OC Blog

Red County/OC Blog News Roundup -- December 11, 2006

Today's top stories from behind the Orange Curtain:

Martin Wisckol's The Buzz: A Crowded Field -- OCR
Martin writes about the 1st Supervisor District special election.

Legions Of Faithful Honor Virgin -- OCR
Guadalupe's legacy revered as Catholics pray for peace in Iraq, protection of immigrants.

Frank Mickadeit: New Attorney All But Assures Jaramillo Trial -- OCR
Franks writes about Jaramillo's new lawyer.

OCTA, Google Join Forces -- OCR
Bus users can do away with cumbersome foldout bus maps and plan their trip ahead of time online.

Anaheim Campus In Search Of A Name -- OCR
Naming the school for a prominent community member would require a change in school district board policy.

Buena Park axes Poetic About Its Future -- LAT
Some figures from the defunct Movieland museum could find roles in a developer's project.

Boys Town Impact Still Felt Today -- OCR
OC campus has Christmas open house and receives certificates of recognition from the offices of Rep. John Campbell and Rep. Ed Royce.

Trails Top Survey On Home Amenities -- OCR
O.C., U.S. homebuyers cite health benefits reaped from exercise.

6 Vie For 3 Spots In Aliso Viejo -- OCR
Delegates tonight to elect new members of master homeowner association board, which has experienced recent turnover.

Radio-Controlled Plan Enthusiasts Take Flight -- OCR
A flying club for radio-controlled planes in Trabuco Canyon offers hobbyists a place to soar.

Property Taxes Due Today -- OCR
Time to render unto Caesar.

Anaheim Homeless Kids Get Room To Stretch -- LAT
Program at the Boys & Girls Club lets kids who live in motels have a place to play and do homework after school.

Businesses Consider Moving To Save Costs -- DP
Faced with rising costs, many local business owners are evaluating their options to renew leases or cut expenses by moving.

Red County/OC Blog News Roundup -- December 9, 2006

Today's top stories from behind the Orange Curtain:

County Parks Director Fired -- OCR
Move comes as future of the system is debated. Parks superintendent is appointed interim head of the agency.

Bush plans 'policy adjustments' in Iraq -- LAT
The president will hear ideas next week for new tactics, which may include training and political benchmarks.

The Rumsfeld show's finale a classic, by golly -- LAT
At his final Pentagon town hall, the Defense secretary riffs on his favorite topics and urges more time in Iraq.

Lake Forest OKs private guard's role in day-labor battle -- LAT
The city will allow a security detail hired by owners of a strip mall to file trespassing reports.

Verdict against Lehman is upheld -- LAT
An appeals court backs a jury's decision that the Wall Street giant is liable for aiding fraud by an O.C. lender, but damages will be recalculated.

Ex-O.C. sheriff's official has two conflict-of-interest charges dismissed -- LAT
George Jaramillo still faces other allegations in the corruption case.

Superintendent placed on leave -- OCR
Karen Colby is removed by Ocean View trustees for undisclosed reasons, the second official displaced in past month.

NFL not the only game in town -- OCR
Three developers offering proposals that appear to be worth more than the NFL's offer.

A Snow Job Success -- OC Weekly
The shady past of OC’s newest mega-philanthropist

Rick Reiff's OC Insider

District Changing Its Sex Offender Policy -- OCR
Fountain Valley schools seek to avoid panic while improving process for notification.

Superintendent Placed On Leave -- OCR
Karen Colby is removed by Ocean View trustees for undisclosed reasons, the second official displaced in past month.

City May Have To Fight To Get Tennis Club -- DP
It's got more plot twists than a soap opera and more players than a football team.

Red County/OC Blog News Roundup -- December 8, 2006

Today's top stories from behind the Orange Curtain:

Developer Would Pay Anaheim Thrice the NFL's Offer -- LAT and OCR
Archstone-Smith and Hine's plan for 53 acres would give the city more than $150 million for right to build high-rise retail, office and residential complex near Angel Stadium.

Editorial: Opening The Doors To Day Care -- OCR
Irvine's DeVore writes a bill that will bring down roadblocks to in-home facilities.

Op-Ed: "Voucher" Is Swedish For Success -- OCR
Parents can use government funds for either public or private schools

Fewer Police In Anaheim Schools -- OCR
Three campus officers are being reassigned to help reduce community response time.

Fixes Sought For Serrano Creek -- OCR
Lake Forest homeowners call erosion in creek bank problematic.

Pearl Harbor Remembered -- OCR
Group sails out of Newport Harbor for memorial service aboard the tall ship, and survivors gather at El Toro Military Field to remember the attack 65 years ago.

A Sail With Vets -- DP
On the 65th anniversary of a foreign power's attack on American soil, veterans of World War II commemorated the occasion aboard a reminder of a much older conflict.

Patriotism, History At OCC -- DP
Lt. Col. Andrew Weniger and his company were sitting on the fenders of a fleet of Army trucks when they heard approaching aircraft. They assumed it was the arrival of the B-17 bombers they were expecting. It wasn't.

November's Home Prices Could Fall Below Last Year's Level -- OCR
Like the headline says.

Little Saigon Archways Closer To Reality -- OCR
Group confident it will raise $400,000 for ornate gates to mark Vietnamese business district.

Tustin Councilwoman Honored -- OCR
Tracy Worley Hagen, who was key in the conversion of Marine base into Tustin Legacy, spent 12 years on City Council. Thank Heavens for term limits.

Anaheim's Virtual City Hall -- OCR
The city today is unveiling a new facet to its Web site called "Anaheim Anytime." Cool.

Yorba Linda Taking Applications For Council Vacancy -- OCR
Applications for the vacancy created by Mike Duvall's election to the Assembly are due Dec. 12.

Fair Game: Moving Forward After The Elections -- DP
Tom Johnson talks about moving forward after the elections.

Red County/OC Blog News Roundup -- December 7, 2006

Today's top stories from behind the Orange Curtain:

Orange County Pearl Harbor Day Events -- OCR
Remembering the date that will live in infamy.

Forever Returned To Pearl Harbor -- OCR
A Lake Forest man respectfully disobeys his father's last wishes.

Moorlach Takes Aim At Law Enforcement Union -- OCR
The new supervisor demands an audit of the deputy sheriffs' health-insurance fund.

Alicia Robinson's The Political Landscape -- DP
He will show support for parents of kidnapped Israeli soldiers; local lawmakers introduce first bills of session.

San Juan High Road Plans On Track For 2007 -- OCR
If street changes near San Juan Hills are approved this month, work would end by the summer, Capistrano officials say.

Parking Drives Village Plan In San Clemente -- OCR
Residents weigh in on whether parking at a North Beach shopping plaza should replace or add to beachfront spaces.

LA-Orange Area Worst In State For Construction Pollution -- OCR
So says Union of Concerned Scientists report.

Cost Is A Major Factor In Dirt Decision For Great Park -- OCR
Great Park board will weigh moving earth vs. adding to the soil for farm.

Civic Symbols And Guiding Lights -- OCR
Mayors may not outrank other council members, but they play unique roles.

Costa Mesa Council Swears In Two -- OCR
Allan Mansoor will serve as mayor again; departing member Gary Monahan is honored for his 12 years of service.

Long-Time Local Returns To Public Life -- DP
Reading the fact in print might make her blush, but new Costa Mesa City Councilwoman Wendy Leece has risque newspapers to thank for starting her public service career.

Brea-Olinda: Votes To Be Recounted -- OCR
Brea Olinda School Board candidate Kevin Hobby has requested a recount after election results showed he lost his race for a seat by six votes.

Schwarzenegger Appoints Prosecutor Superior Court Judge -- OCR
Sheila Hanson was elected to the job after 17 years with the district attorney.

Frank Mickadeit: Bilodeau Critics Are No Shows -- OCR
Frank writes on the Rudat no-show and other topics.

More Bones Found In Dana Point -- LAT
A day after a skull is discovered, skeletal remains turn up in the canyon. Authorities are looking at missing-person reports for leads.

Festive Send-Off For Outgoing School Trustees -- DP
The Newport-Mesa Unified School District gave its three outgoing trustees a rousing farewell Tuesday evening, as teachers, principals and others gathered for a celebration in the district boardroom.

Red County/OC Blog News Roundup -- December 6, 2006

Today's top stories from behind the Orange Curtain:

Clouds Hang Over New Councilman -- OCR
As Denis Bilodeau joins the Orange board, he faces theft charges and a group that publicly doubts his integrity.

OC Supervisors Set Feb. 6 Special Election To Fill Lou Correa Seat -- LAT
The election will be winner-take-all, and among early entrants are council members from Santa Ana and Garden Grove.

Sheriff Keeps Attorney -- OCR
The Board of Supervisors also sets the date for a special election to fill Lou Correa's seat.

D.A.'s Office Defends Jaramillo Case -- OCR
Flurry of motions filed before Friday pre-trial hearing

High School In Irvine Drops Plan To Scan Fingerprints -- LAT and OCR
Proposal was supposed to speed food lines and deter theft at University High, but school district officials scrap the idea after privacy issues are raised.

Police Drop Questionable Tactic -- LAT
After a complaint, Huntington Beach officers no longer test rookies by hiding guns in cars they stop.

Cypress Votes To Be Recounted -- OCR
City Council candidate Del Davis lost by 55 votes and is puzzled by a discrepancy between in-person and absentee ballots.

Mansoor Will Serve Second Term As Mayor -- DP
Costa Mesa residents can expect two more years of the same political direction, after the City Council on Tuesday unanimously voted to give Allan Mansoor another two-year term as mayor and Eric Bever two more years as mayor pro tempore.

Local Senator's Immigration Bill Is Likely Doomed -- DP
Newport-Mesa Sen. Tom Harman wants to make it a state crime for people who enter the country illegally to come to California.

Community Commentary: Hints Of Eminent Domain -- DP
Two NB Country Club members warn the city government to not even think about an eminent domain action.

Red County/OC Blog News Roundup -- December 5, 2008

Today's top stories from behind the Orange Curtain:

Irvine Senator Retains Leadership Post -- OCR
Dick Ackerman holds onto GOP position despite criticisms of his leadership style.

22 Freeway Misses Its Mark -- OCR
While disappointed by delays, OCTA officials say they're still amazed by the project's progress.

Santa Ana Council Splits On Putting Term Limits On The Ballot -- OCR
City Council members failed Monday night for the second time this year to put a measure on the ballot limiting a mayor to 10 consecutive years in office.

Editorial: Police Should Plant Junk In Your Trunk -- OCR
Chief says Huntington Beach police will stop using citizens' cars for training exercises

OK Is Expected For Homes At Former Fountain Valley School  -- OCR
Officials are to consider KB Homes' plans for the McDowell School site.

San Juan Capistrano Residents Aim To Buy Trailer Park -- OCR
They make an offer for the Capistrano Terrace site even as its owner plans to close it down.

Disney Catches County Tax Error -- OCR and LAT
The company returned nearly $4 million and owes about $236,000.

Newport Rolls Out Robot Sprinklers -- OCR
'Smart' systems could mean cleaner oceans, lower water use.

Judge OKs Fullerton Laptop Deal -- OCR
The school district's scaled-back computer plan can continue under the terms of the settlement.

Huntington Beach Police Stop Training Method -- OCR
Planting items for practicing searches isn't worth it, Huntington Beach chief says.

Red County/OC Blog News Roundup -- December 4, 2006

Today's top stories from behind the Orange Curtain:

Martin Wisckol's The Buzz: Spitzer, Walters Do Want The Money After All -- OCR
They say they initially passed on salary raise until their terms were completed

Frank Mickadeit: If She Get's Life, It'll Be Life -- OCR
Frank writes about DeLeon, Carol Rudat and Tustin politics.

Grooming Latino Leaders -- OCR
Santa Ana's first all-Hispanic council has placed the city in the political spotlight.

Moving On Out, Up -- DP
Former county treasurer takes on role as supervisor next week. On his agenda: pensions and annexations.

Long-Time Mayor Of Surf City Moves On -- OCR
Dave Sullivan made his last months count on Huntington Beach City Council.

Laguna Beach Council To Decide Cottages' Fate -- OCR
The historic dwellings are on the site of the future senior and community center.

Disease-Tracker Reflects On Quarter-Century Career -- OCR
O.C. Vector Control's James P. Webb, who retires this month, talks about insects, rodents and their propensity for passing diseases on to people.

Future Takes Root At Santiago Canyon College Project -- OCR
Garden at Santiago Canyon will be a living demonstration on conservation.

Red County/OC Blog News Roundup -- December 3, 2006

The road home for the holidays is paved with extortion -- LAT
Despite sending money south all year to aid families, fund public projects, O.C.'s Mexican nationals find themselves prime shakedown targets in their homeland.

In Afghanistan, lessons in the face of violence -- LAT
Educators persevere despite the constant threat of Taliban attacks.

Rumsfeld memo called for new Iraq strategy -- LAT
Days before resigning, the secretary urged new strategies, including troop reductions.

For soldiers' families, it's lights, camera, love -- OCR
Emotional wives, children and parents of troops in Iraq videotape heartfelt messages for the holidays.

New citizens to be civics-savvy -- OCR
Prospective Americans will face a more meaningful naturalization test starting next year.

Locked into problems -- OCR
Governor, Legislature, prison guards and inmates all have different priorities and suggestions.

Today's editorial: Signs that CUSD has learned its lessons -- OCR
New leadership of Capistrano district admits mistakes, changes controversial policy

Teens dance, adults frown -- OCR
Booty shorts, stripper poles and bellybutton rings are mainstays at one local teen dance club

Rick Reiff's OC Insider

Chai ecstatic with win -- DP
FOOTBALL: UCLA starting center, a Newport Harbor High product, revels in Bruins' upset of USC.

Red County/OC Blog News Roundup -- December 2, 2006

Evangelicals embrace Obama -- OCR
After earlier criticisms, his speech at an AIDS conference organized by Rick Warren's Saddleback Church receives a standing ovation

Defense: Deputies sparked beating -- OCR
Sheriff's Department says inmates were not told John Derek Chamberlain was a child molester.

Task force releases sex offender report -- OCR
Group suggests governor sponsor a housing summit in February.

Attitudes sour on sex between boys, teachers -- OCR
Arrest of Mission Viejo teacher on sex charges points to a real, if not statistically dramatic, problem.

Crime Wave -- OC Weekly
A sampling of OC’s recent lapses in judgment

Judicial commission admonishes Orange County judge -- SF Chronicle
Offensive comment made public along with 3 prior incidents

Surfing the Web on employer's time can get gnarly -- LAT
An Orange County worker faces reprimand for non-work related -- but fairly common -- use

Carona pushes O.C. jail expansion plan -- LAT
The sheriff will seek an architect to more than triple the number of beds at the Musick facility.

Red state, blue state -- LAT
USC has owned city since '99, but UCLA is out to change that, and spoil Trojans' BCS plans

Red County/OC Blog News Roundup -- December 1, 2006

Today's top stories from behind the Orange Curtain:

22 Freeway Misses Deadline -- OCR
Construction crews continue work on improvements, which could last through next week.

Firefighters, Police Remember Msgr. Sammon -- LAT and OCR
The O.C. chaplain who went to work carrying a Bible and an emergency radio is eulogized as a man who brought comfort and 'was a part of our families.'

Musick Proposal Unveiled -- OCR
Adding 2,000 beds and modernizing the 'mega-jail' is expected to cost $250 million.

Destined For Development -- OCR
Anaheim officials are pondering possibilities for the region around Angel Stadium, if the NFL doesn't come.

Encroaching Worse Than We Thought -- OCR
More on one of Frank's favorite topics.

Frank Mickadeit: Saying So Long, While Looking Ahead -- OCR (11/30/06)
Frank talks about internal changes at the Reg.

New Citizens To Be Civics-Savvy -- OCR
Prospective Americans will face a more meaningful naturalization test starting next year.

UCI Receives $1 Million In Real Estate Gifts -- OCR
The money will support medicine, physical sciences.

State Frowns On Charter School Bid -- DP
The Orange County Academy, a proposed charter school that would have been the first in Newport-Mesa, hit another stumbling block this week as its backers withdrew their petition after a negative review from a state advisory board.

Grumbles Over Rehab Facilities Intensify -- DP
Complaining of illicit drug use and frequent police visits, some Newport Beach residents have ramped up demands that city officials take action to control drug and alcohol rehabilitation homes in the city.