orange-politicos

Orange Soldier killed in Iraq

2008-02-01T13:00:00.000-08:00

The following is from the oc register and is a very sad story. Thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Orange soldier killed in ambush believed in the fight
His wife recalls the special spark between them.

By ELLYN PAK
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

ORANGE Caitlin Meyer knew a handful of things about the guy she would meet on the blind date: He loved horses, surfing and the color baby blue.

So before she met him, Caitlin bought a stuffed toy horse and dressed it with a blue mini T-shirt. She gave it to the guy – who had just moved to California – as a gift on their first date.

The young man's name was Brandon Meyer. He was a sweet, Christian boy who had finished high school in Texas and moved to Orange County to be closer to the beach. He was book-smart and loved music, baseball and football.

“He's everything I'm not, and I'm everything he's not,” said Caitlin, who grew up in Orange. “It was a spark.”

That spark turned into a romance and marriage. Brandon, who had studied biology at Concordia University in Irvine, joined the Army in January 2007. Caitlin – who had previously enlisted in the Army – was medically discharged due to asthma.

The newlyweds moved to Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colo., in July. About five months later, Brandon was sent to Iraq for his first deployment.

“He liked fighting for what he believed in,” Caitlin said. “He wanted to re-enlist later.”
But before he left for Iraq in December, he told his wife what he'd like at his funeral. He wanted to be buried by the ocean. He wanted guests to wear baby blue and sing “Amazing Grace.” He envisioned a memorial with full military honors and a 21-gun salute.

Pfc. Brandon Meyer, 20, who always stuck by his convictions, wanted to be buried in uniform.
“What's going on over there is real,” Caitlin said. “He told me that if he died, he wanted to die doing what he believed in.”

Brandon, a saw gunner, called his wife two or three times a week between patrols in Mosul. He wouldn't tell her much, though Caitlin knew in his voice when something was wrong. Brandon had dodged bullets, including one that flew by his head when he looked out a window in a house soldiers had raided.

About a week later, last Monday, Brandon's vehicle was blasted by a roadside bomb. Insurgents then ambushed the vehicle with gunfire from a mosque in Mosul. Brandon, along with four others, were killed. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment Team, 4th Infantry Division from Fort Carson.

Caitlin had a feeling something happened the night Brandon died. She was with two friends when she had an urge to listen to depressing, mellow music. She had no idea of the attack in Mosul.
Soon after, two soldiers came to her house. Her grandmother, Jeanette Calvin, called her to come home.

Caitlin is now planning Brandon's funeral at the church where they got married and a burial by the ocean.

“You go into it knowing it could happen, but at the same time you think, ‘Did this just happen to me?' ” she said. “I'm a 20-year-old widow. That's not normal. That's not the way it should be. At all.”

Meyer, who was promoted to specialist after his death, would have turned 21 today. He is also survived by his father, Terry; mother, Genia; and younger sister, Desiree.
On Feb. 11, Caitlin will bury her husband with that stuffed toy horse.

Contact the writer: 714-704-3788 or epak@ocregister.com

Good Day to the City of Orange!!!!

2008-01-31T13:49:00.000-08:00

I am sorry it has taken so long to get this up and running......BUT it is now going.

1. I will be blogging about items from the newspaper on our elected officails from Orange, and Villa PArk

2. I will blog about the City of Orange Council meetings (at least what I can get on tv).

3. I will blog about run ins or dealings with elected offficials from any level of government!

So folks here we go.

Hope you like the blog and lets have some fun!

As for the Orange City Council.....

Well Mayor Cavecche, and Councilmembers Denis Bilodeau, Teresa Smith, Jon Dumitru, and Mark Murphy....expect that the public is interested!

UPDATE TO BLOG COMING

2007-08-03T10:21:00.000-07:00

We are currently changing this blog to either an entire new style and host or just updating this to look new and different. Check back soon for the updates

OCTA Strike update and info!!!

2007-07-10T10:37:00.001-07:00

As you may know the OCTA has had its bus drivers on strike for the last 4 days.

I received an e-mail today stating that, is Carolyn Cavecche does not show leadership that they will attend the Orange City Council meeting and speak up! They will also picket at the meeting.

So, if your interested in the strike and want to see bus drivers tell her off, come on down to the Orange City Council meeting tonight at 4:30pm

I will be there!

Cavecche OCTA Follies, hurts the poor!

2007-07-10T07:27:00.000-07:00

Bus strike enters 4th day

By DENISSE SALAZAR

The Orange County Register

Negotiations are continuing this morning after the Orange County Transportation Authority and union negotiators talked all night to reach a deal to end the four-day strike by county bus drivers.

While both sides remain at the bargaining table, about to 225,000 daily riders remain stranded or have to find other transportation to get to work or elsewhere.

Late Monday, OCTA officials and bus drivers called for a media blackout at a press conference out of concern that interaction with news reporters was hindering their abilities to negotiate a labor contract that will end the strike.

Both parties agreed to cut off communication with reporters until the strike could be settled.

OCTA spokesman Joel Zlotnik said if a settlement can be reached buses can return to normal service in "as little as a day or two."

Today, 31 of the 81 routes, including the heavily used No. 43 line between Fullerton and Costa Mesa via Harbor Boulevard, are operating at no cost to the rider. While 30 routes are being staffed by contracted drivers, supervisors are staffing the No. 43 line.

The Mayor of Orange, Carolyn Cavecche is also the Chairperson of the OCTA. She has led the OCTA into a fight with the drivers, and hurting those that rely on the bus services. I hope that she will actually lead, and end this strike and get the buses rolling again.

One thing that is strange is that Cavecche has been very quiet about this whole subject, I haven't seen her in the newspaper or on tv as of yet, which is surprising. Afterall, she loves the media attention!

Orange Car Dealership RAIDED BY THE DA!

2007-07-10T07:26:00.000-07:00

Nissan dealership in Orange raided

District Attorney investigators are looking into accusations of identity theft. Thousands may be at risk, prosecutors say.

By KIMBERLY EDDS

The Orange County Register

ORANGE - A Nissan dealership here was raided Monday by dozens of investigators from Orange County District Attorney's Office and the Orange police department as part of a months-long investigation in complaints of identity theft by the dealership.

The investigation into Douglas Nissan at 1140 W. Katella Avenue is still in its infancy, officials said at a press conference in front of the dealership, but there may have been thousands of fraudulent loans processed with the stolen identities of thousands of unsuspecting people in the scam. The vast majority of victims were Hispanic, prosecutors said.

Douglas Nissan remained open while uniformed police officers carted out more than 350 cardboard boxes packed with lease documents, dealer jackets, and loan applications. Potential customers wandered the lots of shiny new Altimas, Pathfinders and Titans. Salesmen patiently answered questions – about the cars – not the investigation.

“The only thing going on here is a big sale. Everyone knows that,” said a man who identified himself as a manager at the dealership, but refused to give his name. Other employees were pulled inside the dealership office when questioned by a small cluster of reporters and television cameras.

Prosecutors believe pilfered pay stubs, driver licenses and social security numbers were used to apply for – and get – fraudulent car loans at Douglas Nissan, said Susan Schroeder, a spokeswoman of the Orange County District Attorney's Office.

“This is something that frightens everyone – that their identity might be stolen and they're left holding the bad credit,” Schroeder said.

Investigators were looking into whether employees of the dealership were part of the scam.

The multi-agency investigation – which included representatives of the Department of Motor Vehicles - began about three months ago after complaints of fraudulent loans being processed by the dealership flooded the District Attorney's office.

Prosecutors would not say how many complaints were fielded by the District Attorney's Office, saying it was “numerous” and “big enough to have all this effort.”

The Better Business Bureau, which keeps track of complaints customers make against businesses, recorded 42 complaints against Douglas Nissan over the last three years. Eleven of those complaints resulted in a full refund to the customer. Douglas Nissan earned a B rating from the bureau – the middle of the bureau's 12 ratings. According to the bureau's Web site, a B is a good rating that still implies reputability.

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim is asked to call the District Attorney's Office at 714-648-3626.

Bilodeau, Crime Fighter ?

2007-07-04T19:56:00.000-07:00

Councilman helps arrest burglary suspect

Denis Bilodeau chases suspect who allegedly stole from a neighbor's open garage.

By COURTNEY BACALSO

The Orange County Register

Councilman Denis Bilodeau took fighting crime into his own hands.

The first-term councilman from Orange spotted a man suspected of trying to break into a car and kept watching.

The incident occurred as the councilman was driving home just after 3 a.m. Saturday and noticed a man walking in his neighborhood.

“I know all my neighbors in my tract,” Bilodeau said. “But I didn’t recognize him.”

He watched as the suspect entered a neighbor’s open garage. He allegedly took an iPod from a vehicle parked inside.

As the suspect walked out of the garage, he noticed Bilodeau. The councilman called the police as the man took off. Another suspect joined him on foot and continued running away moments later. The second man, Sean Casey Sheets, 26, turned back toward Bilodeau’s car.

“Sheets tried to chase after me in an attempt to scare me off,” Bilodeau said. “He even ran up to my car and hit it. You can see the dent he made.” Sheets is 6 feet 8. Bilodeau is 5-9.

The two men jumped into the passenger seats of a waiting silver Acura, a woman at the wheel. Bilodeau drove after the car onto the northbound 55 Freeway.

The Acura driver slammed on the brakes and stopped in an attempt to lose Bilodeau. He went in reverse to stay behind the car. Sheets jumped out of the Acura and started running toward the councilman’s car. That’s when the Orange police arrived and arrested him.

The two other suspects took off in the Acura, but Bilodeau wrote down their license plate number.

Sheets faces vandalism charges for hitting the councilman’s car.

Auto burglars have been hitting his East Orange neighborhood a lot, Bilodeau said. His laptop was stolen last year from his car that was parked in front of his home.

“I think it’s because we are so close to the freeway,” he said. “My neighbors and I are stepping up our Neighborhood Watch program since we’re fed up with this activity.”

Sheets was arrested by Orange police officers on suspicion of vandalism. Sheets had an arrest warrant for driving on a suspended license and other vehicle code violations, Orange police Sgt. Dan Adams said.

Sheets, who was being held at Orange County Jail, posted bail Monday and a court date will be set within 30 days, Orange County sheriff’s officials said.

The other two suspects are still at large.

I think this a very interesting story, Now remember Bilodeau is currently on trial for theft and vandalism himself, related back to his 2006 City Council race against Carol Rudat. Bilodeau was caught on video stealing a sign of another candidate.

I think also that Bilodeau should exercise better judgement, he was racing around the streets chasing this suspect and was driving in reverse on the freeway. Bilodeau could have been injured or worst, and lets also think of all the people he endangered to make sure he gets a news story.

Bilodeau, my only word of advice, let the Orange Police do their job!

Bilodeau Case Postponed AGAIN!

2007-06-15T09:58:00.000-07:00

Denis Bilodeau, who has been accused of stealing political signs in the last campaign (Nov-06), was supposed to start trial the other day, however, the trial has been postponed again.

I am sure that Denis Bilodeau would like to finally address the issues on why he stole them and I am sure the Carol Rudat (the victim) would like to know why aswell.

I will post on any new developments.

Orange Councilman Bilodeau case to go to a jury!

2007-06-10T19:09:00.000-07:00

BREAKING NEWS......

This just in from the Orange Net News and Greater Orange EBlog.....

Orange Councilman Denis Bilodeau jury trial on charges of removing a political campaign sign of opponent Carol Rudat in the 2006 City Council Campaign is scheduled to begin June 12th in Santa Ana at 8:30 a.m.

The Orange County District Attorney Case Management file lists the case as follows:

“Early in the morning of October 29th 2006, Bilodeau is accused of removing a political sign of his opponent, Carol Rudat, from the intersection of Chapman Avenue and Hewes Street in Orange. He was observed by Rudat’s daughter who called the police.”

The maximum penalty for the offense is six months in jail.

An anti-Bilodeau website set up during the 2006 City Council Campaign has photographs of the alleged incident.

However. I will not post this website....I received an e-mail from Councilman Bilodeau about the site and he states....

"It certainly is "malicious and a reckless disregard of the truth".
I hope that you will respect the privacy of me, my wife and children
and not republish untrue defamatory material".

Now I could care less about the privacy of Councilman Bilodeau, however, the privacy of others is a big deal
to me, and to that end I will not republish the website addess

I feel that overall I have been very fair to Councilman Bilodeau, however, is it time to consider weather we should allow this person to hold elective office if convicted. I will be the 1st to say it....Councilman Bilodeau, if your convicted you should consider resigning your seat, how can you be a roll model for others!

The other question I have is why isn't the Orange City Council and Mayor, not asking him to step down while the trial is in progress, his presence in the Council Meeting is casting shame on all of them.

Pitcher Park Perfect !

2007-05-15T22:04:00.000-07:00

Members of Leadership Orange help landscape Pitcher Park, which will be featured Sunday on 'California's Gold.'

By COURTNEY BACALSO
Staff writer - OC Register

Tom Waters moved to Orange so he could grow rare fruit trees.

But he didn't learn about Pitcher Park, a passive park which features a garden similar to that of his own, until September when he joined Leadership Orange.

Waters and the 19 other members in the get-to-know-Orange class took on the half-acre park hidden by trees on the corner of Almond Street and Cambridge Avenue as its special project.

Friday, the group planted new flowers in the three flowerbeds in the park – marking the end of the special project.

They also replaced grape trellises, planted 15 donated trees and refurbished the Pitcher Family Museum.

Waters was also responsible for Huell Howser visiting the park and the city. The city and the park will be featured at 8 p.m. Sunday on "California's Gold."

"When I heard about this park, I just thought 'wow, this guy is just like me with all the weird fruit trees,'" Waters said laughing. "I just fell in love with it."

The property belonged to Henry and Grace Pitcher who had a son, Laurence. Laurence married Alice Clark in 1932. The property served as an urban farm where Laurence raised bees in the backyard as a hobby.

In 1992, Alice Pitcher, then a widow with no children, donated the property to the city. But with two conditions: it must remain as a passive park with the same trees the family planted years ago and the house must go.

The park features a variety of fruit trees, benches and tables to play chess on, the "honey house" with Laurence's honey processor, and a remake of the barn house.

Inside the barn are the Pitcher Family Museum and the City of Orange Fire Museum.

"This park does give a sense of how Orange used to be, said Councilwoman Tita Smith. "It's so wonderful, especially in the spring when the blossoms are so fragrant."

POLICE, COPPERS, The FUZZ!

2007-05-08T22:31:00.000-07:00

So I almost forgot all about the Council meeting tonight, but tuned in time to watch the talk about the need for more cops in the City of Orange.

From what I have learned and wtaching a few meeting now, is that Mayor Cavecche is pushing to break the city's piggy bank by hiring a bunch of new police officers. I gather that the cost was well over 1 million dollars for the new cops.

an interesting fact that came during the talks is that, we here in teh City of Orange have over 160 police officers, thats a lot of them. Also, we learned that "The Block" sucks a big portion of the available police services down the drain.

Councilwoman Smith brought up a really point in regards to funding an officers, the overtime dollars is almost 2 million a year, and why don't they use the OT money and hire people, becuase that will cut the ot hours by being fully staffed.

Councilman Bilodeau, who has had his troubles with law enforcement and is still under investigation for his actions. He only agreed and felt that the City could use 4 addl officers and thanked Mayor Cavecche for bring this forward.

Councilman Dumitru, was also interested in finding a way to hire more cops, not a surprise...but what was a surprise, he asked to cut the City Council's budget in order to fund the new officers!

Counclman Murphy, only expressed concern for the budget and that there have been a number of good ideas brought forward.

Mayor Cavecche, talked about the budget and that the City could afford the addl officers and she even threaten her fellow electeds with, "I will not vote on the budget if there isn't more officers", then she also stated that she is interested in hiring 6 addl officers.

The City Manager wieghed in and shut the pocket book....and thank god right in time....

In the end, the item was asked to be studied by staff and bring back soluations.

City Council KILLS local business!

2007-04-25T10:22:00.000-07:00

Rockin’ Sushi can’t sell liquor
The Orange City Council on Tuesday pulls permit on troubled nightclub/restaurant.

By COURTNEY BACALSO STAFF WRITER - OC Register

The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to pull an operating permit from Quan’s Rockin’ Sushi, meaning that the restaurant/nightclub won’t be able to serve alcohol.

The ruling went into effect Wednesday.

While numerous people spoke on the issue at previous public hearings in front of the Planning Commission and the council, no one spoke at Tuesday’s meeting – including council members.

The decision comes on the heels of a city-compiled, 2,100-plus page report about the 265 arrests and hundreds of other incidents tied to Quan’s patrons and employees since 1999. By revoking the business’s conditional-use permit to serve liquor, the business will not be able to serve alcohol or provide entertainment but can continue on its restaurant business at the site, 1107 N. Tustin St.

Attempts to reach Quan’s owner Tuesday evening for comment were unsuccessful. Previously, Robert Drieslein, who bought the business in September, said he inherited some of the problems and expected this type of outcome.

“I am just going to have to chalk up my losses,” he said in a previous interview.

The state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control had already decided to suspend the business’ liquor license for 65 days beginning May 3. The suspension was handed down because the club allegedly sold alcohol to minors, and for an abnormally high number of police calls, said ABC spokesman John Carr.

More than 60 Quan’s patrons have been arrested on drunken-driving charges since 1999 – four of those arrests were for people under the age of 21, the city report says. In the same time span, there were 79 alcohol-related arrests involving minors and 16 assaultrelated arrests, the report says.

City officials delivered the notice to the business owners Wednesday.

This marks the second time in the city’s history that an operating permit has been pulled. In 1995, a local teen club in West Orange was shut down.

My 1st visit to Villa Park City Hall!

2007-04-24T22:35:00.000-07:00

I went to the Villa Park City Council Meeting tonight, and wow!

I have attended a number of meetings at the Orange City Hall in the past, but this was my 1st time in Villa Park. 1st off the City hall is in what appears to be a rented store front, next to Ralphs Market.

Walking and finding my seat was interesting. The place is a...well, there is just no nice way to say it...a dump. A so disappointing for what I think is a jewel of a City.

But I sat there and watched the meeting a got to hear about the Profession Fire Fighters, like Debby Pauley, and feel she shouldn't be recalled and that the Volunteer Fire Fighters need to be run out of town.

Interesting, a "UNION" (aka..special interest), asking for a person to fight a recall, or for that matter that the recall was wrong...regardless of how I feel about the recall, this is bad...it feels like Pauley let the fox guard the Taxpayer henhouse. But I am sure the union guy didn't want it to appear like that she was their puppet.

Other then that pretty boring meeting, except for item #13...Cell phone issues and potential location of towers in Villa Park.

The City Council approved a contract with ATS Communications to conduct a wireless master plan and to assist the City in identifying potential locations for wireless facilities in order to limit the amount of facilities through co-location and to maintain control over the process. The contract was approved in February 2006. ATS has completed its review and has identified a site in the eastern portion of the City that is optimum for a wireless facility.

Thats it....

The Library Re-opens

2007-04-21T13:13:00.000-07:00

Well, I spent some time down at the new Library on Chapman Avenue in Old Towne. Well, lets be correct. It the Old Library remodeled and expanded and looks great.

I don"t believe in giving praise to the elected officials for doning things like this, because in all reality, they don't do thing.

But in this case, the entire City Council in 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006, have all been very involved. So congrats to the Mayor and the whole City Council.

It will be great to see the youth of the City of Orange using this building again.

Also wandering around the Library on opening day besides Mayor Cavecche.

Councilmembers Smith, Dumitru, Bilodeau, and Murphy...also there was Todd Spitzer (assmblyman) and Mike Davall (assmblyman)

Nice event and great time.

Sorry on missing posts

2007-04-10T09:32:00.000-07:00

I am still working on the whole blog posts...

I will be updating shortly>>>>

All hell is breaking loose in Villa Park!

2007-03-29T20:35:00.000-07:00

Villa Park group launches recall

Villa Park Citizens for Honest Government said it will attempt to recall Councilwoman Deborah Pauly.

By ELLYN PAK
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

VILLA PARK – A group of Villa Park residents announced Tuesday that it will launch an effort to oust a newly elected councilwoman.

Villa Park Citizens for Honest Government, formed shortly after the November elections, said it will try to recall Councilwoman Deborah Pauly, sworn in Dec. 12.

"We don't like the precedent of how she participated in her electionary practice for future elections in Villa Park," resident Steve Marquez said.

The group alleges that Pauly "intimidated and harassed" voters at polling sites and posted political signs on properties of people who didn't support her, among other charges.
"We're talking about political sour grapes, and they are trying to undo the results of the election," Pauly said Wednesday.

Officials silenced members of the group who tried to testify during public-comment segments at council meetings because the issue was not "within the jurisdiction of the City Council," City Attorney Len Hampel said.

State law requires Pauly to respond to the charges. Then a recall petition must be submitted.
The District Attorney's Office said Wednesday it is reviewing a complaint against Pauly.

*********

The City of Villa Park, the same City that brought us.......hmmmmm, nothing...is in the midst of a recall. Deborah Pauly, apparently has a lot of emenies and even her own fellow councilmembers are fanning the fires.

I think that these people calling for the recall are petty and they lost a recent election. Give it up, keep track of her record and then run against her in a couple of years when she is up for re-election.

While, I won't pick a side in this officially until I read all the information and read Councilmember Pauly's responses.

Why read the OC BLOG???

2007-03-22T15:30:00.000-07:00

I was given some pointers by Frank as the family departed Orange the other day, and some advice was to read the OC Blog, aswell as a number of other local blogs and websites.

I have started to do a round up everyday and one thing is apparent to me, Yes, OC Blog is a must read. As is most of the links on their site, and the info is full of political inside info.

The amount of info is interesting and also apparently from post the main author "Jubal" lives in the City of Orange. I must say, I will regularly link stories and it should be interesting to follow items and see if I can scoop the famous OC Blog.

As I get started on this challenge to report the goings on of Orange and Villa Park, I will tip te hat to the OC Blog.

The New and Improved Orange Politico's Blog

2007-03-22T14:17:00.000-07:00

Frank Johnson (aka...nope, it will remain a secret..though I was totally surprised), has asked me to take over the blog and to keep those that check in from time to time updated.

Of course a couple of the changes you may have noticed right off the bat is the layout and the graphics. That is only the start.

I will be following or at least trying to follow the local office holders for the cities of Orange and Villa Park. I will also try and follow other office holders that may affect Orange and Villa Park. I will also try and follow other interesting political stories.

I am also looking for another writer to assist in the writing of items and to keep this fresh and worth visiting.

So there you have the story,

Welcome to the New Orange-Politicos

Stephanie Rudat, tossed out into the cold!

2007-02-04T17:52:00.000-08:00

This just came to via a secret source,

But a former City Council Candidate Carol "Beach Bunny" Rudat is allowing her daughter Stephanie to be tossed into the mean streets of Corona Del Mar.

Carol Rudat who campaigned on "Sticking by Family", "My Parents raised me too"' and Family Values", shows just how cold and heartless she truly is. But I ask 1 question further, What about husband David Rudat, former City Manager of the City or Orange, does he not care about his daughter, why doesn't he step up and help.

It was interesting my source told me that the Rudat's spent $210,000 on her unsuccessful bid for city council, and yet they allow their daughter to be homeless.

The following is from the documents provided to me.....

First American Title and Wells Fargo Bank, filed a notice of Default and Election to Sell Under Deed of Trust....

This was filed in the County of Orange, record #2006000871752 at 4:21pm on 12/28/06.

First American Lonestar Trustee Services is the current beneficiary, under the current deed of trust dated 8/2/2006....

She is in default of $570,000

But wait....THERE'S MORE...........

This isn't the 1st time that daughter, Stephanie has had foreclosure paperwork served on her....second time she’s defaulted on the home.

Click here and scroll to number 12. www.nefcortez.com/home-files/Foreclosures/Archives/OC-TS/OC_TS_Update_to_5-2-2005.htm

Now, I take no great pleasure in airing of this information, however, it is only to be fair. Carol Rudat, who says what a wonderful mother she is and protective of her children has let her child, her baby girl, be thrown into the mean cold and unforgiving streets of Corona Del Mar.

You may be asking why even mention Stephanie Rudat, well, she entered the political arena by assist her mother in video taping Denis Bilodeau, and by walking neighborhoods.

One thought, maybe if you were at work you would be able to pay your bills!

Murphy for 71st Assembly District ??

2007-01-25T19:41:00.000-08:00

The widely popular OC BLOG, which I understand most of the Orange Politicos read, broke this interesting story earlier.....

71st Assembly District Watch: Neil Blais Gearing Up

I ran into Rancho Santa Margarita Councilman Neil Blais at today's OC Public Affairs Association luncheon, and asked him if he was running for the 7ist Assembly District in 2008 -- when incumbent Todd Spitzer is termed out.

"I'm definitely running," he replied. In fact, he's about to ink a contract with JohnsonClark Associates to be his campaign consultants and plans to start fundraising.

JCA is a top-flight consulting firm with a strong win record in Orange County. Hiring them sends a strong message to the political and donor community that Blais is a serious candidate for this seat.

I understand long-time Orange Councilman Mark Murphy also plans to run for the seat. Orange used to be the anchor for this Assembly District, but was carved up the between three Assembly Districts in the last re-districting.

I'm not sure what percentage of the AD71 is comprised of Orange, but Murphy is very popular in the city and would be a strong candidate. Former Sen. John Lewis -- who represented much of the district for 20 years in the Assembly and Senate -- has run all of Mark Murphy's council and mayoral campaigns and presumably will run his Assembly effort.

Corona Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Miller is also taking a hard look at the race. I believe about 40% of AD71 is in Riverside County. Miller would be in an advantageous position if several candidates carve up the OC vote and he is the sole Riverside County candidate.

I know there are some other OC candidates looking at this race, but their names escape me at the moment.

I also read the comments and saw there was another name of Ledesma, at 1st thought it was our OUSD Board member, however it was a Mission Viejo Councilman.

Also, I have some thoughts on others that may run for that seat.... how about Carolyn Caveeche, the current mayor of orange.

OC Register Stories

2007-01-19T12:33:00.000-08:00

Some interesting news the last couple of days dealing with some wannabe’s in Orange. The 1st is the wife of Orange City Council Candidate Frank “The Heat” Finn.

Apparently, she has decided that OC Sheriff Mike Carona doesn’t deserve to be in elective office any longer…

The following is a quick blip from the OC Registers’ Martin Wisckol:
Now Karen Finn, a Carona critic and wife of a policeman, has launched a Web site with a petition calling for a recall election. She faces a long haul, though – valid signatures of 150,000 voters registered in the county are needed.
Finn's site is www.ipetitions.com/petition/RETRIBUTIONS/

Also there is another portion of a story from the OC Register dealing with the County Supervisors Race, apparently everybody is upset about a former State Assemblyman (Tom Umberg) and that he doesn’t live in the area covered by his elective office. Why I find it interesting that they are watching this so closely, it also listed numerous other folks in the recent year that also had an issue with residency.

Here is the part of the story that focused on Carol “Beach Bunny” Rudat.

There was more of an uproar when Newport Beach's Carol Rudat bought a house in Orange and ran for City Council there. A lawsuit challenged whether the Orange home – much smaller than her Newport Beach abode – was her primary residence.

There seemed to be a stronger case against Rudat than Umberg. A Rudat spokesperson had earlier given a move-in date that turned out to be after she had re-registered to vote.

That could have disqualified her, but there was enough ambiguity that the judge in the case declined to intervene.

While I feel that the this last election in the City of Orange was just plain silly with Rudat’s spending a personal fortune only to be slapped around badly by the voters, then you have Denis “The Insider” Bilodeau, getting caught and arrested with his hand in the cookie jar. You had the outsider candidate like Jeremy “The Kid” Wayland so far over his head he was spinning around like a top.

Where are the days when we got somebody we could actually vote for and not against somebody else!!!!

OC BLOG, takes a shot at City Council

2007-01-15T18:55:00.000-08:00

This entry from the very popular OC Blog takes a shot at the Orange City Council. This blog is watched by all the politicos in Orange County and should be interesting to see if anybody changes direction now that there is some interest against the idea.

Beware of children with sparkles, glue and markers

The Orange City Council is set to make it a crime for children to have "graffiti tools".

This a perfect example of government going overboard. They are trying to solve a limited problem with a over broad solution.

CALL TO ACTION: I encourage every kid under 18 to buy the biggest marker you can find at one of those evil trafficker of "graffiti tools" like Kinko's, Office Depot or Wal-Mart and carry it prominently in your back pocket.

For every straight-A student who gets popped (actually arrested) by the Orange PD for carrying any kind of marker considered a "graffiti tool" yours truly, Roscoe will donate $100 to the Kaitlyn Ambriz Scholarship Fund.

Mayor Cavecche, Mayor Pro Tem Dumitru, Councilman Murphy, Councilwoman Smith and Councilman Bilodeau, COME ON!

Something I find interesting is that the story, not one of the "Leaders" of Orange are quoted...why do I find it interesting....they are ussually so quick to run to the media for the attention they feel they deserve.

City Council Meeting of 1-9-07

2007-01-10T10:47:00.000-08:00

Well, I was able to attend the meeting of the Orange City Council, as I was interested in a couple of items.

The meeting ran along the lines of the past, only a couple of items were talked about in length....

1st, Smith...talked about the Hart Park Pool and its remodeling and cost. It was interesting to me in that I had no idea the City owed a pool, I called the City today and actually found out where Hart Park is located and plan to go down there later today for the kids to play.

2nd, was a thing called "Council Reorganization", which is a fancy way of saying, a vote to appoint a Vice-Mayor. Jon Dumitru was nominated and voted on and he was accepted by the Council.

3rd, Dumitru...had a report on campaign contributions, but he gave this speech on 1st amendment and how limits of donations to candidates violates free speech. WHATEVER....in the end, he came out with what he was looking for....a total elimination of contributions limits.

4th was a talk on trash, and where it will be dumped. Really got lost on the issue, I don't get it at all. In the end, WHO CARES.

5th, was dealing with graffiti, and a new ordinance to crack down on kids doing it. INTERESTING.

That was the high light on the night.

Well off to Hart Park.

Looking back on the City in 2006

2006-12-29T10:46:00.000-08:00

As there are only days left in the year 2006, me and my husband have decided to look back on the year and remember some the issues.

I will start most with the recent elections that saw a "Carpetbagger" from Newport Beach try and fool the residents of Orange. Thats right Carol "Beach Bunny" Rudat, came to town to try and buy the election. My understanding however is that, the more she campaigned the less people liked her, and my own personal interactions with her, left me saying to myself...what a witch! By some accounts out there Rudat spent around $250,000 to try and convience people she lived in the City. But again, she failed. She was also being investigated by the OC District Attorneys office for voter fraud and residency issues, but I haven't heard any thin new in those regards!

I will move onto the next interesting fact of the 2006 election, that is of candiancy of Denis Bilodeau. Now I was e-mailed from a now dead e-mail address the following link for a possible RECALL of Bilodeau. Denis found himself smacked around pretty good in his race for the City Council, and he got himself arrested during the contest aswell. Yup, he was charged with criminal charges during his final days of the campaign. It was reported just the other day that he is going to be before a judge shortly. The question is if he is convicted, does he resign from the City Council?

Of course who could forget, Mike Alvarez, "I will enforce the laws when it applies to Boarding Houses"....oops, I didn't know I had a boarding house under my control. He should have done some of his own checking to make sure he was violating the very thing he was against....that goes into the idiot file. While, the race was pretty harsh, one thing for sure was the involvement of a group from the City of Elk Grove, which located in northern California. This race was very harsh on Alvarez and I think at this point he will not be able to re-enter political life for some time.

As for Carolyn Cavecche, who was succesful in her bid to win the mayoral race in the City of Orange. Nothing really surprises me with her, she will need to stick her promises, after all she is up for re-election shortly. Her involvement with Carol Rudat in this past election was pretty glaring, however only from a purely rumor mill...the stuff I got in the mail from both of them were very simliar in message, design/layout and when they arrived at my home. Also, interesting is that Cavecche never acknowledges any of her counterparts in Orange in the flyers. Either way, I will be watching and lets see what comes forward and what is passed.

Mark Murphy, is now a councilman, not much to say here.

Dumitru and Smith over the last year didn't get in the paper that much, however, watching the meetings and reading what I could find. They both are doing a good job, are truly trying to make Orange a better place. Dumitru fought to protect the dollar and Smith fought to protect Old Town.

Overall, the City Council in 2006, did a good job of protecting our neighborhoods and watching the money. They should receive B+ on their report card.

*****

The City in 2006, saw much in the way of interesting stories...>>however this city must attack the following issues in 2007....

Boarding Houses, whether its multiple families or college students, it affects a neighborhood....and needs to be enforced.

Day Laborers Loitering....Crack down and do more of those sweeps. They are truly an eyesore and threaten our children's safety as they go to and from school.

Traffic....a lot needs to be accomplished to get us from one point to another....the city council has done a good job so far, they got the 22 freeway open again and Chapman Ave is moving again..as well as City Drive. But more is needed.

Very interesting couple of days

2006-12-06T20:11:00.000-08:00

Last night was the swearing in of our newly elected City Council, and I wasn't there. Thats right had no idea it was taking place. I just happen to turn on the tv and caught it starting. So I watched and watched, and nothing really exciting happened. Speached thanking supporters, and speaches of what is going to be done or what has already been accomplished. But in the end no big surprises at all.

So our new City Council is as follows and deserves a round of applause.....

Mayor Carolyn Cavecche
Councilmember Mark Murphy
Councilmember Jon Dumitru
Councilmember Tita Smith
Councilmember Denis Bilodeau

***

As a side note, I have received a lot of nasty mail in reference to Denis Bilodeau and his taking down of a "sign" that was critical of him. This is the way I see it, The sign was nasty smear attack against one candidate from another. If this had occured to anybody, I believe the would do the same thing. So with that being said, Councilman Bilodeau, congrats and lets hope that this will be dropped as an issue. But more importantly, Mrs. Carol Rudat, pack up and go home where that might be, we don't want you here!

We are home, and I am ready to start posting again

2006-12-02T08:55:00.000-08:00

Home Sweet Home,

I was tired of seeing all the family and we travelled the better of the U.S. in the RV. While, we had a blast it is better to be home. I will be updating my blog shortly as I have just started going through the news papers and flyers.

My goodness, a lot of Hub-Bub about Denis Bilodeau still. But we will get to that shortly.

Again, I will begin posting again shortly.

I am on vacation !

2006-11-16T20:46:00.000-08:00

Sorry, I haven't posted in the last week, we loaded up the kids and headed to a family reunion. The picture you see to the left is of a stop-over in Arizona.

We are all having a great time and its been a blast. We have been in Florida for the last few days and over the last weekend we had a nice time with extended family. Internet access is spotty out here, so I have have actually travelled into town and am at a coffee shop and using a dail-up to post today.

Perhaps, if you read this, you can send me information on all the happenings in Orange, I feel very uninformed. Any news on Denis Bildoeau and his midnight cleaning of the streets of political signs? Does Carol "The Beach Bunny" Rudat, still live in town?

Ok, thats it, have a great day, below is a picture of the entire family at our reunion.

Victories in Orange !!

2006-11-08T06:47:00.000-08:00

The City was all abuzz yesterday, I saw a number of folks through out the day. I saw people picking at intersection against Carolyn, and I saw some of our electeds and the candidates out on the street waving..in restaurants talking. When it was time I went and I voted.

I have to say, one thing that totally annoyed me was the 10 million automated phone calls. It is just rude and got old really quickly.

Enough of that.....

I want to offer my congrats to the Cities "New Team"

Mayor - Carolyn Cavecche
and
City Councilmembers - Mark Murphy and Denis Bilodeau

CITY OF ORANGE Member, City Council
Number To Vote For: 2
Completed Precincts: 87 of 87
Vote Count Percentage

MARK A. MURPHY 12850 32.3%
DENIS BILODEAU 8261 20.8%
CAROL RUDAT 5203 13.1%

I put the vote totals in for one reason, I think all have heard about the amount of money the carpetbagging Carol Rudat spent to try and make people believe she lived in orange her whole life. So my thought is, get out of Orange, we have spoken, we don't like you, and we don't want you!

PHIL MARTINEZ 4075 10.2%
FRANK FINN 2635 6.6%
ROBERT L. DOUGLAS 2243 5.6%
ANDREW J. HINGER 1259 3.2%
JEREMY WAYLAND 1099 2.8%
DARREN WM. SMITH 905 2.3%
ARNOLD L. CRAIN 807 2.0%
JOHN ANTONY UELAND CAGLIA 444 1.1%

The Big Day !!!!

2006-11-07T06:15:00.000-08:00

Today is the day,

The candidates have done more then enough for me to form my opinion of them.

I will keep it very very simple, I am going to vote the following way for the local races:

Mayor:

Carolyn Cavecche

Why? I don't think she owns a boarding house!

City Council:

Mark Murphy
Denis Bilodeau

Why? Murphy is good guy and has done a pretty good job, not great but good. Denis, because he lives Orange, unlike his main challenger that I strongly believe lives in Newport Beach.

OUSD Trustee's

Coming later.

"DumpDenis.com" Slander Attack by Rudat!

2006-10-31T21:39:00.000-08:00

I was tipped to this the other morning and I have now confirmed the story. And is a new LOW in the City of Orange Politics!

Mr. Denis Bilodeau, fired a shot at Carol Rudat last week with a mail piece that questioned her residency. I thought it was cleaver but not a big deal. After all, She doesn't live in Orange.

However, Carol Rudat fired back with a mailer, that showed Bilodeau having his Time Warner Cable bill being paid by the Orange County Water Board.

But it goes a little further, All of a sudden, signs started to show up all over the City of Orange, that stated......"See me spend your money $$" with a website address of www.dumpdenis.com

I thought it was interesting. I stopped and went and looked at a sign that was posted. It didn't say anything about who put it up, other then a company called COGS, in Santa Ana. But I had no idea who hated Denis so much to attack him in this way.

So that is when I went to the website. The website is an attack on Denis Bilodeau as well. By whom, you are probably wondering by now? It was done by "Paid for by Elect Carol Rudat FPPC # 1289587 PO Box 1841 Orange, CA 92856"

I then recieved another piece of "hit" mail on Denis Bilodeau by Rudat, stating that Bilodeau is two faced candidate. It was basically a piece that accused Bilodeau of wanting to use the council seat as a stepping stone.

Well, in the end, the City of Orange has been brought to a new low in campaigns. This was an extremely dirty and underhanded campaign tactic. I also think that Carol Rudat, refused to have her name on the signs, because she was scared of public opinion of her tactics.

I hope that all that read this blog, share with your friends. Don't Vote for Rudat. She can't run on her own merits, because she has none. She doesn't live in Orange, she is under investigation by the District Attorneys office for FRAUD, She is being sued by numerous people, she is a nightmare

I haven't made my total choice to vote for yet, but I will make it clear....I will not vote for rudat.

take this poll!

2006-10-29T12:57:00.000-08:00

Frank Finn endorses Bilodeau!

2006-10-28T20:48:00.000-07:00

I had been in San Diego most of teh day, took the kids to Sea World, after getting home and them going straight to sleep (thank god), I decided to read through the "blogs". I came across this interesting post on the oc blog and thought I would share it wilth you.

The message was posted apparently by Frank "The Heat" Finn,

As a candidate without the resources and backing that at least 4 others in the race for Orange City Council (I have received donations of $699.00 and spent about $3,000.00 to date), I would hate to see this election bought by a carpetbagger.

I got involved in the campaign because I honestly felt some members of the current council catered to a small, but vocal group at the expense of the majority of citizens and I want to represent the average, working families of the City. **Wonder who he is talking about?

Mayor Mark Murphy is not one of those council members and he has my utmost respect and admiration.

I still think I am the best candidate for the position, but realize that without the benefit of incumbency, prior political office, or financial and organizational backing of a political party that allows multiple mailers, and other expensive advertising, my chances of winning a seat in this wonderful town are not great.

That being said, I see my duty to the citizens of Orange as working for the best government we can have.

Towards that end,

I would urge any voter that shares my vision to not waste a vote on someone who apparently just moved into Orange (from a 3800 Sq.’ house close to the beach, near her office, to a much smaller Old Towne residence that necessitates a long daily commute???) in order to run in this election.

Obviously, anyone who repeatedly claims to have lived in Orange for “most of my adult life” yet has registered to vote in Anaheim or Corona Del Mar from 1980 to April 2006 has a serious lack of integrity and character.

I question what ulterior motives would anyone have to spend large amounts of their own money to run for office in a city that they have not resided in for over 20 years? Whatever they are, it can’t be good for Orange City residents.

I have been cordial towards all of my opponents because I do not believe in negative campaigns and thought I could rise above it.

A lame attempt by the Rudat campaign to smear Denis Bilodeau using County expense reports has prompted me to alter my thinking.

Her campaign has recently highlighted some expense reports submitted by Denis as the Director of the Orange County Water District and attempted to portray them as some kind of sinister waste of tax money.

Anyone who takes the time to review the reports will see the expenditures were not some egregious waste of tax money on extravagant pleasure trips or personal expenses, but were in fact, legitimate operating costs for conducting Water District business.

What is her point regarding the internet connection? Any business or government office must be connected in this day and age in order to communicate with customers.

Anyone who stoops to such nastiness, pettiness and deception does not deserve a seat on the Council. **Ok, I completely agree with this statement**

I hereby endorse Denis Bilodeau as the person I feel will best serve our City in the second open seat of the Orange City Council.

Although I believe I am still the best candidate, if you are not inclined to vote for me, Mark Murphy should receive your other vote in this race.

If I am not elected to serve you, these are the other two candidates I feel will do the best to represent all of us and I feel good government for the City of Orange is more important than my own advancement to the City Council.

Frank Finn,
Orange City Council Candidate
www.finnfororange.com

Council Meeting 10-24-06

2006-10-24T23:10:00.000-07:00

I tuned in channel #3 to watch the Orange City Council Meeting, I however, didn't have a lot of time. I did see Mike Alvarez get up and speak against negative campaigns and he wants the Orange City Council to put a stop it. Guess Alvarez is wanting to take your freedom of speech away, but thats another story.

I turned the meeting off and feed the kids and we all went out for the evening to camelot golfing.

Sorry, but no real report this week!

Total Buzz Column in today's OC Register

2006-10-23T10:08:00.000-07:00

Orange candidate not out of the woods

MARTIN WISCKOL
Register columnistTHE BUZZmwisckol@ocregister.com

Controversial Orange City Council candidate Carol Rudat got out of court with her hide intact earlier this month, having survived a civil suit that tried to get her thrown off the ballot.
But she's not quite out of the woods.

District Attorney Tony Rackauckas has investigators out talking to neighbors about Rudat's residency and is continuing to pursue the case. Will he be done before the Nov. 7 election?
"It's hard to tell," said Rackauckas spokeswoman Susan Schroeder.

Rudat registered to vote in Orange in April, listing a small home there as her residence after living in considerably bigger digs in Newport Beach. Later, campaign spokeswoman Janette Littler said the Orange home was being renovated until July, when Rudat moved in.

Earlier this month, Rudat's attorneys presented utility bills as evidence she lived there when she registered to vote. We'll see if professional investigators try to prove otherwise.

Oddsmakers say Rudat and Denis Bilodeau are vying for the second of two open seats, with Mayor Mark Murphyfavored to come in first.

***

I must appauld the D.A. office for seeing past the fraud that Carol Rudat is trying to pull on the voters of Orange. I also hope the DA then investigates all those that are connected to the fraud being played out. To those that are running her campaign, her endorsements, and her contracted help.

***

Defendent Carol Rudat, Please Rise!

2006-10-21T21:25:00.000-07:00

The following info was provided to me by a "Blogger" that found this info on www.occourts.org and is also being "Blogged" on the very popular OC Blog.

I found it extremely interesting that Carol Rudat, "I was raised to do things right" "I have solid ethics and morals" "I can lead the City of Orange" is involved in so many lawsuits, including defamation, by her brother...who by the way a "friend" at Theo Lacy Jail has e-mailed me to let me know that he (Bruce Senator..Carol's brother) is sitting in a cell for death threats to a political official.

Wow, you family did raise some great kids, And I comfortable in saying, lets not let them the City of Orange!

Person Search
Please enter search criteria:

Person Info:
Last Name: Rudat First Name: Carol

25 items found,
displaying 1 to 20.[First/Prev] 1, 2 [Next/Last]

Case No. Participant Type Participant Name Filing Date Case Type
06CC10557 DEFENDANT CAROL RUDAT
05CC12561 DEFENDANT CAROL A RUDAT BREACH OF
05CC05374 DEFENDANT CAROL RUDAT BREACH OF
03CC03907 DEFENDANT CAROL RUDAT BREACH OF
03CC03622 DEFENDANT CAROL RUDAT BREACH OF
02CC13178 DEFENDANT CAROL RUDAT BREACH OF
02CC03877 DEFENDANT CAROL RUDAT BREACH OF
01CC00912 DEFENDANT CAROL RUDAT BREACH OF
817106 DEFENDANT CAROL RUDAT ***DEFAMATION***
806340 DEFENDANT CAROL RUDAT BREACH OF
799046 DEFENDANT CAROL RUDAT ***PROPERTY DAMAGE - VEHICLE**
786259 DEFENDANT CAROL RUDAT BREACH OF
741618 CROSS DEFENDANT CAROL RUDAT ***NEGLIGENCE***
741618 DEFENDANT CAROL RUDAT **NEGLIGENCE**
734469 DEFENDANT CAROL RUDAT BREACH OF
732625 CROSS DEFENDANT CAROL RUDAT BREACH OF
695972 DEFENDANT CAROL RUDAT BREACH OF
633777 DEFENDANT CAROL RUDAT BREACH OF

****Now remember above I referenced Carol's brother Mr. Bruce Senator well here you go, I left off most of his happy times in the court system and only put on the court case, where he and sister sued each other:

817106 IN PROPER BRUCE SENATOR 11/15/1999 DEFAMATION
817106 PLAINTIFF BRUCE SENATOR 11/15/1999 DEFAMATION

****Oh yea, You want to see his info on being booked into the County Jail...Well here you go...

Inmate Name:
Senator, Bruce Richard

Booking Number:
2344534

Date of Birth:
03-30-1955

Sex: Male

Race: White

Height: 5' 07
Weight: 165 lbs.
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Hazel
Occupation:
MARKETING
Next Appearance Date:
10-**-2006
Next Appearance Court:
CENTRAL SUPERIOR COURT

Housing Location:
Theo Lacy Facility

Custody Status:
In Custody

Bail Amount:
Ineligible (by the way, ineligible, means he is a very very bad man)

Arrested on:
09-25-2006 at 06:45

Well there we have it. Carol Rudat leadership of the city would more then likely involved lawsuit after lawsuit. I was also tipped off that she was involved with the "Trash Scandel" that took place a few years ago that got her husband into some very hot water with the D.A.'s office.
I hope this sheds just a little more light on a candidate for City Council.

Mike Alvarez.....SLUM LORD ?

2006-10-19T07:25:00.000-07:00

If your read my post from a day or two ago, I was praising Mr. Alvarez for his being the "mailbox" with a timely piece of mail.

But....There is something amiss, a crisis brewing.

Apparently, Mr. Alvarez the mayoral candidate that wants to run the boarding houses out of town and protect neighborhoods from overcrowding, is himself a landlord of an over crowded boarding house.....Oh the LIES, Oh the PAIN...

The following is the story from the OC Register.

Mayoral candidate faces boarding-house violation

Mike Alvarez said in campaign he would enforce laws against city's illegal boarding houses.

By ELLYN PAK and COURTNEY BACALSO
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

ORANGE – Mayoral candidate Mike Alvarez – whose campaign platform includes cracking down on illegal boarding houses – received a notice of violation Friday for "illegal occupancy" at one of his rental properties.

Alvarez, who co-owns the four-bedroom home on East Wilson Avenue in Orange, has until Nov. 1 to comply with a city ordinance that bars more than two leases on the same property.

The candidate says the timing of the citation is "politically motivated."

Alvarez said he forwarded a response to the notice of violation to the City Attorney's Office, stating the house was not a boarding home.

The city code does not allow more than two lease agreements, written or oral, in one home.

Code enforcement officers have responded to 110 complaints of suspected boarding homes and 63 notices of violations have been given out since the city ordinance was amended more than six months ago, said Alice Angus, the city's community development director.

In recent mailers and candidate forums, Alvarez stated that he would "crack down on illegal boarding houses and enforce city laws."

The recent violation notice alleges using the garage as living space; having inoperative vehicles in the driveway; trash, furniture and appliances stored in public view; and having more than two rental agreements.

Alvarez said Wednesday that he rented the property to a Chapman University student, Luke McKinley, for about three years.

The lease agreement, which Alvarez showed to reporters, has four names on it, including McKinley's. Some of the newer tenants' names are not on it.

McKinley, who recently graduated, said there were no more than four people living at the house and some of the tenants were replaced with new ones more than a year ago.

"We are college students so we have friends who come and visit our house, girlfriends and things like that," McKinley said.

Les Watrous, who lives next door, said his neighbors did not cause any problems and seemed to be respectful.

"They've always been quiet," he said. "I just don't pay attention."

On Wednesday, a mattress, futon, sofa, chairs, clothes and trash were strewn in the garage – items that McKinley said were stored and used when visitors were too tired to drive home.

In the living room was a sofa, futon and four chairs.

Last week, police confiscated drug paraphernalia at the house, city documents show.

McKinley and the rest of the tenants will leave the property at the end of the month. After learning about the drug paraphernalia, Alvarez evicted them.

City Attorney David DeBerry said the city cannot reveal the identity of the person who initially complained about the property.

"If we identify the complaining party, it will deter people from reporting," he said. "Oftentimes, if the complaining party is known, there will be retribution."

DeBerry said a notice gives a property owner time to correct violations or to show that there was no violation. In Alvarez's case, DeBerry said he did not know the specifics of the lease agreement.

Alvarez, who owns several dozen properties including the Army-Navy store in Old Towne, is running against three other candidates for mayor. He was on the council from 1996 to 2004.

He said he had not heard about any other complaints on the East Wilson Avenue property.

The current alleged violations stem from a complaint made Oct. 11 to the city that the property was used as a boarding home and that a number of cars were parked on the lawn and the driveway.

In addition, McKinley received a notice of violation in October 2005 for storing materials, including furniture, appliances, trash and debris in public view. He said he took care of the problem.

****
Well, Mr. Alvarez...your excuse is that this is a politically motivated attack against you. Well, who cares, you are standing high and mighty before the man, and your lying. Instead of blaming others, take responsibility for your actions and your properties. By the way, the excuse of "I didn't know", doesn't fly here....your the landlord. Also, I think your "college students" should go to jail for the drug paraphernalia that was found.

So what is next for Mike Alvarez, "I want illegal aliens out of town......as soon as they are done doing my lawn...

Wow, What a mess this guy is, and I was actually leaning his way in November.

Cops and Firefighters ENDORSE!

2006-10-17T18:44:00.000-07:00

I saw this earlier today on the OC Blog and thought it was interesting for a couple of items.

1st, I guess this does make it official, Murphy and Bilodeau are a team. They are locked arm and arm into battle against "carpetbagger" Carol Rudat.

2nd, I find it very interesting that the Murphy/Bilodeau team are endorsed by the Police and Fire Fighters over the other candidates....Why, Well you got Carol Rudat, who is married to former Orange City Manager and Fire Chief David Rudat. And of course you have Police Officer Frank Finn.

Guess the Public safety unions felt that the "current" mayor and a commissioner are better choices than the others.

Well regardless, it is about time that we see some live from the current mayor and his running mate, They are running a dangerous campaign to give Rudat such an advantage. I don't understand all the finer points of campaigns, however, all I know is I hear....Carol this and Carol that.....

APOLOGY....from Candidate Wayland

2006-10-14T20:32:00.000-07:00

To those who read my previous Email and Denis Bilodeau,

I would like to apologize to Denis for the insinuations that I made earlier. Unfortunately some very rude and demeaning untrue statements were made concerning my family and myself.

They were mistakenly attributed to Mr. Bilodeau, by a source I no longer consider very credible or trustworthy. (WHO, was the source!)

I made a mistake, and I apologize to Denis and anyone else who read the email.

After speaking with Denis, he is a very honest and straightforward individual. It is truly an honor to run against him in this election. I have a newfound respect for him and his career in public service. I wish him the best in the rest of this campaign, and I look forward to a clean and well-fought campaign on the issues only.

I appreciate you posting the apology to Denis. I made a mistake and when I talked to him, I apologized to him already. I am big enough to admit when I make a mistake.

Unfortunately, when a few things got personal about family, I took it the wrong way and attributed it to the wrong source from some very bad advice.

You have my utmost assurances, that any and all defending of Carol ends now. For the rest of the election, I will do my best to make it right.

Sincerely,
Jermey Wayland
www.wayland4orange.com

Well,

I must admit it does take a true statesman to realize when a "wrong" has been committed and to stand up and take responsiblity. Mr. Wayland, I will hope realizes by now that his association with Carol "the beach bunny" Rudat, harmed him every day. Wayland, states he recieved bad information from a "person he no longer considers credible". Wayland then goes on to say that his defending of Rudat ends now! I am going to put 2 and 2 together and assume that his previous informant is Carol Rudat. I wonder if Jeremy met with her in Newport Beach or Orange, or if he has any information to her true residency location.

Good luck to you Mr. Wayland and I hope that you have seen, what Carol Rudat and her political agenda have created in the City of Orange, and she isn't even elected yet. Image if she should win!

Voters are making up their minds!

2006-10-14T06:46:00.000-07:00

This was just sent to me from the Orange Elections Blog. Very interesting and I encourage all to stop by for a read.

Carol Rudat and Waylnd a team that won't be getting my vote
I have seen a lot of dirt and mud via the blogs over the last couple of weeks. With that said and things that I truly believe are true I have made a couple choices. On who I won't be voting for!

Carol Rudat...a last minute candidate running for Orange City Council and wife of former Orange City Manager. It has been prven to my satisfaction that Mrs. Rudat doesn't live in Orange. It also appears to me that she is only running to get even with the current city council who fire her husband. Also found it interesting that her husband was recently fired by the County of Orange, because of Carol Rudat and her "Carpetbagging".

The Next....

Jeremy Wayland...A young candidate that in has been the biggest supporter of Carol Rudat and her game plan for a victory. He is what has been called a "spoiler" his complete campaign has been supported by Rudat as she is the puppet master. It has been great fun to watch Jeremy self-destruct and his campaign to go down in flames.

So there you have it....A couple of candidates that are not going to get my votes.

OC GOP Endorses in Orange City Council Race!

2006-10-13T07:16:00.000-07:00

The Orange County Republican Party has endorsed in the City of Orange, City Council race. It seems very late in the game, being that the democrats in Orange County endorsed last month. But congrats to Mr. Denis "The Insider" Bilodeau and to Mr. Mark "The Mayor" Murphy on their endorsements by "The Party".

I would like to know a few things. 1st it seems that Bilodeau and Murphy are running together is that true? 2nd, is Carol Rudat a republican, if so why wasn't she endorsed. 3rd, why did the Republicans only endorse in the City Council race and not in the Mayors. Is Cavecche and Alvarez not acceptable to the OC Republicans?

So the make up of the races so far:

Murphy and Bilodeau, the OC Republicans Choice
Martinez and Douglas, the OC Democrats Choice
Finn, the Labor Council and Teamsters Choice
Carol Rudat, The City of Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce Choice
Jeremy Wayland, Carol Rudat's Choice

Also, I will be posting addl e-mails and post that Mr. Wayland has placed on the OC BLOG, very interesting in his defense of Carol "The Beach Bunny" Rudat.

Jeremy "The Kid" Wayland...Bilodeau is dirty

2006-10-12T18:06:00.000-07:00

**This came to me via e-mail, and I truly wrestled with publishing it. However, after reading the OC Blog and seeing the attacks against Mr. Denis Bilodeau, while at the same time he is preaching from the hill top of not attacking and running on merits only. I felt this hypocrisy needs to exposed. ***

Hello Frank,

I just posted the Prizes for my fundraisers. I also wanted to point something out. Though most of the candidates are competitive and all vying for the one open seat (Murphy is an incumbent and Orange incumbents don't lose), most have been playing fair and within guidelines. The reason I came to Carol's defense was one that one Candidate has been playing well beneath the belt. From his distribution of Flyers demeaning other candidates on cars, to allegedly having other candidates signs removed by agents of the city, and the lawsuit against Rudat was by one of his staunchest supporters.

Add in the most likely true corruption charges on local distributed literature and this adds up to one dirty opponent. Look at the complaints filed against Carol and then look at the homes of those who filed the complaints. What do they all have in common? That’s right, his campaign sign. Its positively cowardly that instead of making the motions himself, he enlists other to do his dirty work. Which to me, add up to a dirty COWARDLY opponent.

And it is not just Carol that is getting slammed. I have been falsely accused of illegally selling real estate. Frank is getting slammed for his union affiliations. Phil and Robert are getting slammed for their endorsements by the democratic party. One candidate is managing to avoid all of this, despite the laundry list of dirty deeds.

One Candidate has an employee of the Irvine Company working as his campaign manager. The same Irvine company that has been getting rubber stamp approvals for their East Orange Projects from a certain planning commission and will have quite a bit of donations logged to quite a few candidates incumbents and otherwise. Can the city council be bought, I had hoped not but the Irvine Company is making a strident push to do so.

To me it is very frustrating how one person that can be so corrupt can emerge from this all relatively unscathed despite being the sole mudslinger in this campaign. His little agents anonymous phone calls to the city complaining about other peoples campaign signs need to stop. I have my suspicions of other activities that are being done, but I will give the benefit of the doubt until otherwise. Fairness and equality for everyone that includes your enemies.

I would appreciate not reposting this letter, and just using it as a guideline for a little bit more of a thorough analysis of this mudslinging effort. Beyond you, I will not speak of this, as I do not think it is right to fight like that. I will not distribute literature or condone attacks on other candidates. I think the candidate that is doing it needs to be called on it and enjoy some scrutiny himself. Heaven knows there is enough insider dealings for books.

I am troubled that you have removed any negative thing regarding this candidate (Most recently in the summary account of negative flyers on him) and hope that you are not fooled by him and his little maneuvers. You have thus far in my mind been a very good objective eye to this campaign and I believe that it comes from a loyalty to Orange and a desire to make Orange a better city.

That is why I ran, because I do not capitulate to those who donate money, and my honor cannot be bought. This is not an ego-thing or for personal reasons. I think a dissenting voice is needed on the council rather than each council person endorsing each other so it is a common page government. I do not want to see this city bought and paid for, and that is what is happening and it is very sad to me.

Again, I ask that you please do not post this as I do not publicly slam opponents. I just feel that it isn’t fair what has gone on thus far with myself and other candidates and if no one says a word, did it ever truly happen? And what is happening is wrong and needs to be exposed. I am one that can’t just sit by when something I feel that is wrong is happening. That is why I will always speak up regardless of the personal consequences. “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Edmond Burke. It is my personal Credo, and I stand by it.

Thank you for your time and I hope to see you at tonight’s OTPA Debate.
Sincerely
Jeremy Wayland
Wayland4Orange.com
*****

Mr. Wayland,

I too am troubled by the facts out there. 1st, anytime you reply or send a message, I think the readers on the blog should see your thoughts. I will have to wrestle with this for a bit.
As for the info on the flyer, I actually found a numerous errors and it was photo shopped. While I am sure that this candidate probably has stuff, I do try to stay away from false info. Much like yourself with the Real Estate issue. You showed me that the info was incorrect and it was taken down without without a moment to loose.

Also, I did keep on the blog about Mr. Bilodeau raising water rates on his county board and its effects on the City of Orange. No free rides for him, or any candidate.

As for the candidates supported by the unions or groups. I spend each day doing a google search and visiting websites of the candidate's yours included to find this info and I re-broadcast the info. I feel that it is important for folks to know. Also, I have trouble and issue with someone being union supported, much like your thoughts of somebody being bought off by the Irvine Company (which if you have proof will be published), I think the unions are just looking at the taxpayers wallet.

As for the Rudat story, I find it interesting with her and her husbands background going from the trash scandal (which I have stayed away from) to the residency issue. I have a friend that lives within a few doors and they have tracked her for a number of weeks. She isn't staying the residence. And the proof out there from the OC Blog, and the OC Register, sure does show that the lawsuit was of merit, regardless of who it was filed by.

In a final note, the information that is published on the site as my orginally postings, are from me..and from a very select group of folks that forward info to me. No candidate or supporter is allowed to influence the info (other then comment section), I also will rebroadcast other blog info out there, and news media coverage. If the story is found to be untrue or a "dirty trick" I then remove it or update the story.

Some people feel, that much like yourself I am "one-sided" and I am. I have decided not to vote for a couple or people so far.

Those are,
Phil Martinez, and Robert Douglas (basically due to there endorsements by the Democrat Party)

And while the Rudat residency issue is concerning, I haven't ruled her out yet as receiving my vote.

With only a 4 weeks to go, this should be a lot of fun to watch

Again, I will wrestle with publishing your post as I do feel people have the right to read you info you provided.

****

Thank you Frank,

For your time in considering the issue. I have never thought that you were one sided at all. My only concern is when items are changed with regards to the truth. In which case the one candidate has done a lot of mudslinging and has used his influence as planning director among the city to have a lot of things done.

Case in point. I have a sign which is on Private Property Collins/Glassell that I have permission to put there. Due to Denis's little influence in the city, I have to remove it without the appeals process and expediently or face a misdemeanor. I went to the city prior to having the sign placed up and asked about filing for the permit fee on it. They stated that since it was a campaign sign (limited time frame), that a permit fee was not needed. Now after Denis's complaints and pushing through the city, it has to be removed.

The fact that someone has already that much influence in the city to do his bidding, is appalling. As far as Carol is concerned, she is a great person and would make a great councilperson. As long as Bilodeu is not elected, the city will be in better hands. Corrupt politicians need to be excised at all levels of government.

Sincerely
Jeremy Wayland
Orange Council Candidate
www.wayland4orange.com

****

Those are emails that went out earlier. I find it interesting that he wants to remain out of the mix, but is willing to slam Bilodeau.

In fact the sign being talked about at the Collins and Glassell is not a sign, It's a huge banner that is a good 10 feet long by 3 feet high. I think that may violate the law. Mr. Wayland, you have some rights, file for a variance with the city and go to the City Council and get premission. Not that hard. Also, I would be interested in your proof that you went to the city and got a waiver, I am sure as a professional you got that in writting.

Mr. Wayland also accuses Mr. Bilodeau of being a "Corrupt Politician", while Mrs. Rudat is a "great person". I think that is interesting comment.

1st, there is no proof or lawsuits or investigations by the D.A. office against Mr. Bilodeau.

2nd, However, is Mrs. Rudat has been in court for numerous things, the campaign residency is only the latest and greatest. You can check this info out by going to OC Courts Website and go to civil then put in Carol Rudat's name. It comes up with over 20 cases, now that is interesting way to handle herself. Always in court. Also, she was labeled in the recent court case about her residency as "Evasive".

Also, Mr. Wayland you accuse "A Candidate" of having agents for the Irvine Company working on his/her campaign. I have to ask, do you have proof if so, lets see it. I will publish it. Lets remember that Mrs. Rudat's husband is the reason the Irvine Company project came to Orange. He fostered the idea of "Total Development" of Orange.

The only thing I do have to ask of Mr. wayland is are you supporting Mrs. Rudat, resident of Newport Beach. I have recieved numerous comments (that I haven't posted), that are stating your a spoiler that "was hired" by the Rudat's do ensure her victory. Were you promised something in return for your die hard support. After all, according to a comment I recieved by in August, you signed her nomination paperwork.

Interesting......

Need your help with info

2006-10-12T06:42:00.000-07:00

I was looking at the website for Mr. Alvarez and noticed that there was a candidates forum in the Old Town Preseveration area last night.

Does anybody have nay info on the event and its outcomes? All info is welcomed!

City of Orange Council Meeting 10-10-06

2006-10-11T07:33:00.000-07:00

So with everybody in campaign mode and trying to figure out how and when to throw mud at each other, I settled in for a nice evening of viewing the city of orange city council on tv.

The meeting was pretty dull, during the four o'clock session. That is until, the City Manager started to speak. He spoke about "quiet zones", which I don't know about. I believe it has to do with the trains in town from his comments about octa and grade crossings. Maybe somebody can let me know more.

He then turned it over to the city attorney and he spoke on illegal boarding houses. He said the new rules that were passed by the city council is working on shutting them down. That in most cases the owner is bringing the home to code quickly. It was also mentioned that his office is working on more ordiance to address group sober living homes and sex offenders.

At this point Carolyn Cavecche chimed in and stated she is concerned about the sex offenders and the illegal boarding homes and wanted to make sure that the city stays very aggressive and how she was dismayed that 5 people on parole are staying in a local hotel in orange. Which seems to have caught everybody off guard, good for her. Hope she is carry the light on the issue.
The council then their break and returned for the 7pm session. I tuned back in as they just approved a new mobil home park in orange. Why, I don't know. We don't need a new mobil home park. We need RV parking.

The next item was interesting, it was a liquor permit in town. A place called "Cairo Chicken" and they want to sell beer. The police said no way, do not allow it. However, Smith and Dumitru were ok, with allowing the sale. Murphy and Cavecche were against it. To me seems silly to allow beer and wine sales at any place other then a bar or a liquor store/supermarket. I would think baning the sale at all restaurants would be fine by me.

The final item, which I didn't watch the whole way was a store in the circle that remodeled. It started with the guy that owns the store, getting up and saying, yup I didn't do what I was told to do. I knew that was it for him, and it was. Smith, Cavecche and Dumitru all were very stern in their words to the owner. Smith and the owner, proceeded to go at each other until the Murphy said enough of this item.

I must admit, I have no idea, how it turned out. I turned the tv off and went to bed.

That is it for the City council meeting this week.

Jeremy "The Kid" Wayland Fundraiser

2006-10-10T14:15:00.000-07:00

I received this e-mail and thought I would share it. "The Kid" is looking to fatten his campaign dough up a bit. He is going to have too with the big money that the other candidates are going to start spending out there. I know that we should be seeing something in the papers soon on how much money everybody has raised already. It will be interesting.

But back to the kid.....

Hello Frank,

Picked up your email from one of your blogs on a challenge to Carol Rudat a few weeks ago. I thank you for your acknowledgement of my efforts. I am glad someone noticed.

I wanted to extend an invitation to you to attend my fundraiser here in the City of Orange. It will be at the Women's club on Center St. on October 20th from 7 until 11pm. Information on the RSVPs is in the Calender section on my website. It is Casino Night themed with prizes at the end. I didn't want a stuffy boring fundraiser and I wanted people who attended and paid at least getting an enjoyable fun time and an evening out. Plus people remember fun experiences.

Anyway, the invitation is extended. I wish you well and good luck on your coverage the rest of the campaign.

Sincerely
Jeremy Wayland
Orange City Council Candidate
www.wayland4orange.com

Good Luck to you, hope you raise some money, and it should be a lot of fun. I may even attend, depends on the kids and a sitter.

The only question is what are the prizes?

30 days to go!

2006-10-09T09:39:00.000-07:00

I attended breakfast today with a group of friends from partners work. What was fun was that the majority of them do NOT live in the City of orange, however, they all knew about the City Council Race, and the Carol Rudat, not living in orange story. I of course decided very quickly that I would lend my 2 cents and give my break down as today to who is doing what.

With 30 days out here is what I think.....

Mayoral:

Mike Alvarez is doing very well, I have seen received stuff at my door and and seen his signs all over. His family name is well known in Orange and he has a solid shot.

Carol Cavecche is doing very well, again, I recieved a mailer and something on my door, her signs are all over the place aswell.

Andrea Simmons-England is doing very poorly, I have asked and asked for info, and it has been declined, there is no contact and I don't think she is ever going to engage in a real campaign at thins point.

Juan Pablo Serra-Neiblas is doing very poorly, again, people from I understand know him, but know him as the pot smoking guy.

So overall, it is between Mike Alvarez and Carolyn Cavecche. I was asked who do I think is going to win. If I had to answer right this minute. Mike Alvarez and Carolyn Cavecche unknown...I think it will be like Gore and Bush in 2000, it will be count every vote and watch the hanging chads.

As for the City Council race:

Mark Murphy, he is the current mayor and should win without a problem, my friends all know this guy though they split on some items but are joined by others. So in the end he will win.

Carol Rudat, I think i have read more about her then any body else. When I lived in Florida only a few years ago we had a candidate just like Carol. She won her seat and then she was recalled within a year. However, she is getting her name out there, I have received a mailer and a door flyer from her. She has been covered by the press for the last 3 weeks, interesting. My firends that have met her, don't like her, with the exception of Rhonda, but we all know she is wacky sometimes, I have seen her signs everywhere aswell. Huge campaign!

Phil Martinez, has managed to get the democrat party to endrose him, that is big, but he has done nothing else. I saw what I thought are signs, but they are very hard to read.

Jeremy Wayland, The Kid is campaigning his little heart out. He has signs going up. He might me a little to late in the game for this one, and his rising to the defense of another candidate is interesting.

Denis Bilodeau, He is apparently doing some work, my neighbor recieved a nice letter from him asking for her vote, however, I didn't get a letter. His signs are very visible and everywhere.

Robert Douglas, This guy has signs all over the place, it is out of control. I however have seen nothing else. In research, Mr. Bizness is also endorsed by the Democrats of Orange County, major accomplishment for him.

Frank Finn, I have seen a few signs around town for him, however again, nothing else. I am sure he will get the Orange Police Officers help, Frank is a policeman from Santa Ana, and they all stick together. Frank also recieved a number of Big UNION endorsements. Which makes me wonder if he will sell out the city for a vote. Watch the wallet with this guy.

The others aren't doing anything and aren't at this point worth talking about anymore.

My thoughts....Mark Murphy will when win this and I think the other position is up for grabs between Phil Martinez, Carol Rudat and Denis Bilodeau. And it is going to get ugly. I can only wait for the next cannon to fire.

Where does the candidate on Illegal Immigrants

2006-10-05T22:13:00.000-07:00

I was watching the tv a bit ago, and came across an interesting item. I followed it up with a "google" search and found the info to be correct.

In a nutshell the City of Escondio passed an ordinance pretaining to the rental of dwelling units to illegal immigrants.

I found it interesting that 1st they did pass the ordinance, however, watching the streaming video that was available, the residents in the area complained about many of the same things we have heard hear in our city.

So knowing that most of the council and mayoral candidates read this blog. (How do I know? Because they send me e-mails all the time.) I am going to ask the following question, and I would like an answer>

Would you as an elected official in the City of Orange, work to pass an ordiance that would restrict the renting of dwelling units to illegal immigrants?

Thats it, lets see who is really willing to address the issues of the City>

The Bunny provides proof of residency

2006-10-05T18:44:00.000-07:00

The miscarriage of justice is posted on the OC BLOG. Though the judge found very thin proof, he did rule in Mrs. Rudat favor. I will post later on my thoughts on the race and what will need to happen now.

"Evasive, Cloudy" Carol Rudat's Votes Will be Counted

A little while ago, Judge James Gray undid his tentative ruling not to count any votes Orange Council candidate will receive, leaving it to the voters of Orange to send this carpetbagger packing.

I have to go to the Harbors, Beaches and Parks Commission meeting, so I won't be able to write comprehensive post until later.

Carol Rudat basically heeded Judge Gray's admonition earlier this morning about what was necessary to provide residency, and Rudat's lawyer supplied it in the form of some utility and water bills. Even though there were some pretty hinky things about them, it was sufficient.

Carol Rudat spent a long time on the witness stand being questioned by her attorney (Alan Burns), attorney Phil Greer and Judge Gray himself. It was like watching Bill Clinton give a deposition.

After a frsutrating experience trying to get a straight answer out of Rudat as to when she started living full time at the Orange bungalow, Judge Gray gave his ruling.

He stated his great reluctance for the courts to get involved in an election, and that he "took a dim view of perjury." He also stated he wouldn't rule on whether she lived in the Orange bungalow when she registered to vote there in April.

He also crtiicized Carol Rudat's testimony as "evasive, cloudy, and I think intentionally so."

He would focus on two criteria:

1) Is she an elector in the City of Orange? Judge Gray judged that she was.
2) Was she an Orange voter when candidate papers were issued? Gray said there "was no evidence that she was not."

Frankly, after Judge Gray questioned Rudat, during which he was clearly growing frustrated with her evasive, cagey answers, I thought he might rule against against her. And although I don't think Judge Gray believes Rudat -- in response to several questions from Phil Greer as to whether she lived at the bungalow when she registered to vote there, Rudat refused to give a simple "Yes" -- I believe he went with his reluctance to not interfere with an election, and Rudat's lawyers gave him enough info to enable him stay out of it.

BREAKING NEWS - BEACH BUNNY CASE!

2006-10-05T11:46:00.000-07:00

This has just been posted on the OC BLOG by Jubal. I agree with the story and it is very interesting that Carol "Beach Bunny" Rudat didn't even show up in court to defend herself. 1 word...AMAZING

Justice Tentatively Served In Carol Rudat Case

I went to this morning's hearing on whether carpetbagging Orange Council candidate Carol Rudat would be removed from the ballot. It was an all attorneys show, as neither Carol nor Dave Rudat were there.

I arrived a few minutes late, as Judge James Gray was wrapping up his explanation as to why he was denying the writ to have Carol Rudat removed from the ballot. Basically, Judge Gray felt it was too late to remove her name from the ballot, because doing so would impact too many other elections and that consideration outweighed others.

Next, Judge Gray began discussing the matter of whether Carol Rudat actually lived in the Center Street bungalow, as he prepared to announce his ruling on whether votes cast for Rudat should be counted. It quickly became clear how Rudat had screwed up -- that Judge Gray would have ruled in her favor if she could have met just the minimum standard for proving residency.

"It is not difficult to prove residency," Judge Gray said. All that is need is a signed declaration from Carol Rudat and some supporting evidence such as a declaration from a witness, a water bill or a utility bill.

"Mrs. Rudat didn't do that, "Judge Gray said. He said her declaration was like a "campaign mailer full of emotional platitudes" and characterized it as being written "as if she's intentionally dodging the issue."

Ouch.

Judge Gray cited an axiom that he should find against the weaker evidence -- i.e. Rudat's declaration of residency -- and issued a tentative ruling that Carol Rudat's votes should not be counted, and offered Rudat the opportunity to request re-consideration of her delcaration of residency.

Mr. Burns, Carol Rudat's laywer, asked for a recess so he could have Carol Rudat come down and prove her residency. He said they didn't have enough time to respond to Phil Greer's filing the day before, since they had only received it at 4:30 p.m. That struck me as a hollow complaint, because Greer's filing contained nothing that was new (other than Corinne Schreck's statement) from Monday's hearing.

[Corinne Schreck own's the property next door to the Rudat's bungalow. She is there very frequently, because her son and daughter-in-law live in the back unit on the property. Still Judge Gray commented he didn't find her statement very strong because she doesn't actually live there].

Still, Judge Gray agreed to stay his ruling and asked Mr. Burns when he planned to come back to offer evidence to back up the declaration. At this point it was about 9:30 a.m. Mr. Burns said he could be back at 11:00 a.m.

Judging by the expression on Judge Gray's face, I was expecting him to tell Mr. Burns, "Your client couldn't provide evidence of residency during the 29 hours I gave her to do so, but you're going to somehow prove it in the next two-and-a-half hours?"

But Judge Gray witheld any comment he may have been thinking of making, and set the hearing for 4:00 p.m.

If Carol Rudat had any evidence to back up her declaration of residency -- such as a water bill with the Center Street address on it -- she would have provided it to the court. If she had done so, I doubt Judge Gray would have ordered her votes not to be counted.

It seems to me her only hope is to dig up a witness who will sign a sworn statement that Carol Rudat has lived there since April.

Rudat in Court

2006-10-04T13:31:00.000-07:00

Carol "Beach Bunny" Rudat was order to the Orange County Court House yesterday and I missed the story.

She finally had to stnd before a judge and answer the question of residency, and she failed to do that. However, the judge gave her till today at 3:30pm to submit proof, that is in less then 2 hours from now.

Here is the Story that ran in the OC REGISTER:

Court continues hearing on Orange City Council candidate's residency

A citizen's challenge of Carol Rudat's run for City Council needs to be resolved quickly, a judge says.
By ELLYN PAK
The Orange County Register

SANTA ANA – A hearing to determine if Orange City Council candidate Carol Rudat's name remains on the Nov. 7 ballot was continued Tuesday.

A lawsuit filed Monday challenges the residency of Rudat. Tuesday's action in Orange County Superior Court allows Rudat more time to submit proof that she lived in the city when she registered to vote in April.

Orange resident Walter Pfaff filed the lawsuit, asking the court to keep Rudat off the ballot or dismiss the votes she receives in November.

Superior Court Judge James P. Gray said that the lawsuit should be dealt with quickly to prevent interference with the election.

Rudat's attorney David Shore said that civil court was not an appropriate forum to address the issues. The Orange County District Attorney's Office and the secretary of state, which recently received complaints, should deal with the matter, Shore said.

Questions about Rudat's residency in Orange emerged shortly after she filed election papers in August. Rudat purchased an Orange home with her husband, former Orange City Manager David Rudat, in November and registered to vote on April 21.

Apparently Frank Finn is not a fan of Steven Greenhut

2006-10-04T12:39:00.000-07:00

The following was sent to me via a post and I found it interesting to post and share. Apparently Orange City Council Candidate Frank "The Heat" Finn, doesn't think Mr. Steven Greenhut is a very good reporter...as a matter of fact he refers to him as a "hack".

Read the whole story and Frank Finn's response.

I personally think Greenhut is a great writer that exposes the misuse of taxpayers money for all kinds of abuse. Abuse from sweetheart retirement deals to looking the other way on workers comp fraud.

Well, judge for yourself and read on....To Mr. Finn, remember your a candidate for elective office, be careful about what you write. Could haunt you later.

September 08, 2006
Nonsense about 'armchair police'
From Steven Greenhut:

It's common now, in the wake of the Huntington Beach shooting death of Ashley MacDonald, for police and their apologists to insist that we not second-guess them. I've got a column about this Sunday, but this point is worth making now: Police defenders are the ones who are rushing to judgment. I have heard from many who insist that there was nothing wrong with what those HB cops did. A so-called "expert" makes this point in the Register today. Obviously, these folks have rushed to the same judgment they always reach: that the cops are always right or even when they're wrong, it's understandable whatever they did. The apologists don't want us not to rush to judgment, they simply want those of us who question their behavior to shut up and go away.

Posted at September 8, 2006 01:16 PM

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Comments
Mr. Greenhut,
There would be no need for police apologists if there were no hack reporters ready to pounce on any pursuit, shooting, or use of force by officer's having to make split second decisions trying to protect the public from harm. I have never read your work prior to this series on the H.B. incident so I will give you the benefit of the doubt that you are not one of those hacks (something you apparently haven't done for the H.B. officers). If you consider yourself a legitimate journalist, I would hope you have done at least a modicum of research into police procedures and the threat presented by a person with a knife (be they parolee, martial arts expert, crazed drug user or irrational 18 year old girl who just stabbed her mother and by the way, you don't know which on initial contact).
It sounds like you are the one rushing to judgment when you make the blanket statement "Obviously, these folks have rushed to the same judgment THEY ALWAYS REACH: that the cops are always right or even when they're wrong it's understandable whatever they did". I only request that you exercise the same understanding and restraint, that the press in general seems to afford known gang members when they quote family & friends who say " yeah, he has had problems but he was getting his life together" after he has been killed by another gang banger, or how you are so careful to qualify everything with "the alleged " shooter, bank robber, rapist, etc. after they were arrested at the scene with the evidence still in their hands. I only ask that you stop the rhetoric and allow the investigation to be completed before you rush to judgment and irresponsibly fan the flames of controversy.
Contrary to what I have read in your blogs, police officers are held to a higher standard then “alleged” journalists as has been demonstrated by the NY Times in recent years. Despite your obvious disdain for police, we are not a bunch of knuckle dragging gun nuts hoping to get a chance to shoot someone (those officers have to wake up each morning knowing they took a life). We are intelligent, well meaning individuals who spend each day trying to make life a little better for everyone (including you) and hoping to go home to our families at the end of shift. We are the last ones to want rogue cops to be out there since they only make our job harder. I only wish reporters were held to the same standard. It must be nice to have the luxury of thinking everything is ok after you print a retraction on page 103 a week after smearing someone on the front page.

Posted by: Frank Finn at September 9, 2006 03:31 AM

Thank you Saints Joesph Hospital E/R

2006-10-02T11:04:00.000-07:00

My son this morning had a very bad asthma attack. We took him to the emeregency room at Saints Joesph Hospital in West Orange.

We didn't have to wait very long which as nice, but even better was the treatment we received. The nurses and doctors were great and very friendly. They could see my son was very scared, and they did lots to calm him down as well as me. After a couple of hours, we were back at home chasing the dog around and screaming at the top of our lungs.

Thanks again.

Orange Fire Fighters Pancake Breakfast

2006-10-01T10:30:00.000-07:00

***UPDATE*** Ok, I have recieved numerous e-mails on this. While the Fire Station #23 is located in the City of Orange, it is actually an Orange County Fire Department Station that serves the City of Villa Park. Who would have guessed. Sorry for my error, it was still a blast and thanks tot he firemen that cooked for us.

I saw a sign last week at the corner of Katella and Wanda for a pancake breakfast at City of Orange Fire Station #23 for today. So I loaded up the kids and we headed over for breakfast with the firefighters, and I was hoping to see some of the cute one's (I wasn't disappointed..cute).

We got there and stood in a quick line, not to bad. Got our tickets and then got breakfast. It was nice crowd when we arrived, aout 150 people and all seemed to enjoy themselves.

(Yes that is my youngest son trying to make off with the firefighters hat).

I love this city, not only did the pancake breakfast go off with out a hitch, but the community as a whole took part. The 4H club was there, the boy scouts and girl scouts, the sheriffs department was there with a display and lots of fire trucks and such.

Needless to say, a lot of fun for me to watch and the kids were playing and climbing all over the fire trucks.

On the politico side of things, I was actually amazed to see nobody from the city of orange. I did however see a couple of the city council (didn't know them, I was introduced by my neighbor) of the city of villa park. I also met a nice young man that is running for villa park city council, I can't remember his name, but seemed very nice.

In the end a very nice morning. This afternoon, we are off to Irvine Park to go to the zoo.

Rudat opens here mouth, sorta of....

2006-09-29T13:08:00.000-07:00

This is now posted on the OC Registers "Total Buzz Blog".

On Wednesday, I left messages at two of Orange City Council candidate Carol Rudat's (aka Beach Bunny) phone numbers and one at an e-mail address that Orange reporter Ellyn Pak was given by Rudat. My messages were all basically the same: I was going to be on KOCE's "Real Orange" news program that evening and I wanted to talk to her about the race -- specifically about issues over her residency as I expected that would be discussed on the show.

This morning, I got an e-mail back from Rudat -

She deserves to have her say. While it does not satisfy questions I might ask, I've copied the e-mail in its entirety, unedited in any way.

The campaign manager she refers to is former state legislator John Lewis, who was indicted in 1986 for forging Ronald Reagan's signature on a campaign mailer. The case was later dismissed and Lewis, then in the Assembly, went on to be elected to the Senate -- and re-elected, until being termed out. Lewis is now a campaign consultant well established in mainstream county Republican politics. He has worked on Sheriff Mike Carona's campaigns and is now working on the campaigns of Orange Mayor Mark Murphy and council candidate Denis Bilodeau. In short, Rudat has picked a serious hombre to tangle with.

Lewis came to the phone when I rang this morning and said that nobody was ever convicted in the forgery case. And he pointed out that Rudat's e-mail offered nothing about her own positions, history or residency issues. "When you can't defend yourself, you attack or smear someone else."

It does seem that Rudat could present the strongest challenge to Murphy and Bilodeau, and that the residency issue isn't helping her.

-- Martin Wisckol

Carol Rudat's e-mail of Sept. 29

Martin, this is a private e-mail address and not for use other than my business.

I understand you already wrote your article, is that correct? Today is the 29th. I was out working all day yesterday and the day before until late and have not been able to check e-mails until now. I picked up your phone message yesterday, all after your 27th KOCE TV event.

It is unfortunate my opposition, the gentlemen, have nothing good to say about themselves and can only promote negativism against their strongest contender, me. Is the reporting staff doing back ground checks on the public information available for those who work in public office areas whether volunteer or paid? Don't you think this should be something investigated?

A specific campaign manager who was indicted for mail fraud but did not go to prison due to a small technicality (but his partner did, the event occurred in the mid 1980's election). The mailer falsely represented President Regan as sending the letter and had the White House as the return address, this is how they were caught, returned mail. These type of events/issues clearly shows the ethics of the campaign manager. I heard a saying once, 'people hire those who have the same ethics as themselves'. This was a statement made when discussing attorneys who are retained by clients. This campaign manager also managed the campaign for two current county supervisors.

My and a few others Campaign signs are constantly taken down but not any for one of these gentlemen, (only one has signs out and the other gentlemen does not as of yet). They even called the city and presented themselves as property owners complaining about signs being on their property and wanted them removed. The city went onto private property and removed the signs. Most if not all the business property owners have property managers and most owners do not live in this state let alone the county of orange. Do you think the business owners would have made the call if they have professional property managers?

Continued games of the 'boys club'.

You can call me but you cannot e-mail me. Again, this is a private e-mail address.
Carol Rudat

**My thoughts, Carol you don't live in the city. You may be able to get this past the voters, however if your successful in winning your seat, it will be a shame.

I think the jig is up, also I was witness to seeing signs coming down, this was done by the City of Orange in a white ford truck and I followed them for 8 blocks. They didn't care who was who, they pulled everybody's sign. I asked the one guy if they throw the signs away and see said theey hold them for a period time, in case the candidate wants them back. So my suggestion to you BEACH BUNNY, call somebody and figure out where your signs are at and then drive up from Newport Beach and put them back out.

As for the "Old Boys Club" What the heck is that, do they have meetings or get togethers...if so let me know who the members are.

So I will do this again,

Mrs. Rudat, where do live and how long? Can you explain the current negative questions surrounding your residency?

Feel free to e-mail me at localpoliticalwatcher@yahoo.com I will give you the same respect and not publish your contact info.

The clock is ticking....

No on Martinez and No on Douglas!

2006-09-28T22:10:00.000-07:00

This is posted on the Orange County Democrats website

DPOC Endorses a New Democrat
By Chris Prevatt
September 26, 2006

There has been quite a bit of discussion over the past week or so about Joel Bishop switching his registration from Democrat to Republican and then not getting endorsed by the Republican Party of Orange County. It seems, Democrats aren’t so skittish about newcomers.

At the Monday night Democratic Central Committee meeting the party considered making a late endorsement of Robert Douglas (aka, Bizness), candidate for City Council in Orange. At the August meeting, Orange City Council candidate Phil Martinez (aka the guy that lost to Rocco)was endorsed by the Central Committee. At that time, Robert Douglas was registered as a Republican.

Since then Mr. Douglas contacted the Democratic Party of Orange County and requested an endorsement. Party staff checked his registration and informed him that since he was registered as a Republican, he was ineligible to receive the party endorsement.
Apparently Mr. Douglas had neglected to change his registration, even though he was endorsed by Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez two years ago as well as now. Robert considers himself a Democrat, and he went down to the Registrar's office and changed his party registration. He is now a newly registered Orange County Democrat. The Democratic Party of Orange County did not have to pay someone to change his registration without his knowledge, he did so on his own.

In true blue democratic form, the Democratic Party of Orange County seriously considered Robert Douglas’ request for an endorsement. The Central Committee members asked Robert several questions about his stands on a few issues and then voted to provide their endorsement.

Now there are two Democrats (Phil Martinez and Robert Douglas) endorsed for the two available positions on the City Council of Orange.

While the Republicans cut and run from endorsing new Republicans, the Democrats in Orange County stand with those who come into the light from the dark, and the Republican Party.

**This is so funny, it appears to me that Robert Douglas is just say and do anything to get endorsements and or votes. I understand he was asking for the Republican Endorsements of elected officials and as they fell apart, he switched over and went after the Dem's.

Carol Rudat...BREAKING NEWS !

2006-09-25T19:24:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the OC BLOG for the breaking news!!

Complaint Filed Against Carol Rudat

According Martin Wisckol at Total Buzz, a complaint has been filed againt Orange city council carpetbagger Carol Rudat:

You may have read in this blog or in today's Buzz column [Jubal -- or prior to that on Red County/OC Blog, Orange Politicos, FlashReport and Greater Orange News eBlog] about how Orange City Council candidate Carol Rudat registered to vote in the city of Orange a few months before her July move there. Registrar of Voters Neal Kelley had said that registration is on the honor system -- they don't check into problems unless there's a complaint.

Well, today a complaint was filed with Kelley over Rudat's registration. Kelley said that he'll be forwarding the complaint to the Secretary of State for investigation today, as protocol dictates.

It is amazing, but the OC BLOG even managed to get the complaint and here it is. Rudat Complaint

I am so amazed that the registar of voters won't look into fraud unless somebody complains. Does it not seem if you are aware of crime you should act. Does that jeopardize the whole elector system.

I found it very interesting that the same Orange County Registar of Voters that was not investigating the story was also an employee of Dave Rudat, Husband to Carol, and Deputy CEO of the County of Orange.

As it has been said many time before...

Oh what a tangled web we weave.....

I am curious, How screwed up is the family with the law...we have Carol Rudat committing in my opinion "voter fraud" and you have her husband, with a former ruling from the Orange County Superior Court for items, while he was the city manager of Orange.

I was very disappointed orginally in the "Firing of Dave Rudat" to begin with, however, now with the knowledge that has been provided. This whole family is a cancer, and I am happy our City Council had the forsight after past councils that have failed to act.

Who are you endorsing for City Council - 2006

2006-09-21T21:01:00.000-07:00

Well I raised the question the another post and some thoughts came in via e-mail from some folks that read my blog. So I am going to ask the questions here and will post the answers from the candidate's for Mayor.

1. What political Party are registered to vote with?

2. Do you feel you should live in the City of Orange in order to run for elective office?

3. How long do you feel you should be resident prior to running for elective office?

4. Who are you endorsing for the Orange City Council?

5. Who are you supporting for the OUSD?

6. Who has endorsed you to date?

Now, I hope that Alvarez, Cavecche, England, and Pablo answer the questions? It should be interesting to see what happens.

Where is Bilodeau (aka, The Insider)?

2006-09-21T20:58:00.000-07:00

I wanted to originally call this post "Find Bilodeau" a play off find waldo. He has been labeled by many as a "Frontrunner" along with Mayor Mark Murphy. However, it is unclear still if the two are a tag team.

Mr. Bilodeau, has been a candidate prior to this in 2004 he ran for City Council and was unsuccessful.

The major question is...What are you doing? We have a number of candidates that are out there working hard, the signs are up, items are arriving at homes and the candidates are knocking on doors. I orginally thought after hearing his comments at the candidates forum that he was going door to door, he stated specifically "I have walked a number of neighborhoods in East Orange". I have talked with lots of people in East Orange, and nobdy has seen him. Even less new his name.

What I find even funnier is that Carol Rudat (aka The Beach Bunny) has to commute to Orange to run for the City Council and is out there running hard.

Mr. Frank Finn (aka The Heat) and Phil Martinez (aka The guy that lost to Rocco) have even been posting endorsements and getting there word going.

Jeremy Wayland (aka The Kid), is even trying to sugar coat his positions and even corrected some info I published. Of course long time candidate Robert Douglas (aka Bizness) has signs up and is hitting the streets hard.

Mr. Bilodeau, has all the stars lined up and has a great list of endorsements according to his website www.denisbilodeau.com however, looking around and talking in to friends and neighbors he is going to lose.

I walked my neighborhood and asked the 20 houses on my street the following question.

If the election was held today, who would you vote for?

1. Mark Murphy

2. Robert Douglas

3. Carol Rudat

4. Denis Bilodeau

These are the top 4, I of course had many that said " I don't know" and of course once I explained that Carol Rudat didn't live in Orange, she dropped below Bilodeau. But many people will go and vote and never have any idea to her residency.

These are the 2004 vote totals:

JON DUMITRU 15183 19.8%
TERESA "TITA" SMITH 14329 18.7%
FRED M. WHITAKER 13872 18.1%
DENIS BILODEAU 10850 14.1% (current candidate)
ROBERT L. DOUGLAS 8135 10.6% (current candidate)
DIANA E. WEHRLI 6629 8.6%
MICHAEL RAFAEL MERINO 6473 8.4%
JOHN ANTONY UELAND CAGLIA 1271 1.7% (current candidate)

****update- 09/21/06****

Denis Bilodeau is now endorsed by the Orange County Republican Party. Now this is not a surprise. I wonder if any other candidates even knew that endorsement was available.

He is also endorsed by Mayor Mark Murpy, Orange Councilmembers Dumitu and Smith. Interesting the only endorsement in Orange that is missing is from our very own Carolyn Cavecche.

I will ask the question, Who are supporting for City Council?

2006-09-18T10:46:00.000-07:00

I came across this interesting little tid bit as I was doing some "google" search for Frank Finn (aka, The Heat) for City Council.

Well the big news...Mr. Finn and Mr. Phil Martinez (aka The Man Who Lost To Rocco) is receiving an endorsement, my oh my...you may be shaking your head and wondering, why...who would be backing THE HEAT.

Well folks, the answer is THE TEAMSTERS....thats right, the 1st UNION to back a candidate for City Council.

Here is the link to the the "Teamsters Endorsement Page" check it out for yourself.

I am going to be very interested to see how the endorsements of such a lefty union is used in conservative City of Orange.

City Council Candidate's Forum - Part 2

2006-09-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

So in this post of the Candidate's forum Part-2 (All laughs are paid for by the Orange Chamber of Commerce).

It was really very enjoyable to watch all the new folks deciding that they want to be a City Councilmember.

However, I think all of us were waiting for that one question of the night.

Where do you live?

Carol Rudat missed the question by #1 person. What a drag, we were waiting and waiting. Oh well.

Well, on to the show I suppose.

All the candidates were interesting and had there takes on what is going right and what is going wrong with City Hall.

Candidate Frank Finn, aka "The Heat or 5-O" He actually responded to the question, "What have you done prior to this bid for elective office in the City of Orange". Answer...Nothing.... Well, kudos at least he was honest. He was also very bitter in nature to the current city council, and blamed them for everything shy of the war in Iraq. I found him as a very negative and an unlikable guy. My thoughts, he is going to rub people wrong and will end up with more folks not liking him at all.

Another interesting candidate was Mr. Phil Martinez, aka "The Man That Lost To ROCCO". Now, Mr. Martinez, was a total mess, had trouble just forming a sentence to answer the question, wonder if he had been drinking before hand. My thoughts here, he is already done and never got going!

Jeremy Wayland, aka "The Kid", he had a nice smile, glimmer in the eye, really bad ideas and the wrong delivery of thoughts. He claims to be a realtor, however, he came off with this anti-development rant. Have to wonder if he is playing to a "special interest group", I also received an e-mail that I will share with you soon, that sheds a little more light on this candidate. My impression, smells like a used car salesman, not real impressed.

Robert Douglas, aka "Bizness" well, I truly was overwhelmed...I honestly had a hard time understanding anything he said. He seems very honest and really like he cares. I actually, for having such a hard time to understand what he was saying, want to wish him luck. My thoughts, he will finish in the top 5, but will really fall behind 4th place.

Mark Murphy, aka "The Mayor", he seemed liked he knew his businesses, he was solid on his answers....not a lot to say. My thoughts give him another 4 years, and relax you didn't need to sweat so much.

Denis Bilodeau, aka "The Insider", he apparently is the chosen one again. I am truly amazed that he is actually running again. His presentation tonight seemed very plastic. He however, was actually solid on his info. Something I was impressed by is the amount of neighborhoods he has gotten to already. Apparently, he learned from his mistakes in his last campaign. My thoughts, he will battle with Rudat for 2nd place....comes down to overall support and money.

So speaking of Carol Rudat, aka "The Beach Bunny", well she actually came off pretty good. She however, seemed literally bored to death. She never smiled, but that could be that everybody was looking at her with tainted eyes. My thoughts, Bilodeau had better watch out or he is going to lose, and how will she manage to commute to the city counil meetings.

Darren Wm. Smith, aka "The County Hack", I say that jokily, because he works for the county. I would like to know what he thinks of the county leadership but that is for another day. Mr. Smith, seemed engaging, however, very cold, his personality was hard to like. My thoughts, he should have ran for the OUSD Board, he strcuk me as perfect for it.

John Antony Caglia, aka "The Angry Man", Why? When he talks his voice sound very upset and harse. He blamed the City Council for just about everything and he was totally against development. The funniest moment is when he said traffic is so bad in neighborhoods that they closed Shattuck Street down to traffic. (note-I called and asked on Friday..they closed the street due to construction and improvements to the street). Another interesting note is that Caglia ran in 2004, and was defeated in a horrible way. My thoughts, I don't seem him as a factor, he should be very excited if he can earn 1500 votes..I predict him to barely clear 500

Something very interesting is what we all found on our cars when we went to the parking lot. It is a flyer that points out her lies and her residency problems. Thank you to the OC BLOG for posting the the flyer (Hit this link to see the flyer).

City of Orange Candidates Forum

2006-09-15T11:04:00.000-07:00

The City of Orange Chamber of Commerce held its 2006 canddates forum this evening. All I can say is, oh my we are in trouble with the possible future!

Lets start with the Mayoral Race:

The candidate's that were there:

Carolyn Cavecche, Mayor Pro Tem
Mike Alvarez, Orange Businessman
and
Juan Pablo Serra Neiblas (1st time I saw this guy, scary), Shaman (huh?)

Interesting that Mrs. Andrea Simmons-England did not show up. My understanding from an e-mail or 2 is that perhaps she is just a product of the Alvarez for Mayor campaign, very tricky and very smart!

The questions were all more or less tame, however the Irvine Company was the focus of the Cahmber of Commerce this evening.

Mike Alvarez made it very clear that he was against all development in the East and Cavecche made a comment that in 2000 the council had approved homes. Alvarez responded that he never approved 4000 homes in 2000 because it is so wrong to do to the community.

FACT CHECK-- I called a long time friend to me and she is very involved in watching what occurs with the city and asked....the answer, Alvarez is correct, but is playing a game. He indeed didn't approve 4000 homes, the project at the time was much larger. She went on to say, that Cavecche and the current city council really are the winners on this deal in that they held the Irvine Company to the fire.

A question then came up on contributions from the Irvine Company and a Paul Hernadez? 1st if anybody can tell me who Mr. Hernadez is I would like to know why he is important enough to drag into this.

Carolyn Caveeche, answered that indeed she had received some contributions and there were all legal, and that the Irvine Company doesn't endorse candiates.

Mike Alvarez, answered that he had never received and money from The Irvine Company, Mr. Hernadez, Irvine Company partners or any contractors or sub contractors.

Juan Pablo...Went on about the "crooked politicians"

So the question to the blogging world...can anybody prove Alvarez has ever received a contribution from any of the aboved named sources. I find it very hard to believe that in his career as a councilman and sitting on over boards that he "NEVER" received any money.

1 last question that caught my ear was support for Measure M.

Carolyn Cavecche, had stated, she wanted the voters to decided.

Mike Alvarez, He was against the 1st one and is against this one. Also, he has been against all taxes and has never supported a tax increase.

Juan Pablo---Said that goverment

Fact Check- Cavecche who is an OCTA Board Member, and this would support her position with OCTA. I truly would like an answer to this important question.

****

The night for the Mayoral Candidates for the City of Orange, I would lable Mr. Mike Alvarez as the winner. He looked like a Mayor. Now I am still going between the 2 leaders, and I think Cavecche is solid, in the case of the candidates forum....Mr. Alvarez, congrats!

***

My thoughts on the City Council Candidates will come in the next couple of days when I get back from Santa Barbara.

Alvarez 9-11 event and my impressions!

2006-09-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

(9-14-06)...1st let me start with a thanks, I thought this posted and some how it dodn't make it to the page, so again thanks for the e-mail asking the question.

Mike Alvarez and his shameless attempt at using the tragic events of 9-11 and Ambriz's death to make money for his campaign!

Well, I didn't go to the Citrus City Grill in the traffic circle of orange for the fundraiser, but I did drive by and it appear Alvarez had roughly 30 people. It was hard to grab a good number because the resturant was open for business so they had regular customers as well.

The candlelight vigl was very interesting. 1st I had no idea what was going on, Alvarez was talking, and I couldn't hear him at all. He needed a sound system, but according to an early post and comment, apparently he doesn't pay his bills and maybe he couldn't find anybody to help. Oh well.

So the vigil, it was ok, it wasn't great but at least it was a total "Pass the Hat" for Mike nigt. I shoke hands with a number of elected officials that night, but the funniest was Carolyn Cavecche..why funny, I said HI, told her the general area I live and that the race will be interesting. Her answer...Hey you, it so nice to see you again...(Hmmm, have we met) Thanks for your support..(again, hmmm..I not sure who I am supporting), but the part that was really funny she was always looking around. Make eye contact and hold it, my goodness.

Ok so enough, I saw all the city council there expect for smith, and i saw just about ever city council candidate, I even spoke with Phil Martinez and asked him if all the unions were behind him again like they were when he lost to Steve Rocco in the OUSD board race. He didn't answer, looked more shocked.

So, the vigil had a nice bagpipe presentation and a song and a quick speech by Mike Alvarez, candidate for Mayor of Orange.

But, Mike, a suggestions....when your a candlelight vigil that you are doing everything for, HAVE CANDLES!!!! They're a lot of people that didn't have any candles and wanted some. You should spend 20 bucks and get a 100 or so candles.

Well, thats it, in the end it wasn't as tasteless as I thought, however it was still very obvious that Alvarez was doing this for political gain,

So again, I have to kudos to Carolyn Cavecche, as she took the high road again and should what leadership is.

How Low Will Mike Alvarez Go To Raise Money

2006-09-08T14:27:00.000-07:00

Orange Remembers 9/11, sounds noble enough. A dinner with a candidate for Mayor and then a candlelight vigil to remember the loss our nation had only 5 years ago.

Yet, Mike Alvarez has soiled it with greed and his need for money for his campaign!

Alvarez hits on the emotions tied to the tragic events of 9-11 and uses it as a cheap way to get people to his fundraiser.

Alvarez also got this into the City Newspaper, but not as a fundraiser. I am sure people will be shocked when they are to contribute to his campaign fund.

He also is using the death of Councilman Ambriz to get you the event as well. How, the flyer claims a portion will go to the library for the Ambriz Room.

So Alvarez is raising money based on those that died. It is a sad day in Orange. But hey for $500 you can join Alvarez's Mayor's Circle.

I checked the Carolyn Cavecche website, and to her credit nothing like this cheap tactic. I have also tried to locate websites for Juan Pablo and Andrea England with no luck.

Well, I wil plan on attending the candlelight portion of this event and I hope that I am not asked to contribute. I really haven't decided who I am supporting, but this makes it clearier to me thats for sure.

Really the only thing Mike Alvarez has done right so far in his campaign......He lives in Orange!

Probolsky on Carol Rudat Residency Problems

2006-09-08T13:33:00.000-07:00

This story was e-mailed to me today from a blog called the "Flash Report" interesting Blog...doesn' really grab me however...but here is yet another Rudat Story........

What I have to live there to run for city council?
by Adam Probolsky - Orange County

Residency - the act of dwelling in a place.

The laws governing residency are actually fairly liberal. But you kinda sorta have to live in a city to run for city council. Saying you live at your son's house in Orange and really shaking up with your husband in Newport Beach doesn't cut it.

This is the case of a local candidate for Orange City Council. She is Carol Rudat, wife of the former city manager who was (fired, let go, left on his own terms) feel free to call it what ever you want, but he ain't running the city anymore.

Carol, the wife and real estate professional that profited from the sale of land involving a trash company that was bidding on a city contract at the time while her husband was city manager and her husband was eventually fined by the FPPC for the incident was not available to comment about where she lives when are reporter called so her San Diego spokesperson chimed in to say how rude it was to question where she lived.

Interesting is that the Rudat spokesperson said she moved into the home owned by her some in Orange in July. The thing is she re-registered at the residence in April. Hmm.

OCBlog and the OC Register's Total Buzz blog have been buzzing about this subject for a couple days.

The lesson in all this, if you live in Newport Beach don't run for city council in Orange.

There is so much more to this that I will need at least another post or two, look soon for the documents about the criminal prosecution of Rudat's husband over the deal. And he is now one of our Dep. County CEOs. I think he is collecting a pension from Orange and his salary at the county.

If I was so lucky to get away with all that, I would probably tell my wife to open a crafts store instead of running for office in a city we didn't live in.

Interesting take on the story. I had no idea Dave Rudat was fined by the FPPC...interesting....and Mrs. Rudat, was tied into a scandal with the former trash company. Didn't the trash guy just get nabbed for millions in fines that he stole from the City of ORange under.....Dave Rudat...husband of candidate Carol Rudat. WOW, this is getting good......

Stay tuned for more....I am sure there's more to come......

Just a side note, how the hell did Dave Rudat keep his job as City Manager as long as he did?

Ask Carol Rudat, Where Do You Live, and HOW LONG!

2006-09-07T19:50:00.000-07:00

Council candidates will speak at forum
By COURTNEY BACALSO
The Orange County Register

ORANGE – Voters can hear from City Council and mayor candidates at a forum hosted by the Chamber of Commerce on Thursday.

Each candidate will have an opportunity to make an opening and closing statement as well as answering any questions from the audience and a moderator.

The forum begins at 6 p.m. at the City Council Chambers, 300 E. Chapman Ave.
It will also be televised live by Time Warner and will be repeated on the local cable station #3 throughout the months of September and October.

**I plan on being there, and I want to know...where do you live? How long have you lived in Orange? WHy Do you want to be a Councilperson?**

Please plan on attending...it should be interesting, to see if she will lie>

Water rates, and Denis Bilodeau!

2006-09-05T22:24:00.000-07:00

Seems that we here at orange-politico’s are getting flooded with info on potential candidates.

I have now received information that Denis Bilodeau, set up the current Orange City Council to look bad with its citizens by forcing them to raise water rates back in April as part of his “master plan”.

Dennis Bilodeau, the Planning Commissioner appointed by the late Councilman Ambriz, is the President of the Water District that Orange buys a most of its water from.

When Orange raised water rates, the council was stuck and just passing thru increased costs from the water district that Bilodeau is in charge of. Bilodeau let his costs go up and passed them on to Orange, who pretty has to pay them.

Bilodeau and his Board of Director were irresponsible for their actions and it of course ended up hurting us, the voters of Orange.So far, council has taken the heat instead of the guy actually running the water district - Bilodeau.

If you're going to complain about why water went up, at least complain about the right person. Denis Bilodeau!

Also, I hope to in the coming days publish a list of travel and expenditures that we the taxpayers have had to pay for Denis Bilodeau to travel and dine at the taxpayer’s expense.

More proof!!

2006-09-05T13:31:00.000-07:00

More proof of Carol Rudat not living in the City of Orange.....that is of course unless her and her husband have decided to live seperately.

The phone number listed in her voter registeration is a area code 949...which when googled is her real estate office...no big deal..work where ever.....

however, when searching the phone number I came across another number that is also 949..when that is plugged into google it comes up with....

Phonebook results for 949-717-xxxx (I removed the numbers)
David L Rudat, (949) 717-xxxx, Newport Beach, CA 92660

It truly appears as the OC Blog put, we have a carpet bagger!!

OC BLOG Picks up story on Candidate that doesn't live in the City!

2006-09-05T13:16:00.000-07:00

Posted on the OC BLOG..Apparently, I am not the only to find this info.

Does Orange Council Candidate Carol Rudat Actually Live In Orange?

Carpetbagging isn't unusual in legislative and congressional races -- central OC used to have a tradition of being represented by legislators who didn't live in their districts.

But Orange City Council candidate Carol Rudat is taking the art of carpetbagging to an entirely new level: the evidence is convincing she doesn't even live in Orange. I first got wind of this this past Friday, and subsequently saw a report on it on Orange Politicos via the Greater Orange eBlog.

A little background is in order. Carol Rudat is the wife of Dave Rudat, a 33-year City of Orange employee who was let go as City Manager last year. He is currently the interim Deputy CEO for the County of Orange.

The Rudats bought a house in Old Towne last year. I have heard from several sources that it is empty. Even the trash cans in alley behind the Rudats' house are empty, while their neighbors are all full. An empty house and empty trash cans are pretty good indications no one is living there.

Voter registration records tell a similar tale. Carol Rudat registered to vote at an Anaheim address in June 1980. This voter registration card dated April 30, 1998 has her registered at a Corona Del Mar address. On January 9, 2001, Mrs. Rudat registered at a new address -- still in Corona Del Mar, just a couple of blocks from the beach. (Plug the address -- 254 Evening Cayon Road, Corona Del Mar, 92625 -- into Windows Live Local and click on "bird's eye view" -- nice neighborhood, but definitely not the City of Orange).

Carol Rudat didn't register to vote in the City of Orange until April 21, 2006 -- just a couple of months before filing to run for Orange City Council.

According to her walk piece, Carol Rudat moved to Orange when she was eleven and went to school in Orange -- but the walk piece doesn't claim she lives in Orange. The Greater Orange eBlog states "Both the Rudats were very active in many Greater Orange community organizations."

That's all well and good -- but if a person wants to be elected to a City Council, that person ought to actually live in the city. It is abundantly clear the Rudats live in Corona Del Mar and not Orange. If Mrs. Rudat wants to be a councilwoman, she should run for Newport Beach City Council.

Why is Carol Rudat running for council in a city she doesn't live in? That's a subject for another post.

**In the Post I placed last week I attacked this very question, however, I had removed following some questions placed to me via e-mail. I would do more research and find more truth and post more info. I think the Greater Orage eBlog will also now have to admit in light of this info, that this candidate, either doesn't live in Orange...or move here in the last few days.

Either way, this is terrible way for the citizens of Orange to Vote**

More prove, Rudat, not a resident of Orange!

2006-09-05T11:29:00.000-07:00

The story and the clues are getting better and better....The question is there..Does Carol Rudat, Candidate for the Orange City Council live in the City...it is appearing more and more as a solid.....NO!

Okay Frank,

You wanted details here you go.

444 South Center was purchased under Brandon Rudat, Carol's Son as an income property and a tax write off last year in November.

His name is in fact on the title, but you can find the tax billing address going back to Carols Residence in Newport Coast as 78 Archipelago Drive. Newport Coast.

Due to people inquiring about Carol living outside of Orange on August 21st the owners name was changed from Carol Rudat to Nyq trust so folks inquiring on a tax readout would not find her name other than the one on Center street. Extremely manipulative and sneaky.

But consider the logic, is she going to move from a 3,800 square foot home in Newport coast to a 900 square foot house as a part of a duplex across the street from apartments?

Greater Orange News Blog never even bothered to answer the question that was posted about her actually residing in the city.

I do not know what more proof is needed.

Nothing against her issues, but shouldn't a councilperson actually live in the city they are running in?

This should come out and people should know the truth. If they want to vote for her after that than they can.

Just print the facts.

Thank you
Concerned Voter

Welcome to a new City of Orange Blog

2006-09-04T23:28:00.000-07:00

I came across this e-mail of a voter in the City of Orange who is undecided and is looking and watching as the title of the blog goes. The link is www.orangeelections.blogspot.com and this is pretty good to read, and will be interesting to follow through the election cycle.

Answering an e-mail questioned

2006-09-04T20:50:00.000-07:00

dlexman said...
Hi Frank, I was surprised to see you remove the article about certain city council candidates that do not live in the city of Orange. I hope that you were not intimated for printing the truth and would be interested in why such information was deleted from your site?

8:43 PM

***The reason that I removed the post on the residency of Carol Rudat is I need more info, the orginal e-mail as I researched was still lacking of solid evidence. Now I have been by the South Cnter Street address a number of times and she doesn't live there.

As soon as I have more prove, I will post again. As I am sure that Rudat doesn't live within the City of Orange, I still need more solid prove.***

Street Fair...DAY 3

2006-09-03T22:19:00.000-07:00

So here we go...Day 3...I was down in the early evening after church and going to a birthday party for a friends little girl. I came down with my husband (finally) and we had our kids at my mothers. I had a goal of having some beer and dancing on the "German Street".

We walked around the fair for sometime and tonight we didn't see any of our "Local Poltico's" I even asked a couple of police officers if they had seen the City Council out. The answer was a no. Guess they had enough and took the last day of the fair off. I don't blame them, it is a long weekend that's for sure.

I got to have a huge sausage sandwich for dinner and promptly went and chicken danced. I had a fun time tonight.

Something I noticed and have to give a thumbs up to the City Council for on the street fair. I noticed that they had crews as far as 9 blocks from the fair cleaning up peoples lawns and cleaning gutters of trash. Very thoughtful, it was nice to see.

what a weekend, It did have problems that I expected. A lot of people drunk and rude. Men and women alike making comments that very crude.

But overall, a very nice weekend. Thanks City of Orange..For a great party

Street Fair...DAY 2

2006-09-02T22:36:00.000-07:00

I came down to the street fair again this afternoon, but only stayed for only 1 hour. It was so hot and humid.

I came back to the Street Fair later that night around 6pm when it was cooler. Myself and some of my friends started on "Irish Street" where we bought a beer being served from our very own Mayor Mark Murphy. I even said when ordering my beer, " I need 2 one for me and one for Frank Johnson", he didn't even catch it.

Murphy was the only "Local Political" that I saw out there tonight. But I did hear that Smith, Dumitru, and Cavecche were there, just didn't spot them.

Let me tell you the place was packed, and it was very difficult to move around the fair. But I must admit, I now understand the attraction of the fair. It was fun and it was great seeing people having such a great time.

Can't wait till tomorrow!

Street Fair, DAY-1

2006-09-01T22:40:00.000-07:00

I was at the Orange International Street Fair this evening and what a circus. The college kids are all in town drinking up a storm and the "Local Politico's" are looking for votes.

So the run down of the "Politico's"

I saw all of them do another a tribute to Steve Ambriz on the main stage, it was very fitting. I then went to shop at the crafts booths, and picked up a couple of little things.

Well to the point, I saw Mark Murphy and Carolyn Cavecche working the Republican Voter Booth. I saw Dumtre running around the fair with what appeared to be some friends, but I lost track of him around 8:30pm. Smith, I lost her the second she got of the stage, I think she probably went home.

As for some other interesting little tid-bits, Candidate for Mayor, Mike Alvarez was out working the crowd...and I was told the Andrea England was working some booths. I went on "Safarri" to find her, however, I was unsuccessful. Also, candidate for city council Wayland had a banner up at the fair and Douglas had people handing out flyers.

The fair also had a couple of outside the town folks show too, but the biggest name was Congressman Royce. He was on the main stage at the begining.

Well, thats it for day 1....I will be there tomorrow evening and see if we can see anything that smells of scandal.

Candidates for the 71st AD, already lining up!

2006-08-30T07:38:00.000-07:00

I came across this today on the OC Blog, one of my favorite blogs to read each and every day...It has some interesting thoughts posted by an Adam Probolsky, not sure how he knows the orange scene, but whatever..I guess anybody can take a shot at guessing what will happen in life.

Move over Todd

Assemblyman Spitzer hasn't even won his final 2 years in Sacramento (he could get 90% of the vote in November is he really wanted to) and the candidates for his 71st Assembly DIstricts are already lining up.

Today your own Orange County Public Administrator - Public Guardian, South Orange County Community College District Trusteee and Republican Central Committee Member John WIlliam filed to open a committee and to start raising money for a 2008 run for the 71st Assembly District.

Williams is a likable guy and has lots of credibiltiy having run a tight ship both at the college district and for the last four years at the county.

But there are several other possible candidates for the post including Orange Mayor Mark Murphy, Councilman Jon Dumitru, and Councilwoman Carolyn Cavecche. OC Water District Board Member and Orange Councilman to be Denis Bilodeau is also a prospect. (I don't think he will win his council race, he has lost 2x prior and honestly does he have the gas to go all the way)

Both DA Rackauckas and Sheriff Carona would have very good chances if they decided to run, both of them, like Williams would be running from safe seats since they all won re-election this year (Willaims and Rackauckas were unopposed).

I've heard Mark Bucher's (WHO??) name thrown around for the 71st in 08. Bucher is a successful businessman, central committee member and conservative leader.

Ok who did I miss? Mission Viejo Councilman Frank Ury. Good point. Anyone else?

Posted by Adam D. Probolsky on August 29, 2006 at 11:01 PM

Great, Street Fair Weekend...

2006-08-27T16:52:00.000-07:00

So are you like a number of us....Looking forward to the horde of out of towners coming into town to drink, fight puke and pee on old town area. Well, if so..its your lucky weekend....

Orange International Street Fair is this weekend and yes you too can be assualted by the drunk men, and end up slipping in a pile of puke on Chapman Avenue.

If you can't tell I am not a huge fan of the fair. I feel it totally is wrong, it destroys our old town area and causes all the homeowners problems.

I will go done a couple of times during the weekend, but only to see what is going on with our "Local Politico's", and I am interested to see who is working hard as candidates.

Well, if you go...be careful and aware of everything.

For the homeowners who will have people from outside of town destroying their yards. Call and complain.

City wins, Nimby's are plowed over !

2006-08-26T22:38:00.000-07:00

Judge: Sierra Club's challenge to East Orange project unfounded
The Irvine Co. will move forward with its plans to build more than 4,000 homes.

By ELLYN PAK
The Orange County Register

SANTA ANA – A Superior Court judge ruled today against a Sierra Club lawsuit, which challenged the City of Orange's approval of a project to build 4,000 new homes on the eastern edge of the city.

The Irvine Co. project won approval in November to build 4,046 new homes east of the city and extend Orange's limits farther into the hills.

The proposal, which included a 20-acre sports park, faced opposition from environmentalists and traffic-weary residents.

The homes would add 12,000 residents to Orange -- a city that today has 138,000 people.

In December, the Sierra Club sued the city for approving the homes, saying it failed to conduct an adequate environmental review.

Today, Judge Stephen J. Sundvold ruled that the club's challenges were unfounded and that a near 30,000-page report and accompanying documents adequately analyzed the project's impact on the environment.

I watched a lot of the City Council meetings and really this is when I got interested in following the whole "Local Politico's". I must say that I am NOT wanting any new homes built in east orange. However, I must hold that the city staff and elected officials did everything possible to make sure all those documents were available and that the public had lots of input. So to the City of Orange, Congrats!

City Loan Program

2006-08-24T08:51:00.000-07:00

Orange approves a loan and incentive program to help small businesses enhance their physical appearance.

By COURTNEY BACALSO
The Orange County Register

Orange

Cheryl Turner's tea-related retail store sells everything from party accessories to jewelry to clothing women could wear to tea parties.

But there is no place in her store to have a tea party.

She looked into expanding her store, but it proved to be too expensive – until now.

The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve the Small Business Assistance Program, which gives business owners and building owners such as Turner incentives to beautify properties.

The program includes six small-business incentives – four interest-free loans, a 3 percent interest loan and a fee-incentive program – for businesses that fall under the Orange Merged and Amended Redevelopment Project Area.

The area includes numerous pockets west of the Costa Mesa (55) Freeway.

"When they told me about it, I really got excited because I can finally continue with my plans," Turner said. "It's exciting as a merchant because it also encourages people around me to upgrade as well."

In 2001, the city started a similar program known as the West Chapman Reinvestment Program and Old Towne Restaurant Minor Rehabilitation Project, which Turner looked into two years ago.

"At the time, the program didn't fit with what I wanted to do because I wasn't a new business," Turner said, adding that costs would reach $20,000 even before breaking ground. "I walked away with my tail in between my legs."

No loans had been made from the old program, which had requirements that were difficult for owners to meet, said Barbara Messick, project manager for economic development projects.

Turner said she will submit her application before the end of this week.

"I can't wait. Before there was a lot of red tape that didn't make sense," she said. "Now, it's a more user-friendly program."

**This was the loan program that I didn't understand the other day at the council meetnig. It makes a little more sense now and seems on the surface to be a good thing. Hope more info becomes available. Either way, it shows yet again, that the Orange City Council is more or less business friendly.**

City Council Meeting 8-22-06

2006-08-22T21:32:00.000-07:00

So I attended the 4:30pm session today to watch the council meeting in person. I sat in the back of the room and took a couple of notes.

The meeting was more or less uneventful.

Councilmember Smith asked to look at stipends (different word for pay) for the Planning Commissioners. She felt it was too low and since it hadn't been adjusted since 1992 that it should be addressed. Interesting thought, I wonder what is next....City Council "Stipends". I bet they haven't been raised in a few years.

Councilmember Dumitri asked some questions about a purchase of office furniture for the new library. His concern was interesting, he caught 2 requests for what appeared to be the same type of item. In the end, after the library folks explained it a little clearer it was an easy -Yes- vote.

Mayor Pro Tem Cavecche didn't say a lot during the 4:30 session, which surprised me. I thought with her being a candidate for Mayor she may try and chirp a bit more then others.

Mayor Murphy of course, did some appointments to committees for councilmembers. I don't know where these came from but they are spots in the county:
1. Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Authority....Carolyn Cavecche
2. Orange County Sanitation District...Jon Dumitri

One final item that was of interest from the 4:30 pm session was some type of loan program to businesses on Chapman Avenue. I will be the 1st to tell you, I don't understand it...but it looks like the City will give the businesses on Chapman Avenue money to fix up there properties and then the loans don't need to be paid back. Had a few people talk on the subject and it passed 4-0 with little discussion from the council members.

**The 7pm session**

Two items on the agenda for 7pm, the 1st was a new place to eat in old towne called Cafe Lucca, a little Italian joint that serves salad and desserts. I guess, from what I have read that the Planning Commission slapped this guy with some type of order, and he is appealing it to the City Council.

Cavecche stated that she would only grant the continuance tonight because the cost of the notice to neighbors was very low and there was no public at the meeting actually to discuss the issue.

Something I didn't understand was Dumiti, he gave a 2nd to Cavecche, but went on to say to the person from Cafe Lucca, that the excuse of only having received the report on Thursday to him was invalid because they (city council) only got their report onThursday, and that this had been an ongoing problem through Planning Commission and he should have been prepared. Well, either way it was continued 4-0 to October.

The next issue came up was the Block at Orange shopping area again! Apparently a real estate company in the area wants to develop some land at the block, however, they haven't as of yet. They were asking for more time to reach agreements with The Block. Dumitri was the 1st to start in on the company, it was very interesting and he did his homework, even refered to a meeting in 2004, where promises were made. this all rotates around fees if the company can't reach agreements by a certain time frame.

After about 1/2 hour or so of questions and comments from the council the person from the real estate company made an oops. She stated it didn't matter what fees were assigned to them if the contract wasn't met, they wouldn't pay them anyway. That was interesting to me.

I will be watching this one closely in the following months. Shoud be interesting to ask all the candidates for elective office their thoughts on the Block and the surrounding areas construction.
That was it for the meeting, quick night and the kids even left me alone.

I have turned off channel 3 for the evening and now I am going to bed.

Good Night City of Orange

The list of those interested in elective office

2006-08-18T18:30:00.000-07:00

This is the list that was compiled on another blog, thanks for the info.

Official Ballot order for the November 7, 2006.

Running for Mayor of Orange

Carolyn V. Cavecche
Mike Alvarez
Andrea Simmons-England
Juan Pablo Serrano-Nieblas

City Council Candidates:

Andrew J. Hinger
Robert L Douglas
Denis Bilodeau
Mark A. Murphy
Phil Martinez
Arnold L. Crain
John Antony Ueland Caglia
Jeremy Wayland
Carol Rudat
Frank Finn
Darren Wm. Smith

While others are wishing you luck, I will not rather you have decided for all of us to exam you closer and see what you are all about and your motives.

I'm Back from vacation and WOW

2006-08-16T07:18:00.000-07:00

The City of Orange is a blaze in conversation. The Mayor's race is heating up already.

The Candidates are:

Carolyn Cavecche, the current mayor pro tem.

Mike Alvarez, former mayor pro tem

Juan Pablo Neiblas

Andrea Simmons-England (I will be posting more on her, very interesting stuff coming in)

The fight is on...who will toss the first political mud bomb. I have my guesses.

Who are you leaning to vote for today and why?

Me...Not sure, it truly depends on how the others elected to office in Orange and the County look at these candidates. I will be asking them and I will figure out whop is truly being backed up by there counterparts.

This in from the Alvarez for Mayor Campaign

2006-08-11T16:01:00.000-07:00

Thanks to "Andrea" for this e-mail and information:

For Immediate Release For More Information:

MIKE ALVAREZ
OFFICIALLY ENTERS
RACE FOR MAYOR
OF ORANGE

Friday, August 11, 2006
Contact: 714-665-1996 or 714-532-5855

ORANGE - Orange businessman Mike Alvarez filed his candidacy papers today with the City Clerk, officially entering the race for Mayor of Orange in the November 7, 2006, General Election.

Mike Alvarez was elected to two terms, the maximum allowed under city term limits, on the Orange City Council, and served as Mayor Pro Tem, from 1996 to 2004.

My family and I represent three generations in Orange. I am dedicated to protecting the unique character and quality of life we value so highly, Alvarez said. The effects of illegal immigration, unlawful boarding houses, overcrowding, and severe traffic congestion must be controlled before they erode our great City, Alvarez stated. As Mayor of Orange, I'll provide proven experience, a clear vision, and a higher standard of leadership to resolve problems and secure a positive future for our residents and the City, declared Alvarez.

Alvarez is running on his record as a fiscal conservative who voted to strengthen public safety, oppose new taxes or fees, and for strict taxpayer accountability.

Alvarez's family founded the Army-Navy Store in Orange in 1955. Mike Alvarez served on the Planning Commission, Chamber of Commerce, the Orange Senior Center, and as President, Friends of the Orange Public Library. # # #

Ok, so there we have it..in case you were wondering about it. Mr. Alvarez is a candidate for Mayor of the City of Orange.

A surprise Mayoral Candidate????

2006-08-11T15:45:00.000-07:00

I received this as a comment from an earlier post but felt it was important to post those comments here:

Received from a Blog-osphere handle of Andrea....

Hey, Frank...the Florida heat must be slowing you down! Not only did you miss MIKE ALVAREZ returning his papers today....but I also hear from the City Clerks office that a woman named Andrea England also pulled and returned her papers today for Mayor as well. We hear she is a supporter of the late Steve Ambriz, and an Old Town resident. Maybe you can find out some more on this sruprise candidate upon your return, and enlighten us!

Here is the deal, anybody have info on this..please e-mail. I will not publish your e-mail or contact, I just want her info...anything. Also, If Mrs. Andrea England would like to e-mail a resume, feel free.

***Update***
The info is already flowing in..but as of yet nothing can be confirmed. This so far is the only thing that can be published, we understand that she does in fact live in Old Towne Orange near the Circle.

Today is the day

2006-08-11T07:07:00.000-07:00

While, I am clear across the country enjoying the last bit of the summer with the kids and running around disney world. I realized today is the day. We should know who is running for "Mayor", I also understand that the City Council race is officially extended till next Wednesday, due to Cavecche not filing for her re-election.

So with 3 months to go, and filing closing today....

Let the fun and games begin !!!!!

Greetings from Walt Disney World

2006-08-10T07:43:00.000-07:00

I am on vacation with the kids and we are visiting the amazing Walt Disney Worl. This place is massive, and the kids are overwhelmed, as am I.

I have check the Orange City News via on-line and nothing really to report on there. The filing period for the mayor's race closes tomorrow and I will post something on that on saturday. Until then, I will be basking in the sun and waiting in lines to ride the rides.

Ok, this is crazy

2006-08-08T17:49:00.000-07:00

Well here is the thing, I turned the TV on to watch our Orange City Council tonight and it was only 5pm and the Council Meeting was not on my channel #3.

I called the city (they are open till 5:30pm), and was surprised to learn that indeed there was a council meeting and it was already done.

It is simply crazy, is there nothing going on?

Things got a little more interesting !!!

2006-08-04T14:10:00.000-07:00

Merino Decides Not To Run Endorses Others

Thanks again to the Great Orange eBlog for the strory.

Architect Mike Merino (who I have called a hot head in the past) issued a press release stating that he has decided not to run in November for the Orange City Council or mayor’s office. Merino, who was recently appointed to the California Architects Board by Gov. Schwarzenegger,(Thats Cool...had no idea), had pulled papers for both the mayor and city council races.

In addition to announcing that he would not seek election, Merino also issued a strong endorsement of Carolyn Cavecche for Mayor and both Denis Bilodeau and Mark Murphy for city council.

In the press release Merino stated;
"I am dedicated to improving our city and the best way for me to do that this year is to support good leaders like Carolyn Cavecche, Denis Bilodeau and Mark Murphy.

“Although I have decided not to run, I will continue to seek other ways to be involved with our city and to continue my involvement in our community - hopefully having an opportunity to work with each of them in the future.” (I don't understand this...he is good enough to be on a committee appointed by Gov. Schwarenegger, but hasn't been tapped in town for a position...I hope he does find a way to be involved).

Merino further stated; “Carolyn Cavecche has convinced me that she will be a strong crime-fighter (still open to debate) and support the needs of our police department so that our quality of life will be protected. As a shepherd of our local economy, she has promised to keep the interests of local business (hhmmmmm) at the forefront of her decision-making process and ensure that the growth of our city in the east will be made carefully and that concerns for traffic safety will be addressed (again, hmmm..I talk with my friends and they don't feel she has protected the open spaces). She has also assured me that she will protect the interests of our local taxpayers by keeping taxes, fees, and other charges from increasing during her tenure."

"Mark Murphy and Denis Bilodeau have performed superbly. They have both impressed me with their good judgment and leadership. (What has Bilodeau shown as leadership and good judgement, he has no track record at all).

“I believe that both of these men will continue to provide the representation needed as we move forward here in Orange."

City News Story on Council Race.

2006-08-03T07:32:00.000-07:00

Thank you OC Register and the Orange City News, for this little story it sure did help to put the players in line for me.

Dozen pulled papers for city council race
By COURTNEY BACALSO
Orange City News

The dozen hopefuls who have pulled nomination papers for the two seats on the Orange City Council upcoming elections as of Tuesday will have an extra week to file their paper work.

Councilwoman Carolyn Cavecche filed her nomination papers Tuesday confirming she will run for mayor and will not run for her incumbent seat on the Council.

Among the dozen, one candidate filed, another decided not to run, several have confirmed running and others have not made a final decision on their candidacy.

Darren Smith, one of five who have not previously run for office, is the sole person to file his nomination papers. The longtime resident of Orange said his decision to run was motivated by the passing of Councilmember Steve Ambriz, who he had known through work.

Jason Lindenstrom, a chief political officer for the Orange County Teachers' Federal Credit Union, pulled papers but decided he is not running for council this year.

Four of six of the candidates who have previously ran for City Council said they do intend to file their papers and will complete them before the deadline.

John Caglia, a project manager for Disney retail stores and 15-year resident of Orange, said he will run for his second time for City Council.

Robert Douglas, a small business owner and 11-year resident, will also be turning in his nomination papers.

Denis Bilodeau, director of the Orange County Water District and a previous candidate, said he had not intended to run.

"Bridget (Ambriz) asked me to run after Steve's death," Bilodeau said. "If you had asked me two and a half months ago, it wouldn't have been the case."

While he hasn't file yet, Mayor Mark Murphy said he will be running.

"I don't think the issues have changed a lot during the past couple of years," he said. "I think people are concerned about managing our growth while protecting our neighborhoods and quality of life."

Fred Whitaker said he is still considering his options. He added that if he ends up running, he hopes to address issue related to joint-use facilities and illegal immigration.

Michael Merino said he is undecided as to whether he will run for the Council or for mayor – which is open because Mayor Mark Murphy's term is over.

Merino is the only candidate that has pulled papers for both positions.

"I am about 75 percent sure on my decision but I have not finalized it yet," he said.

Katie Grant, a resident of Orange for about five years and financial consultant, pulled nomination papers on Monday. She said she has not made a decision yet whether she will move forward with the process.

Frank Finn said he still has not made a decision either.

"This would be my first time and I am on the fence about it.," said Finn, a police officer who has lived in the city since 1983.

Both Finn and Grant are running for office for the first time.

Some of the issues that candidates plan to address include development and government intervention.

Phil Martinez, who previously ran for the Orange Unified School District, and Arnold Crain also pulled nomination papers but have not yet filed. Despite attempts, both men could not be reached for comment.

In the Mayoral race, Mike Alvarez and Juan Pablo-Serrano-Nieblas also pulled papers as of Tuesday.

2006-08-02T13:16:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the Greater Orange eBlog, which is making my life a little easier...they have gone and put together the list of people that want to be "Local Politico's"....And here is the list. AS for me, Yup the kids are still out of school on vacation, and thank god the City owns the pool at the park, it has been a lifesaver.

eLECTION Watch 2006 UPDATE 8/01/06

Cavecche Files for Mayor (another reason she is the front runner, she has her act together and is filed). Will she even have a challenger?

Perennial Candidate Serrano-Nieblas (I love this guy, he is a "crack pot") is Back and More Papers Pulled in Orange Council Race

Orange City Council member Carolyn Cavecche made her bid for Orange Mayor official on Tuesday August 1st by filing her papers for the November election. None of the other potential candidates who have taken out papers to run in the race have returned them yet. The filing deadline is August 11th. Pulling papers for the Orange Mayor’s race on Tuesday was perennial candidate and community fixture, Juan Pablo Serrano-Nieblas. In the 1998 mayoral race Nieblas polled 3.6%. In the 2000 race he polled 9.6% and in 2004 his total percentage was 11%.

Also pulling papers for the Orange City Council race was Katie Grant bringing the total possible candidates to 12. Only one candidate has turned in the papers, Darren Smith.

The period to declare candidacy ends August 11 (this is extended until Aug 16th if the incumbent has not filed).

As of AUGUST 1, 2006

Orange City Council
The following have filed and are waiting signature confirmation:
Darren Smith (Officially the front runner...why you ask, because he is the only true candidate with stuff filed and awaiting confirmation).. (Anybody know this guy...chime up, never seen him or heard of him)

The following have pulled papers, but not yet filed:
Jason Lindstrom...another nobody, could this be the year of the unknowns?
Mark Murphy (current Mayor)..I thought he was termed out, oops...loop hole
Mike Merino...Who knows what the little guy will do...I predict if he runs, he may win
Robert Douglas...Like Juan Pablo Serrano-Nieblas, always running for something, but misses the mark.
Dennis Bilodeau (O.C. Water Board) I want to thank a loyal reader for infomation on him...I was pretty hard on the Orange City Council for raising water rates on us, however, it was only because the OC Water, increased its cost to Orange, which is led by Bilodeau..he raised the tax on us and we had no way to fight it. Does he have a chance this time for Council...We shall see.
Fred Whitaker..also another name from the 2004 council race..can he do it...maybe, but will he knock out Murphy, that's the question!
John Caglia...another new guy to the Council Race
Frank Finn...another new guy to the Council Race
Phil Martinez...another new guy to the Council Race, but I have heard he ran for OUSD Board in 2004. Anybody have any info??
Arnold Crain..another new guy to the Council Race
Katie Grant...another new woman to the Council Race

Villa Park City Council
The following have pulled papers, but not filed:
Robert Fauteux (incumbent)..also a writer for the "throwaway paper" Foothill Sentry"
Deborah Pauly..Who?? I have heard the name, never met the woman
Bradley Reese..Again, Who??
James Rheins..Hmmmm, WHO??
Patricia L. Bortle (incumbent/ appointed Mayor)..Somebody I know..a total winner in my books

Orange Mayor
The following have filed and are waiting signature confirmation:
Carolyn Cavecche (current council member)..Again front runner, lead dog

The following have pulled papers, but not filed:
Mike Alvarez (former council member)..I have heard from a realible source that there is serious thought of backing out and running for City Council, and then a try at Mayor in the future...I am disappointed in race, seems very disorganized and is like a viking funeral...a boat sinking in flames.
Mike Merino..I didn't realize he was in the mix for both Council and Mayor...the little guy has spunk...will he follow through, or just fall by the wayside
Juan Pablo Serrano-Nieblas..I love this guy, you can seem him the circle with his Peace not War sign...

Rancho Santiago Trustee Area #2
The following have filed:
John Hanna (current incumbent)
Steve Rocco (OUSD Trustee)..We here at Orange-Politico's are going to endorse Steve Rocco for in this race...not because he is the best candidate, but it will remove him from the OUSD and we can get normal people back in there...this guy is a hoot

Orange Unified School District
The following have filed:
Trustee Area 1:
7/17/06 Melissa Smith (current incumbent)
Governing Board Member, Orange Unified School District Trustee Area 1

7/19/06 Alexia Deligianni (OC Young Republican Director)
Educator

Trustee Area 4
7/19/06 Kathy Moffat (current incumbent)
No current ballot designation

Trustee Area 5
7/27/06 Paul-Dean Martin
Theater Arts Educator

7/27/06 Christopher K. Emami (withdrew and refilled)
Youth Services Director

Trustee Area 7
7/17/06 Larry D. Cohn (former OUSD Legislative Coalition Chair)
No current ballot designation

7/20/06 Rick Ledesma (incumbent)
No current ballot designation

Check back to the Greater Orange News eBlog daily for UPDATES

eLECTION Watch 2006 is produced by Orange Net News /O/N/N/5
OrangeNetNews@verizon.net
“Independent, Local, News and Viewpoints”

City Council meeting....where was it ?

2006-07-26T18:31:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I have been so slow to post anything new. After I erased the whole blog, I really was discouraged. Also, with it being summertime and the kids are not in school, I find myself with very little time to sit and post information.

However, with that said…

I did turn the TV onto channel #3 Tuesday night to watch our local government in action. But wait, nothing came on. Once again, they only had a 4:30pm session. Now I understand that they don’t have enough business to push for a 7pm session, But, what about people that want to address the City Council and can’t get there in time for the early session. I mean, most people have jobs and can’t just leave them to come down to city hall…..or is that what our city government wants….

My suggestion, even if you don’t have enough agenda items for a 7pm session, at least have a public comments session then close the meeting. Or if the Council is to lazy to stick around, then how about at least having a staff member on site to answer questions take notes and share them with the City Council.

Please, make our city government more accessible to all…

2006-07-25T08:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the greater Orange Eblog for this info, I haven't had time to go down and find out who is running and such.

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

eLECTION Watch 2006 UPDATE
As of JULY 24, 2006
The period to declare candidacy ends August 11 (this is extended until Aug 16th if the incumbent has not filed).

Orange City Council
The following have pulled papers, but not filed:
Darren Smith
Jason Lindstrom
Mike Murphy (current Mayor)
Mike Merino
Robert Douglas
Dennis Bilodeau
Fred Whitaker
John Caglia
Frank Finn
My thoughts differ from person to person, but I won't exam them till they actually file the paperwork. When they are official, then the game is on.

Villa Park City Council
The following have pulled papers, but not filed:
Robert Fauteux (appointed incumbent)
Deborah Pauly
Bradley Reese

Orange Mayor
The following have pulled papers, but not filed:
Carolyn Cavecche (current council member)
Mike Alvarez
Mike Merino

Rancho Santiago Trustee Area #2
The following have filed:
John Hanna (current incumbent)
Steve Rocco

Orange Unified School District Council
The following have filed:
Trustee Area 1:
7/17/06 Melissa Smith (current incumbent)
Governing Board Member, Orange Unified School District Trustee Area 1

7/19/06 Alexia Deligianni (OC Young Republican Director)
Educator

Trustee Area 4
7/19/06 Kathy Moffat (current incumbent)
No current ballot designation

Trustee Area 5
7/20/06 Chris Emami
Youth Services Director

Trustee Area 7
7/17/06 Larry D. Cohn (former OUSD Legislative Coalition Chair)
No current ballot designation

7/20/06 Rick Ledesma (incumbent)
No current ballot designation

Power just came back on

2006-07-23T08:44:00.000-07:00

Wow..the weather has been wacky. It is hot and sticking and the power was out all morning. This is out of control. I am sure that our elected representatives are up to date on the issues through out town.

OOPS!

2006-07-20T13:35:00.000-07:00

I accidental erased the whole blog.

I will start posting some new stuff in th ecoming days