Mayor Ackerman in Irvine?

Mayor Ackerman in Irvine?
Posted on May 31st, 2008 in the Liberal OC by Dan Chmielewski
We got a tip Wednesday morning and a second tip Wednesday afternoon alerting us that State Senator Dick Ackerman had decided to run for Mayor in Irvine once his term in the State Senate is complete.

I called the Senator’s Tustin office Thursday morning, and the person answering the phone said, “It’s the first I’ve heard of this.” I was referred to the press office and Ackerman spokesman Tom Collins. I left a message with my cell; no return call. I called back late in the afternoon and reached a staffer who gave me the same answer; “It’s the first I’ve heard of this.” She said Senator Ackerman was on the phone but he’d call me back. I didn’t get a return call.

Bring Back CSUF Titan Football

Inaugural Bring Back Titan Football Newsletter-click on title link to web site

In an effort to raise the awareness of Titan Football’s past history and to encourage its return in the future, the Bring Back Titan Football Committee has published the Inaugural Bring Back Titan Football Newsletter. In it you will find tidbits about past players who have gone on to achieve greatness in the professional ranks after their playing careers at Cal State Fullerton had come to a close. There is also information regarding the ASI survey along with the ongoing campaign to gather more signatures for the online petition.

Sean Nelson wants Lemon St. murals removed

A city council meeting stirs up controversy over what some people consider art
By: Jacquelyn Rumfola of the Daily Titan - click on title for entire article

Fullerton City Council member Sean Nelson caused discordance with some community members when he recently called for the take-down of several Fullerton murals off Lemon Street, deeming them gang-related.

At a City Council meeting, Nelson recommended the immediate removal of the murals located between Valencia Drive and Orangethorpe Avenue, saying he believed the depictions accepted and validated a gang mentality.

During that meeting on April 1, Nelson specifically referred to one mural that contains a picture of a low-rider car and bares the inscription, "The Town I Live In."

"That thing that says the city I live in with the low-rider car -- Don't kid yourself, I've seen these gang members," Nelson said at the meeting. "The exact script that that's written in, on the bridge overpass over Lemon, is tattooed on the back of these guys necks and they identify that as a logo as being part of their gang. I think our city needs to take responsibility, like, tomorrow and get rid of that nonsense."

The comments were made in response to an updated report, given by Capt. Greg Mayes, on gang activity.

Around 25 to 30 community members attended the Fullerton City Council meeting on the evening of April 15 to voice their disapproval of Nelson's remarks.

Community members, some being "low-riders" themselves, explained that not everyone who owns a low-ride vehicle is a gang member. Speakers referred to "low-riding" as a hobby, comparing it to fixing up a hot-rod.

Lenders try to help homeowners in trouble but is it too little, too late?

The Orange County Register Saturday, May 24, 2008 Click on link above for entire article

As foreclosure numbers break records, politicians and banks scramble for a solution.
By MATHEW PADILLA
Banks are helping a broader array of homeowners struggling with their loan payments, but the sheer number of bad loans is overshadowing their efforts.

Experts say lenders and loan servicers are now willing to work with financially strapped borrowers even if they are current on their loans. During the housing boom, banks generally modified home loans only after borrowers missed at least one payment and thus dinged their credit, sources said.

One reason banks have changed their tune: record foreclosures.

Despite a slew of government programs to buoy the housing market, foreclosures keep climbing in many markets. In Orange County, DataQuick reported banks took possession of 898 houses and condos in April, the highest monthly total in the company's records going back to 1988.

Police watching for jaywalkers

Thursday, May 22, 2008
By BARBARA GIASONE
The Orange County Register
FULLERTON — An increase in near-misses between motorists and jaywalkers in the downtown has prompted the Police Department to remind people that those crossing against traffic signals or outside crosswalks will be ticketed.
"As part of our downtown enforcement program, we have two motor officers on patrol and jaywalkers are taking up a good deal of their time, especially at night," Lt. Kevin Hamilton said.
"We want to make sure people know our police are watching to make people safe," Hamilton said.
The prohibition against jaywalking is in the California Vehicle Code, which states pedestrians may not cross a roadway between adjacent intersections controlled by traffic control signal devices.