fighting a cruel enemy and giving our lives abroad, to save our democracy in the United States of America. Remember us. Pray for us.

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2010-07-29T01:12:00.000-07:00

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A CRIME THAT WAS SOLVED

2010-07-24T09:41:00.001-07:00

UPDATE: On August 9, 2010, Sgt. Joe Borja has informed The Truth that investigators are following all leads in the case of Norma Lopez. Somebody had to see something abnormal at the scene where her body was found. It is a crime not to inform the Riverside County Sheriff Department whatever could help them to solve this horrendous crime. You don't even have to identify yourself.

Until June 2011, the killer or killers of Norma at at loose.

The Public Information Officer of the Riverside County Sheriff Department, Sgt. Joe Borja, responded to a questionnaire by The Truth Publication, about the death of Norma Lopez in Moreno Valley.

QUESTIONS:

1) Do you know Norma's cause of death?
2) Do you have any suspect?
3) Was she sexually assaulted?
4) How many leads have got the Sheriff Dpt.?
5) Have you found any witness or witnesses?
6) Why investigators concluded it was a struggle at the crime scene?

ANSWERS:

Sir, many of the questions that you are asking will not be answered because the information is confidential to investigation, especially since we have no suspects in custody.

1) Can not give the cause of death for the reasons stated above. 2) No suspects at this time. 3) Part of the investigation and we will not disclose whether she was or not . 4) Many leads, and we follow up on all leads. The rest of your questions (two) are all part of the investigation and will not be disclosed.

Sgt. Joe Borja Public Information Officer
Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

From The Press-Enterprise on September 1, 2010:

Riverside County sheriff's detectives served a search warrant and towed a green SUV Tuesday afternoon in connection to the murder investigation of Moreno Valley teenager Norma Lopez.

Sheriff's homicide detectives and forensics technicians searched a home on Pegasus Way, sheriff's Sgt. Joe Borja said late Tuesday. A green SUV parked at the home was towed.

"No arrests have been made in connection to the homicide," Borja said. (John Asbury, The Press-Enterprise.)

So far, no more information has been given to the press about the SUV towed away and an interrogation to a possible suspect.

UPDATE: THE KILLER OF NORMA LOPEZ WAS CAUGHT. SEE OTHER PAGES.

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Don't Kid Yourself

2010-05-23T05:07:00.000-07:00

Smoking kills you and those closer to you. It's a slow and painful death.

The Truth Publication Online

TODAY'S RIVERSIDE

OUR COMMITMENT

WHEN YOU FEEL THROWING UP

POLICE SHOOTING DEATHS

CHARTER WORKSHOP ON JANUARY 7

THE STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

Response of Councilman Bailey to The Truth

Romney Reveals His Millions Under Pressure

The Last State of the City Speech by the Mayor

Mike Gardner's Birthday Celebration

LACK OF BRAINS

CONSPIRACY OR COINCIDENCE?

UNDERSTANDING REDEVELOPMENT MESS

MORE MONEY FOR SENDAI

THERE WILL NOT BE LAY OFFS

See "Letters to the Editor" in the next page.

ALERT TO RIVERSIDE RESIDENTS

THE NEW YEAR 2012: FULL OF CHALLENGES

SOME GOOD NEWS

New City Manager Background

MORE PEOPLE READ THE TRUTH EVERY DAY

POLICE LOOKING FOR DRUNK DRIVERS

THE START OF THE OCCUPY MOVEMENT

THE MARVELS CREATED BY GOD

In Spanish and English: When Love Arrives

The Great Responsibility of George W. Bush

HYENAS ARE BETTER ANIMALS THAN MEXICAN DRUG DEALERS

SHE WAS SO BEAUTIFUL AND NOBLE

CITY HALL OPENS MORE DOORS

Castro Let Tamayo to Die of Thirst

WAL MART ARROGANCE

FOR ALL YOUR PRINTING NEEDS...

LOST AND FOUND---AV ISO A DAMA HISPANA

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS ON TV AND THE WEB

Where Did the Money Go?

A WAR AGAINST SMOKERS-KILLERS

SPANISH POPULATION IN THE US

Radioactive Elements that Kill

PHOTO OF THE YEAR

Kudos to RPD Officers Dillon and Sturdavant

CITY ORDINANCE ABOUT SMOKING

Riverside Council Seems Reluctant to Enforce Smoking Ordinance in Private Buildings

City Council Meetings on TV and Internet

Riverside Constitution to be Reviewed

X-RAY OF COMMUNISM

FOR MEN ONLY

Castro Admits Communism Fiasco

The Great Creation of God

AMERICA: REMEMBER US!

A CRIME THAT WAS SOLVED

Don't Kid Yourself