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Millennials aren't kids anymore. In fact, many have kids of their own. And UNest, founded by Ksenia Yudina, is targeting this cohort of new parents with a savings app.

UNest started as a college savings app, offering 529 college savings plans. Since its launch in 2018, the fintech has broadened its scope to include general savings accounts for kids.

"The feedback that we've heard from our existing users is that they don't want to save just for education," Yudina said. "They want to invest in their kids' futures, but be able to save for their first car or a down payment on a home."

Los Angeles-based UNest, which extended its seed round in January, announced a $9 million Series A on June 16 led by Anthos Capital with participation from investors like Northwestern Mutual Future Ventures and former NBA all-star Baron Davis.

As UNest has expanded its product offerings, its userbase has continued to grow, especially amid the coronavirus pandemic during which many parents are spending more time with their kids. Since February, UNest has added 25,000 accounts. The funding will be used to invest in more marketing and brand awareness as UNest looks to grow its userbase, Yudina said.

And the round was raised entirely remotely amid coronavirus shutdowns.

"The concern that most companies seem to have going into the pandemic is that there would be a lot of down rounds," Peter Mansfield, chief marketing officer at UNest, told Business Insider.

Given the economic volatility over the past few months, it's easy for founders to feel a bit bearish, Mansfield said. Instead, UNest was able to leverage the growth it had already experienced, resulting in a "a very big up round," he added.

"We're at a really fortunate spot because we didn't really need to raise," Mansfield said. "That probably gave us more confidence than the average bear to be able to go in there with our heads held high asking for a valuation that we thought was eminently fair."

While UNest's pitch deck itself has gone through a number of iterations, there are other factors to successful fundraising.

"Fundraising is all about relationship building," said Yudina. "You have to get in front of them, you have to show your energy and drive, and prove why you're the right person to solve this problem."

"The pitch deck follows. It's kind of like marketing materials, it's post-fact," Yudina said.

Part of UNest's confidence came from building out an experienced team after its seed round, Yudina said. While Yudina had prior experience as a financial advisor at Capital Group's American Funds, she didn't have experience at a fintech. Mansfield led marketing in the early days of Marqeta, and Mike Van Kempen, UNest's chief operating officer, joined UNest last year from Acorns.

"We built a super strong team with actual experience in fintech," said Yudina, "and that's what investors like."

And proving you can deliver on product development and user acquisition is key when fundraising, Yudina said. For example, UNest launched with an iOS app, promising investors to build out an Android app, which it launched in February.

Here's the pitch deck UNest used to win over investors and raise its Series A.

See the article here:
The pitch deck UNest used to raise its $9 million Series A - Business Insider

The 2020 NHL Draft Lottery was a travesty. The Red Wings and their fans were wronged and disrespected.

Who came up with the term place-holder team? Its a ridiculous tag unbefitting of a supposed major league.

The Red Wings, by far the NHLs worst team, will pick fourth overall.

In the meantime, a team competing in the postseason will receive the first overall selection, who undoubtedly will be winger Alexis Lafreniere, a potential generational talent from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Think of :

- Toronto adding Lafreniere to Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, John Tavares and William Nylander.

-Pittsburgh with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Lafreniere

-Chicago with Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Lafreniere.

- The Rangers with Lafreniere and the second overall selection from last year, Kaapo Kakko.

- Congratulations to former Red Wings general manager Ken Holland for receiving a spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Its deserved. But it wasnt because of the final years of his stint in Detroit after he lost his touch. Holland inherited Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in Edmonton, the top two scorers in the league, and now possibly Lafreniere will fall into his lap.

The twist of the knife to the Red Wings back is they did anything but tank. The Red Wings waited far too long to go into total rebuilding mode and continually overspent on veteran players.

Everything about this process goes against the spirit of the draft, which is to provide competitive balance.

The adding of the losing qualifying round teams to the lottery mix because of the pandemic was absurd, For one of those teams to get Lafreniere - especially if it is one of the Red Wings rivals - because of sheer chance adds salt to the wound.

Stop tanking? Well, what about this scenario. One of the qualifying-round teams is down two games to none in their best of five series. There is a 12.5 chance theyll be rewarded with Lafreniere if they lose. And its not like that team is eligible for any other premium pick. It encourages tanking.

Sure. The Red Wings should still get a top-end player fourth overall. General manager Steve Yzerman was right not whining about it Friday. The Red Wings need to play the cards they have been dealt and move forward by not giving into the temptation of excuse making.

But the fact the NHL stacked the deck for a postseason team ahead of the Red Wings was woefully wrong.

And unfortunately the Red Wings loss will be the gain of an undeserving franchise.

See more here:
Pat Caputo: NHL Unfairly Rigged Deck Vs. Red Wings In NHL Draft Lottery - 97.1 The Ticket

Below Deck producers recently shared the secret sauce behind what makes the series so successful. Below Deck Mediterranean ratings are constantly smashing records, even outpacing Bravos signature Housewives series.

Launched in 2013, the series began as a sleeper show that flipped the Bravo script on wealth and privilege typically featured on the network. The Housewives series profiles cast members in more of an enviable light, following the lives of women with too much money and even more time on their hands. But Below Deck instead dove into the lives of the people who served their wealthy clients, while at the same time adding a layer of snark about the guests in their confessionals.

The series ignited when producers and viewers realized that the storylines and drama remained heavily with the crew. The guests often flit in and out of the drama but the crew are the true stars of the series.

Casting agents often put out a call on social media for crew members to join the show. Several cast members have shared that agents found them on social media and urged them to apply. Anastasia Surmava from Below Deck Mediterranean said a casting agent reached out to her friend about doing the show. Her friend wasnt interested but she wanted to give it a shot.

Noah Samton, senior vice president from Bravo told The New York Times that yachting attracts the kind of people that are good TV. He explained why many yachties are ripe for the show.

RELATED: Anastasia Surmava Dishes About Behind the Scenes of Below Deck Med

First of all, theyre a lot of young, attractive people, he said. A lot of people that are sort of escaping their lives for some reason, or have this adventurous streak in them. Many past crew members have shared stories of hopping from one boat to another, essentially being without a home base for years at a time.

While many yachties would make for good television, not all yachties make the Below Deck cut. People who arent on TV are pretty good at keeping drama behind closed doors, Samton shared. Were really good at finding the people who are going to wear it on their sleeves.

Theyre here to share every aspect of their lives, he continued. Those are the rules. The only place you have privacy on the boat is the bathroom.Third stew Jessica More recently noted that privacy was at a premium. Theres zero privacy unless youre going to the restroom, she toldIn Touch Weekly. She added that cameras were everywhere, its an actual cameraman or its placed on the wall somewhere or propped up somewhere.

RELATED: Below Deck Med: Jessica More Says the Only Privacy for the Crew Is in the Restroom

Samton added that if more than one person goes into one of the restrooms, a camera will likely follow. Not just because of sex, he said. It could be theyre having a conversation they hate so-and-so. We need to know that. Adding, Theres nowhere they can hide.

View post:
'Below Deck' Producers Reveal That Yachting 'Attracts the Kind of People That Are Good TV' - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

JAKE PAUL pranked Ryan Garcia by pretending the boxer had broken his ribs following a 'Body Shot Challenge'.

The pair have struck up a recent friendship after they dabbled in each other's professions.

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Paul made his pro boxing debut this year beating internet rival AnEsonGib while unbeaten lightweight Garcia recently started his own YouTube channel.

To "welcome" Garcia to YouTube, social media star Paul set up a prank where he would pretend to fall injured after a body shot and be rushed into a fake ambulance.

The YouTuber had taken part in Garcia's Body Shot Challenge before but only with protection on.

After getting hammered a few times with an exposed torso, Paul winced in pain much to the disbelief of his friend.

Following some fake camaraderie, which included Paul pretending to cough up blood, an ambulance arrives and Garcia follows the prankster in.

One inside the ambulance, Paul said: "Yo, paramedic, before we go I just wanna tell my friend you just got pranked b****!"

Garcia is then gobsmacked, as everyone begins laughing, and Paul shouts "that's what we do! Welcome to YouTube."

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The lightweight contender appeared to take the joke well, playing along online by urging people to watch the prank on YouTube.

With Paul hoping to face internet nemesis KSI this year, it remains to be seen whether he continues to train alongside Garcia.

Golden Boy Promotions Garica is in line to fight ex-world champion Jorge Linares.

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Follow this link:
Jake Paul rushed to hospital after Ryan Garcia decks YouTuber in Body Shot Challenge but was it a prank? - The Sun

You dont have to spend thousands of dollars to deck out your deck with high-design outdoor furniture. While we love a sleek chaise lounge as much as the next person, theres something a bit disconcerting about spending so much on a piece thats going to take the beating of sun, rain, fluctuating temperatures, and even critters (get out of here, squirrels!).

If you feel as in need of affordable, durable, and delightful pieces to spruce up your life, look no further than Danish brand Fatboy. The company began in 2002 when Dutch businessman Alex Bergman bought the rights to designer Jukka Setls sleek, more mature version of the much-maligned bean bag chair.

[Photo: courtesy Fatboy]The Original Bean Bag Chair ($219) is an oversized, slouchy pillow that can be scrunched up and sat on or laid out like a cushion. An outdoor-ready version($329) is built with water-resistant fabric and stuffing to sit on your deck, by the pool, or get dragged out into the grass for an outdoor movie night.

[Photo: courtesy Fatboy]The Floatzac Floating Beanbag Lounge Chair ($279) is made with water-resistant beads and Sunbrella water- and UV-resistant fabric that make it feel plush on water and land. Plus, the straps on the chair create an arching, adjustable seat and make maneuvering in water easier than the average float.

[Photo: courtesy Fatboy]If youre looking for that hammock/daybed feeling but want something thats lower-profile and more portable, theres the Lazmac Inflatable Lounger ($79.50). It is made of durable ripstop nylon, inflates in seconds, comes with a stake so it doesnt blow away in the wind, and is much more comfortable than one might imagine an inflatable lounge chair to be. One FC editor swears by the Lazmac as a perfect outdoor chair for lounging around in the backyard, at the beach, or in the park. If youre looking for a Lazmac that can fit two people (and has even more of a daybed look and feel), theres always the Lazmac L ($119).

[Photo: courtesy Fatboy]Speaking of extra cozy, there are few greater, more snug joys than swinging from a hammock in the sunshine and cool breeze. The Headdemock Hammock ($499) comes with a free-standing frame, so you can choose where you want to hang outinstead of trees and poles dictating where you hang it. Its made from nonwoven mesh (for maximum airflow), but the coolest feature is that its big enough for two people to share comfortably.

[Photo: courtesy Fatboy]And to round out your Fatboy seating options, theres the low-key, Scandinavian take on the rocking chair: the Rock n Roll Chair ($220.15). Part of a modular system that works with other Fatboy products, the simple metal rocking frame can accommodate any Fatboy Originals bean bag to transform it into a giant, commodious rocking chair.

Read more here:
Fatboy makes the best outdoor furniture for the beach, deck, and backy - Fast Company

Below Deck Mediterranean has returned to Bravo this summer for yet another series, this time with an all-female crew aboard.

There are some old faces, some new on this fifth season. NewbieLara Flumianis shock exit meant that Captain Sandy needed another crew member, and so she welcomed back Christine Bugsy Drake.

As always, the Below Deck Med team welcomes a variety of guests onto the 184ft charter yacht and episode 5 (Monday, June 29th) introduced viewers to Justin Thornton.

So, who is Justin Thornton? Find out about the Below Deck Mediterranean guest here.

Screenshot: A Rude Guest Tests Hannahs Patience | Season 5 | Below Deck Mediterranean Hayu YouTube

Justin Thornton is an entrepreneur, investor, and business owner from New York.

He graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Business Administration and Management. Justin then continued to obtain an MBA in Business Strategy.

Channelling what he had learnt from business school, Justin founded Skyline Corporation in 2011. Skyline Corporation has many sectors from home entertainment totire wholesale, industrial and auto. Primarily, Skyline Corporation works in construction.

Below Deck Med viewers were initially sceptical of Justin Thornton, yet as the episode progressed that scepticism transferred to his group of friends.

One viewer tweeted: Dear Charter Guest Justinkeep Scout close and ditch those a**hole friends of yours especially Mr. Where are my oysters

Another defended Justin from a critical tweet stating: anyone who loves his dog that much is good with me.

Justin was desperate to bring his dog, Mr. Scout, aboard the yacht, rather than leaving him at home. This is not typically allowed on the boat but somehow Justin got away with it!

Justin has already established himself as somewhat of an Instagram influencer before even appearing on the reality TV show.

Justin has over 27,000 followers as of publication date.

The majority of Justins Instagram feed is filled with travel snaps and evidence of his jet setting lifestyle. It also shows thatJustin brings his husky puppy along with him most places, so its no surprise that he wanted to bring the dog on Below Deck Med!

You can follow Justin on Instagram under the handle@jtthornton.

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Who is Justin Thornton? We found the Below Deck Med guest on Instagram - Reality Titbit - Celebrity TV News

Being in a relationship with someone who is in the public eye is never easy. But Leah Shafer couldnt be happier being in love with Captain Sandy Yawn from Below Deck Mediterranean.

Yawn and Shafer went public with their relationship about a year ago and have grown closer through the triumphs and hardships that most couples encounter. Theyve just gone through them under a public microscope.

Becoming a couple was a turning point, especially for Shafer. Despite being married for 20 years, Shafer told Showbiz Cheat Sheet she wasnt truly happy. Eventually, she came to terms with what was in her heart. She split from her husband and later found love with Yawn.

Although the couple is riding off into the sunset together, Shafer shares that being in a relationship with a highly recognized public figure has its own set of challenges.

Celebrity is not completely unchartered territory for Shafer. Shes a gospel singer, has recorded five albums, sings the National Anthem for the Denver Broncos and was asked to be a special featured singer at the funeral of Beth Chapman from Dog the Bounty Hunter.

But a simple errand usually turns into a celebrity sighting. We can be out in public and all of a sudden someone screams, Oh my God, Captain Sandy! At that moment I dont exist any longer and Im just some girl standing there, Shafer laughs.

RELATED: Leah Shafer Shares What Led Her to Happiness with Captain Sandy from Below Deck Med (Exclusive)

Shafer says she understands being recognized by the fans is part of the job. I laugh and joke that I am the personal photographer. I offer to take photos because I want to support Sandy and her fan base and Ibelieve inhumility, she says. Most fans are veryrespectful and say hello to me, or Sandy willintroduce me.

For the most part, bumping into fans is fun. However, people dont always respect the couples privacy. There are times when Sandy I are eating and [the fans] just plop down at our tableuninvited, Shafer says. That bothers me. Its called etiquette.Especially if its private family time with mydaughter.

The couple sometimes encounters fans who may have been overserved too. And it really bothers me when the fans are drunk and hang on Sandy. Can you imagine if some dudes or women came and sat at my table and starting hanging on me? Its justdisrespectful to any couple.

RELATED: Captain Sandy From Below Deck Med Breaks Exciting Relationship News (Exclusive)

Another downside to fame is being heavily scrutinized on social media. Sandy and I are both very free spirits and neither one of us likes to be controlled or told what to do, she laughs. So when we are passionate about something and we post about it and are then told we arent able to really discuss our views. That can be frustrating. I feel like we are constantly apologizing for being ourselves.

I would say the hard part is constantly watching every move you make so you dont offend someone, she admits. Im used to that anyway being a gospel artist. I was constantly judged and watched. I couldnt even post [photos of] myself in a bathing suit or with an alcoholic beverage in my hand. Sandy and I live a very clean life so what you see is what you get.

Shafer celebrated her first official Pride Month and couldnt be happier being by Yawns side. I know that when we are in public to make sure to always be prepared to support my love, she says about Yawn. I want to be her rock. Its not easy to not have privacy yet at the same time, she loves it because she lovespeople. I do love when she puts her arm around me and makes sure fans know Im her love.

RELATED: Captain Sandy From Below Deck Med and Girlfriend Leah Shafer Pick out Their First Christmas Tree Together

As the relationship has evolved Shafer noticed the two are opposites who complement each other. Shes veryimpulsive and I think too much. She reminds me to play more and I keep her balanced in other ways, Shafer says.

Shafer says Yawn is just as proud of her accomplishments too. Fans will ask Yawn about Shafers career. Sandy is quick to sayShe is a badass singer and owner of Skin By Leah. But I am proud of her fame. But thebeautiful thing is, if it was all gone tomorrow, I could care less. She is forever my love. I refuse to bethe girlfriend who looks like Im riding on the coattails of her fame. SoIm very very careful and Im veryprotective.

More:
'Below Deck Med': Leah Shafer Reveals What It's Really Like to Be in a Relationship With Captain Sandy (Exclusive) - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

Below Deck viewers often see the chef reviewing the preference sheet with charter guests or presenting their dish and dessert.

But for Below Deck Mediterranean chef Hindrigo Kiko Lorran, coming out to talk with guests is his least favorite thing to do.

A preview clip shows chief stew Hannah Ferrier already having an issue with the guests over their request for shellfish. The guests are about to play poker and one asks, What happened to the oysters we ordered? Ferrier explains oysters are coming the next day and the best way to get what they want is to pop the request on their preference sheet when they arrive onboard. Clearly, communication with these guests is key and Lorran does not love being in this position.

The crew wonders if Lorran has discussed dinner with the guests. Did you speak to them after lunch about dinner, Ferrier asks Lorran. He says while he didnt speak to the guests, hes going to follow the primary preference sheet requests.

I need you to talk to them, Captain Sandy Yawn insists. Please dont avoid that. While Lorran agrees with Yawn he truly does not want to have to meet with the guests.

RELATED: Below Deck Med: Does Captain Sandy Have Another Chef Problem?

I hate to talk with the guests, he admits while laughing. Its because English is not my first language, and Im so nervous of that. You know, just let me cook. Lorran has had a few comical language snafus with the crew thus far. While the crew thought the mixups were funny, a mixup like that could prove to be embarrassing for everyone.

Although chef Ben Robinson from Below Deck and Below Deck Med was often very charming and talkative with the guests, he didnt always love guest interactions. Last season, he struggled with broken appliances to prepare meals. He knew some of the dishes were arriving at the table cold and the galley kitchen on Sirocco was cramped.

Viewers may recall when Yawn dined with guests and she called for him to come up to talk to the guests during dinner service. He looked slightly panicked at the request. Why, why do I need to do that, he said looking pretty worried. Is it good or bad?

RELATED: Does Chef Ben From Below Deck Med Get Lost on Sirocco?

Robinson was still new to the boat and unfortunately just finding the table was a chore. I dont even know how to get to the table, he said as hes seen opening random doors to find his way to the guests. By the time he finds the guests hes greeted with applause. Oh wow, that is a relief, he said once he realizes the guests simply wanted to thank him. A guest says, No dont be worried, it is good.

While Lorran may not feel comfortable due to language constraints and Robinson worried about guest complaints, other chefs have had to deal with guests invading their space while they worked.

Chef Adam Glick from Below Deck Sailing Yacht had a few flirty guests who not only gushed about his dishes but made themselves comfortable in the kitchen while he cooked. He was gracious and friendly, but clearly it was extremely awkward.

RELATED: Below Deck Guest Challenges Chef Adrian and Reveals What Was Really Going on With Brandy

Also, chef Adrian Martin from Below Deck season 6 had guest, Helen Hoey extremely interested in what he was cooking. He seemed intimidated and a little concerned she was more than just interested in his food. Hoey returned for season 7 and was a little insulted he joked about her during season 6.

Below Deck Mediterranean is on Monday at 9/8c on Bravo.

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'Below Deck Med': Chef Kiko Reveals the Real Reason Why He Doesn't Like Talking to Charter Guests - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

(Screenshot from Google Maps)

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At about 6:30 last night, a brush fire ignited out in the desert near the southeastern end of the Salton Sea. Because of strong dry winds, it wasn't long before the flames traveled half a mile west, jumped Highway 111, and landed in Niland a small town with a patchwork of mobile homes and trailers surrounded by ready-to-burn brush.

There were calls to evacuate the entire town as 30 mph gusts made it difficult for firefighters to get a handle on the blaze. Reinforcements from Cal Fire in San Diego were called in to help the Imperial County firefighters.

One person was killed, an estimated 40 homes were destroyed, and 130 people were displaced, though the numbers are still being tallied.

A tragedy anywhere, but even more so in Niland, where an estimated 57 percent of the population lives below the poverty line.

"I don't see it being rebuilt. For my family at least. Which is kind of pretty heavy for me to say," said Pastor Elijah Baaga, whose family members lost two homes in the fire. He lives in nearby Calipatria, but has deep ties to the Niland community.

He said his family has lived there since the 1920s, when his grandparents emigrated from the Philippines to work in the agricultural industry.

"My aunties and my uncles, they were part of the generation that lived there for a long time," Baaga said. "They were there when the economy was booming in Niland. There were banks and packing sheds, and agriculture was booming."

Now, it's a low income part of Imperial Valley with people struggling to get by.

"It's like pure trailers all throughout the city. A lot of the city has been deserted and people have left their homes. It's almost like a ghost town. It's pretty impoverished," Baaga said.

The impact to the town, he said, will put further strain on those living there. And he fears that the strong sense of community that he's always felt in Niland, will diminish if people fail to recover post-disaster.

For now, those who have been displaced are either staying with family and friends, like the Baagas, or in hotel rooms paid for by the Red Cross.

The long-term plan for recovery is unclear and will take some time to pan out.

According to Linsey Dale, public information officer with Imperial County, a local assistance center is being set up so that residents can meet with both government and nonprofit agencies that might be able to help them.

See the article here:
Estimated 40 Homes Burn As Brushfire Tears Through Small SoCal Town - LAist

An updated general plan presented at the special Murrieta City Council meeting Tuesday, June 16, could potentially bring thousands of homes and jobs to families in the area.

Senior planner Carl Stiebl and Brian F. Mooney, fellow of American Institute of Certified Planners, presented a general plan for the councils consideration.

The general plan and general plan environmental impact report were last updated in July 2011, as reported by presenting staff. This focused update included land use changes in certain areas with zoning changes, updates to specific general plan elements, a supplemental and final EIR, an updated Climate Action Plan and implementation of vehicle miles traveled.

The updates address new state legislation since 2011, economic development opportunities for the city, project streamlining and improving the overall quality of life for residents, as reported by staff.

The Base Project (also known as the draft project)

There are six planning areas where there are land use changes as part of the project. Areas 1, 2 and 3 are in the southern portion of the city, and Areas 4, 5 and 6 are located in the northern and eastern portions of the city.

Area 1

This area is located south of I-15 between Madison Avenue, Monroe Avenue, Guava Street and Elm Street. This area currently has the U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility, two churches and various residences. There is also a hotel currently in process in this area.

Proposed land use map for Area 1

A proposed land use map for area one includes a change to innovation, which works well, according to staff, in close proximity to the existing business park, commercial and just south of the transit-oriented development area to the north.

Area 2

For Area 2, the existing land use map is located on the east side of I-15 south of the freeway split to the city border of Temecula along Jackson Avenue. The existing land use designations include small areas of single-family residential, multi-family residential, commercial, as well as a large area of Office Research Park with office zoning, which is a more limited zone.

This area covers The Springs Healthcare Center, Temecula Valley RV and the Murrieta Palms Mobile Home Park.

Proposed land use map for Area 2

The majority here would change to innovation, according to staff, with open space along the city owned parcels and the Warm Springs Creek, with multi-family residential for the mobile home park and commercial for the one parcel down at the border of the city of Temecula.

Area 3

Area 3 is located along Murrieta Hot Springs Road, and this site is developed with a strip commercial center and buildings that include a bank, restaurants, stores and offices.

Proposed land use map for Area 3

This is a cleanup item to change to commercial and match the way this area has developed over time.

Area 4

This area is a large area in the northern part of the city along Whitewood Road and Clinton Keith Road. The area is developed with some industrial and storage-type uses, rural residential and large lot land use designated areas. The majority of this area, other than whats near the freeway is located within the Eastern Municipal Water District. The area that has ORP has an encompassed health facility and grading for future medical office development thats currently in process along the I-215.

Proposed land use map for Area 4

This area would significantly remove the existing ORP from the area, an innovation area south of Baxter Road on both sides of Whitewood Road, with adjacent workforce housing, both multi-family housing and single-family located in close proximity. It would also change the RCA owned parcels in the southern area to open space.

There are also two alternatives in the project that provide options for how the land use in this area can be changed.

Area 5

This section is a smaller area than the adjacent area four across the I-215. This area is located north of Linnel Lane and along McElwain Road, just north of the existing Target. Its currently completely designated ORP, it contains a few existing residences with very steep terrain to the west and north. A hotel was also recently approved in Area 5.

Proposed land use map for Area 5

This area would remove the ORP, replace it with innovation along the freeway, also add multi-family residential for worker housing at the intersection of Linnel Lane and McElwain Road and single-family residential at the parcels with the steepest terrain to the north and west.

Area 6

Located within the Murrieta Springs Specific Plan in the eastern part of the city, this section is east of the Los Alamos area. The parcels are undeveloped land that have been acquired by RCA for conservation. Locations are adjacent to the existing open space in the Murrieta Springs Plan.

Proposed land use map for Area 6

This section is a cleanup to the area to make all the parcels open space. This helps with conservation and open space goals, including those in the general plan, and an addition matching RCAs intended use for the properties. A subsequent amendment to clean up the Murrieta Springs Specific Plan is necessary and will be completed separately, according to staff.

Alternatives to the project

Alternatives to the project are considered in the draft EIR. In consideration of alternatives as part of this process provides options to adopt a project that achieves the overall goals.

The city may choose to adopt the draft project as presented, or an alternative or parts of alternatives, given that theyve been fully analyzed.

The alternatives primarily look at different potential considerations of land use designations in two areas.

Alternative 2

Alternative 2 offers a different arrangement of land uses in Area 4. It would further reduce the amount of proposed innovation in area four from the draft plan, with more multi-family residential instead.

It is primarily seen in the northern part of the area where the parcels that were proposed for innovation east of Whitewood Road and south of Baxter Road, except for the innovation area around the recently developed encompassed health facility along Whitewood Road.

The parcel at the southeast corner of Clinton Keith Road and Whitewood Road in this alternative also changes from single-family to multi-family. According to staff, this creates more of a corridor running north to south of multi-family along the east side of Whitewood Road, but still provides a large innovation area.

Staff reported that they received a number of comments during public review in support of this alternative. The planning commissions recommendation was to adopt this alternative based on their deliberations and the public comment.

Alternative 3

There are different arrangements for land uses in Area 2 and Area 4. Alternative 3 replaces the proposed innovation in Area 2 with commercial. In Area 4, this alternative replaces innovation southwest of Baxter Road and west of Whitewood Road with multi-family, creating more of an L-shaped, smaller innovation area.

This alternative also adds two small areas of commercial at the northeast and southeast corner of Clinton Keith Road and Whitewood Road. Comments were also received in support of the alternative from public review.

The council can choose between the draft land use map or these alternatives. Alternatives 2 and 3 then are changes to the base project.

The project also includes a water study. It also included public workshops and public review. Twenty-six comments were received during the time period for public review, in which many supported Alternative 2.

Some comments from staff came with concern about losing innovation to make room for more housing.

Before a motion was made, Mayor Gene Wunderlich gave one final comment.

I very much want to thank the city for an excellent job of updating this and providing a very comprehensive plan, Wunderlich said. The concept of innovation districts didnt even really exist the last time we did a general plan update, so this is all new, its spreading like wildfire across the country because it is so flexible and allows so many different uses.

The focus really is very friendly, integrated communities that incorporate a mix of housing and the office design and these and so forth with sufficient landscaping and hopefully an attraction for what we focus on here as a city, new business startups, business incubators as well as some well-known anchors in some of these tenant buildings, Wunderlich said.

A motion was made to adopt the recommendation by staff for the resolutions that were outlined in their report, for the first reading of the ordinance as outlined in staff recommendation, and that council adopts the map that is Alternative 2 with the addition of the multi-family in the corner at Baxter Road and Whitewood Road.

The motion made by Councilmember Kelly Seyarto included the innovation in Area 2, with concern for the direction that commercial property is going in.

The innovation area is able to capture a lot of what would normally be, maybe commercial, retail, Seyarto said. I think it provides the flexibility we needed for that particular parcel. Theres so much competition and dwindling demand for commercial, and I want to make sure that, at least in the next few years because I look forward to seeing how this plays out for our community, so for that area Im still fine with the innovation.

The motion passed unanimously.

To see the maps of each area, learn more about the Innovation Land Use, updates in state legislation affecting the general plan proposed project, or the agenda items of the June 16 meeting, visit http://onbase.murrietaca.gov/onbaseagendaonline and click on the 2 p.m. City Council Special Meeting link for June 16.

Lexington Howe can be reached by email at lhowe@reedermedia.com.

Excerpt from:
Murrieta continues to develop future plan for adding thousands of homes and jobs to the area - Valley News