My List of Possible Projects for the Next 4 Years

By James H. "Jim" Tsutsui, Jr.

How do I plan to enrich and improve our city in the face of the loss of millions of dollars of revenue, WITHOUT increasing taxes and fees?

Volunteer Graffiti/Vandalism Police - Appointing a volunteer police commissioner who will recruit and train a team of volunteers who will police the city for graffiti and vandalism as a support and information source for our contracted County Sheriffs in lieu of the recent cut-backs.

Babysitter-Nanny Listing - A city listing of baby sitters and nannies for the single parents and two-parent working families. The list could be of high school students and local college students looking to supplement their incomes. Legal documents and procedures could insure the safety of the children, students, and the city.

Live Theatre at the Community Center - The formation of a local community theater group could fill the calendar of events with more musicals and plays. People would be happy to pay $15.00 for a live show when they already pay $11.50 for a movie in Aliso Viejo or Irvine.

Students doing "Community Service" at City Hall - An internship program could be created between the high school and city hall. The city would benefit from the energy and contribution by the students, and the students will gain hands-on experience of working in local government.

City Listing of Businesses of Excellence - Ever have trouble finding a good, honest plumber, or auto mechanic, or electrician? The city could start to maintain a listing of local business that has received the highest acknowledgment from their customers.

City Commissioner Task Forces - New city commissioners can be appointed to head up teams of volunteers for such projects as park land beautification, neighborhood watch coordination, mentoring new local businesses, festivals production, park and recreation activities, and more.

City Awards and Citations - The city can hold press conferences and award ceremonies to acknowledge our citizens and local business that have contributed greatly to the community.

Information Kiosk's for Community Activities - An information Kiosk or lighted marquee can be constructed at the Community Center and City Hall that lists upcoming activities.

City Dog Park - Some irregular shaped parcels of city-owned land can be fashioned into dog parks. The costs can be subsidized by fund-raising dog show events.

Commission Sculpture for City Parks - A commissioner of the Arts can be appointed to research endowments and grants that are available to pay for historically significant sculpture to be featured at City Hall, the Community Center, or one of our larger parks.

City Art Gallery - One of the vacant office spaces can be rented or leased by the city to establish a self-sustaining Art Gallery to feature the work of local and established artists.