CRA Prevails in Court

On June 17, the California Republican Assembly won a significant legal battle that had been initiated by some of its members, including Scott Voigts of Lake Forest. Voigts was a former CRA board member who was defeated in the organization’s April 17 election. On June 17, CRA President Celeste Greig issued the statement below.

Lawsuit update: Victory for CRA

As you know, three CRA members Tom Rogers, Scott Voigts and Tim Lefever and a local CRA unit sued CRA in Superior Court in Sacramento wishing to overthrow CRA's lawful elections at our April 15-17, 2011, convention. CRA responded with a Motion to Compel the Plaintiffs' case into the Alternative Dispute Resolution process under the California Republican Party's Bylaws section 3.09. CRA, as a chartered Republican volunteer organization, and its members, are required to submit this type of dispute, if it cannot be resolved internally in CRA, to ADR under CRP's Bylaws.

When CRA filed this motion, President Celeste Greig called upon the Plaintiffs, Mr. Voigts, Mr. Rogers, Mr. Lefever, etc., to join CRA by agreeing to have the Court send this matter to CRP's ADR process. Unfortunately, Mr. Voigts, Mr. Rogers and the rest of the Plaintiffs opposed the motion wanting everyone to spend months in the courtroom and thousands and thousands of volunteer dollars in legal fees and costs.

On June 16, the judge in our case granted CRA's motion and noted to the Plaintiffs that this is exactly the type of political dispute that does not belong in a Courtroom. President Celeste Greig stated: "We are very grateful to the judge for granting CRA's motion and sending this dispute to the CRP ADR process. CRA is also grateful that the judge understood that this is not the type of case that belongs in a courtroom. We now call upon the Plaintiffs to drop this matter in its entirety and let us all prepare to elect a new President of the United States in 2012, elect and re-elect Conservative Republican candidates, increase our voter registration and continue the Reagan Revolution. Congratulations go to CRA's legal team for preparing and arguing to the Court the successful motion."

President Greig continued "Thank you so much to every CRA member and unit/club that has sent in or is sending in donations to our legal defense fund. We still need your contributions to pay for our excellent legal team and for the high costs this lawsuit has forced us to incur." You can send your donations to the CRA Legal Defense Fund at 9250 Reseda Blvd. PMB 281, Northridge, CA  91324.

SUNRISE
By Bob Serrao

            I downstage the frosty-dark colors of night
                                    to a laser light...
                                                ...BLINDING!...
                                                            ...BLAZING!...
                        and splash wild brilliance
                                    across a golden horizon!
                                                'BREATHTAKING!' some say.
            Then, I grab the mountains
                        as a fingergrip...
                                    and gently roll this earth over
                                                to dawn a priceless gift
                                                            to you...
                                                                        a baby-fresh day!
            It is sunrise!
                        ...filled with hope...
                                    ...with promise...
                                                ...with presence...
                                                            ...MY PRESENCE.
                                                                        (let it dawn on you)

www.intodaysenglish.com

SRA Decides on Direction

In addition to hosting Brad Dacus of Pacific Justice Institute as speaker for its June 16 meeting, Saddleback Republican Assembly attracted an unexpected visitor.

SRA’s board of directors met prior to the regular meeting, deciding to center on California Republican Assembly’s conservative values and 2012 presidential issues. Board members also agreed to disengage from endorsing city council candidates. The membership approved the board’s plans during the June 16 regular meeting.

SRA has traditionally endorsed city council candidates who appear to align with its beliefs. The unit’s June 16 decision was nearly unanimous to stop endorsing council candidates. Those favoring the change said the process had become so contentious it split the group. As other reasons, SRA members said some people had joined only to interfere with the process.

As an example of the latter, a group of newcomers attended an SRA endorsing meeting in 2004 when Frank Ury first ran for Mission Viejo City Council. Immediately prior to the deadline to vote, a flood of new members signed up, mostly residents of Lake Forest brought in by a Ury supporter. Some who tried to join weren’t Republicans and others didn’t know Ury, but they all knew Scott Voigts. Despite the effort, Ury didn’t get the required two-thirds vote for endorsement. However, newcomers blocked an incumbent from being endorsed to level the field for Ury.

While no challengers have announced they’ll run in the 2012 Mission Viejo city election, at least two Republicans are posturing. Wendy Bucknum made a big splash by campaigning for a Democrat in the 2010 city election, and she worked against the MacLean recall and Measure D (Mission Viejo Right To Vote). Greg Woodard aligned with the same side. It is likely that neither Bucknum nor Woodard would have SRA’s support.

Woodard was appointed to the OC Republican Central Committee in January, replacing Jack Anderson, who moved to Illinois. Woodard got the appointment because Voigts lobbied for him. Woodard was unknown to committee members, and he hadn’t worked in any Republican campaign in his own 71st Assembly District. According to Voigts, Woodard worked in Don Wagner’s campaign. In exchange for a short stint of campaigning, Woodard was chosen over longtime, dedicated GOP workers who wanted the position. Walter Myers of Tustin is just one example of a deserving volunteer.

The big surprise on June 16 was Voigts’ arrival midway through the SRA meeting. It was his first time to face SRA members since his lawsuit against the CRA. It is rumored that Scot Voights had been procuring CRA endorsements in exchange for other favors for years which explained why he was adamant about getting his delegates seated from phony units (clubs that exist only on paper).

Voigts arrived at the SRA meeting wearing jeans, a T-shirt and a Police Deputies Union baseball cap. It was one thing for him to attend a conservative Republican meeting wearing a union cap, but the union he was advertising spent $100,000 trying to defeat the MacLean recall, which SRA endorsed.

Why did Voigts attend the June 16 meeting? He probably got a phone call or text message, alerting him that council endorsements – including the one he intended to manipulate for Woodard – were evaporating.

Non-government Events

Following is a sampling of events and activities that are not funded by taxpayers or promoted by the Nanny State. Please support private enterprise.

Bowers Kidseum, Summer Camp Adventures begin June 20 with Adventure 1, “Japan: Land of the Rising Sun,” and Drop-in Family Art Inventions on Sat., June 25, 11 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., 1802 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, (714) 480-1520, http://www.bowers.org/kidseum.php/earlychildhood

Garage sale fundraiser benefiting rescued animals, Sat., June 25, 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 26511 Via Gaviota, Mission Viejo (cross-streets are Los Alisos Blvd. and Trabuco), donations can be dropped off at the sale site prior to June 25. For information, call (949) 702-3670, (949) 689-4969 or (949) 380-4153. http://www.modjeskaranchrescue.org

“United To Celebrate” international food festival, Sat., June 25, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., St. Nicholas Unity Group, St. Nicolas Parish Center, 24252 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, (949) 837-1090, http://www.st-nicholaschurch.org

Dionne Warwick Concert, Lake Mission Viejo, Sat., June 25, 7:00 p.m. Must be a member or guest of a member to attend. Concert hotline (949) 770-1313, ext. 311, http://www.lakemissionviejo.org

R.O.C.K. (Reaching Out for Christ to Kids) Summer Kick-off Bash for middle school and high school, free, Wed., June 29, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For information: Mount of Olives, 24851 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo, (949) 929-7624, http://www.rocktheoc.com, http://www.moochurch.org/events.aspx?parentnavigationid=6090

“Bouquets and Boutonnieres,” floral arrangements class, Wed., July 6, 9:00 a.m., Sherman Gardens, 2647 E. Coast Highway, Newport Beach, (949) 673-2261, http://slgardens.org

Shakespeare Festival performances, July 8 – July 31, in San Juan Capistrano, “Shakespeare, Inc.” on the Playhouse Main Stage, for dates, times and tickets go to http://caminorealplayhouse.tix.com/Schedule.asp?EventCode=367073,367074,367077,367075,367076,367079. “Taming of the Shrew” under the stars at Historic Town Center Park in San Juan Capistrano, for dates, times and ticket information go to http://caminorealplayhouse.tix.com/Schedule.asp?EventCode=367080,367081,367082,367083,367084,367085. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, (949) 489-8082, http://www.caminorealplayhouse.org/shakespeare2.php

Pretend City University’s Summer Bridge Program, running now through August, science, visual and performing arts, language, P.E. and extracurricular, Pretend City Children’s Museum, 29 Hubble, Irvine, (949) 428-3900, http://www.pretendcity.org

Art Exhibit, 16 German Artists, through Aug. 19, open M-F, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Soka University, Founders Hall Art Gallery, 2nd Floor, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, (949) 480-4000, http://www.info@soka.edu

Art Exhibit, “Scrimshaw: the Art and Craft of the American Whaler,” through Sept. 30, Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, (714) 567-3600, http://www.bowers.org/index.php/art/exhibitions_listing/current

Art Exhibit, “Noguchi: California Legacy,” through Oct. 2, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily, Laguna Art Museum, 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, (949) 494-8971, http://www.lagunaartmuseum.org

Michaels, 25310 Marguerite Parkway, (949) 770-5001, schedule of art and crafts classes can be found at http://www.michaels.com/Store-Events/store-events,default,pg.html

Saddleback Lanes bowling alley, events throughout the week. Saddleback Lanes has been in business since 1974; great gathering place with special discounts for groups, 25402 Marguerite Pkwy, Mission Viejo, (949) 586-5300, http://www.saddlebacklanes.net

Farmers Market, San Juan Capistrano, Wednesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Historic Town Center Park, (949) 493-4700.

Farmers Market, Laguna Hills, Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Laguna Hills Mall, (714) 573-0374.

Movies, Edwards Kaleidoscope Stadium 10 in Mission Viejo, 27741 Crown Valley Pkwy, (949) 582-4020, get show times, watch movie trailers, see what's coming soon at
http://www.moviefone.com/theater/edwards-kaleidoscope-stadium-10/32/showtimes

Political and Government Events Calendar

Orange County Board of Supervisors, Tues., June 21, 9:30 a.m., Board Hearing Room, First Floor, 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, (714) 834-3100. http://www.ocgov.com/ocgov/Government/Board%20of%20Supervisors

Republican Club of Laguna Woods, Fri., June 24, luncheon from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., featured speaker will be Michael Ramirez, Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist, Laguna Woods Clubhouse 5, 24262 Punta Alta, Laguna Woods, (949) 588-8514, http://www.lagunawoodsvillage.com

Constitution 101 class, Sun., June 26, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. – The U.S. Constitution and Your Rights; free, no pre-registration is required, Heritage Park Regional Library, 14361 Yale Ave., Irvine, (949) 936-4040.

Saddleback Valley Unified School District board meeting to approve the budget, Tues., June 28, 6:15 p.m., 25631 Peter Hartman Way, Mission Viejo,(949) 586-1234, http://www.svusd.k12.ca.us

Atlas PAC Monthly Networking Event, Wed., June 29, at Mesa, inside The Camp, 725 Baker Street, Costa Mesa (corner of Bristol and Baker in The Camp), 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., rsvp@atlaspac.org

Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees, next meeting is scheduled for Wed., June 29, CUSD administration center, 33122 Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano, agenda and supporting documentation will be published on the website 72 hours prior to a meeting, (949) 234-9200, http://capousd.ca.schoolloop.com

“Meet Ann Coulter,” live broadcast and book signing, Thurs., June 30, 7:00 p.m., Coulter will co-host KABC Radio’s The John Philips Show live from the Nixon Library’s White House East Room, Tickets $32 ($28 for members) include an autographed copy of “Demonic.” The Richard Nixon Foundation, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, (714) 993-5075. http://events.nixonfoundation.org/2011/06/12/june-30-meet-ann-coulter

“Meet Margaret Hoover,” great-granddaughter of America’s 31st president, at the Richard Nixon Library, Thurs., July 28, 7:00 p.m. lecture and book signing, “American Individualism,” (714) 364-1161, anne@nixonfoundation.org

The Buzz

Despite dwindling revenue, unemployment and residents losing their homes, City Hall predicts Mission Viejo’s economy is getting better and better. Councilwoman Cathy Schlicht called the city budget “incomplete and deceptive” with things like unfunded pensions and healthcare unaccounted for. A Mission Viejo resident posted a reaction on the Mission Viejo Dispatch: http://missionviejodispatch.com/budget/letter-rosey-revenue-forecast-distorts-mv-budget. As a second opinion on Mission Viejo’s economic outlook, check the whereabouts of the city’s former CFO, Irwin Bornstein. He produced the city budget and left town. He’s now working for the city of Laguna Niguel (a city with two Costcos, a Walmart, a Mercedes Dealer and real money in the bank).

***

Stanton is an example of an Orange County city that’s nearly broke. David Shawyer, Stanton’s mayor pro tem, says Stanton saved up in good times for a rainy day, but didn’t realize it would get a deluge. Garden Grove balanced its budget by using general funds to fill the gaps http://www.scpr.org/news/2011/03/31/southern-california-cities-frustrated-loss-state-r/ . Mission Viejo is staying the course, spending its way into prosperity.

***

Altas PAC invites everyone to save the date, Sat., Aug. 27, for a Day at the Races, Del Mar Race Track, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. The Atlas Pac event will include a guest speaker; admission and appetizers, $30 for members, $40 for non-members. Transportation arrangements via train to Del Mar will be available. For information or to make a reservation, contact rsvp@atlaspac.org

***

Constitution 101: Bob Serrao writes, “How much do you know about the Constitution? The quality of your life depends upon it. Know your rights! Join an interactive class from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sun., June 26 – The U.S. Constitution and Your Rights. No admission charge, no pre-registration. Laptops and notebooks are optional. Everyone is welcome – bring a friend.” Bob will present the class at Heritage Park Library, 14361 Yale Avenue, Irvine 92604, (949) 936-4040.

***

Matt Kibbe of FreedomWorks writes, “I urge you to contact your representative and ask him or her to sign onto a Republican Study Committee letter which is addressed to Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) regarding the debt ceiling vote. (Take action: http://action.freedomworks.org/4469/ask-your-representative-to-sign-republican-study-committees-lette/?src=nl ) The letter clearly states that any signer will not vote for a ‘clean’ debt ceiling increase. It calls for a Cut, Cap and Balance approach to reduce federal spending. It would be fiscally irresponsible to raise the debt limit without reining in excessive spending. The letter specifically lays out three bold solutions to reduce the national debt: immediate spending cuts, enforceable total-spending caps and a balanced budget amendment.”

***

California’s Secretary of State recently released a citizen initiative that would significantly reduce the power of corporate and labor unions on politicians. The title of the petition is “Stop Special Interest Money Now Act.” If enacted into law, it would ban both corporate and labor union contributions to candidates, prohibit government contractors from contributing money to government officials who award them contracts, prohibit corporations and labor unions from collecting political funds from employees and union members using payroll deductions and make all employee political contributions voluntary. Signatures are being gathered throughout California at storefronts (and a lot of other places), and the petition is also available to download and sign: http://stopspecialinterestmoney.org/

***

Patch.com has done an admirable job of covering school district news. Last week, Patch reporter Penny Arevalo wrote an article about Capo district trustee Lynn Hatton resigning from her appointment to the Capistrano-Laguna Regional Occupational Program governing board. What becomes clear about an “appearance” of conflict of interest is that Hatton shouldn’t have been appointed to the ROP board in the first place.
http://ranchosantamargarita.patch.com/articles/trustee-resigns-rop-board-worried-about-appearance-of-impropriety