Saddleback College Presents 99 year-old Crooner Shep Shepherd Free CD Release Party

 Posted by CotoBlogzz

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA – The Department of Theatre Arts once again brings free summer of theatre to Saddleback College. Along with a full month of live entertainment, the Saddleback Big Band brings back 99 year-old crooner Shep Shepherd for a special CD Release party with the Saddleback Big Band on Friday, July 15^th. The CD was recorded with the Big Band earlier this year. Some of the memorable songs being performed include S’Wonderful, You Are Too Beautiful, When You’re Smiling, Blame it on My Youth,and You Make me Feel so Young. 

For those who don’t wish to bring a blanket or sit on beach chairs, reserved seating is available at $25 per person (presale only). For reserved seats, call the ticket office at 949-582-4656 (Tues-Fri, Noon to 4:00 p.m.)

Mr. Berisford “Shep” Shepherd is an arranger, composer, drummer, trombonist, contractor, and singer. Born in Honduras in 1917, and raised in Philadelphia, he attended Jules E. Mastbaum Area Conservatory and Vocational School where he was being groomed to play percussion in the Philadelphia Orchestra. Shep served four years in the army composing, arranging, conducting, and playing trombone. After his service, he settled in New York City where he played and contracted for Broadway shows. Shep has performed and written for seminal figures such as Benny Carter, Cy Oliver, Artie Shaw, Patti Page, Lionel Hampton, and Lena Horne among others. Because of the high-demand for his arrangements, the catchphrase “Get Shep” became common among New York musicians. He toured with various Broadway shows while based in New York. One of these shows led to San Francisco, where he eventually settled and was the house drummer at Finocchio’s for 23 years. Shep moved down to South Orange County in 2007 where he met his wife, Joy. She and Shep currently reside in San Clemente, California.

The free outdoor entertainment begins with Beauty and the Beast, continues with the Big Band/Shep Shepherd release party, two Shakespeare productions, and ends with the quirky musical comedy, Little Shop of Horrors.

On Friday and Saturday, July 8^th and 9^th, Beauty and the Beast in Concert will grace the outdoor stage on the upper campus quad. Directed by Scott Farthing with musical direction by Lex Leigh, and choreography by Deidre Cavazzi, this concert will feature the familiar characters and songs from Disney’s beloved musical. The score/story is being told by actors playing the roles with an onstage orchestra. Enjoy a night out under the stars with this gem of a show – an enchanted story as old as time -- for the entire family.

On Saturday, July 16^th and Sunday, July 17^th, The City of Mission Viejo presents Shakespeare by the Sea’s productions. On the 16^th,Othello, directed by Stephanie Coltrin, is an emotionally gripping thriller where gossip turns friendships rancid, and rumor brutally murders innocence. On the 17^th, Cymbeline, directed by Cylan Broan, is an action-adventure fairy-tale romance.

On Friday and Saturday, July 22^nd and 23^rd, enjoy a summer night under the stars to the fully-staged production of Little Shop of Horrors,directed by Scott Farthing, with  musical direction by Lex Leigh, and choreography by Deidre Cavazzi. Don’t miss a chance to hang out with street singers Crystal, Ronette, and Chiffon as they tell the story of a singing plant, a daring hero, a sweet girl and a demented dentist in this loveable comedy-horror musical.

Location: The Saddleback College Upper Campus Quad (in front of the Administrative & Governance Building‐AGB), located at 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA 92692. Parking is free for this event in Parking Lots 9 & 10. All shows will begin festival seating at 6:00 p.m., with areas available for blankets, low-back chairs, and high back chairs. Guests are invited to bring a picnic dinner or enjoy food from several local food trucks including Beach Bus Bistro, Classic Tacos, a falafel truck called Falasophy, and two dessert trucks, Marcel’s Waffles, and Longboards Ice Cream. For further more detailed information go to www.saddleback.edu/summer-theatre.

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 Bard at Saddleback College, free, courtesy of the City of Mission Viejo

Posted by CotoBlogzz

Rancho Santa Margarita,  CA – The Department of Theatre Arts at Saddleback Collenge,  once again brings free summer of theatre to Saddleback College.  Along with a full month of live entertainment, the City of Mission Viejo presents Shakespeare by the Sea’s productions of Othello andCymbeline on July 16^th and 17^th. On the 16^th, Othello, directed by Stephanie Coltrin, is an emotionally gripping thriller where gossip turns friendships rancid, and rumor brutally murders innocence. On the 17^th, Cymbeline, directed by Cylan Broan, is an action-adventure fairy-tale romance.

For those who don’t wish to bring a blanket or sit on beach chairs, reserved seating is available at $25 per person (presale only). For reserved seats, call the ticket office at 949-582-4656 (Tues-Fri, Noon to 4:00 p.m.)

The free outdoor entertainment begins with Beauty and the Beast, continues with the Big Band/Shep Shepherd release party, two Shakespeare productions, and ends with the quirky musical comedy, Little Shop of Horrors.

2015 Summer of Theatre
by Stacy DeMore

On Friday and Saturday, July 8^th and 9^th, Beauty and the Beast in Concert will grace the outdoor stage on the upper campus quad. Directed by Scott Farthing with musical direction by Lex Leigh, and choreography by Deidre Cavazzi, this concert will feature the familiar characters and songs from Disney’s beloved musical. The score/story is being told by actors playing the roles with an onstage orchestra. Enjoy a night out under the stars with this gem of a show – an enchanted story as old as time -- for the entire family.

On Friday, July 15^th, the Saddleback Big Band, under the direction of Joey Sellers, will host a CD release party featuring 99 year-old crooner Shep Shepherd!

Shakespeare productions on Saturday and Sunday, July 16^th and 17^th.

On Friday and Saturday, July 22^nd and 23^rd, enjoy a summer night under the stars to the fully-staged production of Little Shop of Horrors,directed by Scott Farthing, with  musical direction by Lex Leigh, and choreography by Deidre Cavazzi. Don’t miss a chance to hang out with street singers Crystal, Ronette, and Chiffon as they tell the story of a singing plant, a daring hero, a sweet girl and a demented dentist in this loveable comedy-horror musical.

Location: The Saddleback College Upper Campus Quad (in front of the Administrative & Governance Building‐AGB), located at 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA 92692. Parking is free for this event in Parking Lots 9 & 10. Festival Seating begins at 6:00 p.m. on a first‐come, first‐serve basis. Local food trucks will be available, as well as other vendors providing drinks. Attendees can bring picnic meals for these performances. Show Time: 7:30PM – Includes Welcome and Show.

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.  

Disney’s The Beauty and the Beast Free at Saddleback College

Posted by CotoBlogzz

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

The Department of Theatre Arts  at Saddleback College presents a family tradition:   Beauty and the Beast in Concert at 7:30pm on July 8^th and 9^th on an outdoor stage in the upper campus quad at Saddleback College, located at 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo – a night out under the stars with this gem of a show for the entire family, performed with a live orchestra and visuals. Festival seating begins at 6:00 p.m., with areas available for blankets, low-back chairs, and high back chairs.

Audiences will enjoy performances of such endearing songs such as Be Our Guest, Gaston, Something There and Beauty and the Beast.

Admission is free, however, for those who don’t wish to bring a blanket or sit on beach chairs, reserved seating is available at $25 per person (presale only). For reserved seats, call the ticket office at 949-582-4656 (Tues-Fri, Noon to 4:00 p.m.)

Guests are invited to bring a picnic dinner or enjoy food from several local food trucks including Beach Bus Bistro, Classic Tacos, a falafel truck called Falasophy, and two dessert trucks featuring ice cream and waffles.

Kan Chen, China sentenced to 30 months for smuggling high-tech US Military hardware to China

Posted by CotoBlogzz

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA  Kan Chen, 26, of Ningbo, China, in Zhejiang Province, was sentenced to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiring to violate the Arms Export Control Act and International Traffic in Arms Regulations; attempting to violate the Arms Export Control Act and International Traffic in Arms Regulations; and violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, according to announcement by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin.

On June 16, 2015, Chen was arrested by Homeland Security Investigation ( HSI) agents on the Northern Mariana Island of Saipan following an eight-month long investigation into his illegal conduct and has remained in custody.  He pleaded guilty to  above charges on March 2, 2016.

“The United States will simply never know the true harm of Chen’s conduct because the end users of the rifle scopes and other technology are unknown,” said U.S. Attorney Oberly.  “No matter their nationality, those individuals who seek to profit by illegally exporting sensitive U.S. military technology will be prosecuted.  It is important that we take all necessary steps to prevent our military technology and equipment from being exported and possibly used against our service members and our allies overseas.”

According to court records, from July 2013 through his arrest in June 2015, Chen caused or attempted to cause the illegal export of over 180 export-controlled items, valued at over $275,000, from the United States to China.  Over 40 of those items – purchased for more than $190,000 – were sophisticated night vision and thermal imaging scopes, which are designated by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations as U.S. Munitions List defense articles and can be mounted on automatic and semi-automatic rifles and used for military purposes at night. 

Given the sensitivity surrounding these military-grade items, Chen devised a scheme to smuggle these items through Delaware and outside the United States.  He purchased the devices via the internet and telephone and had them mailed to several reshipping services in New Castle, Delaware, which provide an American shipping address for customers located in China, accept packages for their customers and then re-ship them to China.  In order to further conceal his illegal activity, Chen arranged for the re-shippers to send the devices to several intermediary individuals, who in turn forwarded the devices to Chen in China.  Chen then sent the devices to his customers.  During the course of this conduct, Chen made numerous false statements in order to knowingly and willfully evade the export control laws of the United States, including by undervaluing the shipments, unlawfully avoiding the filing of export information with the U.S. government, indicating that he was a natural-born U.S. citizen and providing the address of the reshipping service as his own.

Chen’s conduct was particularly harmful because he sold this military technology indiscriminately.  Thus, it could have ended up in any number of nefarious hands – including agents of foreign governments, bad actors and brokers.  Once these rifle scopes were exported to China and distributed by Chen to his customers, the military technology contained inside these items could have been reversed engineered or used anywhere in the world for a variety of purposes by oppressive regimes, terrorists, or others to threaten the United States or its allies’ military advantage or to commit human rights abuses. 

This case was investigated by HSI and U.S. Department of Commerce-Bureau of Industry and Security’s Office of Export Enforcement.  

It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jamie M. McCall and Elizabeth L. Van Pelt of the District of Delaware and the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. 

Chad Mayes, winner of 2016 Politico HOA Weasel Award capitulates on AB-1799- pulls it from committee

Posted by CotoBlogzz

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA - over the weekend, Assembly Member Mayes (R-Yucca Valley) without an explanation, pulled AB-1799 from committee, meaning that the bill is no longer active.  A rather curious action, given that Mr. Mayes authored and e pedigreed the bill, in support of the HOA Industry represented by the Community Association Institute (CAI,) disenfranchising thousands of homeowners, had the bill passed.

While it is not clear why Mr. Mayes capitulated on AB-1799, Mr. Mayes has now been exposed as a JAR:  Just Another RINO, willing to side with lobbyists, and why he was the 2016 Politico HOA Weasel Award Winner.

It is also clear that some cracks have started to appear in the CAI's armor,  particularly as it continues to promote/buy legislature based on the HOA Papers, analogous to the Tobacco and Sugar papers.

Thanks to thousands of supporters who called elected representatives to oppose AB-1799, it was pulled. Consider this just a small battle, as you can be sure this type of legislature will soon be reintroduced on behalf of Big Money, aka The HOA Industry.  Also, come November, be sure to vote against any politician who supports AB-1799

RELATED STORIES

• 

  The HOA Empire Strikes Back - CAI Tries to Discredit the CotoBuzz Journal

  Posted by CotoBlogzz Rancho Santa Margarita, CA - I expected that the Community Association Industry (CAI) would not take too kindly ...

And the HOA Weasel Award, the Silver Anvil Award of the Sugar Industry goes to..? CAI aided by Zogby Analytics!

In 2016 the CAI is deserving of the HOA Weasel Award for forging public opinion and engaging politicians such as California Assemblyman Ch...

And the 2016 CA Politico HOA Weasel Award Goes to….? Chad Mayes!

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA -  And the 2016 Politico HOA Weasel Award goes to......?  Drum roll please:  Assemblyman Chad Mayes [R-Yucca Valley] 42 District for exhibiting mantra:  To help elect a candidate is so easy, a caveman can do it.  To contact an elected official takes a lobbyist.  In this case, Mr, Mayes has fallen for the self-serving rhetoric of the HOA Industry represented by the Community Association Institute (CAI)

Reporter looking into CID/HOA collections schemes

Posted by CotoBlogzz Rancho Santa Margarita, CA -  if you live in a common interest development/homeowners’ association, and  have been...

Why is California Assemblyman Chad Mayes Expediting AB-1799 - bad legislation for homeowners?

Posted By CotoBlogzz.com Rancho Santa Margarita, CA – We have often argued I that we no longer need to elect legislators.  We need ...

Dyimond Campbell, Niresha Collins, arrested by IPD on $100 Bill Scam. Other suspect on the loose

The Irvine Police Department (IPD) arrested two suspects for using counterfeit $100 bills to steal from local small businesses. The suspects are identified as Dyimond Campbell, 22, of Los Angeles and Niresha Collins, 27, of Inglewood. They were arrested for commercial burglary, conspiracy to commit a crime, and making/passing fictitious currency.

According to the IPD, in the afternoon of June 22, 2016, Campbell and Collins entered a restaurant on the 17000 block of MacArthur Boulevard and attempted to use a counterfeit $100 bill to pay for an order of food. The manager recognized the bill as fake and called IPD.

Responding officers contacted the suspects and determined that they were involved in a series of related crimes in Irvine and Orange County.

The suspects use counterfeit $100 bills to make small purchases in order to get large sums of authentic currency as change. The investigation revealed that they primarily targeted small businesses such as nail salons and pizza parlors.

Campbell and Collins were arrested at the scene without incident. The investigation is ongoing. IPD is seeking information from the public about a possible third subject involved in some of the series. This person is African-American and may be male or female dressed in male clothing.

Refer to surveillance video of this subject at www.facebook.com/IrvinePD

Anyone with additional information in this case is asked to call Detective Kristi Valentine at 949-724-7188.

# # #

• Counterfeit Bills.pdf

OTC with Shu & Tom LePage, a property manager advocating transparency - Sat Jun. 25th, 2016 at 2:00pm, est.

Hosted and produced by Shu Bartholomew, On The Commons is a weekly radio show dedicated to discussing the many issues surrounding mandatory homeowner associations, the fastest growing form of residential housing in the nation. This Week's Show I have been scratching my head, trying to understand the thinking behind homeowner and condo associations. It was a big mystery 36 years ago when I first encountered these confounding things.  It is still a huge mystery. Condo associations are a different breed of animal but I still fail to understand the need for all the gibberish that seems to be part and parcel of this ancient and once simple and uncomplicated housing concept. After almost 30 years of studying residential associations and trying to understand them, I am still scratching my head.  What would happen if we removed that 4th layer of government and taxing power?  Would the world collapse?  Perhaps local municipal governments would have to become better stewards of public funds instead of thinking money grows on trees?  Now that would be a tragedy, wouldn't it?   Or would we become a nation of red doors, cars on blocks and toilets adorning front yards? Does anyone really believe that?  We are told that this form of governance brings us "democracy, up close and personal".  Still trying to understand that one. All the pretty speak surrounding this type of homeownership assures housing consumers they will have far greater influence over the way their communities work.  I say hogwash! Tom LePage joins us On The Commons this week.  Tom is a property manager north of the border, in Ontario, Canada.  With over 30 years of experience in the field of property management he branched out into consulting and says he has a passion for well managed condominiums.  Tom has been following all the nonsense that goes on here, south of his border and is, no doubt, scratching his head as well. He is the founder of Condo-Ology and maintains a blog that can be accessed from his web page.  Property managers here, there and everywhere are a dime a dozen but one thing that makes Tom different is his firm belief in TRANSPARENCY.  That word is one of the first words you will find on his website.  Join us for a fun interview as we compare and contrast typical association issues, talk about potential "fixes", discuss some that have been tried in the US and start to explore more ideas.  Tom has a lot of ideas that deserve to be heard so listen to part one now as I hope he will be back sometime soon with more of his ideas. Share your stories on   From the HOA Trenches On The Commons is broadcast every Saturday from 2-3 PM ET on Radio Fairfax. In the Northern Virginia area, On The Commons can be heard on Cox Cable, Channel 37 and Verizon Channel 37. On Comcast channel 27 in Reston in addition to several more cable channels all across Northern Virginia. To listen LIVE globally on the internet, go to Radio Fairfax and click on "Stream Radio Fairfax" and if you are on the go, on your mobile devices, Radio Fairfax Mobile The show will be available on On the Commons shortly afterwards. Please also visit our archives atOn the Commons. Shu Bartholomew  Host and producer On The Commons is produced by OTC Multimedia Productions

TCA A Parasitic Bureaucracy? Regardless, attend Public Forum today!

Posted By CotoBlogzz


Coto de Caza, CA- In the past, we have referred to the TCA as just another parasitic bureaucracy.  Whether it is or is not, is not the issue this time.  The issue is whether there is enough public discussion to impact the future of transportation in Southern California.

The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) holding a public forum, Get Moving Orange County, as the first part in a series of next steps to address transportation mobility concerns in South Orange County. The public forum will be held Monday, June 20, at the Laguna Niguel Community Room from 5:30 - 8 p.m. The forum will include comprehensive transportation presentations as well as interactive discussions about transportation concerns in South Orange County.  To RSVP, please visit GetMovingOrangeCounty.com.

Is Orange County Register Using WMD to promote the HOA Papers?

Posted By  CotoBlogzz

Coto de Caza, CA – Is the New and improved Orange County Register (OCR) using weapons of mass disinformation (WMD) to promote the HOA Papers?  It certainly looks like it.

The piece titled  Here's a legislative suggestion box to help California's HOAs, published online June 18, 2016, is authored by contributing columnist Kelly Richardson.  Mr. Richardson’s bio at the bottom of the piece states that “Kelly G. Richardson is a Fellow of the College of Community Association Lawyers and senior shareholder of Richardson Harman Ober PC, a law firm known for community association advice.”

What the OCR AND Mr. Richardson fail to mention, is that according to Mr. Richardson’s own website “Mr. Richardson is a leading advocate for the Community Associations Institute (CAI) and is currently serving as National Trustee for a second consecutive term. As an active member, he has served on the Greater Los Angeles Chapter Board for more than six years and was its 2004 Chapter President. He was also the recipient of CAI’s 2004 National “Rising Star” award. He is presently a member of the Board of CAI’s Orange County Chapter.’

Why is this disclosure important you ask?  The HOA Industry, represented by the Community Association Institute, like the Sugar Industry and the Tobacco Industry before it, makes use of self-serving research, such as the one conducted by Zogby Analytics .

As HOA advocate George Staropoli says "It seems that CAI needs to assert that it alone is the entity to turn to for information about HOA-Land, and nobody else. That's the view expressed by CAI in its CAI Manifesto. And anyone not in agreement with CAI's views just doesn't know anything and should be dismissed forthwith.  Might be just one reason why when we questioned the Zogby Methodology, its representative Frank Rathburn responded to with personal attacks, questioning not only my journalistic qualifications but also my qualifications to pass judgment on the Zogby Methodology. 

This is the pattern established by the Tobacco and Sugar Industry:  Discredit industry critics and cast enough doubt, that politicians such as the 2016 Politico HOA Weasel Award recipient Chad Mayes  will continue to support the status quo.

The unfair HOA boxing match

Let's be honest:  If this was a boxing match, the CAI and Mr. Richardson would be one one corner and homeowners on another one.  Most HOA boards should be neutral, but when money and power is involved, you can bet that they quickly line up with the CAI .

If pressed, I would say that I happen to agree only on two or Mr. Richardson's recommendations:  Abolish cumulative voting and expand conflict on interests.  All of the others recommendations help further promote the CAI's chock-hold on the HOA industry.

I should note that in the past, I have been very disappointed with the OCR as it has usually sided with HOA boards that do not have the best interests of homeowners in mind, including contacting the Freedom Communications board of directors and legal counsel as it was providing cover for wrong-headed  HOA public safety policies that eventually led to the first and second traffic fatality in the community withing a three month period.  In other words, that fact that the OCR is creating an echo chamber of the HOA industry is not that surprising

RELATED STORIES

And the HOA Weasel Award, the Silver Anvil Award of the Sugar Industry goes to..? CAI aided by Zogby Analytics!

In 2016 the CAI is deserving of the HOA Weasel Award for forging public opinion and engaging politicians such as California Assemblyman Ch...

The HOA Empire Strikes Back - CAI Tries to Discredit the CotoBuzz Journal

Posted by CotoBlogzz Rancho Santa Margarita, CA - I expected that the Community Association Industry (CAI) would not take too kindly ...

Realtor(r) Blaming the HOA Victim

A Note of Caution About HOAs

Most horror stories about homeowners associations are rooted in the owners’ misunderstanding of what they are buying into.

The CotoBuzz Journal : Realtor(r) Blaming the HOA Victim

				The CotoBuzz Journal : Realtor(r) Blaming the HOA Victim A Note of Caution About HOAs Most horror stories about homeowners associations are rooted in the owners’ misunderstanding of what they ar...
				View on cotobuzz.blogspot.com	Preview by Yahoo

Debunking CAI's whitepapers, myths and fallacies: OTC Radio Show with Bill and Shu

By Cynthia Stephens

If you did not listen, please do ASAP!  You will be very glad you did!  Bill discusses insight into cases and upcoming victories for HOA homeowners and not just in TX, but is applicable across America.  

The CotoBuzz Journal : Debunking CAI's whitepapers, myths and fallacies: OTC Radio Show with Bill and Shu

				The CotoBuzz Journal : Debunking CAI's whitepapers, myt... By Cynthia Stephens
				View on cotobuzz.blogspot.com	Preview by Yahoo

And the 2016 CA Politico HOA Weasel Award Goes to….? Chad Mayes!

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA -  And the 2016 Politico HOA Weasel Award goes to......?  Drum roll please:  Assemblyman Chad Mayes [R-Yucca Valley] 42 District for exhibiting mantra:  To help elect a candidate is so easy, a caveman can do it.  To contact an elected official takes a lobbyist.  In this case, Mr, Mayes has fallen for the self-serving rhetoric of the HOA Industry represented by the Community Association Institute (CAI)

Clueless In Coto de Caza: HOA willfully ignorant grossly incompetent, or?

RE:  Unacceptable Response to Inspection of Records - collections administration

Greetings

This is to notify the CZ Master Association board of directors and residents that, I have received Vinnie Davis’ response to my request for records associated with collections administration, dated April 13, 2016 and it is completely unacceptable.

The CotoBuzz Journal : Clueless In Coto de Caza: HOA willfully ignorant grossly incompetent, or?

				The CotoBuzz Journal : Clueless In Coto de Caza: HOA wil... VIA ONLINE PUBLICATION, EMAIL & POST May 1, 2016 TO:  CZ Master Association Board of Directors. CC.  CZ Homeowners C/o Keystone Pacific, 3001 Tomas Suit...
				View on cotobuzz.blogspot.com	Preview by Yahoo

The CotoBuzz Journal : And the 2016 CA Politico HOA Weasel Award Goes to….? Chad Mayes!

				The CotoBuzz Journal : And the 2016 CA Politico HOA We... Posted by CotoBlogzz
				View on cotobuzz.blogspot.com	Preview by Yahoo