Friday, August 31, 2007

From Sacramento to Hell... And Finally Back Home



Wow. How could I have ever known how crazy this week would be? How could I have ever known that I would be lobbying for universal health care on Monday, finding my mother on Tuesday and Wednesday, preparing for my grandmother's passing away on Thursday, and dealing with my computer's total meltdown today? Ah, the wonders of life!

Well, I guess none of us really knows what will happen to us next. We never know when our grandmother becomes deathly ill, or when our mother is in desperate need of mental health services, or when our family finances become so tight that we can't afford that monthly HMO premium. These were all reasons why I joined the Orange County chapter of It's OUR Healthcare on their lobbying trip to Sacramento on Monday. I just didn't know that over the next few days, I would truly come to realize why my lobby trip was so important.

Follow me after the flip for more...







On Monday, I did something that I had never done before in my life. I went inside the State Capitol to lobby members of the State Legislature. And on Monday, I had a very special message for them. I joined with other local Orange County health care activists to ask them to do something about our broken health care system.

We first stopped inside Assembly Member Jose Solorio's office, just to thank him for the great work he's doing on making health care more accessible and affordable for Orange County's working families. We could not actually thank him in person, as he wasn't in the office, but we were able to speak with one of his staffers. We then went on to talk to other area legislators about Orange County's health care needs, and in all cases we spoke with staffers.

And then, there was Lou Correa's office. Now we know that Senator Correa cares about working families in Orange County. It's just that he hasn't yet committed to supporting legislation that would make health care more accessible and affordable to Orange County's working families, so we wanted to talk to him about the real need for health care reform this year. Unfortunately the Senator wasn't in the office, but we did have a chance to speak with a staffer.

Oh yes, and we came bearing gifts. Too bad we couldn't give these directly to Senator Correa. Whatever, I hope he got the message.



Well, after this week, I think I got the message. Let's see, where do I begin? As soon as I retuned home, my dad had some important news to share with me. After several months of not knowing what happened to my mother, we finally heard that she had recently moved to an assisted living home. Now to make a very long and sorted story short and understandable, my mother has been suffering from mental illness for the past few years, but she refuses to admit it. And as just about everyone who loves her and cares for her comes forward to tell her this, she turns each one away. So now, we find out that she's been excommunicated from the one thing in her life she cared about most after they realized her true condition, and we must find out that she's all alone.

But then, we soon found out that my mother had recently moved away from her assisted living home. OK, so where is she now? My dad and I searched, but finally one of my mother's former church friends gave us the answer. She moved to another assisted living home in Westminster. We tried to visit her, but she didn't want to see us. Yesterday, I just had to leave a gift fro her at the front desk, as I was afraid to provoke her anger. Yesterday was my mother's birthday, but I couldn't even see her at risk of causing a total nervous breakdown for me and for her.

So at least now, I know that my mohter is being taken care of. But still, I don't know how she can afford it. I don't know if she is losing her entire life savings over this assisted living. And of course, I don't know if she's truly receiving all the mental health care she truly needs. It's scary, it truly is.

And yet, my mother isn't the only woman I'm worrying about. After all, my grandmother (my dad's mom) may very well be dying as we speak. Now my family has been on high alert ever since my grandmother's recent hospital stay, so I guess I should have seen this coming. Not only is her dementia worsening, but her liver is also failing her now. We don't know how much more time she has left.

So what can my family do now? We're hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst. We're already planning for future medicine expenses... And hospital expenses... And funeral expenses. It's saddening, and maddening, and very frustrating.

And now, on top of all that, my dad must still worry about when he'll be getting his own prescription medicines. The pharamcy had been giving him a run around, and he must always grapple with the HMO over co-pays. And then to make things worse, we have house repairs to take care of. And now, to make things even worse, my laptop broke down today. And now, I wonder if my own sanity will break down as my computer fails me and the health insurance industry fails my dad and my grandmother's health fails her and my mom fails to recognize she needs help.

I guess this is why I went to Sacramento on Monday. After thinking about my fanily's own troubling experience with health care and all the costs realted to it, I know my family can't be the only one with these types of worries. There must be millions more families throughout California worrying about a relative who can't get mental health care, and a grandparent who's facing extremely high health care costs and a parent who's having difficulty paying for all the necessary prescription drugs for survival. There must be millions more in need of help, and this year may be our one chance to get these people some help.

We know that there's something wrong with this system. There's something wrong with people not accessing the care that they need. So why can't we do something NOW to right this wrong? Now, more than ever before, I understand this. After dealing with all my family problems, I know that my family problems aren't that different from the health care problems facing so many other families throughout Orange County, and thorughout California. And now, I want to do whatever I can to ensure that these health care problems are solved.

So can YOU join me and all the others who want to make our health care more accessible and more affordable? Go tell your own story here, and find out how to take action here. We know it's time to fix our broken health care system. Now, we need to get our elected leaders to wake up, smell the reality, and do something to change it.



What Do YOU Think: Should Laguna Hills Ban Medical Marijuana Dispensaries?

(Cross-posted at The Liberal OC)

This morning, I found something interesting in The Register. Apparently on Tuesday, the Laguna Hills City Council approved the introduction of an ordinance banning the distribution of medical marijuana. Specifically, the city is afraid of seeing medical marijuana dispensaries open in town.

Now why would the city be afraid?

With the legal uncertainties and concerns that medical marijuana dispensaries might lead to loitering or crime, city staff has recommended that the council adopt the proposed ordinance. It prohibits any land use that would be illegal under state or federal law.


HUH?! Didn't California voters approve Prop 215 so that medical marijuana patients wouldn't have to face criminal penalties? And didn't SB 420 take care of allowing legal distribution of medical marijuana? Well, remember that even though the state recognizes medical marijuana as a legal medicine, the federal government does not. The state-federal conflict does muddy the waters here.

So what do YOU think Laguna Hills should do about the possible opening of medical marijuana dispensaries in town? Do you think they should follow through on their plan to ban all dispensaries? Or should they drop the proposed ban, and allow medical marijuana patients to get their medicine in Laguna Hills? And what do you think about these dispensaries? Do they lead to "crime", or do they provide a necessary medical service. I want to know what YOU think, so please go ahead and have your say.

Go ahead. Make my day. Fire away! :-)

Monday, August 27, 2007

On My Way to the Airport

That's where I'm going now. I'll be flying to Sacramento. I'll be lobbying for universal health care. Thank goodness I'm feeling healthy enough to do this! ; )

Wish me luck! : )

Good Morning!

I'm up now! I'm awake. I'm ready for today... I think. ; )

Saturday, August 25, 2007

OK, It's Time Now...

I forced myself out of bed. I need to get up, and get moving. I have chores to do. I have things to do later today. I need not be lazy any longer.

Cooking Good, Feeling Better

OK, so the clouds still linger outside my window. Whatever. I feel better now. Nothing like a hot shower and a hot kitchen to make me feel better!

There's just something about cooking that's so therapeutic for me. As soon as I turn on the stove and fire up the skillet, my spirit is healed. And no matter what I cook, I always feel renewed after creating the perfect edible masterpiece.

Ah, the joys of cooking! Even a slow, dreary, cloudy day, I can count on my kitchen to get me going again. Now, I can truly face the day. : )

Dreary Morning

The clouds return. The clouds are everywhere. The clouds have descended. The clouds are here.

So now, I face a dreary morning. I have difficulty escaping my bed. I just want to stay inside, and hide from the lingering depression outside. I want to hide from the clouds.

So I face another dreary morning. I face another cloudy day. But no, I wish not to experience it.

Friday, August 24, 2007

Good Night

I'm ready to collapse into my bed now. Good night to all. I'll talk later. : )

Sleepy Time Once Again

It's time for me to sleep. It's been a long day, and a busy week. Oh yes, and I want to be ready for what should be quite a happy day tomorrow. OK, time for bed.

Check Out These OC Democratic Weekend Events!



Are you looking for something to do this weekend? Are you looking to make a difference in your community, but don't know where to go to do it? Do YOU want to make a change this weekend?

Well, I have a great list of Democratic Events in OC this weekend, and you can follow me down below to see all of them! :-)

(Cross-posted at The Liberal OC)

Here's what's happening in OC. All events are here courtesy of DFA-Orange County's "OC Democratic Weekly" event calendar. Follow this link to subscribe to the weekly newsletter. Check out what's happening in your area, and get some ideas on how to get active in your community!

Saturday:

11 am-1 pm, Laguna Beach: Vigil for Peace at Laguna Main Beach PCH at Ocean Avenue. Bring signs or use ours Contact: (949) 499-3190

noon-2pm, Brea: Brea Anti-war gathering at the intersection of Brea Blvd. and Imperial Highway Contact Marcus Gourley runningdeeractivist@yahoo.com

25 Saturday 10:30am, Anaheim: You are invited to a Rally for Impeachment on the corner of Harbor and Katella in Anaheim, Calif. To be followed by free food and games at the Unitarian church at 511 Harbor Blvd. Contact: Ronald Vaught, 949-259-3218, info@angelhearttravel.net afterdowningstreet.org/ca

25 (2nd and 4th Saturday) 10am, Orange: OC Peace Coalition general meeting All interested people are invited, especially anyone who might represent one of our member organizations. at the Sisters of St. Joseph Justice Center, 480 S. Batavia. Directions: Turn into the parking lot from Batavia just north of La Veta Avenue, drive around to the left, to the south side of the complex. We meet in the last wing of the building on the south side. Look for directional signs. Contact: www.ocpeace.org, (714)637-8313.

25 Saturday 11am-2pm, Irvine: The 27th Annual SUFFRAGE DAY LUNCHEON honoring PAULA GARB of the UCI Citizen Peacebuilding Center, SUSAN KOPICKI of Democracy for America, JEANETTE MERRILEES of Save Crystal Cove, and CHARLOTTE SAMUELS and CAITLYN WHITNEY of Students Against Sweatshops at Cal State Fullerton. Advance tickets are modestly priced at $40. Tickets are $50 at the door. For tickets, please email Lori at womenforoc@aol.com or call Shirley at 949.854.8024. Recorded information will be available in August on our message line, 949.262.1001. University Club, 801 E. Peltason Dr., Irvine. From 405, exit Culver Dr. south (toward the ocean). Turn right onto Campus Dr. Turn left onto E. Peltason (the other side of the street is Berkeley). After several signals, turn right at the 4-way stop sign at Los Trancos, then left into the parking lot of the University Club. womenforoc.org/_wsn/page3.html

New 25 Saturday 7pm, Costa Mesa: Free Screening of "Ripple Effect" This newly released film surveys a wide range of evidence indicating that 9/11 was an inside job and not the sneak attack that we have been led to believe. Orange Coast UU Church, 1259 Victoria Street, Costa Mesa The Corporate Study Group, csg@ocuuc.org, 949-400-
0259

Sunday:

12-1pm, Irvine/Huntington Beach: Enough! Every Sunday from noon to 1pm, more and more people nationwide are hitting the streets to publicly tell their neighbors, We've Had Enough! of this reckless, incompetent and criminal Administration.
Irvine: Please join hands with them Sundays from noon - 1pm at UCI. We'll be on the Watson walking bridge above Campus Blvd - the one linking UC Irvine with University Center - between W. Peltason and Stanford. Mike Myers 949.677.0016 (cell) mdamyers@uci.edu dfalink.com/group.php?id=2337
Huntington Beach: At Main St. and PCH S/W corner For more info. Contact, Albert afitguy@excite.com Dorrine quitetherebel@hotmail.com www.theyoungturks.com/section/Enough

1pm, Santa Ana: Food Not Bombs Santa Ana (http://www.foodnotbombs.net/california.html) at the Catholic Worker, 316 Cypress Ave Contact: (714) 970-8276

26 Sunday 1-3pm, Irvine: Newport Beach Bay Democrats (welcoming all Democrats) will meet at the Duck Club in Irvine located on Riverian Way. From the I-405 get off on Jamboree Blvd and go one block South toward Newport Beach. Turn right onto Michaelson. Go about 4 stop lights and turn right onto Riverian Way. Go about 1.5 miles until you almost reach a barrier in the road. Turn right and go about 25 feet down an incline and turn right into the parking lot. The Duck Club, next to the Audubon Society building is the building the furthest away from you when you turned into the Parking lot. Topic: Universal Health Care and State and Federal Legislation- Why private health plans can no longer work as a means of expanding health care coverage to everyone. Main Speaker: Don McCanne, M.D., Senior Health Policy Fellow, Physicians for a National Health Program with a website at pnhp.org. At least 2 other speakers to talk on Mass. Universal Health Care, ways to finance health care under the present system of health care in the U.S..

New 26 Sunday 1-4pm, Santa Ana: National Council Negro Woman Orange County Membership Luncheon supporting Hannah's Childrens Homes Country Garden Caterers 719 North Main St. Santa Ana 92701 contact Andree Weger 714-835-7972 or Eloise Boone 714-662-5705

New 26 Sunday 5:30-8:30pm, La Habra Heights: DNOC (Democrats of North Orange County) will host a Wine and Cheese Tasting Party as a club fundraiser. Event will be at the home of Jeanne Moffit, 1661 Agave Ave., La Habra Heights 90631. Come and join us in a lovely setting by the pool and meet other Democrats from the North Orange county area, including some local elected officials and OC Democratic Party staffers. Donation: $25.00 per person. Please call Jeanne Moffit (562) 694-4208 or Sharon Brown (562) 694-2457 to RSVP and get directions.

7-8 pm, Huntington Beach: "Visualize world peace, surf city style” at Main St. & Pacific Coast Highway, Bring a covered candle just help hold up the banner (no signs please; the banner says it all!). Contact: mtheriault@socal.rr.com.


So are YOU ready to make a difference in your community? If so, think about going to some of these events. This might be your chance to be the change you want to see happen. Believe me, you won't regret it. :-)

What Do YOU Think: Should Medical Marijuana Patients Get Their Medicine Back?

(Cross-posted at The Liberal OC)

If police officers seize marijuana legally kept by a medical marijuana patient, should they have to give the property back?


This is what The Register wrote about today, and this is what I'm wondering today. After all, California voters chose to allow for the medicinal use of marijuana under Prop 215. However, many local law enforcement agents in California still arrest medical marijuana users and confiscate their medicine. So do YOU think law enforcement should return the marijuana to the patients once they have determined that these patients are legitimately protected under Prop 215?

Check out what happened to these two patients, and think about how they were treated:

Felix Kha of Garden Grove had 8 grams seized from him in June 2005 during a traffic stop. Criminal charges were later dismissed after Kha proved he had a prescription for the drug – which he uses for back pain.

Kha then asked a judge to make Garden Grove police give him back the marijuana. Orange County Judge Linda Marks agreed, and ordered the department to return it. [...]

Besides the Kha case, justices heard about what happened to Jim Spray of Huntington Beach. Police confiscated 5 ounces of marijuana from Spray, as well as his growing equipment in November 2005. He had a prescription for the drug, also for back pain. But Orange County Superior Court Judge Daniel T. Brice, ruled he shouldn't get his marijuana back.

"The people have spoken in their voting record for support of medical marijuana,'' said Spray, who also attended the hearing. "This vacillation from city to city and various judges shouldn't be happening."


So a local judge decided that Garden Grove Police needed to return the medical marijuana to Feliz Kha, but they haven't. Meanwhile Jim Spray asked that his medical marijuana be returned to him, but another judge denied him of his request. Is this a fair application of the law? Or should the 4th District State Court of Appeal overturn Judge Brice's ruling, and decide that all police departments must return the medical marijuana to patients should these patients show evidence that they had legal prescriptions?

I want to know what YOU have to say on this matter. So go ahead. Make my day. have your say.

Want to Learn How to Help Democrats Win in YOUR Neighborhood?



I know you've thought about it before. I certainly have. So what can we do to help progressives win in our communities, and build a Democratic base in Orange County? How about marking your calendar for September 22, when Steve Young's campaign will be hosting a campaign training session for everyone interested in making a difference for Democrats here in Orange County.

Want to find out more? Well, follow me down below for it...

(Cross-posted at The Liberal OC)

So what will be happening on September 22? Well, here's some 411 for you:

This will be an all day organizing meeting for Steve's City Captains, Precinct Leaders/Volunteers, anyone that wants to join Steve's campaign, or organizers and volunteers working on other campaigns which overlay the 48th District. Coordinating campaigns through good precincts organizing benefits all our Democratic candidates. Let's work together to win in 2008. Please RSVP to Marion at 949-640-4400. A pizza lunch will be included.


OK, so where do we go? Go to Steve's NEW headquarters:

101 Pacifica, Suite 100
(downstairs from the old office)
Irvine, CA 92618
Here's a map of the location.

Come on, now. We know that the only way to build a lasting progressive majority in Orange County is if we build up our local Democratic Party here. So here's our chance to learn something about how we can actually build a lasting presence that will help us win. And yes, it's not just for Democrats in the 48th Congressional District who plan to work for Steve Young. It's open to ALL OC Democrats.

So what are you waiting for? Go sign up, and start making a difference in your community. Trust me, you won't regret it. ;-)

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Sleepy Time Again

And I have good reason to be sleepy. I did a lot of good today. OK, and something REALLY FANTASTIC happened to me earlier tonight. So yes, it was a good day all around. I did good, and the favor was returned. So I should go to sleep, and I'll get back to you tomorrow. : )

How About Our Health Care, Senator Correa?



Last week, a group of local community leaders a chance to talk with State Senator Lou Correa (D-Santa Ana) about health care. They asked him what he plans to do in the Legislature to ensure that all of Orange County's working families have health care. And his answer? He said that so long as the Legislature fights over the state budget, there won't be an opportunity to do something on health care.

Well, guess what? The budget fight is over. And now, more than ever, we need our legislators to start working on health care reform NOW. And we know how much Lou Correa cares about working families in Orange County, which is why we need his help to get them the health care coverage that they so desperately need.

So can YOU help us remind Lou Correa that he needs to help in delivering real reform that will help Orange County working families afford health care? Follow me down below for more...

(Cross-posted at The Liberal OC)

It's OUR Healthcare is working to make sure that Orange County's legislators focus on the real health care concerns of Orange County residents. So now that Lou Correa is saying that he wants to deliver health care for working families, we need to tell him that we want to see him make good on his word with real action. So can you help by calling Lou Correa's office, and asking him to stand up for OC's working families and support real health care reform? And while you're at it, can you also call the Governor and ask him to do the same?

Phone Numbers:

Senator Correa (Santa Ana) 1 866 535 1744

Governor’s District Office
Los Angeles 1 866 396 0812


Just ask them about AB 8 (the health care bill), and what they intend to do to make sure it works for our working families. Basically, AB 8 would give health care coverage to over 4 million people who currently don't have any coverage, create a statewide insurance pool, and stop the HMOs from denying any one coverage over pre-existing conditions. So yes, AB 8 is a pretty good bill, But still, there are some flaws, the chiefone being that there aren't enough cost-control mechanisms to ensure that health insurance is affordable and available to everyone.

So can YOU call the Governor and Senator Correa, and ask them to fix our broken health care system NOW by improving AB 8 to make health care more affordable for everyone?

Please consider doing this if you care about our health care, and please feel free to let us know in the comments how your calls went.

Diane Harkey Working for Dana Point... Or Diane Harkey?



"You know, I feel as if I'm talking to a wall. And I am tired of the apologists for unethical failings in our elected officials, who try to belittle and dismiss those who have had enough and are standing tall. If the majority on this council thinks this city is their personal property to do with as they please, and they're there to rule and not to serve, they'd better think again."


That was Dana Point resident Tony Cooke. Apparently, he's getting frustrated over the Dana Point City Council's habit of ignoring what's really wrong with Dana Point. And you know what? He has reason to be frustrated.

At last night's city council meeting, Mayor Diane Harkey stepped down from her "throne" to congratulate the city business of the month and to award certificates of recognition. She and the city manager waxed on about Dana Point's rightful place in surfing history. She talked about how a new "tri-city trolley" would help move the happy tourists from their lovely hotel rooms in Dana Point to the San Juan Capistrano train station and all the nearby tourist destinations. Oh yes, and she smiled down upon everyone when public comments began, and a few residents arose to sing Mayor Harkey's praises.

Judging by the first half of the council meeting, one would think everything was hunky-dory in happy Dana Point. But in reality, everything isn't "hunky-dory" and happy. Real residents have real concerns. And at last night's meeting, they had a chance to address them.

Follow me down below for more...

(Cross-posted at The Liberal OC)



"I feel democracy is at stake."


That was Dr. Jim Seitz, another Dana Point resident who is frustrated with city government and its practice of ignoring the concerns of city residents. After all, the city has done nothing about Diane Harkey violating city policy to make campaign literature look like an official city newsletter. The city has done nothing to address the concerns of Dana Point residents over the "pay-to-play" corrupt politics that Diane Harkey has brought into the policy-making process. The city has done nothing to address the affordable housing crisis that is raising concerns at the state level. Basically, as city residents worry over these real problems, Diane Harkey and the council go on as if nothing's wrong.

"It's easy to call names... But let's think of facts."


That was Patrick Evans, an attorney working with mobile home residents on the outskirts of town who are simply looking for an affordable place to live. He noted that these people supported Diane Harkey because she promised to help them. But was she done since she was elected to city council? Nothing. These residents are still afraid of losing their homes, and what has Harkey done? Nothing. Apparently, Diane Harkey continues to act as if nothing is wrong.

And in the comments made by Harkey supporters, they angrily derided the recall supporters as rabble-rousers who are acting as a divisive force in the city. They called upon everyone to renew support for Harkey, and to rebuild a sense of unity in the city. But what facts did they have to show that Diane Harkey is doing a great job in Dana Point? None. They talked about how Diane Harkey was such a good friend to them, or about Diane Harkey answering their phone calls. But after all the happy talk, they didn't really address how the city government under Diane Harkey's leadership is doing anything to address all the concerns of local residents. So how exactly is Diane Harkey doing a great job for Dana Point?

Ultimately, our elected officials work for us. Their job is to serve us. We are the ones who hire them, and we are the ones who can fire them. So Diane Harkey and her supporters can talk all they want about the recall advocates "dividing" the city, but has Mayor Harkey given city residents a good reason to unite behind her? Is she working for Dana Point? Or is she just using her position to climb the political ladder? Dana Point voters hired Harkey to serve them. And if they don't think she's doing her job as mayor, they can choose to fire her.

Simple as that.

Monday, August 20, 2007

Happy Sleepy Time

OK, I'm tired now. I had a busy day today. It's bedtime. Good night! : )

Bolsa Chica, One Year Later

It's been one year. Tell me what you think:

http://www.theliberaloc.com/2007/08/20/what-do-you-think-bolsa-chica-one-year-later/

: )

Sunday, August 19, 2007

End of a Lonely Weekend

Ah, yes. My lonely, "old maid" weekend is coming to an end. What should I think? Well, I guess I won't be spending so much time at home after tonight. But still, I guess I'll be happy about it.

Apparently, a certain special someone noticed my post yesterday on feeling alone. He said he was sorry to hear that. I was happy just to hear his voice again. And just for that, I'm ready to surprise him with something special this weekend.

I think I know what I'll be cooking for him for Friday. I think I'll also wear my lucky black underwear, just to ensure that something else heats up as soon as the kitchen cools down. Come on now, you know what I mean. ; )

Oh, and I'll be seeing more of my other friends this week. Yep, and I'll be back to traveling all over the place to see them. So yes, my insanely busy life is almost back. And guess what? Nothing could make me happier. : )

Slow Sunday

No, it really is. Not much is happening today. I guess that's why there isn't too much for me to say today. Whatever.

Random Sunday Thought

It's hot outside. I'm cramped up inside. I kinda woke up on my bad side. But slowly, I'm getting back to my good side.

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Lazy Saturday Night

I'm in the house now. I was talking to my dad earlier about the history of the Christian Church. Later on, I'll probably do some research on local politics in Orange County. Yes, yes, I know. All of that doesn't sound like "fun things" that one is supposed to do on a Satuday night. Well, so what?

I feel kinda like an "old maid" right now. I have nothing better to do than stay at the house right now, and to find my entertainment at home. And you know what? I don't feel so bad about it.

No really, it's kinda nice to just be at home with the family for a change. Yes, they drive me nuts sometimes. But still, it's not like I experience it THAT often, as I'm usually out of the house for the most of the day. But today is different, and I'm just here with them.

I may be a premature "old maid", but for now I'm a happy one. ; )

Feeling Lonely

My friends are away right now. I miss them. My mom is gawd knows where right now. I miss her. Well, at least my dad isn't that far from home right now. I don't have to miss him so much. Basically, I'm feeling pretty alone right now.

Have you ever felt alone before? It sucks. No really, it sucks to be alone. It's saddening, and it's frustrating, and it's maddening.

Ah, it sucks to be alone.

Short Thought

Sigh. Sigh. Sigh.

Friday, August 17, 2007

Friday Night Random Thought

Grrrr! I've had a crazy day, so I don't know what to think right now. I've had good developments, and bad developments. It's been a wild day today.

Who's Impressed with Diane Harkey?



I attended the protest because I want people in my city government, even more in the state assembly, to act in a way which puts their constituents' interests first, and not their own. [...] The people she is supposed to represent play no role at all in her game plan for power. Tonight's fundraiser was her attempt to shoulder the cost of what she herself wants in life, as she wants others to pay for her personal egotistical ambitions. In return she will have promised the donors anything and whatever it takes to get their support. It's all about playing the game, and I hoped to be a small part in derailing that game.

If [Diane] Harkey is under recall in her own district, how can she run for higher office with any credibility whatsoever? If the people who know her best think she is worthless, we want others to know her just as well as we do. We have been subject to all of her blatant opportunism and disregard of the best interests of her constituents. And now, her recent actions seem to show she thinks that she even is above the law.


That was Tony, a Dana Point resident who was a part of last night's protest of Diane Harkey's big fundraiser in Newport Beach. He is someone who has seen Diane Harkey in action, and he is not particularly impressed with what he has seen. And guess what? He's not the only one.

Follow me after the flip for more...

(Cross-posted at The Liberal OC)



Why should Robert be impressed with Diane Harkey? What has she done to address the affordable housing crunch in Dana Point? Look at this letter that the city received from the State Housing and Community Development Department. So far, the city has done nothing to provide any realistic solution to this very real problem. While the city has been busy adding new luxury developments like St. Regis and The Strand, they have ignored the needs of real people living on real fixed incomes. What's so impressive about that?



Why would Jim Lacy be impressed with Diane Harkey? He actually served with her on the city council from 2005 to 2006, and he has had a front-row seat to Harkey's brand of pay-to-play politics, as well as her overall lack of ethical standards. Oh yes, and as someone who helped formulate city policy on the city seal, he had to watch in horror this year to see Diane Harkey violate it in order to produce a campaign mailer masquerading as a "newsletter" to dupe Dana Point voters into feeling good about her. Oh yes, and as a conservative Republican himself, he doesn't just "dislike" her because she is a Republican. He's someone interested in good government, and he's someone who's not impressed by Harkey's lack of interest in practicing that.



Why should any of these good citizens of Dana Point be impressed by Diane Harkey? (OK, and yes, I was there with them!) What has she done to serve them and their needs? What has she done that's in the best interest of the city, and not just in the best interest of herself? What has she done to show that she cares more about the concerns of local residents than her own desire to run for higher office? What has she done to follow through on her duty to work for the residents of Dana Point? They made the choice to hire her, and they can make the choice to fire her.





Maybe these uber-wealthy GOP Machine donors are impressed with Harkey. I guess that's why this small group of power players decided to go to Newport Beach to give Harkey money for her Assembly Campaign. But still, it seemed like the power players inside were outnumbered by the concerned citizens outside who are ready to begin a grassroots effort to take back their city government. And no matter how much money Harkey can raise from her well-heeled friends, it may not be enough to withstand this effort of, by, and for Dana Point citizens, to take back their city.

Calling All OC Hillary Clinton Supporters! Get Your HillStar Training On!

Hey, you! Do you just love Hillary Clinton? Do you want to see her become our next President? And would you like to do something here in Orange County to help? Well then, why not sign up to become a HillStar and attend a special training session next week in Irvine to learn how YOU can help Hillary win in Orange County?!

Become a HillStar! HillStars are a group of 1,000 volunteers who are the backbone of Hillary's California field operation. This is a grassroots leadership opportunity to engage, inform, and mobilize supporters to be advocates for Hillary! Whether it be e-mailing your personal list of friends and family with campaign updates, contacting family and friends in other states about supporting Senator Clinton, hosting a house party or blogging - we encourage supporters to reach out to each other and take action in whatever form they can to spread the good word about Hillary. We are holding HillStar training in Irvine on this Tuesday, August 21, from 7:00 PM to 9:00P PM. RSVP to Connie Lee's attention at SoCalHRC@hillaryclinton.com or call (213) 908-0190.


So are you ready to sign up and become a HillStar? If so, then follow me down below for all the details...

(Cross-posted at The Liberal OC)

When
Tuesday, August 21, 2007 at 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Where
Conference Center 1st Floor
19900 MacArthur Blvd.
Irvine, CA 92612
General Area: On the corner of MacArthur Blvd & Jamboree Road

We are holding HillStar training in Irvine on this Tuesday, August 21, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. RSVP to Connie Lee's attention at SoCalHRC@hillaryclinton.com or call (213) 908-0190.


And all you need to do to RSVP for this training session is to sign up at the web site. OK< and if you'd rather not sign up at the web site, you can also call Connie Lee at (213) 908-0190, or email her at SoCalHRC@hillaryclinton.com. So are you ready to get up, get out, get active, and become a HillStar? Come on now, what better way to make history with Hillary than to get out and help her become our 44th President? ;-)

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Diane Harkey Should Consider Herself Warned... The Move to Recall May Begin Soon



UPDATE: Total Buzz is now reporting that the Dana Point City Attorney has NOT approved signature gathering yet for a petition ot recall Diane Harkey. Apparently, the City Attorney is still waiting for the Registrar of Voters to confirm that all the signatures on the request to petiton are valid. I guess we must now wait until Monday for a final decision.

(Cross-posted at The Liberal OC)

H/T to Total Buzz for this (and the photo):

Just got a ring from attorney and former Councilman Jim Lacy, who said that the Dana Point city attorney gave him the go-ahead this morning on the petitions to put a measure on the ballot to recall Dana Point Mayor Diane Harkey. Lacy said he’s put an order in to the printer for 15,000 petitions with room for four signatures each and that the recall folks hope to start circulating them by this weekend. They have 120 days from today to gather the approximately 4,600 valid signatures needed to place the measure before voters.


So it looks like it's FINALLY happening [BUT NOT YET]. The petitions can now go out. The people of Dana Point can finally start to make up their minds. The campaign to recall Diane Harkey as Dana Point Mayor can now may officially begin soon.

So do you need to know more about what's happening in Dana Point before you can form an opinion on the recall? Well, why don't you check out our archives of Diane Harkey and the scandals swirling around her? This way, you can decide for yourself what's going on with the mayor. Also while you're at it, check out Recall Diane Harkey web site. Compare and contrast what Harkey says about herself to what the recall proponents have to say.

So I guess the real fun now begins. Diane Harkey may complain about "unholy alliances" between the federal government and the Crystal Cathedral, and she may complain about random people out to "get her", but she will ultimately have a much greater worry to complain about than these small conspiracies. She will now have to worry about whether or not her once "clear path" to Sacramento has now been complicated by a major roadblock at home.

REMINDER: Obama OC Meeting Tonight!



Hey, everyone! Remember when I told you last week about the Obama OC Volunteer Meeting in Irvine? Well, guess what? It's happening TONIGHT!

That's right, my friends! If you love your country like I do, AND you love Barack Obama like I do, then you need to be here tonight. We're open to EVERYONE in Orange County who would like to know how they can get involved in the local campaign to elect Barack Obama as our 44th President, and nothing could possibly make us happier than to see YOU join us for all the fun.

Come on, now! Don't you want to follow me down below to see all the details on tonight's meeting? You know you want to... ;-)

(Cross-posted at Obama OC)

OK, as promised, here are all the details:

The time has come for anyone interested in getting involved in Senator Obama’s campaign to step forward. Recently, many Obama OC members have spent the past few weekends getting trained on how to organize and run an effective campaign. Now we have the opportunity to share what we have learned with the hundreds of individuals in the Orange County area who have expressed an interest in volunteering for this historic campaign. Among the topics that will be discussed at the next meeting will be:

1) Overall Campaign Strategy
a. Nevada Caucus
b. Nevada road trips from Orange County
i. August 17th and 19th
ii. September 21st -23rd

2) California Strategy

3) Orange County Strategy
a. We will be dividing Orange County into congressional districts.
b. Congressional districts will be further broken down into precincts
c. Finally, a plan will be made to reach a specific number of voters in each area.

4) Finally, we will discuss opportunities for those volunteers who prefer to work behind the scenes in an administrative capacity.

Needless to say, there are a lot of details that we will discuss at the meeting to clarify our Orange County strategy. We hope that you can attend, and help us get the ball rolling in the OC.

Rest assured, you will not be asked to do anything without receiving training and proper materials.

Location:
101 Pacifica
Suite 240
Irvine, CA 92618

We look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

Sincerely,

Giovanii Jorquera
OBAMA OC

Date: Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Duration: 90 minutes
Access: Public


So now, it's up to YOU. Are you ready to go out and "Barack your world"? If so, then I'll see you in Irvine tonight. :-)

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Sleepy Time Now

OK, it's bed time now. I'm sleepy. I'm calling it a day. Good night! : )

More Crazy Heat

This is just crazy. My dad told me that the thermometer near our garage hit 102 degrees (F). Whoa?! 102?! Crazy.

Happy Beach Day

It's hot. It's scorching. It's crazy. Thank goodness I have the Pacific Ocean so close to me now! Ah, I feel better! Nothing like that to turn a frustrating hot day into a happy beach day! : )

Monday, August 13, 2007

OK, I Swear Now...

I'm forcing myself to take a shower. And once that's over with, I'm falling into bed. OK, I'm signing out for the day. Good night! : )

Sleepy...

It's not supposed to be sleepy time for me yet. But for some reason, I just want to sleep. I know, I know, my life is boring. But hey, I'm sleepy. Enough. Good night. : )

Healthy Skepticism Toward Climate Crisis Denial



Today, I noticed an article in The Register warning of YET ANOTHER HEAT WAVE striking us in Orange County this week. maybe for some people, this just means another chance to go to the beach or to throw a "BBQ by the Pool" party. But for me, I see more than just that. I see yet more evidence of a global climate in crisis that has already begun to affect us locally.

Yet Jubal/Matt Cunningham somehow had the nerve to post this a week ago on OC Blog:

It goes without saying that injecting any degree of skepticism toward the figures and findings wafting from the climate change industry will likely lead to being branded a "traitor" by the Mahdi of Climate Change, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. -- but it's still a free country in which we can voice such skepticism. In the old Soviet Union, dissent was treated as a form of mental disease -- which isn't too different from the way the EnviroLeft views any who don't unquestioningly follow the party line.

And that's my point -- we ought to be skeptics on this issue, especially since the policy solutions being pushed by the Left involve the expansion of government power over our lives. Barbara Boxer flies over a glacier and to her that's "proof" of climate change -- as if she needs proof -- the aggrandizement of government power inherent in the Left's "save the planet" strategies is enough for her to believe in global warming.


HUH?! What on earth is happening to those folks at OC Blog? I guess they haven't been able to wake up and smell the inferno the way the rest of us in the reality-based community already have.

Follow me down below for more...

(Cross-posted at The Liberal OC)

OK, first off... When did the far right begin to value dissent? After all, Matt has called all of us who oppose this disastrous occupation of Iraq "defeatists". So when did it become acceptable to question known science, but not bad foreign policy? Now I'd never want to take away Matt's right to question known science, but I'm just wondering why he has a problem with people like me who don't see any value in continuing Bush's failed war.

Next off, when did the real science of climate change become "a matter of controversy"? And when did it become "anti-business" to recognize that in finding solutions to this crisis, that new opportunities may arise? The science is real: Nearly all scientists agree that climate change is happening, and that we humans are contributing to this. Oh yes, and even most businesses today recognize that they need to be a part of the solution not only to survive on this planet, but to also survive in the global marketplace. I guess these right-wingers who want to continue denying reality are the ones who are truly "anti-business", as they don't want our economy to remain competitive against other nations' economies that have already adapted to the new environmental reality.

And finally, why must all of us who believe scientific reality be branded as "EnviroLeft extremists"? When did reason become "extreme"? When did science become "extreme"? And when did science denial become "normal"? I just don't get that.

Maybe I'll never be able to enlighten the folks at OC Blog who aspire to become the next Flat Earth Society in their extreme denial of scientific reality. Whatever... If they want to deny reality, let them. I just hope that we, as a society, never base public policy on the denial of reality. That's all.

Diane Harkey & the Dana Point Conspiracies



Apparently, Dana Point Mayor Diane Harkey has been seeing black helicopters in the sky for quite some time. Last week, the Recall Diane Harkey campaign released a voicemail that Harkey had left to a former supporter, in which she was accusing one of her colleagues on the city council of conspiring with certain constituents who were "out to get" her. Take a listen for yourself, and you'll wonder why you can't hear the black helicopters in the background.



OK, OK, so maybe there isn't a grand conspiracy to undo Diane Harkey. But still, there's something pretty sinister that's happening in Dana Point. And perhaps Diane Harkey isn't paying attention to what's truly wrong in Dana Point...
Because Diane Harkey is part of it.

Follow me down below for more...

(Cross-posted at The Liberal OC)

Dana Reed is an election law attorney based in Los Angeles. He once ran for State Senate in a Republican Primary in Orange County against John Lewis years ago, but he unfortunately lost. However, he has more than made up for that loss in building quite a lucrative law firm that represents many Republican candidates for office and Native American Casinos in their legal battles.

Oh yes, and Dana Reed is listed on the Secretary of State's web site as the agent for service of process for "Dana Point Today". So basically, he's the "mysterious person" behind this mystery of a "newsletter". Wait... Huh?! Why would such a successful election attorney in LA be interested in some rinky-dink "newsletter" in Dana Point? Maybe the answer lies with one Darryl R. Wold.

Darryl R. Wold is listed as "of counsel" to Dana's law firm and on the firm web site, and is therefore a lawyer paid by the firm. Wold is also Harkey's personal election lawyer. Notice the numerous payments directly to Wold by Harkey's 2006 State Senate campaign. Harkey's Senate campaign paid Wold $15,600 for his services, and her City Council committee paid Wold $2,370 in 2006. Oh yes, and Wold's boss, Dana Reed, gave Harkey $250, which is listed in her most recent disclosure report for her Assembly campaign. So there we have it, we now know who's behind this "Dana Point Today" nonsense.

But for some reason, Diane Harkey won't take any credit for the fine PR work that she and her supporters have done for her campaign. In a recent email response, she just claimed that this is all the product of the "wild imagination" of one former council member. But wait, how could that be? Could Jim lacy truly have fabricated all the reports on the Secretary of State's web site? And did Debra Bowen fabricate all these reports as if she were really "out to get" Diane Harkey?

It's bad enough that Diane Harkey feels that she must deceive Dana Point residents into voting for her by having her supporters create an "official-looking newsletter" that's actually acting as a campaign flyer. But then, Harkey and her supporters won't even admit that they're the ones behind "Dana Point Today". So what are they afraid of? Are they afraid of facing misdemeanor charges for violating Dana Point Municipal Code Chapter 1.04?

1.04.070 Penalties.

Any person or persons violating the provisions of Sections 1.04.010 through 1.04.050 shall be guilty of an offense chargeable as a misdemeanor and subject to punishment in accordance with Section 1.01.200 of this Code. Each and every day during any portion of which the provisions of Sections 1.04.010 through 1.04.050 are violated, shall constitute a separate offense and may be punished accordingly. (Added by Ord. 93-01, 1/12/93).


Hmmm, that wouldn't look good for someone running for State Assembly! Wouldn't the Dana Point Mayor know better than to misuse the city seal for a partisan campaign? And wouldn't she also tell her campaign advisers, consultants, and attorneys to not misuse the city seal in the way they have now done? There's something so wrong about a mayor misusing her own city seal for something that definitely is NOT "official city business".

But wait, what's wrong with all of this doesn't end with the city seal. There is a bigger issue of trust here. This is yet another example of Diane Harkey betraying the trust of her own community. The people who received this "newsletter" are being duped into thinking that this is nonpartisan information. But now, we know that this "newsletter" is actually tied to a partisan political campaign. This may not just involve an illegal use of the city seal, but also a very unethical ploy to gain votes in a State Assembly race. And I don't know how else to say this, but that's just wrong.

So perhaps there really is a strange conspiracy going on in Dana Point, one that's deceiving voters into believing what's false and dismissing what's true. And maybe, just maybe, this conspiracy is happening totally "under the radar". No wonder why Diane Harkey senses those black helicopters.

Saturday, August 11, 2007

Lazy Sunday Random Thoughts

I'm tired. I'm bored. I think I'm hungry. And for some reason, I can't get out of bed this morning. What's wrong with me?

I'm usually not a "sleeping in" type of person. So why can't I just get up, get out, and get going? I think I caught a case of "Lazytis".

So what will I do about it? I don't know. I can't get out of bed. ; )

What Do You Think About School Bonds?

Tell me what you think over here:

http://www.theliberaloc.com/2007/08/12/what-do-you-think-are-bonds-helping-our-schools-better-educate-our-kids/

Go ahead... It's OK. ; )

Haha!

OK, I just had to do that! I just came from a birthday party honoring my twins nephew and niece who just turned 1. I sat there while all those other kids were running wild and playing. So now, it's my turn! : )

Shortest Post Ever (From Me)

Hi! ; )

Loretta Sanchez & the Antiwar Protesters: What Does It All Mean



(Cross-posted at The Liberal OC)

Apparently, everyone now has something to say about the Tuesday night "occupation" of Loretta Sanchez's Congressional District Office and the arrest of the antiwar protesters . Digby says that this is a larger indictment of the military industrial complex, and David Dayen seems to be agreeing with her at Calitics. Meanwhile, OC Blog is using this as an excuse to talk about Ward Churchill and post a sexy photo of Loretta. And now, Art Pedroza is joining in on the fun at Orange Juice by asking why out-of-town peace activists (joining up with some locals) are targeting Loretta instead of going after their own pro-war Republican Representatives. And judging by the overwhelming response to my story at The Liberal OC, it seems like plenty of folks here want to talk about this.

From what I see, it looks like we all look at this story and see it as part of a bigger picture. For some, this explains why we are so addicted to the military-industrial complex, and to the "war system". For others, these protesters are just "crazy hippies" who are going after someone for not being "left wing" enough. And for others, this is just one huge media circus gone mad. I can see why each person sees this story as part of one's own "big picture", and for me I see it my own way.

For me, I see this as a larger question for the Democratic Party and for the progressive movement in Orange County. What is our primary focus here? Do we want to elect more Democrats in Orange County? Do we want to see more progressives in charge of the Democratic Party? Do we want to advance our progressive causes? And if so, how do we want to do it?

So where do we go from here? Do we support Loretta Sanchez because she mostly supports us and our causes? Do we castigate her because she's not a "true progressive"? Do we support the local Democratic Party, and do whatever we can to elect more Democrats like Loretta Sanchez to office? Or is there a "higher calling" than the Democratic Party that we must answer to?

I think you all have a clue as to where I stand on these issues. And at a later time, I'll discuss my own views on these matters. But in the mean time, I want to keep hearing from YOU. How are you seeing this story in terms of "the big picture"? And where do we all go from here?

Go ahead and continue to tell us your thoughts on Loretta Sanchez, the protesters, and what this all means in the end. The dialogue on this site, as well as in the larger blogosphere inside and outside Orange County, has amazed me. Let's keep the conversation going.

Friday, August 10, 2007

I Need to Step Outside

And now that I have been reunites with my precious Treo, I need to go outside. The sun is shining. The temperature is high and warm. Now that I have reconnected with my mobile magic machine, I need to reconnect with Mother Nature! : )

Treo Scare

Today was a scary day. I almost lost my Treo. It went crazy this morning. It kept turing off and restarting on its own. I thought I had lost my baby forever.

But to my relief, Sprint fixed the problem. We went to the repair center, and the technicians there were actually helpful. I was pleasantly surprised to find that they were ready to help me get my precious Treo back.

And now, this crazy mobile blogger can smile again. : )

Moorlach & Street, Stickin' Together...



(Cross-posted at The Liberal OC and JOMO Blog)

Many kudos to Total Buzz for this! Oh yes, and more kudos to them for this. Check out what Chriss Street has been buying for his office using our tax dollars. All in all, Street has so far spent a grand total of $950,754 of OUR TAX DOLLARS on luxurious furniture for his office. And believe it or not, officials in the Treasurer's Department expect this price tag to rise above $1,000,000!

So ladies and gentlemen, this is how the person collecting our taxes is spending them. So why hasn't "taxpayer hero" John Moorlach come to save the day? Why hasn't he called on Street to resign after hearing of this gross misuse of public funds, as well as the the FBI investigation into Street's mismanagement of a bankrupt trucking company whose assets he may have misused for such "necessities" as a family vacation, gym memberships, and Botox injections? Why hasn't Moorlach taken on Street in the same manner that he's challenging our law enforcement officers over their retirement benefits?

Moorlach claims that the current retirement benefits for our hardworking deputy sheriffs are somehow a "gift of public funds" that must be stopped. He's so outraged over our law enforcement officers getting a nest egg to retire on, but where's the outrage over really disgusting "gifts of public funds" like the lavish remodeling of Chriss Street's office? Oh, is that possibly because Moorlach himself also partook in "Extreme Makeover: OC Government Edition"? And may Moorlach be overlooking Street's sins because the two have such a long history of sticking together?

Well, I guess it's nice to see such a strong bond of friendship between Moorlach and Street continue to grow. Yes, it continues to grow... Kinda like that final bill for all that "remodeling" in Street's office! How precious. ;-)

What Do YOU Think: How's the Great Park Doing?



(Image courtesy of OC Register; cross-posted at The Liberal OC)

"(This agreement) adds one more brick to the solid financial foundation of the Orange County Great Park."


That was Irvine City Council Member and Great Park Board Chair Larry Agran, quoted by The Register about the Great Park Board's decision to approve a deal to give the Great Park $134 million and develop 35 acres of Irvine city land. The Great Park Board approved the deal with no dissenting votes, though board members Stephen Choi, Christina Shea, and Walkie Ray were absent at the time of the vote. Choi actually was at the meeting early on to ask staff members questions, but after he was rebuked by Agran over refusing to stop mixing questions and comments while not allowing Agran to speak, Choi just left the building. Wow, talk about raw emotions!

OK... And in other Great Park related news, the board also gave final approval to a $27.3 million contract with Ken Smith's design team in order for the lead designer of the park to continue making the dreams of the Great Park into a reality. According to The Register:

Under the contract, the designers will refine the park plans in the next year to the point of "schematic design" – or 30 percent of the detail needed to build the park. The designers also will work on construction-ready drawings for mass grading of the park site, along with everything needed to build a wildlife corridor and a stream.


I guess as this process goes on, we'll need to regularly check up on how the park is doing. So how's the park doing? When will these dreams of a perfect natural retreat in the heart of our urban area become reality? Is we having proper oversight over this project? And of course, is this all what we were hoping for when we approved Measure W in 2002?

So I want to know what you think about the Great Park. Do you like the design so far? Do you like the governance so far? And are you glad that we'll have a little more nature in the heart of Orange County instead of another airport?

Go ahead. Make my day. Fire away! ;-)

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Asm. Solorio Hosts Town Hall on Gang Violence

(Cross-posted at The Liberal OC)

As Jubal/Matt would say at OC Blog, this just came over the transom from our dear Assembly Member Jose Solorio (D-Santa Ana):

State Assemblyman Jose Solorio,
Chairman of the Public Safety Committee
invites you to a Town Hall meeting

Confronting Gangs and Youth Violence:
Community-Based Solutions


Friday, August 31, 2007
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Rancho Santiago Community College District Board Room
2323 N. Broadway Street,
Santa Ana, CA 92706

The Town Hall will provide panelists and attendees an opportunity to discuss the impact community-based and public organizations can have on our youth through innovative prevention, intervention, and re-entry strategies.

To RSVP or for more information, please contact
Assemblyman Jose Solorio's District Office at
(714) 939-8469 or email to juan.flores@asm.ca.gov.


I plan to go. Want to go with me? We can ask him all about his efforts as Chair of the Assembly Public Safety Committee to pass meaningful legislation to make our neighbors safer. Doesn't that sound good? Yes, that's just what I thought! I'll see you there! ;-)

The Faux Life in Dana Point Today



Have you read "Dana Point Today" lately? This newsletter bills itself as a publication that's "keeping the residents of Dana Point informed on issues affecting our beautiful coastal community". How nice. So where's the news on the issues affecting this beautiful coastal community? This seems like an innocent public interest newsletter, but something just doesn't seem right about it. I wonder why I have this uneasy feeling about "Dana Point Today".

So please do follow me down below... We need to talk...

(Cross-posted at JOMO Blog and The Liberal OC)



Where's the news on whatever is being done on affordable housing? Where's some real news on the Headlands? Where's some real news on improving the nasty water quality at Doheny? I guess there's a little blurb about Doheny in there, but there doesn't seem to be much discussion on the real issues affecting Dana Point. All this newsletter seems to be is happy talk on city projects. There's even a letter on the city budget from Mayor Diane Harkey. Oh wait, that must be because this is from the City of Dana Point! After all, this does have the official city seal.

Oh wait, but this can't be a city publication. This is not from the city. So where is this thing coming from? Maybe this can help us find the answer. Dana Point Today's headquarters happens to be conveniently located right next to Harkey for Assembly headquarters on Del Prado. And while Harkey penned a nice, long letter about the city budget for this publication, there's nothing official from the city in this publication... Not even the seal.

And speaking of the city seal, whatever happened to Dana Point Policy #102?

The use of the City Seal/Logo or facsimile or reproduction of, or make or use of any seal/logo or any design which is an imitation of said seal/logo or which may be mistaken for said seal/logo, for any purpose other than official business of the City, its City Council, City Advisory Boards, Commissions, Task Forces and Staff, shall be prohibited unless otherwise approved by the City Manager and/or City Council. In addition, the use of the City Seal/Logo for any political campaign materials or literature shall be prohibited. (Refer to Ordinance No. 92-14 for specific regulations.)


Oops. I guess whoever did this newsletter for the Harkey for Assembly Campaign forgot about that. So did the Harkey Campaign (or whoever did this for them) receive approval from the city to use the deal in this publication? This may not seem like a major issue, except that this may coax unsuspecting Dana Point residents into believing this is some type of community interest newsletter or some city related publication, when this appears to be something connected to Harkey's partisan campaign for State Assembly. If this is actually the case, then this is not something that the campaign should be engaging in.

Even if we forget the whole specific issue of a possible violation over the use of a city seal, this is still wrong. People are being duped into thinking that this is nonpartisan information when this may actually be tied to a partisan campaign. At best, this is playing fast and loose with basic ethics. I don't even want to talk about the possible worst-case scenario here.

So if people connected to the Harkey for Assembly Campaign are publishing this "newsletter", then they need to cut it out. This just isn't right. And yes, the people of this truly beautiful coastal community deserve better than this.

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

With Water So Clean, No Wonder Why We All Love Laguna



(Cross-posted at The Liberal OC)

I know there are many reasons to love Laguna Beach. Who doesn't love the art? Who doesn't love the scenic hillsides and canyons? Who doesn't love the rustic landscape of this crown jewel of the California Coast?

But today, we have a new reason to love Laguna, a reason that I just discovered at The Register. The NRDC has named Laguna as one of the nation's top "beach buddies", which means that Laguna ocean water is some of the cleanest in the entire nation. Wow, isn't that just amazing? Out of all the beaches in the nation, Laguna has better water quality than just about everywhere else! How fabulous!

However, this report wasn't all good news for California. Avalon (on Catalina Island), in Los Angeles County, and Venice Beach, in San Mateo County, were both named as "beach bums", meaning that water quality at these beaches is among the worst in the nation. How sad. Maybe they need to come to Laguna, and learn how they can follow Laguna's good example.

Still, I feel quite heartwarmed and very much relieved after seeing this report. As I love spending time at the beach in Laguna and enjoying the gorgeous Pacific down there, I feel much better about going in the water. And now that you've also seen the report, you can too! ;-)

More, More, More OC Democratic Events!



OK, when I did my lovely Democratic Event Calendar yesterday, I thought everything was complete. I thought that everything important was included. Well, guess what? I was wrong.

In the last 24 hours, I've received more info on more great Democratic events. We have a movie screening, a John Edwards event in LA, another Democratic Party function, and more. Go ahead and follow me down below to see what we missed yesterday...

(Cross-posted at The Liberal OC)

Edwards in LA!

For all you John Edwards fans, here's a chance for you to see the man of your dreams for only $15. Go here to reserve a ticket for the Human Rights Campaign Debate Watching Party in West Hollywood. Come on now, why would you turn this down?

OCYD Meeting Thursday!

The Orange County Young Democrats will be meeting on Thursday. And this month, they'll be having quite a special guest... Jennifer Longley will be discussing what she's doing as youth outreach director for Vote Hope, an independent grassroots effort to elect Barack Obama as our next President. Also, OCYD Political Director Mitch Star will be talking about how we can help more Democrats win in Orange County. OK, want to find out more? Go to OCYD's web site to find out how to get to the meeting on Thursday night!

Free Screening of "The Power of Nightmares"

Political leaders no longer gain power by selling us dreams of a better future, but by promising to protect us from our worst nightmares. Do they also manufacture these nightmares? This three part BBC documentary examines the origins of Al Qaeda and the neoconservatives. Sounds interesting, doesn't it? Well, then go to the Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Church in Costa Mesa this Saturday night to see "The Power of Nightmares"!

Turn AD 71 Blue, Starting This Weekend!

Do you live in the 71st Assembly District? And would you like to strengthen the Democratic Party in your neighborhood? Great! In that case, you should meet Gary Kephart and other local Democrats on Saturday at the IHOP in RSM! Whether you're in Orange Hills or Mission Viejo, there's hope. Go find it on Saturday.

And Finally...

If you're a constituent of Loretta Sanchez like I am, then I hope you're going to the open house at her district office that Ed just reminded us about. And if you're not, you can still come. OK, so you can't come? That's OK! Go to the OC Democratic Weekly and find out what's happening in your area!

And until later, I hope you stay encouragd, stay happy, stay involved, and stay with the OC Democrats in working for what's best for OC's working families! :-)

Sample Open Thread



Wow! Has this been one crazy week, or what? Ron Shepston announced that he's running for Congress against Dirty Gary Miller. FlashReport had a piece on how Yearly Kos and JetBlue are supposedly part of the grand conspiracy of "leftwing kooks" to destroy America. Southern California grocery workers finally got a contract, and so did the OCTA bus drivers. Oh yes, and Jon Fleischman called us all whores. One crazy week, indeed!

So now what? We have a tough fight ahead of us in the 42nd, but one that's definitely winnable.

Monday, August 06, 2007

Your Local OC Democratic Action Calendar



Horray, horray! It's time to check out all the fun liberal events happening throughout our lovely county! We have events galore this week, from Huntington Beach to Rancho Santa Margarita and everywhere in between! We have Obama OC events, and It's OUR Healthcare events, and loads of other fun events that YOU can enjoy right here in Orange County!

So come on now. You know what to do. You know you want to follow me down below for all the juicy details on all these fantastic events...

(Cross-posted at The Liberal OC)

Take Action on Health Care!

Tomorrow, It's OUR Healthcare will be a planning meeting for the Health Care Town Hall at 3 p.m. at the AFL-CIO HQ at 2020 W. Chapman Avenue in Orange. And on the Tuesday the 14th, they'll be having their coalition meeting at 12:00 pm at the same location. Oh yes, and on Thursday the 16th, they'll be hosting the actual Health Care Town Hall with special guest Assembly Member Jose Solorio (D-Santa Ana). For more information on any of these events, send an email to jdolon@itsourhealthcare.org.

Obama! Obama! Obama!

Do you have a crush on Barack Obama, but want to do more than just follow some silly blog? OK, then. Why not meet your fellow Obama lovers in Huntington Beach tomorrow? Come on over to Starbucks at Seacliff Village at 7:00 tomorrow evening to enjoy a casual gathering of local Obama supporters, and discuss future actions to be taken in the area. OK, so you're nowhere near Surf City? That's OK. On the 15th, you can come to the Obama OC Volunteer Orientation in Irvine to find out what you can do in your neighborhood to get Barack Obama elected President. And whatever you'd like to do with Obama OC, you can always check out the web site for all the latest info on Obama actions in Orange County.

OK, so you're not that into Barack? That's OK. If you're involved in another Presidential Campaign in Orange County, and you'd like your local actions to be featured in the event calendar, don't hesitate to email me at atdnext@gmail.com. I'll be more than happy to include your campaign events in the calendar as well!

See YOUR Local Democrats at Work!

OK, would you like to meet more Democrats in your neighborhood? No problem! Check out the local Democratic Clubs! I bet there's one in your neighborhood.

This Thursday, the Laguna Beach Democratic Club will be having a Summer Potluck Celebration at Mary Carter's fabulous house near Downtown Laguna. If you happen to be in the most wonderful beach town on the face of the earth, then you don't want to miss this! OK, so you're a little farther inland in South County, and can't make it to Laguna? No problem! The South OC Democrats will be meeting on the 14th in San Juan Capistrano, Canyon Democrats will be meeting on the 21st in Dove Canyon, and the JFK Good Works Democratic Club will be meeting on the 23rd in Laguna Niguel. OK, so you're not down south either? Fine then, go to the 67th AD Democratic Alliance in Huntington Beach on the 14th, or to the 70th AD Democratic Action Club in Irvine on the 12th.

OK, so you're still mad that impeachment is "off the table"? Well, at OC Grassroots, it WILL be on the table on Wednesday! Come to the next OC Grassroots meeting this week to talk about what you think about impeaching Bush and Cheney. OK, so you'd rather be outside enjoying the nice weather than inside, talking about something Congress may or may not do? That's OK... That's why you then need to sign up to help out the Central OC Democrats at the Orange Street Faire during Labor Day Weekend!

Get Involved With a Campaign!

So what else is there to do here in OC? Well, how about holding some corrupt local politicians accountable?! The Recall Diane Harkey campaign is looking for folks to get involved in restoring integrity to Dana Point. Ron Shepston for Congress is looking for folks to get involved with their campaign. Oh wait, and so is Bill Hedrick for Congress! Contact any of these fine campaigns if you'd like to get involved with any of these good causes.

And Finally...

And if you're looking for any other progressive event to suit your fancy, you can always check out the OC Democratic Weekly to find out what's going on in your area. And on that note, I need to go out and get myself active now. Have fun, and remember that no matter where you are in Orange County, there are always Democrats for you to meet and have fun with. ; )