CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE
HUMAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
APPLICATION
1. Name:
Cordell Bauer
2. How long have you lived in San Clemente? October 2001
3. 4.
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What is your occupation? product designer and importer
Please explain why you would like to serve on the Human Affairs Committee.
I've been involved in the issue of safety in San Clemente for the past eight years, online and speaking at council meetings when sober homes were starting to proliferate in town. In those eight years I've learned much and I'd like to make a positive difference regarding the choices the city makes.
5. Please explain how your background and experience would contribute to the Human Affairs Committee.
I'm a resident who has first-hand knowledge of the homeless issue in town, which includes the personal choice involved. I've also gathered more data from the FBI and the OCS0 via PRA requests than most council members I know. As a homeowner who has lived near a sober home, I know the stark difference between a street full of families playing kick the can and a 6am sheriff's call for a knife fight.
6. Please explain any expertise that you may have in the area of homelessness.
I've read the Boise decision and dissent, AB 109, Props 4 7 and 57 and I know the general premise of the Lanterman Petris Short act. On the local level I know the hot spots, am familiar with the sheriff's reports, and have talked regularly with council members and staff about these and other issues. And I'm always learning.
Although I have 7+ year history with homelessness in our town, there's always more to learn.
7. What is your educational background?
High School/Colleges Attended Major Field of Study Degree? Judge Memorial Catholic High School, Salt Lake City, UT yes Santa Clara University, Santa Clara CA undergrad --
University of Utah BS Communications yes
8. Please explain any experience that you have in community, governmental, charitable or educational affairs.
I've been a board of trustees member at the Elks Lodge, which has worked extensively with FAM in the past.
I was a board member of the Coalition to Save San Clemente, which focused on the issue of the toll road and used state legislators, social media and even litigation to help our city avoid the toll road.
I also helped administer the "San Clemente Cares" facebook site, which at the time had over 5,000 members.
Crime, safety, homelessness, clean beaches, bike paths and so much more was discussed.
9. The Human Affairs Committee meets on a regular basis on the second Tuesday of every other even month at 3:00 p.m. Please explain any challenges, if any, you may have in meeting this commitment.
I own my company and mainly consult from a home offic, where I set my own schedule. No issues other than any emergencies that arise from my family are forseen.
10. Considering the City's limited financial resources, please describe your views on how t he City can address human needs in the community.
If we follow the path California has set for us, we'll get the same results as L.A., S.F., San Diego.
San Clemente should not follow the rest of the state if it means less safety or quality of life for the residents.
One immediate goal may include triage; identify the issue with each person and line them up with the best available services. For some it could be medical assistance, or mental health, or the Homeward Bound program. Also if OCSD changes their methods because beds are available, we should look at finding beds.
11. Please describe your understanding of the principal roles and responsibilities of the Human Affairs Committee.
The homeless committee is supposed to delve more deeply into the homeless issues in town, and advise the council members on their findings. The group should represent the concerns of the residents so that the advice more closely matches with the desires of the community. I believe that respectful disagreements are good in this body, as all sides will need to hone their responses. The best options come this way.
12. Please use the space below to explain any other factors about yourself that you would like for the Councilmembers to consider as t hey review your application.
I'm an active member of the community regarding this issue, and keep up with the topic. I also represent parents with kids in town (three of them), along with all the joys and dangers it brings. I have a deep desire for anyone experiencing this destructive cycle to stop.