Common Sense Update

Two weeks ago, Community Common Sense Newspaper expanded into Mission Viejo. Formerly known as Capistrano Common Sense, its distribution began in 2009 in San Juan Capistrano. The first edition of the combined cities is available in newspaper racks in front of businesses, and a portion of the city was covered with home delivery. Volunteers interested in city government were among those delivering newspapers to their neighborhoods.

Following is feedback from one of the volunteers who delivered the paper door-to-door. This report and other posts about Community Common Sense can be found on the website, http://missionviejocommonsense.com/1/post/2013/09/volunteer-walker-for-community-common-sense-newspaperand-cityhood.html

When I heard about Mission Viejo’s new newspaper, Community Common Sense, I distributed it in my neighborhood (off Trabuco).

Met several nice people during my walk. By the newspaper NOT having a party affiliation, it made for some open conversation. People were much more open to discussion. The common sense approach made them more receptive to actually reading the material. So many folks are angry and frustrated. They are concerned that we have turned from common sense. Regulations of government... including city government are overbearing. Several homeowners were disgusted with all of the required permits in Mission Viejo... for things like a water heater or dishwasher.

In case anyone is interested, here a few quotes from my neighbors.

"Mission Viejo council has gone nuts. We need a majority who actually know how to think and do FOR the people.”

"We need more people who speak truth. I am so tired of lies from these guys."

"I am tired of professional politicians in all positions of government."

"Can you believe that Mission Viejo is so greedy that they want to charge me for a permit to put in new windows! Stupid!"

"When council members say they have no response to a question, that means they are non-decisive. Non-decisive has no business in leadership, period."

"Mission Viejo should only collect the money that is required to run the city. We should start a campaign to GIVE IT BACK, WE NEED IT.”

"I have had it with the city of Mission Viejo and their permits. It discourages homeowners from improving things.”

SRA Hosts Brad Dacus

On Thurs., Sept. 19, 7:00 p.m., Saddleback Republican Assembly will host Brad Dacus as its featured speaker for the general meeting. Dacus is founder and president of Pacific Justice Institute. His organization has a network of hundreds of volunteer affiliate attorneys who defend religious liberties and rights. Dacus is a courageous leader and dynamic speaker who frequently makes guest appearances on such programs as "Good Morning America," "The Today Show," "NBC News" and NBC's "Dateline."

Dacus served as Legislative Assistant to U.S. Senator Phil Gramm and went on to receive his Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas, School of Law. He received an honorary Doctorate of Religious Freedom and Family Rights degree from California Baptist University in recognition of his commitment to faith and justice and his work protecting parental rights and religious freedom through the Pacific Justice Institute.

Saddleback Republican Assembly meets on third Thursdays of the month at the Norm Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Jacaranda Room-B, Mission Viejo. For additional information call (949) 769-1412

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., 18, 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/

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/

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/

St. Kilian’s 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

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

O’Neill’s Sunday Brunch, Sun., Sept. 22, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Live jazz, R&B, soul and vocals. Enjoy Belgium waffles, gourmet salad bar, carved meats, hot entrees and assorted desserts. O’Neill’s Bar and Grill, 26772 Avery Parkway, Mission Viejo, (949) 305-5100, http://www.arroyotrabuco.com/oneills.aspx

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

Lake Eerie at Lake Mission Viejo, Fri.-Sat., Oct. 18-19, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Halloween activities, food and entertainment, balloon artist and Star Wars Light Saber Show. Lake members and their guests, (949) 770-1313, http://www.lakemissionviejo.org/

Political and Government Events Calendar

Moulton Niguel Water District meetings: 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/

Orange County Board of Supervisors will hold a regular meeting on Tues., Sept. 17, 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

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 donation 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/

Santa Margarita Water District meetings: 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

Nixon Library concert on Sun., Sept 22, pianist Michael Sellers. 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 regular board meeting (“if necessary”) on Tues., Sept. 24, 6:30 p.m., 25631 Peter Hartman Way, Mission Viejo, (949) 586-1234, http://www.svusd.k12.ca.us/

Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees will meet on Wed., Sept. 25, 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/

OC Veterans Advisory Council, Wed., Oct. 9, 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

Mission Viejo Chapter of ACT! for America will hold a General Meeting on Mon., Oct. 14. 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.

The Buzz

SOC912 will meet on, Fri., Sept. 20, 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., at the Norm Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo. On the program will be “They Come to America II,” a documentary video about problems along this country’s southern border. Producer Dennis Michael Lynch investigates the issues by interviewing border residents and sitting down with Congressman King. He also tries to speak with Congressman Marco Rubio, which is an eye-opener. From SOC912’s announcement regarding Rubio, “You won’t believe his reaction or comments.” A $5 donation 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/

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When Americans ask about the risk of terrorist attacks, liberals immediately call any such concerns racism. Quote of the week: “A bigot is a person who wins an argument with a liberal.” – Rush Limbaugh

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Meet candidates for the 73rd Assembly District seat. Capistrano Valley Republican Women Federated will meet for brunch on Wed., Sept. 18, 9:00 a.m., at the Marbella Country Club, 30800 Golf Club Drive, San Juan Capistrano. Four candidates will introduce themselves and speak briefly about their candidacy. Rancho Santa Margarita Councilman Jesse Petrilla is an officer in the Army National Guard and a veteran of the war in Afghanistan. Anna Bryson is on the Capistrano school board and formerly worked in a county office. Lobbyist and political consultant Paul Glaab was formerly on the Laguna Niguel City Council. Dana Point Councilman Bill Brough was chief of staff in Assemblywoman Diane Harkey’s office prior to becoming a candidate. CVRWF meets on third Wednesdays. Call (949) 496-2525 for reservations, http://cvrwf.org

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The two 73rd A.D. candidates who can either document their background as conservatives or they at least have conservative leanings are Jesse Petrilla and Bill Brough. Anna Bryson claims she is one of “California’s leading educational reformers,” which is laughable. Her claim clashes with her voting record, which this blog has published. She generally makes or seconds motions favoring the teachers union. What is she claiming to reform? Her support of the union has had detrimental consequences for CUSD students. At one point, several CUSD constituents went to a Republican Central Committee meeting and distributed Bryson’s embarrassing CUSD voting record. Bryson’s supporters in the room had a fit, as the record is her undoing as a Republican.

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Here’s an update on Trish Kelley’s Loud Party Ordinance, which she proposed during the Sept. 3 council meeting. This blog’s Sept. 1 issue aired the flaws of the concept, which include jeopardizing Constitutional protections for due process and equal protections of the law http://www.missionviejoca.org/html/buzz83.html The Sept. 3 agenda item was the second reading, and Kelley’s proposal was dangerously close to becoming a city ordinance. The only feedback from residents had been strong opposition. During the first reading, the vote was 3-2 in favor, with Kelley, Ury and Reardon voting yes, and Schlicht and Leckness opposed. At the Sept. 3 meeting, Reardon was absent because a friend’s child was ill. Had the vote gone forward with Reardon absent, it likely would have failed on a 2-2 vote. Kelley demonstrated her math prowess – being able to count to three – and proposed tabling the item at the last minute. Residents should note with great relief that Kelley did not put the item back on the agenda for the Sept. 16 council meeting. However, everyone should stay alert, as it could come back at any time. With Reardon up for reelection in November 2014 and Ury running for OC Board of Supervisors, are they having second thoughts by adding an unconstitutional ordinance to their voting records?

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Mission Viejo resident City Commissioner Steve Magdziak shook things up with his article in Community Common Sense, http://www.ccsense.com/2013/09/send-in-boy-scouts.html . He suggested the city should return a budget “surplus” to taxpayers in the form of a service everyone needs – such as applying it toward residents’ trash collection bill. Readers immediately said yes to the thought of getting their money back. Whether or not the city actually has a surplus is another question, but city hall could easily cover residents’ entire trash bill by ending a long list of wasteful expenses. The city staff has ballooned to 275 employees – in a contract city that is virtually built out. Many people on the payroll have no real jobs except for make-work projects created by city administrators Dennis Wilberg and Keith Rattay.

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For residents who have trouble deciding if they’d rather keep their money or give it to the government, here’s a sampling of Dennis and Keith’s make-work projects that cost MILLIONS of dollars in employee salaries, benefits and costs the staff refuses to talk about. Would residents rather keep their money or pay for: 1) more junk on medians – stone outhouses, garish posters, pillars with the city staff’s dead tree symbol and mosaic-covered bears. 2) Poorly attended city festivals such as “Up in the Air” in which taxpayers fund kite-flying and Frisbee throwing demonstrations. 3) “Matching grants” in which the city writes a proposal to get grant money – taken from residents by the government – so the city gets back a pittance of the fortune collected by the state, county or other fleecing agents – and the city has to match it with more tax dollars. 4) Poorly attended classes and programs offered by city hall and IN DIRECT COMPETITION with private enterprise. 5) Propping up of such ongoing fiascos as the weekly Saturday morning farmers market. 6) Frequent raises (two compensation increases within one year) to 275 city employees that far exceed raises in the private sector. Residents can actually end the spendathon in city hall by speaking up

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Warning issued on Sept. 13 in another state and posted on a national Tea Party website: Don’t become as stupid as Californians. “Undocumented people are now allowed driver’s licenses in California. Beware, America! This is coming to a town near you. Democrats are making California a haven for drug gangs and criminals coming here from other countries. California now will allow illegals to have driver’s licenses and at the same time strip Californians of the right to defend themselves and their families.” Have Californians noticed how many of their neighbors, family members and friends are either moving, thinking about moving or they have moved out of California?

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