The Buzz

Bumper sticker: “Diebold – making machines that vote so you don’t have to.”

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Mission Viejo residents celebrated a victory 10 years ago when Orange County voters passed Measure W, rejecting a commercial airport at El Toro. It wasn’t the final word, but it was the last of four initiatives to stop the airport. Watching the Great Park become the great pork is annoying, but nothing compared to an airport.

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Save the date – ACT for America will hold a chapter meeting on Mon., Jan. 14. Doors open at 6:45 p.m., and the meeting starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. Jesse Petrilla of Rancho Santa Margarita will present “The Afghanistan Diaries,” revealing what’s really going on in the war with the Taliban. Jesse serves on the Rancho city council, and he recently returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan as a member of the California Army National Guard. ACT for America meets at the Norm Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo.

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Petrilla’s announcement last week he’s running for State Assembly was not a surprise. Assemblywoman Diane Harkey is terming out in 2014, and she indicates she is running for the California Board of Equalization. MV Councilman Frank Ury supposedly is interested in running for her Assembly seat, as is Capo School District Anna Bryson. Laguna Niguel Mayor Robert Ming frequently is mentioned among those who might run for higher office – no word on which one.

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In April, Harkey filed paperwork to run for the Board of Equalization, putting $100,000 into forming a campaign for the seat currently held by Michelle Steel. Another potential candidate for that office is Sen. Mark Wyland of Solana Beach, who is terming out as a state senator.

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Great performances are often overlooked at Saddleback College. On Sat., Jan. 12 at 7:00 p.m., the Professional Guest Artist Series presents “An Evening of Comedy & Magic” with a cast of award-winning magicians. Future shows include “The Women of Lockerbie” starting in March and “Legally Blonde” in April.