Reader reaction peaks on certain city topics; city sees filing for unusual claim for damages
For the past year or two, reader reaction to my column has jumped whenever I’ve written about the City Council’s response to the state’s low-cost housing mandate, finances at the city-owned Black Gold Golf Club and the long-sought, recently adopted ethics ordinance.
And lately, my mention of a 13.4 percent increase in a fringe benefit package the council members voted for themselves has drawn e-mails, all negative. The hike passed 5-0 Aug. 17; a motion to rescind, with Jan Horton and Jim Winder favoring repeal, failed Nov. 2.
My annual “best and not-so-best” year-end review of the local civic scene always brings in more e-mail, and this year’s column, published Dec. 30, generated a larger-than-usual response, with e-mails from two longtime community activists meriting a wider audience.
Regarding the “most tireless Old Town advocate” entry recognizing 41-year Main Street businessman Louie Scull, Mark Abramowitz, a former planning commissioner and water district director, commented, “Thanks for acknowledging Louie’s contribution….”
Abramowitz’s e-mail noted, “He does so much, yet rarely is appreciation of any kind expressed for his hard work. I think he really makes a difference in this community.”
Veterans advocate Sue Fenwick added Main Street businessman Mike Ruocco to the category, noting that he’s “volunteered thousands of hours and…personally donated major funding over the past 21 years” for community events “he has founded and/or coordinated,” such as the annual holiday season gala and Saturday Farmer’s Market.
“His service is truly remarkable. That is why I nominated him for Citizen of the Year before I knew that he lives in a neighboring city….I respectfully suggest that the City Council give him a special commendation as a long overdue honor,” Fenwick stated.
My “best and not-so best” review also should add another category: “most unusual claim for damages filed against the city.” I might also consider the strange claim for my end-of-the decade roundup in 2020.
The claim, which was denied by council members at a November meeting, was filed by an Aliso Viejo law firm in October for a Placentia resident regarding an alleged fight in April at Tuffree Middle School, which is located in Placentia.
A four-page filing alleged the claimant “was bullied, harassed and stolen from by another student at the school. Complaints were made to the princip[al] and officials at the school of the behavior and incidents, yet nothing was done.”
The claim further alleged the incidents resulted in a fight during school hours during which the claimant “suffered broken fingers on her left hand as well as possible fracture to the wrist or forearm” with unknown damages “believed to be in excess [of] $10,000.”
Nowhere is Yorba Linda mentioned in the claim, other than in a section listing “entities causing the injuries.” Perhaps this city’s hefty cash reserve gives off a deep-pocket aura.
In a report to council members, Mark Aalders, assistant to the city manager, commented, “The city cannot be held liable for this claim.”
Claimant has six months from the date of the letter denying the claim to file a lawsuit, with the statue of limitations expiring if no action is taken during that period, Aalders noted.
And lately, my mention of a 13.4 percent increase in a fringe benefit package the council members voted for themselves has drawn e-mails, all negative. The hike passed 5-0 Aug. 17; a motion to rescind, with Jan Horton and Jim Winder favoring repeal, failed Nov. 2.
My annual “best and not-so-best” year-end review of the local civic scene always brings in more e-mail, and this year’s column, published Dec. 30, generated a larger-than-usual response, with e-mails from two longtime community activists meriting a wider audience.
Regarding the “most tireless Old Town advocate” entry recognizing 41-year Main Street businessman Louie Scull, Mark Abramowitz, a former planning commissioner and water district director, commented, “Thanks for acknowledging Louie’s contribution….”
Abramowitz’s e-mail noted, “He does so much, yet rarely is appreciation of any kind expressed for his hard work. I think he really makes a difference in this community.”
Veterans advocate Sue Fenwick added Main Street businessman Mike Ruocco to the category, noting that he’s “volunteered thousands of hours and…personally donated major funding over the past 21 years” for community events “he has founded and/or coordinated,” such as the annual holiday season gala and Saturday Farmer’s Market.
“His service is truly remarkable. That is why I nominated him for Citizen of the Year before I knew that he lives in a neighboring city….I respectfully suggest that the City Council give him a special commendation as a long overdue honor,” Fenwick stated.
My “best and not-so best” review also should add another category: “most unusual claim for damages filed against the city.” I might also consider the strange claim for my end-of-the decade roundup in 2020.
The claim, which was denied by council members at a November meeting, was filed by an Aliso Viejo law firm in October for a Placentia resident regarding an alleged fight in April at Tuffree Middle School, which is located in Placentia.
A four-page filing alleged the claimant “was bullied, harassed and stolen from by another student at the school. Complaints were made to the princip[al] and officials at the school of the behavior and incidents, yet nothing was done.”
The claim further alleged the incidents resulted in a fight during school hours during which the claimant “suffered broken fingers on her left hand as well as possible fracture to the wrist or forearm” with unknown damages “believed to be in excess [of] $10,000.”
Nowhere is Yorba Linda mentioned in the claim, other than in a section listing “entities causing the injuries.” Perhaps this city’s hefty cash reserve gives off a deep-pocket aura.
In a report to council members, Mark Aalders, assistant to the city manager, commented, “The city cannot be held liable for this claim.”
Claimant has six months from the date of the letter denying the claim to file a lawsuit, with the statue of limitations expiring if no action is taken during that period, Aalders noted.
posted by Jim Drummond at 12:00 PM
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