CUSD Update

Capo USD constituents can stay informed by reading Patch.com reporter’s Penny Arevalo’s articles. Arevalo uses a no-spin approach in addressing a wide range of community issues, including CUSD’s financial state.

On Jan. 6, Arevalo described CUSD’s borrowing binge, “To fix cash-flow problems, the school board eyes another short-term loan, bringing Capo Unified’s total borrowing this year to $100 million.”

On the agenda for the school board’s Jan. 9 meeting is a $25-million loan to make ends meet through the end of the school year. http://sanjuancapistrano.patch.com/articles/capo-to-borrow-at-unprecedented-rates

Arevalo reports, “The combined $100 million in loans represents 27 percent of the district’s $372-million budget.”

In December, Deputy Superintendent of Business and Support Services Ronald N. Lebs left CUSD for a position in Fullerton Joint Union High School District. Wasn’t the 2010 CUSD election of a union-backed majority supposed to turn things around for the district? A year later, CUSD’s financial leader jumps ship.

Responding to the Patch.com article, a Capo constituent nailed it in describing the district’s growing financial woes:

“This isn't simply the result to California fiscal crisis. CUSD has been struggling with financial problems for more than five years. And yet CUEA [teachers union] initiated discontent, went on strike rather than accept a pay cut, financed their trustee candidates to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars and saw them installed. At the first meeting of the union's board, their candidates voted to kickback teachers’ salaries at the expense of our kids. This happened after the state had endured a couple of years of fiscal problems. In CUSD layoffs have continued, class sizes continue to increase, the school year gets shorter but teachers' salaries were restored and the district upped its contribution to employees’ benefit programs. It is simply false to claim what is going on in CUSD is the result of California's fiscal problems. Our district was plundered by rapacious and corrupt union practices.”__

 Citizens Oppose Brown’s Plan

The Southern California Tax Revolt Coalition (SCTRC) members have reviewed the information that Gov. Brown released regarding his 2012-13 budget plan.  Unwilling to tackle the entitlement spending or platinum pension levels for state workers, he targeted the cuts on K-12 schools, state universities and courts (threatening them with substantial reductions if California voters fail to pass his $7 billion tax-increase initiative in November.)  He also adds additional layers to our gargantuan bureaucracy.

Dawn Wildman, SCTRC President, offers this statement: “The Governor’s budget is entirely irresponsible, in light of the current economic situation.  I am sure Californians do not wish to become the American Greece.  Citizen groups across the state are poised to push-back on Sacramento’s current proposal.  Interestingly, California is obligated under law to devote 40% of the budget to education.  That being said, I find it very sad that Brown thinks the best approach to ensure his initiatives pass is to threaten taxpayers with their quality of their children’s lives.”

Leslie Eastman, SCTRC Media Director, offers this statement:  “Brown’s budget proposals are based on so many false premises that I hardly know where to begin.  For example, the ‘cuts’ that he touts are very meager, indeed.  Though he seems to trim just 1.3% from the total number of state employees, it is important to note the average pay for each state worker is about $80,000.  Brown says this ‘sacrifice” will pare 9.2 billion from the budget; the real number is a substantially lower $240 million.  The rest of the budget is filled with similar gimmicks, so I anticipate our assembly will be spending another long summer in Sacramento trying to pass a budget.”

Sarah Bond, SCTRC CEO, offers this statement:  Despite the fact their income dropped by 8% during our continuing economic unrest, Brown tags the Californians earning $250,000 a year as wealthy and wants to raid their incomes even more.  Brown’s campaign will be they don “pay their fair share”; the truth is, they pay for nearly everything.  It is good to remember the people in that income bracket are generally the wealth creators, unless they are public sector employees.  California has lost over five companies a week to other states last year, and Brown’s scheme will mean more potential employers will relocate to business-friendly environments.

New Agencies to be Created Instead of Dissolved:  SoCal-TRC holds that there are too many redundant agencies within the state.  Therefore, when it comes to spending proposals, we are opposed to the addition of new layers of bureaucracy, which can only further negatively impact the business climate of the Golden State. For example, a new Business and Consumer Services Agency that blends consumer affairs, “fair” employment offices, business licensing and inspection functions, and then adds the newly restructured Department of Business Oversight (which has never actually existed prior).  Individually, each of these agencies hinders the successful set-up and running of enterprises with very little consumer or taxpayer benefit.  Brown also intends to also establish another entirely new state agency, the Department of State Hospitals, which puts even more layers of paperwork and regulation between patients and healthcare providers. Furthermore, there are no solid plans for funding AB-32 (Global Warming Solutions Act) and the High Speed Rail System, both of which our organization decries as unnecessary and detrimental to the state of our State.  Therefore, taxpayers and employers remain in serious risk of being squeezed so hard we have an economic apocalypse.

For all these reasons, Brown’s budget is dead on arrival, in terms of support from hard-working California taxpayers.

Sincerely, The co-founders of the Southern California Tax Revolt Coalitions, Sarah Bond, Dawn Wildman and Leslie Eastman

ACT for America
Bruce Mayall, Chapter Leader

The Mission Viejo Chapter of ACT for America will hold its monthly general meeting on Mon., Jan. 9. The doors open at 6:45 p.m., and the meeting starts promptly at 7:30 p.m.

Featured speaker will be Jesse Petrilla, Rancho Santa Margarita City Councilman. His topic will be “The Leftist-Jihadist Alliance: two grave threats to America and how we can stop them.”

The Obama administration won't admit we're at war with Islamic extremist overseas and stealth jihadists at home. Their refusal to name the threat and insistence on removing any reference to Islam when referring to the "war on terror" is a dangerous denial of reality. It would be comedic if the stakes weren't so high. Are leftist politicians willfully ignorant or active supporters of America's gravest enemies, the Islamofascists?

To answer that burning question, Jesse Petrilla has traveled widely throughout Europe and the Middle East. He has interviewed counter-jihadists and political leaders on the front lines of the Eurabian battlefield. Sadly, it's only a matter of time before Europe falls under the sword of Shariah. America can still be saved from the worldwide jihad against humanity. But we must act quickly to prevent our elected officials from aiding and abetting our sworn enemies.

Councilman Petrilla will speak for approximately 60 minutes, followed by 20 minutes for questions and answers.

A $5.00 donation will be appreciated to help cover costs. The group will meet at the Norm Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Sycamore B Room, Mission Viejo.

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 and non-profit groups.

“Lonesome Traveler,” American folk music performances, Jan, 10 through Feb. 5, Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, (949) 497-2787, http://www.lagunaplayhouse.com

Pageant of the Masters open casting call, Thurs., Jan. 12, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Call for an appointment after Jan. 12, (949) 494-3663, http://www.foapom.com

Santa Margarita Catholic High School Open House, Thurs., Jan. 12, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., 22062 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, (949) 766-6076, http://www.smhs.org

Laguna Art Museum, “UCI and the Development of Contemporary Art in Southern California, 1964-1971,” through Jan. 22, open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and first Thursday of each month from 11 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., 307 Cliff Drive at North Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, (949) 494-8971, http://lagunaartmuseum.org

“Replace Your Lawn with Native Plants” workshops on Saturdays in January: Jan. 14, Jan. 21 and Jan. 28, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., Tree of Life Nursery, 33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, (949) 728-0685, http://www.californianativeplants.com

JSerra Catholic High School Open House, Thurs., Jan. 19, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., 26351 Junipero Serra Road, San Juan Capistrano, (949) 493, 9307, ext. 2, http://www.jserra.org

“Top Dog/Under Dog,” Pulitzer Prize-winning comic drama, through Jan. 29, South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (714) 708-5555, http://www.scr.org

Classes: “Create a Succulent Wreath,” (reservations required) Sat., Jan. 14, 10:00 a.m., and “Plant a Bird Cage” on Sun., Jan 15, 11:00 a.m., 31720 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano, (949) 493-3920, http://cottage-home-and-garden.com

Tet Festival events through Jan. 29. In progress is the Flower Festival through Jan. 21, 9200 Bolsa Ave., Westminster, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Tet Festival is Jan. 27-29, Garden Grove Park, 9301 Westminster Ave., Garden Grove, http://www.tetfestival.org/location

Mount of Olives Church, “Share – Food Collection,” first Sunday of each month. On Sun., Feb. 5, bring non-perishable food donations and place them in marked bins around campus, collecting for South County Outreach and Southwest Community Center, Mount of Olives Lutheran Church, 24772 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo, (949) 837-7467, http://www.info@moochurch.com

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

Nixon Library: Celebrate President Nixon’s 99th Birthday, including a formal wreath-laying ceremony, Jan. 9, 11:30 a.m., and the Annual Nixon Legacy Program with a live broadcast of the Hugh Hewitt Show from the East Room at 2:45 p.m., Richard Nixon Library, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, (714) 464-1161,
http://events.nixonfoundation.org/2011/12/08/celebrate-the-presidents-99th-birthday/

ACT for America, Mon., Jan. 9; the meeting starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. Guest speaker Jesse Petrilla’s topic will be “The Leftist-Jihadist Alliance: two grave threats to America and how we can stop them.” Petrilla is a member of the Rancho Santa Margarita City Council. The meeting will be held at the Norman Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo.

Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees, regular meeting Mon., Jan. 9, 7:00 p.m., 33122 Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano, agenda and supporting documentation are published on the website 72 hours prior to a meeting, (949) 234-9200, http://capousd.ca.schoolloop.com

Orange County Board of Supervisors, Tues., Jan. 10, 9:30 a.m., Board Hearing Room, First Floor, 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, (714) 834-3100. The next meeting will be Jan. 24. http://www.ocgov.com/ocgov/Government/Board%20of%20Supervisors

Moulton Niguel Water District meetings: Investments on Jan. 11, 9:00 a.m., Engineering and Operations on Jan. 16, 9:00 a.m., Finance and I.T. on Jan. 18, 9:00 a.m., Board of Directors on Jan. 19, 5:30 p.m., 27500 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel, (949) 831-2500, http://www.mnwd.com/board-of-directors/agenda.aspx

Santa Margarita Water District meetings: Engineering Committee on Fri., Jan. 13, 7:30 a.m.; Finance Committee on Fri., Jan. 20. 7:30 a.m., and Board of Directors on Wed., Jan 25, 7:00 p.m., 26111 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, (949) 459-6420, http://www.smwd.com/about-us/meeting-agendas.html

Rush Limbaugh Club of OC, Sat., Jan. 14, breakfast meeting 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. featuring guest speaker Dr. John Drew, who knew the young Barack Obama and his friends at Occidental College in the 1980s. Drew’s topic will be “Why Barack Obama’s Past is More Important His future.” Casta Del Sol Golf Club, 27601 Casta Del Sol Road, Mission Viejo. RSVP to Bruce Brown, (949) 487-5288 or limbaughcluboc@aol.com. http://www.rushlimbaughcluboc.com

Concert at the Nixon Library featuring classical guitarist Amy Hite, Sun., Jan. 15. Doors open at 1:15 p.m., and concerts begin at 2:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Concerts are free and open to the public. Schedule is subject to change. Richard Nixon Library, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, (714) 464-1161, http://events.nixonfoundation.org

Saddleback Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees, Tues., Jan. 17, 6:15 p.m. (moved to the third Tuesday due to winter recess). The board workshop on board policies will begin at 4:30 p.m., and it is open to the public. The district office will be closed from Dec. 19 through Jan. 2 for winter recess, 25631 Peter Hartman Way, Mission Viejo, (949) 586-1234, http://www.svusd.k12.ca.us

Saddleback Republican Assembly will meet Jan. 19, 7:00 p.m. Program to be announced. For information call (949) 360-1717.

El Toro Water District meetings: Engineering, Finance, Insurance Committee on Tues., Jan. 24, 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.; Board of Directors on Thurs., Jan. 26, 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. ETWD, 24251 Los Alisos Blvd., Lake Forest, (949) 837-0660, http://www.etwd.com

South Orange County Community College District Board of Trustees, January meeting date TBA. Meeting times unless otherwise posted: open session convenes at 5 p.m.., followed by adjournment to closed session, open session reconvenes at 6:00 p.m. or 6:30 p.m., adjournment by 9:00 p.m. Ronald Reagan Board of Trustees Room, Room 145, Health Sciences/District Offices Building, Saddleback College, 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, (949) 582-4999, https://www.socccd.edu

The Buzz

From blog reader G.H. about the nation’s financial health: “The day the Democrats took over was not Jan. 22, 2009, it was Jan. 3, 2007, when the Democrats took over the House of Representatives and the Senate, at the very start of the 110th Congress. At that time, the Dow Jones closed at 12,621.77. The GDP for the previous quarter was 3.5 percent. The unemployment rate was 4.6 percent. … Jan. 3, 2007, was the day Barney Frank took over the House Financial Services Committee and Chris Dodd took over the Senate Banking Committee. The economic meltdown 15 months later was in what part of the economy? Banking and Financial Services.”

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With the end of redevelopment agencies, Mission Viejo residents are asking about the status of apartment projects the council already approved. UDR on east Los Alisos has been the focus lately, but redevelopment money was also set aside for the Watermarke apartments on Oso. Watermarke appears to be inactive. The developer purchased the parcel at the top of the market ($21 million in 2007) and inaccurately projected rents would go up. Water table issues added to anticipated building costs, and the return on investment didn’t warrant proceeding.

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Assemblyman Tim Donnelly sent an email last week to announce results of the petition to overturn the Dream Act. “Despite an incredible effort by so many of you and tens of thousands of volunteer circulators working alongside paid petition-gatherers, I regret to inform you that we fell short. 504,760 valid signatures were needed to qualify the referendum for the November 2012 ballot. Although we put in a herculean effort, the count as of late last night was 447,514 signatures, which precludes us from submitting the signatures today to the registrar of voters at each of the 58 counties. This is disappointing news, but it is no less of a warning to Governor Brown, and every Democrat legislator who voted to create a new entitlement program for illegals while the state still has a budget deficit over $9 billion, and cannot even meet its obligation to legal California students.”

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As of this writing, the most recent 2012 Republican presidential poll is Gallup Daily tracking, Jan. 2 – Jan. 6. In percentages: Romney (29), Gingrich (17), Santorum (16), Paul (12), Perry (6) and Huntsman (1).

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In Chinese astrology, the 2012 Year of the Dragon begins Jan. 23. “This will be a year of great opportunity and many achievements, but these gains will require investments of many forces and labor.” http://2012surviver.com/posts/2011/05/year_of_the_dragon_2012 . On the other hand, those predicting the end of the world note the Mayan calendar runs out Dec. 21, 2012, doomsday.

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The Planning and Transportation Commission will hold a public hearing during the Jan. 9 meeting, Agenda Item No. 3, Conditional Use Permit CUP 2011-309. The PRS Group wants to operate a temporary recreational vehicle storage facility on the Unisys site at 25725 Jeronimo Road. The building is vacant, and its owner has donated to campaigns (e.g., Councilman Frank Ury and anti-Measure D) with hope of rezoning the parcel to high-density housing. RV storage would be a beneficial use of the 26.85-acre parcel and preserve its job-generating potential.

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The status report attached to the Jan. 9 Planning Commission agenda shows a number of projects “deferred due to budget constraints.” What’s this – a city allegedly rolling in cash has projects on hold? Also on the status report, $520,000 is budgeted for “median rehabilitation” on Marguerite Parkway. This is a relatively low figure for City Hall – hardly enough to create a circus atmosphere like the medians on Crown Valley Parkway. It would barely cover a row of stone outhouses, grotesque graphics and ripping out foliage just for the heck of it.

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The Capo school district includes approximately half of Mission Viejo. CUSD constituents will get to vote on only one school board representative because voters approved Measure H in the 2010 General Election. Voters were duped (thanks to union cash for campaign trickery) into giving up their right to vote on all seven CUSD trustees. Maps G and F are under consideration, and neither is good for Mission Viejo (see Agenda Item #5) http://capousd.ca.schoolloop.com/cms/page_view?d=x&piid=&vpid=1325328563740

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From the Patriot Post: “According to the U.S. Labor Department, the private sector added 212,000 jobs in December, while the public sector shrank by 12,000. The headline unemployment rate is now 8.5 percent, the lowest since February 2009, though November's rate was revised up to 8.7 percent -- an indication for December as well. More important than the number is that many of the jobs added were temporary couriers and so forth related to the Christmas season, meaning January will absorb some losses. Furthermore, if the workforce was as large as it was in 2009, the headline unemployment rate would be nearly 11 percent. Some 7.5 million people have dropped out of the market since January 2007. As it is, real unemployment is north of 15 percent.” http://patriotpost.us/edition/2012/01/06/digest/

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Here’s another crucial reason to repeal Obama(s)care, heard in a call to Mark Levin on Nov. 11, 2011, MarkLevinCall11-22-11.wma. Patients who suffer a brain tumor or stroke will get “comfort care” instead of advanced neurosurgical treatment if they’re over age 70. Human beings in the Obamacare plan are referred to as “units,” as in the Third Reich. The phone call came from a surgeon who attended a closed conference. The surgeon indicated the public wouldn’t learn about the plan until after the November election. Anyone over 70 (or hoping to live that long) should vote accordingly.