Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Fereshteh Shafiee & Nahid Bijaripour Vakilia, Social Services Agency employees charged with in-home caretaker fraud scheme
*Two co-defendants have been charged in this case and have warrants for their arrest
Posted by CotoBlogzz
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA - - An employee of the Orange County Social Services Agency (SSA) has been arrested and charged with defrauding the Orange County Social Services Agency of nearly $150,000. According to the Orange County DA's (OCDA) office, Fereshteh Shafiee, 52, Mission Viejo, is charged with one felony count each of misappropriation of public funds and medical insurance fraud with sentencing enhancements and allegations for over $100,00 in loss, property loss over $65,000, and aggravated white collar crime over $100,000. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of eight years in state prison. Fereshteh Shafiee is being held on $150,000 bail and must prove the money is from a legal and legitimate source before posting bond.
Co-defendant Nahid Bijaripour Vakilian, 55, Lake Forest, is charged with the same counts, sentencing enhancements, and faces the same maximum sentence as Fereshteh Shafiee. A $150,000 warrant has been issued for her arrest. She is believed to be in Iran.
The defendant's mother, Iran Shafiee, 72, Mission Viejo, is charged with one felony count of medical insurance fraud and faces the same sentencing enhancements as Fereshteh Shafiee. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of six years in state prison. A $150,000 warrant has been issued for her arrest.
At the time of the crime, Fereshteh Shafiee and Vakilian are accused of being friends and working for SSA. Vakilian was a supervisor for the In-Home Support Services (IHSS) program.
Between 2002 and 2010, Fereshteh Shafiee is accused of working with Vakilian to defraud the County of approximately $150,000 from funds designated for care providers in the IHSS program.
In addition to her full-time job at SSA, Fereshteh Shafiee is accused of fraudulently claiming to be the full-time caretaker for her parents. She is accused of inflating the number of hours spent as a caretaker and claiming more hours than is legally permissible based on her parents' conditions, despite not actually providing care for her parents or working the hours billed.
Over the course of several months, Fereshteh Shafiee is accused of billing for 509 hours of care a month. This was in addition to the 173 hours spent at her job at SSA. In a month with a total of 720 hours, Fereshteh Shafiee is accused of claiming to work 682 hours.
Vakilian is accused of approving Fereshteh Shafiee's caretaker hours, knowing they were fraudulent. In exchange, Fereshteh Shafiee is accused of loaning Vakilian $150,000.
Despite having no medical condition that would require care, Iran Shafiee is accused of signing the fraudulent documentation claiming that her daughter was her caretaker and that the caretaker hours were completed as billed, despite these claims being false.
In 2010, SSA was conducting a review of the case files of their high-hour caretakers, which revealed several inconsistencies related Fereshteh Shafiee. The case was submitted to the Orange County District Attorney's Office for investigation.
The OCDA investigated this case and arrested Fereshteh Shafiee today, Feb. 26, 2014.
Deputy District Attorney Sean O'Brien of the White Collar Crime Team is prosecuting the case.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Jaqwun Turner to be arraigned for failing to help woman passenger after falling to her death from his moving truck.
Posted by CotoBlogzz
Ranco Santa Margarita, CA - According to the Orange County District Attorney (OCDA) office, Jaqwun Turner will be arraigned tomorrow on charges of failing to stop and render aid or call the police after a woman fell to her death from his moving vehicle on the freeway.
On Dec. 8, 2013, Jaqwun Laerin Turner, 33, Hawthorne,, is accused of meeting 51-year-old Martha Rodenzo at a gas station and offering her a ride.
At approximately 2:15 a.m. on Dec. 8, 2013, Turner is accused of driving a semi-truck northbound on Interstate 5 with Rodenzo in the passenger seat. As they approached the California State Route 22 interchange in Santa Ana, the victim opened her door and fell from the moving vehicle, landing in the gore point between the two freeways. Rodenzo died as a result of the injuries she sustained in the fall.
Turner is accused of failing to stop to assist the victim. He is accused of driving away from the scene and failing to report the accident to police.
This case was investigated by the Santa Ana Police Department and the California Highway Patrol.
Deputy District Attorney Anna McIntire of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.
Lucie Wardell charged with stabbing- murder of roommate in Chapman Board & Garden Grove
Posted by CotoBlogzz
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA - Lucie Wardell has been charged with the stabbing-murder of her roommate in a Garden Grove care home.
According to the Orange County District Attorney's (OCDA) office, Lucie Wardell, 49, is charged with one felony count of murder with a sentencing enhancement for the personal use of a knife.
The DA requested Wardell be held on $1 million bail at her arraignment today, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014.
On Feb. 21, 2014, Wardell is accused of living in the same room as victim Hoa H. at Chapman Board & Care in Garden Grove. Wardell is accused of murdering the victim by stabbing her repeatedly.
The investigation by the Garden Grove Police Department is ongoing.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Cynthia Herrera of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.
In retrial, David Rodgers guilty of voluntary manslaughter
Posted by CotoBlogzz
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA - David Rodgers was was found guilty by a jury of shooting and killing his friend while stopped at an intersection in Irvine.
According to the Orange County District Attorney's ( OCDA) office, David Benjamin Rodgers, 48, Lancaster, has prior convictions for false imprisonment in 1989 and sexual assault of a minor in 1990 and faces a sentence ranging from 31 to 36 years to life in state prison if convicted of the prior strike offenses.
At approximately 11:00 a.m. on Dec. 22, 2002, Rodgers was driving his car with his friend, 44-year-old Jeanie Lynn Waterson, in the passenger's seat. Rodgers stopped his car at the intersection of Sand Canyon Avenue and Alton Parkway in Irvine. While stopped at the intersection, Rodgers fired a total of five shots. He first fired one shot through the windshield of the car. Rodgers then killed Waterson by firing another shot, which entered and exited her left arm, then went through her heart and right lung. Rodgers then fired several more shots, two additional shots through the windshield and one through his own right foot. The car then rolled through the intersection into an open field.
Witnesses contacted police and the Irvine Police Department arrived at the scene. Rodgers waited approximately 14 minutes before he surrendered. Waterson was pronounced dead at the scene.
This case was initially tried in 2005 and resulted in a guilty verdict for second degree murder, but was later overturned on appeal. The case was then retried in 2009, but the jury was unable to reach a verdict and the case resulted in a mistrial.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Susan Price of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.
Buoyed by recent OCDA Tony Rackaukus endorsement, Anna Bryson celebrates her campaign Office Grand Opening
Posted
by CotoBlogzz
Rancho
Santa Margarita, CA – Buoyed by the recent OCDA Tony Rackaukus endorsement,
Anna Bryson, a
successful small business owner and respected education reformer, kicks off her bid
for the 73rd Assembly District celebrating her campaign office grand opening March
4, 2014 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, 30011 Ivy Glenn, #207 Laguna Niguel, CA, right next
to Laguna Niguel Post Office. Food is
being catered by Ricardo Beas of Ricardo’s Restaurant
Earlier
this week, District Attorney Tony Rackauckas characterized Bryson as a
great Republican candidate for Assembly, who has effectively supported Republican
values for many years, stating that “ she has worked tirelessly to keep Orange
County a safe place to live and I look forward to working with her.”
As a trustee on the Capistrano Unified School District, Bryson has been one of California’s leading education reformers, helping to balance the district’s budget while increasing educational excellence. To protect taxpayers, she recently voted to save Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, and Talega residents $59 million in taxes.
As a trustee on the Capistrano Unified School District, Bryson has been one of California’s leading education reformers, helping to balance the district’s budget while increasing educational excellence. To protect taxpayers, she recently voted to save Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, and Talega residents $59 million in taxes.
Those
interested in attending Bryson’s Campaign
Office Grand Opening R.S.V.P. to:
Ashley Hayek / Kaila Weedman,
Golden State Consultants (949) 391-6740
/ kaila@gs-consults.com
Saddleback Gala Concert Featuring Winners of 2013 MTA Competition
Posted by CotoBlogzz
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA-- Directed by Maestro Yorgos Kouritas, the Saddleback College
Symphony Orchestra, on Saturday, March 15th at 7:30 p.m.
in the McKinney Theatre, presents the winners of the 2013 Music Teachers
Association of California Concerto Competition.
Tickets are $10 general; $7 students/seniors. Call the
ticket office at 949-582-4656, Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 4:00 p.m. or
order tickets online at www.saddleback.edu/arts.
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Paloma Pallante is 21 year old full-time Saddleback College student from San Clemente. She is in the applied music program for voice under Dr. Scott Farthing's direction. She recently studied opera in Italy this past summer through the Ocava program and is planning to transfer to Cal State Fullerton in the fall 2014 to earn her bachelor's degree in vocal performance. Paloma has performed in many of the musicals at Saddleback College includingBat Boy, Rent, Aida, Spring Awakening, and Legally Blonde. She has also been in various choir performances
Golnaz (Goly) Lessani began her piano studies under teacher Soroush Dehbasti at the Tehran Music School in Tehran, Iran. In 2007, she received her Bachelor’s Degree in piano performance from the University of Tehran. That year she moved to the United States to pursue her passion for piano further and soon after enrolled at Saddleback College where she studied under the tutelage of Professor Pam Worcester.
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For the past two years she has been studying with the current Director of Keyboard Studies, Dr. Kirill Gliadkovsky. She has performed in master classes for distinguished pianists including John Perry, Dmitry Rachmanov, Irene Peery Fox, Chris Durrenberger, and Stewart Gordon. Goly performs as a soloist, in ensembles, and as an accompanist both locally and worldwide. She regularly performs as a keyboardist for an international pop artist and has played venues such as the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver, British Columbia, the Hilton Theatre in Chicago, the Bren Events Center in Irvine, various Las Vegas venues and both the Greek and Nokia Theatres in Los Angeles. Goly is a recipient of several awards and scholarships including the Angels for the Arts Award, MTAC Anniversary Scholarship, and MTAC Piano Competition (second place).
Tiffany Arman is a sophomore at Aliso Niguel High School. She
has been playing piano since she was six years old and has trained with various
teachers participating in a number of competitions and concerts. Currently she
is taking private piano lessons with Dr. Kirill Gliadkovsky, Director of
Keyboard Studies at Saddleback College. She manages to prioritize piano studies
during her busy school schedule, and she plans to continue with her music
education when she attends college.
The Music Department has established a comprehensive program
which is considered to be one of the finest in California: a complete
lower-division curriculum for transferring music majors, numerous performance
groups, private and group lessons, a full concert series with faculty and guest
artists, and general music courses. The nationally-recognized faculty is
dedicated to performance and to teaching in all areas such as vocal,
instrumental, jazz, guitar, piano, music technology and commercial music.
Other music classes include harmony, musicianship, composition, history and
appreciation of western art music, music business, rock, jazz and world music.
Saddleback College is located at 28000 Marguerite Parkway in
Mission Viejo, just east of Interstate 5 at the Avery Parkway exit.
Parking is available in Lot 12. Take Avery Parkway to Marguerite Parkway
turn left to the third traffic light, which is Saddleback’s Marguerite
entrance. Turn right into the campus and take the second left to Theatre
Circle, turning right into Lot 12.
Located in Mission Viejo, Saddleback College provides quality
higher education and training to the greater south Orange County community.
Having served more than 500,000 students since 1968, Saddleback College offers
over 300 degree and certificate programs to help students reach their personal,
career, and educational goals. For more information, please visit www.saddleback.edu and for Fine Arts information,
please visit www.saddleback.edu/arts
The Saddleback College Wind Ensemble Performs a Spring Concert under direction of Maestro Yorgos Kouritas
Posted by CotoBlogzz
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA--Directed
by Maestro Yorgos Kouritas, the Saddleback College Wind Ensemble presents some
of the most popular pieces ever written for Wind Ensemble including the best of
Jule Styne (arranged by Jerry Nowak), Shostakovich - Waltz no.2, Wood - Mannin
Veen, Grainger - Irish Tune from County Derry, Arnold - Tam O' Shanter, Carter
- Overture for Winds, and McBeth - Mosaic.
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The concert takes place on Friday, March 14that 7:30 p.m. in the McKinney Theatre. Tickets are $10 general; $7 students/seniors. Call the ticket office at 949-582-4656, Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 4:00 p.m. or order tickets online at www.saddleback.edu/arts. |
The Music Department has established a comprehensive
program which is considered to be one of the finest in California: a
complete lower-division curriculum for transferring music majors, numerous
performance groups, private and group lessons, a full concert series with
faculty and guest artists, and general music courses. The
nationally-recognized faculty is dedicated to performance and to teaching in
all areas such as vocal, instrumental, jazz, guitar, piano, music technology
and commercial music. Other music classes include harmony, musicianship,
composition, history and appreciation of western art music, music business,
rock, jazz and world music.
Saddleback College is located at 28000 Marguerite Parkway in Mission Viejo, just
east of Interstate 5 at the Avery Parkway exit. Parking is available in
Lot 12. Take Avery Parkway to Marguerite Parkway turn left to the third
traffic light, which is Saddleback’s Marguerite entrance. Turn right into the
campus and take the second left to Theatre Circle, turning right into Lot 12.
Located in
Mission Viejo, Saddleback College provides quality higher education and
training to the greater south Orange County community. Having served more
than 500,000 students since 1968, Saddleback College offers over 300 degree and certificate
programs to help students reach their personal, career, and educational
goals. For more information, please visit www.saddleback.edu and
for Fine Arts information, please visit www.saddleback.edu/arts.
Saxophonist Bruce Babad to Perform with Saddleback Jazz Lab
Posted By CotoBlogzz
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA—Jazz Studies at Saddleback College
will present jazz saxophonist Bruce
Babad performing with the Jazz Lab Ensemble on Monday, March 10th at 7:30 p.m.
in the McKinney Theatre.
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Bruce Babad has been playing the alto saxophone since age ten. He has performed with blues legend Little Milton, rock-n-roll Hall of Fame artists; The Four Tops, the Temptations, the Platters, Barry Manilow, Natalie Cole, and Bobby Caldwell. Currently Bruce can be heard with the 2006 Grammy nominated Bill Holman Band, Luther Hughes' Cannonball/Coltrane Project and the Bruce Babad Quartet. Babad is the Director of Jazz Studies at Fullerton College, (Fullerton, California) and can be heard on over seventy-five commercial recordings, numerous jingles, television, and movie soundtracks. Come and see how Saddleback students can jive with the best.
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Tickets are $10 general and $7 students/seniors. Call the
ticket office at 949-582-4656, Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 4 pm or
order your tickets online atwww.saddleback.edu/arts.
Jazz Studies at Saddleback College emphasizes creativity through
improvisation and ensemble performance. Focusing on the historical,
theoretical, and intuitive aspects of this American music, Director of Jazz
Studies Joey Sellers and an outstanding cadre of nationally-recognized
musicians comprise the jazz faculty. Curricula include Improvisation, Jazz
Composition and Arranging, Jazz
History Syllabus, Jazz
History Audio, Jazz History Podcast,
Jazz Piano, Saddleback Big
Band, Jazz Lab Ensemble, and Combos. Students in Jazz Studies at
Saddleback College have transferred to prestigious institutions including
University of Southern California, New School for Social Research in New York,
Eastman School of Music, Berkeley School of Music, Cal State Northridge, UCLA,
Cal State Fullerton, University of California at San Diego, and other regional
institutions. Some of our alumni have gone on to play professionally with
Frank Zappa, Diana Ross, and other high-profile artists and organizations.
Saddleback College is located at 28000
Marguerite Pkwy in Mission Viejo, just east of Interstate 5 at the Avery
Parkway exit. Parking is available in Lot 12. Take Avery Parkway to
Marguerite Parkway turn left to the third traffic light, which is Saddleback’s
Marguerite entrance. Turn right into the campus and take the second left to
“Theatre Circle,” turning right into Lot 12.
Located in Mission Viejo, Saddleback College provides quality
higher education and training to the greater south Orange County
community. Having served more than 500,000 students since 1968,
Saddleback College offers over 300 degree and certificate programs to help
students reach their personal, career, and educational goals. For more
information, please visit www.saddleback.edu and for Fine Arts information,
please visit www.saddleback.edu/arts.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Five Women Wearing the Same Dress at Saddleback College
An irreverent and funny look at the intricacies
of friendship and the power of similar dressing. Adult humor.
Not recommended
for those under 15 years of age.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA – The Department of Theatre Arts at Saddleback College presents Five Women Wearing the Same Dress on March 14th – 23rd in the Studio Theatre, an irreverent and funny look at the intricacies of friendship and the power of similar dressing.
Adult humor. Not recommended for those under 15 years of age.
During an ostentatious wedding reception at a Knoxville, Tennessee estate, five reluctant, identically clad bridesmaids hide out in an upstairs bedroom, each with their own reason to avoid the proceedings.
Dates: March 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22 at 7:30 p.m. and March 16 and 23 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling (949) 582-4656 (noon-4 Wednesday-Saturday) and online at www.saddleback.edu/arts. Prices are $15 general; $10 students/seniors.
Anastasia Christensen (left); Solana Price (right)
Photographer: Ken Kinder
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The Department of
Theatre Arts program at Saddleback College produces several fully-staged shows
each year. All students are given the opportunity to audition for every
production yet Theatre Arts students are given priority in the casting
process. In addition there are numerous opportunities for students to
contribute in backstage activities through the Entertainment and Theater
Technology program.
Saddleback College is located at 28000 Marguerite Pkwy in Mission Viejo, just
east of Interstate 5 at the Avery Parkway exit. Free parking is available
in Lot 12. Take Avery Parkway to Marguerite Parkway turn left to the
third traffic light, which is Saddleback’s Marguerite entrance. Turn right into
the campus and take the third left to Theatre Circle, turning right into Lot
12.
Located in Mission Viejo, Saddleback College provides
quality higher education and training to the greater south Orange County
community. Having served more than 500,000 students since 1968,
Saddleback College offers over 300 degree and certificate programs to help
students reach their personal, career, and educational goals. For more
information, please visit www.saddleback.edu and
for Fine Arts information, please visit www.saddleback.edu/arts.
Friday, February 14, 2014
California Charter Schools Association Advocates Endorses Anna Bryson for Assembly
California Charter Schools Association AdvocatesEndorses Anna Bryson for Assembly: “Her commitment to public school choiceand parental empowerment is second to none”
Posted By CotoBlogzz
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA - Anna Bryson, Who is running for a seat in the California's 73rd State Assembly district, currently held by Assemblywoman Diane Harkey just picked up another important endorsement.
On February 18, 2013, Harkey announced that she will be running for the California Board of Equalization 4th district.
According to Gary Borden, Executive Director of CCSA Advocates:
"Anna has served exceptionally as a trustee on the Capistrano Unified School District for nearly a decade--advocating for quality, charter public schools and helping earn the distinction of highest-performing large district in the state during her tenure. Her commitment to public school choice and parental empowerment is second to none in her bid to represent the families of Assembly District 73, and we look forward to partnering with Anna in the Legislature to strengthen California's public schools and ensure every kid has access to a world class education,"
As a trustee on the Capistrano Unified School District, Bryson has been one of California’s leading education reformers, helping to balance the district’s budget while increasing educational excellence. To protect taxpayers, she recently voted to save Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, and Talega residents $59 million in taxes.
Hugo Garcia, a Fullerton Police officer charged with stealing $24K
Posted by CotoBlogzz
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA - Hugo Garcia, a Fullerton police officer has been charged with stealing approximately $24,000 from a financial lender and a wholesale automobile buyer after failing to repay a loan and fraudulently selling his truck, which was collateral for the unpaid loan. Garcia was off duty at the time.
According to the Orange County District Attorney's (OCDA) office, Garcia, 32, is charged with one felony count of grand theft by false pretense and one felony count of embezzlement by debtor of security agreement.
In October 2012, Garcia is accused of taking out a loan for approximately $12,000 from a financial lender using his Chevrolet Tahoe as collateral. He is accused of making two payments on the loan and then failing to make any additional payments.
In November 2012, Garcia is accused of advertising his Tahoe for sale on Craigslist, despite the financial lender having a security interest in the car. He is also accused of selling the vehicle to a wholesale buyer for $12,000 cash. The buyer was unaware that the car was being used as collateral for the loan and purchased the vehicle believing it was a legitimate transaction.
In March 2013, after Garcia is accused of failing to make multiple payments on his loan, the financial lender repossessed the vehicle from a third party who had purchased it after it was sold by the wholesaler. The original wholesaler buyer re-paid the third party and, therefore, lost both the Tahoe and his $12,000 payment.
In October 2013, the victim reported the case to the Fullerton Police Department after being unable to recoup his losses directly from the defendant. FPD investigated this case and submitted it to the Orange County District Attorney's Office for criminal review in January 2014. Garcia was off-duty and not acting in his official capacity as a police officer at the time of the crime.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Robert Mestman of the Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting this case.
RSM well represented in 6th OC Restaurant Week
Posted By CotoBlogzz
Rancho
Santa Margarita, CA - Rancho Santa
Margarita will be will be represented by Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant &
Bar, Mizu Sushi Bar & Grill and
The Blind Pig in the 6th Orange
County Restaurant Week, organized by the The Orange County Restaurant
Association.
The
association is billing this year’s event as the region's fastest growing and
most anticipated culinary event, to be held Sunday, February 23rd through Saturday,
March 1st. Kick off will be held at the Newport Lexus on
Feb 22. Or as Pamela Waitt, president of the OC Restaurant Association put it:
"As
we enter our sixth year, we have been able to establish a quality experience
that has come to be one of OC's favorite culinary events. Orange County
Restaurant Week is a now-annual event with 100 of the county’s dining
destinations."
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Alexis Witten, a human trafficker gets nine years in state prison
Posted by CotoBlogzz
Rancho Santa Margarita! CA - Alexis Witten, a human trafficker was sentenced for assaulting a woman who was working for him by selling sex to men for his profit and threatening to kill her.
Carl Alexis Witten, 27, San Diego, pleaded guilty Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, to one felony count each of human trafficking, criminal threats, and domestic battery with corporal injury. He was sentenced to nine years and eight months in state prison stayed pending completion of five years formal probation, one year in jail, restitution, and completion of a batterers' treatment program.
According to the Orange County District attorney's (OCDA) office, Witten is a pimp/human trafficker who exploits women and/or children for financial gain. Victims are often required to turn over all payment they receive for sex acts from sex purchasers to their pimp. Failure to follow these rules can result in physical and/or emotional abuse.
Between Jan. 1, 2013, and Sept. 9, 2013, Witten had 27-year-old Jane Doe work for him as a prostitute and collected the money she made from performing unlawful commercial sex acts. Witten threatened he would physically hurt Jane Doe if she did not give him the money.
On Sept. 9, 2013, Witten assaulted Jane Doe in an Anaheim hotel room, punched her, and then left the hotel. Witten then sent Jane Doe a text message threatening to kill her. Jane Doe contacted the Anaheim Police Department (APD), who arrested Witten.
This case was investigated by APD and Deputy District Attorney Brad Schoenleben of the HEAT Unit prosecuted this case.
Funeral Services for Franz J. Nalezny, victim of fatal traffic accident in Coto de Caza
Posted by Cotoblogzz
Rancho Santa Margarita CA - Funeral service for Franz J. Nalezny, victim of a fatal traffic accident in Coto de Caza January 31, 2014, will be Saturday, February 15, 2014 at 10:00am at The Bridge Church - Main Campus, 29582 Aventura, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688.
For reference, Below. is the traffic collisions for 3Q2013, including 3 injuries and 6 property damages. No DUIs involved in this case. http://cotobuzz.blogspot.com/2013/11/traffic-accident-report-coto-de-caza.html
Graveside service will be Saturday, February 15, 2014 at 2:00pm at Forest Lawn - Covina Hills, 21300 Via Verde Drive, Covina, CA 91724.
If sending floral tributes, the Nalezny family would appreciate delivery to O'Connor Mortuary only.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Franz J. Nalezny please visit the Sympathy section of the O'Connor Mortuary's website: http://www.oconnormortuary.com/
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Jeremy Landau charged with stealing $750,000 from Orange County-based charter school district
Posted by CotoBlogzz
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA - Jeremy Landau, a former board member for a charter school district has been charged with stealing $750,000 in the largest charter school theft in California history.
According to the Orange County District Attorney's (OCDA) office, Jeremy Landau, 43, Sherman Oaks, is charged with 13 felony counts of money laundering, two felony counts of misappropriation of public funds, and one felony count of conflict of interest in a sale and purchase, with sentencing enhancements and allegations for causing over $100,000 in loss, property loss over $200,000, and fraudulent transactions over $150,000.
Landau is being held on $750,000 bail. He is expected to be arraigned Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014
In May 2013, Landau is accused of joining the board of directors for California Virtual Education Partners (CAVEP), an Orange-County based charter school district that operates five online charter schools in California.
In June 2013, Landau is accused of asking the other board members for $750,000 from CAVEP's account with the promise of a $3 million return donation in January 2014. Landau is accused of using his position on the board to influence the other members to vote in his favor regarding the funds.
Landau is accused of laundering the money by moving it between various accounts and failing to repay any of the $750,000 to CAVEP. He is accused of stealing the money for personal gain.
The charter school is funded by the state, and therefore Landau is accused of stealing $750,000 in taxpayer dollars.
A private investigator was hired by CAVEP after the district became suspicious of Landau, and a case was presented to the Orange County District Attorney's (OCDA) Office in November 2013.
The OCDA Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, investigated this case and arrested Landau Feb. 10, 2014. The investigation is ongoing.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Chris Duff of the Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting this case.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA - Jeremy Landau, a former board member for a charter school district has been charged with stealing $750,000 in the largest charter school theft in California history.
According to the Orange County District Attorney's (OCDA) office, Jeremy Landau, 43, Sherman Oaks, is charged with 13 felony counts of money laundering, two felony counts of misappropriation of public funds, and one felony count of conflict of interest in a sale and purchase, with sentencing enhancements and allegations for causing over $100,000 in loss, property loss over $200,000, and fraudulent transactions over $150,000.
Landau is being held on $750,000 bail. He is expected to be arraigned Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014
In May 2013, Landau is accused of joining the board of directors for California Virtual Education Partners (CAVEP), an Orange-County based charter school district that operates five online charter schools in California.
In June 2013, Landau is accused of asking the other board members for $750,000 from CAVEP's account with the promise of a $3 million return donation in January 2014. Landau is accused of using his position on the board to influence the other members to vote in his favor regarding the funds.
Landau is accused of laundering the money by moving it between various accounts and failing to repay any of the $750,000 to CAVEP. He is accused of stealing the money for personal gain.
The charter school is funded by the state, and therefore Landau is accused of stealing $750,000 in taxpayer dollars.
A private investigator was hired by CAVEP after the district became suspicious of Landau, and a case was presented to the Orange County District Attorney's (OCDA) Office in November 2013.
The OCDA Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, investigated this case and arrested Landau Feb. 10, 2014. The investigation is ongoing.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Chris Duff of the Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting this case.
San Juan Capistrano Homicide Victims Identified
Posted By CotoBlogzz
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA - – On Sunday, February 9, 2014 shortly before 2 a.m., Orange County
Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call for service at 32271 Peppertree Bend
in the city of San Juan Capistrano.
According to the
Orange County Sheriff’s Departmetn (OCSD,) Deputies arrived and located
Bradford Hans Sachs, 57, San Juan Capistrano, and Andra Resa Sachs, 54, San
Juan Capistrano, deceased inside the residence.
An 8 year old male,
juvenile was also located inside the residence with serious injuries and
transported to a local hospital where he remains.
Based on the
preliminary information, it appears Bradford and Andra were divorced but were
residing together at the time of their death. Homicide investigators have not
identified a suspect at this stage of the investigation but continue to explore
all possibilities.
Anyone with information is asked to
call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at (714) 647-7044. Anonymous tips
may also be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS
(855-847-6227) or at occrimestoppers.org
Dance to 1940’s Style Swing Music at Saddleback
Posted
By CotoBlogzz
Rancho Santa Margairta, CA – The Angels for the Arts at Saddleback College will present the Big Band Swing Thing, Saturday, March 8th at 7:00 p.m at the Norman P. Murray Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo.
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Joey Sellers and Saddleback’s own Big Band will raise the roof once again along with talented vocalists who will croon classics of the day. In addition, there will be two entertaining swing dance performances by the Saddleback College dance students, choreographed by Dance Department faculty Marji Himes and Lacey Yell. The festivities will also include beer, wine, appetizers, taxi dancers, opportunity drawings, and other surprises of the era. Also don’t forget to wear your 40’s style attire.
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The price is $30 per person. The event sold out last year so get your ticket
early. If you don’t have a dance partner, taxi dancers will be available for a
small fee. Proceeds go towards scholarships for Saddleback students in the
Arts.
Tickets can be
purchased by calling (949) 582-4656 (noon-4:00 p.m., Wed.-Sat) or online atwww.saddleback.edu/arts.
The Angels for the Arts at
Saddleback College is a fundraising and support organization for the Performing
and Visual Arts at Saddleback College. Angel members donate their time
and talent t6o raise funds and assist with a variety of arts events on the
campus. The group is led by a volunteer advisory board of
directors. Angel members believe in the importance of offering a full
spectrum of arts to the community, with the college as the focal point.
These events bring together Orange County residents from all walks of life for
the purpose of enlightenment, entertainment and inspiration. The Angels
for the Arts provide support for scholarships for students in the visual and
performing arts, Saddleback Civic Light Opera, MainStage Kids Children’s summer
program, master classes with professional artists, hospitality for guest artist
performers and crew, enhancement for arts patrons such as the tram and an
annual fundraiser.
Located in Mission Viejo, Saddleback College provides quality higher education and training to the greater south Orange County community. Having served more than 500,000 students since 1968, Saddleback College offers over 300 degree and certificate programs to help students reach their personal, career, and educational goals. For more information, please visit www.saddleback.edu and for Fine Arts information, please visit www.saddleback.edu/arts.
Award-Winning Saddleback’s Speech and Debate Team to Perform at Fundraiser
Posted
By CotoBlogzz
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA--The Saddleback Speech and Debate Team will perform its award-winning speeches and Reader’s Theatre presentations at its Showcase Fundraiser on Friday, March 7th at 5:00 p.m. in the McKinney Theatre.
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Last year’s Reader’s Theatre performance of Bellicose took First Place at the American Readers Theatre Association championship competition. Directed by Lucas Ochoa and performed by Carolina Beyer-Flores, Melissa Armstrong, Cece Melody, and Solana Price, was a dramatically performed piece representing female gang members.
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Tickets are $7 at the door.
The Saddleback Forensics Team started in the 1970s and
prides itself on offering students the ability to create innovative arguments
for future writing and speaking engagements to strengthen their critical
thinking skills and to better communicate with others. On the
forensics team, students write, rehearse, and perform at 6-7 tournaments
against students from Universities and Community Colleges to qualify for the
national tournament. The students representing Saddleback at the national
tournament have placed above several competitors representing institutions
throughout the year, including: Concordia University, Point Loma, California
State University, Los Angeles, California State University, Long Beach, and
UCLA.
Located in
Mission Viejo, Saddleback College provides quality higher education and
training to the greater south Orange County community. Having served more
than 500,000 students since 1968, Saddleback College offers over 300 degree and
certificate programs to help students reach their personal, career, and
educational goals. For more information, please visit www.saddleback.edu and for Fine Arts information,
please visit www.saddleback.edu/arts.