PALs Update
by Julie Collier

Dear PALs,

The OC Register has an article that discusses what each side had paid into the election. The Register states the union and Children First have outspent its rival Hold CUSD Accountable. Both groups have different messaging. Candidates with Hold CUSD Accountable believe there is not enough focus on students in CUSD. However, representatives from Children First believe CUSD is doing just fine.

Fran Sdao of Mission Viejo, president of Children First, "They're harping on a lot of the same issues. What we've brought to the board are discussions at board meetings that are much, much, much more focused on education and instruction and positive outcomes. We're hoping that continues."

Please read the article below to decide for yourself. Capo district braces for contentious race; costs top $247,000

The saga continues regarding misleading websites and the CUSD school board campaign. The Patch broke the news that current CUSD trustee, John Alpay, registered for one of the misleading website domains.

Many of you have asked about the status of the misleading domains with my name and PAL's name. My attorney, Wayne Tate, asked Mr. Korpi to sign a declaration stating he was not the person who purchased the websites. As you may recall, Mr. Korpi stated he did not purchase the sites, and alluded to someone stealing his identity and purchased the sites in his name. Mr. Korpi had until Wednesday to sign the declaration stating he was not involved. My attorney did not get a signed declaration, and we are considering moving forward with further legal action. The other parents and leaders of www.holdcusdaccountable.org are also considering legal options.

CUSD Trustee Alpay Behind One of the Misleading Domain Names
Penny Arévalo | Oct 22, 2012 | 60 Comments

John Alpay registered a website address that is similar in name to a group which is critical of him but continues to redirect traffic to a group which supports him. Alpay is running for re-election in November.

I was at the recent CUSD board meeting when a dad from San Clemente alleged that a trustee threatened him. Here is the article from the Patch including videos:
Dad Says School Board Member Threatened Him
CUSD Candidates Talk Dire Budget Straits, Teacher Contracts

This article about CUSD made statewide news:

Capistrano Teacher Union Operative’s Story Hard to Swallow
By Larry Sand On October 23, 2012

Deceptive campaign websites point to CUEA front-group leader.
The Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) in California’s Orange County has seen more than its share of school board battles in recent years. In 2008, parent activists managed to rid themselves of possibly the most corrupt school board in America. Immortalized in Continue Reading

This is the last weekend before the election on November 6. Please take time to research each candidate before you make your final decision.

Julie Collier
Executive Director
Parents Advocate League