New!
New Events at Taxpayers Luncheon
In addition to Keynote Speaker, Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen, attendees will hear from author Charity Maness talking about her new book at the Buffet Luncheon to be held at the Murphys Historic Hotel on Friday January 27, 2012, 12:00 - 2:00 PM.
From a shoebox filled with more than 75 letters dating back 44 years, Charity has introduced the world to young Jim Piper who was killed in Vietnam two days after writing a final love letter to his new bride, Michelle. “‘It’s Lonely Here in Hell’: Love Letters from Nam” is a book of tender letters artfully juxtaposed with corresponding dates and public facts of the war. Today, Jim’s widow is Micky Phillips, co-owner of the Sports Pub in Copperopolis with her husband, Larry, who also served in Vietnam. Charity led the successful effort to establish a new Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Copperopolis which opened this month and will be named in honor of U.S. Army Pfc. James D. Piper. Charity will address the audience and sign copies of her book.
Charity’s son, Marshall Maness of Mark Twain Elementary school, won the 2011 Constitution Day Essay contest sponsored by CCTA. He was recognized by Congressman Tom McClintock at a previous CCTA luncheon at the Historic Murphys Hotel.
Attendees will enjoy a trio slated to open and close the meeting with patriotic music.
CCTA Director Tonja Dausend will perform on the Cello. Joining Tonja will be vocalist Susan Cloud and on the piano, Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen.
There will be an exciting fund raising raffle and prize donations are most welcome.
Seating is limited. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. On-line reservations are available until January 25, 2012 at the CCTA website: CalaverasTaxpayers.org. Or, call 785-1491.
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CCTA Comments on General Plan
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
by Bob Mulvany, CCTA Director, Former Planning Commissioner
We thank the Board of Supervisors and Planning Director Rebecca Willis for the opportunity to comment on the General Plan Update.
So long as the county provides a basic ordinance that bars destructive acts with minimum interference with its citizens rights, Calaveras County can run itself fairly, efficiently and with good results. If we want the General Plan to be foolproof, it needs to be reasonable, brief, concise, easily enforced and understandable to the average citizen. Permit applicants must have a reasonable expectation of affordable cost, fairness and timely process. In my years of government service, I have seen no empirical evidence that more government regulation has ever been a successful solution to any problem. Instead, it usually creates additional complications and increased direct and indirect costs to businesses and households with no discernible benefit.
The important thing, of course, is to do no harm. The Thoreau Institute has critiqued well over one hundred forest plans, park plans, transportation plans, and urban plans. They have consistently found that the plans are flawed, and when implemented they usually produce disastrous results.
I recently gave each Supervisor copies of an article, “Confessions of a Planning Commissioner” written by Warren Gibson, a planning commissioner in Belmont, a small town on the San Francisco Peninsula. Gibson related his observation of desirable projects that were never built because they could not survive the planning and regulatory process. And I recall planning hearings where I was appalled that the applicants for minor, inoffensive projects were subjected to excessive costs and delays when they could have been summarily approved at the front desk had the general plan and zoning allowed it. My worst fear is that the plan before you might become another bureaucratic nightmare where everyone but the owner has a voice in how a parcel of land is used and the constitutional rights of individuals will be trampled. Again, avoiding harm and protecting people’s rights is the ultimate purpose of the law.
In previous debate we have contended that the General Plan should be written in plain English using common words with precise meaning. Our opponents countered that the document included a glossary of terms used in the document. After considering the argument we recommend both plain English and the glossary.
The General Plan has been called a “constitution for all further development.” It is not a constitution. It is more like a budget or an ordinance under the control the Board of Supervisors and the people of the county. It is subject to California statutes and federal law, however unreasonable, and the Constitution of the United States of America. Let us first adhere to the terms of the Constitution.
Population projections are mainly guesswork. While the population of California has more than doubled and doubled again in the past century, no one can accurately predict how much or where population will change in the next century. While we need to prepare for the worst, we cannot predict the future with much accuracy. “Be prepared” is a good rule for an uncertain future, but let us not create rigid ordinances based upon unsupported assumptions and utopian visions.
Consolidating land use designations calls for considerable ingenuity. First, existing legal uses, whatever the category, should be grandfathered as conforming uses in perpetuity until the owner applies for a change of use. Also, owners should be notified and public hearings held before any zoning change is initiated. Finally, any use permitted in a less protected zone should be permitted in a more protected zone. For example, a residence would be permitted in an industrial or commercial zone. This would allow for mixed uses and more efficient use of land in many cases.
Existing neighborhoods should not be zoned denser without the consent of the residents. Fire destroyed the home that an elderly couple in Eugene, OR had owned all of their married life. When they applied for a permit to replace it they were denied and told that they were required to build an apartment building due to the high-density zoning. A travesty to be sure.
A good manager monitors the process under his or her control and initiates changes to prevent recurrence of harmful events, to enhance the process and to improve efficiency. If staff were directed to research past events that have resulted in controversy, lawsuits and other adverse events, then analyze them to discover the cause and recommend changes of process or rules to prevent recurrences, future General Plan updates might become unnecessary and Trinitas type disputes could be avoided.
CCTA recommends that a clauses be included in the General Plan document to protect and preserve the constitutional rights of property owners such as the four following:
- “This General Plan, while following California Law, shall also support the people’s rights to Life, Liberty and Property as specified by the 5th and 14th Amendments to the Constitution of the United States.
- Designated land uses in this General Plan and Zoning Ordinances shall be liberally interpreted to allow property owners reasonable use their property as they see fit, providing neighbors or the public are not harmed.
- This General Plan shall be interpreted to provide the flexibility needed to accommodate adjustments for changing future environmental, market and economic conditions.
- Any permit application not approved, denied or returned for modification within 120 calendar days after application shall be deemed approved and the applicant shall be allowed to proceed with the project.”
We thank the Board and the planning staff for considering our recommendations.
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Calaveras Taxpayers Announce Contest Winners
The Calaveras County Taxpayers Association sponsored the first annual Calaveras County Constitution Day contest, according to Al Segalla, Association President.
This year the Taxpayers group reached out to all Calaveras County schools to celebrate the U.S. Constitution, known as the “supreme law of the land”, with a creative art, essay, and video contest. The contest was open to all students within the county.
Although 38 students participated in the contest, 13 registered and 8 entered with the required parental permission slips. All winners receive cash, plus a Pocket Constitution, Free Yogurt Coupon and free Zip Line Ride at Moaning Caverns Resort. All participants receive a pocket constitution.
The essay (grade 8) $50 winner is Marshall Maness of Mark Twain Elementary school.
The first place art poster $25 winner is Matteo Arce, 2nd grade, of Michelson Elementary school.
The second place art poster $15 winner is Gabriella Malamed, 4th grade, of Valley Springs Elementary school.
The third place art poster $10 winner is Ellie Willard, 4th grade, of Valley Springs Elementary school.
Here are the links to the winning entries:
Art, 3 Entries.pdf Essay 1.pdf
Special thanks goes to the parents, teachers, administrators and CCTA Contest Committee who helped promote the contest; Mary Boblet, Contest Webmaster; and the panel of judges: Gary Kuntz, Eric Du Temple, Steve Fairchild, Jean Turpin, Chuck Milazzo and Judy Wilmot. The prize donors are Mother Lode Bank, Moaning Cavern Resort, Bambi Land Properties, Scott's Yogurt factory and Jim Bailey, AAA Insurance Agent.
The winners will be recognized by Congressman Tom McClintock, who will be the keynote speaker at a public Buffet Luncheon, sponsored by the Taxpayers Association, to be held at the Murphys Historic Hotel on Wednesday, October 19, 2011, 12:00 - 2:00 PM. To attend, see information below.
McClintock’s commentaries on California public policy have appeared in every major newspaper in California and he is a frequent guest on radio and television broadcasts across the nation. Numerous taxpayer associations have honored him for his leadership on state budget issues.
There will be an exciting fund raising raffle at the luncheon and prize donations are most welcome.
Seating is limited. Tickets are $18 in advance or $20 at the door. On-line reservations are available until October 17, 2011 at this website (click Events at the left of this page) or call 785-1491.
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Calaveras Taxpayers Host Public Luncheon in Murphys
Keynote Speaker,
Congressman Tom McClintock
The Buffet Luncheon will be held at the Murphys Historic Hotel on Wednesday, October 19, 2011, 12:00 - 2:00 PM.
In addition to a discussion of topical issues, the Congressman will be giving recognition to the winners of the CCTA sponsored Constitution Day Contest which was open to Calaveras students in grades 1 – 12 for their entries in categories of art, essay or video. More contest information is available at: ConstitutionDayContest.wordpress.com
Congressman Tom McClintock was elected in November 2008 to represent the 4th Congressional District in the United States Congress.
During 22 years in the California State Legislature, and as a candidate for governor in California’s historic recall election, Tom McClintock has become one of the most recognizable political leaders in California.
First elected to the California Assembly at the age of 26, McClintock quickly distinguished himself as an expert in parliamentary procedure and fiscal policy. He served in the Assembly from 1982 to 1992 and again from 1996 to 2000. During these years, he authored California’s current lethal injection death penalty law, spearheaded the campaign to rebate $1.1 billion in tax over-collections to the people of California, and became the driving force in the legislature to abolish the car tax. He has proposed hundreds of specific reforms to streamline state government and reduce state spending.
McClintock’s commentaries on California public policy have appeared in every major newspaper in California and he is a frequent guest on radio and television broadcasts across the nation. Numerous taxpayer associations have honored him for his leadership on state budget issues.
There will be an exciting fund raising raffle and prize donations are most welcome.
Seating is limited. Tickets are $18 in advance or $20 at door. On-line reservations are available until October 17, 2011 at the CCTA website: CalaverasTaxpayers.org. Or, call 785-1491.
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Constitution Week
Essay, Video and Poster Contest
Grades 1-12
Up to $100 Cash prize!
To commemorate the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787, Congress designated September 17 of each year as Constitution Day and September 17 – 23 as Constitution Week.
The Calaveras County Taxpayers Association is reaching out to all Calaveras County public and private schools to celebrate the U.S. Constitution, known as the “supreme law of the land”, with a creative art, essay, and video contest.
In addition to prizes, winners receive media attention, an award presentation and recognition from Congressman Tom McClintock at a public luncheon on October 19, 2011, at the Historic Murphys Hotel.
Students in grades one to five may submit a poster; grades six to eight, an essay; high school students, an essay or a short video. All contestants will receive a pocket constitution.
Cash prizes are: grades 1-5, $25; grades 6-8, $50 and high school, $100. Winners will also receive merchant coupons for free yogurt and zip line rides for students weighing more than 90 pounds.
Contestants must register online and submit their entries by October 3, 2011.
Contest website is: ConstitutionDayContest.wordpress.com
A panel of six prominent Judges will score the student’s knowledge of the chosen Amendment, communication skills, originality and creativity of presentation. The judges are:
Gary Kuntz, Calaveras County Sheriff Steve Fairchild, Owner, Moaning Cavern Park Chuck Milazzo, Bank President
Jean Turpen, Business Professional
Judy Wilmot, Artist & Teacher
Eric Du Temple, Superior Court Judge
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(See Pics Below Article)
Senator Gaines blasts fire fee
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State Sen. Ted Gaines, R-Roseville, felt right at home during the fourth annual Calaveras County Taxpayers Association fundraiser dinner Wednesday at Moaning Caverns in Vallecito.
Gaines, whose district, including Calaveras County, is the largest geographically in California, delivered a message railing against the new rural fire fee, “smoke and mirrors” state budget and a requirement to teach about gay history in public schools, that resonated well with the libertarian-minded crowd of several dozen.
Gaines’ message, however, is harder to get across in an overwhelmingly Democratic-controlled Legislature where he praised the GOP caucus for sticking to its guns in avoiding a vote on extending tax increases championed by Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown.
“The Republican caucus held,” Gaines said, comparing the 2011 budget battle to 2009 when Democrats’ “arm-twisting” coaxed a few GOP votes on a deal that included new taxes. “I am blown away at the creativity of the folks on the other side of the aisle on the way they can manipulate and pass a budget with smoke and mirrors.”
The budget signed into law by Brown includes overly optimistic revenue projections by the estimation of the Legislative Analyst’s Office, Gaines said, and he anticipates further wrangling to close a new budget deficit in December or January.
The $150 wildland fire protection fee to be imposed on rural residents is illegal, unconstitutional and discriminatory toward them, the senator said, and encouraged members of the Calaveras County Taxpayers Association to download an online petition against it and collect signatures.
He expressed dismay about passage of the Senate Bill 48 mandate to teach about the contributions of prominent gay Californians, noting he has been contacted by numerous constituents who said they are now moving their children to private schools or homeschooling.
The legislation is a waste of time when the state has greater concerns and “if that’s the way (gays) want to live, that’s (their) business but don’t thrust it on the public school system,” Gaines said.
The father of six choked up when discussing the case of Jaycee Dugard, whose years of captivity at the hands of a paroled sex offender has prompted him to draft bipartisan legislation reforming the parole system.
He said the redistricting overhaul has a chance to give Democrats a two-thirds majority in the Senate but that they will likely pick up one and not two seats, falling short of that threshold. Gaines does not expect to remain a representative of the foothills when districting maps are put into effect but is not ruling it out as the maps have undergone numerous changes to this point.
Noting each new map has placed Calaveras and Tuolumne counties in a new Assembly district without a resident incumbent, Gaines said it is “an opportunity for new blood to step up.” Unlike the Senate, he said Republicans have a chance to actually gain seats in the Assembly and suggested former Assemblyman and Senator Rico Oller, a San Andreas Republican who is eligible to seek one more term in each house of the Legislature, could be “a viable candidate. It’s interesting to see what he decides.” (End of news article)
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Below, Ted Gaines addressing the audience.
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Also speaking was Susie Iventosch, (below) talking about the economy, taxation and her fantastic new cookbook: “Tax Bites & Tasty Morsels – Who’s Been Eating My Pie?”
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Tonja Dausend, Director, entertained the gathering with her cello and there was a fund raising raffle.
Al Segalla, President, gave a report on the many issues before the Board of Supervisors over the last year.
David Tunno, gave a report on the FEMA Flood "Insurance" issues our county has been experiencing. He also wrote an investigative report which is on this website, below.
The BBQ dinner was catered by the Historic Murphys Hotel and it was totally fantastic! Dorian Faught, owner and cook, provided a raffle prize of a $50 Dinner for Two and even bought a ticket for his own dinner!
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Dorian Faught (below, right) provided: BBQ Tri-Tip, BBQ Chicken, BBQ Corn on the Cobb, House Made Potato Salad, House Made Garlic Bread, Garden Fresh Tossed Green Salad, Watermelon, Iced Tea and a Brownie Ice Cream Sundae dessert. WOW!
Below, Union Democrat reporter, Sean Janssen, who wrote the above news article.
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Below, Cory Burnell, who gave our invocation and provided a report on the Constitution classes and other out reach activities.
Below, new members, Wendell Barns and Bob Diebold
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Calaveras Taxpayers Booth at Tax Day Rally
Tax Day Rally Hosted by the Calaveras Tea Party Patriots
 If you missed it, you missed it! Good information, good food and a good time! It seems that every time the CCTA is part of an event, there is good food. There were several speakers, including Congressman Tom McClintock. He said, "In Lincoln's time the fate of the nation centered on Freedom verses Slavery issues. Today is very  similar, our Nation's fate will depend on which path we choose, Freedom or Socialism." At the CCTA booth, many new folks signed up. Some are joining our Constitution classes. And many heard - some for the first time - how FEMA and CALPers are grave threats to taxpayers.
The Rally also paid tribute to the Veterans in attendance. It was stunning to see so many come to the front and join Sheriff Kuntz in the Pledge of Allegiance. The CCTA thanks all of those who have served our country!
 FEMA's Flood of Falsehoods
The FEMA Scheme
By David Tunno
(Excerpt) FEMA’s message, as shown below, is quite extraordinary:
“Everyone is at Risk,” really? Not just people in flood-prone areas, but “everyone?”
Read the whole article here...
Is Collective Bargaining a Right?By Al Segalla
With the huge public sector retirement dilemma, most of the media and practically all unions now express the collective bargaining process as a “right”. However, the unions themselves used to disapprove of collective bargaining in the public sector.
Read the whole article here…
What’s CalPERS Really Going to Cost Us?
By David Tunno
Prompted by the growing awareness of the financial impact of public employee retirement plans, the Calaveras County Taxpayers Association has sought data from the County with which to calculate the growing debt created by those plans and the keeper of those retirement funds, CalPERS.
Thus far, according to CCTA President Al Segalla, the County's disclosures have come up far short,... Read more here...
Who Are We?
The Calaveras County Taxpayers Association (CCTA) is a network of volunteers who care about the wise use of your tax dollars and maintaining good government.
Sadly, there are thousands of special interest groups, including government itself, dedicated to expanding government and raising your taxes at all levels. So, with your help, we intend to be the local lobby for the taxpayer to help bring back balance. Here is our Mission Statement and Action Plan:
Mission Statement
We are a nonpartisan, nonprofit, citizen’s advocacy group committed to promoting wise use of taxes and limited government.
We do recognize the human rights to liberty and property in our free society.
We keep a watchful eye on all levels of government, including special districts, and promote a better public understanding of government issues.
We offer awards for excellence in public service.
CCTA Action Plan
- Attend Supervisors Meetings
- Review Budgets
- Hold Public Meetings with Speaker
- Organize Candidate & Issue Forums
- Present Public Service Awards
- Support Privatization Research
- Email Alerts to Members
- Send Postcard Alerts to Public
- Provide Web Discussion Forum
Please consider joining the Calaveras County Taxpayers Association today. Thank you.
You can also get on our free Contact List for Taxpayer Updates by clicking HERE.
Al Segalla, President
(209) 785-1491
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