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City Council Comments The following comments were presented from the public microphone by Larry Gilbert during the Nov. 18 council meeting. The public record reflects his request for public information, which the City of Mission Viejo did not provide as required. "Since its adoption, the Community of Character word Program has received much recognition throughout our state. Each month a specific Quality of Character word is highlighted to “create a positive environment in our community by using it as the framework that builds character values & assets." Unfortunately, our City Manager, Dennis Wilberg, apparently chooses not to be a role model for our citizens and students.
"Hi Karen, Per our discussion yesterday attached to this email is a copy of an article posted by Larry Gilbert (one of the new Community Common Sense writers from MV) that was posted several years ago. The article outlines some key "Rules for engagement" Of particular note are the comments "Some of these rules are ruthless.."; Pretty crude and mean huh?... gives you some insight into their character. Let's do lunch after the League conference.. How does the first or second week of October look for you?” Ms. Brust responded. "Hi Dennis, Thank you so much. Love to do lunch. Your choice and my treat this time! I asked Lori to schedule a time and day that works for you. She will be in touch shortly, Thanks, Karen." My name is not only mentioned in this email sent from Mr. Wilberg via City web, I am misquoted as the author of specific comments added to the Saul Alinsky activist listing authored and commented by Craig Miyamoto, not Larry Gilbert, where Mr Wilberg states:
Character --- not demonstrated by our City Manager. Respect ---- is this creating a just society? The Character word for March is Integrity. Our web site definition : “A person of Integrity is truthful, sincere, fair, & has the desire / courage to do what is right.” I have been lied to regarding my Public Records Request for communications between our City Manager and his peers, and my personal name has been discredited. As the City Manager serves at the bequest of the City Council, I ask you to ensure this incident is reflected in his annual review and you direct Mr Wilberg to provide me with a formal apology. Dave "Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned?" (From the Rotary 4 way test) Copies of this communication are being submitted to Karen to be included in tonight's proceedings. Thank you! Larry Gilbert |
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ACT! for America Update The Mission Viejo Chapter of ACT! for America will meet on Mon., Dec. 9, at the Norm Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., and the meeting runs from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Dr. Michael Widlanski, a political communications expert, will be the featured speaker. The program title is “America and Israel – Fighting Terror: an Israeli Expert on Islamic Terrorism Reveals What Our Two Countries Can Learn from Each Other.” From the announcement sent by Mission Viejo Chapter Leader Bruce Mayall: Islamic terrorists aren't just fighting for territory; they are fighting for the hearts and minds of the world public. Their tools are violence, intimidation and fear. Mohammad himself said, "I have become victorious through terror." He bragged that people a month's march from his camps feared his Jihadi warriors. But, how do we fight back and win against such dedicated and ruthless enemies? What You Will Learn:
Dr. Michael Widlanski, Schusterman Visiting Professor at UC Irvine, served as an advisor to Israeli negotiating teams and as Strategic Affairs Advisor for Israel's Ministry of Public Security. He holds five degrees from Columbia University, the American University in Cairo and Bar-Ilan University. He is the author of Battle for Our Minds: Western Elites and the Terror Threat (Simon and Schuster). Dr. Widlanski teaches at Bar Ilan University; he taught at Hebrew University for two decades, and he has been a visiting professor at Washington University in St. Louis, teaching also at the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency and as a research fellow at the Shalem Center. Dr Widlanski was a reporter for The New York Times, and also wrote for The Daily News, The New York Post, Ha'aretz, The Jerusalem Post, National Review and The New Republic. He was Mid-East Correspondent for Cox Newspapers and was Diplomatic Correspondent and Arab Affairs correspondent, respectively, for Israel Television and Israeli Army Radio. Dr. Widlanski will speak for about 50 minutes. Then he'll answer questions for about 20 minutes. A $5 donation will be appreciated to help cover meeting costs. Sign up for ACT! for America chapter announcements at www.act4oc.org |
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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. 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. Winter Fantasy Sawdust Art & Craft Festival, Nov. 29 & 30, Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14 & 15, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, (949) 494-3030, http://sawdustartfestival.org Mount of Olives Church, Sun., Dec. 1, (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/ Soka University concerts: New York Polyphony presents “Wondrous Birth, O Wondrous Child” on Sun., Dec. 1, 3:00 p.m.; 3rd Annual Aliso Viejo Holiday Show on Sun., Dec. 7, 7:00 p.m., Soka Performing Arts Center, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, (949) 480-4278, http://www.performingarts.soka.edu Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade, Sat. – Sun., Dec. 6-7 and 13-14, 7:30 p.m., decorated boats compete for awards, enjoy photos with Santa and boat rides, (949) 923-2255, 34624 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, http://danapointharbor.com Christmas at the Mission, Sat., Dec. 7, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., ringing of historic bells, entertainment, food, live music, kids crafts, 26801 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, (949) 234-1300, http://missionsjc.com La Vida Drum Circle, Sun., Dec. 17, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m., group meets on the evening of every full moon (Dec. 17, Jan. 16, Feb. 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., Dec. 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 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 The Laguna Playhouse presents Val Kilmer in “Citizen Twain,” Thurs. – Sun., Nov. 21-24, The Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, (949) 497-2787, ext. 1, http://www.lagunaplayhouse.com |
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Political and Government Events Calendar Tea Party Sentinels of Laguna Woods Village will meet on Mon., Nov. 25, 7:00 p.m. Guest speaker will be Lawrence Hebron, Laguna Woods Clubhouse 7, 24113 Moulton Parkway, Laguna Woods, http://www.meetup.com/SOC912/events/151677722/ Saddleback Valley Unified School District board meeting “if necessary” on Tues., Nov. 26, 6:30 p.m. The Annual Organizational Meeting will be on Tues., Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m.; 25631 Peter Hartman Way, Mission Viejo, (949) 586-1234, http://www.svusd.k12.ca.us/ Nixon Library concert on Sun., Dec. 1, Yorba Linda Senior Chorus Christmas Concert. Doors open at 1:30 pm, and the music begins at 2:00 pm unless otherwise noted. “Trains, Trees & Traditions” Special Exhibit with model trains, railroad scenes and Christmas trees runs through Jan. 5, Nixon Library, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, (714) 364-1120, http://nixonfoundation.org SOC912, Mon., Dec. 2, 7:00 p.m., “Let’s Celebrate America! One Nation Under God!” Norm Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo. http://www.meetup.com/SOC912/events/151648262/ Holiday Open House hosted by State Senator Mark Wyland, Wed., Dec. 4, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., supporting his food drive for Serra’s Pantry. Needed items include canned items (tuna, chicken, vegetables and fruit) or dry pasta, Guests are invited to enjoy conversation and refreshments, 27126A Paseo Espada, #1621, San Juan Capistrano. Please RSVP to (949) 489-9838. (Paid for with private funds, not tax dollars,) Santa Margarita Water District meetings: Engineering Committee on Fri., Dec. 6, 7:30 a.m.; Finance Committee on Fri., Dec. 13, 7:30 a.m.; Board of Directors on Wed., Dec. 18, at 7:00 p.m., 26111 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, (949) 459-6420, http://www.smwd.com Mission Viejo Chapter of ACT! for America will hold a General Meeting on Mon., Dec. 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. Note the change of date to the first Monday of the month for this meeting. Orange County Board of Supervisors will hold a regular meeting on Tues., Dec. 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 Moulton Niguel Water District meetings: Community Relations on Wed., Dec. 11, 9:00 a.m.; Engineering and Operations on Mon., Dec. 16, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.; Finance and Information Technology on Wed., Dec. 18, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.; Board of Directors on Thurs., Dec. 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/ OC Veterans Advisory Council, Wed., Dec. 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., Dec. 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/ Capistrano Valley Republican Women Federated, Wed., Jan. 15, 11:30 a.m., at the Marbella Country Club, 30800 Golf Club Drive, San Juan Capistrano. This month, the organization is hosting its annual luncheon. CVRWF meets on third Wednesdays of most months. Call (949) 240-6799 for reservations, http://cvrwf.org Saddleback Republican Assembly does not meet in December. Next meeting is on 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 Tea Party leaders and founders of SOC912, Cathy and Kevin Richardson will present a program on Mon., Dec. 2, at the Norman Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo. From the website: “Let’s Celebrate America! One Nation Under God! … You don't want to miss this meeting where you will be spiritually refreshed and empowered which we believe will transcend to America. As Benjamin Franklin acknowledged, God is interested in the affairs of man. RSVP today; seating limited to 30; no charge. We will be meeting in the Lantana room. Light refreshments. We look forward to seeing you.” Read more at http://www.meetup.com/SOC912/events/151648262/ *** City watchdogs and other activists conversing with residents are finding there is little interest in council meetings or what city hall is doing. These are the findings of volunteers who are conversing with Mission Viejo residents while delivering Community Common Sense, the new local newspaper focused on city news. Anyone who has attempted to watch a council meeting lately should have noticed how long it takes the council to address business matters. According to city policy, the business portion of the meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Lately, presentations have taken up to two hours. Such presentations include a history lesson, awards and lengthy talks of little interest to the public. When the camera turns to the audience, almost no one is there. Such poorly managed meetings discourage attendance and public participation. *** City hall’s Farmers Market will end on Dec. 14. Economically, it’s a resounding flop, demonstrating why government employees shouldn’t meddle in private enterprise. While a farmers market should not have been opened on city property or with taxpayer funds, it is ending after nearly two years of the city staff diverting public money into the proprietor’s hands. The amount of taxes paid to the pseudo-farmers market isn’t known – yet. Councilwoman Cathy Schlicht put an item on the Nov. 18 council agenda to ask about the city’s financial involvement. City employee Keith Rattay stated the total bill for nearly two years is approximately $21,000. His answer is stunning – and not just because the city staff has no business giving $21,000 to a private business. Taxpayers have funded full-page newspaper ads, countless flyers and brochures, a city website for the market, “giveaway” imprinted canvas shopping bags, entertainers, musicians, a petting zoo, “health fairs,” unrelated vendors known as artesian alley, MVTV coverage, videos and press releases. Rattay gave no breakout of costs regarding how all the popup booths are placed, supplied with electrical power, dismantled and cleaned up. This doesn’t include the largest expense – city staff time to orchestrate all the hoopla, recruit entertainers, vendors, etc. *** Does everyone remember Easelgate and how Rattay lied to a newspaper reporter about the expense of the city’s 20th anniversary party? Rattay lied about costs, the use of city contractors and a pretense of community involvement in city hall’s month-long party. Marketgate is emerging, and Rattay’s party has been going on for nearly two years. *** During the Nov. 18 council meeting, Mission Viejo resident Steve Wontrobski presented financial data during his public comments. His information about the Orange County Fire Authority has led to newspaper articles on OCFA’s financial problems. After he spoke for three minutes – the limit for public comments – Mayor Rhonda Reardon indicated his time was up. It’s her job to moderate the meeting and limit comments to the stated length. However, another resident made comments about all the “wonderful” cultural arts activities. After running out of time, she continued listing everything she could think of in the way of a class, event, display, etc. After another three minutes, she decided to talk about another organization. The three-minute limit depends more on the topic than the clock. |
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