Message from Susan Lien, Member of the City Council of San Bernardino, Ward 2 and San Bernardino Regional Water Resources Authority:

Note to the Reader: This is a verbatim entry of Councilperson Lien's message, dated March 27, 2000. Note how she tries to convince both the SBRWRA and the residents whose homes are at stake that she has all their interests at heart; in short, she tries to be all things to all people! Well, we understand that a conflict exists between the interests of the greedy developers behind "Vision 20-20" and their representatives, however disingenious they might seem, and those whose homes and water are at risk. See if you can ascertain for yourself which side Ms. Lien, who purports to represent the latter, has in fact chosen. Date: March 27, 2000.

To: San Bernardino Regional Water Resources Authority

From: Susan Lien, Board Member.

The proposed lakes and streams project is perhaps the boldest concept that has ever been considered in San Bernardino. If we do not define this project ourselves, others who are hostile to it will not only define it, they will try to destroy it.

And if we approach this project from disparate points of view, with an eye on turf, we will end up fighting each other.

We must agree on our message and we must stick with our message over the long haul that we know is ahead for this project.

What is attached are my thoughts for a public information and outreach plan. They are only a starting point and your input is needed. I do believe these represent the spirit of Vision 2020.

WHY VISION 2020?

.To lower the high groundwater that builds up under the City of San Bernardino

.To protect public safety from liquefaction

.To store this excess water in urban lakes and streams

.To transfer this water when in excess of our local needs

.To profit from the sale of excess water

WHAT IS VISION 2020?

.A component in MUNI's Water Master Plan for the Bunker Hill Basin in the Santa Ana Watershed

.A plan to create a new community for our city

HOW DOES VISION 2020 WORK?

.Extensive investigations and an analysis of the environmental impact need to be done.

.Phase I, which is slated to be developed first, is bounded by Baseline on the north, 9th Street on the south, Waterman Avenue on the east, and the 215 Freeway on the east (sic) with an additional extension to 5th Street along the freeway.

.Extensive community outreach and involvement in the planning process will become an important part of the project

.An analysis of historical structures and a market and financial feasability study in Phase I are underway

.Cost and funding for the project are being explored

.Engineering and design parameters in Phase I are being studied.

IF YOU LIVE IN PHASE I?

.There is as yet no plan to acquire any property.

.If this project becomes a reality and your property is impacted, you will be treated equitibly and justly beyond what the law requires.

.The project will not reach this stage for quite some time.

.Your involvement is critical and you are encouraged to participate in the planning and implementation of this project.

.You will receive a quarterly newsletter on Vision 2020 and a website is being created.

.Your councilwoman, Susan Lien, is available to listen to your concerns and answer your questions. Please don't hesitate to call her at 384-5222.

Our response: Well, now you know the quality of representation you enjoy at City Hall! There is another alternative, however: self-organization. The Neighbourhood Action and Preservation Association is just such an effort: a grassroots movement to resist displacement by those who purport to be our "betters." We, too can be contacted at:

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