Single Page Text Only - 04/07/12

The Real Frank Ury

Councilman Frank Ury runs on Other People’s Money, including campaign donations from special interest and city vendors. He also has the backing of some Republican officials. When Councilwoman Trish Kelley asked the Orange County GOP to endorse her in 2010, they said no, citing that she had twice campaigned for and endorsed a Democrat. Ury not only campaigned for and endorsed the same Democrat in 2010, he campaigned for a pro-abortion candidate in 2006. Since he hasn’t supported the Republican slate or principles of the party, how will Republican officials react to his candidacy for reelection this year?

Following are examples from Ury’s record, including a sampling of his council votes.

  • Ury on 5-7-2007 voted against the public’s right to pull agenda items from the consent calendar.
  • Ury on 4-7-08 voted to fund a Rose Parade float and in October 2008 voted to move it forward (the expense exceeded $300K) during the same month the city required liquidating two bonds to meet payroll.
  • Ury on 7-7-08 (Agenda Item 39) voted for a social host ordinance, an infringement on constitutional rights of due process and probable cause.
  • Ury on 11-17-08 (Agenda Item 21, during the meeting immediately after his reelection) and 6-21-10 (Agenda Item 24) voted to bestow lifetime medical benefits on part-time council members who serve three four-year terms, and he rescinded benefits twice (on 5-19-08, Agenda Item No. 30, and 7-6-10, Agenda Item No. 36) to assist campaigns for like-minded majority council members seeking to save their seats. In the final vote eliminating the benefits, Ury cast the sole vote trying to keep lifetime healthcare for himself.
  • Ury on 06-22-09 voted to bust the budget after approving it at the same meeting on 6-22-09, taking $4M from reserves to upgrade a tennis club, following three years of deficit spending.
  • Ury on 1-3-2010 supported taking $1M from reserves to spend on a dog park. On 3-19-12, he voted to proceed with a land swap as a site for the $1M park, in which the city would get only 2.71 acres in return for giving the county 7.18 acres.
  • Ury on 2-1-2010 voted to remove from the city manager’s contract a misconduct clause, whereby the city manager cannot be fired, even if convicted of certain felonies.
  • Ury’s endorsement of a Democrat occurred in the 2-2-10 and 11-8-10 city elections.
  • Ury voted for pension reform while simultaneously voting for pay raises (5-17-2011, Agenda Item 21).
  • Ury on 1-3-2011 voted against reappointing Mark Dobrilovic (GOP Central Committee alternate) as a city financial advisory board member, saying Dobrilovic “needs to focus on other things.”
  • Ury on 1-3-2011 voted to stop audio taping closed sessions.
  • Ury on 2-21-2011 authored and voted to approve establishing the city’s Housing Authority, following his seven years of consistent support for the Redevelopment Agency.
  • Ury on 8-15-11 presented a PowerPoint presentation attacking all residents who commented against a high-density apartment project, falsely claiming they had caused a lawsuit against the city over affordable housing. Since residents have no vote on such projects, they could not have caused a lawsuit. Ury’s action of dismantling the city’s AH plan by turning affordable housing over to an ad hoc committee on 1-3-2006 triggered the state’s decertification of the city’s housing element, which was the basis for the 4-26-2006 lawsuit against the city.

Tea Partiers Reunite in Mission Viejo
Press release

Mission Viejo, CA, April 8, 2012 -- Tea Partiers will hold a Tax Day protest in Mission Viejo on Mon., April 16, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The Republican Party of Orange County and Mission Viejo Tea Party Patriots are hosting the event.

The Tea Party will take place on the street corners of La Paz Road and Marguerite Parkway. The corners of the intersection have become the traditional spot to protest high taxes and overgrown government. The Tea Party on April 16 will be the fourth annual protest in Mission Viejo.

Along with patriotic music, the two-hour rally will include a program from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., featuring Todd Spitzer as emcee and Scott Baugh, Orange County Republican Party Chairman, as keynote speaker.

Lamar Kelsoe of Mission Viejo has been involved in the Tea Party movement since its inception in 2009. He said the April 16 event will attract community members who are concerned about the direction of the country.

Kelsoe added, “We have to change Washington’s attitude – of the politicians, by the politicians and for the politicians – to of the citizens, by the citizens and for the citizens. Washington is out of touch. Success is a result of what we do, not what we promise to do.”

Tea Party organizers describe the rally as a peaceful protest. Participants are invited to bring protest signs and American flags to wave.

Watch for updates on www.ocgop.org

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.

Concerts at Soka University: Jazz Monsters featuring Gerald Wilson’s Big Band on Fri., Apr. 13, 7:00 p.m.; Pacific Symphony featuring violinist Karen Gomyo on Sat., Apr. 28, 8:00 p.m., 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, (949) 480-4278, http://www.performingarts.soka.edu/news_events/events/default.aspx

Mariachis at the Mission, Sat., Apr. 14, 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., second and fourth Saturdays each month, free with paid admission to the Mission, Central Courtyard, Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, (949) 234-1300, http://www.missionsjc.com/

Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club Calendar includes a champagne brunch and prime rib dinner on Sundays, 26772 Avery Parkway, Mission Viejo, call for reservations at O’Neill Bar and Grill, (949) 305-5100, http://www.arroyotrabuco.com/index.aspx

Sunset Wine Tasting, Fri., Apr. 20, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Dana Point Yacht Club, 24399 Dana Drive, Dana Point, (800) 797-7753, http://www.californiawinefestival.com/eventschedule.html

OC Tastefest, Culinary Festival, Fri., May 4, 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Sat., May 5, 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., inaugural event showcases OC restaurants, continuous live music in the newly renovated Main Mall at the OC Fair and Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, http://octastefest.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

Michaels, ongoing and new classes throughout March: sewing, Wilton Decorating, painting and crafts, 25310 Marguerite Pkwy, Mission Viejo, (949) 770-5001
http://locations.michaels.com/CA/MISSION-VIEJO/8513/index.html

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, ongoing and new classes this week: how to sew, decorate cakes, quilt, knit, crochet and more, 26672 Portola Parkway, Foothill Ranch, (949) 588-7420, http://Joann.com

Big Bucks Bingo, Wednesdays, 6:15 p.m. early bird and 6:45 p.m. regular games, Mission Viejo Elks Lodge, Marguerite and La Paz, Mission Viejo, 949-830-3557. 
http://www.mvelks.com/

Political and Government Events Calendar

ACT for America, Mon., Apr. 9; the meeting starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. Guest speaker Robert Reyto, D.D.S., is a survivor of the Nazi holocaust and communist tyranny. His topic will be “The Myths and Realities of the Qur’an.” The meeting will be held at the Norman Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo.

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

Live Broadcast of the Hugh Hewitt Show, Thurs., Apr. 12, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., featuring Del Wilber, author of “Rawhide Down: the Near Assassination of Ronald Reagan,” Richard Nixon Library, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, (714) 464-1161, http://events.nixonfoundation.org

Santa Margarita Water District meetings: Engineering Committee on Fri., Apr. 13, 7:30 a.m., Finance Committee on Fri., Apr. 20, 7:30 a.m.; Board of Directors on Wed., Apr. 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., April 14, breakfast meeting 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. 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: Sun., Apr. 15, Southern California Children’s Chorus. 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/concerts/

MissionViejo Tea Party – Tax Day Protest 2012, Mon., Apr. 16, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., corners of La Paz Rd. and Marguerite Pkwy, Mission Viejo. Hosts are the Republican Party of Orange County and Mission Viejo Tea Party Patriots. Music starts at 5 p.m. and the program starts at 5:30. Spirited, patriotic music and energized speakers. Attendees are invited to bring protest signs and American flags to wave. Some signs will be provided.

Orange County Board of Supervisors, Tues., Apr. 17, 9:30 a.m., Board Hearing Room, First Floor, 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, (714) 834-3100. No meeting is scheduled for April 10 or April 24. http://egov.ocgov.com/ocgov/Government/Board%20of%20Supervisors/Meeting%20Schedule

Capistrano Valley Republican Women Federated, Wed., Apr. 18, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., guest speakers will be Warren and Pam Duffy, Marbella Country Club, 30800 Golf Club Drive, San Juan Capistrano, RSVP to Sue Schultz, (949) 240-6799, esue39@cox.net

Saddleback Republican Assembly meets on Thurs., Apr. 19, 7:00 p.m.; program to be announced. SRA meets on third Thursdays at the Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Jacaranda Room-B, Mission Viejo. For information call (949) 360-1717.

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

Saddleback Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees will meet “if necessary” on Tues., Apr. 24, 6:30 p.m., at the district office, 25631 Peter Hartman Way, Mission Viejo, (949) 586-1234. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be Tues., May 8, 6:30 p.m. http://www.svusd.k12.ca.us/

Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees, regular meeting on Wed., Apr. 25, 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/

Aliso Viejo Republican Women Federated, Thurs., Apr. 26, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., program to be announced, Aliso Viejo Conference Center, 31 Santa Barbara Drive, Aliso Viejo, RSVP to (949) 859-2818.

South Orange County Community College District Board of Trustees, Mon., Apr. 30. 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

Celebration of Justice, save the date, Sat., May 12, 5:00 p.m., Pacific Justice Institute fundraiser, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, Anaheim.

The Buzz

City watchdogs support fiscal responsibility, accountability and integrity in government. When corrupt elected officials and their shills attack watchdogs as being “anti-everything,” look at what City Hall is trying to cover up.

              `***

During the April 2 council meeting, Councilman Frank Ury complained about the lack of leadership. Consider the irony with Ury sitting in the center seat as mayor. He made the statement after things didn’t go his way during the meeting. He’s tried since 2005 to help UDR build high-density housing on the former Kmart site on Los Alisos. In January 2011, he told his Planning Commission appointee, Steve Spillman, that tearing down the old Kmart building was a priority. Ury’s own “leadership” has been to enrich his campaign financiers. Ury’s effort to relieve UDR of its affordable units failed with a 3-2 vote on April 2. UDR’s profit margin (including potential sale of the rezoned property) declined with this setback.

              ***

Quail Run homeowners and others who live near the proposed dog park site on Felipe do not accept that a dog park should be forced into their neighborhood. In 2010, residents who live adjacent to a proposed dog park site of Oso Viejo Park went through the same process. When the council majority voted to build a dog park in Oso Viejo Park, homeowners sued the city. Councilwoman Trish Kelley was the first to back off, changing her vote to no. Quail Run residents have a blueprint, thanks to Oso Viejo Park neighbors who successfully stopped the project. A reasonable place for a dog park is – and always has been – next to the animal shelter. Some residents have pointed to Barbadanes Park, suggesting a dog park could be created there at a relatively low cost.

              ***

An alert Mission Viejo resident spoke during the April 2 council meeting, questioning city staff’s recommendation to approve $358,344 for a “remodel” of a meeting room in the library. A discussion among councilmembers showed that most of them hadn’t visited the library to see the room. The project is redecorating, not remodeling. Adding wallpaper and decorative stuff – Disneyland-style trees – is not a remodel. City Hall’s excuse for the expense of $358,344 is to make it more attractive for storytelling. With all the storytelling in City Hall, taxpayers should expect the cost to double or triple if the project goes forward. Councilmembers Frank Ury and Trish Kelley were ready to vote for it without seeing the room. Beyond the city staff’s deception of calling it a remodel, renderings depict the room with specialized furniture for children while the proposal includes no furniture. The agenda item was tabled for 30 days. City Hall staffers can now write speeches for shills to read at the council meeting, attacking those who disagree with spending $358,344 to decorate a room.

              ***

Motorists on Crown Valley Parkway are encountering new A.R.T. – Another Rattay Travesty. Posters on stone outhouses look like an explosion in a paint factory. The garish visual assault further uglifies the medians. Money that was misspent on A.R.T. could have been used to maintain the shaggy palms along Crown Valley Parkway.

              ***

An environmentalist visited the proposed dog park site on Felipe and stated the open space is protected habitat. She said, “It looks as if it has been weed-abated. Some of the coastal sage scrub formerly thriving on this parcel has mysteriously disappeared. When a government agency contracts for weed abatement, some crews either don’t recognize the vegetation or they’ve been given no direction.”

              ***

Reminder from Mission Viejo Chapter Leader Bruce Mayall, ACT for America: Robert Reyto, D.D.S., will be the group’s featured speaker on Mon., April 9, 7:30 p.m. Reyto’s topic will be “The Myths and Realities of the Qur’an: what every infidel needs to know about Islam’s sacred texts.” Doors open at 6:45 p.m., and the meeting starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m. The meeting location is the Norman P. Murray Community Center, Sycamore B Room, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo

To Comment on any of our articles this week please email us by clicking on this link. All emails will be held in the strictest confidence. If you want you comment considered for publication, please put “Publish” in the subject.