OC Blog

OC Blog News Roundup -- April 30, 2006

Today's top stories and commentary from behind the Orange Curtain:

OCR in HB: Sewage leak restricts beaches.

OCR on What to expect from the boycott.  In part,

Santa Ana police plan to be on tactical alert Monday with a contingent of officers at the station. More officers could be called in and placed on standby if needed. The department will also rely on mutual aid from the county if required, said Sgt. Lorenzo Carrillo...

Jon Fleischman, Orange County sheriff's spokesman, said the department, which services 12 cities and unincorporated communities, has no special plans but is constantly assessing the situation. The department will stay flexible and may be called upon by other police agencies in the county, he said...

OCR: Activists urge Latinos to boycott.  Larry Lopez slimes up the front page.

OCR's Bunis: Reporter takes a journey into an immigration hot spot.

OCR editorial dismayed by CA Senate Boycott Resolution-- how about OUTRAGED: What's the point of the boycott?

It needs to be said, and a front page, so OCR's Greenhut lays it down: Great Park heist is now complete.  His lead,

The most amazing heists are the ones that take place in broad daylight, with everyone watching but no one paying attention.  That’s what happened last week in Irvine, and even though county officials know about it, none of them has uttered a peep in protest.  For those who missed it – and it was easy to miss, given the general lack of discussion – three Irvine City Council members walked off with the Orange County Great Park. They quietly passed a resolution late Tuesday night that turns the Great Park Corp. Board of Directors into a meaningless advisory board, then gives all financial control to the city of Irvine.

LAT with more on Placentia: Wounded Placentia Dreams On.

LAT's Parsons on Sheriff Photogenic: Carona's Party Isn't Just the GOP.  In part,

"The stories that have run have caused some concern by some members," says party chairman Scott Baugh, "but the prevailing sentiment is that the sheriff has done a great job and much of what is out there is the product of people who are disgruntled by situations that have occurred in the past." 

...We all know the GOP would have a field day if Carona were a Democrat, but Baugh notes, properly, that nothing has been proved against Carona. The GOP central committee isn't an investigative arm, he says, adding: "So, we're letting these things play themselves out. More often than not, it's much ado about nothing."  To his credit, Baugh wasn't the least defensive in discussing Carona. If members thought the worst things said about Carona were true, he says, the sheriff probably wouldn't get the endorsement.  "We support incumbent Republicans, as a general rule," Baugh says. "That's what we're doing. That's not to say there wasn't some controversy and debate [before endorsing Carona]…. I think the body is giving him the benefit of the doubt and believe he's the best man for the job."

D. Harman Committed

In the Lurkmail this a.m., Dianne Harman's "Commitments to the Community":

(1) I’ll vote to stop illegal immigration.

I’ll write a law increasing our border security. Open borders invite terrorism.

I’ll vote against giving driver’s licenses and welfare benefits to illegal aliens.

(2) I’ll vote against any new taxes.

I’ll vote to stop the outrageous spending in Sacramento.

I’ll closely examine the budget for waste.

(3) I’ll vote for tougher law enforcement.

I’ll support increased penalties for child molesters. We need to know where they live.

I’ll write a law cracking down on internet child pornography.

I’ll work to see that “Jessica’s Law” is enacted.

(4) I’ll vote to protect our quality of life.

I’ll vote to protect beaches and wetlands, particularly the Bolsa Chica.

I’ll vote for transportation measures that will reduce gridlock.

I’ll vote for clean air and water.

These commitments will hold me accountable to you. I won’t break them!

Prison Guard Unions Preparing To Unload On 72nd AD?

In the wake of their decisive intervention in the 35th SD special election on behalf of Tom Harman, the California Correctional Peace officers Association is prepapring to intervene in the 72nd AD GOP primary in an equally heavy-handed manner.

The CCPOA is apparently poised to spend up to $400,000 in an independent expenditure campaign on behalf of Brea Mayor Pro Tem Marty Simonoff and against Yorba Linda Mayor Mike Duvall. Simonoff's council record is one of prodigious use of eminent domain and spending tax dollars on a public campaign to stop a private developer from excercising its property rights. A government union willing to spend heavily to support a candidate with a pro-government record.

Duvall has a warchest approaching half-a-million and has been working the district like a demon, and still should be considered the frontrunner. Hopefully, the white hats like the OC Alliance of Taxpayers will blunt the CCPOA efforts with IEs of its own.

OC Blog News Roundup -- April 29, 2006

Today's top stories and commentary from behind the Orange Curtain:

OCR with more on the Carona capers: Migrant trio cleared in purse case.  Deputy still under suspicion, yet ILLEGALS get back in country apparently without OCSD or ICE giving a damn.  In part,

The Sheriff's Department is investigating whether at least one deputy violated policy by reportedly handing over the three women to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, damaging relations between Sheriff Mike Carona and immigration activists.  Earlier this week, family members in Orange County said, the women - Yolanda Gonzalez, Gloria Santacruz and Carmen Fernandez - paid smugglers about $3,000 each to bring them back to the county.  The developments came as officials with the Mexican Consulate in Santa Ana hope to set up a meeting with Carona to discuss the incident, which immigration advocates said has had a chilling effect in the community...

What happened that day seems to be against department policy. Deputies who encounter illegal immigrants accused of crimes usually file a report that is forwarded to immigration officials. Deputies cannot contact federal authorities without the approval of two supervisors.  Sheriff's spokesman Jon Fleischman reported Friday that the purse had been found but said he didn't know the details...

And remember the name of this local company as an employer of illegal aliens: Lucy Galan, who supervises the trio at Maid Brigade in Irvine, said in an earlier interview that she went to the home and helped translate.

OCR with ANOTHER story on Carona's Reserves and a .357 Magnum: O.C. sheriff launches probe in Ferrari case.  IAD on the case!

LAT on the Alternanator: Westly Leads Angelides in Primary Race.

LAT's Pasco, DP on the recount: Harman Is Victor in State Senate Recount.  Vote margin at 225.  In part,

Harkey said she had no regrets about forgoing a ballot statement to avoid a campaign spending cap of $680,000. She contributed nearly $800,000 to her campaign, which spent an additional $250,000 from donors. Harman spent about half that.  The two also benefited from independent campaigns run on their behalf — two Republican groups helped Harkey, while Harman got boosts from the union representing state prison guards and the Pechanga Indians.  Neither candidate dominated within the sprawling coastal district's 20 cities, which stretch from Seal Beach to Dana Point: Harman and Harkey won 10 cities each.  Harman drew 1,000 votes more in his hometown of Huntington Beach, while Harkey did best with a nearly 700-vote margin in Fountain Valley.

DP's Robinson: As to whether she'll challenge Harman for the Senate seat in 2008, Harkey said, "I don't rule anything out two years from now, but I'm not anticipating the need to do so."

LAT scoops OCR on Placentia ditch debacle: OnTrac Warnings Ignored, Testimony Alleges.

Probably the best idea you'll see today, OCR on Pendleton or Miramar as the next area airport: A radical departure.  Since El Toro was stolen by the south county BANANAs for the Great Park they can't pay for (which, of course, was then stolen by the Agranistas), this makes sense.  Halfway between John Wayne and SD's Lindbergh Field, accessible by heavy rail, and on the 5, access to Pendleton appears much easier than the March alternative site in SB County.

Total Buzz on Monday: May 1: The streets as school.

While the rest of us are at work next week, paying for benefits for the illegals, trying to keep emergency rooms open, and providing an education for their anchor babies, here's everywhere to avoid from the Register on Monday, May 1st:

Santa Ana, 11 a.m.: Hermandad Mexicana Latinoamericana and the Mexican-American Political Association, which support the boycott, will meet at Plaza of the Flags in Civic Center Plaza. Contact: Hermandad's Santa Ana office, (714) 541-0250.

Santa Ana, noon: Members from the SEIU Local 1877 will march starting from 1516 Sycamore Blvd. to Civic Center Plaza to join the rallies at the Plaza of the Flags. Contact: Irene Martinez, (714)564-9974.

Santa Ana, 2 p.m.: A coalition of immigrant-rights groups, unions and students will join the rallies at the Civic Center from 2 to 7 p.m. Contact: Hermandad's Santa Ana office, (714) 541-0250.

Santa Ana, 3 p.m.: A coalition of Mexican organizations will walk from El Salvador Park to Civic Center Plaza. The group includes members of 15 hometown organizations representing Mexican states. The route is along Civic Center Drive from Raitt to Flower. Contact: Lupe Gomez, (714)554-3100.

Santa Ana, 5 p.m.: The Orange County Congregation Community Organization, which includes 18 faith-based groups, will join the Civic Center rallies. At 6 p.m. the group will walk with candles to St. Joseph's Church, 727 Minter St. Participants are invited to attend a 7 p.m. Mass. Contact: OCCCO's office, (714) 491-0771.

UC Irvine, 11 a.m.: "May Day Teach-in" plaza near flagpole; at 2 p.m., car-pooling to larger rallies.

Los Angeles, noon: March and rally. Starting at Olympic and Broadway, ending at City Hall (First and Temple streets); rally begins at 2:30 p.m.

Maywood/Huntington Park, 10a.m.: March and rally. Starting at Santa Rose of Lima Church (Atlantic Boulevard and 60th Street in Maywood), ending in Huntington Park. Rally begins at noon.

Counter-protests

Santa Ana, 10:30 a.m.: A "pro-American rally" will run from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Santa Ana City Hall, 20 Civic Center Plaza. Contact: slsweet@cox.net.

Lincoln Club To Endorse Schwarzenegger For Governor

Word on the street is the Lincoln Club of Orange County will officially endorse Governor Schwarzenegger later this evening at their annual dinner -- at which the Governor is speaking.

On one hand, this isn't really surprising -- Schwarzenegger is the incumbent Republican* governor and faces no conservative primary challenge. And after all, the Lincoln Club was founded in the wake of the acrimonious Richard Nixon-Joe Shell 1962 gubernatorial primary, in large part to avoid nasty primary battles that can harm the winner's chances in the general election.

That said, I have to imagine tonight's announcement is a major example of a hold-your-nose endorsement. The Arnold Schwarzenegger currently in the Governor's office bears little resemblance to the Arnold Schwarzenegger elected in the recall. I sometimes wonder if that Arnold was abducted after his defeat in the November special election and replaced with a pod-Arnold. The Lincoln Club is a conservative group, and my gut tells me many of their members, in the back of their minds, share my  doubt that second-term Governor Schwarzenegger will be appreciably different than a first-term Governor Westly.

In any case, the beautiful Mrs. Jubal and I have been invited to attend the dinner, and I'm interested to hear what the Governor has to say that might put those doubts to rest.

Frank Ury On Orange County Financial Soveriegnty

Mission Viejo Mayor Pro Tempore Frank Ury posted this today on his Mission Viejo Blog. Frank is on the brightest local elected officials in OC, and it's always worth paying attention to what he has to say:

Several weeks ago the Santa Margarita Water District held a Community Leaders Water Forum in Mission Viejo. Over 100 were in attendance, and listened to state and local leaders discuss statewide and regional water issues.

After listening to the Director of the California Department of Water Resources speak for 20 minutes, I experienced phases of confusion, bewilderment and finally resolute anger. The presentation, made during the throws of the recent State Bond effort of 2006, was frighteningly similar to the discussion years ago which precipitated Orange County passing Measure M for transportation improvements. The bottom line message: Orange County is on its own, but the State will come to you to bail the State out of our financial problems.

So now is the time for our County to take a new direction, one of financial independence from the State for infrastructure and long term financial obligations. The OC should control its own destiny.

You can read Frank's entire post here.

Commie Girl On Wiley Drake

Here is the Commie Girl's column this week on the fortunately irreplaceable Rev. Wiley Drake, friend to the homeless and bane of Sheriff Carona and homosexuals (not necessarily in that order).

Apologies for missing it in the Roundup, Rebecca.

Santa Ana Will Be Jumping On May 1

It stands to reason that Santa Ana will be a ground-zero of agitation on May 1, the date for the "Day Without An Immigrant" boycott, and a little Googling confirms it.

Actionla.org has a "List of May 1 Actions" detailing locations and times for protestors to gather. Here's the entry for OC:

Students in Orange County should march to two strategic locations (although they apparently haven't decided on what time to meet yet):

Ed Royce
305 N. Harbor Blvd., Suite 300
Fullerton, CA

or

Ronald Reagan Federal Building
411 W. 4th St.
Santa Ana, CA

Some points for students to consider:

- No violence or property destruction

- Avoid profanity or racial insults

- Make sure all signs are spelled correctly and free of grammatical errors.

- If someone asks about the flag you wave, tell the person you carry it to express cultural and ethnic pride, not to show allegiance to any government.

- Be wary of any informational forum held by police, schools, or government agencies. They want to mislead you with political jargon and empty promises. Don't fall for it!

Don't worry kids: the "grown-ups" in the state Senate say it's A-OK to skip school!

Anti-illegal immigration activists will be on hand, too:

There is an upcoming rally on May 1st (Hispanic Boycott US Day)... details below:

Santa Ana City Hall
20 Civic Center Drive
Santa Ana, CA 92701
10:30AM - 1:30PM

This rally is to support no amnesty, enforce our current immigration laws and secure our borders! Bring the biggest American flags that you can! I know that it is a work day so if you can only come during you lunch hour, all bodies are approcated! We will be meeting on the sidewalk at the Santa Ana Library (Civic Center Drive and Ross Street). City Hall is next to the library.

The Rules:

Stay On The Sidewalk

No Blocking Driveways Or Streets

No Violence

No Flag Burning

Bring Your Enthusiasm!

I presume the "no flag burning" refers to Mexican flags.

Over at EspacioAlternativo.com, they are taking the boycott very seriously:

Remember MAY 1 MAJOR US BOYCOTT!
no work + no tv + no school + no sex + no booze + no drugs

That might put a crimp in turnout.

They're also planning an Open Mic Marathon that day!:

We’re planning on doing a marathon open mic that day, MONDAY MAY 1ST ALL DAY!

come one, come all to exchange your ideas, poetry, art, music, performance, music, genes + more…

MAY 1st OPEN MIC MARATHON
From 11am to 11pm
CSA 410-B W. 4th St. Santa Ana, RIGHT ACCROSS THE R. REAGAN COURTHOUSE!

more info at info@espacioalternativo.com or info@culturalstageofart.org

We’ll start signing people up from monday april 24th at 10am and we’ll close the list friday april 28th at 10pm. we’ll play as the usual first come first served until we’re all booked! 2 songs or 10 mins max (TBD/TBA).

Someone ought to drive Sir Eldon Griffiths over that day, and make the organizer rue the day they ever heard of "open mic" events.

OC Blogpourri -- April 28, 2006

A quick lap around the OC blogosphere so what's being posted...

Over at Orange Punch, Steve Greenhut points to a 2002 e-mail from Brea Councilman John Beauman expressing the latter's celebration of being anti-development, and gives a run down on why the public employee unions are attacking Chriss Street.

Lots o' posts over at Total Buzz. Martin Wisckol has a couple of posts about my no-longer-secret identity and Chuck DeVore's take on Latino legislators decision to stage a walkout on May 1 -- plus the finale of the Harman-Harkey recount. Peggy Lowe posts on how Sheriff candidate Ralph Martin has announced he will call for Mike Carona's resignation over the Rick Rizzolo stuff. Norberto Santana Jr. laments that Jim Silva and Tom Wilson didn't read the OCR's big story on Chriss Street this past Saturday, and Amy Taxin notes the Mexican Consulate in Santa Ana will be hard at work on May 1, when the Nativo Lopez-controlled MAPA and HML-sponsored walk-out/boycott thing takes place.

Over at Powder Blue Report, Allan Bartlett has some nice things to say about me, while over at Orange Juice, Art Pedroza castigates Carona supporters, castigates Tony Rackauckas for endorsing Claudia Alvarez for the 69th AD, and pooh-poohs a campaign for 47th CD Republican candidate Tan Nguyen (but refrains from castigating Nguyen). His colleague Claudio Gallegos castigates Sheriff Carona, and promises blog coverage of this weekends California Democratic Party convention (I look forward to that and will do my best to link to Claudio's posts as he makes them).

OC Blog News Roundup -- April 28, 2006

Today's top stories from behind the Orange Curtain:

Rival Says Carona Should Quit Over Company He Keeps -- LAT, OCR and OC Weekly
Criticism follows reserve deputy problems and publication of photo of the owner of an investigated strip club.

OC Registrar Likely To Affirm Harman Win -- OCR
Tom Harman, declared the winner by 236 votes in the Republican primary for the 35th state Senate District election on April 11, is poised to have his victory reaffirmed today in the recount requested by his opponent, Diane Harkey.

Cash In Envelope Buys Trouble -- OCR and LAT
Signal Hill man arrested and accused of trying to bribe Westminster city official.

38 Netted In OC Sex-Crime Sweep --OCR
Officials say coordinated operation last week resulted in 9,037 arrests in 27 states.

Crystal Cove Cottages Snapped Up -- OCR, DP and LAT
Reservations go fast for restored cottages at Crystal Cove State Park in Orange County.

National Archives Considering Great Park To House Documents -- OCR
Trove of documents would be open to the public.

42nd Annual "Night In Fullerton" Keys On Culture, History -- OCR
From an exhibit of rare guitars to a British brass band, the city will showcase its artistic and cultural riches tonight at the 42nd annual "A Night in Fullerton" celebration.

OC Taxi Ride Will Cost 4.6% More -- OCR
In August, you'll pay $14.65 for a 5-mile trip, up from $14.