Fullerton - Emergency Closed-Door Council Meeting

Zelinka's Community Dialogues



Al Zelinka, Director
Community Development



Last night I attended one of Community Development Director Al Zelinka's "Community Dialogues" meetings.  About 30 residents and business owners attended the even at Grace Ministries Church on Brookhurst to hear Zelinka and voice their concerns.

Zelinka began with a state of the city from a planning perspective.  He noted that planning and community development had been out-dated and out of sync for perhaps several decades.

A shift from business as usual to long-term investment in the City's infrastructure was outlined.

The residents and business owners expressed their strong displeasure with the City's streets and the aesthetics along the main roads, Euclid, Orangethorpe, Brookhurst, and Magnolia to name a few.

Among the topics of discussion were the "abandoned" businesses like the old Dodge dealer on Orangethorpe.  Neighbors want the site maintained and free from vandalism.  Joining Zelinka was Building and Code Enforcement Manager Kirke Warren.  Warren said the City has been working for months to uncover who was responsible for the property and have come up empty-handed each time. 

Many questions about code enforcement were raised.  From graffiti to shopping carts, it seems residents are tire of the mess.  Although homelessness was brought up as was the task force on the issue, the discussion didn't progress beyond acknowledgment of the problem. 

Also discussed was a Planned Parenthood clinic on the west side, though details were sketchy.

My hat goes off to "Adam" who walked door-to-door in his neighborhood to tell residents about this meeting.  He was unanimously elected to represent the residents of those west side neighborhoods.  Zelinka gave him a credit for helping bring attention to these often overlooked areas and the quality of life issues they face to the attention of city staff.

Zelinka, a 3-year veteran of the City, is the first non-elected department head to step out into the community to ask how he can serve the people better.  After nearly 2 hours, Zelinka wrapped up with explaining that there is a shift afoot within City Hall to use Fullerton Redevelopment funds for the City's infrastructure.

The residents all commented that they want to know more about what goes on at City Hall.  They all expressed an interest in being involved.  As I said last night, the easiest way to know what's happening is to subscribe to the City's eLists. The site will take you through the process of setting up the customized service that will email you about upcoming public meetings and events.  And you have already paid for it with taxes!

You can also subscribe to this blog by entering your email address in the box on the right side of this website.

The next "Community Dialogues" meeting is scheduled for November 22 at the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce at 8AM. 

My thanks and appreciation goes to Al Zelinka for his willingness and effort to reach out into Fullerton and seek input.  I am impressed by his desire to empower residents with improving their neighborhoods.  Community input is a big step in the right direction. 

Eureka PD to Pay Out $4.5-Million for On-Duty Murder

Martin Cotton Family Awarded Over $4.5 Million in Trial Against Eureka Police, Interview: Video

Martin Cotton Family Awarded Over $4.5 Million in Trial Against Eureka Police, Interview: Video

by dave idFriday Sep 23rd, 2011 7:22 PM

On August 9th, 2007, Eureka police officers Justin Winkle, Gary Whitmer, Adam Laird, and five others were involved in beating an unarmed Martin Cotton II to death. Eureka police pummeled Martin Cotton's body and head in broad daylight, using pepper spray repeatedly. Martin Cotton was then sent to jail without being offered medical treatment. He died in jail within about an hour. A federal civil rights trial in Oakland was filed to seek justice for Martin on behalf of his young daughter. The case, Siehna Cotton et al v. City of Eureka, included the testimony of police readily admitting they beat Martin Cotton all over his body and did not seek medical assistance for him afterward. The police however denied that they hit Martin Cotton in the head, most likely because blows to the head were determined to be the cause of death. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT COTTON 

###

Commentary:

On-duty officers beating a man to death.  A year ago I would have had some doubts about these types of allegations.  Now, after hearing Orange County DA Tony Rackauckas describe what he saw and heard on the Fullerton Police Department's own audio and video recordings and the way in which Kelly Thomas was beaten, I have a new perspective.  I'm not lumping all officers in with either Eureka's or Fullerton's accused murderers but it certainly gives me a reason to question the credibility of officers when arrestees and the public at large claim officer misconduct.

The loss of trust is difficult to overcome.  With the evidence in the Thomas case likely being publicized in the coming months, the gap of distrust will continue to grow.  Fullerton PD needs to root out their problematic employees and begin community outreach efforts which have been missing for years.  That's what we call "getting ahead of the problem."  It is also what has been missing from our police chief and city council for years.

The work needed to bridge the gap of community division and anger is monumental and over due.

Tomorrow Night - Speak Up and Be Heard

The following is a City of Fullerton Press Release, #17811, from 8/29/2011.  I have also included additional information at the bottom.

Fullerton Community Development Director Al Zelinka will conduct a “Community Dialogue” Tuesday, Sept. 27, which citizens can attend and discuss issues, concerns and hopes they have regarding the city’s growth and development.

The dialogue, one in a series of bi-monthly community meetings conducted by Zelinka, will be held from 6-7 p.m. at the Vision Center, Room 140, Grace Ministries International, 150 S. Brookhurst Road.

Zelinka said he started the dialogues as a means of helping his department meet the goals of its mission statement. 

           

“Our mission,” Zelinka said, “is to help residents and businesses with their efforts to grow within our community in a safe, orderly and healthful manner that respects Fullerton’s heritage while sustaining opportunity for present and future generations.

           

“I believe community involvement in the planning process is absolutely essential to achieving that goal, and I hope the public will take advantage of these meetings to share their ideas, issues and other information.”

The final dialogue in the series will be held from 8-9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, at the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce, 444 N. Harbor Blvd.

Further information about the “Community Dialogue” program may be obtained by calling Zelinka at (714) 738-3347, or by email at alz@ci.fullerton.ca.us.

Persons requiring special accommodations to attend a “Community Dialogue” are asked to notify the Community Development Department at (714) 738-6547 prior to the meeting.

###

The City's General Plan is being dusted off, updated, and tweaked. 

I urge you to read, or at least skim over, the Draft General Plan.

This is the planning document which dictates how our City will grow and expand for the next 20-plus years.  If you believe open space should be protected no matter the cost, you need to read the Plan.  If you want to add a room to your home, you need to read the Plan.  If you want our roads to be maintained, YOU NEED TO READ THE PLAN. 

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY...

If experience has taught us nothing else, it matters not what you SAY but rather what you DO.  And I know what we say at these public meetings and forums DOESN'T ALWAYS MAKE IT INTO THE DOCUMENT THAT IS BEING APPROVED.  You wouldn't sign a contract without reading it and this General Plan is a contract for managing every aspect of our City.  Make sure YOUR concerns are addressed.

In my opinion, this is the single most important document in the City of Fullerton.  I have been reviewing it for several weeks and still haven't fully grasped the long-term implications of accepting the Plan as drafted.   I need your help and would appreciate your input.  I'm sure the City's Planning Department would also appreciate your input.  Please tell your family and friends to attend the Director's Community Dialogue. 

If you would like more information, please email me at GregSebourn@yahoo.com.