Pacific Progressive

CSU Students Petition to Remove Chancellor Reed

The Daily Titan interviews CSUF students who are petitioning to have CSU Chancellor Reed removed from office. Students are struggling and upset over fee hikes of 32% and the inability to get classes. Some students were dropped from classes after they had registered and paid, which caused problems with health insurance, financial aid, and graduation requirements because students dropped below full-time status thru no fault of their own.

Fullerton Warning About Illegal Curb Painting Businesses

The City of Fullerton wants to remind residents that they do not contract with individuals or companies to paint addresses on curbs.  The City only issue permits to paint curbs to legitimate non-profit organizations that do the painting as a fundraiser and then ask the residents for donations.

If some one wants to paint your curb, ask to see their permit.  If they can't produce one, call the Fullerton Police Department.

Direct Election of Mayors the Right Move

The role of city government is becoming increasingly complicated as Mayors and City Council people spend more of their time meeting the County Supervisors, State Legislators, and other local elected officials to get what their cities need.  In these meetings, the Mayor can take on a higher role as some one who speaks for the city as a whole, some one who can obligate the city to action.

In Orange County, some mayors are directly elected by the citizens and others are appointed.  The mayors of Anaheim, Garden Grove, Irvine, Orange, Santa Ana and Westminster directly elect their mayors. Mayors in the other 28 cities of Orange County are appointed by their respective city councils.

An open election for mayor allows residents to decide who is best for the job. The mayor is the leader of the city, and allowing direct election of the mayor allows candidates to discuss local issues and their proposed solutions. Mayoral candidates would compete based on the direction they would move the city in.  

Directly electing a mayor allows the people to have a voice in deciding the direction of their city.  The 34 cities of Orange County have become too large and complex to allow appointed mayors.  We're not small, scattered downtowns buried in orange groves, but vibrant growing cities. It's time for all cities to move to direct elected mayors.

CSUF Students Discuss Issues with President Milton Gordon

from the Daily Titan, in two parts

OCTA Looking to Eliminate Routes - Give OCTA Feedback on These Proposals

OCTA is looking to restructure bus service to fit the available budget. Staff has prepared several proposals for bus service reductions and have taken the presentations to public meetings to get input.  OCTA has also bought ads and put comment cards on buses to get feedback on proposals.  

If you use one of these buses, please tell OCTA what will happen if the bus is no longer available to you. These routes are targeted for possible elimination.  When you buy a bus pass, drop off a comment card or a letter.  Attend the public meeting on October 26 at 9 AM at OCTA headquarters in Orange. Fill out a comment card and drop it in the mail. But, please, for your sake, let OCTA know if these bus service cuts will impact you.  If your school is impacted, have your teachers, professors, principals and deans call.  If your business is impacted, have the managers and human resources department call OCTA to let them know this is a problem.

The routes listed for elimination are given below, along with the major landmarks along the route.  If implemented, the routes will be eliminated starting in March 2010.

Route 20 - La Habra to Yorba Linda via Imperial Highway - Yorba Linda Middle School, Yorba Linda Community Center, Downtown Yorba Linda, Brea Gateway Center, Brea Promenade, Brea Mall, Imperial Middle School, La Habra Marketplace

Route 21 - Fullerton to Huntington Beach via Valley View St/Bolsa Chica Rd - Buena Park High School, John F. Kennedy High School, Centerpointe, Cypress High School, Cypress College, Hilton D. Bell Intermediate School, Marina High School, Boeing, Huntington Beach Industrial Area, Sunset Beach

Fire Departments Have Open Houses This Weekend

National Fire Prevention Week is during October 5 thru October 10.  Visit a firehouse near you during this weekend during an Open House. These events are always a favorite with the kids because they get to meet firefighters, see the firetrucks close up, and learn what an important job firefighting is.  The firefighters also teach families and business owners how to protect themselves and their loved ones in the case of emergency.

All events are on Saturday, October 10, 2009 unless noted.

Aliso Viejo OCFA Station #57, 57 Journey from 9 AM to 2 PM.

Anaheim from 10 AM to 2 PM at:

Euclid Fire Station #6 - 1330 S Euclid

Stadium Fire Station #7 - 2222 E Ball Rd

Weir Canyon Fire Station - 8270 E Monte Vista

Twila Reid Fire Station - 3078 W Orange

Brea from 10 AM - 2 PM at Fire Station #2, park in downtown parking structure and walk across Brea Blvd using the signal at Ash St

Buena Park OCFA Station #61, 8081 Western Ave from 9 AM - 2 PM

Costa Mesa  from 10 AM to 2 PM at:

Station #1 - 2803 Royal Palm Drive

Station #2 - 800 Baker St

Station #3 - 1865 Park St

Station #4 - 2300 Placentia Ave

Station #5 - 2450 Vanguard Way

Station #6 - 3350 Sakioka Dr

Cypress OCFA Station #17 - 4991 Cerritos Ave from 9 AM - 2 PM

Dana Point OCFA Fire Station #30 - 23831 Stonehill Dr from 9 AM - 2 PM

Do You Ride the OCTA Night OWL? Your Bus Could be Eliminated

OCTA is facing a very tough budget situation because transit funds from the State have been cut, leaving OCTA without a large chunk of money needed to fund the actual day to day operation of buses. OCTA staff is studying how to make cuts in the bus system and has held a series of public meetings, bought ads, and put service change info on buses.  OCTA really needs to hear from more riders about what the specific service needs are so the cuts cause the least harm.

The Night OWL service is targeted for complete elimination because, it is argued, ridership is very low and the money spent on Night OWL service would be better spent on service at other times of the day.  What many people don't realize is that Night OWL riders have fewer choices for transportation than riders at other times of the day.  For these folks, it's the Night OWL or nothing in many cases.

The four Night OWL routes targeted to be eliminated are the 43 La Habra to Costa Mesa via Whittier Blvd/Harbor Blvd, 50 Long Beach to Orange via Katella Ave, 57 Brea to Newport Beach via State College Blvd/Bristol St, and 60 Long Beach to Tustin via Westminster Ave/17th St.  The service reductions would start in March 2010.

What You Need to Do

You need to talk with OCTA to tell them what will work for you. Staff is trying to figure this out and plans are not set yet.  If your workplace is effected, have your manager or HR department contact OCTA to tell them about the problems losing the Night OWL will cause.  You can drop off a comment card or letter when you buy a bus pass at OCTA, attend the public hearing on Monday, October 26, 2009 at OCTA Headquarters at 9 AM, or send a letter to Wendy Knowles, Clerk of the Board, OCTA, 555 S Main St, PO Box 14184, Orange, CA 92863-1584.  If you let OCTA know what you need, they can try to help you.  Now is the time for input.

Info About Proposed March 2010 Service Reductions

43 La Habra to Costa Mesa via Whittier Blvd/Harbor Blvd

La Habra - Whittier Christian High School, La Habra Square, La Habra High School, Washington Middle School, Sonora High School

Fullerton - St. Jude Hospital, North Court, Fullerton College, Fullerton Union High School, Fullerton Transportation Center, Metro Center of Fullerton, Orangefair Mall

Anaheim - Anaheim Cultural Arts Center, Anaheim Library, Anaheim Resort Area, Anaheim Convention Center, Disneyland, Anaheim High School

CSUF Students Protest Budget Cuts - Video Updates

The Daily Titan at CSUF is doing a fantastic job covering the cuts to college education.  They are doing both print and video reporting. Here are some of the latest video updates from Cal State Fullerton.  It's important for everyone to remember that each of the college students that can't get classes or graduate on time is one less person who can help move California's economy forward and help California compete on the world stage.  Education cuts are penny wise and pound foolish.

CSUF Students Protest Budget Cuts and Campus Furloughs

CSUF Protest: Vice President of Student Affairs, Robert L. Palmer Talks About Protests on Campus

Cal State Fullerton Students Protesting Budget Cuts

The mainstream media is not doing a good job, or any job at all actually, at covering the college education cuts in California. At one time, California had a top flight university system that attracted students and scholars from all over the world. 

Now, due to the will of a minority of legislators, the college education system is being shredded.  The majority of Californians want college education to be available and want to offer a world-class education.  This was shown in the make-up of the Legislature after the last election.  Due to some strange laws in California, a minority can stop funding for college educations.  Our economy will suffer from the actions of this near-sighted Legislative minority. 

Here is what is going on at Cal State Fullerton (CSUF) from the Daily Titan.

40 Students Sit-In at Pollak Library to Protest Cuts 

Students, Staff and Faculty Meet on Furlough Day for "Elephant in the Room", an Open Meeting on CSU Issues 

UCI Faculty and Students Organize "Walkout" to Protest Budget Cuts and Fee Increases 

Repercussions from Budget Cuts Begin to Show 

The Devil's Advocate: Should UC Students Have to Pay a Fee Increase Like CSU Students? 

Budget Cuts Affect the Quality of Education

CSUF Employees Furloughed, Services Cut

State Cuts CSU Budget by $1.3 Billion

CSU Deals With Faculty Furloughs

2009 Coastal Cleanup Day is September 19

Clean up local Orange County beaches, creeks, watersheds, and waterways on Saturday, September 19 from 9 AM to Noon as a member of the Coastal Cleanup Day Team.  Efforts are being coordinated by Orange County Parks and Trails for All.  Sponsors include California State Parks, Newport Beach, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, Seal Beach, San Clemente, Clean Water Now!, Aliso Creek Steelhead, Bolsa Chica Conservancy, Community Based Restoration and Education Program of the California Coastal Commission, Huntington Beach, Project Aware, Amigos de Bolsa Chica, California Department of Fish and Game, San Clemente Clean Ocean Program, Ocean Institute, SaveOurBeach, OC Parks, and Back to Natives Restoration.

Aliso Creek County Beach: Aliso Creek County Beach, West Street Beach and Aliso Creekbed 

Volunteer Event: Beach, Park, and Creek Cleanup 

Site Address: 31131 S. Pacific Coast Highway., Laguna Beach, CA 92652 

Volunteer Sign-in and Meeting Location: Aliso Creek Beach on Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, 

Parking lot at Aliso Beach. 

CLEANUP CATEGORY: Park, Beach 

Minimum Age of Volunteer: 8  

Maximum # of Volunteers: 200 

PLEASE CONFIRM YOUR ATTENDANCE WITH THE SITE TEAM CAPTAIN: 

Team Captain Name: Michael Hazzard and Rick Conkey 

Contact Phone: Michael 949-690-2510 or Rick 949-573-8624 Contact Email: [email protected]; 

[email protected] 

For more information on this site, please see: www.alisocreeksteelhead.org  

 

OC Register 2nd Worst Person in the World for Sports Column Mocking Jaycee Dugard's Captivity and Rape

Here is the original post by Mark Whicker. This never should have been printed, never. Baseball is more important than the kidnap, rape and years long captivity of a child. Whicker should resign or be fired.  And the Hoile family wonders why people don't want to read their paper?

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

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Mike Duvall Needs 3 Women to Share His Family Values

http://cbs2.com/video/[email protected]

KCAL 9's Dave Lopez broke the story.  You should watch the report because you find out Mike Duvall likes spanking women and his sex talk makes colleagues uncomfortable.  Dave Lopez went to Sacramento and tried to get Duvall to answer questions, but Duvall refused all of his questions and openly dodged reporters.

In 2007, Duvall received a 100% grade from the California Republican Assembly.  On the California Republican Assembly website, core beliefs are listed, which include family.  From the website, "We believe that the traditional American family, defined as any persons related by blood, marriage of a man and a woman and/or adoption, is the cornerstone of our American society, and the government is duty bound to protect the integrity of the family unit through legislation and taxation policies."

Capitol Weekly is reporting that Duvall has been stripped of his leadership positions in the Assembly - vice-chairmanship of the Utilities and Commerce Committee, seat on Assembly Rules Committee and ranking seat in GOP caucus. One of the three women Duvall is involved with is a lobbyist for Sempra Energy, a company subject to legislation developed by the Utilities and Commerce Committee.

Duvall is currently married and has two grown children.  Duvall currently represents the 72nd Assembly District which covers parts of La Habra, Brea, Yorba Linda, Placentia, Fullerton, Anaheim, and Orange.

September 19 is Coastal and Inner-Coastal Watershed Clean-Up Day

Saturday, September 19, is the statewide Coastal Cleanup and the 13th Annual Inner Coastal and Watershed Cleanup Day. Many cities, agencies and organizations participate in this yearly event to build awareness of how trash and debris clog our local creeks, beaches, ponds and watersheds.

Local organizers for the event include the Ocean Conservancy and Trails4All.  Trails4All has a list of clean-up activities on the website.  Sign up thru your city or the OC Parks and Recreation department.

Local cities and areas participating in include Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Black Star Canyon, Brea, Buena Park, Canyon View Park,  Costa Mesa, Dana Paoint, Fullerton, Glenwood/Glenbrook Park,  Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Hill, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, La Habra, Lake Forest, La Palma,Long Beach, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, O'Neill Regional Park, Orange, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Silverado-Modjeska Canyon, Trabuco Canyon, Westminster, Yorba Linda, Yorba Regional Park.  

Keeping trash and litter out of the water makes the areas more user friendly and saves the lives of animals. Many animals die each year after consuming trash which they think is food. Take a few hours on Saturday, September 19 and help clean up Orange County beaches, creeks, parks, and canyons.

"The History of Health Care in Orange County has been a Series of Crises"

Curtis Crocker, a patient of Lestonnac Free Clinic, talk about his problems getting health care in Orange County.  Ninh Nguyen, client of VNCOC Asian Health, and Alondra Campos, client of Latino Health Access, are on either side of Curtis.

Felix Schwarz, Executive Director of the Health Care Council of Orange County summed up health care in Orange County at the Coalition of Orange County Community Clinics forum on August 22, 2009.  The forum, Community Health Centers on the Frontlines:  Orange County Health in a Growing Crisis, discussed the growing problems community clinics face having to serve more clients which severely reduced budgets. 

The Coalition is asking for the public to support keeping the clinics funded.  The Coalition is collecting names and stories of people hurt by the cutbacks in clinic funding as part of The List Project.  Additionally, the Coalition is asking people to send postcards to Gov. Schwarzenegger with details about how clinic cuts will hurt them, their children, and their neighbors. The postcards are available thru the Coalition offices. 

Orange County is the second most populous county in the state and one of the largest counties in the United States without a public hospital or a primary care public health system.  The Coalition of Orange County Community Clinics is a group of 19 clinics which provide a primary care safety net for the over 600,000 uninsured residents of Orange County.  

 Clinic clients, clinic staff and advocates were on the panel. Three clients, Curtis Crock, helped by Letsonnac Free Clinic in Orange, Alondra Campos helped by Latino Health Access and Ninh Nguyen helped by VNCOC Asian Health Center, told how they were not able to get health care before finding the clinics.

•  Curtis Crock, who has worked all his life for employers who sponsored health insurance, found himself out of work and uninsured.  His wife was recovering from cancer and needed continuing treatments.  Curtis has a cardiac condition which requires regular care.  Curtis went to Lestonnac Free Clinic in Orange, which is able to offer specialty care.  His wife was able to obtain care from Share Our Selves in Costa Mesa.  Curtis felt frustrated by the system because he had always been employed, at a good job, with medical benefits until recently.  "People find themselves without the resources to receive health care," is how Curtis summed it up.  He added, "It's startling to see the number of people at the Inglewood clinic", referring to the recent clinic in Inglewood by Remote Area Medical (RAM).
• Alondra Campos, a client of Latino Health Access, is a young vibrant woman who is slowly going blind from complications of juvenile diabetes.  If Alondra had been born into a family living in an Orange County gated community, losing her sight due to diabetes would never be an issue.  Alondra has not been able to get reliable and consistent care for her diabetes because she does not have insurance.  Her history of getting what care she could get has been heart breaking.  At a time when she was able to pull together enough money for a doctor visit, that doctor gave her hormones and steroids instead of actually treating her diabetes.  When a telemarketer called and promised her insurance that would cover her condition, she sent in the money and never received the promised level of coverage, only more statements for premiums.  Finally, Alondra went to Latino Health Access, who is working with her on managing her diabetes and saving her sight.  Alondra has been diagnosed with a detached retina and cataracts, something that is rarely seen in a young woman like her.  Latino Health Access has her scheduled for eye surgeries.  She describes her remaining vision as being only as far as her arms can reach.  "Eight months without seeing my mother, eight months without seeing my family, eight months without seeing anything," is how Alondra describes her life now.  She added, "Are we going to let some one else lose their vision because they don't qualify for insurance, because they're too high risk?"
• Ninh Nguyen, a client of VCNOC Asian Health Center, and a recent immigrant from VietNam, spoke of his frustrations in getting care.  Ninh first lived in Nevada after he immigrated and said, "Health care in Nevada is very hard,"  in describing the language, access and affordability problems he faced.  He then moved to Orange County to join the large Vietnamese community.  Once in Orange County, Ninh still had trouble getting care because he did not know how to find the right doctors or find ways to pay for care.  VCNOC Asian Health Center helped Ninh access MediCal and find doctors who can care for his needs.

Peace, Love, Music and Pam Keller

Celebrate 40 years of peace, love and music  at Monkey Business Cafe, 301 E Amerige Ave, Fullerton, CA on Wednesday, August 26, from 5:30 -8:30 PM.  

Break out your bell bottoms, best tiedye, sandals and beads. 

 Join Hon. Tom Daly, Hon. Sukhee Kang, Ellis Cha, Aaruni Thakur, Art Munguia, James Campbell, Tom Knoll, Jesus Silva, Vicki Calhoun, Hon. Beverly Berryman, and Hon. Minard Duncan to bring in a new age!