Sunday, May 30, 2010

An American Disingenuous Solution


Posted by CotoBlogzz 05-30-2010 03:30 PM


A piece titled Dishonesty at Interior not Comforting at this Crucial Hour  by American Solutions published today in the Red County is a clear indictment of Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and the now ex- Minerals Management Service Director Liz Birnbaum.

The piece takes exception to Secretary Salazar’s assertion that Ms. Birnbaum “ has been a strong leader, and we have done tremendous work….and has helped to address a "culture of corruption" in MMS.
While  Secretary Salazar’s statement is interesting, we find that the President’s statements  are even more telling – just after asserting  that the “Buck stops here” and “we are in charge”, the President, when asked about Minerals Management Service Director Liz Birnbaum’s resignation,  he had no idea as to whether Ms. Birnbaum  had resigned or been fired - Not a good  illustration of a leader who is really in charge, as he asserted minutes earlier.

The piece then goes on to describe its frustration resorting to the  use if  the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) to obtain information from the MMS:  “After months of delay, we finally received on February 3, 2010, a set of documents that included an email from Ms. Birnbaum to several Interior officials. As reported in the Wall Street Journal the next day, Birnbaum wrote "The Secretary may get questions about this  FOI request while he's in Houston ... We do have a preliminary tabulation of the comments, it has not yet gone to the Secretary," – anyone faintly familiar with the FOI should know that when a parasitic bureaucracy wants do withhold information from the public, it very easily can and does.

 

Parasitic bureaucracies use the  Madoff approach – the idea is to not leave a paper trail such as the use of the un-recorded telephone conversation, personal communication tools, such as personal compute resources and or email accounts, or even outsource telecommunications services, hence arguing that it is someone else’s responsibility to make sure proper records are kept.  The culture at MMI is symptomatic of parasitic bureaucracies, such as the Department of Education, the EPA, the California Law Revision Commission, the EECO, LAFCO and others.  Heck, just take a peek at the “alternative paths” characterization of Bill Clinton’s latest job offer to pave the way for Specter’s ultimate Spectre.

No reasonable argument can be made stating that MMS should not be held accountable for the comedy of errors surrounding the Golf Spill and that the culture of corruption at MMS does not require change – Let's be clear, the culture at MMS or any other parasitic bureaucracy will not change, unless lawmakers and the public take a stand against what we call the Triple Threat:  1) Unions, 2) Parasitic  Bureaucracies and  3) Lobbyists - just note that it takes generations to truly change a culture - and while the disingenous argue that "culture change starts at the top,"  the real culprit is the union aided an abetted by civil servant legislation which fertilizes the union and subsequent parasitic bureaucracies.

Perhaps more intriguing than the indictment by American Solutions against Secretary Ken Salazar and the now ex- Minerals Management Service Director Liz Birnbaum, is American Solution’s self-described grandiose objective “… designed to rise above traditional gridlocked partisanship, to provide real, significant solutions to the most important issues facing our country…. driven by its powerful approach:
  • Broad scale engagement of elected officials and candidates of both parties at all levels of government, interested citizens, private sector leaders, reporters, scholars and students.

  • Development of big, breakthrough solutions to the most important issues facing this country, including creating jobs and prosperity, energy independence, protecting workers' rights, reforming education, moving government into the 21st Century and more….?


Now, if the piece Dishonesty at Interior not Comforting at this Crucial Hour  is intended to describe a breakthrough solution or to rise above traditional gridlocked partisanship, then it is an utter failure.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Presidential Reasoning: As gleaned from today's Golf Spill Press Conference


Posted by CotoBlogzz 05-28-2010

According to the president, the BP Golf Spill is a man-made disaster and "The Buck stops here.  We are in charge 24X7.   All the resources required are being deployed.  This is the most important issue for us. Going forward, in making decisions, not all of these will work and will even be subject to the law of unintended consequences.  But we are here and will listen to anyone who has ideas – but only if the ideas can be shown to work."

Implications:
1.    Since the BP oil spill is a man-man disaster, that means that if and when the Attorney General is questioned again as to whether he sees any links between the recent man made disasters and radical Islam, he again may say "I do not know":  Recent man-made disasters:  1) Nidal Hassan's Ft Hood Massacre.  2) Christmas Day Underwear Incident.  3) Time Square Scare. 4)  BP Oil Spill
2.  According to the President, the administration can make mistakes, but you must show your ideas  will work before the administration will even consider them

3.  According to the President, the oil spill has been the most important issue for him, unless there is a fundraiser in San Francisco, for instance.

4.   All the resources required being deployed, with the possible exception of the ones requested by Governor Jindal

Sunday, May 23, 2010

PolitkSpeak

Too Big to Fail - Government’s term for big, inefficient and badly mismanaged companies

Monopoly  - Governments term for big, highly efficient companies such as Microsoft and Google 

Foreign affairs - Government’s term for adulterous relationship with an outlander?  Foreign affairs as South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford’s affair with his soul mate in Argentina

Accountability – a term often used by candidates, never when elected.  As “we want to hold those in office accountable”

Transparency – a term often used by candidates, never when elected.  As in “we want to have discussions in the open, on C-Span”.  Once elected, deals are cut in smoke-filled back rooms.

Words must mean something – paraphrasing Humty Dumpty, words must mean exactly what I say they mean

Serious Consequences – used to send a message to rouge regimes by those in elected office. Translation:  “ …give me a break, you know I can’t do anything, at least be discreet”

Mis-speak – To lie, as in “I served in Viet Nam, when I really did not”

Overstate  - Lie, as in “I landed under sniper fire”, when in reality she was miles away from any danger, for instance

Embellish – Lie – as in “ I embellished my service records, including my association with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)”

I did not proposition the Senator  – To lie, as in Senator Sestak’s being offered a position in the administration to drop out of the race against   Senator Specter



Enemy combatants – Name given by the current administration to terrorists, to differentiate them from critics of the current administration, known by the pejorative tea baggers, veterans, Astroturf®  and or well dressed seniors.

Man-made disasters – Term used by the current administration to terrorists acts, for the same reason the terms Overseas contingency I used


Overseas contingency – Name given by the current administration to what was formerly known as Global War on Terror, so that the administration’s private party can be more liked around the world – this compares to the Chinese Government’s Private Party, which wants to rule the world, for instance.


Connecting the dots – term used by the current administration  as in “failure to connect the dots< “we are in the process of connecting the dots, or we must connect the dots”  In all cases, this is to mean “we screwed up,” without admitting it.

Don’t rush to judgment  - Used to admonish taxpayers to not make a decision prior to the administration’s ability to put the proper spin on the story – as in the case of Nidal Hassan’s Ft. Massacre.  Even in the final report, the military fails to connect the dots to Radical Islam

System works  - Term used by Secretary Napolito to mean, “Boy, did the system fail big time”

It all depends what is, is. – a way to spin a lie.  Refer to embellish.




OC Sheriff 2010: Baugh Initiative Hunter’s KOD, Hutchens Wins!

By CotoBlogzz 05/23/10 | 10:000 AM


Rancho Santa Margarita, CA - According to OCGOP Chairman Scott Baugh, the Baugh Initiative is meant to galvanize political discourse by having candidates take a stand: choose the union, or choose the party. This in an effort to weed out potential candidates who advocate reform, from those who simply want to negotiate the status quo, as is the case with Harry Sidhu. Fullerton Councilman Shawn Nelson, on the other hand is apparently committed to reform and consequently won the OCGOP’s endorsement for Orange County Supervisor 4th District.


OC Sheriff candidate Craig Hunter agreed with the Baugh Initiative – the Kiss of Death. We caught up with Chairman Baugh to get his reaction on our prediction for the OC Sheriff’s race. Although Craig Hunter pledged to abide by the Baugh Initiative, his (Hunters’) reasoning according to Baugh is not consistent with the initiative. Rather than resulting in reform, Hunter took the pledge because he thinks that taking money from the people you work with is tantamount to conflict of interest. Further, Mr. Baugh questions Mr. Hunters’ commitment to the Baugh Initiative. . Moreover, even if fully committed, Mr. Hunter lacks the experience running for elected office, as is the case with the OC Sheriff 2010 race.

Although we agree that the Baugh Initiative is not necessarily the Kiss of Death for Mr. Hunter, it is certainly the last straw.
With this backdrop, and unless something dramatic happens, we are ready to predict that Sheriff Hutchens will win the race outright, or on run-off for a number of reasons, some are listed below, others we will keep to ourselves.
1. While the Sheriff’s union brass is actively promoting its man, rank & file will not necessarily follow – too much baggage there: The good news is that Lt. Hunt has a record with the OSCD. The bad news is that Lt. Hunt has a record with the OCSD.

2. The race pits Mr, Hunt and Mr. Hunter against the Real Machine – now, the Real  Machine is the same behind the scenes machine, largely responsible for Sheriff Hutchens’ appointment, in the first place, and not the OCGOP. We have long argued that Orange County Board of Supervisors failed to seize a one-in-a-generation opportunity for real transformation, and instead succumbed to the Real Machine and appointed Sheriff Hutchens.

3. The Tea Parties are a non-factor in this election: While the OCSD is in desperate need of an extreme culture makeover- what the Real Machine wanted in the first place, the best the Tea Parties can hope for is evolution, not revolution.

Now, we also asked Chairman Baugh his view on what we call California’s Triple Threat: 1) Unions, 2) Parasitic Bureaucracies and 3) Lobbyist. While he sees obstacles, particularly having been a lobbyist himself, he was not as willing to discuss the Triple Threat in as much detail as Hunter’s Kiss of Death and the OC Supervisor’s race.

We have contacted all three candidates to share with each one our predictions for this race and asked them to comment. So far, no comment.

Now for our next trick, a prediction on the cup of tea Madame Boxer will be drinking later this year. Flavored or Plain? DeMint or Palin?

 NOTE:  According to Chairman Baugh, Mr Hunter did not receive the endorsement from the OCGOP because there were too many votes previously committed to Hutchens and Hunt on the body.


COMMENTS
     

Incumbents in local elections enjoy a virtually insurmountable advantage. Brad Gates was appointed sheriff and never lost an election. While political dynamics have evolved, odds lie with incumbency.  Hunt does enjoy plurality of AOCDS support; it will likely equate to more squandered money. The sheriff, conversely, enjoys the advantage of ingratiating herself to OC power brokers. And the power brokers, favoring lower taxes, generally ally themselves with politicians who protect their wealth.  I see nothing wrong with citing and releasing misdemeanants and pursuing creative alternatives resulting in reduced costs without compromising safety. Pension reform is fiscal necessity and staffing reforms practical. Why incur costs of sworn deputies when non-sword can perform many of the same functions? If private companies can operate prisons, why does Hunt insist that only sworn deputies perform custody functions?   Hutchens does seem to be fiscally astute.

I honestly do not believe her CCW policy will have impact because by Hunt's admission the previous sheriff was easily bought. CCW permits should be granted based upon objective criteria and not doled. So I support her for revoking permits granted quid-pro-quo.  All OC citizens should have an equal opportunity of CCW. Selling them is repulsive. Hutchens does not seem to be aggressively campaigning. Assuming she knows what she's doing, probably has been counseled that she'll prevail. I do not see a runoff.

CZ
Submitted by Code Zulu on Sun, 05/23/10 - 03:29 PM

 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++    
Yes and No


Agreed on the CCW issue

On the otehr hand, all politics are local

Incumbency will play a major role in the  type of Tea Madame Boxer may be drinking this fall.

Incumbency will also play a role in the governor’s race.

Submitted by cotobuzz on Sun, 05/23/10 - 06:10 PM

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

     
Interesting analysis

I agree with your prediction although I lean more towards a runoff rather than a June 8th win.  At that point the "machine" will come out swinging for Hutchens out of fear that a rogue like Bill Hunt becoming our next Sheriff.  I'm sure the Hunt people think a runoff will create momentum.  I tend to think it will cause an avalanche of negative press for him unlike anything he's seen in the past.  I'm curious about a couple of things, first, who is the "we" that you refer to in your analysis and secondly, did you do any scientific polling or look at any particular data.  From what I can tell your rationale seems mostly anecdotal.

Submitted by DeFogger on Sun, 05/23/10 - 03:49 PM

 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
     
Reloaded and Ready

The Real Machine is loaded and ready, just in case it is needed in a potential run-off.
Submitted by cotobuzz on Sun, 05/23/10 - 06:12 PM

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
     
Who Is The "Real Machine"

Buzz, I pretty much agree with your analysis of the Sheriff's race.  Perhaps, I have been missing something, but who are the people you refer to as the Real Machine?  Since you also conclude that the "Real Machine" influences decisions of the Board of Supervisors, it makes those of us who are outside the inner political circles, wonder who the real players are.  If you would be so kind as to enlighten me on this political element, I would appreciate it. 

Submitted by Ltpar on Sun, 05/23/10 - 04:01 PM

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

     
Good question


Clearly our analysis is a mixture of science and heuristics.  Revealing names reveals the method to our madness.
Submitted by cotobuzz on Sun, 05/23/10 - 06:14 PM

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

     
I thought I read in the

I thought I read in the Register tht Hunter was the only candidate who was willing to tackle the unions unfunded pension issue and work towards a 401k plan...isn't that what Baugh was working towards?

Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 05/23/10 - 06:32 PM

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

     
The Office of Sheriff


The Office of Sheriff does not negotiate directly with the Unions on pay and benefits.  The County CEO's Human Resources Office is the negotiator and reports directly to the Board of Supervisors who ultimately must vote for the contract.  The Sheriff can be a cheerleader in the process but any assertion by Hunter or the Register that he can tackle the pension issue is false.
Submitted by DeFogger on Sun, 05/23/10 - 08:38 PM

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

     
Tip O'Neill



 Buzz, 

As the intro alluded, incumbents in local elections have advantage. In our cyber world, I am not so sure Tip's admonition is applicable.


Take care,



CZ


Submitted by Code Zulu on Sun, 05/23/10 - 09:03 PM

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

     
Since you asked..

Since you asked, it can be argued that Chuck DeVore is quasi-Incumbent.  The good news is that he has a record.  The bad news is that he has a record.

Something similar can be argued about Campbell, for instance.
Submitted by cotobuzz on Mon, 05/24/10 - 01:26 AM

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
     
People who say the Sheriff

People who say the Sheriff has no influence in salary and benefits or cannot influence negotiations are just nieve....  I seemd to remember Sheriff Gates working on prop 172 and it cost him his job.... he was run out by the people who gave us Mike Carona.


WHen you have a candidate who is willing to openly address the pension issue and give the BOS cover, you should listen and take advatage.  Baugh should listen too.
Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 05/24/10 - 11:29 AM

Friday, May 21, 2010

Los Alamitos Man Pleads Guilty to DUI Related Assault on Officer

Posted by CotoBlogzz 05-21-2010  09:00 PM

NEWPORT BEACH, CA - Matthew Van McDaniel pleaded guilty today to recklessly driving under the influence of alcohol into a correctional facility and assaulting a facility officer.  McDaniel, 25, pleaded guilty to one felony count of aggravated assault on an officer, one felony count of an ex-convict entering grounds of a correctional facility, one misdemeanor count of reckless driving, one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of alcohol, one misdemeanor count of driving with a blood level of .08 percent or more, and a sentencing enhancement for great bodily injury was found true. McDaniel's 2003 prior strike conviction for assault with a deadly weapon was also admitted. He was sentenced to nine years in state prison.




At approximately 2:00 a.m. on Jan. 10, 2010, McDaniel was driving under the influence of alcohol. He rushed the gates of the James Musick Correctional Facility in Irvine and drove a Mercedes Benz S550 into the facility. He recklessly drove inside the property and crashed the car into a tree. Sergeant Fabris, a facility officer, tried to restrain the defendant, but McDaniel punched the officer in the face while trying to escape. McDaniel was restrained by facility officers and exhibited signs of intoxication including slurred speech and emitting an odor of alcohol from his breath. During the booking process, the defendant had a blood alcohol level of .14 percent.



Deputy District Attorney Nikki Chambers prosecuted this case.

Garden Grove Women Gets 16-Life for Murder of 84-Year Great-Grama- "Dementia Made me Do it"

Posted By CotoBlogzz 05-21-2010 01:00 PM

SANTA ANA, CA  - Christina Marie Munoz was sentenced today to 16 years to life in state prison for murdering her 84-year-old great grandmother by stabbing the victim five times in the neck as she sat helpless in her wheelchair. Munoz, 29, Garden Grove, was found guilty in a court trial before the Honorable Richard Toohey Jan. 29, 2010, of one felony count of second degree murder. The sentencing enhancement for the personal use of a deadly weapon was found true. The defendant withdrew her plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, and the sanity phase of the trial was canceled, according to the Orange County District Attorney's office



 


 At approximately 11:00 a.m. on July 1, 2004, Munoz went to the Garden Grove home of her 84-year-old great grandmother, Lillian Patburg. Munoz's parents were Patburg's live-in caretakers, as she suffered from dementia and other illnesses, and Munoz went to help take care of the victim while her parents went to the dentist. While alone with her great grandmother, Munoz took a steak knife from the kitchen and stabbed the victim five times in the neck, murdering her in her wheelchair.

At approximately 2:00 p.m. officers from the Garden Grove Police Department (GGPD) responded to a call from the victim's residence. Munoz was standing in the front yard when officers arrived, screaming that someone had broken into the home while she was sleeping and killed her great grandmother. Officers found the victim inside the home, slumped over in her wheelchair, and paramedics were unable to resuscitate her.
Munoz went to the GGPD station to provide a voluntary interview. During the course of her interview, Munoz repeatedly changed her story. She first stated that the victim was murdered by a stranger who broke into the home. Munoz then claimed that she hid the knife in the garage because she panicked after watching her great grandmother commit suicide. The defendant eventually told officers that she had murdered the victim because her family was struggling to care for her as a result of her dementia.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Steve McGreevy of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Coto de Caza Governance - An Illustration of Parasitic Bureaucracies

Posted by CotoBlogzz 05-20-2010 10:00 PM

Coto de Caza , CA - Vicentia Davis, on behalf of the Coto de Caza governance, aka the CZ Master Association board of directors is requesting comments from residents to a proposed rule change to restrict parking of recreational vehicles in the community,  by no later than June 10, 2010:  Our comment in one word?  Pathetic


For months we have been warning politicians and anyone who wants to listen about California’s Triple Threat:  1)  Unions, 2)  Parasitic Bureaucracies (merely unregistered, tax-funded lobbyists, such as LAFCO and CLRC for example) and 3) Lobbyists

The latest Coto de Caza proposed rule change is an example of 2) above:  Let me explain:  The association is wasting residents' money by promoting cityhood because in the words of director Bob Varo, CZ residents could get more services from the county, such as Sheriff services.  However, there is no accountability for OCSD  services:  wit the $8.5 million paid to the county by Rancho Santa Margarita  for Sheriff services:  No one in the state, county and or city can tell you if the city is getting its money’s worth – only that the money was spent. At the moment, the city pays some $134  per capita for Sheriff services, while CZ residents pay less than $4.00 for public safety.

Then there are the $3 million/year in subsidies the CZ Master  Association pays so that free-loaders  can enjoy the “Coto lifestyle,” not to mention the latest initiative to build a  Dog Park for Desperate and Lazy Pet Owners

Now consider that the association pays some $1.7 million per year for gate control, parking violations and courier services (the board routinely use the private security company as its personal courier).  What do residents get in return?  Tons of restrictions for residents – NOT for non-residents.  Non residents come and go as they please – free.  Residents are suffering a death from 1,000 restrictions.  Now, the association is proposing yet a new rule change!  Why?  So residents are restricted even more, while finding excuses to keep spending on gate control – to control residents.  Priceless, or Pathetic.  We think it is patently Pathetic!

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Arrests In Case of Desperate Homeowners Seeking Foreclosure Relief

Posted y CotoBlogzz 05-20-2010

LOS ANGELES, CA  - The California Attorney General today announced that "nine men engaged in a Southern California boiler room, tricked out in high-roller style with a roulette wheel and other casino equipment, have been charged with 97 criminal counts for stealing at least $2.3 million from more than 1,500 desperate homeowners who were promised loan modifications but received no relief.


Arrested Tuesday and Wednesday night were Gregg Scott Quinn, 37, of Camarillo and Juan Pierre Washington, 40, of Winnetka, who worked as company sales managers and supervisors. They are being held at Los Angeles County Jail.

Gary Arnold Eisenberg, 71, of Westwood, a top telemarketer with the company, and Ira Itskowitz, 58, a sales manager, each spent more than five years in federal prison for previous fraud convictions and are already in federal custody for violating parole in connection with their participation in the scheme.

The four principal owners of the business, Niv Iskin, 30, of Reseda, Reviv Karpman, 38, of Tarzana, Tomer Kogman, 29, of Receda and Avraham Yechizkia, 34, of Encino; and a sales manager, Barel Iskin, 23, of Woodland Hills, are still being pursued by law enforcement.

The investigation started  in March 2009 in response to numerous consumer complaints against the defendants' Canoga Park-based loan modification business, which operated as Mason Capital Group, LLC and Gretchen Fox and Associates.

When agents executed a search warrant at the office, they found a Las Vegas casino-themed sales floor complete with craps, poker and black jack tables fashioned as workstations, and a roulette wheel that top-selling telemarketers spun for cash bonuses.

Between January 2008 and June 2009, the four owners took in at least $2.3 million in up-front fees, which ranged from $1,000 to $5,000, from more than 1,500 homeowners throughout the country. In almost every case, no loan modifications were completed, as promised. Financial records indicate that the four owners spent hundreds of thousands on private school tuition, travel, entertainment, shopping and other personal expenses while running Mason Capital Group, LLC and Gretchen Fox and Associates.

The four owners used a telemarketing operation that targeted homeowners facing mortgage payment increases or foreclosure. During an initial call, the telemarketers touted the company's team of "attorneys, forensic accounting personnel, and loan negotiators" available to negotiate reductions in interest rates, monthly payments and principal balances; their suppos! ed 90% to 100% loan modification success rate and refund guarantee. The telemarketers then collected financial information from homeowners to determine if they "qualified" for the company's services.

Soon after the initial call, homeowners received a follow-up call to inform them that their case had been "reviewed" and "approved." Telemarketers closed sales by insisting the approval would expire unless homeowners acted quickly, while reminding them about the refund guarantee if promised results were not achieved.

In fact, the company completed very few loan modifications, rarely contacted lenders, failed to honor the refund guarantee, employed unlicensed "loan processors" and had no legal staff negotiating with lenders.

While homeowners waited, they were told their loan modifications, or refunds, would be voided if they tried independently to contact their lender. Many lost their homes to foreclosure as a result.

To skirt the state's foreclosure laws, avoid paying refunds and conceal profits, the owners changed company names, claimed bankruptcy and shifted loan modification files to another business they created called, American Financial Group, LLC.

Investigators located victims in dozens of California cities, including: American Canyon, Anaheim, Antioch, Artesia, Atwater, Bakersfield, Ceres, Chico, Cotati, Cloverdale, Crestline, Delano, Elk Grove, Encino, Fountain Valley, Fremont, Fresno, Guerneville, Hanford, Hayward, Hercules, Hood, Indio, La Jolla, Lancaster, Laguna Hills, Lodi, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Manteca, Modesto, Montclair, N. Hollywood, Newhall, Newman, North Highlands, Oakdale, Oakland, Ontario, Palmdale, Pittsburg, Pleasanton, Poplar, Porterville, Redding, Richmond, Riverbank, Rodeo, Sacramento, San Jose, San Pablo, Santa Clara, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Stanton, Stockton, Tracy, Tulare, Turlock, Union City, Upland, Valley Village, Van Nuys, Visalia, W. Sacramento and Yuba City.

By law, all individuals and businesses offering mortgage foreclosure consulting or loan modification and foreclosure assistance services must register with Brown's office and post a $100,000 bond. It is also illegal for loan modification consultants to charge up-front fees for their services.

Non-profit housing counselors certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provide free help to homeowners. To find a counselor in your area, call 1-800-569-4287.

If you are a homeowner who has been scammed, contact the AG's office at 1-800-952-5225 or file a complaint online at: www.ag.ca.gov/consumers/general.php.

The 97 criminal counts filed against the nine defendants, include 63 counts of grand theft, 26 counts of unlawful foreclosure consulting, 7 counts of tax evasion and 1 count of conspiracy.

The United States Postal Inspection Service assisted in the investigation.

Termination proceeding for DWP employees is NOT the story.



Posted by CotoBlogzz 05-20-2010 09:45

DWP General Manager Austin Beutner said that of six suspended six employees last month after a KCBS Channel 2 / KCAL Channel 9 aired an undercover story showing  the  workers buying beer, drinking in a park, drinking while driving and entering a strip club, while on the job, DWP would start termination proceeding on two un-identified employees.


The employees now have two weeks to respond to the charges.  Bob Cherry, a spokesman for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the union that represents the employees, would not say whether the employees would contest the charges.  And THAT is part of the story.

Consider that since 1934, governmental entities in California have been allocated most public works architectural and engineering contracts because courts have interpreted Article VII of the California Constitution and its predecessor, former Article XXIV, to give civil servants a first right to these projects. The Legislature attempted to circumvent Article VII in 1993 by drafting legislation that provided exceptions to the constitutional provision, however the California Supreme Court criticized the legislation as "inartfully drafted" and affording " no  legitimate basis for disregarding the constitutional restriction on private contracting." (Professional Engineers In California Government et. al., v. Department of Transportation, 15 Cal. 4th 543, 553 [1997]- this is akin to Andy Stern Heaven!

Now, in the private sector, the evidence uncovered by the KCBS story would be considered irrefutable and all the employees involved would more than likely be terminated on the spot.  In this case, these “civil servants” have been suspended with pay, then legal counsel is available to them courtesy of the union – sort of like what happens with incompetent teachers.  Any ideas how long it takes to fire an incompetent teacher for cause?  At least one year if, the school district is smart! - This in part, is why public sector organized labor is California's Public Enemy One of  Three!

What does Mr. Beutner do?  He says that of the roughly 10.000 workers at the DWP, he thinks the bulk of them do their job!  The operative word here is “thinks” – not that he “knows."  Invariably when we ask managemet for metrics to make sure union employees are doing their jobs, as is the case with the Orange County Sheriff's Department, for instance, the answer is "we do not collect this information"
 
So, what makes Beutner think the bulk of employees do their jobs?  Did he think the suspended employees were part of the bulk or not, and if not, why did he not do anything about it?

This is yet another example of the unintended consequences of parasitic bureaucracies.

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The EEOC Says we are wrong – Criminals Deserve Jobs Too.
When clients ask us to suggest a cyber security plan, we start out with a number of questions, such as: Do you know about the $1,000 fence for the $1.00 horse? Who is the enemy? The answer usually leads us to the What and the Why of the final proposal. Turns out that some 70-90% of all security breaches are directly linked to insiders. These and other fact lead us to include a recommended best business hiring process, which includes a background check on potential employees, particularly those who may be chartered with guarding the aforementioned horse.
CAL. AG Lobbies US Senate - Refuses to join in Challenge to Constitutionality of HCR
LOS ANGELES, CA - As a financial reform package advances in the Senate and an unrelenting swarm of Wall Street lobbyists descends on Capitol Hill to block it, Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. today urged senators to preserve a critical portion of the legislation which allows states to join the fight against financial fraud on the front line. At the same time, as a number of Attorneys General and Governors accross the country swarm to challenge the constitutionality of the ObamaCare Bill, Brown refuses to join mostly because doing so politicizes the issue.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Wagner, Former Anaheim PD Convicted of Victimizing Women While On Duty



Posted by CotoBlogzz 05-17-2010 05:30 PM

SANTA ANA, CA - Bradley Stewart Wagner, a former police officer for the Anaheim Police Department (APD) was convicted today of victimizing three women while on duty in a marked police patrol car.  Bradley Stewart Wagner, 62, Perris, pleaded guilty to two felony counts for Jane Doe #1, one felony  for Jane Doe #2, and one felony count of false imprisonment by violence or deceit and one misdemeanor count of being an officer acting without regular process for Jane Doe #3. Wagner faces a sentence of four years in state prison at his sentencing on July 14, 2010



Jane Doe #1
Shortly after midnight on Nov. 11, 2005, Wagner turned on his overhead lights and pulled Jane Doe #1 over on Kramer Boulevard while on-duty in a marked patrol car. The victim,  was driving home alone from work in her van and pulled over in a parking lot.

Wagner instructed Jane Doe #1 to move her van,  leading her to a dark, secluded industrial area. He had Jane Doe #1 get out of her van, and molested her. He t finally released the victim as she began to vomit.

Jane Doe #1 reported the assault the following day to APD. As a result of media coverage on this case, two additional victims came forward. None of the three victims know each other or the defendant.

Jane Doe #2
Between Oct. 31, 2005, and Nov. 5, 2005, Wagner pulled over Jane Doe #2 on two occasions while on-duty in a marked patrol car. The second time Jane Doe #2 was pulled over, Wagner had the victim follow him into a secluded alley behind a business. Wagner  let her go after she resisted his advances and agreed to meet him the following night. The victim did not return to meet the defendant.

Jane Doe #3
Between Sept. 1, 2005, and Nov. 10, 2005, Wagner pulled over Jane Doe #3 on four occasions while on-duty in a marked patrol car. The defendant asked the victim personal questions, including whether she was married or had children, and let her go each time without writing her a ticket.         

Deputy District Attorney Lynda Fernandez is prosecuting this case.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Former Fullerton Gymnastics Coach Sentenced for Unlawful Relation With Minor



Posted by CotoBlogzz 05-14-2010  05:00 PM

FULLERTON, CA  - Jason Wayne Scofield, a  former gymnastics coach was sentenced today to one year in jail and three years of formal probation for having an unlawful relationship with a 16-year-old girl. Scofield, 37, formerly of Fullerton, pleaded guilty to the court Feb. 23, 2010, to nine  felony counts. The maximum possible sentence for the charges is seven years and eight months in state prison, according to the Orange County District Attorney's (OCDA) office.  The OCDA's office objected today to the court offer, advocating that the defendant should also be required to register as a sex offender.



Scofield met 16-year-old Jane Doe while working as a gymnastics coach at Wildfire Gymnastics in Tustin. Between Feb. 17, 2009, and June 30, 2009, Scofield had an unlawful relationship with the victim on numerous occasions in his car and at his Fullerton home.

Sometime after June 2009, Scofield joined the U.S. Army and was sent to Arizona for his military duty. While serving in Arizona, Jane Doe's parents learned of the unlawful relationship between their daughter and Scofield after receiving an e-mail from a concerned friend. Charges were filed and a warrant was issued for Scofield on Sept. 18, 2009.

A few days after the issuance of the warrant, Scofield was arrested in Arizona. The defendant was living in Ft. Huachuca, AZ, at the time of his arrest. He was brought back to Orange County, Oct. 21, 2009, to face charges.

Deputy District Attorney Nikki Buracchio of the Sexual Assault Unit prosecuted this case.

Connecting the Dots on the Elena Kagan Apparent Paradox

Posted by CotoBlozz 05-14-2010 03:30 PM


Senator Harry Reid early this week, characterized Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan as a trailblazer, leading some lawmakers to complain that since Ms Kagan has never served as a judge and has spent very little time inside a court room,  she has left no trail.


However, others, have began to connect the dots and asking lawmakers to do the same:

Sanctity of life: Ms Kagan criticized a U.S. Supreme Court decision that prohibited recipients of federal funds from counseling on or referring women for abortions.

Support (lack thereof) of our military: As the former dean of Harvard Law School, she worked vigorously to remove military recruiters from the campus as a statement against the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy - in essence dissing the Law of the Land

Intellect:  Ms Kagan is arguably an accomplished scholar, and perhaps her best and only positive attribute

Experience: There is not substitute for experience:  The country has witnessed  first hand what happens when an accomplished community organizer's skills are not transferable.  Paraphrasing management guru Dr. Mintzberg, "teaching an accomplished scholar how to be a  Supreme Court Justice diminishes the Constitution and can be hazardous to the country."  Prior to becoming solicitor general in 2009, Ms. Kagan had never tried a case all the way to a decision or verdict, according to her own recollection.

Marriage:  Ms. Kagan has used her position in the Obama administration to undermine the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which federally defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman:

  • As solicitor general, she abandoned the established federal position that procreation and the rearing of the next generation are key reasons for upholding marriage and goind a step further  wrote that the U.S. government does not have "any legitimate ... interests in child-rearing and is therefore not relying upon any such interests to defend DOMA's constitutionality." - this being the case, what are the implications for the Deaprtment of Education, Health Care Reform, and or the FDH (Fat, Dumb and Happy) Syndrome espoused by teacher's union?
  • Ms Kagan stated that DOMA is discriminatory and that the Obama administration supports its repeal.

Staunch conservative lawmakers should be connecting the dots on Ms. Kagan's nomination, asking the tough questions and with all due respect to former First Lady Laura Bush, the main issue is not Ms. Kagan's gender, as much as her deeds and actions with respect to the US Constitution.


Two Face Trial for Murder To Steal Safety Deposit Box Withdrawal

Posted By CotoBlogzz 05-14-2010 11:00 AM


SANTA ANA -  Jose Alonso Najera Jr., 2  faces trial Monday for plotting the stabbing-murder of his parents in 1999 in order to steal their savings, which had been placed in a safety deposit box in anticipation of Y2K.

According to the Orange County District Attorney's office, Najera Jr., 29, Garden Grove, is charged with two felony counts of murder with special circumstances for murder for financial gain and multiple murders. If convicted, Najera faces a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Opening statements are expected to begin Monday, May 17, 2010.


Co-defendant Gerald Thomas Johnson, 29, Villa Park, was convicted by a jury March 15, 2002, of two felony counts of special circumstances murder with a sentencing enhancement for multiple murders. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on May 22, 2002.

In 1999, Najera's parents, 42-year-old Jose Najera Sr. and 46-year-old Elena Najera, withdrew their savings from their bank accounts in anticipation of the Y2K bug and put their money in a safety deposit box. Najera, then 19 years old, lived with his parents in Garden Grove and had access to the family's safety deposit box. 

Najera is accused of plotting with Johnson, a friend from high school, to murder Najera's parents. Najera is accused of arranging the murder in order to steal his parents savings. On Dec. 27, 1999, Najera is accused of leaving a window open to his home so that Johnson could enter the house that night. Najera is accused of then going to Johnson's house. Johnson invited several additional friends to his house that night to give the two defendants an alibi for the time of the murder.

While his friends were still having a party at his house, Johnson drove to Najera's house in the early morning of Dec. 28, 1999. Najera is accused of staying behind in an effort to avoid being suspected of the murders. Johnson entered the victims' house through the open window wearing a ski mask to disguise his identity and stabbed Jose Najera Sr. and Elena Najera more than 20 times each.

As the victims struggled for their lives, Johnson's ski mask was pulled off and left in the house. The defendant murdered the victims and fled the scene. At approximately 4:30 a.m., Najera is accused of pretending to have no knowledge of the murders and calling 911 to report that he had come home to find his parents dead on the floor.

The Garden Grove Police Department investigated the case and Johnson was charged in 2000 after being linked to the crime through hair and saliva DNA found on the ski mask, which was recovered from the crime scene. Najera was charged in 2008 as a result of additional investigation and a re-review of the case.   

Senior Deputy District Attorney Mike Murray of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Insane, Laguna Woods Man Murders Mother and Found Sane

Posted by Cotoblogzz 05-13-2010 07:00 PM


SANTA ANA, CA  - Ethan Emanuel Rosenfeld was found sane by a jury, when he strangled and murdered his 82-year-old widowed mother, with whom he was living in her Leisure World home. Rosenfeld, 52, Laguna Woods, was found guilty by a jury May 5, 2010, of one felony count of first degree murder. Rosenfeld faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in state prison at his sentencing on June 11, 2010.




Between 4:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on May 30, 2005, Rosenfeld strangled and murdered his 82-year-old widowed mother, Helen. He put her dead body in her bed, crossed her arms across her chest, and wrapped her body in a sheet. The defendant, who was unemployed and living with his mother in her Leisure World home in Laguna Woods, then fled taking the victim's credit card and car.

Rosenfeld went to Starbucks and a gas station and tried to use his murdered mother's credit card to buy coffee and chewing tobacco. He drove around for a while before returning to the house. At approximately 10:00 a.m., Rosenfeld called 911 and claimed that he found his mother dead and that she had passed away in her sleep.

As Rosenfeld entered pleas of "not guilty" and "not guilty by reason of insanity," the trial was held in two phases. In the guilt phase, during which the court heard evidence about the crime, the prosecution proved beyond a reasonable doubt to the jury that the defendant is guilty of the charged crime. In the sanity phase, the same jury considered evidence to determine if the defendant was legally sane at the time of the crime. 

Jay La Suer For San Diego County Sheriff Gets Nod from Vista Tea Party

Posted by CotoBlogzz 05-13-2010 03:00 PM

The Vista Tea Party has endorsed former number two at the Sheriffs Department Jay La Suer as Republican Party candidate for San Diego County Sheriff in the June 8, 2010 primary election because “ We believe Jay is exactly what We the People need,” according to a press release.  La Suer is past 77th AD assemblyman and a 10-year member of the La Mesa City Council.

America’s Sheriff Joe Arpaio has also endorsed La Seur, while Jim Duffy, son of a late former sheriff and the former head of the Deputy Sheriffs Association, seems to be getting lukewarm support from the union.  Last month, the union , voted  to spend a paltry $3,000 on Duffy’s  campaign, which had already fallen behind Sheriff Bill Gore in fundraising.

The Vista Tea Party is a self-described community organization of the Tea Party movement  dedicated to:

        1)    Returning constitutional government to our republic;
        2)    Returning to fiscal sanity and reducing the national debt;
        3)    Limiting the power and influence of special interests;
        4)    Ending the man-made California water crisis;
        5)    Supporting our soldiers and securing our borders;
        6)    Preserving free access to news and information, and
        7)    Championing issues central to our freedom, liberty and 
                prosperity.

According to the press release, the rationale for the group’s endorsement is that  “Our county is sinking in debt. Our county’s approach to illegal immigration defies common sense. Our approach to law enforcement needs fundamental reformation. Jay is the only candidate that addresses these issues the way “We the People” need them addressed and that is why we are endorsing him,” and goes on to state that  Jay LaSuer’s victory is assured because:

· Integrity is more important than money,
· We need a leader in law enforcement,
· We need to solve the enforcement of our immigration laws, and
· “We the People” have decided that we need rational leadership more than we need our feelings spared from reality.



Coto Cityhood, LAFCO and LAUGHCO

Posted By CotoBlogzz 05-13-2010 09:30

What part of NO, do parasitic bureaucracies such as LAFCO, do not understand?

While the state is broke amidst a financial tsunami and there is an exodus of business leaving the state for greener pastures in Arizona, Utah and Nevada, some politicians want to increase taxes.  Other parasitic bureaucracies such as  LAFCO and the CZ board continue to spend taxpayer money to push for cityhood.


Yesterday, LAFCO postponed for a fourth time a decision to force Rancho Santa Margarita to adopt Coto de Caza, the first step in the cityhood process, also known as sphere of influence.  LAFCO wants more time to study the issue.  Not unlike Sergio Prince’s recommendation to hire a “communications expert” to aid LAFCO staffers to get their communication act together.

The CZ board argues for cityhood to get “better services from county agencies such as the Sheriff’s department – this when Rancho Santa Margarita pays the county  $8.5 million dollars for OCSD services, yet not a single council members has a way to know whether that money is being used the way the taxpayers intended.

Leave to parasites and parasitic bureaucracies!

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Two Long Beach Men Face Attempted Murder & Mayhem Trial

Posted By CotoBlogzz 05-13-2010 09:00

SANTA ANA, CA  - William Deshawn Cartlidge,  and Neil Deontrai Duffey face trial oday for shooting a liquor store owner and a customer in the head, callously stepping over their bodies to steal the cash register and escape. The attempted murders were caught on video surveillance tape. Cartlidge, 23, and Duffey, 22, both of Long Beach, are each charged with two felony counts of attempted murder, two felony counts second degree robbery, and a sentencing enhancement for the use of a firearm. Duffey is charged with one additional felony count of aggravated mayhem and sentencing enhancements for the personal discharge of a firearm, personal discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury, and causing great bodily injury.

If convicted on all counts, Cartlidge and Duffey each face sentences up to life in state prison. Opening statements are expected to begin today.

At approximately 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 8, 2006, Cartlidge and Duffey are accused of being armed with firearms and entering Sunshine Liquor on Western Avenue in Buena Park. Immediately after entering the store, Duffey is accused of pulling out a firearm and shooting Mote Malhas in the head. Malhas owned Sunshine Liquor and was working as the clerk. After the victim had been shot, Cartlidge is accused of walking behind the counter, taking the keys off Malhas, and attempting to open the cash register as the victim suffered on the ground.

While Cartlidge attempted to open the cash register, Duffey is accused of shooting customer Cesar Castillo in the face and the back of the head as the unsuspecting victim entered the store. After being unable to open the cash register, the defendants are accused of removing the entire register and taking it out to their car. As they left the store, Cartlidge is accused of bending over and stealing Castillo's wallet as he lay bleeding on the floor. The defendants are accused of then fleeing the scene.

The attempted murders were captured on store video surveillance. The video surveillance was aired on local news stations in an effort to indentify the defendants, who are accused of turning themselves in on Aug. 22, 2006, in Los Angeles County. 

Both victims survived the attempted murders but Castillo continues to suffer from permanent blindness in one eye.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Jana Hoffman of the Felony Panel is prosecuting this case.

Los Angeles is Broke, LA City Council, what do you do next?

Posted by CotoBlogzz 05-12-2010 11:30 PM

 Rancho Santa Margarita, CA - Undeniably, Los Angeles is Broke.  Yet, when  Los Angeles Unified School District Board passed a budget plan calling for massive layoffs over the next two years,  the teacher's union protested outside the school board office chanting, "Enough is enough," as the budget gained passage.



Analysts say the average class size in LAUSD schools would jump from 24 to 29 students because of the cuts.  Bear in mind that Jaime Escalante of Advanced Math Placement Stand Up and Deliver fame argued with the union that he could teach Advanced Match in an inner-city setting with class sizes with more then 50 students.

As recent as yesterday, while analysts recommended the city lays off some 1,700 employees,and in doing so,  triggers union pay increases, which more than offsets the cost savings, a  Los Angeles City Council committee  recommended the city make 1,000 more layoffs next year than the 761 already planned by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

All this while there is an exodus of business from California to Las Vegas, Utah and Arizona.

So, what does the Los Angeles City Council do next?  Pass a resolution objecting to the Arizona Immigration Law on the grounds that it "undermines democracy" - Really!

The resolution is as toothless as the "Iran faces serious consequences" message uttered by the President, repeated by the Vice President and Secretary Hilary Clinton, only to modity the threat to "  Iran faces serious consequences only if China and Russia will let us"

If the Los Angeles City Council would just take a public stance on California's Triple Threat, perhsp there would be a modicum of credibility.  As it is, the Arizona resolution carries as much weight as the "Iran faces serious consequences" message.






Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Ladera Ranch DUI Driver Convicted of Murder on Toll Road

Posted by CotoBlogzz 05-12-2010 10:30 AM

SANTA ANA, CA  - Richard Ernest Caselli, a driver under the influence of alcohol and cocaine was convicted yesterday of killing another motorist by crashing into the victim's car while speeding over 100 mph on the toll road. Caselli, 37, Ladera Ranch, pleaded guilty to the court May 11, 2010, to one felony count of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence while intoxicated. Caselli faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in state prison at his sentencing July 30, 2010


At approximately 6:25 p.m. on Oct. 16, 2009, Caselli was speeding over 100 mph on State Route 73 in his Volvo sedan.  The defendant was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine as he drove at a high rate of speed just north of Laguna Canyon Road. Caselli lost control of his car and crashed into a Nissan sport utility vehicle driven by 51-year-old Brook Boynton. The force of the crash caused the victim's car to spin out of control and roll, ejecting Boynton onto the right shoulder. The victim was killed as a result of his injuries.

Caselli's vehicle also came to a stop. When contacted by police at the scene, Caselli displayed objective signs of intoxication including bloodshot and watery eyes, slurred speech, and omitting an odor of alcohol. Approximately an hour and a half after the crash, Caselli had a blood alcohol level of .18 percent, more than twice the legal limit. The defendant also tested positive for cocaine.


Deputy District Attorney Jason Baez of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.


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Coto de Caza is not the only place where the board of directors consistently either disregard the civil code, governing documents (Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions - CC&Rs) or even the moral code.

What is better in HOA Management? Transparency and Accountability or Feel Good?May 22, 2007
Mostly as a result of the Enron and Worldcom scandals, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 known as the Public Company Accounting Reform and Investor Protection Act of 2002 and commonly called SOX; was enacted to provide business executives with less wiggle...

HOW DO OWNERS SPELL L-A-W S-U-I-T? SENATE BILL NO. 127!X
This author asks WHERE ARE THE PENALTIES AGAINST MANAGEMENT COMPANIES AND BOARDS? WHAT?S THE PENALTY FOR BREAKING THE LAWS THAT THESE LEGISLATORS ARE PASSING?

Two of the Worst & Most Detrimental Laws to Hit California are Sponsored by None Other than: California Association of Realtors (R) The Gold is Gone --No more gold in the Golden State!
Dear Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger,
SHATZI! PLEASE REMEMBER YOUR PROMISE TO US. Please listen to the people who support you and look to you to help us! When you first began buying property in California NO ONE told you what you could or could not do...

THE LAW OF INTENDED CONSEQUENCES - WHAT A DIFFERENCE A "WORD" MAKES: NO! ON ASSEMBLY BILL NO. 563
It apparently does not matter that titleholders with a vested interest in their property cannot get their legislators to carry legislation to help US, but, they can waste taxpayer funds by preventing the bills WE WANT and NEED by CHANGING *ONE* WORD in an...

EMERGENCY! EMERGENCY! OOPS! WE JUST HAD THE MEETING! YOU MISSED IT!!
So THIS is what the Senate calls an "Open Meeting." How many Open Meetings have THEY been to? Obviously not many. ROTFLMAO!

CAN YOU OUTSWIM YOUR HOA SHARKS? or will you drown trying?
Owning, let alone living in an HOA is a tough JOB and requires you be physically fit, possess a certain sophistication of the processes, and have the character let alone stamina, that allows you to be persistent in a manner that indescribable to REAL...

HEY GRAY PANTHERS! YOU GOT IT WRONG!
(c) D. Vanitzian
May 16, 2007The Gray Panthers are on record as SUPPORTING A BAD BAD BAD BAD BILL: Senate Bill Number 948. SHAME ON YOU. Where the heck are you getting your information from?


Coming off a most improbable but successful campaign to defeat SB 670 author and HOA advocate Vanitizian thanks supporters making a connection between the quality of legislation being passed in Sacramento, and the quality of life in most homeowners...