| Dear Friends, Almost every election I am asked about the judges on the ballot. Often I do not have a recommendation one way or the other. On this ballot you are going to find a long list of justices of the courts you are being asked to either approve with a yes vote or disapprove with a no vote. Let me give you some background about the elections for the California judicial system that might also help understand the old axiom “Elections have consequences.” California’s State Judicial System In California’s state judicial system (not Federal Court where the judges have lifetime appointments) there are basically three levels of judges. The first level is the Superior Court sometimes known as a “trial judge”. This is the judge you might meet if you have to file a lawsuit or “go to court” for any reason. You would be in a courtroom with only one judge who makes all of the decisions (or oversees the jury who makes many decisions at a trial). The other two categories of judges are actually “justices” who sit on the California Supreme Court or an intermediate Court of Appeals. Superior Court Judicial Elections Superior Court judges are either elected to a six year term or appointed by the Governor and then stand for election at the next primary election (normally in June). An attorney who wishes to challenge a judge or run for an open seat (due to a judge passing away or who has retired) will become a candidate for that position. Sometimes there are several candidates for that one seat. If there are more than two candidates running and no one candidate gets 50% plus one vote, the top two vote getters have a run off election in November’s general election. This year in June in Orange County there were several Superior Court elections and only one of them resulted in a run off election. In that election attorney Peggy Huang is one of the top two vote getters and I highly recommend you vote for Peggy (https://www.peggyhuang.com/). California Supreme Court and Court of Appeal Retention “Elections” When there is an opening on a Court of Appeal or the California Supreme Court, the sitting Governor appoints a person (often a Superior Court judge or a law school professor) and he or she is confirmed by the California Commission on Judicial Appointments. The justice then will stand for a “retention” election at the next general election (November of that year) and all justices stand for a “retention” election every twelve years. At this election the voters are asked if they wish to retain a justice (by voting yes) or to not retain a justice (by voting no). There is no opposition candidate running for that appeals court seat. Most often these justices are “retained” by yes votes of greater than 90% or even 95% of the votes cast. Most often if you ask a voter why they voted yes, they would have no idea why or what the justices’ rulings have been. It is rare that a justice of the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals is ousted in this fashion. They normally retire or die in office. But it has happened before. In 1986 Governor George Deukmejian and many, many business interests and conservative elected officials grew tired of what is often called the Rose Bird Court (named for then Chief Justice Rose Bird). This court was famous for issuing what many people believe were poorly reasoned and even emotional decisions that hurt individual liberties and business interests. The governor and the others organized (and raised funds for) a campaign to convince voters to vote “no” to oust several of the most liberal justices on the Supreme Court. They were successful and all of the three justices involved were ousted at the November 1986 general election. What happened after that? Governor Deukmejian then appointed new justices including then new Chief Justice Malcom Lewis who served until 1996 when he retired. Today’s Situation Fast forward to today, there is no campaign to oust any sitting Supreme Court or Court of Appeal justice. Therefore it is highly unlikely that by just word of mouth enough No votes would occur to oust any sitting justice today. But even if that did happen, who would appoint a new set of justices to the Supreme Court and Courts of Appeal? Governor Gavin Newsom! The last thing I would want to do is allow Gavin Newsom to have the opportunity to reshape the California Courts so dramatically and so much more to the left. So what is the answer to make changes in the California judicial system – better Governors and legislators being elected! Thus to the point that elections have consequences! Do you like the current United States Supreme Court after President Trump and the then Republican U.S. Senate appointed and confirmed three much more conservative justices? Well that was the result of many, many years of conservatives electing U.S. Senators and a President that in turn appointed conservative justices. Can that happen in California? Yes but it is going to take many years to reverse the course of our state’s electoral politics. Basically re-educating the average voter why voting “liberal” is not going to get you a good result including a better state judicial system (unless you are a committed progressive liberal, then you are quite happy with the current state of affairs in California and welcome conservatives to move to Texas and Florida). There is no “quick fix” to the problem of years of voters voting into office progressive and aggressive politicians like Gavin Newsom. And I firmly believe it is the voters, not the elected politicians, who are most at fault for the outcomes of electing these types of people – high taxes, regulations, high government fees, employers fleeing the state, etc., etc. The power is in the voters hands to make this change and it is our responsibility as conservatives to educate them on why that is a better choice. Blessings! |
A Word (or Two) about Judges on the Ballot
Posted by Craig P Alexander on October 14, 2022
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Craig Alexander’s “Craig’s PICs” Voter Recommendations for the Nov. 8, 2022 General Election
Posted by Craig P Alexander on October 10, 2022
Each election I post my “Craig’s PICs” voter recommendations. For those interested, here they are:
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Live from OC GOP Central Committee: Endorsements for November 2022 Election Round 3
Posted by Chris Nguyen on August 15, 2022
The following candidates who received the recommendation of the Endorsements Committee are up for consideration tonight by the Republican Party of Orange County Central Committee:
- Carrie Hayashida for Cypress City Council
- Hon. Bonnie Peat for Cypress City Council
- John Gabbard for Dana Point City Council, District 1
- Patrick Harper for Fountain Valley School District.
- Laurie Merrick for Garden Grove City Council, District 3
- Dr. Susan Prichard for La Habra City Council
- Ben Yu for Lake Forest City Council, District 2
- Hon. Scott Voigts for Lake Forest City Council, District 3
- Aaron Washington for San Clemente City Council
- Meghan Willis for Huntington Beach City School District Area 2
- Autumn McCall DiGiovanni for Huntington Beach City School District, Area 4
- Julie Norton for Huntington Beach City School District, Area 5
- Kristen Seaburn for Newport-Mesa Unified School District Trustee, Area 7
- Angela Williams for Orange Unified School District, Area 1
- Madison Miner for Orange Unified School District, Area 4
- Hon. Tim Surridge for Orange Unified School District, Area 5
- Hon. Rick Ledesma for Orange Unified School District, Area 7
- Richard Ingle for Placentia-Yorba Linda School District, Area 5
- Kelly Felton for Tustin Unified School District, Area e
- Hon. Phil Hawkins for Yorba Linda Water District
- Hon. Brett Barbre for Yorba Linda Water District
- Hon. Tom Lindsey for Yorba Linda Water District
These candidates are also eligible for consideration by the Central Committee but received a neutral recommendation from the Endorsements Committee:
- Simon Moon for Irvine Mayor
- Namquan Nguyen for Westminster City Council, District 4
- Steve Slawson for Placentia Yorba Linda School District, Area 4
- Hon. Brooke Jones for Yorba Linda Water District
This ballot measure position is also recommended by the Endorsements Committee for consideration by the Central Committee:
- No on Capistrano Unified School District Bond Measure
Previously endorsed candidates are listed here.
The invocation is led by Austin Edsell, the Pledge of Allegiance by Mission Viejo Mayor Wendy Bucknun, and the roll call by OCGOP Chairman Fred Whitaker. Yorba Linda Councilman Gene Hernandez swears in several alternates. The minutes are approved.
Chairman Whitaker speaks about the events and meetings of the past month. He urges Central Committee members to recruit friends to walk precincts and phone bank. He announced a special meeting for endorsements on August 29; it will be on Zoom so as not to spend extra money on hotel meeting room rental.
Whitaker explains the situation in Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District, Trustee Area 4. OC GOP told Steve Slawson’s team on July 18 they could wait until August, but OC GOP didn’t realize that Todd Frazier on the July 18 Endorsements Commitee agenda was for the same seat.
Whitaker also explains that the Endorsements Committee recommended Brett Barbre, incumbent Tom Lindsey, and incumbent Phil Hawkins for Yorba Linda Water District under the mistaken impression that incumbent Brooke Jones was retiring. Jones contacted OCGOP after Endorsements Committee met but before Central Committee, so all the candidates for YLWD were until the August Central Committee to allow all four to be reviewed together.
Whitaker introduces the first guest speaker, Chris Gonzales, candidate for the 46th Congressional District.
Gonzales speaks about his personal background, including his service in the United States Army and his legal career. He had considered running for the 47th Congressional District but supported Scott Baugh. He considered running for Mayor of Irvine, but he realized his passion was for federal issues. He decided to run in the 46th Congressional District, where his office is, because he feels the people of that District are the most in need, with crime, homelessness, and poverty. He speaks of his public service career of 30 years. He also speaks of volunteering for Bruce Herschensohn for US Senate in 1992 and compares his own race to Herschensohn’s. He also noted his unsuccessful run for Mayor of Irvine in 2010.
Whitaker introduces the second guest speaker, Eddy Marmolejo, California Chairman of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly.
Marmolejo speaks of his group’s mission and how it supplies volunteers for precinct walking and phone banking. He speaks of the importance of conservative values for Hispanics. He speaks of affordability and financial security for Hispanics. He notes the their group is working with the Republican Party at every level: RNC, CAGOP, and OCGOP. He speaks of the importance of communication and doing so in Spanish (literature where one side is in English and the other side is in Spanish). He comments about discussing key issues over carne asada, and cites the economy, education, and health care as the top three issues.
Chairman Whitaker and Mayor Rhonda Shader recognize the Volunteer of the Month, Kerry Zhang.
Zhang is a high school intern for the Scott Baugh for Congress campaign, where he is a top volunteer, even spending his 16th birthday volunteering with the campaign. Zhang spoke of the camaraderie of the campaign and the importance of volunteerism.
At 7:47 PM, Whitaker announces the beginning of the candidate forum in Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District, Trustee Area 4. He noted there would be a three minute opening statement for each candidate.
At 7:49 PM, Todd Frazier noted PYLUSD removing CRT from schools. He said COVID-19 revealed a lot about what was going on in school. His daughter quit sports because she felt it was too dangerous to wear a mask while engaging in athletics. He blasts DEI. He says they are taking the school district back from leftists. He opposes frivolous spending on teaching kids to play via DEI. He is a CPA.
At 7:52 PM, Steve Slawson has been running for a year and a half. He says this is like a small town campaign. He put his team together in March. He has a $30,000 budget and has increased it to $50,000. He has walked 1,200 houses already. He notes the incumbent, Karin Freeman, has to go. His children have been in the district for a combined 25 years. He even has the support of Freeman’s son. He volunteered in the school for 9 years. He saw a lot of things he didn’t like with Zoom school. He was on three PYLUSD committees. He was the sole Republican on those committees and fought for conservative values. He has also secured 13 slate mailers.
At 7:55, Whitaker asks for questions.
Jennifer Beall asks their top two priorities if elected.
At 7:56, Slawson says he would fire the lawyers and replace them. He would find a superintendent with CEO experience and who would follow the direction of the Board.
At 7:57, Frazier says he wants to block medical clinics on campus. He wants to retool PYLUSD administration.
At 7:58, Cynthia Thacker asks for the party registration of the Trustee Area 4.
Frazier says it’s 48% Republican and 27% Democrat and laments voter turnout.
Slawson notes the number of voters who turn out.
At 7:59 PM, Gene Hernandez asks if the candidates will step aside if the other candidate gets the endorsement.
Slawson says it is too late for that. And it should have been in March.
Frazier says he would have done so before candidate filing closed on August 12 because it is no longer possible to do so.
Brett Barbre asks about top endorsements.
Frazier notes OCGOP, CRA, OCBE, PYLUSD Trustees Shawn Youngblood and Leandra Blades, and Yorba Linda Councilman Gene Hernandez.
Slawson notes Don Wagner, Scott Voigts, Steve Vargas, and Dylan Callaway.
At 8:02, Kristin Manna asked about campaign finance.
Slawson has $23,000 cash on hand and is adding another $20,000.
Frazier has a $20,000 budget and has received donated printing for signs, banners, and T-shirts.
At 8:03, Ray Gennawey asks about cash on hand.
Frazier says $2,000.
At 8:04 PM, Chairman Whitaker says the candidate forum for PYLUSD has concluded, and a vote will take place later. He introduces the Yorba Linda Water District candidate forum.
Brett Barbre has lived in Yorba Linda since 1969, been active in the party since 1985, and was elected to the water district in 1998. He speaks of establishing the district website, the importance of groundwater, the challenges of the 2008 fire, and fire hardening of various water infrastructure. He speaks of labor issues coming up. He notes Phil Hawkins and Tom Lindsey are his running mates.
Phil Hawkins has been on the YLWD Board since 2010. His first job was for Assemblyman Wayne Grisham in 1988. His father was elected to the Assembly in 1994. Hawkins was on the LA Central Committee from 1996-2000, when he moved to Orange County. He’s lived in Yorba Linda since 2001. After the 2008 fire, he joined a YLWD citizens advisory committee. He was appointed to a vacancy on the YLWD Board in February 2010. He won elections in 2010, 2014, and 2018. Because he came in with the fire, fire hardening is one of his priorities. He is endorsed by his co-worker Tim Shaw and Congresswoman Young Kim.
Brooke Jones says he is a lifelong Republican and is in good standing. He ran in 2016 and 2018, and was the top vote-getter both times. He says Barbre gave the false information that Jones was not running and notes he finished candidate filing before Barbre. He noted prior boards raised fees by 148%. He noted he was the only Board Member to oppose a fee increase proposed by Barbre. He represents YLWD on the OC Sanitation District and the Independent Special Districts of Orange County.
Tom Lindsey was appointed to YLWD in 2021. He was a two-time Mayor of Yorba Linda. He has helped elect other Republicans to office. He calls for taxpayer protecting and state government shielding governance at YLWD. He’s voted to challenge State mandates. He’s been endorsed by OCGOP in every campaign he’s run in, including a recall election that took place just weeks before the general election. He states he feels a greater urgency to defend conservative values. He notes his 12-year-old granddaughter was asked by her pediatrician due to state law about whether she would date a boy or a girl, and she didn’t even understand.
At 8:18, Ben Yu asks if any of them will suspend their campaign if they don’t get the endorsement.
All four say they will not.
At 8:19, Kermit Marsh asks each candidate stood on the Yorba Linda recall.
Hawkins supported Craig Young and Tom Lindsey.
Jones says he was not involved.
Lindsey was a target of the recall and obviously opposed.
Barbre opposed the recall. He notes that the old recall proponents endorsed Jones for YLWD.
At 8:21 PM, Chairman Fred Whitaker asks Endorsements Committee Chair Jeff Barke to deliver the report of the Committee.
Barke thanks Whitaker and apologizes for the committee’s errors. He thanks committee members Gretchen Cox, Erik Weigand, Gene Hernandez, Ray Gennawey, Alberta Christy, and Austin Lumbard. He thanks OCGOP staff. He highlights a few specific applications.
In Newport Mesa Unified School District, Trustee Area 7, Kristen Seaburn was recommended but Barke has just learned of another Republican who intends to apply for the endorsement.
Namquan Nguyen has withdrawn his application from Westminster Council District 4.
He says Simon Moon is a wonderful person but there are multiple Republicans running and has little political experience as he is running to be Mayor of a major OC city.
He brings up Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District Trustee Area 4. He says there were items that the Endorsements Committee learned about Slawson but did not specify what the items were.
The consent calendar of affirmative recommendations, less Newport Mesa Unified School District Trustee Area 7 (Kristen Seaburn), is approved by voice vote.
A motion and second for Seaburn is made and approved by voice vote.
Whitaker asks if there is a motion on Simon Moon for Irvine Mayor.
There is a motion and a second for Moon.
Baron Night speaks in favor of Moon. He says Moon has asked for the endorsement and probably won’t win. He feels endorsing is a way to get Moon involved in the party. He says Moon seems to be a good person. He says Moon can build up name ID for future elections. He points to an unnamed candidate for whom this worked.
Chairman Whitaker says this is a difficult position. He notes how party resources have to be used and if the effort has a shot at winning and whether it will help or detract other races. He notes this is the first time in 20 years that the number of Republicans running matches the number of seats available, and the vote will not be split. He says there are multiple Republicans running for Mayor but none of them have the experience to run a successful campaign to unseat the Democratic Mayor. These Mayoral candidates may draw money away from the Council candidates.
The vote for endorsing Moon fails 12-25. NO ENDORSEMENT FOR MAYOR OF IRVINE.
The motion to unendorse Frazier failed 7-34. FRAZIER RETAINS ENDORSEMENT IN PYLUSD AREA 4.
Chairman Whitaker notes that the Brooke Jones endorsement request has been rendered moot since Barbre, Lindsey, and Hawkins were already endorsed for YLWD.
There are various Executive Committee reports and club reports.
The meeting adjourns at 9:06 in memory of Sharon Rogers, Joy Neugebauer, and Gwen Dyrud.
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Live from OC GOP Central Committee: Endorsements for November 2022 Election Round 2
Posted by Chris Nguyen on July 25, 2022
It’s been some time since we’ve done a live blog, so it’s probably time to start up again. It should be noted the phone reception in Costa Mesa has been much more challenging than back when the meetings were held in Irvine.
The following candidates who received the recommendation of the Endorsements Committee are up for consideration tonight by the Republican Party of Orange County Central Committee:
- Max Duncan for Aliso Viejo City Council
- Hon. Don Caskey for Laguna Hills City Council
- Hon. Erica Pezold for Laguna Hills City Council
- Josh Sweeney for Laguna Hills City Council
- Hon. Dave Wheeler for Laguna Hills City Council
- Stephanie Winstead for Laguna Niguel City Council
- Robert Ruesch for Mission Viejo City Council, District 1
- Hon. Brian Goodell for Mission Viejo City Council, District 2
- Hon. Ed Sachs for Mission Viejo City Council, District 3
- Hon. Trish Kelley for Mission Viejo City Council, District 4
- Hon. Wendy Bucknum for Mission Viejo City Council, District 5
- Joe Stapleton for Newport Beach City Council, District 1
- Robyn Grant for Newport Beach City Council, District 4
- Lauren Kleiman for Newport Beach City Council, District 6
- Hon. Anne Figueroa for Rancho Santa Margarita City Council
- Hon. Brad McGirr for Rancho Santa Margarita City Council
- Hon. Steve Knoblock for San Clemente City Council
- Ray Schnell for Tustin City Council, District 3
- Kira Davis for Capistrano Unified School District, Trustee Area 2
- Jim Glantz for Capistrano Unified School District, Trustee Area 4
- Hon. Michelle Barto for Newport-Mesa Unified School District, Trustee Area 5
- Barbara George for Newport-Mesa United School District, Trustee Area 4
- Todd Frazier for Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District, Trustee Area 4
- Hon. Greg Kunath for Saddleback Valley Unified School District, Trustee Area 1
These candidates are also eligible for consideration by the Central Committee but received a neutral recommendation from the Endorsements Committee:
- Hon. Matt Rahn for State Assembly, 71st District
- Kathryn Sanchez for State Assembly, 71st District
- Jeff von Waldburg for Laguna Niguel City Council
- Jess Battaglia for Yorba Linda City Council
- Janice Lim for Yorba Linda City Council
One candidate is also eligible for consideration by the Central Committee but received a negative recommendation from the Endorsements Committee:
- Tom Miller for Newport Beach City Council, District 1
The Central Committee already approved official endorsements from the Republican Party of Orange County for the following candidates:
- Hon. Eric Ching for Congress, 38th District
- Hon. Young Kim for Congress, 40th District
- Hon. Michelle Steel for Congress, 45th District
- Christopher Gonzales for Congress, 46th District
- Hon. Scott Baugh for Congress, 47th District
- Hon. Brian Maryott for Congress, 49th District
- Hon. Kelly Seyarto for State Senate, 32nd District
- Hon. Rhonda Shader for State Senate, 34th District
- Hon. Janet Nguyen for State Senate, 36th District
- Matt Gunderson for State Senate, 38th District
- Hon. Phillip Chen for State Assembly, 59th District
- Hon. Soo Yoo for State Assembly, 67th District
- Mike Tardif for State Assembly, 68th District
- Hon. Diane Dixon for State Assembly, 72nd District
- Hon. Steven Choi for State Assembly, 73rd District
- Hon. Laurie Davies for State Assembly, 74th District
- Hon. Pat Bates for Orange County Board of Supervisors, 5th District
- Hon. Peggy Huang for Superior Court Judge, Office No. 30
- Tara Lea Ricksen for Aliso Viejo City Council
- Hon. Michael Gates for Huntington Beach City Attorney
- Hon. Tony Strickland for Huntington Beach City Council
- Casey McKeon for Huntington Beach City Council
- Gracey Van Der Mark for Huntington Beach City Council
- Pat Burns for Huntington Beach City Council
- Hon. Anthony Kuo for Irvine City Council
- John Park for Irvine City Council
- Guadalupe Lara for La Habra City Council
- Ray Gennawey for Laguna Niguel City Council
- Erik Weigand for Newport Beach City Council, District 3
- Hon. Mark Murphy for Mayor of Orange
- Hon. Kathy Tavoularis for Orange City Council, District 3
- Hon. Chip Monaco for Orange City Council, District 4
- John Gyllenhammer for Orange City Council, District 6
- Hon. Austin Lumbard for Mayor of Tustin
- Hon. Carlos Rodriguez for Yorba Linda City Council
The meeting commences with an invocation from Pano Frousiakis and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Ryan May.
After the roll call, the ex officio members are sworn in since this is the first Central Committee meeting since the certification of the primary election in late June.
OCGOP Chairman Fred Whitaker gives an update on the OCGOP’s efforts on targeted races. He also notes that Tom Miller contacted him moments ago to withdraw his endorsement request for Newport Beach City Council, District 1.
At 7:21, Whitaker asks Endorsements Committee Chairman Jeff Barke to deliver the committee’s report.
Barke notes that the Yorba Linda Water District endorsement requests have been deferred to August by mutual agreement of the candidates to allow all to be considered.
Barke notes new endorsements from the Mayor Carlos Rodriguez and two school board members for Jess Battaglia for Yorba Linda City Council.
In the 71st Assembly District campaign, Barke asks Endorsements Committee Member Erik Weigand to share new information. He says there is an endorsement application question about contributions to Democrats in the past ten years. Weigand notes there are eight donations from Matt Rahn to Democrat Barack Obama in 2012, ranging from May to October. He also gave more recently to Donald Trump, Ken Calvert, and Jeff Stone. Weigand expresses concern that Rahn was not forthcoming about the 2012 donations. Barke says that Rahn implied Pastor Tim Thompson (whoever that is) endorsed him, but Thompson called Barke to tell him he is supporting Kathryn Sanchez for this seat.
Whitaker notes that the Yorba Linda Council race is divided between Janice Lim and Jess Battaglia.
At 7:32 PM, Jennifer Beall moves and Laurie Davies seconds the consent calendar.
Anthony Kuo asks for confirmation that incumbents Ed Sachs and Greg Raths are running in the same seat and that Sachs is recommended. Whitaker confirms. Kuo expresses support.
No one pulls anyone from the consent calendar of people with positive recommendations from the Endorsements Committee. At 7:35, the vote is unanimous.
First of the contested races is the 71st Assembly District between Matt Rahn and Kathryn Sanchez.
Councilman Matt Rahn became a Republican 10 years ago. Darrell Issa, Ken Calvert, Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher, Phil Chen, Steven Choi, Don Wagner, Diane Dixon, and half the Assembly Republican Caucus have endorsed him. He has supported conservative Republicans and even supported Trump before other Republicans did. He says living in California and seeing Democratic governance made him a Republican. He fought against cannabis dispensaries and sanctuary cities. He is pro life and supports gun rights and school choice.
Kate Sanchez states she is a lifelong Republican. She blasts California’s gas prices, taxes, and inflation. She says she has the ability to lead and has experience from the California Policy Center, working on school choice. She was interim Executive Director of the California Women’s Leadership Association. She was a Congressional staffer and worked on solutions for immigration. She notes the district has unique needs, where she has lived and worked for 30 years. She notes endorsements from Laurie Davies, Melissa Melendez, Harmeet Dhillon, the entire Rancho Santa Margarita Council, and members of the Mission Viejo Council. She states she is the only lifelong Republican in the race and is a proven conservative.
At 7:45, Benjamin Yu asks to delay the endorsement to August, but Whitaker notes there is no motion on the floor yet.
At 7:46, Jon Fleischman asks Rahn why he didn’t disclose his contributions to Barack Obama in 2012 and endorsement of Kamala Harris in 2016. He also asks about donations to a tax measure.
Rahn states it was his job in Washington, DC to make the contributions as an advocate for firefighters. He disputes that he endorsed Harris. He says the Riverside County GOP vetted this and still endorsed him. Rahn says that the State took away City funding, and every city in southwest Riverside County placed a tax increase measure on the ballot.
At 7:49, Baron Night asks that Rahn became a Republican ten years ago. He says the Registrar’s record was that he became a Republican in 2014.
Rahn states he was a Decline to State. In Washington, DC, and Sacramento, he saw how broke the values of government leaders were. He moved to California from Nevada. He became a Republican because conservative Republican leaders mentored him on conservative values.
At 7:52, Jennifer Beall asks Sanchez if she has ever endorsed or received an endorsement from a Democrat.
Sanchez says she has never endorsed a Democrat nor given money to one.
At 7:53, Beall asks Sanchez if she will ever vote for a tax increase.
Sanchez says no.
Beall asks about creating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) committees like in Temecula.
Sanchez says no.
Rahn is unsure what the comment about Democrats supporting him is. He says when Temecula passed the sales tax increase, it was for public safety and cost the average taxpayer $100-$200. However, he then refinanced CFDs to lower individual taxpayer burden by $200-$1,400. He says the DEI Commission was established to avoid a CVRA lawsuit. The Commission dealt with Council districting, senior programs, and teenager programs.
At 7:57, Zack McCready asked if Sanchez reviewed a hit piece on Rahn that was distributed to the Central Committee.
She says she was not aware of the piece.
At 7:59, Ray Gennawey asks for which OC Republicans have endorsed each.
Rahn states he is endorsed by Darrell Issa, Mimi Walters, Steven Choi, Vince Fong, Phil Chen, Don Wagner, Diane Dixon, Ed Sachs, Greg Raths, OC Professional Firefighters, and Association of OC Deputy Sheriffs. There is murmuring from the Committee, as Fong has never represented OC.
Sanchez says the entire Rancho Santa Margarita Council, Mission Viejo Councilmembers Wendy Bucknum and Trish Kelley, and Assemblywoman Laurie Davies.
Will O’Neill asks if Rahn would vote for either a tax increase or to put a tax increase on the ballot.
Rahn states he would not, and there is no circumstance in which he would in the Assembly.
At 8:02, Kermit Marsh asks who are the five largest entities endorsing each candidate.
Sanchez cites the California Young Republican Federation, Grow Elect, CRA, Reform California, CWLA
Rahn notes OC Professional Firefighters, Association of OC Deputy Sheriffs, the Riverside Firefighters and Deputies, California District Attorneys Association, Realtors Associations statewide and in both counties, and California Charter Schools Association.
At 8:05, Benjamin Yu blames the Redistricting Commission for this convoluted district. He asks if the candidates applied for the Riverside County Republican Party endorsement.
Sanchez says she got the majority of the votes but not the 2/3 supermajority to get the endorsement. The vote will be taken up again.
Rahn says he was only a few votes short of the 2/3 supermajority at Riverside County Republican Party Central Committee. The minutes of the meeting were lost. He urges the Central Committee to stand with the neutral recommendation of the Endorsements Committee.
At 8:08, Amy Phan West asks about mask mandates and vaccine passports. She asks if they will fight those.
Sanchez says she is 100% anti-mandate.
Rahn says he did exactly that as a Councilmember. Temecula stayed open and worked with Sheriff Chad Bianco to refuse to enforce the mandates. He says they lost only 1 restaurant in 2020 and then gained 2 in 2021. He says his record is 100% anti-mandate.
At 8:11, Zach McCready motions for an endorsement of Matt Rahn.
Rahn requests for a neutral endorsement in the 71st District.
At 8:13, Baron Night moves and Jennifer Beall seconds to endorse Kate Sanchez.
Chairman Whitaker asks for speakers for and against the endorsement.
At 8:16, Tim Whitacre speaks in favor of the motion for endorsing Sanchez. He says the committee relies on relationships. He says the Secretary of the Riverside County Republican Party, Desare Ferraro, can verify that the majority of that committee voted for Sanchez though not 2/3. He says relationships are important and deferring to those who know the candidates best. He notes after vetting by the Endorsements Committee, the committee had issues with Rahn but no issues with Sanchez. He urges votes for Sanchez with endorsements of people the committee trusts.
At 8:19, Zach McCready says he was contacted by both candidates over the weekend. In 2024, he will enthusiastically support the re-election of whoever wins in 2022. He notes the Endorsements Committee recommended a neutral endorsement. He says this should be left to the voters. He notes there are people like Darrell Issa who know both and endorsed Rahn. He notes there are others who know both and endorsed Sanchez.
At 8:22, Jennifer Beall notes redistricting and it is the safest Republican seat in the State. It is not a purple seat – it is a R+10 seat. She says Rahn is backed by many unions, who are already represented in Sacramento. She says conservatives need representation in Sacramento. She says Laurie Davies needs another conservative in Sacramento. She says Rahn raised taxes in Temecula and gave $2,300 to the tax increase.
At 8:25, Steve Moss admits he is a political neophyte and spoke with both candidates. He says it is important that they call him back and give information. He notes this is not a purple district, but is a red district. He blasts the hit piece against Rahn. He calls on both candidates to repudiate the hit. He urges everyone to support the Endorsements Committee’s neutral recommendation.
At 8:26, Whitaker calls the roll.
SANCHEZ ENDORSED FOR ASSEMBLY 41-5.
At 8:31, the committee moves on to Yorba Linda City Council: Jess Battaglia and Janice Lim are vying for the last endorsement (Incumbent Carlos Rodriguez has already been endorsed for the other Yorba Linda City Council seat.)
Anthony Kuo moves and Wendy Bucknum seconds endorsing Janice Lim.
At 8:33, Kuo noted the Endorsements Committee often tells candidates to volunteer for the party and get on City Commissions. Kuo describes her extensive volunteerism and her City Commission service. She worked on legislation with Congressman Ed Royce and Senator Bob Huff. He notes she goes above and beyond with her time and money to support Republicans.
At 8:35, Tim Shaw reads a statement from Yorba Linda Councilman Gene Hernandez. Hernandez notes that 3 Councilmembers have endorsed Battaglia. He states Battaglia has fought for school choice and is active in the community. He is a man of faith. Hernandez says Battaglia will be a team player and uphold conservative values.
At 8:36, Yorba Linda Councilwoman Tara Campbell met Lim 10 years ago working on school choice legislation with Bob Huff. Huff, Ed Royce, Young Kim, and Phil Chen have endorsed Lim. Campbell notes Yorba Linda Councilwoman Peggy Huang is the person vacating this seat and is the former Vice Chair of this party and plans to vote for Lim to succeed her. (Editor’s Note: Huang has not formally endorsed in this seat due to her candidacy for a judicial seat against Black Lives Matter Activist/former Public Defender Michele Bell) Campbell noted the extensive work to improve Yorba Linda through her commission seat. She notes Lim also chaired the city’s largest volunteer program and is engaged in the issues and helped Yorba Linda fight RHNA numbers for the past two years. She notes Lim has served the party for 15 years.
At 8:40, Leandra Blades endorses Jess Battaglia. She says he is honest, kind, and a servant-leader. She says she is shocked that Lim claims the endorsement of Shawn Youngblood. She claims Lim falsely claimed the endorsement of a church. She says it is untrue that Lim brought Blades into the party. She says Battaglia has spoken out at school board meetings against mask and vaccine mandates.
At 8:42, Sara Catalan says there is written confirmation from Youngblood that he endorsed Lim. Catalan says that Lim did not claim the endorsement of the church, but one of the church’s leaders, and the Battaglia team knows it because they tried to get the church leader to pull her endorsement. Catalan notes that a first appearance before the Central Committee should not be simply to ask for an endorsement. Catalan notes that Lim has volunteered at the party for 15 years.
At 8:46, Greg Gianelli reads another statement from Gene Hernandez noting the endorsements of 3 Councilmembers for Battaglia.
At 8:49, Will O’Neill asks if it is true that both candidates stated they will drop out if they do not get the OC GOP endorsement.
Barke states they did.
At 8:51, Benjamin Yu asks if it would be possible to delay the vote to August.
Several people murmur that they wouldn’t be able to drop out.
At 8:52, John Moorlach makes a substitute motion to endorse no one.
Whitaker asks for speakers on the motion.
At 8:53, Moorlach says the endorsement process is unique and will hurt people who are part of the party. He says he has friends backing both candidates.
At 8:54, Jon Fleischman says it would be great to have 2 candidates for 2 seats, but there are 3 candidates. He is a Yorba Linda resident, and there may be other Republicans running. He says Democrats are good at winnowing the field, and it is refreshing that the candidates are willing to drop out if the OC GOP makes an endorsement.
At 8:55, Whitaker holds a vote on the substitute motion of no endorsement.
MOTION FOR NO ENDORSEMENT FAILS
At 9:00, Whitaker holds a roll call vote on the previous motion to endorse Janice Lim for Yorba Linda City Council.
LIM ENDORSED FOR YORBA LINDA CITY COUNCIL 40-10.
At 9:05 PM, the meeting adjourns in memory of former Senator Bob Dutton, who was serving as San Bernardino County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder.
Posted in Republican Central Committee | Leave a Comment »
“Republican” Chi Charlie Nguyen Cost Taxpayers Over $2.5 Million Dollars For ONE Project!
Posted by Dave Everett on July 21, 2022
Over my career I have worked with several non-union construction groups. With each organization the message to elected officials has been essentially the same, “If you restrict 80% of the construction workforce from working on your projects, your costs will go up.” It is obvious to anyone who has taken Economics 101. Unfortunately, this message was ignored by Republican Midway City Sanitary District Director Chi Charlie Nguyen. The Project Labor Agreement that Nguyen and his colleagues passed in 2021 has now come back to cost Midway City Sanitation District taxpayers over $2.5 million dollars – and that is just for ONE project!
Midway City Sanitary District does not post its agenda packets (including staff reports for agenda items) on its website. So information is limited, but it appears that last April, all 5 Midway City Sanitation District Directors voted to approve a Project Workforce Agreement (PWA) with Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council for their District Addition, Solar and Remodel Project. (https://www.midwaycitysanitarydistrict.com/files/a5114e8c1/04-20-2021_agenda.pdf)
In September 2021, the Midway City Sanitary District (MCSD) began accepting bids to build additions to the Midway City Sanitary District offices and a remodel of the Midway City Sanitary District offices. The original bid deadline was September 14, 2021, with an estimate of $2,800,000.
On October 5, 2021 the board rejected all bids. The board voted to advertise for bids again on December 7, 2021. Director Tyler Diep expressed concern that the the qualifications were too restrictive and they wouldn’t get enough bids. (https://www.midwaycitysanitarydistrict.com/files/b434a88f8/12-07-2021_minutes.pdf).
Diep was correct. After several more rounds of bidding, the estimate is now $4,650,000 and the bids that actually came in were even higher than that! The following six (6) Bids were received:
1. $5,401,240.00
2. $5,499,483.00
3. $5,607,231.00
4. $5,656,235.41
5. $6,745,218.74
6. $7,210,000.00
So if the initial bid estimate was $2.8 million and the MCSD accepted the lowest bid now available, the PLA will have cost the district $2,601,240 (about $2.6 million.)
If the MCSD accepts the highest bid of $7.21 million, then the PLA will have cost taxpayers over $4.4 million.
Sadly, this isn’t the first time Chi Charlie Nguyen has refused to defend taxpayers. Last year Councilman Chi Charlie Nguyen made a motion to approve a ballot measure keeping a 1% sale tax rate hike artificially high for another TEN YEARS! Thankfully, he failed to get enough votes. (https://voiceofoc.org/2020/08/westminster-council-again-fails-to-act-on-sales-tax-measure-as-financial-crisis-looms/.)
“But why should we hold Chi Charlie Nguyen responsible if all 5 Directors voted for the wasteful, discriminatory Project Labor Agreement?” you might ask.
To me, the answer is simple. You expect liberal politicians like Sergio Contreras or Andrew Nguyen to overspend and waste taxpayer money. It is part of their political philosophy. Tyler Diep has already come out as a PLA supporter in cities like Anaheim and Garden Grove. Mark Nguyen did not vote for the PLA because he was appointed to the Board of Directors on September 7, 2021 to fill the vacancy left by Director Margie Rice who passed away on July 25, 2021.
You do not expect taxpayer rip-offs and overspending from Republicans like Chi Charlie Nguyen.
Unfortunately, Midway City Sanitary District voters can’t hold Nguyen accountable until November 2024. However voters in the City of Westminster will only have to wait a little over 100 days to hold Chi Charlie Nguyen accountable for his special interest deal that wasted over $2.5 million taxpayer dollars.
With rising inflation and gas prices, Chi Charlie Nguyen’s waste of our tax money could not come at a worse time for taxpayers. And who knows how much waste he will be responsible for when the final inflated contract is awarded.
Midway City Sanitary District does not post its agenda packets (including staff reports for agenda items) on its website. So information is limited, but it appears that last April, all 5 Midway City Sanitation District Directors voted to approve a Project Workforce Agreement (PWA) with Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council for their District Addition, Solar and Remodel Project. (https://www.midwaycitysanitarydistrict.com/files/a5114e8c1/04-20-2021_agenda.pdf)
In September 2021, the Midway City Sanitary District (MCSD) began accepting bids to build additions to the Midway City Sanitary District offices and a remodel of the Midway City Sanitary District offices. The original bid deadline was September 14, 2021, with an estimate of $2,800,000.
On October 5, 2021 the board rejected all bids. The board voted to advertise for bids again on December 7, 2021. Director Tyler Diep expressed concern that the the qualifications were too restrictive and they wouldn’t get enough bids. (https://www.midwaycitysanitarydistrict.com/files/b434a88f8/12-07-2021_minutes.pdf).
Diep was correct. After several more rounds of bidding, the estimate is now $4,650,000 and the bids that actually came in were even higher than that! The following six (6) Bids were received:
1. $5,401,240.00
2. $5,499,483.00
3. $5,607,231.00
4. $5,656,235.41
5. $6,745,218.74
6. $7,210,000.00
So if the initial bid estimate was $2.8 million and the MCSD accepted the lowest bid now available, the PLA will have cost the district $2,601,240 (about $2.6 million.)
If the MCSD accepts the highest bid of $7.21 million, then the PLA will have cost taxpayers over $4.4 million.
Sadly, this isn’t the first time Chi Charlie Nguyen has refused to defend taxpayers. Last year Councilman Chi Charlie Nguyen made a motion to approve a ballot measure keeping a 1% sale tax rate hike artificially high for another TEN YEARS! Thankfully, he failed to get enough votes. (https://voiceofoc.org/2020/08/westminster-council-again-fails-to-act-on-sales-tax-measure-as-financial-crisis-looms/.)
“But why should we hold Chi Charlie Nguyen responsible if all 5 Directors voted for the wasteful, discriminatory Project Labor Agreement?” you might ask.
To me, the answer is simple. You expect liberal politicians like Sergio Contreras or Andrew Nguyen to overspend and waste taxpayer money. It is part of their political philosophy. Tyler Diep has already come out as a PLA supporter in cities like Anaheim and Garden Grove. Mark Nguyen did not vote for the PLA because he was appointed to the Board of Directors on September 7, 2021 to fill the vacancy left by Director Margie Rice who passed away on July 25, 2021.
You do not expect taxpayer rip-offs and overspending from Republicans like Chi Charlie Nguyen.
Unfortunately, Midway City Sanitary District voters can’t hold Nguyen accountable until November 2024. However voters in the City of Westminster will only have to wait a little over 100 days to hold Chi Charlie Nguyen accountable for his special interest deal that wasted over $2.5 million taxpayer dollars.
With rising inflation and gas prices, Chi Charlie Nguyen’s waste of our tax money could not come at a worse time for taxpayers. And who knows how much waste he will be responsible for when the final inflated contract is awarded.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Craig’s PICs Voter Recommendations for the June 7, 2022 primary election
Posted by Craig P Alexander on May 8, 2022
Starting Monday, May 9, 2022, voters will start seeing their ballots in the mail. While “election day” is June 7, 2022, the vast majority of voters will likely vote early via the U.S. Mail, a secure dropbox, an early voting center or by taking their ballots to the Registrar of Voters office in Santa Ana, CA.
For those interested in my voter recommendations you can access them here:
I hope you find them helpful. I also recommend you check out Robyn Nordell’s voter web site at https://robynnordell.com/county/orange/ At this site you can find Robyn’s recommendations, mine and some other friends. We don’t always agree but we love that!
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Exclusive Footage: Airline Tries to Ban Passengers from Filming During Arrest Incident
Posted by Chris Nguyen on July 7, 2021
Aboard American Airlines Flight 2289 earlier today (July 7) from Los Angeles to Miami, passengers were ordered to put their hands on their heads for 45-60 minutes before landing at 4:42 PM EDT. Passengers were repeatedly ordered by the flight crew to not film the incident. When the plane landed, law enforcement boarded the aircraft with assault rifles while yelling at all the passengers, with some of the weapons pointed directly at some of the passengers. One person was arrested. Passengers were again prevented from filming.
After the passengers de-planed, there was a scuffle, as frustrated passengers did not know what had happened, and American Airlines would not give out any information. The passengers had not been allowed to take anything with them off the plane, including carry-on luggage, purses, etc. Passengers were forced to stay in the airport for approximately 4 hours without clear instructions nor clear information.
See the bottom of this post for exclusive (though brief) video clips from Flight 2289 published first here at OC Political.
The Washington Post wrote in 2018 about efforts by airlines to ban passenger filming about a year after the infamous video of Dr. David Dao being dragged off of United Express Flight 3411:
Dao, you’ll recall, is the United Airlines passenger forcibly removed from a flight from Chicago to Louisville last spring. His ejection, captured on video and widely shared online, led to a quick out-of-court settlement and a series of minor but necessary reforms. A string of copycat videos followed, which embarrassed other air carriers.
…
There’s no federal law that prohibits in-flight photography. Instead, crew members invoke a regulation, 49 U.S.C. 46504, that forbids passengers from interfering “with the performance of the duties of the member or attendant or lessening the ability of the crew member to perform those duties.” That’s been broadly interpreted to mean: Obey your flight attendants. And that includes, but is not limited to, their orders to stop taking their picture or to delete the images.
…
Imagine a world where passengers had been reluctant to shoot footage of Dao, or to shoot any of last year’s other viral videos. There would have been no congressional hearings, no policy changes, however small, and United probably wouldn’t have settled with Dao.
And that’s why the cellphone is your last, best weapon against bad airline service. Everything else has been taken from passengers. But we still have our phones. We should be ready to use them.
NOTE: This video clips begins with some adult language.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: American Airlines | Leave a Comment »
BREAKING: 5 Make Ballot for 2nd District Supervisor Special Election
Posted by Chris Nguyen on January 25, 2021
Former Senator John M. W. Moorlach (R), Costa Mesa Mayor Katrina Foley (D), Newport Beach Councilman Kevin Muldoon (R), and Fountain Valley Mayor Michael Vo (R). Photos came from candidates’ supervisorial campaign web sites. Attorney Janet Rappaport (D) also qualified for the ballot but did not appear to have a campaign web site.
Five candidates met today’s 5 PM deadline to file for the March 9, 2021 special election for the Second District seat on the Orange County Board of Supervisors to fill the vacancy left when Supervisor Michelle Steel was elected to Congress. March 9 is six weeks from tomorrow.
Three Republican men and two Democratic women filed.
Here they are with their party affiliations, city of residence, and ballot designations:
- John M. W. Moorlach (R-Costa Mesa), California State Senator
- Katrina Foley (D-Costa Mesa), Mayor/Orange County Businessowner
- Janet Rappaport (D-Newport Beach), Tax Attorney
- Michael Vo (R-Fountain Valley), Mayor/Business Owner
- Kevin Muldoon (R-Newport Beach), Councilman/Small Businessman
The Registrar’s office states the five candidates above have qualified for the ballot.
Huntington Beach Councilman Mike Posey (R) withdrew from the race.
Posted in 2nd Supervisorial District, 48th Congressional District | Tagged: Janet Rappaport, John Moorlach, Katrina Foley, Kevin Muldoon, Michael Vo, Michelle Steel, Mike Posey | 2 Comments »
Dice Roll to Determine Winner of School Board Seat Tomorrow in Brea Olinda Unified
Posted by Chris Nguyen on December 4, 2020
Brea Olinda Unified School District Incumbent Gail Lyons (R) and Challenger Lauren Barnes (D)
After an extraordinary election result, a roll of the dice tomorrow morning will determine the winner of the Trustee Area 5 seat on the board of the Brea-Olinda Unified School District: incumbent Gail Lyons (R), 57, or challenger Lauren Barnes (D), 26.
All through the November ballot counting, the lead switched back and forth between incumbent Lyons and challenger Barnes, and the two of them tied several times.
When the election was certified on November 24 (the night before Thanksgiving), Barnes had defeated Lyons by 1 vote: 1805 votes (50.01%) for Barnes, 1804 votes (49.99%) for Lyons.
4,164 people in Trustee Area 5 had voted, but only 3,609 voted for school board. In other words, 555 people cast ballots for other things (e.g. President, Congress, Legislature, City Council, ballot measures) but left school board blank. There are 4,674 registered voters there, so 510 people did not turn out to vote at all.
Lyons requested a recount, which was conducted on December 2-3. It turns out 1 of the 555 people had actually voted for Lyons: that voter had clearly marked their ballot for Lyons but had not filled in the bubble. Consequently, while the counting machines did not register that vote for Lyons, the hand recount did. As such, 3,610 votes were cast for school board: 1,805 each for Lyons and Barnes. (Only 554 people had left school board blank.)
There are only 2 precincts in Trustee Area 5, and Lyons and Barnes each won 1 precinct. They live in the same precinct, which Lyons won.
California Education Code Section 5016 specifies, “If a tie vote makes it impossible to determine either which of two or more candidates has been elected to the governing board…The governing board may either call a runoff election or determine the winner or winners by lot. Prior to conducting any school board election…the governing board of each school district shall establish which of such procedures is to be employed by the district in the event of a tie vote.”
Brea Olinda Unified School District Board Bylaw Section 9220 specifies, “Whenever a tie makes it impossible to determine which of two or more candidates has been elected to the Board, the Board shall immediately notify the candidates who received the tie votes of the time and place where lots shall be cast to determine the winner.”
The phrases “by lot” and “casting of lots” mean to determine randomly. So here we are. The Brea Olinda Unified School District Board of Education has announced an extraordinary Saturday special meeting at 9:00 AM tomorrow with a single agenda item: “Finalize Trustee Area 5 Election.”
The staff recommendation reads, “Recommend the Board of Education determine the winner of Trustee Area 5 by lot in accordance with Board Bylaw 9220 using the following method: Casting Dice.”
Assuming the Board approves the recommendation, a roll of the dice will determine whether Gail Lyons wins another term or Lauren Barnes unseats her, and the winner of the dice roll will hold the school board seat for the next four years.
The BOUSD Board has 3 Republicans (Nicole Colon, Paul Ruiz, and Member-Elect Deanna Miller) and 1 NPP (Carrie Flanders). Republicans had already captured Democrat Keri Kropke’s seat with the election of Deanna Miller, so the dice roll determines whether the Board will be 4 Republicans and 1 NPP (if Lyons wins) or 3 Republicans, 1 Democrat, and 1 NPP (if Barnes wins). If Lyons wins, that means Republicans captured one seat from the Democrats on the BOUSD Board; if Barnes wins, that means Republicans and Democrats each traded a seat (Republican Miller replacing Democrat Kropke and Democrat Barnes replacing Republican Lyons).
OC Political will attempt to carry a live-stream of the meeting tomorrow morning.
Posted in Brea Olinda Unified School District | Tagged: Deanna Miller, Gail Lyons, Keri Kropke, Lauren Barnes, Nicole Colon, Paul Ruiz | 2 Comments »
OC Political 