CommentsRANTZ & RAVEZ-I submit my column for publication every other week and this will be my final column for 2019.
My next edition will run on January 3, 2020. With this in mind, I want to wish everyone a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. I hope and pray that 2020 will bring a resolution of the homeless crisis that impacts more and more people every day; improvements on climate change that is negatively impacting our world; affordable healthcare for everyone; continued economic gains for Americans and a healthy, peaceful year ahead for everyone.
I have a very special appreciation for the members of our Military, Law Enforcement, Fire Service, Emergency Medical and all first responders who work around the clock to protect us all. May God protect them as they work in the early morning to the late evening hours “Protecting and Serving” all of us and our families.
While I am opening my column with the most positive and appreciative comments, I must include some sobering facts that will hopefully encourage you to realize that all is not rosy in the State of California -- and closer to home, in Los Angeles as we move into 2020.
One issue that is sure to impact our lives and wallets will be the proposed increased taxes for a variety of causes. We can expect to see the state, county and city all move forward with additional taxes in the coming months. We will have the ability to vote on the measures at the ballot box. Unlike previous years, the election process will change with a totally new voting system. Time will tell if the new process increases voter turnout and actually works.
I urge you to examine the FACTS concerning what is on the ballot before you cast your vote. I will be listing my recommendations for you in upcoming RantZ & RaveZ. Remember, I am a No Party Preference and vote for the candidate and measure not any political party.
As most of us know, there is tremendous waste in government operations. The most recent proof centers around the funds generated in the measures dealing with the homeless population. Millions of tax dollars raised and not one new facility built to house the homeless to date. I know I have heard the same excuses over the years: “they” are working on it.
In another example, a recent audit of Cal Trans operations by Rhonda L. Craft, the new inspector general, found state and local transportation projects were negatively impacted by overbilling, misspending and even fraud -- $13 million in “disallowed” expenditures as reported by state and local government agencies. Comments by Assemblyman Vince Fong, the vice chairman of the Assembly Transportation Committee, said taxpayers have lost patience with mismanagement and high taxes as fundamental problems exist. He stated, “The status quo is not acceptable, and every Californian should be rightfully upset.” With our very expensive vehicle license fees and high gas tax, most of us are asking, where is the money going when our roads are congested parking lots most every day and for very long hours?
The San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra is alive and waiting to entertain you
The San Fernando Valley has a premier Symphony Orchestra that performs in the West Valley for your enjoyment. A good friend Maestro James Domine holds the baton and leads this professional orchestra. A new season will begin with a performance on January 18, 2020. For more information go to their website or call 818 347-4807. I hope to see you there.
2020 will begin the new season with a performance on Jan 18, 2020. For information, go to their website [[[ http://www.sfvsymphony.com/ ]]] or call 818 347 4807. I hope to see you there.
(Dennis P. Zine is a former and retired LAPD Supervisor, former and retired 12-year Los Angeles City Councilman and current General Manager at Bell Canyon in Ventura County. Edited for CityWatch by Linda Abrams.)
