A few wishes from our leading citizens

Again this year, some leading citizens who live or work in Yorba Linda gave Santa an earful when the jolly old gent asked for advice about a gift to the community.

Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District Superintendent Dennis Smith: "Continue to bless our students with the same kind of supportive community and giving spirit that has become the hallmark of Yorba Linda [and] some really good construction bids for the new Yorba Linda High School."

Friends Christian Schools Superintendent Rick Kempton: "Two Yorba Linda high schools--Friends Christian High School to impact those young people whose families prefer a private Christian school option and the new public high school for families who prefer the public school choice."

Mayor and state Assembly candidate Mike Duvall: "A state budget that doesn't raise our taxes, keeps our state government spending in check and doesn't steal any money from our local government."

Duvall's June 6 Republican primary opponent and Brea Councilman Marty Simonoff: "Bring both sides of [Yorba Linda's] land use issue together and keep the community united."

Police Chief Mike Messina: "The ability to always see how truly lucky we are to live in such a special place and to be aware that so many others are not so fortunate."

Fire Chief Chip Prather: "Make 2006 a safe and healthy year...and that those members of our military defending freedom in far-off places safely come home when the job is done."

Councilwoman Keri Wilson: "A spirit of community cooperation as Yorba Linda faces exciting opportunities and challenges in 2006."

Former Councilman Mark Schwing: "Five City Council members who heed the residents of Yorba Linda and not the special interests."

City Traffic Commissioner Lee Snyder: "The gift of tolerance. Communication and understanding of divergent opinion to create an atmosphere for compromise."

Old Town developer Michael Dieden: "That the civic discourse reflect the city motto and be truly gracious."

Municipal Water District Director Brett Barbre: "A tunnel solution to the 91 Corridor issue--which will remove 43 percent of the traffic off the 91 and bring it to Irvine and points south--where 43 percent of the current traffic ends up on a daily basis today."

School District Teacher of the Year Marlene Hollar: "Keep Yorba Linda the semi-rural horse town that it was originally intended to be. That's why we moved here!"

Interfaith Council Co-chair Sue Fenwick: "Help us raise the funds for the Yorba Linda Veterans Memorial. We need lots of support!"

ERA Real Estate Co-owner Jeanne Tamulinas: "Shoes--other people's shoes our leaders and representatives must walk in to get a true perspective of those they represent."

Presbyterian Church pastor "Kass" Kassouni: "Widen southerly Imperial Highway to four lanes, overpass the railraod tracks and eliminate the speed trap. If money's tight, use the ticket fines for the project."

Fairmont Hill Board President Sharlene Dunn: "The Ghost of Christmas Future to show the City Council the error of abandoning our low-density city master plan."

"Right-to-Vote" initiative leaders Jan and Jim Horton: "Development of our downtown, while preserving our historic roots, our low-density lifestyle and maintaining the Land of Gracious Living to benefit the residents of our town rather than becoming a destination for others."

Lontime Old Town homeowners and eminent domain opponents Jack and Jane Adams: "A new City Council."