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. ;-)

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.

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/

: )

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.

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 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? ;-)

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.