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Referendum Gains Ground This should outrage every Californian! Our liberal Secretary of State Debra Bowen was prepared to disenfranchise several thousand Californians by not allowing their signatures to be counted for the repeal proposition of the so-called "Transgender Bathroom Law"(AB1266). The liberals who control every major political office in this state are actively trying to cheat and use contrived deadline technicalities to keep the voters from having the final say on this disgusting law. It took a courageous state judge to see through this scheme and order the state to count the signatures that were previously rejected. This just demonstrates how desperate the liberals are and how determined they are to keep their anti-family agenda from having to face the voters. They know full well that once this issue is put before the voters, the people will likely reject this insanity. We can thank God that there is at least one judge out there who isn't an activist and is willing to do what’s right. This ballot measure will likely be certified later this month to appear on the November ballot. Read on: |
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PALs Update Dear PALs, As the founder of Parents Advocate League, I am proud to say our organization has come a long way since it started in 2007, but the focus has remained the same: educate and mobilize parents to have a stronger voice for all students. I have met amazing parents and leaders who share the same concern that students seem to be the last priority in education. The past few months, we have dedicated most of our time to creating a clear and stronger commitment to Parents Advocate League, knowing parents are the key to ensuring educators and leaders are accountable to student success. Helping us with this renewed dedication to PAL is our incredible Board of Directors who has been fully devoted to student success for many years. Over the last twenty years, education reform groups have placed much needed concentration on low socioeconomic areas in an effort to improve education. Resources have been solely dedicated to these areas, which continue to be in great need of assistance in every way. However, it has left other groups of parents ignored due to the misconception that areas outside of the low socioeconomic focus are achieving academic success. PAL recognizes that failed education policies are the same in every zip code; therefore, it is critical to include all parents in banding together for every student. Improving education for all students, especially those most vulnerable, PAL will focus on changing education policies to focus on students by engaging the “forgotten middle” parent. The “forgotten middle” parent is an unrecognized, underutilized and hugely valuable resource to effect change in education that will help children in every zip code. Children cannot wait. It is time to engage more parents in this fight to improve education to help every student. California prides itself on being the cutting edge of leading our nation into new ideas and technologies which will better our world. California has the most students in the nation of all demographics. It should be an academic leader in our nation. Instead, students in California are met with a lack of accountability toward student achievement, legislation that caters to special interest groups, and parents that seem to have no other choice but to trust the system. If you think your child is doing just fine, think again. California is ranked 46th in student achievement in America. Recently, PISA ranked 15-year-old students globally. America received the following low rank once again: 17th in Reading; 26th in Math, and 21st in Science (Source: http://www.oecd.org/pisa/keyfindings/PISA-2012-results-US.pdf ). Lousy education policies affect every child regardless of where you live. This also means you may not know how poorly your child is doing until he or she is applying to college competing on a global level, and by then, it will be too late. I hope you continue to be an informed and integral part of PAL helping ensure all students achieve success. Students need you to continue this fight for their futures. Please take time to forward this email to other parents and encourage them to become an informed advocate for their child’s education. We need more PALs for students. We are looking forward to expanding our efforts in 2014 in California, especially in Los Angeles County. If you would like to gather a small group together to learn more about how you can help students, we would love to meet you. Please contact our Outreach Director, Romney Miller at Romney@parentsadvcocateleague.org . Also, if you would like to make a tax-deductible donation, please donate. Your donation will help us continue to work to empower parents to advocate for their children. I hope you and your family are enjoying this holiday season. I wish you a well-informed and happy 2014. All the best, P.S. You will be happy to know we are not in this fight alone. Here is a list of other organizations in California and America dedicated to helping students. Take time to visit their websites and join their efforts as well. We are stronger when we are together and informed. |
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End 87-1 Mello-Roos The Capistrano school district trustees will again discuss ending the 87-1 Mello-Roos tax, which affects a portion of Mission Viejo. At the meeting on Dec. 11, the CUSD trustees voted to continue the discussion and vote to end the 87-1 tax when the bond is paid and to retire the bond early in 2016. During the discussion the board was split:
The item is back on the agenda with the staff again recommending the board adopt the resolutions to enter into an agreement to:
Please attend the CUSD board meeting to show your support of the board action to retire the 87-1 bonds in 2016, permanently suspend the 2% tax increase and end the tax when the bonds are paid off. You do not need to make public comments. To save time, at least one public speaker advocating this position will speak on behalf of homeowners in the 87-1 Mello-Roos district. When: Wed., Jan. 8, 2014, 7:00 p.m. The items are #1 and #2 on the agenda. Where: CUSD administration building, 33122 Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano (take I-5 south, and exit Camino Capistrano and turn right. Turn right on San Juan Creek Road and go under the freeway. Make the first right on Valle Road and drive to the end (past the car dealership). |
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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. “Ring of Fire” at The Laguna Playhouse, Jan. 7 – Feb. 2, a riveting glimpse into Johnny Cash’s world, with more than 30 of his songs; 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, (949) 497-2787, ext. 1, http://lagunaplayhouse.com WineWorks, live music every Friday, happy hour Tues.-Sat., check the website for wine tastings and other events, 26342 Oso Parkway, Suite 103, Mission Viejo, (949) 582-0026, http://www.wineworksforeveryone.com/tastings-events.php Open casting call for Pageant of the Masters, Thurs., Jan. 9, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Laguna Festival of Arts, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Call for an appointment after Jan, 9, (949) 494-3663, http://lagunafestivalofarts.org Ongoing music classes, Mission Viejo Christian Church, private 30-minute weekly lessons in piano, voice and guitar; perform in recitals, (949) 334-8880 for lesson availability, Music Conservatory, 27192 Jeronimo Rd., Mission Viejo, http://media.wix.com/ugd/1081e4_b5f054c5f266a76be19eaa37ca21225c.pdf Soka University events, The Peking Acrobats on Fri., Jan. 10, 8:00 p.m.; The Diamonds and Billy Richards’ Coasters on Sun., Jan. 12, 3:00 p.m., Soka Performing Arts Center, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, (949) 480-4278, http://www.performingarts.soka.edu Mariachis at the Mission, Sat., Jan. 11, 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.; second Saturday of each month, 26801 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, (949) 234-1300, http://missionsjc.com Sunday Brunch at O’Neill’s Bar and Grill on Sun., Jan. 12, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., live jazz, R&B, soul and vocals. Enjoy made-to-order omelets, pastries, seafood, salad bar, hot entrees, desserts, etc., Arroyo Trabuco Golf Course, 26772 Avery Parkway, Mission Viejo, (949) 305-5100, http://www.arroyotrabuco.com/calendar.aspx Laguna Playhouse Winter 2014 Youth Theater, Jan. 14 – Mar. 18, Tuesdays, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Acting Fundamentals classes for children, ages 9 – 11; Musical Theatre for age 10 and older on Fridays, Jan. 17 – Mar. 28, (949) 497-2787, ext. 230, http://www.lagunaplayhouse.com/education/workshops/ La Vida Drum Circle, Thurs., Jan. 16, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m., group meets on the evening of every full moon (Jan. 16, Feb. 14, Mar. 16, Apr. 15, etc.). Drummers should bring their drums. Firewood is appreciated for the bonfire, Aliso Beach, Aliso and Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, (949) 275-7544, http://www.lavidalaguna.com/things-we-dig/ St. Kilian’s Recycling Drive, Sat., Jan. 18, 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, held on the third Saturday of each month. Organized by Knights of Columbus; acceptable items include aluminum, paper and plastic. No glass or cardboard. Lower parking lot, 26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, (949) 472-1249, http://www.stkilianchurch.org Holiday Ice Rink, Irvine Spectrum Center, private and group skate lessons are available, open daily through Feb. 17, Giant Wheel Court, Irvine Spectrum Center, 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, (949) 753-5180, http://www.skatespectrum.com Mount of Olives Church SHARE Food Drive on Sun., Feb. 2, (first Sunday of each month) helps families in crisis, http://moochurch.org/share . Mount of Olives Church, 24772 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo, (949) 837-7467, http://www.moochurch.org/ First Thursday Art Walk, Laguna Beach, Thurs., Feb. 6, 6:00 p.m., member galleries throughout Laguna Beach, including the Laguna Art Museum, 307 Cliff Drive at North Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, (949) 494-8971, http://firstthursdaysartwalk.com/ |
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Political and Government Events Calendar OC Veterans Advisory Council, Wed., Jan. 8, 6:00 p.m. The council meets on the second Wednesday of each month. Veterans Service Office, Conference Room A/B, 1300 S. Grand Ave., Building B, Santa Ana, https://cms.ocgov.com/gov/occr/occs/veterans/advisory/default.asp Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees will meet on Wed., Jan. 8, 7:00 p.m., and a special meeting is scheduled for Wed., Jan. 15. The board meets at the district office, 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/ Santa Margarita Water District meetings: Board of Directors on Wed., Jan. 8, 7:00 p.m.; Engineering Committee on Fri., Jan. 17, 7:30 a.m.; Finance Committee on Fri., Jan. 24, 7:30 a.m., 26111 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, (949) 459-6420, http://www.smwd.com Hugh Hewitt at the Nixon Library, Thurs., Jan. 9. The talk radio host will broadcast live from the East Room, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., followed by a 7:00 p.m. book signing and talk on his new book, “The Happiest Life.” Concert on Sun., Jan. 12, concert pianist Mary Au and Friends. Doors open at 1:30 pm, and the music begins at 2:00 pm unless otherwise noted. Nixon Library, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, (714) 364-1120, http://nixonfoundation.org/ Moulton Niguel Water District meetings: Engineering and Operations on Mon., Jan. 13, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.; Finance and Information Technology on Wed., Jan. 15, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.; Board of Directors on Thurs., Jan. 16, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., MNWD Main Office, 27500 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel, (949) 831-2500, http://mnwd.com/board-of-directors-2/ Mission Viejo Chapter of ACT! for America will hold a General Meeting on Mon., Jan. 13. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. The meeting starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m., at the Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo. Orange County Board of Supervisors will hold a regular meeting on Tues., Jan. 14, 9:30 a.m., Board Hearing Room, First Floor, 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, (714) 834-3100. http://ocgov.com/cals/?ViewBy=7&CalDate=1/15/2013&EventDateID=89649 Saddleback Valley Unified School District will hold a regular meeting of the board on Tues., Jan. 14, 6:30 p.m.; 25631 Peter Hartman Way, Mission Viejo, (949) 586-1234, http://www.svusd.k12.ca.us/ Capistrano Valley Republican Women Federated, Wed., Jan. 15, 9:00 a.m., at the Marbella Country Club, 30800 Golf Club Drive, San Juan Capistrano. CVRWF meets on third Wednesdays of most months. Call (949) 240-6799 for reservations, http://cvrwf.org Saddleback Republican Assembly, Thurs., Jan. 16, 7:00 p.m. SRA meets on third Thursdays (except in July, August and December) at the Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Jacaranda Room-B, Mission Viejo. For information call (949) 769-1412. |
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The Buzz The Mission Viejo chapter of ACT! for America will meet on Mon., Jan. 13. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., and the meeting starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. The location is the Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Jacaranda Room, Mission Viejo. The featured speaker will be John Steinreich, author and expert on Islam vs. Christianity. His topic will be “Persecution of Non-Muslims in Islamic Countries: What It Means to Americans.” *** For the third week in a row, Orange County watchdogs are watching Matt Cunningham, an OC political operative who makes a living by writing hit pieces. Allegedly, politicians pay him off with appointments to agency boards and public funds for “consulting jobs” that involve no real work. Last week, The Voice of OC wrote about the nature of Cunningham’s job as a contractor for the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce: http://www.voiceofoc.org/oc_north/article_8b92be34-74ae-11e3-8ea6-001a4bcf887a.html . Mission Viejo Councilman Frank Ury is a buddy of Cunningham, feeding at the trough. *** Email from P.F. of Mission Viejo: “As far back as I can remember (the 1960s -- Kennedy's election) there were reports of deceased people voting. Why can't we protect our most precious freedom to vote---without fear of fraud? To vote in Mexico, every eligible Mexican citizen has to have a tamper-proof photo ID with a thumbprint and an embossed hologram. All citizens are required to personally enroll and show proof of birth or citizenship. Applicants are required to personally return to collect their voting credential. So how is it that we can’t upgrade to Mexican standards without being called racist?” *** California Secretary of State Debra Bowen's office has given the green light for an initiative requiring voter ID. If proponents gather enough valid signatures in the next few months, it will appear on this November's ballot. The voter ID law and the transgender bathroom law will likely be the two most hotly contested ballot measures of 2014. For more information, go to or click on the Facebook link at http://www.guardmyvote.org/ *** Email forwarded by a city watchdog: “This is the very first year I haven't watched the Rose Parade, even for a minute. What has happened to our country today where a family-friendly tradition like Pasadena's Tournament of Roses Parade is now being used to promote a far-left anti-family agenda, featuring a gay wedding on a float? While everyone today is so laser-focused on the economy, people need to be reminded that our culture is completely decayed and totally bankrupt.” *** The Jan. 3 edition of Saddleback Valley News published the “Mayor’s Plans for the Year.” Residents should expect the mayor to be concerned with the city’s essential public services – something related to the council’s purpose. The plan should address the aging infrastructure, improve traffic flow, keep the crime rate low, etc. How about cutting waste to reduce residents’ tax burden? The “new” mayor is Trish Kelley. She says she wants to 1) recognize the 30th anniversary of the Olympic bicycle race, 2) put a drowning prevention program on MVTV, 3) increase awareness of teenage drinking and have a program on MVTV and 4) have a wall of recognition for honoring residents. Has anyone noticed that the campaign goals of some council candidates (concern for infrastructure, traffic flow, crime rate) have nothing to do with their goals as council members? *** As the example in the SVN article of something for the Wall of Recognition, Ms. Kelley talks only about her Community of Character program and wanting to expand it. She began the program 10 years ago, and it’s a big, expensive flop. In a city of nearly 100,000 residents, the program attracts 15 kids. They meet in city hall, require the time of staff members who babysit them and run their meetings, record minutes and show old movies as a means of character development. The Character members’ big event is to throw a dinner party for themselves. According to the official minutes, 100 people show up for the “free” Character dinner. *** As a goal of Mission Viejo residents in 2014, those who plan to vote in the next election should inform themselves about the candidates and stop electing and re-electing self-serving incompetents. |
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