9-11 Was a rather busy day in Santa Ana. As I arrived at the BOS before 9:30 this morning, every spot in the parking lot was taken. Off to one side of the lot the Orange County Fire Authority Pipes and Drum team was gathering for their participation in today’s Monument Memorial Service where names of fallen members of city and county fire departments were to be read. On the rear of an old engine at the entrance to the Hall of Administration a handsome Dalmatian sat without moving as his photo was taken by some of the visitors. Sadly I had a commitment to attend the Board hearing and was unable to stay for that memorial tribute.
Item #57 on today’s BOS Agenda reads: “Supervisor Moorlach–Consider first reading and adoption of “An urgency Ordinance of the County of Orange, California Repealing Section 1-2-320 of the Codified Ordinances of the County of Orange Delegating Investment Authority to the Treasurer-tax Collector and delegating investment authority to the Chief Financial Officer,” and authorize 14 positions to immediately report to the CFO; direct CFO to annually present Investment Policy Statement to the Board for approval; and disband the Treasury Oversight Committee and replace with Investment Oversight Committee; and direct CFO and County Council to take any other steps necessary to implement this action (4/5 vote).”
Chris had a parade of supporters following the presentation by O.C.E.A. G.M. Nick Bernardino who referenced the Citron bankruptcy impact saying “I watched 226 men and women that had nothing to do with the bankruptcy get laid off.” He added “their average length of service was 24 years” and will not stand by and see that repeat or words to that effect. He closed by saying “we know the trust has been lost.”
Several speakers placed their focus on how healthy our investment pool has been over the past year while others defended the contract issued regarding the remodel of Building 12 where allegations of fraud are under investigation.
One female employee of the treasurers department raised an item that I was not aware of. She mentioned the Samsung Presbyterian Church in La Habra where a tax adjustment was permitted under the powers of the Treasurer-Tax Collector. Chris later stated that he was able to collect $90,000 in taxes. Query? Why is a church paying property taxes? Beyond the money collected how much was owed on their real property? What’s the rest of the story on this church?
Another speaker said “I believe what is going on now is a lynching.” Adding “we have not seen any evidence–this is premature–absolutely premature.” He closed by saying “let’s see if he is indicted.”
One speaker asked “is there in fact an emergency in the Treasurer’s office? We have heard that the pool is safe and secure. He cautioned the members to “consider the long term impacts where $3.2 billion of the $6.1 billion are from the school district.”
As Supervisor Moorlach was unable to get a second to his Motion, and after listening to testimony by 18 speakers, not counting Treasurer Street, Supervisor Bates made a Motion to continue this item for 30 days. She said “I think we need to take more time.” She referred to Supervisor Moorlach’s word precautionary saying it is therefore not urgent.
Board Member Nguyen said “I will second the Motion by Member Bates but do not see an urgency to strip the powers of Treasurer Street.”
Supervisor Campbell said this leaves the door open “if another shoe drops” referring to media reports on the Treasurer who currently is involved in two law suits regarding Fruehauf Trailer Co..in the state of Delaware.
In his closing statement Treasurer Street admitted that what he did with (Ware)Malcolm was just sloppy. “I have learned that I must communicate better.” As to the pending investigations he added that “nothing will distract me from the job I was elected to do.” He summarized his first year with four words. “Opportunities, mistakes, success’s and learning.”
To break the tension Chairman Norby told the Treasurer “Chris, you better hang onto your shoes” adding do you get the levity.
In any event the Board voted 5-0 to accept the Motion made by member Bates. This issue should be back on the Oct 16th Agenda. Stay tuned.
OK. It’s your turn to speak out.
Was this Agenda Item a “rush to judgement” as many have stated?
Do you feel comfortable allowing Chris Street to continue serving as our Treasurer-Tax collector?
This issue has received extensive media coverage yet today was the first time we learn of Samsung Church in La Habra.
Why was it brought up?
Is there more to this name that requires further investigation?
Awwww, and I thought the first post about this in this blog would SURELY be written by Art Pedroza taking Janet Nguyen “to task”.
Yeah right.
Poster 1,
What are you talking about? How can I take her to task when ALL the Supervisors voted the same way? Why would I single her out? If anything, the one Supervisor with egg on his face is Moorlach. He is the one who picked Street and got him elected. Janet had nothing do to with that.
The Samsung Church occupies a large office complex that was formerly home to Friendly Hills Medial Group offices.
The church also employs Jim Gomez who is on the city council of La Habra.
I am not familiar with their tax status.
Where are the voices of all those so quick to attack Claudia Alvarez when she does something they don’t like?
Why is Janet Nguyen protecting Chris Street?
Yet another shameful action by the First District Supervisor.
Yet another reason to vote against her in her re-election bid.
Art-
You are Janet’s tool. How does it feel?
Samsung Church??? What’s that all about? The amount of 90 thousand dollars seems a bit suspect. At any rate, it’s an unusual item to be brought into the mix. I think something may be amiss.
In the end, I’m disappointed in all of the Supervisors for their lack of leadership on this issue. Mr. Street has too much baggage and too may skeletons in his closet to remain in control of the county’s investment pool.
I think our experience with Citron should be a hindsight issue here and the supervisors should have removed Streets authority over the investment pool.
Im dispapointed in Janet Nguyen who has shown blatant deference to Mr Street because they share the same lawyer. I am also suspect of the other supervisors for not showing leadership on this issue. As one cooment states; what does Street have on these guys that they dont want leaked?
Somewhat of a rush to judgement, but overall Street is at best unethical and will fail in this job one way or the other. The OCEA Gen Manager must have gotten his numbers from the number of his union members that were laid off because of the bankruptcy because the grand total approached 1,000.