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Tea Partiers Protest IRS Abuse On May 21, Mission Viejo residents joined in a nationwide Tea Party protest, drawing attention to the IRS targeting conservative groups. Approximately 300 South County patriots lined the street near the Chet Holifield (“Ziggurat”) Federal Building at Alicia Parkway and Avila Road in Laguna Niguel. Another Orange County rally took place in Santa Ana. Two weeks ago, news confirmed that the IRS has abused its power by going after right-wing groups. Reports indicate the Laguna Niguel IRS office had a role in hampering the efforts of Tea Party organizations seeking tax-exempt status. The May 21 rallies pointed to the Obama administration’s use of the IRS as a political weapon against conservatives. By applying heightened scrutiny and demands for inappropriate information, the IRS delayed and thwarted Tea Party requests for 501(c)(4) tax-exempt status. Some groups said they stopped trying when the IRS demanded personal information about members and their political affiliation. |
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Intimidation in Laguna Niguel Many of our 300 Tea Party folks were approached immediately by Homeland Security and told they could not be on federal property. My lawyer told me as long as we didn't block passage we were OK. Many Homeland Security trucks and a helicopter above us scared the patriots, so most of our group went to the public sidewalk to rally. However, I stayed at the IRS entrance, telling HLS it is my right to be there and if federal property is prohibited by the public that must mean the US Capitol, too! Then as I was leaving, carrying my sign, a woman jumped out of her car in the IRS parking lot and stated in a threatening way, "I am with ICE!" To which I replied, "I am with Laguna Patriots.” The ICE agent drove alongside me with the window down, glaring at me! I was interviewed by local the NBC and OC Register and told them all about the intimidations. |
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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. 55th Annual Strawberry Festival, through Mon., May 27, parade and carnival celebrating the city’s strawberry-growing heritage, Euclid St. and Main St., Garden Grove, (714) 638-0981, http://strawberryfestival.org/ Crossline Church is offering a series of classes on finance, with the next one on Tues., May 28, 7:00 p.m., “Retirement and College Planning.” Location is 23331 Moulton Pkwy., Laguna Hills, (949) 916-0251, http://www.crosslinechurch.com Create 2013 – Mixed Media Conference and Artist Faire, May 29 through June 2, more than 20 art instructors will present hands-on workshops, plus art supplies for sale, Hyatt Regency Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Blvd., Irvine, http://www.cvent.com/events/create-mixed-media-retreat-orange-county-2013/event-summary-fad18264218348169857de3256fe09bb.aspx Laguna Playhouse presents “The Pianist of Willesden Lane” from May 29 through June 9, 8:00 p.m., 606 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach, (949) 497-2787, ext. 1, http://www.lagunaplayhouse.com Soka University concerts: Robert Cazimero and Halau Na Kamalei O Lililehua on June 1, 8:00 p.m., and Men Alive presenting America, “The Songs of Our Homeland,” Fri., June 21, 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, (949) 480-4278, http://www.performingarts.soka.edu “As You Like It” at Concordia University through June 2. Last year more than 1,300 people enjoyed the fun and free Shakespeare play in the outdoor amphitheater. Bring a picnic and delight in this comedy. Nelson Amphitheatre, 1530 Concordia West, Irvine, (949) 854-8002, http://www.cui.edu/?gclid=CMyjsdWOt7YCFQ3qnAod9CoA4w Recycling Drive at St. Kilian’s Church, Sat., June 15, 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 Big Irish Fair at Irvine Lake, Sat.-Sun., June 15-16, including music, Irish food and drink, children’s events and sheepherding shows, Oak Canyon Park, Irvine, (877) 740-9888, |
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Political and Government Events Calendar Memorial Day at Nixon Library, Mon., May 27, free admission all day, 2:00 p.m. concert with the 90-piece Placentia Symphonic Band in The East Room. On June 2 at 2:00 p.m., concert pianist Christine Azzoni Dow will be featured in a free concert. Doors open at 1:30 and the concert begins at 2:00 p.m., 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, (714) 364-1120, http://nixonfoundation.org Saddleback Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees will meet on Tues., May 28, 6:30 p.m., “if necessary.” A board workshop on safety (open to public) will be held on Tues., June 11, 4:30 p.m., with the regular board meeting to follow at 6:30 p.m., 25631 Peter Hartman Way, Mission Viejo, (949) 586-1234, http://www.svusd.k12.ca.us/ Orange County Parks Commission will meet on Thurs., June 6, 7:00 p.m. The commission meets on the first Thursday of every month. Irvine Ranch Historic Park, 13042 Old Myford Rd., Irvine, (949) 923-3741, http://ocgov.com/cals/ Mission Viejo Chapter of ACT! for America will hold a General Meeting on Mon., June 10. 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 regular meeting on Tues., June 11, 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 OC Veterans Advisory Council, Wed., June 12, 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., June 12, 7:00 p.m., 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: Engineering Committee on Fri., June 14, 7:30 a.m.; Finance Committee on Fri., June 21, 7:30 a.m.; Board of Directors on Wed., June 26, at 7:00 p.m., 26111 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, (949) 459-6420, http://www.smwd.com 14th Annual Flag Day Dinner, Fri., June 14, Republican Party of Orange County. Featured speaker will be U.S. Senator Ted Cruz. Hyatt Regency Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Blvd., Irvine, http://www.ocgop.org/flagday Capistrano Valley Republican Women Federated, Wed., June 19, 9:00 a.m., at the Marbella Country Club, 30800 Golf Club Drive, San Juan Capistrano. CVRWF meets on third Wednesdays. Call (949) 496-2525 for reservations, http://cvrwf.org Saddleback Republican Assembly, Thurs., June 20. At 7:00 p.m. SRA meets on third Thursdays (except in December, July and August) at the Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Jacaranda Room-B, Mission Viejo. For information call (949) 360-1717. |
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The Buzz ACT for America will meet on Mon., June 10, at the Norm Murray Community Center in Mission Viejo. The featured speaker will be Brad Dacus, a Constitutional attorney who is founder and president of the Pacific Justice Institute. His topic will be “America Under Siege.” He will discuss the myriad domestic and foreign forces threatening security, liberty and values. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., and the meeting runs from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The address of the Community Center is 24932 Veterans Way (Sycamore B Room), Mission Viejo. Sign up for ACT for America chapter announcements at www.act4oc.org *** During the May 20 Mission Viejo council meeting (Agenda Item No. 11), Councilman Dave Leckness wanted to revisit a city street-sweeping contract that went to Athens Services in 2011. The discussion revealed manipulation behind the scenes had led to Athens being the only “qualified” bidder. Councilman Frank Ury wrote his own version of qualifications into the contract. How can one councilman add a contract requirement without the knowledge and approval of the other four council members, plus slip it by the city staff? Ury had the help of city administrator Keith Rattay. If this summary doesn’t indicate that Ury and Rattay’s collusion stinks, watch the video of these clowns tap-dancing. City Attorney Bill Curley joins them, attempting to give cover to Rattay, which doesn’t work. http://missionviejo.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=12&clip_id=964 *** Prior to Athens getting the contract in 2011, Sunset as the city’s street sweeper had performed well enough to be in the running for the new contract. It wasn’t the first time council majority members had engaged in a tug-of-war over street sweeping: http://missionviejodispatch.com/uncategorized/mayor-interfering-with-street-sweeping-bids/ However, Ury is a puppet for a political operative, John Lewis, who is a consultant for Athens. Ury wrote into the 2011 bid process the requirement that a bidder’s street-sweeping equipment could be no older than two years. This clause had little to do with anything except to eliminate all of Athens’ competitors. Ury’s motive was clear, but what was in it for Rattay? It is likely that others in city hall know what happened. Will any employee speak up? *** Mission Viejo watchdog Joe Holtzman sent an update on Southern California Edison’s problems at San Onofre. A letter written by a Carlsbad resident begins, “As of today [May 24], Southern California Edison still has every intention of restarting San Onofre Nuclear ‘Waste’ Generating Station. Nothing has changed that desire. It seems they will take any risk in order to restart the reactor, and even having to pay for this entire steam generator fiasco from their own pockets won't stop them (though that appears unlikely). A fully adjudicated license amendment proceeding with sworn testimony, expert witnesses, and cross-examination won't stop them. Even if it takes five years, they'll wait -- even if it takes ten. All these delaying tactics are aimed at either the inevitable -- decommissioning -- or the impossible -- continuous operation ad infinitum. If it reopens, it will be impossible to keep it open forever, since the entire plant has degraded, sitting by the sea decade after decade. There will be other problems, there will be license renewal procedures, there will be other major parts replaced. There will inevitably be more emergency shut-downs after something ‘unexpected’ goes wrong. But they want to restart it anyway.” (To read the entire letter, click here.) *** City staffers say they will account for costs of festivals, parties, programs and classes. The response came after this blog announced that concerned citizens are compiling the list of events and expenses. While Mission Viejo taxpayers are unaware of how much they’re paying for the activities – some of which are ridiculous – a city watchdog says Golden Fleece Awards are in order. *** The Laguna Woods Tea Party Sentinels are presenting Dr. Gina Loudon as featured speaker for their meeting on Mon., May 27. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. in Laguna Woods’ Club House 7, 24111 Moulton Pkwy. No security passes are required to enter this gate. From Tea Party leader Dick Palmer’s announcement: Loudon hosts a nationally syndicated show and frequently appears on Fox News and Fox Business. Loudon’s book, “Why the Survival of This Republic Depends on the Revival of Honor,” will be available for sale. Call (949) 458-3939 for additional information. *** Mission Viejo parents of schoolchildren are concerned about an indication that the pay of crossing guards will be reduced by the Mission Viejo City Council. Residents should recognize the city staff’s top priority is to preserve city hall’s bloated bureaucracy. Instead of focusing on essential services for residents, including public safety, city employees are dedicated to throwing parties and duplicating activities that abound in the community. In addition to undermining businesses, the city staff’s classes are already provided by school districts, Saddleback College, Mission Hospital, homeowner associations and private-sector entities. *** Ex-city councilman Roger Faubel is getting heat about a lot of things, including questions from OC Weekly about his conflict of interest when serving as a board member for the Santa Margarita Water District, http://blogs.ocweekly.com/navelgazing/2013/05/roger_faubel_poseidon_resource_1.php . Taxpayers generally have no knowledge of Orange County’s incestuous power club. Check out the contract Faubel just received to create a PR campaign for Vector Control: Agenda Item No. 12: http://www.ocvcd.org/agendas%20and%20minutes/2013Apr.pdf *** Fire hazard maps disappeared from the city’s website last week, following this blog’s post on how readers can find the maps online. Evidently, city staffers think the fire hazard zones (renamed by the city council majority as “Special Fire Protection Areas”) won’t be a controversy if residents can’t find them. (Here’s a link to an article with list of streets in the zones: http://missionviejodispatch.com/uncategorized/25000-residents-thrown-into-fire-zone/ . No one has answered the simple question of why the Fire Authority wanted more homes added to the zones. As the state runs out of money and cuts back fire and safety budgets, the Fire Authority is positioning itself to create its own stream of revenue with fees for inspections and fines for noncompliance. *** Message from Mission Viejo city activist Larry Gilbert: “As we honor veterans this month I would be remiss not to post this photo of Congressional Medal of Honor recipient John P. Baca, whom I met at the dedication of a Vietnam War memorial wall at Saddleback College. President Nixon presented U.S. Army specialist fourth class, U.S. Army, Company D, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, John Baca the Medal of Honor at the White House on June 15, 1971.” |
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