Greater Orange News Service

The last Mandatory Evacuation order was lifted from Modjeska Canyon. but voluntary evacuation status remains in effect. Modjeska Canyon is open only to residents. Voluntary evacuation status continues for Silverado Canyon.

The Red Cross emergency shelter at El Modena High School, 3920 East Spring Street, Orange, remains open for residents

There are no restrictions remaining in effect for Williams or Trabuco Canyons. The Orange County Sheriff's Department urges residents to drive carefully due to fog, darkness, wet roads and mud and debris on the roadway.

The Orange County Fairgrounds was deactivated at 1830 hours as a care center for livestock evacuated from mudslide danger areas.

No Evacuation Order for the City of Orange

An apparent mistaken evacuation message for the entire City of Orange was broadcast
on the emergency broadcast system on Friday afternoon. The message incorrectly indicated that the City of Orange was being evacuated. The City of Orange website carried information regarding the broadcast and indicating there is no evacuation order in place for the City of Orange.

County residents in the Greater Orange Communities of Williams Canyon and Silverado Canyon Canyon are under voluntary vacuation. Modjeska remains under mandatory evacuation.

For the County residents being evacuated, El Modena High School in Orange is a Red Cross evacuation center.

For complete up to date information CLICK ON:
ORANGE NET NEWS


The Williams Canyon mandatory evacuation has been downgraded to a voluntary evacuation status. Silverado Canyon remains under voluntary evacuation status and Trabuco Canyon remains under heightened awareness. The mandatory evacuation order for Modjeska Canyon remains in place until further notice.


The Orange County Sheriff Department asks residents returning to homes in the canyon areas to drive carefully due to fog, darkness, and muddy conditions on the roads.

The Red Cross emergency shelter at El Modena High School, 3920 East Spring Street, Orange, remains open for evacuated residents.

On Saturday December 1st, the Silverado Branch Library located at 28192 Silverado Canyon Road, Silverado, will be closed.

The Public Information Hotline for the Canyon Area evacuation orders is 714-628-7085

EVACUATIONS NOW MANDATORY IN SANTIAGO FIRE CANYONS-EL MODENA H.S. RED CROSS SHELTER

For complete up to date information CLICK ON:
ORANGE NET NEWS

The voluntary evacuations of Modjeska and Williams Canyons have been turned into a Mandatory Evacuation. The Red Cross has taken over the El Modena "Reception" Center and turned it into a Evacuation Shelter.

El Modena High School is located at 3920 East Spring Street, Orange, 92869.

All other canyon areas in Eastern Orange County, including Silverado and Trabuco Canyons, are on "heightened awareness" status for the possiablity of flooding

In addition, County of Orange has activated and staffed the Emergency Operations Center with County agency representatives. The Public Information Hotline has been staffed and is ready to accept calls of inquiry in regard to evacuations in the Canyon communities of Orange County. The Public Information Hotline phone number is
(714) 628-7085. Support personnel have been identified and are on standby ready to mobilize other areas of the Emergency Operations Center if they are needed.

The following is the latest:
MANDATORY EVACUATIONS ORDERED FOR MODJESKA AND WILLIAMS CANYONS

"The Orange County Operational Area Emergency Operations Center has ordered an immediate mandatory evacuation of Modjeska and Williams Canyons. Silverado Canyon has been upgraded to voluntary evacuation status. We are closely monitoring the situation for all other canyon areas. The Red Cross has established an emergency shelter at El Modena High School, 3920 East Spring Street, Orange, 92869."

The following is the latest information released about the evacuation of Modjeska and Williams canyon due to the current storm conditions and possible flood and mudslide dangers:

TEMPORARY SHELTERS AVAILABLE FOR ANIMALS EVACUATED FROM THE CANYONS

Temporary shelters are available for domestic animals and livestock for residents who are evacuating from the canyon areas. Orange County Animal Care Services (ACS) is accepting domestic animals at 561 The City Drive in Orange. Animal owners are asked to bring identification, vet information, and any special foods or medicines along with their animals in order to ensure their animals receive appropriate care and they can be reunited with their animals when the evacuation is over.

ACS staff will also be available at the Care and Reception site at El Modena High School, 3920 East Spring Street, Orange, 92869. Provisions, crates and food for domestic animals will be available at the El Modena location.

ACS will not be transporting animals from the evacuation areas at this time.

The Orange County Fairgrounds has the capacity for up to 100 head of livestock. Residents who need to evacuate large animals and livestock are directed to go to Gate 5 at the Orange County Fairgrounds.

General information about Orange County Animal Care Services is available on their website at http://www.ocpetinfo.com/ or by calling (714) 935-6848.

FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION CLICK ON:
Orange Net News

VILLA PARK HIGH SCHOOL among 22 Orange County Schools on the U.S. News and World Report list of America’s Best High Schools

Orange Unified’s Villa Park High School was one of 22 Orange County schools that made the U.S. News and World Report magazines Best High School list for 2008. Villa Park H.S. was honored in the second tier “Silver Medal” category. Second to the “Gold Medal” category, the Silver Medal is:

“all other schools with a college-readiness index of at least 20, but that are not in the top 100 nationally “

Two Orange County Schools placed in the top 100 Gold Medal category; Oxford Academy in Cypress placed 4th in the top 100 schools; University High School in Irvine placed 76th in the top 100 schools. U.S. News and World Reports writes that the rankings are developed by:

“analyzed academic and enrollment data from more than 18,000 public high schools to find the very best across the country. These top schools were placed into gold, silver, or bronze medal categories”

The magazine and its partners looked at over 18,700 schools. However not every state was included. The following disclaimer was published with the list:

“Why Some States (and D.C.) Weren't Included
Alabama, Alaska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming, and Washington, D.C., were not included in the 2008 America's Best High Schools analysis because they did not make their 2005-2006 school-year state test data available. Mississippi, Montana, and Nebraska were excluded because they provided insufficient 2005-2006 assessment data to complete the analysis.”

To see The Ranking Formula CLICK ON:
SCHOOL RANKING FORMULA

For Information on VILLA PARK HIGH SCHOOLS RANKING
VILLA PARK HS

The following is a list of Orange County high schools making the magazines list:

GOLD Top 100 Schools
Top 100 schools nationally based on College Readiness Index

Oxford Academy #4 Cypress, CA

University High #76 Irvine, CA

Silver (alphabetically)
all other schools with a college-readiness index of at least 20, but that are not in the top 100 nationally

Bolsa Grande High
Orange County, Garden Grove, CA

Brea-Olinda High
Orange County, Brea, CA

Corona Del Mar High
Orange County, Newport Beach, CA

Cypress High
Orange County, Cypress, CA

Dana Hills High
Orange County, Dana Point, CA

Esperanza High
Orange County, Anaheim, CA

Foothill High
Orange County, Santa Ana, CA

Fountain Valley High
Orange County, Fountain Valley, CA

Garden Grove High
Orange County, Garden Grove, CA

Irvine High
Orange County, Irvine, CA

La Quinta High
Orange County, Westminster, CA

Los Alamitos High
Orange County, Los Alamitos, CA

Los Amigos High
Orange County, Fountain Valley, CA

Middle College High
Orange County, Santa Ana, CA

Newport Harbor High
Orange County, Newport Beach, CA

Northwood High
Orange County, Irvine, CA

Orange County High School Of The Arts
Orange County, Santa Ana, CA

Troy High
Orange County, Fullerton, CA

VILLA PARK HIGH SCHOOL
Villa Park, CA

Bronze (alphabetically)
"either do not offer AP, or do not achieve a college readiness index of at least 20, but successfully meet other two key performance indicator criteria"

Alternative Education-San Joaquin High
Orange County, Irvine, CA

Santiago High
Orange County, Garden Grove, CA

Voluntary Evacuations of Canyons in Orange County
FOR THE MOST UP TO DATE INFORMATION CLICK ON:
Orange Net News

The first major storm since the Santiago Wildfire has produced a call for voluntary evacuations for Modjeska and Williams Canyons. A flash flood advisory watch is in effect until Saturday at 4 a.m.

All other canyon areas in Eastern Orange County, including Silverado and Trabuco Canyons, are on "heightened awareness" status for the possiablity of flooding

Orange Unified's El Modena High School has been established as a "Care and Reception Center".

El Modena High School is located at 3920 East Spring Street, Orange, 92869.

In addition, County of Orange has activated and staffed the Emergency Operations Center with County agency representatives. The Public Information Hotline has been staffed and is ready to accept calls of inquiry in regard to evacuations in the Canyon communities of Orange County. The Public Information Hotline phone number is
(714) 628-7085. Support personnel have been identified and are on standby ready to mobilize other areas of the Emergency Operations Center if they are needed.



FOR THE SEVEN DAY LOCAL FORECAST (CLICK ON):

WEATHER FORECAST GREATER ORANGE

Metro TALK




A community service of the
Greater Orange Communities Organization

Santa Claus arrives at Santa Fe Depot
Old St. Nick and friends will be stopping at the Old Towne Orange Santa Fe Depot on his tricked out MetroLink Train this Saturday December 1st at 6:00 p.m. as part of the MetoLink’s 14 Day Holiday Toy Express 2007 and the 15th Annual KABC Firefighters Spark of Love Toy Drive.

The 450 ton train decked out with 50,000 lights will have Santa, Mrs. Claus and cast of characters in a free musical stage show that includes oversized animated displays and an audience sing-a-long.

Toys collected are distributed locally. Last year alone, "Spark of Love" collected more than 600,000 toys in Southern California. The show is free, but the audience is requested to show their support by bringing an unwrapped new toy or sports equipment.

Can’t make it? You can donate to the cause via credit card. CLICK ON:SPARK OF LOVE

All proceeds will go to buying toys or sports equipment for the children.

The Orange Santa Fe Depot MetroLink Station is located at 194 N. Atchison Street, Orange.

‘Tis the Season: Orange Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Plaza
The official local start of the Greater Orange Communities Christmas Season is the Orange Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Plaza in Old Towne Orange this Sunday December 2nd. Beginning at 3:30 p.m. with games for children, food and information booths and photos (for a small fee) with Santa the musical program begins at 5:15 p.m. This year 71st Assemblyman Todd Spitzer will be this year’s story narrator. Long time Orange High School Choir Director Mike Short will direct the 350 voice choir and 60 piece orchestra in a community sing-a-long of long time holiday favorites.

This is one of the most attended events in Orange so get there early!

‘Tis the Season: Santa Tours Villa Park and the Boat Parade
On Saturday December 8th, Santa returns to the Greater Orange Communities with his annual tour of Villa Park
For Santa’s route CLICK ON:.

SANTA ROUTE

Leaving from the Villa Park Civic Center to get to Smokewood and Alta Drives at 8:02 am, Santa will tour though out the city in a very slow dry run of his Christmas Eve blitz of the city. Santa will end up at Robin Hood Circle and Little John Way at 6:12 pm. After his grand all city tour, Santa will be the special overnight guest at a secret Villa Park villa, yes the same home hosting the grand, ever-so-hard-to-get, invitation only reception for Mr. Christmas, his wife Mrs. Claus and many of his elves (along with the Greater Orange Communities most influential holiday elite).

Santa then will appear in the Sunday December 9th De-Light-Full Decade, It's Beginning to Look 'A Yacht like Christmas' Villa Park Inland Boat Parade.
For the Boat Parade route CLICK ON:

Boat Parade Route

Greater Orange in the News
The Greater Orange News Service features the TOPIX news gathering service. Stories about the three main Greater Orange Communities are gathered from thousands of online sources to give the reader a look at all the news about their community from across the nation and across the web. From sports, to obituaries, to local businesses and business and professional people, you get a unique look at the Greater Orange Communities from across the news media.

Check out the TOPIX links daily at the
Greater Orange HEADLINES in The NEWS link

Metro TALK is a community service of the
: Greater Orange Communities Organization:
:GoCo:

GreaterOrangeCO@gmail.com
Orange Communication System /OCS/
and its News family

Ecast on the Internet Community Group i/)))cg

For more information on the current issues of defending media freedom in the electronic world visit:
The ELECTRONIC FRONTIER FOUNDATION link at: www.eff.org

Thanksgiving History
From fall feast to national holiday








By Damon Goldsmith
from www.infoplease.com

"The first American Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621, to commemorate the harvest reaped by the Plymouth Colony after a harsh winter. In that year Governor William Bradford proclaimed a day of thanksgiving. The colonists celebrated it as a traditional English harvest feast, to which they invited the local Wampanoag Indians.

Days of thanksgiving were celebrated throughout the colonies after fall harvests. All thirteen colonies did not, however, celebrate Thanksgiving at the same time until October 1777. George Washington was the first president to declare the holiday, in 1789.

A New National Holiday

By the mid–1800s, many states observed a Thanksgiving holiday. Meanwhile, the poet and editor Sarah J. Hale had begun lobbying for a national Thanksgiving holiday. During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln, looking for ways to unite the nation, discussed the subject with Hale. In 1863 he gave his Thanksgiving Proclamation, declaring the last Thursday in November a day of thanksgiving.

In 1939, 1940, and 1941 Franklin D. Roosevelt, seeking to lengthen the Christmas shopping season, proclaimed Thanksgiving the third Thursday in November. Controversy followed, and Congress passed a joint resolution in 1941 decreeing that Thanksgiving should fall on the fourth Thursday of November, where it remains."

ORANGE Unified Schools INSIDE
a news service of Orange Net News /O/N/N/
Independent insight into OUSD

Consultant Culture in OUSD lives on
to the tune of $115,000
The Orange Unified School Board will hold its next regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday November 15th, 2007. On the Consent Agenda are 7 Consultant Contracts with the Orange County Department of Education for a total of $115,000 in educational tax dollars.

The contracts are for consultants to provide “technical/coaching” assistance to seven OUSD Program Improvement Schools (a.k.a. High Priority / Underperforming/ Failing schools). Those schools are Prospect, Lampson, Yorba, Handy, Esplanade ($15,000 contracts each), plus Portola and Fairhaven ($20,000 contracts each). The $115,000 in educational tax dollars come from a variety of OUSD budget areas.

The “consulting/coaching” services include “Principal Coaching”. The irony of this is of course the fact that OUSD just spent years and millions of dollars in educational tax dollars on a failed OUSD Focus on Results program that also had a “principal coaching” component. In a consultant repeat performance three of principals in the targeted schools for the new OCDE Consultant Program were previously intimately involved in “principal coaching” with the failed multi-million dollar wasteful OUSD Focus on Results program. Prospect Elementary Principal Kathy Bruce was in fact a Senior Consultant for the corporate Focus on Results Inc. while she was also an OUSD Principal. Principal Bruce did not reveal that fact while she appeared before the OUSD Board of Education defending OUSD’s multi-million dollar commitment to the consultant program that she herself was a consultant for the company. The OUSD Board also approved a separate $25,000 personal Focus on Results consultant coach for Portola Principal Debra Thompson. Finally, current Lampson Elementary Principal Cheryl Cohen was the OUSD Focus on Results “guru” in her former position as an OUSD Assistant Superintendent. Cohen revealed in a controversial and now infamous Focus on Results Program Update to the OUSD Board that she also had a personal Focus on Results Consultant Coach (it was during that same report that Cohen compared the consultant program to “marriage encounter training”).

Now these three principals (along with the other four principals) who have been coached for years with taxpayer supported personal coaches will again be “coached” this time by “educates” from Orange County’s biggest failed bureaucracy – the Orange County Department of Education. Perhaps the OC Department of Education coaches should concentrate on the schools that its own OCDE operates which have the lowest state test scores in all of Orange County.

INSIDE the November 15th, 2007 OUSD Board Agenda
Action Items include the following:
12 A Actuarial Valuation Report on the Retiree Health Benefits
12 B Resolution Authorizing Bonds to fund Retirement Health Benefits
12 C Board Policy Revisions to Visual and Performing Arts

Consent Agenda Items include:
• Parker & Covert is an item on Page 24. The item asks the OUSD Board to approve $200,000 more of a $400,000 budget for Parker & Covert the OUSD law firm.

• The November 15th Consent Agenda also includes Item 14.I to relocate two attendance areas from Anaheim Hills Elementary to Canyon Rim Elementary.

Community Donations
Serrano PFO-$ 6,032 for Serrano Excel PE; Nohl Canyon SA- $7087 for Tech Aide Salary; Mike and Adele Inc.- $1107 for Chapman Hills Ed Connect; Linda Vista PTA-$325 for computer printer ink; VPHS PFSO- Gridiron Boosters- $1,800 salary. For a complete list of community donations see page 21 of the Agenda.

INSIDE the OUSD Budget
“We’re a $220 million dollar business; we’re going to spend the money somewhere.”
-OUSD Trustee Wes Poutsma 9/22/05

INSIDE’s EDUCATIONAL TAX DOLLARS WATCH 2008:
$200,000 Total
2008 Attorney Fee Tally:
11/15/07 Parker & Covert (1/08 to 6/08) $200,000

INSIDE’s EDUCATIONAL TAX DOLLARS WATCH 2007:
$704,090.00 Total
2007 Consultant/ Speaker Fee Tally:
4/30/07 Debra Ford Speaker Fee $ 4,090
4/30/07 Danny Brassell Speaker Fee $ 3,500
3/8/07 Dr. Daggett Speaker Fee $ 9,000
9/27/07 Dr.Daggett Speaker Fee $ 35,000
11/15/07 OCDE High Priority Consultants $115,000
Total $166,590

2007 Attorney Fee Tally:
1/18/07 Parker & Covert (1/07 to 6/07) $175,000
(6/07-12/07) $200,000
2/08/07 Miller, Brown, and Dannis $ 7, 500
2/22/07 Parker & Covert $ 45,000
5/10/07 Miller, Brown and Dannis $ 50,000
7/19/07 Parker & Covert $ 60,000
Total $537,500

2007 Administrative Conference/Travel: hidden since 6/8/06*

*JUNE 8th, 2006 Trustees VOTE to Give OUSD Superintendent the power to APPROVE Travel Requests taking this item OUT of the PUBLIC AGENDA

Total for Watched Tax Dollars approved in 2006: $849,717.00*
2006 Consultant Fee Tally: Total $176,400
2006 Attorney Fee Tally: Total Approved $655,000
2006 Administrative Conference/Travel: Total $ 18,317 *
* JUNE 8th, 2006 Trustees VOTE to Give OUSD Superintendent the power to
APPROVE OUSD Travel Requests taking this item OUT of the PUBLIC AGENDA

Total for Watched Tax Dollars approved in 2005: $978,300.00:
Total 2005 Conference Administrator/Board Fees: $ 7,500.00
2005 Attorney Fee Tally: $730,600.00
Total Watched 2005 OUSD Consultant spending: $ 270,200.00



Next OUSD Board Meeting Thursday November 15, 2007. For more information
CLICK ON: BOARD AGENDA

OUSD CLOSED SESSION STARTS 6:30 PM on 11/15/07 Regular Session: 7:30 pm
For more information call the OUSD Superintendent’s office at 714-628-4040
For budgeting questions call Business Services at 714-628-4015


ORANGE Unified Schools INSIDE
Independent insight into OUSD
is an independent news service of /O/N/N/Orange_NetNews@yahoo.com

THE HISTORY OF VETERANS DAY

November 11, or what has come to be known as Veterans Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor Armistice Day - the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. In legislature that was passed in 1938, November 11 was "dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day.' As such, this new legal holiday honored World War I veterans.

In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

In 1968, the Uniforms Holiday Bill ensured three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. Under this bill, Veterans Day was moved to the last Monday of October. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holiday on its original date. The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971.

Finally on September 20, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed a law which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. Since then, the Veterans Day holiday has been observed on November 11.

From Miltary.COM

Denis Bilodeau, Robert Perkowitz, Dr. Joan Weiner, and Paul Dimitruk stand for a moment of silence after presenting a wreath at the Manila American Cemetery Memorial Chapel

Orange Councilman Denis Bilodeau attending the 74th Joint Civilian Orientation Conference in the Philippines participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Manila American Cemetery Memorial Chapel, Philippines this Thursday November 8th.

Bilodeau joined a group of participants from the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference who flew to the capital city of Manila on the third stop of a week-long expedition through U.S. Pacific Command. The JCOC is a defense secretary-sponsored program for influential civilian business and civic leaders who want to broaden their knowledge of the military and national defense.

The group was briefed on U.S. operations in the country at the embassy and lunched with members of the Philippine navy. Afterward, they were treated to an exhibition of the navy’s terrorist-interdiction skills. The final stop was at the memorial honoring servicemembers buried there. More than 16,600 U.S. military members are buried here, along with 570 Philippine nationals who served with the U.S. forces. Most died defending the Philippines during World War II.

Bilodeau has no direct ties to the military. In an interview with Armed Forces Press Service he said he still felt compelled to show his respect for those who served.

“I felt it was the utmost sign of respect for all the servicemen that are interred here. And I just thought it would be a special thing to do,” he said. “It is just sort of overwhelming when you see the sacrifices that these servicemen and women made in the ’40s for our freedoms.”

Bilodeau said he feels many in the United States take for granted the country’s freedoms earned by the blood of those who died to preserve them.

“To come here and see the sacrifices made by all these people -- it’s just humbling and overwhelming to see all the people that sacrificed their lives for us,” he said.

Bilodeau said that the memorial visit helped frame the service of those he has met on the trip in context with the overall importance of U.S. military support in the region.

“I think it puts it all in perspective in terms of why the United States military is here and why it should be here and here to stay for the long term,” he said. “There were a lot of sacrifices made to liberate these islands, and I think it’s important that we maintain democracy here so the sacrifices won’t have to be made again.”


Source the Armed Forces Press Service/TOPIX

The Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs Board of Directors released the following press release stating in part:

The AOCDS Board of Directors unanimously believes that it is in the best interest of the community, the Department and our membership for the Sheriff to resign immediately or take a leave of absence until this matter is resolved.



The full text of the November 6th press release follows:

PRESS RELEASE
NOVEMBER 6, 2007



Early last week the members of the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs (AOCDS) were disturbed to hear the news of the federal indictment of Sheriff Mike Carona.

In defending the rights of its members, the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs has long recognized that one is presumed innocent until proven guilty under the criminal justice system. Sheriff Carona should be afforded the rights and guarantees that our legal system allows all citizens in his situation.

However, Sheriff Carona’s serious legal issues have become a growing distraction to the day to day operation of the Department. His issues have caused an erosion in the public’s confidence in our ability to provide services to the citizens of Orange County.

The AOCDS Board of Directors unanimously believes that it is in the best interest of the community, the Department and our membership for the Sheriff to resign immediately or take a leave of absence until this matter is resolved.

The hard working men and women of the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs wish to assure the citizens of Orange County that they will continue to receive the high level of law enforcement service that they deserve and have come to expect.

For information contact the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs General Manager Mark Nichols (714) 285-2800

Orange resident Undersheriff Jo Ann Galisky of Orange takes over as Orange County Sheriff as Sheriff Mike Carona takes a 60 day leave. The Orange County Register features an excusive interview with Galisky. The following information about the 23 year Sheriff appears with the article:


(For the article CLICK ON:
OC REGISTER EXCLUSIVE
Jo Ann Galisky

Age: 47

Career: Has been with the Orange County Sheriff's Department since 1984; first woman in the agency's history to be promoted to assistant sheriff in March 2003. She was named undersheriff in April.

Claim to fame: Galisky is the highest-ranking female in the department.

Personal: She was born and raised in Southern California and currently lives in Orange with her longtime partner.

Notable quote: When asked what her definition of success was by the Register's business section in January, Galisky said, "Success is to live in the moment, to appreciate and enjoy those around me, to ensure that those I love know it. I'd also like a good night's sleep; my mind never stops. Professional success is a year in which no law enforcement officers are killed or injured and our servicemen return home safely."

Orange County Supervisor Bill Campbell to host
Post Fire Recovery Meeting

for complete information please CLICK ON:
GREATER ORANGE NEWS SERVICE

While the Santiago Fire still burns and is 94% contained as of today, Supervisor Campbell is looking ahead and cordially inviting the residents of the fire effected Canyons to attend a “Post Fire Recovery Meeting.” The meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2007. There will be a presentation regarding erosion control and a discussion about measures to limit flooding during the rainy season. Representatives from the Orange County Fire Authority, Sheriff’s Department, County Planning Department, Waste Management, Health Care Agency, Assessors Office, and many others will be there to offer assistance and answer questions from the residents of the Canyons.

The Post Fire Recovery Meeting will take place at:
Silverado Community Center
27641 Silverado Canyon Road, Silverado, 92676
November 6
6:00pm – 8:00pm

The following is the complete text of Orange County Sheriff Mike Carona's November 6th, 2007 statement regarding his decision to take a leave of absence while he fights the charges stemming from this week's federal indictment:

A message from the Sheriff
November 6, 2007 10:00 by Sheriff Carona

"This week I promised to provide the community with an operational plan for my department while I deal with the false allegations I am facing. Here are the parameters of that plan.

Yesterday was my first opportunity to enter a “not guilty” plea. Today I must look to the near future as I defend myself against the false allegations and also address my responsibilities in the long-term as Sheriff as to what is best for the men and women of my department and the residents of the County of Orange. During the past week I found myself fighting to clear my name and to prepare my defense. I am confident that once afforded the opportunity to face my accusers in a court of law I will be vindicated. For thirty-one years I have devoted my life to serving the community. As the Sheriff for the County of Orange I have devoted the last nine years to developing public safety programs and with the men and women of my department, have made the Orange County Sheriff’s Department a leader in the nation in providing public safety.

I believe in the principles of our justice system that allow me to defend myself against these false allegations. I am also realistic in understanding how much time I will need to devote to my defense. In order to do so I must consider the best interests of the community, my department and my family.

Having met with my command staff, the Undersheriff, and the Assistant Sheriffs and after careful legal research, I have concluded that it is legally possible for me to take a leave of absence. Therefore, effective November 9, 2007 I will be taking a sixty day leave of absence in order to devote my full time and energy towards battling the untrue and baseless charges made against my wife, Debbie and me.

Undersheriff Jo Ann Galisky will be taking over the day to day operations of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Undersheriff Galisky has been with the department for 23 years and is recognized as a leader in the law enforcement community. Undersheriff Galisky’s distinguished career reflects her breadth of knowledge having worked her way up through the ranks. I know that as Acting-Sheriff, Undersheriff Galisky will enjoy the full confidence of the men and women of the Sheriff's Department, as well as the support of the other members of our Department's Command Staff.

This was not an easy decision for me to make, given that I know that the charges against me are without merit, and that I am confident that I will be fully exonerated when this matter goes to trial. In closing, I can say that every decision that I have made as Sheriff of Orange County has always been with two top priorities -- a commitment to the pubic safety of the people we are sworn to protect, and making the best decisions to support the 4,500 employees of the finest law enforcement agency in America. I want to thank the Undersheriff, the Assistant Sheriff’s and the Department for its ongoing commitment to professionalism and their support during these trying times."

Embattled Sheriff Mike Carona released the following statement regarding the federal indictment allegations that Carona took kick-back money from attorney Joe Cavallo for referring clients to him like Deputy Brad Warner's widow. Cavallo won $340,000 and allegedly split his share with Carona. (Cavallo who recently plead guilty in state court to an unrelated bail bonds kick-back scheme also represented former Assistant Sherrif and Carona friend Donald Haidl's son in the infamous gang-rape video case). The widespread media attention, especially on the Warner death kick-back appears to have particularly angered Carona. On Monday November 5th on the OC Sheriff Blog Carona posted the following:

"Sheriff's statement on Deputy Brad Warner
November 5, 2007 12:09 by Sheriff Carona

"Friday's issues of the Orange County Register and the Los Angeles Times articles were written implying that I profited from the death of one of our own, Deputy Brad Warner. Brad's untimely and unnecessary death was a shock to all who had worked and knew him. His death caused a tremendous sense of loss to his family and the family of the Orange County Sheriff's Department. As in other times of loss to our Department--Brad Riches, Matt Davis, Steve Parsons, the "family" gathers together to support the family of the loved one and the Department Family. During such a time many referrals may be offered, directing the family to grief counselors, financial assistance, and attorneys when necessary. However, I can tell you all without hesitation, and with a degree of anger toward Friday's articles on this matter, that I did not profit from Deputy Brad Warner's death and anything said to imply otherwise is a lie. The concept of profiting from the loss of a department member is beyond the comprehension of us who serve the community of Orange County.

What I do know is that since I became Sheriff the department has created a comprehensive death benefits informational package for the loved ones of an employee who tragically dies. What immediately happens when a death occurs is that the department, county, and their union representative "family" quickly gather together to develop a plan to support the employee's more immediate family. Ensuring that the employee's family is able to take full benefit of all entitled benefits and insurances, often times as necessary with the Sheriff's Advisory Council, Project 999, and AOCDS or OCEA making cash gifts to the employee's immediate family so that they are not initially financially burdened.

In an effort to recognize the valued work performed by the men and women of our department I have directed changes that over the past nine years have resulted in the attendance at the Medal of Valor Awards ceremony to increase from 300 to over a 1,000 attendees. The Sheriff's Advisory Council's membership has increased by 50% and they have unwaveringly rendered their support underwriting costs related to the deaths our members. The Project 999 Foundation's endowment has grown 120% in the past nine years, making more funds available to members of our family in their time of need."

Annual Orange Veterans Day Tribute at Depot Park

The annual City of Orange Veterans Tribute will take place at the Orange Veterans Memorial at Depot Park on November 11, 2007. The program begins at 2 p.m. and this year's keynote speech will be given by Brigadier General David V. Shuter, U.S. Marine Corps, Retired. General Shuter’s decorations include: the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V"; Meritorious Service Medal; Navy Commendation Medal; the Air Medal with Numeral 30; Vietnam Service Medal with 6 stars; the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Presidential Service Badge.

The program will honor past veterans and current military personnel in a tribute consisting of patriotic music, inspirational speeches and light refreshments. The event is open to the general public and all veterans and current military are encouraged to attend.

Depot Park is located at 100 N. Atchison Street, Orange, 92866. In the event of rain, the event will be held in the Orange City Council Chambers located at 300 E. Chapman Ave., Orange 92866.

Biography of Brigadier General Shuter CLICK ON:
BIOGRAPHY


MAP to Depot Park CLICK ON:
DEPOT PARK

Mayor Cavecche Keynote Speaker for All Community Service Luncheon

The Orange 2007 All Community Service Luncheon will be held Thursday November 15th from 12:00 noon to 1:30 pm at the Grand Street Center, located at 146 N. Grand Street in downtown Orange. Hosted this year by the Kiwanis of Orange, Soroptimists of Orange, the Orange YMCA, and Sunset Rotary of Orange clubs, the event celebrates the hundreds of volunteers who give their time, talents and resources to make the Greater Orange communities a better place to live. Keynote Speaker Orange Mayor Carolyn Cavecche will talk about the importance of volunteering and give thanks to those who do.

Volunteers involved with Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, Moms’ Club, youth sports, churches and synagogues, public and private schools, environmental clean up, Meals on Wheels, medical causes, reading to the blind, Indian Princesses, and any other group that focuses on the quality of life in Orange are all invited to attend.

The cost for the luncheon is $15.00 per person. For more information, email Kiwanis of Orange at kiwanisoforange@sbcglobal.net or call Kiwanis member Kim Haman at 714-685-9646. To make a reservation, send a check or money order for $15.00 per person to Kiwanis of Orange, PO Box 1551, Orange, CA 92856 by November 10, 2007.

It’s the most wonderful Boat Parade of the year!
Its time for vendors to get ready the annual Villa Park Boat Parade on December 9 at the Villa Park Towne Center. The Event Vendor Form and information from the Villa Park Community Services Foundation is now available on-line.
Just CLICK ON:
BOAT PARADE


Greater Orange in the News
The Greater Orange News Service features the TOPIX news gathering service. Stories about the three main Greater Orange Communities are gathered from thousands of online sources to give the reader a look at all the news about their community from across the nation and across the web. From sports, to obituaries, to local businesses and business and professional people, you get a unique look at the Greater Orange Communities from across the news media.

Check out the TOPIX links daily at the
Greater Orange HEADLINES in The NEWS link
http://greaterorange.blogspot.com/

for complete information please CLICK ON:
GREATER ORANGE NEWS SERVICE


As of 4:00 p.m. Saturday November 3rd all evacuation orders in the Santiago Fire
have been lifted and the Red Cross Center at El Modena High School has been closed.
The most current update from InciWeb is as follows:

Current Situation:


The fire was active in unburned fuels overnight but all containment lines are holding. Crews have been strategically placed along the fire's perimeter to handle activity generated by the increased winds. Smoke will likely be visible throughout the day. The smell of smoke may also be more noticeable.


Holding containment lines is today's main objective. Mop up and rehabilitation of lines also continues. The Silverado Canyon area remains a primary concern due to the remaining hot spots, steep topography, and the possibility of rolling debris and boulders.

All evacuation orders have been lifted as of 4PM, November 3. The evacuation center at El Modena is now closed.

The mild Santa Ana winds briefly surfaced as predicted but all containment lines are holding. Crews remain actively engaged and will continue through the night. The residents of Silverado, Baker, and Black Star canyons have been allowed to return to their homes. All evacuation orders have been lifted.

The mild Santa Ana winds briefly surfaced as predicted but all containment lines are holding. Crews remain actively engaged and will continue through the night. The residents of Silverado, Baker, and Black Star canyons have been allowed to return to their homes. All evacuation orders have been lifted.

for complete information please CLICK ON:
GREATER ORANGE NEWS SERVICE


A defiant Orange County Sheriff Mike Carona tried to lay to rest any rumours of his intentions on Friday November 2nd as he posted the following statement on the OC Sherrif Blog:

Sheriff's statement on day-to-day operations
November 2, 2007 16:16 by Sheriff Carona

"People have expressed concerns about the effect of the allegations on the ongoing operations of the Sheriff’s Department.

Public safety remains our highest priority. Consequently, we are formulating a plan to allow the command staff to handle day-to-day operations during those times that I will need to devote my time and attention to exonerating my wife and myself.

We will be releasing the details of this operational plan in the near term."

for complete information please CLICK ON:
GREATER ORANGE NEWS SERVICE


Mild Santa Ana wind conditions returned to the Santiago Fire area overnight as firefighters kept the blaze under containment. Evacuations in the Silverado Canyon area continued because the area remains a primary concern due to the remaining hot spots, steep topography, and the possibility of rolling debris and boulders. The following is the morning update from the InciWeb site for 11/03/07:



Current Situation:


The fire was active in unburned fuels overnight but all containment lines are holding. Crews have been strategically placed along the fire's perimeter to handle activity generated by the increased winds. Smoke will likely be visible throughout the day. The smell of smoke may also be more noticeable.


Holding containment lines is today's main objective. Mop up and rehabilitation of lines also continues. The Silverado Canyon area remains a primary concern due to the remaining hot spots, steep topography, and the possibility of rolling debris and boulders.


A Red Flag warning remains in effect until Sunday evening primarily due to low relative humidity. A Red Flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are expected.

Mandatory evacuations: A mandatory evacuation remains in place for Silverado, Black Star, and Baker Canyons.

Circulating email urges campaign to replace Carona with election rival Lt. Hunt

As pressure builds for Orange County Sheriff Michael S. Carona to step down, and as the embattled Sherriff appears to be playing coy games about his future plans, a grassroots email campaign has started to replace the federally indicted Carona with one time rival Deputy Sheriff Lt.Bill Hunt as interim Sheriff. The email is being widely circulated throughout Orange County and is signed by a “Karen A Finn” who identifies herself as a “Police Officers Wife”. Finn posts regular comments to various Orange County blogs, but has been particularly active since the Carona story broke.

Following is the email Orange Net News has received:


Dear Friends, Family,& Radio and News,

Orange County California awoke this morning to news of our sheriff being indicted on federal corruption charges. This was news to most but long wished for and expected by many.

Deputy Lieutenant Bill Hunt, a good man, ran against Mike Carona a little more than one year ago. By a fraction of a voting percentage, Bill Hunt nearly forced the sheriff into a run-off. Voters new something was wrong with the sheriff, but not quite enough, then!

Please join me in suggesting the Orange County Supervisors appoint Bill Hunt as our interim Sheriff. His track record and opposition to Carona is timely, needed, and healing.

If there was ever a time to cut / paste / and forward, this is one………

Please get their attention as a body at-
webmaster@ocgov.com

Or individually at-
Chris.Norby@ocgov.com
district2@ocgov.com
janet.nguyen@ocgov.com
bill.campbell@ocgov.com
PatBates@ocgov.com


Regards & God Bless,
Karen A Finn
Police Officers Wife

for complete information please CLICK ON:
GREATER ORANGE NEWS SERVICE

Expectation of Santa Ana winds returning on Friday has a Red Flag Warning being issued to begin Friday at 10 pm. The continued threat those winds pose to Silverado, Black Watch and Baker canyons, along with Joplin Ranch, will keep residents from those areas out of their homes through the weekend.

Orange Unified has the following information in its website:

Silverado Canyon/Modjeska Canyon transportation services to El Modena High School will resume Monday, November 5, 2007.

The following information is from the InciWeb site:

Current Situation:

Fire activity was calm on Wednesday with occasional flare ups that fire fighters responded to. The Silverado Canyon area remains a primary concern due to the steep topography and possibility of rolling debris. As a result, the fire continues to threaten structures on private property within the Silverado area. Yesterday's attempt to burn out the island of unburned vegetation on the far eastern side of the fire yesterday met with limited success.