The CotoBuzz Journal

Throw the Bums out of Laguna Woods

2012-02-09T14:27:00.000-08:00

Poted By CotoBlogzz

LETTER

Jerry Storage, General Manager

Third Laguna Hills Mutual Directors

United Laguna Hills Mutual Directors

Fifty(Towers) Directors

Golden Rain Foundation Directors

Homeowners

Re: Change in the Structure and Management Contract of LeisureWorld/

Laguna Woods Village .

Leisure World Laguna Hills built in 1964 -1982 is the largest non-profit

Senior Citizens Common Interest Development in the United State of America with 18,000 to 20,000 residences.

Professional Community Management, Inc. (PCM) the managing agent

of Leisure World/ Laguna Woods Village is one of the largest Managing Agents of Common Interest Developments in the U.S.A. PCM has been the managing agent in Leisure World Laguna Woods, Ca. since 1964. Professional Community Management, Inc. a for profitcorporation was a Spin Off, at the request of the Federal Housing Administration (HUD), from the non-profit corporation of

Leisure World Foundation which sponsored, merchandised and administered

Leisure World Laguna Hills from 1964 to 1972 when PCM was incorporated

and became the for profit Managing Agent.

Professional Community Management, Inc. (PCM) knows Leisure World/

Laguna Woods Villages governing documents (Original Trust, Articles of Incorporations, Declarations (CC&R's), Regulatory Agreements and Bylaws).

PCM has written and administered these documents to the homeowners of

Leisure World/Laguna Woods Village for over 46 years and yet PCM continues

to state GRF and United Mutual have NO CC&R's WHY?

GRF and PCM has sold Common Area Land (San Sebastian and El Toro Water District) against California's Davis Stirling Act #1359 and Leisure World/Laguna Woods Village CC&R's, Article VI.

Golden Rain Foundation set aside Five (5) Million Dollars to demolish and build a 17,863 square-foot Village Green Golf Starter Building without the Vote or Approval of the homeowners, who pay the bills. To date the total cost of this

building has not been given to the homeowners. The "88" CC&R's, Article IV, Section 8 states: "The Mutualsmay, with the approval of the Architectural Control Committee, construct new improvements or additions to the Common Area or

Demolish existing improvements, provided that in the case of any improvement, addition or

demolition involving a total expenditure in excess of Five Percent (5%) of the Gross Expenses of the Mutuals for the year in which such improvements, additions or demolition isContemplated, the written consent or Vote of at least fifty-one percent (51%) of the Owners in the Project or Related Projects as to the maximum total cost therefore shall first be obtained."

The changing of the Guard, the Management Contract and the Structure

of Leisure World/Laguna Woods Village is a must. Golden Rain Foundation (GRF)

has taken over the leadership of this community under the advice of PCM, this

is wrong. GRF is the Trustee of the Trust which holds all the money. assets and

land in Trust for the Mutuals (Third, United and Fifty). The Mutuals are the

Trustors of the Trust. The Mutuals pay GRF to manage, operate and maintain the Common Area Facilities(Clubhouses, Golf Course, Buses, Stables and ect.) . GRF

as Trustee SHALL follow the Terms of the Trust which they have neglected to do.

The Cost Plus Contract PCM has with each of the four corporations of

Leisure World Laguna Woods where the homeowners pay all of PCM's Costs is obscene. The homeowners pay allof PCM's 1,000 employees wages and benefit packages( Health Insurance, Unemployment Insurance, Social Security, Pensions, 401-K and etc.) plus all of PCM's office expenses and housing of their employees. This has been going on for 46 years. No wonder this senior citizens homeowners association has a $95,000,000 Budget, larger than surrounding cities. The costs of

the Cost Plus Contract increases each year are staggering. There is no incentive for PCM to cut cost and there are a number of PCM employees retiring each year which as long as PCM is the Managing Agent this community pays their Pensions. This Common InterestDevelopment can no longer afford PCM and certainly not a Cost Plus Contract.

Wake UP!! Leisure World/ Laguna Woods, as well as the whole Country,

is in a financial mess. PCM and the four boards (GRF, Third, United & Fifty) had better get realistic. If you do not understand Budgets, Economic and Finances you have a large source of people in the community who could help you. Ask and you shall receive. Don't continue to Vote for something you do not understand or agree with. Each Mutual and GRF have their own Attorney's, they should give you the correct information you need under the law to perform your fiduciary duties.

Sincerely yours,

Noni and Corkey Eley

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The Servant of Two Masters at Saddleback College

2012-02-02T15:18:00.000-08:00

Posted By CotoBlogzz

Mission Viejo, CA – Saddleback College is presenting The Servant of Two Masters on March 2^nd through the 11^th in the Studio Theatre. In classic commedia dell’arte style - commedia dell'arte is a form of theatre characterized by masked types which began in Italy in the 16th century and was responsible for the advent of the actress and improvised performances based on sketches or scenarios. - comedy ensues when servant Truffaldino must fib his way through a day of three weddings, two duels, a dance, a chase, and a food fight, all while serving two masters, neither of whom knows what’s going on.

L-R: Cailon Moore, Dimitri Geraud and Michelle ParentPhotographer: Ken Kinde

Allow your suspension of disbelief to place yourself in an inn yard, in Venice, where after a laborious day of work, you have taken a moment to be entertained by a traveling troupe of players - - a company that is beginning to exhibit the ravages of time. Ergo, the “Commercio di Saddlebacka” proudly brings to you, for your delight, Signor Goldoni’s comedy, The Servant of Two Masters.

Dates: March 6th, 7th, 8th, 10th at 8 pm and March 11^th at 3 pm. Please note that March 2nd, 3rd, and 9th at 8 pm and March 4th at 3 pm are sold out.

Tickets can be purchased by calling (949) 582-4656 (noon-4 Tuesday-Saturday) and online atwww.saddleback.edu/arts. Prices are $12 general; $11 students/seniors/ Angels; $6 for Saddleback community with current ASB card. Group rates are $6 for 20 or more.

The Department of Theatre Arts program at Saddleback College produces several fully-staged shows in which students are encouraged to participate. Theatre Arts students are given the opportunity to audition for every production and Theatre Arts students are given priority in the casting process. In addition there are numerous opportunities for students to contribute in backstage activities of all college productions.

Saddleback College is located at 28000 Marguerite Pkwy in Mission Viejo, just east of Interstate 5 at the Avery Parkway exit. Free parking is available in Lot 12. Take Avery Parkway to Marguerite Parkway turn left to the third traffic light, which is Saddleback’s Marguerite entrance. Turn right into the campus and take the third left to “Theatre Circle,” turning right into Lot 12.

Located in Mission Viejo, Saddleback College provides quality higher education and training to the greater south Orange County community. Having served more than 500,000 students since 1968, Saddleback College offers over 300 degree and certificate programs to help students reach their personal, career, and educational goals. For more information, please visit www.saddleback.edu and for Fine Arts information, please visit www.saddleback.edu/arts.

The Steel Sharpens Steel Fallacy (3SF)

2012-01-29T15:33:00.000-08:00

Posted By CotoBlogzz

Certain political pundits keep promoting the notion that negative advertising during the GOP primary not only works, but it is also good because it helps the candidates get prepared so that when the eventual winner faces off against President Obama, the negative attacks will be second-nature. While the latter might be true, the former is not. Worse yet is that such approach could work in a short primary, it is counterproductive the more it extends beyond Florida.

We previously asserted that the GOP has mastered the art of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory – if the current GOP primary extends much beyond Florida, the GOP might just continue the trend – below is brief view of why tit may be so.

1. The Mostly Left Wing and Hyphenated Media (MLWH) is adept at using Weapons of Mass Disinformation (WMD) in support of the current administration. During the GOP primary, the candidates themselves are using WMD as friendly fire, aiding and abetting the enemy.

2. The MLWH media’s target market is the apathetic, uninformed and or cognitive-challenged (AUCC) electorate. When GOP candidates use WMD during the primary, the ads are exactly what the AUCC consumes.

3. Lack of Focus – when the GOP candidates use WMD, whether the candidates like it or not, the media amplifies the message so that instead of allowing them to focus on drawing up a comparison between them and the current administration, they find themselves on the defense, looking less than presidential.

4. Practice as in a real game - In sports, coaches consistently preach to their players to practice as if they are playing a real game, so that when the game starts, they do not have to think, but only react. When the GOP candidates use WMD, they are practicing, but not as if they were playing in a real game, quite the contrary.

Dueling Pianos at Saddleback College

2012-01-18T12:44:00.001-08:00

Posted by CotoBlogzz

Mission Viejo, CA – The Department of Music at Saddleback College announced this week a two-piano recital with renowned pianists Kirill Gliadkovsky and Chris Durrenberger for Thursday, February 16^th at 7:30 pm in the McKinney Theatre. The concert features Mozart’s Greatest Work for Piano Ensemble – his grand Sonata in D Major for two pianos; Brahm’s extremely popular and richly melodic Hungarian Dances for piano duet (one piano four hands) and Camille Saint-Saens’ humorous, witty and charismatic Carnival of the Animals – a musical tale describing characters of various animals, as well as humans, and making fun of certain musical and non-musical stereotypes with narration of a poem by Ogden Nash, written specifically for the piece.

Chris Durrenberger, Associate Professor at Wittenberg University in Springfield Ohio, has received top prizes at major national and international competitions, including the Coleman and Carmel Chamber Music Competitions, the Los Angeles Etude Musical Club Piano Competition, the Young Keyboard Artists Association International Piano Competition, and the National Music Teachers Association National Piano Competition. He was selected to pilot a National Endowment for the Arts residency, “Chamber Music in Rural America,” which led to hundreds of performances, live broadcasts on National Public Radio, a featured spot on ABC World News Tonight with Peter Jennings, and a performance for the National Council in Washington, D.C. Solo, concerto, and collaborative engagements have taken Dr. Durrenberger throughout the world, including the Sarasota and Aspen Music Festivals, the Cairo Opera House, and the Taipei National Hall.

Since making his first public appearance at the age of six, Kirill Gliadkovsky has toured extensively on three continents performing piano and organ recitals and as a soloist with orchestras in various cities in Russia, including Moscow's prestigious Bolshoi, Maliy and Rachmaninoff Halls, St.-Petersburg Philharmonic's Glinka Hall, as well as in Italy, U.K., Poland, Mongolia, Canada, Japan and throughout the United States. The venues included Purcell Hall in London, Merkin Hall in New York, Jack Singer Hall in Calgary, Royce Hall in Los Angeles, Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa, CA, Centers for the Arts in Scottsdale and Chandler AZ, National Gallery of Art and Catholic University in Washington, DC, 1st Congregational Church in Los Angeles, Philharmonic Hall in Poznan, Poland, and many others. He has performed at various music festivals, such as Aspen, Ventura, Music in the Mountains, Redlands Bowl festivals in the USA and Credomatic Festival in Costa Rica, and worked with well-known conductors Pierre Boulez, Mehli Mehta, Gordon Johnson, John Farrer, Mischa Semanitzky, Patrick Flynn, among others. Mr. Gliadkovsky's popularity is also fast growing being a featured artist in numerous live TV and radio broadcasts and programs on such networks as NPR, CBS, PBS, CBC, WQXR, KBYU, KPAC, Russian State TV and Radio and others. He has recorded six CDs for Alexei Records and for CMK Classics labels.

Tickets are $12 general; $10 seniors; $7 students; 2 for 1 for music teachers with a MTAC or CAPMT ID. Saddleback College is located at 28000 Marguerite Parkway in Mission Viejo, just east of Interstate 5 at the Avery Parkway exit. Free parking is available in Lot 12. Take Avery Parkway to Marguerite Parkway turn left to the third traffic light, which is Saddleback’s Marguerite entrance. Turn right into the campus and take the second left to “Theatre Circle,” turning right into Lot 12.

The Music Department has established a comprehensive program which is considered to be one of the finest in California: a complete lower-division curriculum for transferring music majors, numerous performance groups, private and group lessons, a full concert series with faculty and guest artists, and general music courses. The nationally recognized faculty is dedicated to performance and to teaching in all areas such as vocal, instrumental, jazz, guitar and piano. Other music classes include harmony, musicianship, composition, history and appreciation of western art music, rock, jazz and world.

Located in Mission Viejo, Saddleback College provides quality higher education and training to the greater south Orange County community. Having served more than 500,000 students since 1968, Saddleback College offers more than 300 degree and certificate programs to help students reach their personal, career, and educational goals. For more information, please visitwww.saddleback.edu. For Fine Arts events, visit www.saddleback.edu/arts.

Saddleback Announces 2012 Free Faculty Art Exhibition

2012-01-18T12:30:00.000-08:00

Posted by CotoBlogzz

Mission Viejo, CA – The Saddleback College Art Department faculty announced this week its 2012 Faculty Art and Photo Exhibition for Wednesday, February 8th through Thursday, March 8^th. This mixed media exhibit includes photography, ceramics, sculpture, painting, printmaking, drawing, jewelry and more. Gallery hours are Monday – Wednesday from noon-4pm; Thursday evenings 4-8pm and on Saturday, February 11^th, the gallery will be open from 10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. There will be an artists’ reception on Tuesday, February 7^th from 5 to 8 pm. Admission is free.

Located in Mission Viejo, Saddleback College provides quality higher education and training to the greater south Orange County community. Having served more than 500,000 students since 1968, Saddleback College offers more than 300 degree and certificate programs to help students reach their personal, career, and educational goals. For more information, please visitwww.saddleback.edu. For Fine Arts events, visit www.saddleback.edu/arts.

Free concerts at Saddleback College

2012-01-18T12:21:00.000-08:00

Posted by CotoBlogzz

Mission Viejo, CA. The Music Department at Saddleback College kicks of a free concert series, Concert Hour on Thursday, January 19, 2012 from Noon to 1 p.m. in Fine Arts Room 101 and the McKinney Theatre. Schedule follows:

January 19, 2012. Joey Sellers Trio.

McKinney Theatre

Director of Jazz Studies Joey Sellers performs with his eclectic trio. This concert will feature material from Sellers’ CD “Solo Trombone: What The. . .?” which garnered a four-star review in DownBeat Magazine and placed Sellers in the “Rising Star” category of the Critics Poll. Featuring Dan Lutz on Bass and Chris Wabich on drums.

February 16, 2012. Piano Master Class with Chris Durrenberger

McKinney Theatre

Chris Durrenberger, Associate Professor at Capital and Wittenberg Universities in Ohio, will work with Saddleback pianists during the noon concert hour. He will present a two-piano recital with Kirill Gliadkovsky in the evening.

April 5, 2012. Viola Concert with Born Lau

FA 101

Los Angeles-based violist Born Lau has been hailed as “one of this new generation of violists’ premier talents.” His concert will include the world premiere of Saddleback faculty member Norman Weston’s Aria, Tango and Gigue for unaccompanied viola.

May 3, 2012. Saddleback Music Students in Recital.

McKinney Theatre

Our talented voice, instrumental, piano and jazz students perform in recital. Come and show your support for these aspiring musicians!

Saddleback College is located at 28000 Marguerite Pkwy in Mission Viejo, just east of Interstate 5 at the Avery Parkway exit. Parking is available in Lot 12. Take Avery Parkway to Marguerite Parkway turn left to the second traffic light, which is Saddleback’s Marguerite entrance. Turn right into the campus and take the second left to “Theatre Circle,” turning right into Lot 12.

The Music Department has established a comprehensive program which is considered to be one of the finest in California: a complete lower-division curriculum for transferring music majors, numerous performance groups, private and group lessons, a full concert series with faculty and guest artists, and general music courses. The nationally recognized faculty is dedicated to performance and to teaching in all areas such as vocal, instrumental, jazz, guitar and piano. Other music classes include harmony, musicianship, composition, history and appreciation of western art music, rock, jazz and world.

Located in Mission Viejo, Saddleback College provides quality higher education and training to the greater south Orange County community. Having served more than 500,000 students since 1968, Saddleback College offers over 300 degree and certificate programs to help students reach their personal, career, and educational goals. For more information, please visitwww.saddleback.edu and for Fine Arts information, please visit www.saddleback.edu/arts.

Obama's GBLT Sham

2011-12-07T00:19:00.000-08:00

Posted by CotoBlogzz

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA - Yesterday the White House issued a Memorandum to the Heads of Executive departments and agencies detaqiling International Initiatives to Advance the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Persons( GBLT) and the Mostly Left Wing and Hyphenated Media is not only eating it up, but amplifying the message for the media's target market: The apathetic, uninformed and or cognitive challenged electorate.

The initiative is not only disingenuous.but also perhaps the most transparent initiative this administration has advanced: Pure and un-adulterated pandering.

Keep in mind that basic rights are endowed by the Creator, not the White House. Why not do something about how women are treated in the Muslim world, such as the the jailed raped Afghan girl forced to marry her cousin in order to be released from jail? What about the GLOM (Grumpy Loud Old Man"? Do not they have rights?

Or what about this administration's promotion of state-sponsored genocide (legalized abortions)?

Any questions?

Don't Blame the Committee. Do not Blame the GOP. Do not Blame the Congress

2011-11-23T11:27:00.000-08:00

Posted By CotoBlogzz

Do not blame the Super committee, after all, it reflects the Super Duper Committee, aka as US Congress. Do not blame the Congress and do not even Blame the Blamer in Chief for being MIA during the budget talks. Do not blame the GOP and do no blame the Left. Heck, do not even blame Prince Harry or Princess Nancy.

If anyone is to take the blame is the electorate, after all, it voted for the current government, thanks in large measure for the Mostly Left Wing and Hyphenated Media targeting the apathetic, the uninformed and or cognitive challenged voter.

Knowing that the electorate is divided right down the middle, and that 50% of the population does not pay taxes and that the unions want the government to spend money it does not have, guess how the 2012 elections are going to turn out?

http://news.yahoo.com/obama-blames-gop-threatens-veto-184448279.html

Diwali & Hannuka come to Saddleback

2011-11-22T15:29:00.000-08:00

Posted by CotoBlogzz

Rancho Santa Margarita – The Saddleback College Music Department will present A Feast of Lights on December 3^rd and 4th in the McKinney Theatre. The chorale ensembles, under the direction of Dr. Scott Farthing, and the symphony orchestra, under the direction of Branden Muresan, come together for this very popular and festive holiday program of vocal and orchestral music for all ages to enjoy. These holiday festivities include a traditional wassail catered and served by the Saddleback College Culinary Arts program being between performances.

Diwali popularly known as the "festival of lights," is a festival celebrated between mid-October and mid-November. For Hindus, Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes. For Jains, Diwali marks the attainment of moksha or nirvana by Mahavira in 527 BC

Diwali is an official holiday in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore,and Fiji.

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple (the Second Temple) in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar.

The festival is observed by the kindling of the lights of a unique candelabrum, the nine-branched Menorah or Hanukiah, one additional light on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night. The typical Menorah consists of eight branches with an additional raised branch. The extra light is called a shamash and is given a distinct location, usually above or below the rest. The purpose of the shamash is to have a light available for use, as using the Hanukkah lights themselves is forbidden.

Dates are Saturday, December 3rd at 2 & 5 pm and Sunday, December 4th at 2 & 5 pm. Tickets are $20 general admission; $18 students/seniors and can be purchased by calling the ticket office at 949-582-4656 or online at www.saddleback.edu/arts.

Located in Mission Viejo, Saddleback College provides quality higher education and training to the greater south Orange County community. Having served more than 500,000 students since 1968, Saddleback College offers more than 300 degree and certificate programs to help students reach their personal, career, and educational goals. For more information, please visit www.saddleback.edu. For Fine Arts events, visit www.saddleback.edu/arts.

Saddleback Speech & Debate Team on a Roll - Places Third at 2011 Ray Dahlin Tournament

2011-11-22T15:17:00.000-08:00

Posted by CotoBlogzz

Rancho Santa Margarita - The Saddleback Forensics Team continues to bring home the hardware, having placed third at the 2011 Ray Dahlin Tournament held at Grossmont College in El Cajon, California.

“We are incredibly proud of how our students performed at the Ray Dahlin Invitational. So far, Saddleback has been a top 3 finisher at every tournament attended so far. The students and coaches are working hard as we prepare for State and Nationals in April” stated Lucas Ochoa, forensics team coach.

And the Winners are:

Extemporaneous Speaking

4^th place, Robert Mayer

3^rd place, Matthew Porter

Informative Speaking

5^th place, Emily Hanson

4^th place, Yamah Karim

3^rd place, Madison Dixson

Persuasive Speaking

4^th place, Anneke Pyle

2^nd place, Brooke Howell

Communication Analysis

2^ND place, Andrew Ronquillo

Dramatic Interpretation

7^th place, Danielle Page

3^rd place, Derek Demerjian

The Saddleback Forensics Team started in the 1970s and prides itself on offering students the ability to create innovative arguments for future writing and speaking engagements to strengthen their critical thinking skills, and to better communicate with others.

A Christmas Carol Comes to Saddleback – Some dates sold out

2011-11-22T15:16:00.000-08:00

Posted by CotoBlogzz

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA – Dickens’ A Christmas Carol comes to Saddleback College December 2-12 in the Studio Theatre. Directed by Jonelle Allen, with musical direction and original songs by David Anthony and choreography by Ellen Prince, this holiday favorite offers audiences a few surprises including a Punch and Judy puppet show in the first act. All ages will enjoy this family treat just in time for the holidays.

Michael Bezer (Scrooge) and Hayden Kerzie (Tiny Tim), Photographer: Ken Kinder

Saddleback representative note that the following dates are sold out: December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, at 8 pm and December 3, 4, 10, 11, at 3pm.

Seats still available on December 6, 7, 8 at 8 pm. Prices are $12 general; $11 students/seniors; $6 children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased by calling (949) 582-4656 (noon-4 Tuesday-Saturday) and online

Saddleback College Theatre Arts program produces several fully-staged shows in which students are encouraged to participate. Theatre Arts students are given the opportunity to audition for every production and Theatre Arts students are given priority in the casting process. In addition there are numerous opportunities for students to contribute in backstage activities of all college productions.

Saddleback Radio/TV Students Win!

2011-11-22T15:02:00.000-08:00

Posted by CotoBlogzz

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA - Five Saddleback College student finalists for the CBI College Broadcasters, Inc. (CBI) National Student Production Awards were recognized during the 2011 National Student Media Convention in Orlando, Florida held on October 26-30, 2011. More than 650 entries were received with 40 stations or classes represented among the finalists.

And the winners Are

Debra Hill, Producer/Director, Zac Rodriguez, Assistant Director, Ryan Rodriguez, Assistant Editor, Larissa Garrett, Boom Operator, took home first prize for Best TV Documentary/ Public Affairs for From Bullets to Bubbles. The 22-minute documentary is about a group of disabled veterans who are trying to reinvent their lives through scuba diving.

(L-R) Zac Rodriguez, Debra Hill, Ryan Rodriguez, Kelly Jones and Larissa Garrett

Photographer: Jennie McCue

Hiro Konishi, Professor of Cinema-Television-Radio, praised his film students, stating, “They are award winners. That is great but what is more wonderful is that they showed true dedication to the project. Their work ethics made this success possible.”

Advanced Radio Broadcasting student Kelly Jones won the first place award for Best DJ. Kelly is recognized for her work on Saddleback College radio station KSBR 88.5FM, but is also heard on the college’s web-based station, OCRockRadio.com. Terry Wedel, Director of KSBR-FM/OCRockRadio.com, chimed in saying, “We are all extremely proud and happy for Kelly. She’s taken full advantage of the opportunities that students have here at Saddleback to get real hands-on experience, and she has already used that experience to obtain a full-time job at Playlist 92.7.”

For more than 20 years, the Cinema/Television/Radio Department (CTVR) at Saddleback College has been known for giving students hands-on experience. This means students design their film, shoot it, and you edit it. CTVR always puts the concept of bringing the “real world” into the classroom as a priority. Shooting on the latest technology including Red Digital Cinema and Final Cut Pro 7 HD, Saddleback offers the full set of filmmaking tools such as dollys, steadicams, and industry standard lighting, camera, and audio packages. The department’s productions each year are featured in the Newport Beach Film Festival and students constantly transfer to the top university film schools or they are placed in desirable internships and jobs. Saddleback’s CTVR Department is offering courses designed to help students succeed in the field, including outstanding 1 to 2 day workshops for students who want to specialize in a specific area of filmmaking. CTVR continues to teach the approach of concept to final edit in terms of visual storytelling, aesthetics, composition, directing, producing, cinematography, lighting, audio and editing. CTVR is an elite film school at Saddleback College and was featured in Movie Maker Magazine this year

What the Halal? Anaheim’s Super King Market To pay county $527K

2011-11-21T15:39:00.000-08:00

Posted by CotoBlogzz

Rancho Santa Margarita – Judge David McEachen approved a civil settlement for $527,000 , between the Orange County District Attorney (OCDA) and Super King Market in Anaheim for falsely advertising and selling generic meat as Halal meat

Halal is a term used to designate meat that has been butchered in a specific manner making it permissible to eat in accordance with Islamic law.

According to the OCDA’s office, the Anaheim Super King Market ordered and received various meats in itsmarket, which was subsequently advertised as Halal, while not employing proper procedures to ensure the meat was indeed Halal, as advertised.

The OCDA began an investigation in 2010 after an inspection by the Orange County Health Department revealed that various meats were being delivered to the store without being clearly marked or labeled. Super King Market was also selling all meat from a display case indicating that the contents were Halal, but the contents were actually co-mingled in the walk-in freezer and refrigerator with various other generic meats that were delivered to the store.

The settlement did not require the defendant to admit fault or liability. Super King Market agreed to strict injunctive terms to prevent any future unfair or deceptive business practices. Super King Market is permanently enjoined from purchasing any meat without assuring its content is clearly designated on the invoice, packaging and box. Halal meats must be properly segregated from other meats. They are required to ensure every meat product in an area designated as Halal by a sign, placard or similar advertisement is actually of such nature.

This law is protects customers from deceptive and harmful business practices and also prevents the defendant from gaining an unfair advantage over legitimate businesses that spend time and resources ensuring that their products are properly purchased, labeled, and sold.

Saddleback Speech & Debate Teams Make News

2011-11-02T15:54:00.001-07:00

Posted by CotoBlogzz

Mission Viejo, CA – Results of debate only competition, titled Free For Me LD Tournament, at Irvine Valley CoFriday, October 21, 2011:

Novice NFA-LD

Michelle Hardy, Bronze Medal

Novice Parli-LD

Michael Cicerone, Bronze Medal

Mark Claramunt, Silver Medal

Open Parli-LD

Matthew Porter, Gold Medal

On October 22 and 23, 2011, the rest of the Forensics Team competed in the Watson-Lancer Tournament at Pasadena City College with following results:

Novice Prose Interpretation

Austin Payne, 2^nd Place

Madison Dixson, Finalist

Open Prose Interpretation

Chelsea Martin, Finalist

Open Communication Analysis

Andrew Ronquillo, 1^st Place

Novice Programmed Oral Interpretation

Austin Payne, Finalist

Brooke Howell, 5^th Place

Novice Informative Speaking

Madison Dixson, Finalist

Novice Persuasive Speaking

Michelle Hardy, Finalist

Novice Parliamentary Debate

Michael Cicerone & Andrew Ronquillo, Bronze Medal

Overall Parliamentary Debate Speaker

Andrew Ronquillo, 1^st Place

Michael Cicerone, 6^th Place

Art by Students On Sale on time for Holidays - Funds to Scholarships

2011-11-02T15:49:00.000-07:00

Posted By CotoBlogzz

Mission Viejo, CA – The Art Department at Saddleback College will host two separate holiday sales of student art works. On November 30^th from 9 am to 6 pm and December 1^st from 9 am to 4 pm, the Saddleback College Art Gallery will present the 39^th Annual Holiday Student Art Sale in the Saddleback College Art Gallery.

A wide selection of student art for sale includes ceramics, photography, painting, watercolor, prints, graphics and much more. Proceeds for this sale fund student scholarships in the arts and master classes by internationally known artists.

On November 30^th and December 1^st from 10 am to 6 pm fine jewelry made by Saddleback College art students will be on sale in the Student Services Center 212 at Saddleback College. A display of handcrafted jewelry, art glass and holiday gifts made by students, faculty and alumni will be hard to resist for early shoppers.

The Art Department at Saddleback College believes that a person’s reflection of life is manifested through his or her arts. Students are able to fully appreciate artistic expressions through study, observation and experience. The art faculty and staff are committed to offering the strongest foundation in the arts that will allow students success in college as well as in their ongoing roles as artists.

The Saddleback College Foundation coordinates and initiates giving to Saddleback College. Without community support, the consistent excellence of college programs and education to students would not be possible.

Located in Mission Viejo, Saddleback College provides quality higher education and training to the greater south Orange County community. Having served more than 500,000 students since 1968, Saddleback College offers over 300 degree and certificate programs to help students reach their personal, career, and educational goals. For more information, please visit www.saddleback.edu and for Fine Arts information, visit www.saddleback.edu/arts.

Saddleback Speech & Debate Team Places Third in CA Tournament

2011-10-23T17:58:00.000-07:00

Posted By CotoBlogzz

Mission Viejo, CA – The Saddleback Speech & Debate earned a third place trophy overall and second in individual events at the California Double-Up held at Concordia University in Irvine on October 14-16, 2011.

The California Double-Up, a tough tournament, attracts competitive schools including Western Kentucky University (2010 National Champions), Arizona State University, Rice University, and Mt. San Antonio College. Heidi Ochoa stated, “It is with great pride, that the coaches share with the Saddleback Community that our squad, which is comprised of students who are new to the world of Speech and Debate, is holding their own and exhibiting more promise than any other team that we have worked with,” said coach Heidi Ochoa

And the winners are:

Novice Informative:

Yamah Karim 7^th Place

Thomas Ward 6^th Place

Madison Dixson 5^th Place

Keegan Knappert 4^th Place

Michelle Spadaro 3^rd Place

Emily Hanson 2^nd Place

Novice Persuasive:

Anneke Pyle 4^th Place

Brooke Howell 1^st Place

Novice Dramatic Interpretation:

Lorissa Marsh 2^nd Place

*Derek Demerjian 1^st Place

*Derek “picket-fenced” the entire tournament, which means he was awarded winner in every round that he competed in at the tournament.

Novice Impromptu Speaking:

Jason Brewer 4^th Place

Located in Mission Viejo, Saddleback College provides quality higher education and training to the greater south Orange County community. Having served more than 500,000 students since 1968, Saddleback College offers over 300 degree and certificate programs to help students reach their personal, career, and educational goals. For more information, please visit www.saddleback.eduand for Fine Arts information, please visit www.saddleback.edu/arts.

November to Remember with internationally acclaimed pianist and composer: Jazz, Boogie Woogie and Blues

2011-10-23T17:22:00.000-07:00

Posted by CotoBlogzz

Leavenworth, WA – The Icicle Creek announced that Washington’s own internationally acclaimed pianist and composer Scott Cossu is scheduled to perform with his latest trio at the Icicle Creek Center for the Arts on Saturday, November 5, 7:30 PM.

Best known for his releases on Windham Hill Records, Cossu was at the forefront of the new age music scene in the 1980’s, while not restricted to just one genre , as he often incorporates elements of jazz, blues, and fusion into his playing.

Labeled by some as folk piano, others as hard jazz, Cossu describes his playing as, “equally influenced by Chopin and Pink Floyd,” resulting in a live concert experience not to be missed! Cossu’s recordings have been known to top the charts, and The Seattle Times has compared him to jazz great Keith Jarrett.

Cossu’s performances artfully blend new-age and jazz and even venture into boogie-woogie and blues. His current trio members include long time collaborators— former Wenatchee resident, Ann Lindquist on flute, and T.J. Morris on percussion.

For more information on Icicle Creek watch Ustream video: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/16735132

Admission is $18. Tickets can be purchased online at icicle.org or by phone at (509) 548-6347.

Occupy Personal Responsibility – the 50-50-86 Plan

2011-10-22T11:34:00.001-07:00

Posted by CotoBlogzz

Since the American revolution, the US tax system has mostly been used for the 4Rs: Revenue, Redistribution, Repricing and Representation. Revenue is used to spend on armies, roads, schools and hospitals, and on more indirect government functions like market regulation or legal systems. Then there is redistribution of wealth emphasized by the current administration and the Democrats. Repricing is used to tinker with the macro-economic system and to discourage certain consumption, or as the President might say, used by the more fiscal conservatives to dirty the water and the air.

The tinkering of the US macro-economic system has a direct impact on the US Economic Freedom. For over a decade, the Wall Street Journal and the Heritage Foundation, Washington's preeminent think tank, have tracked economic freedom around the world with their influential Index of Economic Freedom. The 2010 Index of Economic Freedom ranks the US as number nine, with Hong Kong as number one. In 2009, the same index had the US in the number six slot. What happened? Mostly what we refer to as the US Economic Freedom’s Triple Constraint: 1) ObamaCare 2) Cap & Trade (EPA) and 3) Card Check.

When parasites (EPA) are allowed to tinker with macro-economics

The American revolutionary slogan "no taxation without representation" implied a fairness doctrine: since rulers tax citizens, citizens should demand accountability from their rulers as the other part of this bargain. Current GOP presidential contenders and Occupy Wall Street protesters alike agree on something. Tax reform is desperately necessary.

Now, Herman Cain’s 9-9-9- Plan notwithstanding, studies have shown that direct taxation generates the greatest degree of accountability and better governance, while indirect taxation tends to have smaller effects, thus, we are proposing bold-colored tax reform using a modified principle: No taxation without representation and no representation without taxation.

Since 50% of US residents do not pay taxes, it is not fair for them decide on the level of wealth redistribution, for example. This means that if you pay zero taxes, you can’t vote.

Further, since the nation is suffering from a pandemic – a symbiotic relationship between politicians, unions, lobbyists and parasitic bureaucracies and highly impacting the US Economic Freedom, organized public labor should be 86ed.

Philadelphia Homeowners association charged with discriminating against residents with disabilities

2011-10-19T12:17:00.000-07:00

The association required residents needing assistance animals to use service elevators, failed to

address harassment and intimidation

Posted By CotoBlogzz

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced yesterday that it is charging a Philadelphia condominium association with violating the Fair Housing Act for refusing to revise its “no pets” policy as a reasonable accommodation for condominium residents with disabilities who required assistance animals.

The charges allege that The Philadelphian Owners' Association (POA), which manages the 776-unit Philadelphian condominium complex, required that residents provide burdensome and invasive medical documentation before requests for accommodation would be considered, severely limited access to the complex's facilities for residents accompanied by assistance animals, and failed to address several instances of harassment of residents requiring assistance animals.

The Fair Housing Act requires property managers, including condominium associations, to make reasonable accommodations to no-pet rules for persons with disabilities who require assistance animals.

HUD's charge is also based on the results of a "Secretary-initiated investigation," which HUD conducted to protect the interests of other residents who used or sought to use assistance animals, because the policies suggested systemic violations of the Fair Housing Act that went beyond the allegations of the individual who filed a complaint.

According to HUD's charge, the POA implemented increasingly restrictive and onerous policies over a twenty-year period. In a new 2011 policy, the POA issued detailed "Instructions for Physicians for Documenting Disability Under the Federal Fair Housing Act," which required exhaustive documentation to support a doctor's opinion about the necessity of an assistance animal, and stated, "it may be necessary for you to testify under oath in federal court about your opinion." The 2011 policy banned persons using assistance animals from accessing the main lobby, shuttle bus, social rooms, fitness rooms, mail room, and laundry room, and required them to use the service elevator. HUD's charge alleges that, as a result of the restrictive policies of The Philadelphian, residents with disabilities have been discouraged from requesting needed assistance animals.

People who believe they are the victims of housing discrimination should contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777 (voice), (800) 927-9275 (TTY).

Mission Viejo's Corr charged with carjacking, child abuse & kidnapping

2011-10-18T20:08:00.000-07:00

Posted By CotoBlogzz

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA - ames Christopher Corr is scheduled to be arraigned today for kidnapping a toddler, who was strapped into a car seat, during a carjacking in Aliso Viejo.

The Orange County District Attorney (OCDA) is throwing the book at Corr, 34, Mission Viejo, and is being charged with one felony count each of carjacking, kidnapping during the commission of a carjacking, child abuse, child stealing, second degree vehicle burglary, first degree robbery, aggravated assault, hit and run with injury, vandalism over $400, two felony counts of first degree residential burglary, one misdemeanor count of resisting an officer, and sentencing enhancements for non-accomplice present during a residential burglary and a prior prison conviction in Nevada for leaving the scene of an accident in 2007.

According to the OCDA, Between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. on Oct. 15, 2011, Corr is accused of breaking into a Honda Accord parked in a lot in front of a business in Aliso Viejo and stealing a purse and its contents, including credit cards. He is accused of fleeing the scene.

Shortly after 8:00 a.m., Corr is accused of going into a nearby neighborhood. Victim Suzanne C., who was eight months pregnant, was preparing to leave her home and was in her garage with the garage door open. The victim put her Saint Bernard in the caged-off rear area of her Volvo sport utility vehicle (SUV) and then put her 2-year-old son, John Doe, in his child safety seat in the back seat of the car behind the driver's seat. She placed her keys in the car and left the driver's door and door next to her son open as she walked into her home through the internal garage access door for a matter of seconds to get her son's sippy cup.

In the few seconds that Suzanne C. was inside her home, Corr is accused of getting into the driver's seat of her car. The victim walked out and began screaming at Corr to let her get her son as John Doe cried in the back seat. The victim attempted to remove her son from his car seat through the open door, but the defendant is accused of backing out of the garage and knocking Suzanne C. to the ground with the SUV. He is accused of running over her foot as he rapidly reversed, leaving tire skid marks from his speed.

Corr is accused of hitting the frame of the victim's garage door and crashing into a neighbor's garage, causing the open rear door next to the crying toddler to break and hang off. Corr is accused of fleeing in the stolen vehicle with the knowledge that John Doe was in the back as Suzanne C. chased after the defendant screaming for her son.

A neighbor who witnessed the carjacking and kidnapping followed the defendant in her own car. Corr is accused of speeding and driving erratically as he attempted to flee, including running through an intersection on a red light.
The defendant is accused of driving into an adjoining neighborhood and jumping out of the car without putting it in park with the engine still running. The car with the child and dog inside ran up a curb, nearly hitting a tree, before coming to a stop. The pursuing neighbor stopped to help John Doe as Corr fled on foot.

The defendant is accused of running away and jumping over fences of homes into residents' back yards. He is accused of taking pruning shears from one home, removing the screen of a sliding door, and unsuccessfully attempting to pry open the locked door in an effort to escape and get inside the house.

Corr is accused of again running away, at which time he was spotted by a responding Orange County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) deputy. Corr is accused of refusing to stop as the deputy chased him. The defendant was ultimately caught during the foot chase and arrested. At the time of his arrest, Corr is accused of being in possession of one of the stolen credit cards from the earlier car burglary in his pants pocket.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Aleta Bryant of the Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting this case.

Second Striker, Wrong Side Driver - toward oncoming marked police vehicle - OCSD Deputy Charged with DUI

2011-10-18T13:21:00.000-07:00

Posted by CotoBlogzz

Rancho Santa Margarita - Mario Manuel Castro, an off-duty Orange County Sheriff's Department deputy was charged today with driving under the influence of alcohol with a .24 blood alcohol level on the wrong side of the road toward an oncoming marked police vehicle. You cannot make this up.

According to the Orange County District Attorney’s (OCDA office, )Castro, 33, Orange, is charged with one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of alcohol with a prior, one misdemeanor count of driving with a blood alcohol .08 percent or more with a prior, and a sentencing enhancement allegation for having a blood alcohol level over .15 percent.

Castro has a prior conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol in Los Angeles County in 2009. Castro is scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 16, 2011, at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana..

At approximately 2:15 a.m. on Sept. 30, 2011, Castro is accused of driving under the influence of alcohol in the City of Orange after consuming several alcoholic beverages at a bar in Costa Mesa. He is accused of driving on the wrong side of the road into oncoming traffic directly toward a marked Orange Police Department (OPD) patrol car.

After being stopped by an OPD officer, the defendant is accused of displaying objective signs of alcohol intoxication including emitting strong odor of alcohol and extremely unsteady balance. Castro is accused of having a blood alcohol level of .24 percent, three times the legal limit.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Rebecca Olivieri of the Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting this case.

So Lange Oktoberfest, Azul African Festival

2011-10-17T22:02:00.000-07:00

Posted By CotoBlogzz

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA - So Lange (so long) Oktoberfest, Azul (hello in Algerian Berber) African Festival.

We previously posited that the new Icicle Creek Center for the Arts was transforming Bavarian-theme town of Leavenworth, Washington into Vienna, the region's cultural, economic and political center. And just to prove this mas not merely hyperbole, Icicle will host a new festival October 28-30, 2011 - The African Festival.

Bavarian-Theme Leavenworth, in Central Washington

This 3-day festival will take place at the new Icicle Creek Center for the Arts, located off the main front street strip up Icicle Road in Leavenworth.

The festival is produced by Sankusem, a New York based non-profit organization dedicated to the performance and promotion of African music written for classical instruments. This marks Sankusem's second appearance at Icicle Creek where it debuted in June 2010.

This year, the line-up will include three concerts inside Icicle Creek's Canyon Wren Recital Hall:
--Friday, October 28, 7pm - African/Classical Fusion Concert
--Saturday, October 29, 7pm - African Traditional Drum & Dance Concert
--Sunday, October 30, 3pm- African Choral Concert featuring local choirs

Admission = $20 for Friday and Saturday concerts and $15 for Sunday's show.
Tickets can be purchased online at icicle.org or by phone at (509) 548-6347.

The roster will feature an impressive list of international artists including:
--Rachel Barton Pine, Chicago-based violinist, a sought after worl-wide soloist who frequently appears on the cover of Strings and other major classical magazines
--Margaret Ferguson, UK/African soprano/conductor, called “Africa’s Lady of Song”, who has performed operas, oratorios, spirituals, and jazz concerts throughout the UK, Europe, United States, and Africa
--Kofi Anang, traditional storyteller/drummer on faculty at Cornish College of the Arts
--George Francois, lauded Ghanian pianist and Executive Director of Sankusem
--Sally Singer, acclaimed cellist on faculty at Whitman College and Artistic Director of Sankusem
--There will also be a special appearance by esteemed master drummer Obo Addy and his Okropong Drum & Dance Ensemble.

So Lange Oktoberfest, Azul African Festival - as Africa meets Bavaria at the end of the October month.

For more information, email Lilia Grundy at lgrundy@icicle.org or visit www.icicle.org

US Charges Property owner, management company and its employees in second-hand smoking case

2011-10-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

Management refused to relocate resident hospitalized by neighbors’ second-hand smoke

Posted by CotoBlogzz

Ocala, Florida – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has charged an Ocala, Florida property owner, management company, and its employees with violating the Fair Housing Act for refusing to allow a resident to move to a different apartment after her neighbors’ second-hand smoke twice sent her to the emergency room.

HUD brings the charge on behalf of the resident, alleging that managers at Magnolia Walk II, a 144-unit low income housing tax credit participant property, falsely claimed that tax law required that they treat the tenant’s request like a new application, requiring new fees and deposits, before they could grant her request.

The Fair Housing Act requires landlords to make reasonable accommodations for renters with disabilities.

“Owners and managers of low-income housing tax credit properties, like others, must rent and manage apartments in a manner consistent with the Fair Housing Act, - a transfer to another unit when it is medically necessary not only affords a person with a disability the same opportunity to enjoy her housing as others do, but may also be critical to that person’s well-being. HUD will ensure through its enforcement of the law that people with disabilities have the opportunity to live in the housing of their choice,”

said John Trasviña, HUD Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.

According to HUD’s charge, the resident had to be transported to the emergency room twice from her apartment after complaining of difficulty breathing. First orally, and then formally in writing, the tenant informed Magnolia Walk II management that smoke was coming into her apartment from other units, and that her doctor had advised her to avoid exposure to cigarette smoke because it would exacerbate her chronic respiratory illness. She requested to move to a vacant apartment located between an elevator and a unit occupied by a non-smoker.

Managers claimed, falsely, that tax regulations prevented the tenant’s transfer without her being treated as a new tenant, necessitating an application fee and additional security deposit, as well as an early termination fee for vacating her current unit. To avoid paying the early termination fee, the tenant waited to move to the requested unit until after her lease expired, nearly a year after her first request. Management still charged her the application fee and additional security deposit.

FHEO and its partners in the Fair Housing Assistance Program investigate more than 10,000 housing discrimination complaints annually. People who believe they are the victims of housing discrimination should contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777 (voice), (800) 927-9275(TTY).

US Charges HOA, Management Co & owners for discriminating against Gulf War Vet

2011-10-15T10:25:00.000-07:00

Association and owners refused to accommodate veteran’s support animal

Posted by CotoBlogzz

Park City, Utah – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced Tuesday October 11, 2011, it is charging a Park City, Utah homeowner association, property management company, and a group of condominium owners with violating the Fair Housing Act for refusing to accommodate a Gulf War veteran with a disability who required an emotional support dog because of a disability.

HUD is alleging Fox Point at Redstone, a multifamily housing complex, assessed illegal fees and fines against the tenant and the owners of his condominium unit for the presence of the assistance animal. HUD is also charging the condominium owners for their refusal to renew the tenant’s lease unless he paid the charges. The Fair Housing Act requires landlords to make reasonable accommodations to no-pet rules for renters with disabilities who need emotional support animals.

“Today, many veterans return home with mobility impairments or other conditions that can be alleviated by a support animal. HUD will enforce the Fair Housing Act against policies that prevent people with disabilities from having a medically necessary assistance animal at home,” said John Trasviña, HUD Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.

According to HUD’s charges, Fox Point’s homeowner association required the tenant to pay a registration fee, provide proof of liability coverage, and sign a medical release for it to obtain his confidential medical records. The tenant provided medical documentation of his need for the assistance animal and obtained liability insurance, but refused to give Respondents access to his private medical information or to pay the $150 fee. Even after it acknowledged that the veteran’s dog was a medically necessary assistance animal, the association continued to demand that he pay the fee. The association also assessed a number of fines against the condo owners for the presence of the support dog, and the condo owners refused to renew the tenant’s lease until he paid the fee and the fines. The tenant and his wife moved away rather than pay. Such fees and fines are prohibited by the Fair Housing Act, as are requirements that persons with disabilities obtain liability insurance and provide their medical records.

HUD’s charge will be heard by a United States Administrative Law Judge unless any party to the charge elects to have the case heard in federal district court. If an administrative law judge finds after a hearing that illegal discrimination has occurred, the judge may award monetary damages to the complainant for the harm he was caused by the discrimination. The judge may also order injunctive and other equitable relief to deter further discrimination, as well as payment of attorney fees. In addition, the judge may impose fines in order to vindicate the public interest. If the matter is decided in federal court, the judge may also award punitive damages to complainant.

Is CAI Feeling the Heat? Will it get out of the HOA's kitchen?

2011-10-14T12:05:00.000-07:00

Legal-academic aristocrat – advocate exchange on HOA bad faith conduct

By George K. Staropoli

email: info@pvtgov.org

Republished with permission

I am responding to Mr. Berding’s undated blog entry, First Thing We Do, Let’s Ban All the Bloggers! , a no-name identification of the author of the blog, namely yours-truly. Why is Mr. Berding afraid of mentioning my name? After all, I’m not an attorney. He chose to copy myCommentary rather than to provide a link to my blog, with all those other commentaries.

Ok, it does appear that Mr. Berding is quite perturbed about my statements and quotes from a D & O insurance article that uses the phrases “bad faith,” “criminal intent,” and “fraudulent acts.” He’s upset that I emphasized these words in my Commentary (WordPress Blog). Yet, Berding misleads the readers of his own blog by referring to my Commentary as, “suppose this is a blog.”

Yes, the ugly truth does hurt, Mr. Berding, doesn’t it? And I suppose posting on those blogs, like yours, those CAI blogs, and the Adams Kessler blogs does make them right and important, but forget about those advocate written blogs. Spoken as a true legal-academic aristocrat making Philosopher-King (educated elite setting forth what is good government to the rulers) pronouncements.

Mr. Berding then invokes the legalistic argument of allegations and no proof, as if this were the time and place for legal confrontation. His attitude reminds me of the slogan commonly found on court buildings and other judicial buildings, “Equal Justice Under the Law.” This slogan contains a hidden premise, or assumption, that the law is just and fair. Suppose it isn’t, as advocates maintain? Then the slogan is reduced to a meaningless and empty statement. And those with power derived from these unjust laws just love to argue, “It’s the law! It’s the law! We have done nothing wrong!” And that’s were ethical and moral questions of good faith – honesty and integrity, or an honest intent to act without taking an unfair advantage over another person – come into play.

Our public policy permits the law to inflict financial damages, and the possible loss of all one’s equity in his home, for violating the CC&Rs, yet gives only a “ slap on the wrist” to violations by the HOA board. It permits “after an opportunity to be heard” to satisfy the due process requirement for hearings on violations, there being no explicit statement, as found in the public arena: “by an independent tribunal with the right to present evidence, demand proof and to confront witnesses.” It is absent from the CC&R contractual agreement. And where state legislatures maintain a hands-off posture, providing no oversight accountability or effective enforcement against board violations in a “see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil” banana republic posture. And justifies this pro-HOA support with, “Well, that’s what the homeowner agreed to. Now he’s just trying to get out of a contract.” What kind of society do HOAs create?

I’m sure he would be shocked, as were the editors at KPHO, the Phoenix CBS-TV affiliate, when they conducted a poll on the PTSD HOA Syndrome (click on image), and found out that 68% of the respondents agreed it existed. Or that an overwhelming 91% respondents in aTruth in HOAs Disclosure Poll said NO to signing an agreement to accept, beforehand, the conditions as set forth in the poll — misrepresentation, fraud, no meeting of the minds, etc. No, after all, his philosophy accepts the belief that “the king can do no wrong.”

As to his CAI remark, all he had to do is to attend these seminars and discover for himself the lack of homeowner protection material presented at these seminars. For example, important info for homeowners can be found in my latest Commentary (HOA boards cannot escape wrongful acts by their managers), information regarding the relationship between the HOA and the management firm. It is is an agency relationship that carries with it immense protections for the homeowner against both the management firm and the HOA board. It’s not on the agenda.

As to misleading and out-of-context statements about the D & O article, Mr. Berding misses my point, which is that the board can be sued and here are the grounds for suing. Also not found in an educational CAI, town sponsored seminar. He discredits my work as “emotional,” “lacking objectivity,” and that I “don’t contribute much that is useful to their chosen subject.” So sayeth the Philosopher-King, or is it the “weavers” from The Emperor’s New Clothes?

Come down from the clouds Mr. Berding, and see what is happening around you. I challenge you to answer the following 4 questions that were posed in March 2006 to Mr. Durso, then Editor of CAI’s Common Ground,

I ask the legislators, the public interest organizations and policy makers to consider the following questions:

1. Is it proper for the state to create, permit, encourage, support or defend a form of local government of a community of people, whether that form of government is established as a municipal corporation or as a private organization that is not compatible with our American system of government?

2. Is it proper for the state to permit the existence of private quasi-governments with contractual “constitutions” that regulate and control the behavior of citizens without the same due process and equal protection clauses of the 14th Amendment; that do not conform to the state’s municipal charter or incorporation requirements; or do not provide for the same compliance with the state’s Constitution, statutes or administrative code as required by public local government entities?

3. When did “whatever the people privately contract” dominate the protections of the US Constitution? The New Jersey Appeals Court didn’t think so. Does “constructive notice”, the “nailing to the wall”, the medieval method of notice, measure up to the requisite level of notice and informed consent to permit the loss of Constitutional protections?

4. Please state what, if any, are the government’s interests in supporting HOAs that deny the people their constitutional rights?

I await your reply, or a reply from any of the legal-academic aristocrats.

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 13th, 2011 at 5:20 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

2 Responses to Legal-academic aristocrat – advocate exchange on HOA bad faith conduct

Mike Reardon says:

October 13, 2011 at 8:53 pm

You are quite generous when you call Berding a legal academic. His article reads as nothing more than sophistic logic that is blind to the real problems in Community Associations.
Their ship is sinking, and he is critical of the folks pointing at the hole in the boat.
Of course the Legal service provider’s obtuse behavior (and SO many others including our perpetual fund raising legislators) becomes more understandable when you realize that their income is directly proportional to the amount and extent of the pathology in our associations.
Lessen the problems and you most certainly lessen their income (and ability to ‘influence’ our legislators). It is almost comical to read their “emperor is fully clothed” nonsense.
You know the truth, please keep speaking it!

Reply
California Homeowner says:

October 13, 2011 at 8:49 pm

Mr Berding’s article is no more or less “news” itself than is yours, yet he still published it today. Why must discussion of a topic on a blog be considered “news?” Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t, but it’s still worthy of discussion.

I am struck by Mr Berding’s admonishing you for your headline by saying “The choice of words in the first sentence of the opening paragraph lays bare the intent of the writer,” while failing to realize he has done the same thing. Is Mr Berding’s headline, “First Thing We Do — Let’s Ban All The Bloggers?” to be taken at face value? It’s not designed to be attention-catching or tongue-in-cheek, is it? Of course it is. That was his point. He made his point while criticizing you of the same thing.

I’m sure Mr Berding isn’t surprised to hear that some managers, board members, and their lawyers do abuse homeowners. In fact, an employee of his has done just that with a letter she wrote to a homeowner:

http://www.edgewaterisle.com/south/2007-1107_sandra_bonato_letter.html

There was never a call to a police department over a letter sent via UPS. Why would there be? Is sending a letter via UPS now suddenly a crime we should worry about? The police certainly weren’t. Such activity could only be worthy of police action if there were a restraining order in effect, right? He’s a lawyer, and he should know that, but Mr. Berding has an agenda, same as everyone else. (One could argue that the lawyer’s agenda is a financial one.) But I digress….

Mr Berding suggests that not supporting homeowners associations is bad. He says “…the blog poster suggests that supporting homeowners associations is not good.” We know that for Mr Berding, supporting homeowners associations IS good. It’s been very very good. Good enough to employ a whole cadre of lawyers in Alamo who don’t live in homeowners associations while lobbying in Sacramento for those same homeowners associations that they won’t live in themselves.

Mr Berding’s comment “that blog posts, email, and social networks are an inexpensive and widely available means of communicating with large numbers of people and make it easy for pundits of every stripe to be heard.” Yes, thank you. That’s because homeowners association boards of directors often refuse to allow a homeowner access to a roster. Regardless of it being allowed in the bylaws or Civil Code. His law firm stokes the flames of dissent when an owner wants such a document, and his law firm makes money by stalling and refusing. Homeowners have been left no other alternative BUT to turn to the internet to communicate because boards say “no” reflexively. And, Berding and Weil loves it. They scour the “agenda-driven advocate” sites looking for ways to “shut it down” because the board wants it done.

And finally, Mr Berding’s comment that your post is “just invective—a ‘rant’ if you will,” is interesting. Because so is his. And that’s OK. He is entitled to express his thoughts as much as we are to ours. And we’re not going away, and we’ll continue publishing, and he’ll continue making money off homeowners who live in associations. And so it goes.

Reply

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What the Halal? Anaheim’s Super King Market To pay county $527K

Saddleback Speech & Debate Teams Make News

Art by Students On Sale on time for Holidays - Funds to Scholarships

Posted By CotoBlogzz

Saddleback Speech & Debate Team Places Third in CA Tournament

November to Remember with internationally acclaimed pianist and composer: Jazz, Boogie Woogie and Blues

Occupy Personal Responsibility – the 50-50-86 Plan

Philadelphia Homeowners association charged with discriminating against residents with disabilities

Mission Viejo's Corr charged with carjacking, child abuse & kidnapping

Second Striker, Wrong Side Driver - toward oncoming marked police vehicle - OCSD Deputy Charged with DUI

So Lange Oktoberfest, Azul African Festival

US Charges Property owner, management company and its employees in second-hand smoking case

US Charges HOA, Management Co & owners for discriminating against Gulf War Vet

Is CAI Feeling the Heat? Will it get out of the HOA's kitchen?

Legal-academic aristocrat – advocate exchange on HOA bad faith conduct

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