Truth vs. Misinformation
by Larry Gilbert

Tired of being stonewalled? Let me recommend keeping tuned to the following effort. "The Citizens’ Commission on Benghazi will officially launch its operations by holding a conference on Mon., Sept. 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Heritage Foundation’s Allison Auditorium in Washington, D.C. The public and the press are invited to attend the first session, which includes lunch, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., while the second session will be an off-the-record event, held behind closed doors from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

 “I regard this conference as the launch pad for our fact-finding mission where truth will finally begin to replace the tired misinformation peddled by the administration and the media for nearly a year, which has seriously compromised the truth about Benghazi,” said Roger Aronoff [editor, Accuracy in Media], adding that the typical Washington sideshow of rewarding failure has also been on display more than once during the year.

“When Secretary of State John Kerry announced recently that four State Department officials who had been suspended over Benghazi, were now cleared to return to work, it made me realize once again that no one has been held accountable for the disaster in Benghazi,” Aronoff said. “The idea that the buck stopped with those four was absurd to begin with.”

https://benghazicommission.eventbrite.com/?ref=ecount&utm_source=buffer&utm_campaign=Buffer&utm_content=buffer32 502&utm_medium=twitter

Community Newspaper Expands

The inaugural issue of Community Common Sense became available in Mission Viejo last week. The monthly newsletter, which began in San Juan Capistrano several years ago, has expanded into Mission Viejo. Editorial contributors say Mission Viejo shares a great deal more with SJC than a city boundary line, as both cities face many of the same problems.

The front-page article by Mission Viejo resident Steve Magdziak, http://www.ccsense.com/ , suggests the city should consider returning a budget surplus to taxpayers by paying for an essential service. He provides an example, giving residents a break on their trash collection bill. In a survey of council members, Councilwoman Cathy Schlicht agrees, saying, “I love the idea of giving the taxpayers a holiday from paying their trash bill. This is a great way to share the benefits of a ‘surplus’ with the taxpayers, who are the stakeholders.”

Councilman Dave Leckness responded, “In theory I welcome the idea of giving tax payers refunds with the city’s year-End surpluses. Although in reality, there are numerous laws that tie our hands and prohibit this type of refund. I do welcome creative solutions, because that’s what [sic] when the real creative juices start to flow.”

Why would anyone think the city cannot legally pay for a public service or use a "surplus" to pay for it? Public service is supposed to be the reason taxes are collected. Here’s a link to an analysis by the California Attorney General: http://oag.ca.gov/ethics/accessible/misuse

An underlying problem is the council majority’s refusal to use taxes appropriately in the first place. Furthermore, the city refuses to disclose how much of its $60-million annual budget it uses on non-essential expenses. More than six months ago, Councilwomen Cathy Schlicht and Rhonda Reardon asked for figures on programs, festivals, staff parties and other fluff – nonessential services – which the city staff won’t release.

The council is supposed to direct the city staff, but the council majority instead follows staff recommendations. The objective of City Manager Dennis Wilberg is apparently to grow his empire, raise employees’ pay and endow employees with job security. He’s so good at it the city now has 275 employees. By comparison, Rancho Santa Margarita – a contract city with half the population of Mission Viejo – has 40 employees.

Mission Viejo can afford to have nice buildings, roads and landscaping, but it continues to take on new projects while failing to maintain the old. It recently blew $1.3 million (and counting) on a dog park, $5 million on a tennis resort upgrade and $400,000 to decorate a story room in the library. As a parallel example, it plants thousands of trees while mature trees fall over. Mission Viejo residents who reside in the Capo school district got a double dose from CUSD officials. School buildings fell into disrepair because the district spent money like drunken sailors. Seven trustees built an unnecessary $50-million administration building, and no one could stop them.

Along with the money, those CUSD trustees who approved the building are gone, and the district is $50 million in the red. The same thing is happening with the city of Mission Viejo. Community Common Sense is shining a light, and not a moment too soon.

Common Core Update

Citizens are being alerted by watchdog organizations about an Orange County Board of Education meeting on Thurs., Sept. 12, 8:00 a.m., 200 Kalmus Drive, Costa Mesa.

The OC Board of Education has asked staff to present their findings on Common Core and answer the board’s questions.

Watchdogs urge the public to inform the board about concerns regarding Common Core. Those who wish to address the board can fill out a card and speak for up to three minutes.

Leaders of Common Core Concerned Citizens and Eagle Forum of California have identified some of the reasons parents, teachers, school administrators and taxpayers oppose the adoption of a federal education program.

• Curriculum is academically weak
• Math is mediocre and two years behind other countries
• Extreme leftist indoctrination has been included
• Critical thinking isn’t encouraged
• Deliberate dumbing down of American education is obvious
• Students’ and their parents’ personal information is collected
• Takes away local control
• Undermines parents’ control of their children’s education
• The program is a federal takeover of education
• Unfair burdens are placed on taxpayers
• Exorbitant cost -- $1.6 billion in California
• $16 billion to implement Common Core in the United States
• Aligning of SAT and Common Core would impact private school and home-schoolers

Orange County still has the opportunity to stop this assault on education. For additional information, visit websites: http://www.cuacc.org, http://tinyurl.com/NComC , http://www.edlibertywatch.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.

Mount of Olives Church, “Stretch & Pray,” Wed., Sept., 11, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., meets Wednesdays in The ROCK http://moochurch.org/stretch . On Oct. 6 (first Sunday of each month) bring food for the SHARE Food Drive, http://moochurch.org/share . Mount of Olives Church, 24772 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo, (949) 837-7467, http://www.moochurch.org/

Friends of National Rifle Association annual fundraiser, Wed., Sept. 11, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. NRA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charity benefiting shooting sports programs in Southern California communities. Dinner, raffles and auctions, SJC Golf Club, 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano, http://www.friendsofnra.org/ca

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/

Jazzfest and Taste of the Lake, Lake Mission Viejo, Sat., Sept. 14, 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Musical performances by Jose James, Sista Monica and Bill Magee, (949) 770-1313, http://www.lakemissionviejo.org

“The Taste of St. Kilian” on Sat., Sept. 14, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., food and live music, Norm Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo. http://www.tasteofstkilian.com Recycling Drive, Sat., Sept. 21, 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

La Vida Drum Circle, Thurs., Sept. 19, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m., group meets on the evening of every full moon (Sept. 19, Oct. 18, Nov. 17, 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/

Soka University concerts: Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, Sat., Sept. 21, 8:00 p.m. On Fri.-Sun., Sept. 27-29, Third Annual Soka International Jazz Festival, Soka Performing Arts Center, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, (949) 480-4278, http://www.performingarts.soka.edu

Festival of Children, through Sun., Sept. 29, South Coast Plaza, more than 100 shows, activities and events, 3333 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, (714) 438-3247, http://www.festivalofchildren.org

Political and Government Events Calendar

Mission Viejo Chapter of ACT! for America will hold a General Meeting on Mon., Sept. 9. 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. The organization meets on the second Monday of the month.

Orange County Board of Supervisors will hold a regular meeting on Tues., Sept. 10, 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 regular board meeting on Tues., Sept. 10, 6:30 p.m., 25631 Peter Hartman Way, Mission Viejo, (949) 586-1234, http://www.svusd.k12.ca.us/

Moulton Niguel Water District meetings: Community Relations on Wed., Sept. 11 at 9:00 a.m.; Engineering and Operations on Mon., Sept. 16, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.; Finance and Information Technology on Wed., Sept. 18, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.; Board of Directors on Thurs., Sept. 19, 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/

Nixon Library annual remembrance on Sept. 11, 11:00 a.m., marking the attacks on America. Concert on Sun., Sept 15, harpist Kate Loughrey. 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

OC Veterans Advisory Council, Wed., Sept. 11, 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., Sept. 11, 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., Sept. 13, 7:30 a.m.; Finance Committee on Fri., Sept. 20, and Board of Directors on Wed., Sept. 25, at 7:00 p.m., 26111 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, (949) 459-6420, http://www.smwd.com

Capistrano Valley Republican Women Federated, Wed., Sept. 18, 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., Sept. 19, 7:00 p.m. Guest speaker will be Brad Dacus, president of Pacific Justice Institute. SRA meets on third Thursdays (except in July, August and September) at the Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Jacaranda Room-B, Mission Viejo. For information call (949) 769-1412.

SOC912, Fri., Sept. 20, 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., “They Come to America II,” Norm Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo. A $5 at the door will help pay for costs; free to first-time visitors and young people through age 24.  http://www.meetup.com/SOC912/events/137078642/

The Buzz

Never forget 9/11 – the Nixon Library will present a free program on Wed., Sept. 11, at 11:00 a.m. The commemorative event will feature Bruce Herschensohn, Camp Pendleton Base Commander Gen. Vincent Coglianese, patriotic music and a moving tribute to the fallen, the “Final Alarm.” Those wanting to attend should RSVP by calling (714) 364-1120 or visit http://nixonfoundation.org . The library is located at 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda.

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Congratulations to Community Common Sense for its successful launch of the first Mission Viejo-San Juan Capistrano edition. Formerly Capistrano Common Sense, the publication is a free, non-partisan monthly newsletter. The newspaper is a business – not a group – licensed by the California Secretary of State. Will City Hall welcome this newspaper?

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Comment from a Mission Viejo resident who was among the first to see the new CCS issue, “I read all of the articles and think this newspaper fills a need to know what’s going on in city government. The Orange County Register is staying alive because of its ad-selling campaign, despite abandoning local news coverage. I read every article in the first edition. It is straightforward reporting, and the opinion pieces are informative.”

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As a stellar example of what the OC Register offers, the Sept. 6 Science section (page 20) contains yet another article proclaiming extreme weather is due to global warming. The article apparently is in the Science section because OCR doesn’t have a Junk Science section.

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During the Sept. 3 council meeting, Southern California Gas Co. pitched its Smart Meters. Jumping up from the audience to support the meters was professional lobbyist Wendy Bucknum, who lost her bid in November 2012 for a council seat. Bucknum’s employer, PCM, touts Bucknum’s prowess as an award-winning lobbyist – although the reference was removed during her council campaign. The other interesting connection is lobbyist Bucknum’s relationship to Southern California Gas Co. She’s chair of the South OC Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the gas company is a “Gold Level Member” of her group.

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The gas company isn’t revealing vital information consumers need when deciding whether or not to have a Smart Meter. In May 2012, Consumers Power Alliance (CPA), the consumer advocacy group that won Opt-Outs for PG&E and SCE customers, filed several legal challenges regarding So Cal Gas Advanced Metering. Notably, the gas company’s Opt-Out fees are discriminatory. PG&E customers pay only one Opt-Out fee for both gas and electric, and SCE customers would be forced to pay two. The Public Utilities Commission has not as yet approved the gas company’s proposal to charge Opt-Out fees. That’s why the company currently has only Delay Install as an option. The gas company MUST put customers on the Delay List when they request it. Call 1-800-427-2200 today.

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Post from Larry Gilbert: Would you prefer being a deputy in Mission Viejo or a cop in Chicago? No matter how Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy spin it by touting overall crime being down in Chicago, the numbers for 2013 are still horrifying. www.breitbart.com

http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2013/09/06/53-August-Homicides-in-Rahm-s-Chicago-224-Shot-and-Wounded

53 Homicides, 224 Shot and Wounded in August in Rahm's Chicago

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