Coto de Caza couple, the McKinlays to be arraigned in a $3 million investment scam

Posted by CotoBlogzz

Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. - the Coto de Ca a McKinlay couple will be arraigned tomorrow on charges of defrauding investors and stealing more than $3 million in an investment scheme, according to the Orange County District Attorney's office.
Steven Andrew McKinlay, 58, and Kristi B. McKinlay (licensed as Kindred), 56,  are charged with 10 felony counts of using untrue statements in the purchase or sale of a security, one felony count of grand theft, and one felony count for the use of a device in a scheme to defraud, with sentencing enhancement allegations for loss over $100,000, aggravated white collar crime over $500,000, causing property damage with loss over $1.3 million. 

The McKinlay's are accused of victimizing more than 10 individuals, including a former Major League Baseball player, a family friend who came into money through a devastating personal injury, and a cancer patient who wanted to secure an inheritance for his family. Their investments ranged from $22,500 to over $700,000. Many of the victims had been associated with the defendants through the church they attended. 

At the time of the thefts, Steven and Kristi McKinlay were owners of God's Sports Company (GSC). 
Between Sept. 12, 2011, and June 27, 2015, Steven and Kristi McKinlay are accused of defrauding more than $3 million from more than 10 clients by convincing them to invest in GSC without disclosing material facts, including prior bankruptcy filings by Steven McKinlay and outstanding liens against the defendants, using investor funds to pay back some of the other investors in a "Ponzi" scheme, and using investor money for personal use. The defendants are accused of spending investors' money on $10,000 a month rent for a San Clemente home and $7,000 a month rent for a Coto de Caza home, paying for their daughter's wedding, purchasing a luxury suite at the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Stadium, purchasing cars, and paying off old debts and day-to-day expenses.  They are accused of using investors' money to donate $50,000 to their church. The defendants are also accused putting their relatives and their friends' relatives on GSC payroll. 
This case was investigated by the Orange County District Attorney (OCDA) Bureau of Investigations after receiving a complaint from a whistleblower. Several victims were unaware that their investments had been defrauded until being contacted by the OCDA during the course of the investigation. The defendants were arrested on Dec. 16, 2015, by OCDA Investigators, with the assistance of the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
Anyone with additional information or who believes they have been a victim is encouraged to contact Supervising District Attorney Investigator Damon Tucker (714) 648-3615.
Deputy District Attorney Michelle Lipton of the Major Fraud Unit is prosecuting this case

Justin Verducci, Capistrano Valley High School Teacher Arrested Today

Justin Verducci, Capistrano Valley High School Teacher Arrested Today

Posted by CotoBlogzz

Rancho Santa Margarita,  Calif. Today, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Special Victim’s Unit investigators arrested Justin Verducci, 25, Irvine, on charges related to inappropriate text communication with a student.  

According to the Orange County District Attorney's office, Verducci was arrested in front of his Irvine residence following investigation into allegations he was “sexting” with a 16 year-old student at Capistrano Valley High School where he is employed as a teacher.

On Friday, November 27, 2015, Sheriff’s investigators were contacted by the student’s parents who indicated they discovered several inappropriate text messages on their daughter’s phone.  The text messages were sexual in nature and exchanged between their daughter and Verducci.  Investigators collected evidence and obtained information over the weekend before contacting Verducci this morning. 

Verducci is a math teacher at Capistrano Valley High School in the City of Mission Viejo.  

Verducci was arrested for child annoyance and sexual communication with a known minor online.  He was booked into Orange County Jail and is being held on $20K bail.  Verducci is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, December 1, 2015.   

Anyone with information regarding additional victims is asked to call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Special Victim’s Unit at (714) 647-7418 or (714) 647-7000.  

Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (855

OCDA Smacks UCI's Dean Erwin Chemerinski over the use of informants

Posted By CotoBlogzz

Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. - The Orange County District Attorney's Office (OCDA) was made aware through various media sources that a letter was sent to United States Attorney General Loretta Lynch signed by University of California, Irvine (UCI) Dean Erwin Chemerinsky, activist Angela Davis, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and former prosecutors and law professors, requesting that the United States Department of Justice conduct a review of the OCDA's use of jailhouse informants.

While the  OCDA intends to respond in full at a later date,  the OCDA released the  following statement.

Professor Chemerinsky stated in part in a law review article that, "In order to comment competently on a case, it will ordinarily be necessary for the commentator to watch, listen to, or read all of the transcripts of an entire trial. Yes, that means following every word. It does not work to observe a case sporadically. A passing phrase by a witness or the court could be critical to an issue. A commentator must dedicate himself or herself to following every part of a proceeding," (The Ethics of Being a Commentator, 1322). The full text of the article can be accessed at http://orangecountyda.orgby clicking on the Reports section and selecting The Ethics of Being a Commentator under the Reports menu.

Professor Chemerinsky, along with each of the undersigned, have not attended any of the court proceedings in People v. Wozniak, and are relying on factually incorrect media accounts of the circumstances of the case.

In fact, Senior Deputy District Attorney Matt Murphy, who is prosecuting the Wozniak case, has personally made himself available to Professor Chemerinsky. Professor Chemerinksy never requested the OCDA's reply brief, did not attend a single hearing, and never ordered the transcripts of the court's proceedings.

In response to the allegations, the OCDA requested that Professor Chemerinsky host a forum at UCI to discuss these issues. Professor Chemerinsky put the OCDA off for several months. In that time, three other law schools responded and hosted spirited forums to discuss the use of informants in Orange County.

A neutral party from the California Attorney General's Office (CAG) was present in every moment of the hearings, heard every witness, and thoroughly examined every piece of evidence. The CAG, after the Honorable Judge Thomas M. Goethals' ruling in the case of People v. Dekraai, made an independent decision to appeal Judge Goethals' ruling, and did in fact appeal the ruling. To read the CAG's appeal of Judge Goethals' ruling, visit http://orangecountyda.organd click on the Reports section and select the Attorney General's Appellant's Brief under the Reports menu.
Although the OCDA respectfully disagrees with Judge Goethals' ruling, his ruling even explicitly states that he found that there was no intentional misconduct by the OCDA. It is unfortunate that Professor Chemerinsky, ACLU, and all of the other undersigned activists and others did not abide by Professor Chemerinsky's ethical standards about opining about a case in such an inflammatory way without conducting due diligence.

The OCDA has made and will continue to make many changes to better make use of informants in Orange County both internally and with law enforcement agencies. The OCDA is also currently awaiting the findings and suggestions of the independent committee. To view details about the independent committee, visit the following link: http://orangecountyda.org/civica/press/display.asp?layout=2&Entry=4366

In regards to the former prosecutors whose signatures are included in the letter, it is very disappointing that they would add their signatures to this letter when the OCDA is in the middle of jury selection in the case of People v. Wozniak. Wozniak was indicted on May 3, 2012, by the Orange County Grand Jury for using a firearm to murder his neighbor for financial gain and murdering the victim's friend in an effort to derail the investigation by framing the first victim. Wozniak was charged May 28, 2010, with two felony counts of special circumstances murder with special circumstance sentencing enhancements for committing multiple murders, murder for financial gain, and a sentencing enhancement for the personal discharge of a firearm causing death. The OCDA special circumstances committee met June 10, 2010, and decided to seek the death penalty in this case.

The innocent victims' families in People v. Wozniak have been waiting for justice in this case for nearly five and a half years, before the Honorable Judge John D. Conley ruled that the public defender had merely repeated baseless accusations and allegations that were untrue. As for the Wozniak case, Judge Conley has categorically rejected the public defender's arguments (many of them identical to the ones made in the People v. Dekraai case) even after incorporating those arguments and accusations in the Wozniak case. 

To view the OCDA's response to Judge Conley's ruling please visit the following link: http://orangecountyda.org/civica/press/display.asp?layout=2&Entry=

OC Assessor Webster Guillory convicted of filing false nomination papers

OC Assessor Webster Guillory convicted of filing false nomination papers
Posted by CotoBlogzz
Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. - Former Orange County Assessor Webster Guillory was convicted Wednesday of filing false nomination papers in a re-election bid for County Assessor in the June 2014 Orange County primary election. 
Webster James Guillory, 71, Newport Beach, was found guilty by a jury of two misdemeanor counts of filing false nomination papers. The charges were previously filed as a felony and reduced to misdemeanors by the court over the objection of the Orange County DA, during a preliminary examination hearing.
At the time of the incident, Guillory was the four-term elected County Assessor for the Orange County Office of the Assessor.
According to the OCDA's office, on the afternoon of March 7, 2014, Guillory collected signatures on two petitions, nine on the first petition and two on the second. Guillory also received petitions circulated by his associate, who gathered and collected three full pages of 10 signatures each.

Knowing that he had not personally collected the signatures or witnessed them being written, Guillory signed his name on two of the 10-signature petitions collected by his associate under the affidavit that reads, "I circulated the petition and witnessed the signatures on this section of the nomination paper being written."


Shortly before the end-of-day filing deadline, Guillory fraudulently filed the two nomination papers at the Registrar of Voters, knowing the information each contained about who had personally circulated the petitions and collected the signatures was false.

According to the OCDA, the case was about upholding the integrity of elections and upholding the standards set for elected officials who serve the public. 
Senior Deputy District Attorney Brock Zimmon of the Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting this 

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If you do business in The OC, chances are you are being ripped off by the Tax Assessor. First Guillory, now Parrish: Lawsuit

http://cotobuzz.blogspot.com/2015/08/if-you-do-business-in-oc-chances-are.html

OC Probation Counselor Maluelue Tafua charged with fraud

Posted by CotoBlogzz

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA - Maluelue Tafua, an Orange County Probation Department (OCPD) counselor has been charged and is expected to be arraigned today for defrauding over $30,000 from the County of Orange by making fraudulent statements relating to his worker's compensation claim. 

According to the Orange County District Attorney's Office, (OCDA) Tafua,  40, Orange, is charged with two felony counts of insurance fraud and two felony counts of making fraudulent statements. 


At the time of the crime, Tafua worked as a deputy probation counselor for OCPD.

On Jan. 8, 2015, Tafua is accused of claiming that he injured his right shoulder and elbow restraining someone while on-duty. OCPD attempted to accommodate his injury by assigning him to perform administrative tasks which included answering phones. Tafua is accused of going to his doctor and claiming to be unable to use his right hand. OCPD could not accommodate that restriction and placed Tafua on temporary total disability.


On June 3, 2014, Tafua is accused of bench pressing 315 pounds in a gym. During a progress check with his doctor the following day, Tafua is accused of claiming that his pain had not improved and that he had been complying with his treatment. He is accused of failing to report that he exercised using weights at the gym.

On July 14, 2014, the County conducted the Arising Out of Employment/Course of Employment investigation related to the defendant's work injury. Tafua is accused of denying that he went to the gym to lift weights.


Deputy District Attorney Pam Leitao of the Insurance Fraud Unit is prosecuting this case.

A Free Concert of Thanksgiving at Saddleback College to Benefit Mary’s Kitchen

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Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. -- On Tuesday, November 24^th at 7:30 p.m., in the McKinney Theatre, the Community Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Scott Farthing, will present a free concert to benefit Mary’s Kitchen, a non-profit program that feed our disadvantaged community. This exciting program will include performances from Jazz Studies and Commercial Music ensembles along with members of the Keyboard Studies class with a performance of a world premiere for three pianos written by Catherine Tibbitts especially for this concert. Admission is free. For further information, call the ticket office at 949-582-4656 (noon to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday-Friday).

Community Chorale

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 second left to Theatre Circle, turning right into Lot 12.

With a long tradition of excellence in music, the Saddleback College Vocal Program continues building on that tradition with the very finest in both standard vocal repertoire and the music of the cutting edge. The three primary choirs on campus include the Community Chorale and Concert Choir, which perform many concerts around the area throughout the school year. Membership is open in all three ensembles with the successful completion of a vocal placement interview at the beginning of each semester. In addition to beginning, intermediate, and advanced-level vocal classes, Saddleback College offers private voice lessons to a select few vocalists who are planning on pursuing degrees in vocal performance at the University or Conservatory level. Past students in the Applied Music program have been accepted to prestigious music schools across the country. In addition, Saddleback College is proud to be one of a handful of community colleges in the state which offer its students the opportunity to perform in operas and opera scenes each semester.

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 visitwww.saddleback.edu and for Fine Arts information, please visit www.saddleback.edu/arts. 

Dragon & Sellers, an experimental evening of fun and jazzat Saddleback College

Posted By CotoBlogzz

Rancho Santa Margarita,CA--On Friday, November 6^th at 7:30 p.m. in the Studio Theatre, Jazz Studies presents Dragon/Sellers, an experimental evening of fun and jazz.

Comprised of Joey Seller and LA trombonist/composer Ryan Dragon, this trombone duo’s performances include audience participation, balloons, the poetry of Bukowski, a necessarily abridged version of Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring” featuring Dance faculty Diedre Cavazzi and other unmentionable surprises.

Dragons and Sellers

Tickets are $10 general; $7 students/seniors (presale only). Tickets may be purchased by calling 949-582-4656 (Tuesday through Friday, noon-4:00 p.m.) or online at www.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, 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.  Take Avery Parkway to Marguerite Parkway and turn left.  Turn right into the campus at the third traffic light, which is Saddleback’s Marguerite entrance. Take the second left to Theatre Circle and turn right into Parking Lot 12. Parking is free in Lot 12 for these performances.

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 more than 300 degree and certificate programs to help students reach their personal, career, and educational goals.  For more information, please visit www.saddleback.edu.  For Fine Arts events, visitwww.saddleback.edu/arts. 

Winterdance 2015 at Saddleback, final show for director Dorothy Anderson Garant

Garant will be handing the baton over to dance faculty member Deidire Cavazzi

Posted by CotoBlogzz

Rancho Santa Margarita, , CA – The Dance Department at Saddleback College is scheduled to  present Winterdance 2015 on Thursday, November 19 at 1:00 & 7:30 p.m. and Friday, November 20^th at 7:30 p.m., in the McKinney Theatre, the final show for director Dorothy Anderson Garant.

Dorothy Anderson Garant 

Dorothy Anderson Garant is retiring as director of the two annual dance concerts, and Winterdance 2015 will be her 56^th and final show as director. The concert is choreographed by Dance Department faculty and performed by Saddleback dance students.  This popular yearly concert showcases numerous dance styles including ballet, modern, jazz, tap, hip hop, and more. Proceeds benefit concert expenses and student scholarships. After 56 concerts and 26 years of teaching dance at Saddleback College, Garant will be handing the baton over to dance faculty member Deidire Cavazzi.

Winterdance 2015

Tickets are $12 (presale); $16 (at the door); children 7 years and under free but require an admission ticket.  Call (949) 582-4656 (Tuesday-Friday, noon to 4:00 p.m.) or online at www.saddleback.edu/arts for tickets.

Dorothy Anderson Garant received her BAE and MA degrees from Arizona State University and received her Certification as a Movement Analyst from the Laban Institute of Movement Studies in NYC.  While in New York she performed with Synergic Theatre and choreographed in several loft performances.  She was cast in a traveling murder mystery with Los Angeles based Murder by Design and danced in a Canadian national commercial for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.  She is a founding member of two southwestern companies; Desert Dance Theatre and Aurora Mime Theatre that performed and toured throughout the Southwest and Mexico.  Dorothy has choreographed musical theatre productions including Cabaret, Hair, My Fair Lady andCarnival.  She has taught on the dance faculty for Arizona State University and Auburn University. In 2010 she received her Yoga certificate under the mentorship of Vince McCullough.   Dorothy received the “Extra Mile” award from the Chandler Unified School District, the “Special Achievement Award” from Desert Dance Theatre during their 25^th Year Reunion and in March of 2014 she received the “Teacher of the Year” award from the California Community College Physical Educators organization.  

The Saddleback College Dance Department offers several technique classes at all levels for ballet, jazz, modern, and tap. In addition, courses are offered in the history of dance, exercise for dancers, rehearsal and performance, dance production, and choreography. College-wide dance concerts are performed each semester and promoted as a major theatre event.

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 Pkwy turn left to the third traffic light, turn right into the campus and take the second left to the Theatre Circle turning right in lot 12.

Located in Mission Viejo, Saddleback College is celebrating its 40^th year of providing quality higher education to the south Orange County community.  For more information on the college and its programs, please visit www.saddleback.edu.  For Fine Arts events, visit www.saddleback.edu/arts. 

Holiday Piano Show at Saddleback College

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Rancho Santa Margarita, CA – On Sunday, November 22^nd at 2:30 p.m. in the McKinney Theatre, Reflections of the Ocean Classical Keyboard Series presents a Holiday Piano Show and Extravaganza in the McKinney Theatre.  The show will feature holiday piano music for 2-4-6-8 hands, performed by Saddleback College students and faculty, including Drs. Kirill and Anna Gliadkovsky, the Sodalis Piano Quartet, Thanksgiving and Christmas organ arrangements, sing-alongs and more. Don't miss this rare event. Come and join us in the spirit of holidays.

Kirill and Anna Gliadkovsky

Tickets are $15 general; $12 seniors (presale only); $10 students (presale only); children free with paying adult; 2 for 1 for music teachers with MTAC/CAPMT ID. The ticket office is open Tuesday through Friday, noon to 4:00 p.m. or order your tickets online at any time atwww.saddleback.edu/arts.

Saddleback College is located at 28000 Marguerite Parkway 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 second left to Theatre Circle, turning right into Lot 12.

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, and piano.  Other music classes include harmony, musicianship, composition, history, and appreciation of western art music, rock, jazz and world.

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 more than 300 degree and certificate programs to help students reach their personal, career, and educational goals.  For more information, please visit www.saddleback.edu.  For Fine Arts events, visitwww.saddleback.edu/arts. 

The City of Mission Viejo’s goes to (Saddleback) college when nine mosaic bears arrive on campus

Entertainment will be provided by internationally-acclaimed harpist Julio Montero. He began his professional career in Spain in the early 1990s, and since then, has performed in concerts throughout Europe, North and South America and Japan.

Posted By CotoBlogzz

Rancho Santa Margarita,  CA – The City of Mission Viejo’s Bear Project goes to college when nine mosaic bears arrive on campus on November 9, 2015 and stay through January 10, 2016. On Friday, November 20^th, the two arts organizations will host a meet the artists and the bears reception from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in front of the Saddleback College Library. 

The Bear Project is a collaborative art adventure that brought together more than 1,000 community members from all walks of life, ages 1 to 91, working together for more than three years (2012 – 2015) toward a common goal. Friends, neighbors and strangers alike have shared in the creation of nine unique, life-size mosaic bears representing the richly diverse ethnic and cultural heritage of the Mission Viejo community. 

For many community participants, The Bear Project has been a life-changing experience of discovery and fellowship – a celebration of diversity that fosters unity. Artists Joy Aldrich and Aileen May will be present to talk about their creations.

Joy Aldrich began a remarkable journey nearly four decades ago when public schools began considering fine art as an expendable subject. She opened a fine art school – Aldrich School of Art – in 1982 for youth and adults in Stockton, California and was inspired by how her students discovered their own creative genius.  Over the years, Joy has collaborated on many amazing art projects including mixed-media canvases and collages created by hundreds of students at a time. In 2008, Joy became a member of the Dana Point Coastal Arts Board of Directors and met Aileen May.  Three years later, the two began their first project together, a mosaic community collaborative art piece dubbed the “Whale Tale" with more than 150 participants in the Dana Point Harbor.  The Arts de la Vida collaborative art project in Mission Viejo followed, and in 2012, Joy and Aileen began working on the City of Mission Viejo's "Bear" mosaic project. This unique project includes nine life-size bears designed to represent the diversity and multicultural communities within Mission Viejo.  The city partnered with the Kaleidoscope entertainment center to provide working studio space for the project.  To date, more than 4,000 people have experienced the Bears

.

Aileen May is a talented artist known throughout the country for her passion and exhibitions.   Throughout the years, her outstanding work has garnered many grants, awards and accolades. Aileen's impressive career includes serving as an artist in residence for 20 different schools working with at-risk youth.  Aileen moved to the area in 2000 and has since created exquisite collaborative public art mosaics along Mission Viejo's Oso Creek Trail, Crown Valley Parkway and in the Dana Point Harbor.  In 2011, she teamed up with fellow artist Joy Aldrich to lead a one-of-a-kind project for the City of Mission Viejo. The Bears Project includes 9 life-size mosaic bears that represent the vast diversity within Mission Viejo.  This unique project has been a 3-year labor of love for Aileen. Along with her creative endeavors, Aileen has lent her talents as a member of countless academies and boards including the Art Academy Alumni Association and Dana Point Coastal Arts Board of Directors.

Pacific Islands Bear: With its beautiful face, the Pacific Islands bear sits in its ocean environment among a collection of reef fish in tune with nature.

Entertainment will be provided by internationally-acclaimed harpist Julio Montero. He began his professional career in Spain in the early 1990s, and since then, has performed in concerts throughout Europe, North and South America and Japan. He served as musical advisor to theCultural Foundation “Chavin” of Julio León Gómez; and has organized and taught workshops for various international harp festivals. Montero has participated in many concerts and shows such as Fiesta Argentina  in 2005, 2006, 2010, and 2011 at The Ford Amphitheater in Hollywood, California. He has also appeared in several television shows and has recorded, in collaboration with other artists, music for Smithsonian Folkways.  In his spare time, he enjoys to write and compose music. He is currently working on his next record production that will combine rhythms from Latin, International and American repertoire. Montero can be heard playing at concerts and special performances for various shows, special presentations, hotels and resorts throughout Southern California.

A wine reception includes appetizers from the Broken Yolk Cafe, a new restaurant on Marguerite Parkway near the college. 

The Angels for the Arts is a fundraising and support organization for the Performing and Visual Arts at Saddleback College.  Angel members donate their time and talent to 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 also provide support for scholarships for students in Visual & Performing Arts, MainStage Kids Productions, master classes with professional artists, hospitality for guest artist performers and crew, enhancements for arts patrons, such as the tram, and the annual Black History Month fundraiser.

The Friends of the Arts in the City of Mission Viejo is an organization with a mission “to engage and inspire the community in the arts.”  The Friends’ goals include: to provide  arts awareness and education,  to raise funds for the Arts in a collaborative and enriching way,  to help inspire and educate the City’s residents, to encourage public participation in the arts, and to further support Mission Viejo's commitment to being "an epicenter for arts expansion and creative applications to business and civic life."  The Friends' board members collaborate with talented artists, organizations, and local businesses to help foster and grow these venues over time to enhance appreciation and interest in the arts for all residents of Mission Viejo. The organization’s primary goal is to bring meaningful art to the City.

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 visitwww.saddleback.edu/arts.  

Laguna Ballet’s The Nutcracker at Saddleback College!

 

Posted by CotoBlogzz

Rancho Santa Margarita, , CA – The Laguna Ballet, a non-profit junior ballet company serving Orange County families since 1985, will present its 29^th anniversary production of The Nutcracker December 17^th-20^th in its eighth season on the McKinney Theater stage at Saddleback College

More than 90 Orange County students come together each year, under the direction of Shery Gilbert, to perform in a full-length production ofThe Nutcracker, one of America’s popular holiday traditions. This year’s guest artist is Joan Boada, principal dancer with the San Francisco Ballet.

Dates are December 17^th and 18^th at 7:00 p.m., December 19^that 2:00 and 7:00 p.m., and December 20^th at 1:00 and 6:00 p.m. Tickets are going fast so purchase yours today by calling (949) 582-4656 (noon-4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday) or online at www.saddleback.edu/arts. Ticket prices are $26 general; $24 students/seniors/Angels (presale only); $22 children 12 and under.

Laguna Ballet is a non-profit junior ballet company that provides Orange County with exceptional productions, including The Nutcracker. Laguna Dance Theatre and Laguna Ballet, both based in Mission Viejo, were established together in 1985 under the artistic direction of Shery Gilbert. Laguna Dance Theatre (LDT) is a classical ballet school focusing on pre-professional caliber training and is the home of Laguna Ballet.  LDT also offers excellent training for children and adults in Classical Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, Hip Hop, Musical Theater, Pilates, Yoga and Zumba. For more information and class schedules, please call Laguna Dance Theater at 949.855.4702 or visitwww.lagunadancetheatre.com.

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 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, visitwww.saddleback.edu/arts.  

Laguna Woods Village Gang of Five Responds to Charges

LETTERS

We Have Found A Smoking Gun!!

 Please read the forwarded email below from the infamous village cyber bully Paul Laughrey to 4 GRF directors and a director’s wife titled “HEY GUYS! IT'S A "GOD: THING THAT HAS JUST HAPPENED” dated 10/8.  Here are my questions about the email:

1.    Why the four GRF directors were working with the two infamous cyber bullies of our Village, Paul Loughrey (aka "L W Village") and Dawn Johnston, wife of Richard (Nextdoor.com) who have attacked and smeared directors and others?

2.    What are the ”control and power" they have gotten back?

3.    What are Dawn's prayers that have "come true" that made the "take over" for real?

4.  Why consider a merger while all 3 corporations are working hard to transition to our own management company? Who are they trying to take over or merge with, the new management company?  

While the bullies are spreading rumors with the intention of keeping the GRF majority intact, it is important to know that Third Mutual directors have had NO contact with Associa other than by their legal counsel as it relates to their service plan. Third Mutual definitely has no relationships with Associa and is fully committed to work with other mutuals to ensure a successful transition to the new own professional Management company by December 22. 

 

Never once have Third Mutual let our community down with their constant work to improve things.  They keep trying and trying with honesty and integrity. Did you know that they were told by the GRF board president that if they did not support the GRF taking over PCM (the super GRF model), Mutuals would not be allowed to use the tools and equipment they purchased?  Did you know that every time from January to August that mutuals asked for involvement they were thwarted.  The recall is to remove the subversive activities and move forward to a positive future. There is nothing personal in this.  There is no getting even, Third Mutual has a fiduciary duty. 

 

In order to allow for the better leadership and the future peace and prosperity of the Village, please support the recall of the two officers (Kathryn Freshley and Mary Stone) who have wasted hundred of thousands of dollars and canceled countless committee meetings. With the current GRF leadership style, it will be very difficult to have harmonious relationship with the other seasoned, hard working board members.

 

If you agree, please sign the attached petition. Better yet, ask your friends to help out. 

 

Once filled out, please email me back or call me (714-316-8548) to arrange for pick up.  As other alternatives, call 949-945-5488 to leave a message on supporting the recall orclick the below link to sign an online petition. Please provide your manor number.

 

https://www.change.org/p/board-of-directors-of-3rd-mutual-united-mutual-and-mutual-50-vote-yes-on-the-recall-of-grf-president-kathryn-freshley-and-secretary-mary-stone?recruiter=401516132&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=share_email_responsive

 

Sincerely,

 

Ed Tao

Letters to the Editor

We assert that fundamental transformation of America is as easy as eating an elephant.  Starts with one school district at a time.

If you wish to restore America, send your letters to the CotoBuzz Journal’s Editor:

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Please include your full name, mailing address and daytime phone number (your number will not be published).

Coto de Caza’s HOA Lawyer loses one more battle. Guess who pays?

Posted by CotoBlogzz

Coto de Caza, CA – Every time we get a chance, we yell that homeowners associaiton Lawyers and property management companies use homeowners as their private HOA.  Or as we previously reported in the previous posted titled  New lawsuit sheds light on corruption in HOA industry   “because of the seemingly unlimited and perpetual financial resources of the Association, the service providers often offer the Association self-serving advice, and make self-serving decisions which line their own pockets financially"

Worse, Coto de Caza’s largest HOA, the CZ Master Association, is also the most litigious HOA in Southern California, and now its lawyer, James Harkins has lost another battle (30-2014-00719598 ) charging the  HOA $30,000 for a Small Claims Court complaint!  Guess who is footing the bill? HINT:  It is   not Harkins, not the property manager and not the HOA directors.

In this last case, defendant Miner’s Request for Court Order to vacate the court’s dismissal of the Small Claims action without prejudice, and to enter a dismissal with prejudice, was granted. 

Trial, within the meaning of CCP § 581(a)(6), commenced within the meaning of CCP § 581(e), when the court heard witness testimony on the trial de novo on 9/22/14 and 10/6/14.  After commencement of trial, the HOA no longer possessed the right to dismiss without prejudice.  The HOA has failed to make a showing of good cause for any different result, within the meaning of CCP § 581(e). 

CCP § 473 allows a court in its discretion, to set aside an order made through a party’s mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or excusable neglect.  Here, the court’s 3/9/15 order dismissing the HOA’s complaint without prejudice, was entered as a result of Miner’s mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or excusable neglect in failing to file his opposition to the HOA’s request in the Central branch court rather than Harbor branch court (where the Small Claims action originated), and his confusion in not knowing he was able or required to attend the 3/9/15 hearing.  Accordingly, the court exercises its discretion to set aside the 3/9/15 order dismissing the HOA’s Small Claims action without prejudice.

We continue our investigation as to why the CZ Master Association is the most litigious HOA in Southern California.  We ask its president Xochitl Yocham to help us unravel the mystery, but instead of helping us, she continues with obfuscation:  The HOA has failed to provide us records of complete legal expenses for a specified period, as prescribed by civil code.  Our preliminary conclusion is that Ms Yocham and the HOA’s lawyer and property management company, are toxic to the homeowner’s wallet

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New lawsuit sheds light on corruption in HOA industry:

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Rancho Santa Margarita, CA - the CZ Master is the largest the largest homeowners association in Coto de Caza.  For more than ten years, the current board of directors, aided and abetted by legal counsel and Keystone Pacific, have practically eliminated dissent and turned it into arguably the most litigious homeowners association in Southern  Californi

Homeowner sues Coto de Caza’s Keystone Pacific & James Harkins – Legal eagles come home to roost?Stanley Feldsott on his website indicates he was paid $60,000 on a $3,000 debt collection Posted by CotoBlogzz Coto de Caza, CA...

Coto de Caza's HOA not under  jurisdiction of state and or  federal law:  honorable  John Flynn III   Coto de Caza, CA – The verdict  is in, in the Small Claims Court trial  30-2012-00570806-SC-SC-HLH,  held July 23, 2012,  against the Coto de Caza Homeowners Association, otherwise known as CZ Master Association. In the case, it was alleged that the association not only failed to comply with Civil Code § 1365 but that  it continues to claim it is beyond local, state and federal jurisdiction,   The Honorable John L. Flynn III ruled that the HOA board of directors  indeed is not under  the jurisdiction of state and  federal law. Sort of Coto de Caza Free Speech on Trial – Honorable John L. Flynn III presiding Coto de Caza, CA – while most pundits speculated over what the Supreme Court would do about the individual mandate included in the ObamaCare legislation, most also warned not to read too much into the Justices’ line of questioning.  Most of the pundits were right on the latter, wrong on the fate of the individual mandate.

Robert Varo steps down from Coto de Caza's CZ Master Association, so what?Posted by CotoBlogzz Coto de Caza, CA - Coto de Caza's CZ Master Association board of directors reports that Robert Varo will n...Monday, February 03, 20144Q2013 Traffic Accident Report - Coto de Caza Rate Continues at all time high, Ladera Ranch inches up

Coto de Caza, CA - The California Highway Patrol  (CHP) traffic accident report for the fourth quarter of 2013 ending December 30, 2013 (4Q2013) shows the traffic accident rate in Coto de Caza is at an all time high at rates comparable to the ones when the CZ Master Association board of directors fired the CHP with fatal consequences in December 2005 and March of 2006.


Coto de Caza’s website gets a Failing grade from Qualys for its security protocolsRancho Santa Margarita, CA – Qualys, a pioneer and leading provider of cloud security and compliance solutions announced yesterday that its newly released tool can detect the OpenSSL HeartBleed vulnerability announced Monday, April 7, 2014
Using the Qualys tool, the CZ Master Association’s website gets a  grade of F.   So does its security company’s, Universal Protection (UPS) website

Coto de Caza and Ladera Ranch 1Q2011 Public Safety ReviewCoto de Caza, CA –By its own words and actions, it is fair to argue that Coto de Caza’s local governance is not only apathetic when it comes to public safety, but its own actions actually result increase the risk to residents. Worse, seems like adults in Coto de Caza have similar views as the local governance.

Coto de Caza's Traffic Incident Rate at Critical Danger LevelsCoto de Caza, CA - While the Coto de Caza's total population has been shrinking for the last ten years, including placement of 17 property liens for the month of January 2011 out of roughly 3500 homes, the policies pursued by the CZ Master association board of directors, the local governance, have consistently increased traffic with a reduction in CHP patrol hours, with predictable results. Consider that for close to a decade, we have consistently shown conclusive evidence that there is a direct correlation between the extent of the CHP traffic enforcement efforts and the number of traffic accidents in the community.

Coto Continues on Dangerous Course of Traffic Incidents
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Coto de Caza Fires the CHP - Again!
Coto de Caza, CA - The CotoBuzz Journal has documented the one-sided hate-hate relationship between the CZ Master Association board of directors and law enforcement agencies in general, and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) specifically (CHP). In an open board meeting for example, a board member called the Orange County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) extortionists! Despite the public abuse the CHP has received from the Coto de Caza board of directors ever since the board was coerced into bringing the CHP back for pro-active traffic patrol, figures indicate that the CHP has been doing its job: - The Chart below was published Sept. 30, 2006.
Rhianna Six Month’s Anniversary Mr. Manian’s Three Month’s AnniversaryIt has been six months since Rhianna Woolsey died (December 7, 2005) in the first traffic fatality in Coto de Caza in the last ten years. Sadly, this week also marks the Three Month Anniversary of Mr. Morteza Manian’s death, as he was struck by a...
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In July, 2006 the new state law governing HOA elections will take effect. That means that shortly thereafter, the Board should send out information concerning the mechanisms the Board intends to implement in 2007 to comply with...
First 2006-2007 Coto de Caza Board of Directors Meeting, Standing Room Only!  …and Coto de Caza’s Tar BabyThe first 2006-2007 Coto de Caza Board of Directors Meeting, can best be described as standing-room only, with the local media well represented.  A political junkie would have felt right at home, as you could sense the excitement, the energy and the...
COTOBUZZ RELEASES CRIME & VANDALISM MANAGEMENT TOOLIn its continued commitment to public safety, on June 1, 2006, CotoBuzz unveiled a Crime and Vandalism Management tool (see below for first installment), containing key metrics and a side-by-side comparison between Coto de Caza and Ladera Ranch....
COTO DE CAZA- SecurityAreNotUsIn today's Canyon Life, there was an article about Lyle Schlieder's leaving the BOD. Lyle was quoted as follows: "There are no patrols anymore. I am not sure if what we are dealing with is just a pretty face at the gate that we pay a lot of money for." So...
BREAKING NEWS: COTO IS SAFER THAN OTHER COMMUNITIES:BREAKING NEWS: COTO IS SAFER THAN OTHER COMMUNITIES:
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Lawless, Clueless Coto de CazaLast night, December 12, 2006, the CZ homeowner’s association board of directors held their regularly scheduled open session meeting. Present were representatives from the LA Times and Freedom Communications.Lawless, Values-less, Spiritual-less Coto de CazaWhen we first moved to Coto de Caza over 12 years ago, we really thought there was No Place Like Coto. Shortly thereafter CNN/Money discovered Coto as well and included it in their list of One of the Best Places to Live/Best Places to Retire.

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