Sneakeasy's Joint

Camera Catches Krispy Kreme Crazed Christian Collegians Cavorting!

One of the great things about living in Orange County is that you never know what strange things you may stumble upon as you travel around its cozy confines.

Last night, at 915pm, I approached the famous Block of Orange, and saw a sight straight out of a Chabad Telethon.

You know the scenes I'm talking about: Normally sober, serious, and respectable, adults, many of them older than I am, dancing joyously to a catchy tune.

Well, um, what I witnessed was like that.... but without the long beards, funny hats, and great music, plus I was more than twice the age of just about everyone present. ;-D

As I approached one of America's iconic dining establishments I saw what seemed like, at least, 100 young people singing, clapping, and dancing, in, and around, the drive-thru entrance.

And eating donuts... lots, and lots of donuts!

They all appeared to be caucasian ( It WAS dark, howeer, and I didn't attempt a head count, so that's just a guess, too. ), and that just made me more curious to learn what had set them off.

There they were, flushed with the pleasure of their dancing, and singing, but what were they singing, was there a meaning to their strange dance, and what planet did they come from, anyway?

After asking a few questions of several people who were not caught up in the frenzy, I finally got some answers.

As I watched, the spectacle unfolded before me:

A bunch of the crowd did a dance involving people moving forward, and back, in the circle they were in, as everyone else clapped, and hollered.

Then, as everyone sang 2 sentences, they turn their backs to the person next to them, or behind them in the crowd, and shake their behinds however much they can before turning around again to the center of the circle, all the while laughing, and singing, and getting generally all excited.

Whenever a car would approach the crowd would part and, to loud cheers, let the devotees of Krispy Kreme approach their shrine to worship. 

I pieced together the chant:

"Wag, wag, wag my Pony! This is how we do it!!"

If you don't know what the "Pony" is, you are on your own because I can't help you. ;-D

I originally thought someone had put something in the Donuts, but learned there was probably a more interesting explanation.

Further questioning revealed that the young people were incoming Freshmen/Freshwomen ( Freshpersons? Hee, hee! ) at the Christian Vanguard University, of Costa Mesa, right here in Orange County.

Ahhh, now, I thought, THAT explains it!

You see, this week is Welcome Week for the start of the new school year:

We're excited to welcome all of our FABULO(US) new students to the VANGUARD CAMP(US) community at Welcome Week 2007!

In August, you'll get to see what "The (US) Campaign" is all about and what God is up to at V(US)C.  We are honored that you have chosen to be a part of (US) during this MOMENTO(US) time in your life!

Okaayyyy, apparently part of what God is up to is introducing impressionable young people, unaccustomed to certain delecacies they are not familiar with where they come from, to said cuisine at one of the local Houses of Worhip, and letting nature, um, take its course. ;-D

Such an activity is apparently "guaranteed to assist you in your ADJ(US)TMENT to college life making your transition into the V(US)C community successful."

A perusal of the Events Schedule revealed all.

The day began with a communal breakfast, and 4 hours in Church.

Then came a communal lunch, a 3 hour event of some sort, followed by pizza, washed down with another 2 hours in Church afterward.

The highlight of the day was the evening nightcap at Krispy Kreme that had begun at around 845pm, and lasted until 11pm.

Check out the Schedule for yourself, it's all there.

Yes, they danced the whole time there, from what I later learned, when I passed by after an evening at the movies, at 1130pm.

Little did they know that a local Blogger ( Yours Truly! ) would happen upon the whole jouyous scene, and snap a couple of pictures for a story. ;-D

I watched for 20 minutes before heading off to the watch a movie.

People, like me, coming to the mall, or leaving, came by to observe the spectacle, and I got a chuckle out of 2 young black guys who shook their heads in disbelief at what they were witnessing.

1 offered the other $5 if he would join in, and his friend laughed, shook his head, and looked at him as if he was nuts. ;-D

Krispy Kreme no doubt made a killing. ;-D

People who watch certain TV Shows, expecting to get a glimpse into the REAL OC, need to get their behinds off the couch, and get out more.

I love this place! ;-D

NOTE: Elon Gold will host the 27th annual Chabad "To Life!" Telethon on Sunday, September 9, 2007 from 4-10 p.m. PDT.

You KNOW you want to watch at least a few minutes of the fun, don't lie! ;-D

Bus Strike Over, Normal Life Resumes

So much for the plan to get back to more blogging.

A week long Bus Strike meant that to get anywhere I had to ride my bike, or walk.

Oh, I do that anyway, as readers know but, for a week, I was doing more of it, including the 22 mile round-trip commute to work every day. ;-D

Orange Juice Blog Celebrates OC High School Grads

Yeah, yeah, Orange Juice, and i are on different wavelengths, politically, but that don't mean we can't agree on some things:

We hear so many negative things about the young people in our community and we felt it is important to recognize that the positive far outweighs the negative. Here are a few of the best and the brightest with their names, colleges of choice and proposed goals for the future.

Check out the Photos in Our Future.

Is another Grocery Strike in the Bag?

Everyone in the county remembers the last Grocery Worker Strike, and how much fun THAT was. ;-D

Now comes word that we may be in for a sequel.

Thousands of grocery store workers faced the possibility of a second strike in just three years as they packed into union halls across Southern California on Sunday to vote on a proposed contract.

The United Food and Commercial Workers, which represents 60,000 workers, forced a vote after six months of contract negotiations that failed to reach an agreement with Ralphs, Vons and Albertsons. Results of the vote will be released today, and the walkout could begin as soon as Friday.

At issue are health benefits, pensions and adding a lower payment scale for employees, who say they haven't had a raise since 2002. A representative for the grocery companies called the vote premature and said store officials remain hopeful that they will get back to the bargaining table this week.

As everyone knows, from watching the antics of film makers in Hollyweird, not all Sequels are equal.

Some should never have been made.

Will this, if it occurs, turn out to be a blockbuster, or a bust?

Full Story in the OC Register.

A Tip of the Hat to Red County.

Sending a Message 6: My Father, the Legal Immigrant

On Friday ( Begin With Chapter 1 ) I went to a rally against the ACLU to represent my Father, on Father's Day Weekend.

In this last post in this series I want you to meet a man who LEGALLY immigrated to the United States, and is my answer to all those who have gotten, and will continue to get, angry over my views on ILLEGAL ALIENS.

Gorge Kundurdziev was born in a small town in the Macedonian part of Yugoslavia, in 1923, immigrated to the United States in 1951/2, had his name involuntarily Americanized to GIorgio Kundurazieff in the process, married, in 1957, fathered a son, and 2 daughters, developed the Mental Illness known as Paranoid Schizophrenia ( a chronic mental illness. ), in 1969, and died, in a hospital, in Los Angeles, in 1988 ( What happened to him, in the end, was not easy to watch happen, and we could only wait for the  final act, knowing he was beyond communicating with us. ).

In between he lived a complicated, and difficult, yet mostly happy life.

The 2 photos here are the oldest family photos our family has of him.

The bottom one is of him, and his Bulgarian Army buddies, early in WW2 ( That's him in the back row, on the left. )

The top photo was taken at an Eastern Orthodox Church, in Glendale Ca., in about 1953.

Dad never talked much about his life before America. The memories were too painful, I suppose.

Mom always said he was in the Bulgarian Airforce, then in the Macedonian Underground, against Tito ( America's Commie of Choice in Europe at the start of the Cold War. ), and that he lost his left eye blowing up a railroad.

She said that when his unit was betrayed he fled the country and spent a few years in Refugee Camps before immigrating to America.

He never saw his parents, and sisters, in person, again, and they apparently spent some time in Concentration Camps because of him.

When he died, in 1988, I was able to get his complete Immigration Files thru a Freedom of Immigration Request.

What I learned there was startling, and intriguing.

While his Immigration was LEGAL there is a mystery in the details that confuses the issue of the life he led during, and immediately after, the war.

He spent time in at least 2 Refugee Camps between 1947 and 1951, and apparently made quite an impression on some people, somewhere, because he eventually gained a sponsor for immigration to America.

The sponsor was part of the American Friends Society, a Quaker Relief Organization.

While Dad never made it into High School, he was fluent in the languages of his country, and even knew some Greek, Italian, and German.

Thus thru his paperwork, I know what day, and year, and who, in what camp, Americanized his name. ;-D

Not knowing any English, he just went with the flow, apparently. ;-D

I know the boat he came over on, and where he went once he got here, and why he ended up in California.

When you supposedly fought in the underground against a country supported by the people you hope will take you in, I suppose being completely upfront, with the US Displaced persons Commission, about your recent life wouldn't be, um, prudent. ;-D

Dad hated Communism, and was a proud Macedonian Nationalist and, as was shown in the 90's life, in the now broken up Yugoslavia, is all bound up in matters of history, culture, ethnicity, and religion.

All Dad knew was that Freedom , and the chance to rebuild his life, lay in America, and death lay behind him.

This 1st page details the story he gave fighting in the Bulgarian Army, spending time in a Forced Labor Concentration Camp, in 1945-6, where he lost his eye, beign transported to a hospital, then  home to recuperate, then making for Greek and Italian, Refugee Camps in 1947, and 1948.

As the 2nd page, attached to this document, states:

"The Commission further states that assurances have been given to the Commision on behalf of the principal applicant by: Mrs. W. M. Storey, Old Mill Farm, Lexington, NY.

That these assurances are in accordance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations, have been approved by the Commision, and bear the Commision Number A-8751.

That the Principal Applicant will be employed as a FArmhelper in NY., that he will reside at Old Mill Farm, lexington, NY, and...

That the Principal Applicant will execute the oath of affirmation required under Section 6 of the Act prior to issuance of Visa.

Based upon the foregoing findings, the Commision determines, and hereby certifies:

That the the Principal Applicant is a displaced perosn, and an eligible displaced person, eligible for consideration for admission into the united States under Section 2(C) of the Act, and that such admission would be in accordance with the regulations of the Commision;

That the Principal Applicant is entiled to: The 1st preference under section 6 (A) of the US Displaced Persons Act of 1948, as amened, because of the nature of his employment.

Therefore in accordance with the regulations of the Commision, this report is submitted to the Officer of the US Foreign Service at Naples, Italy, for consideration in connection with the Principal Applicant's application for an Immigration Visa."

Unlike more than 12 million folks, who shall remain nameless, since 1986, my Dad jumped thru all the LEGAL hoops he was required to to come to The Promised Land, The Land of Opportunity, The Land of Freedom, and Democracy.

Sending a Message 5: Signs of the Times

On Friday ( Begin With Chapter 1 ), I joined in the sign waving, and slogan chanting, with enthusiasm, and the messages being sent by the signs were intended not just for the ACLU, but for our leaders in all levels of Government who seem intent on ignoring the concerns of the average American Citizen with regards to the issue of Illegal Immigration, and securing our borders from intrusion by Illegal Aliens, whether they be workers, criminals, or terrorists.

A Rainbow Coalition, Standing United, came together to Push our leaders in government to stand up to the ACLU NOW, and get a Move On with regards to seriously doing something about our too Liberal Open Borders, north, and South, and treatment of Illegal Aliens.

As the uproar over the current "Illegal Alien Amnesty Bill" shows, the smell of discontent among Conservatives, and other concerned citizens, is in the Air of America, and one would think the people running for offices, from City Council to President, would pay heed... 

Yesterday I found another one of those "Census Documents" the Political Parties send out that are intended to make you think you are specially being singled out for opinion, but are really just thinly disguised pleas for money.

So here I am "among a select group of Republicans who have been chosen to take part in the official 2007 census of the Republican Party".

Why is there only 1 question about Illegal Immigration?

Are they serious? Do they REALLY need to even ask THIS question?

Of course I damn well agree that WE MUST STOP ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION!!

The Party is seriously divided, on this issue, and the Liberals are loving it.

As the Police kept watch to make sure we didn't get all rowdy-like, and didn't step over, or wave anything across, the barrier separating us from impeding the flow of traffic, we stood around chanting, and waving, slogans, and waving the American Flag as well.

Sending a Message 4: One Event, Many Voices

As Politically Correct Joe, the charming "Elder Statesman" who owned the truck, drove back and forth, on Friday ( Begin With Chapter 1 ), I joined in the sign waving, and slogan chanting, fun.

I saw a Black man, a bit older than me, and approached the Minute Man Project member with a smile.

I asked if he was one of those Ku Kluxers I'd heard was standing watch on the border, and he laughed with me at the very idea that a cause that brings Americans of all ethnic, and racial backrounds together could be considered racist.

It was then that I learned about one of the efforts in the African-American Community to bring attention to the affects Illegal Immigration has upon it.

I was introduced to activist Ted Hayes, he of the Dome Village Project in Los Angeles, and learned about Choose Black America, an effort to educate the Black Community about the threat to its future that is Illegal Immigration.

In his chat with me, and his passionate interview with the reporter from KFI Radio, I learned a few things:

Mass illegal immigration has been the single greatest impediment to black advancement in this country over the past 25 years. Blacks, in particular, have lost economic opportunities, seen their kids’ schools flooded with non-English speaking students, and felt the socio-economic damage of illegal immigration more acutely than any other group. ...

On May 23rd, 2006, the new group sent out a Press Release that announced that "many Black Americans oppose Illegal Alien Amnesty, and  urged passage of an Enforcement Only Bill in the Senate because Amnesty will hurt all Americans, and Blacks the Most" ( Read the whole thing. ) ( Watch the Press Conference on YouTube. ).

In July they held a rally to make the case that "Amnesty for Violating U.S. Immigration Laws Is Not a Civil Rights Issue". ( Read Press Release. )

As an effort in co-operation with the Federation for American Immigration Reform, Choose Black America has a Website of its own where you can learn more about their effort, and those folks behind it.

I was told by Ted that they are encouraging all Bloggers to ask the Congressional Black Caucas why it is silent on the danger of Illegal Immigration to the African-American Community?

A very good question, indeed.

Sending a Message 3: Small Turn Out, Huge Support

Friday ( Begin With Chapter 1 ) I was among about 50 Patriotic Americans of all shapes, and sizes, and different ethnic, and racial, backrounds, young, and old, who gathered for a part of their day, to give the ACLU a piece of their mind.

I only live about 2 miles away, and so walked along the Santa Ana River Bike Trail to Chapman Ave. and then after breakfast at the nearby Burger King, headed off to find the Gathering.

When I arrived at a parking lot next to  the offices of a Union Local ( Hee, hee! ), to the east of the building that houses the Office of the Orange County ACLU, there were a few people co-ordinating arrivals, and preparation, including the guy with the sign adorned truck that would be driven back, and forth along Chapman during the time of the protest.

I introduced myself, and chatted with a few people, discussing why we were there, and what message we hoped to send the ACLU, and any passers-by.

As more people arrived we mosied on over to the sidewalk in front of the office of the ACLU, which was located on the 2nd floor of the building, with its curtains  closed.

With a podium, and a microphone, for the speechifiers, the OC Register, and  KFI AM 640, on hand to report on the event, and the Cops to make sure all sides made nice, we all sort of hoped the ACLU would come out of hiding to chat, and discuss the issues, all friendly-like ( Or at least step out on the balcony, smile, wave, and brandish a sign or 2 giving us serious "What For" ).

As of the time I left all the brave, and outspoken, ACLU could bring itself to do, was peek out the window, chat with the OC Register, tell us not to park in "their" parking lot, and try to cause a stink about where people parked in the near-by staging area.

The reaction to our presence, from the general public, walking, and driving by, was much more enthusiastic. ;-D

Lots of horn honking, and calling out of support, made us smile, wave our signs, and yell our slogans, all the louder, and enthusiastically.

The occasional hateful catcalls, and middle finger waving, didn't faze us in the least, and just made us laugh, and shake our heads, at their blindness, and ignorance, about the issues at stake.

I have been reading a number of books, and visiting a lot of websites over the past year and a half, on the issue of Illegal Immigration  ( See Right Sidebar for Immigration related sites. ), and am currently reading MINUTEMEN: The Battle To Secure America's Borders by Jim Gilchrist and Jerome R. Corsi.

Imagine my surprise  when I turn around, and find myself face to face with the outspoken patriot himself! ;-D

There he was, all decked out in his Sunday Best, and I stuck out my hand, introduced myself, told him of my Blog, and how I occasionally write about the issue of Illegal Immigration, have links to efforts such as his, and was busily reading his book.

When I took it out to prove it, he smiled and offered to sign it for me.

To The Mad Macedonian,

Keep up your great work!

Thanks for supporting The Minuteman Project.

United We Stand!

Jim Gilchrist :-D

How cool is THAT! ;-D

I will not finish reading the book in the presence of food, and drink, so as not to risk damaging something that will be a treasured member of my Book Collection. ;-D

When people say that we can't control our borders, can't severly curtail Illegal Immigration, and thus have to keep giving Amnesty, and other privileges, to people who break our laws to get here, and break our laws to stay here, I say BULLTACO!!

It CAN be done! We can change things, and control things.

If we, the people, have to continue to speak out until our leaders listen, then we must do so.

Proceed to Chapter 4 of 6: One Event, Many Voices.

Sending A Message 2: OC Reg Gives Only Part of Story

Yesterday ( Begin with Chapter 1 ) I was among about 50 Patriotic Americans of all shapes, and sizes, and different ethnic, and racial, backrounds, young, and old, who gathered for a part of their day, to give the ACLU a piece of their mind.

If you read the OC Edition of the Los Angeles Times, this morning, you would have had no clue that the event even occurred.

If you read this mornings OC Register, or checked out the story, its 3 photos, and Video, Online, you would have gotten a very incomplete picture of what occurred, and who was there.

I was there for the 1st 90 minutes, and though I missed all the speechifying,  I guarandamntee you that the report I will be presenting here, over the next few days ( I work every day, except Tuesday, so be patient!  ) will have more pics, and more information.

While the Lake Forest Case may have led to this event being set up, by the Campo Minutemen, there were other groups represented with reason to take issue with the ACLU.

Reading the OC Register, though, you would not learn any of this, and that is disgraceful.

I have been Blogging the issue of Illegal Immigration, the War Against Terror, problems with the actions of the ACLU, and more, off, and on, for 5 years now, and have important links in my sidebar that I hope my reporting on this event will encourage my fellow citizens in the OC, and beyond, who read my stories, will check out, and learn from.

Proceed to Chapter 3 of 6: Small Turn Out, Huge Support.

Sending a Message to the ACLU in Orange County

Before I go to work this afternoon I will be putting in an appearance, for about 90 min., at an effort to send a message to the ACLU:

On June 15th, Californians have a golden opportunity by uniting in a show of strength outside the offices of the ACLU of Orange County. The picket and protest were originally organized by Lake Forest residents in response to litigation the ACLU filed against the city in February but has been expanded due to ACLU actions locally and across the state.

"Cities, counties, states and even private businesses and persons are relentlessly targeted by the ACLU in pursuit of deconstructing America's moral infrastructure and creating a godless society", states Nedd Kareiva, director of the Stop the ACLU Coalition. "When someone or a city dares to resist the ACLU, it is frequently bullied into submission to its will, often with threats of costly lawsuits".

California is a state hard hit by the ACLU, both policy-wise and in taxpayers' wallets. The ACLU successfully sought removals of crosses on the seals of L.A. County, the city of Redlands and a makeshift steel one at the Mojave Desert and nearly succeeded in removing the Mt. Soledad cross in San Diego. They sued the city of Escondido for seeking to curb illegal immigration while threatening other communities seeking to do similarly. And with its pursuit of assisted suicide and same sex marriage in California's legislature, the ACLU seeks to overturn previously enacted voter referenda.

ACLU policies and lawsuits have affected California children. Its faithful defense of Planned Parenthood has thwarted prosecutions of child molesters and prevented parents from knowing when their teen girls sought abortions. And its support of homosexual teaching and activities in public schools and unrestricted pornography has gravely hurt many families.

"The ACLU has met its match in the courts with legal groups like the Alliance Defense Fund, and Liberty Counsel taking them on", says Kareiva. "However, outside these excellent firms, Americans have had little say-so against the ACLU until recently. The Coalition represents God-fearing Americans by raising massive public awareness of ACLU policies and positions and organizing more rallies like this one. Only when huge numbers of Americans mount sustained resistance of the ACLU's agenda will America truly be kept safe and free."

Who: Stop the ACLU Coalition, Jim Gilchrist's Minutemen Project, FIRE Society and numerous American patriots and groups.

What: Protest outside the offices of the ACLU of Orange County.

Where: 2140 W. Chapman, Orange, CA.

When: 12-3 PM

Why: To expose and oppose the ACLU's dangerous agenda for America.

I got this heads up thru Earned Media, and made plans to show my support of the effort, and the organizations listed above.

***UPDATE -- 5PM***

Just a quick note to say that, from Noon to 130pm,this afternoon, I spent an enjoyable time with the nicest bunch of Patriotic Americans you would ever care to meet.

Pale Colored, Brown Colored, and just plain Colored ( Or even DARKER Brown, to be Un-PC about it, because the NAACP won't believe me anyway, hee, hee! ) Folk, all coming together for a common cause!

I have plans to do this report up in style, over several posts, so I hope the curious will stick around in coming days.;-D

***END UPDATE***

Proceed to PART 2 of 6: OC Register gives incomplete picture of event.

My Santa Ana: Am I the Only English Speaker?

The short answer, of course, is no, of course not!

It just seems that way sometime. ;-D

In the summer of 2005 I moved from Costa Mesa to Santa Ana, Ca..

It has the advantage of being centrally located in the part of the county, north of Newport Beach, and is the County Seat for Orange County, has 2 very popular Malls, several popular museums, a well respected Community College, and equally well-respected Private High School, an Amtrak Station, my choice of 3 Target Stores to choose from, several popular Parks, and Bike Trails, and more, to recommend it.

It also prides itself in its motto of "Education First!"

Born in 1886 the city with the #1 Neighborhood in the Nation, has seen a lot of change, and just as the Water Tower is finally going to get a makeover, so the city itself has gone thru a change that has altered not just the ethnic make-up of the city, and its new All-Latino City Council, but the county as a whole, over the past 25 years.

In recent years, however, the motto, like the weatherbeaten tower is adorns, has taken a beating, and in recent weeks that beating has become very severe.

An ongoing audit of the State's 5th largest School District's class-size-reduction program will expand into ninth-grade English and math classes.

At least 1 local Blogger is closely following this story.

This coming on top of continuing bad news with regards to Student Test Scores, and massive budget deficits, as a new leader takes the helm, and tries to deal with all this ( Read Editorial, here. ).

It is no secret that this city of over 350,000 people ( Far more when Illegal immigrants are considered. ) has a population that is 76% Hispanic, 11% Asian, and 11% White, and that over 300,000 of the Hispanics, and Asians, speak a language other than English at home.

All over Southern California, from East LA, San Diego, the OC, and Pomona ( Where I grew up. ), and the Inland Empire, the numbers have been increasing for 20 years.

You can not walk the street, ride the bus, or go to a shopping mall, without finding yourself surrounded by people speaking Spanish.

I have written about the Illegal Immigration issue, and about life in Santa Ana, both serious, and humorous, and linked to others who have as well.

If you are interested you can check 2 of my archives for those Blog Entries ( Just scroll up, and down thru the achives. ):

IC, UC, We All C the OC .

California Issues.

Now there is an Innitiative being planned, by the Chamber of Commerce, that recognizes that the city has a huge problem that is affecting its economy, among other things, and will attempt to change things for the better.

Santa Ana Officials Love and Hate Wal-Mart

Hoping to protect its small-business owners from more competition, Santa Ana has voted 6-1, in January, to make it very hard for Wal-Mart to open a Superstore in town.

I guess 1, highly successful, Wal-Mart ( On McFadden near Harbor Blvd. ), not to mention 3, also highly successful, Targets ( 2 on 17th, and 1 on Bristol. ), are enough.

As reported in a recent OC Register Editorial:

Any company proposing to build a big box discount and grocery store must apply to the city for a conditional use permit – i.e., grant to the city the right for it to set any number of subjective conditions – and conduct an analysis of the impact of the store on local businesses within a three-mile radius.

It's not a ban on building Wal-Mart Supercenters, but it is the equivalent of telling any such retailer that it's not welcome in Santa Ana.

Only Councilman Carlos Bustamonte, a Republican who recently ran, unsuccessfully, for a County Supervisor spot, voted no.

No big box store will want to come into the city when other nearby cities are more friendly.

The councils reasoning, like that of all opponents to Wal-Mart, such as unions, small business groups, and liberal religious organizations, is flawed.

Using government to keep out competition, so as to protect people who would not be able to compete in an environment where consumers would be free to choose where they work, and where they spend their money, is wrong.

As the Register says:

No one forces anyone to work at Wal-Mart, which offers good jobs for those who choose to take them. Wal-Mart and other discounters help the poor by offering low-price products. The clergy who claim that Wal-Mart hurts the poor completely ignore that fact. Why should poor people, or anyone else for that matter, be forced to pay inflated prices for food and goods because the government is keeping out competition?

These centers pay an enormous amount of sales taxes, which is one reason that other cities strive so hard to attract them. Garden Grove is enticing one into an old shopping center so that it gains revenue and helps revive a blighted shopping area.

In a free society, stores should be allowed to open without harassment from city councils, but they shouldn't get privileges from city government, either. That seems like a reasonable way to proceed, but unfortunately too many councils are more concerned about making political points with interest groups than in following these sensible dictates.

This city is over 70% Hispanic, and mostly low income, and these folks know where to go to get the most for their money, and to find a good job, and it ain't the corner store ( Selling whatever. ).

There is a website that, for the last 9 months, has been showing its support for Wal-Mart, and reporting some interesting stories: EXPOSING THE PAID CRITICS - A Project of Working Families for Wal-Mart.

A final vote is scheduled sometime this month.

Alien Murdered on Streets of Huntington Beach!

The search continues, after 3 years, for the killers of  Yoj Matihc,  from the planet Alienopolus, run over one night, on the sidewalk on Eddinger, near Gothard, in the quiet seaside community of Huntington Beach, CA..

The Visitor from another world was on a 2 person Exploratory Mission from his Planet, to see if Earth people were civilized, and intelligent enough, to handle 1st Contact.

"I heard the Commander say 'OOBAKEEP!! ( Look out!! )' as this strange, unlighted vehicle, with 1 human at the controls, ran right over ha, and kept on going ," said the creatures' companion Ddot. "Then there was silence. Ha was flattened! We can't even remove the remains for burial."

"We believe that he, it, um, whatever, was killed by either a Bicyclist, or someone in a wheechair," said Chief Investigator Jeri Dalts, of Huntington Beach PD. "The fact that this crime is still unsolved is terrible for the cause of Intergalactic Outreach in our city, as we gear up for the 2007 Surfing, and V- Ball Seasons."

Though a bike was found on the grounds of nearby Goldenwest College, it is an old model, with no way of identifing the brand, beyond being 10 speeds, and has no license tag.

"We've been on missions such as this plenty of times and nothing happened," said Ddot. "Of course we always tried to do our research unobserved, and were always successful. Until that night."

According to experts, such tragic encounters occur with disturbing regularity. "It's an ancient risk that the Visitors have always taken," said Prof. Yor Leig Bingpuled, of the United Nations Office for the Investigation of UFO's and other Unexplained Phenomena .

The death has left many on the creatures' home planet wary of making future contact with Earth.

"Our Leader, and Planetary Congress, have been sharply divided on the issue since the incident," said Ddot, now on his 3rd visit to check on the progress of Authorities, "Especially our Cimalsi Party. They want to declare Dahij, and let's just say that you would not like it if that happened."

White House Spokesman, Tony Snow, said the President had no comment.

Spokespersons for Democratic Leaders in Congress said they will form a Committee.

Pat Robertson, on the 700 Club, said it was God's Will, and serves as a sign of the End Times.

Republican Leaders are hoping Pat will just shut up, and believe that the whole story is something straight out of The Weekly World News, so not worth discussing anyway.

Cindy Sheehan plans to accompany Ddot back to his planet, as "An Ambassador for Peace, and Friendship, on behalf of Mankind", with the approval of the United Nations ( The US,and Britain, abstained from voting. )

I know that this reporter speaks for many Americans, when I say...

Good-bye luck Cindy! America, and the World, will be the better for your absence effort. ;-D

****UPDATE -- Midnite****

After thinking on it for a day, and checking the Website of the Weekly World News to see if I missed anything....

I decided to let them know that they have been beaten to a story by a lowly, insignificant, Blogger.

One that sometimes doesn't even wear his PJ's. ;-D

MY E-MAIL:

Dear Weekly World News:

For many years I have always been able to count on the responsible reporters of your newspaper to cover the stories that no-one else will.

Not CNN, Not FOX, Not Comedy Central, Not even the Blogosphere's own at Little Green Footballs, and Pajamas Media.

This week you let me down.

I got a story that you seem to be unaware of.

You appear to be completely out of the loop, despite your immense resources, financial, and otherwise.

This is a sad, sad, day, for Responsible Journalism.

Read it, and weep!

Alien Murdered on Streets of Huntington Beach! ( Picture included! ) = http://www.sneakeasysjoint.com/sneakeasy/2007/01/alien_murdered_.html

What do you have to say for yourselves in the face of this humiliation?

Sincerely yours,

MR. KIRIL KUNDURAZIEFF
Santa Ana, CA. USA

I will report any further developements if any, um, develope. ;-D

****END UPDATE****

OCC College Student Leaders against saying Pledge of Allegiance

In 2002, there was a major flap in California, and by extension, America, over the words UNDER GOD in the Pledge of Allegiance, and I had more than a few words to say about it.

Now, Student Leaders at a local college, in nearby Costa Mesa, are stirring passions by saying no to the Pledge PERIOD:

Passions ran high at Orange Coast College on Wednesday after a vote by student government leaders to stop recognizing the Pledge of Allegiance.

Three of five Associated Students trustees took the action Monday, with board member Jason Ball calling the flag salute "irrelevant to the business of student government."

Irrelevant he says??

Oh, and I suppose if we all stood, and sang the Internationale instead he'd be happier.... ASSHAT!

"While it's great to be an American, and I'm proud to be an American, yadda-yadda-yadda, and I appreciate all the rituals, I'm done" saluting the flag, Ball said Wednesday.

It is very clear to me that you, and your fellow naysayers are proud to be Socialist Radicals determined to use your positions to espouse your Liberal Propaganda, yadda-yadda-yadda, and I, and many others all across America, appreciate that that it is your right to believe that crap, but we are done with putting up with your hateful stupidity, and ignorance.

The trustees didn't enact an outright ban, but a dozen students crowded board chambers Wednesday to decry the move.

And we are supposed to be grateful they didn't ban it outright?

Sophomore Chris Belanger, who accused the board of "radical views and anti-Americanism," waved the American flag at the start of the meeting.

Good for him!

College Republicans President Christine Zoldos called for the patriotic oath: "What I'm about to say might offend some of you. If you get offended by the Pledge of Allegiance, please leave the room."

The three trustees who voted not to acknowledge the salute – Ball, Regis Jues and Coyotl Tezcatlipoca – remained seated while about two dozen attendees recited verses. Trustee Chairman Brent Bettes, who didn't participate in Monday's vote, also remained silent. Board member Michelle Schneider, the sole dissenting vote, took part.

Good for the reciters, and Michelle!

The fact that the Anti-American 3, didn't display the courage of their convictions by leaving shows them up for the cowards that they are.

The Trustee Chairman showed cowardice as well by staying silent.

Concerns about the phrase "under God," central to a 2002 ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, factored in the trustees' move, Ball said before the meeting.

In that case – which the Supreme Court ultimately dismissed on procedural grounds – circuit court justices were concerned about a possible church-state conflict.

Give me a break!

As I have written I think the Pledge is just fine w/o those 2 words in it ( As the Author intended ), and their inclusion was a political act in the fight against Communism in the 1950's, but I have no problem saying the Pledge with them included.

While religious overtones were one element of the trustees' motivation, other concerns existed. "Nationalism is something that divides people," said Ball, wearing black boots, a beret and a hammer-and-sickle pin.

When the majority of Americans forgret this nations proud history, lose their sense of nationhood, their patriotism, feeling of oneness that is the essense of being a citizen of this great land, and love of all that this country stands for, is, and will be, as the Shining Light among all the free nations of the wolrd... we will be SCREWED.

If ASSHATS like Ball love the hammer-and-sickle so damn much there are plenty of Socialist/Communist countries they can move to.

Being the cowards that they are he, and they, won't leave the land of the free, and the home of the brave, and never have, because not only do they prefer to live in a country where differences are accepted, and where they can freely express their vile views, and life is good ( econimically, and culturally ) but they know full well what would happen elsewhere if they spoke their mind on anything with views the government might disapprove of.

Life in the gulag, and even death, would await them.

Tezcatlipoca asked for a show of support, and about half the room stood up to back him. "If the people don't want to say the pledge, they shouldn't have to," said freshman Jazmine Espinoza. "That's just their belief."

That's true, and you can remain silent, or leave the room, but banning the Pledge takes away the right to choose of those who want to say it.

But several students wondered if the trustees' stance reflected the values of those who elected them. "I don't think it's OK to eliminate something because a small number of students are against it," said Terri Samuels, a former trustee. "They're on this board because they're supposed to represent all the students. I want to know if they took some poll or survey that shows a majority of students are against the flag salute."

Good point.

However it is clear that these Trustees have agendas other than what is best for the college, and its student body, especially those students whose politics, and social views are different from their own.

Officials at the Coast Community College District said the dispute would be up to students to resolve. "They run their own show, so to speak," district spokeswoman Martha Parham said. "It's really up to them. It's a student-run, student-led organization. That's a personal choice."

Okay... so what happened a week later?

Raising a Ruckus in My Backyard

In recent weeks, as a result of comments and e-mails related to my BikeBlog, The Cycling Dude, I've been looking into, and writing about, 2 major stories of concern to recreational, and commuter, Bicyclists in Orange County.

If you are a cyclist, or know people who are, I believe the issues I'm bringing up will be of great interest.

They are issues of safety.

1 series deals with Cycling on Shared-use Trails, and the other deals with Motorist vs Cyclist accidents on city streets.

Prelude: I've Got 2 Major Local Stories on My Hands.

SERIES 1:

Back Bay Bicyclists Bad Bikers?

Back Bay Bicyclists Bad Bikers? Part 2.

SERIES 2:

Motorists vs Cyclists in Orange County.

Exposing a Problem at OC Superior Court 2

In August I did my Civic Duty, and served a day on-call for Jury Duty in the Superior Court of CA., for Orange County.

I wrote about some questions I asked clerks, and in the Exit Questionnaire.

In a letter dated on 9/11, of all days, I got a response to my efforts! ;-D

Dear Mr. Kundurazieff:

Thank You for taking the time to complete the Jury Exit Questionnaire.

The suggestion you made regarding making changes to our blue "Jury Duty" brochure has been shared with the officials of this court and will assist with making future revisions to written materials provided to valued citizens like you who have served.

Thank you for your service as a juror.

We appreciate the sacrifice jurors make to ensure the availability of justice to all.

Sincerely,

From the office of Alan Slater, Jury Commisioner:

SIGNED BY Evelyn Valle.

-----------------------------------

Well, thank you, and all that, however I wasn't trying to change anything in the blasted booklet, but trying to get bigger, and better, Microwave Ovens installed for the use of future jurors! ;-D

Can Americans Do This in YOUR Country?

Santa Ana is the most Hispanic city in the OC, and that is a good thing when you consider all the fine contributions many legal immigrants, and their descendants have made to the city.

Every year at this time 2 events occur in this city to celebrate MEXICAN Independence.

1 is a parade with groups representing all 31 states in Mexico marching along in front of 50,000 or more spectators, and is supported by the Mexican Consulate in Santa Ana which bills it as "a way to know Mexico without going all the way there." It went from Main and 15th to within afew blocks of downtown, on Saturday.

There is also a seperate Festival, drawing over 200,000 visitors that occurs over 2 days on Broadway, between French and 4th streets.

On Friday night as I waited for my bus home along Bristol at McFadden, the scene was one of noise, and celebration, but nothing like last spring, and the immigration protests.

As a small group of people waved the Mexican Flag on the corner every car in sight honked its horn as it passed through the intersection.

I have no idea how long this went on before, or after, my bus came.

Saturday night I was at Eddinger, and the noise, as flag waving cars came through the otherwise empty intersection, was just as active.

I wonder what would happen in certain countries, with large American populations, if Americans paraded on street corners waving Old Glory, and honking their car horns, on the 4th of July?

Or tried to hold parades, and fesivals as "a way to know America without going all the way there."

I'm just sayin' is all. ;-D

The Lake Thornton Monster Revealed!

Call me The Mad Macedonian.

Some days ago -- Saturday to be precise -- having a day off and nothing else to do with my time, and nothing particular to interest me at home, I thought I would go on a bike ride to Carl Thornton Park and see if I could photograph a squirrel.

It is a way I have of taking my mind off the cares of the world, and staying in good health.

Whenever I find myself with much on my mind; whenever it is a hot, clear Summer day; whenever I find myself involuntarily walking along the sidewalk, and bringing up the rear of every Liberal protest march I stumble upon; and especially whenever my weight gets such an upper hand of me, that it requires a strength of will to prevent me from deliberately stepping into a McDonald's, and methodically downing Big Macs -- then, I figure it is high time to get on my bicycle as soon as I can.

This is my substitute for spending time in front of the tube.

With a flourish too many people throw themselves upon the couch; I enthusiastically take to the open road.

There is no reason to be suprised at this. If they but knew it, almost all men, and women, in their degree, some time or other, cherish very nearly the same feelings towards bicycling as I do....

( With humble apologies to the immortal Herman Melville. )

Thanks to the suggestion of Lisa Ruvalcava, of the Thornton Park Neighborhood Ass., I fired off an e-mail to Patrick Mitchell, the Park Naturalist for the city of Santa Ana, before heading off to work yesterday afternoon.

On the occasion of my 2nd visit to the park I encountered a man who gave me a clue as to what I was seeing, and I had set about trying to get confirmation, by e-mail, from someone at a local golf course, of what my final photo seemed to indicate.

Late yesterday I received a response from Mr. Mitchell that means such inquiries are no longer needed.

So, without further ado, let me present The Lake Thorton Monster!!

Kiril,

We here in  the parks department refer to what you encountered as...

THE THORNTON WHALE.

It actually happens as the weather changes or sometimes when the ground water level rises.

What you are actually seeing is the rubber liner of the lake that rises as pressures in and under the lake change.

Since there is no swimming allowed in Thornton Lake the creature you witnessed poses no danger to the public.

-Patrick Mitchell
Park Naturalist

------------------

So... the next time you visit Thornton Park, rest assured that the "Whale" in the Lake is just a harmless little "rubber" fuzzball. ;-D

One final thought....

Lisa wrote yesterday that "the picture doesn't lie".

Well, yes, Lisa, it did, and can, in a way.

Unlike the ongoing story of the reporter and the doctored photos my photo was not a trick shot but, as can be seen by a similar shot I found on the Loch Ness website, what is shown can seem to be something it turns out not to be upon further investigation.

I took the original photo from a distance, and, even with zoom, that was the result.

At the time I didn't think to go to the shore of the lake for a closer look. ;-D

After downloading the shot, and looking at it on my computer screen, Nessie came naturally to mind.

Imagine my suprise at how similar my shot was to the one on her site. ;-D

Sort of makes you wonder what a close-up would reveal about "Nessie". ;-D

Modern Photography is a wonderous tool, one that can be used for great good, and one that can be used for great evil.

Something to think about.

Investigating The Lake Thornton Monster 2

The Story so far... The Discovery, and The Investigation Begins.

As of this writing, I have yet to hear back from the contacts of the Neighborhood Ass., the City Councilman, or the Parks and Recreation Dept.

One has to wonder what they must be thinking.

Are they even concerned about what this could be, or if it poses a danger to the park going public?

Upon my 2nd visit to the park there was a family with children, amusing the natives, unaware of what I had discovered.

Maybe the 2 City Officials are checking my story out, and will get back to me Friday, or next week?

It seems more, and more, likely, though, that they think I'm a prankster, and figure that, if they ignore me, I will just go away.;-D

My discovery, and ongoing investigation, looks like it is turning into a story about Government Response to Citizen Concerns.

At least the Fishing Columnist of the OC Register responded.

Why the Nature Columnist has not is a mystery.

Maybe the NC is secretly looking into this with a mind to publishing a scoop in Nature Magazine, thus leaving me out of the loop in regards to fame and glory?

My investigation continues, thanks to a tip I got the other day, and I plan to return to the park over the weekend.

I am seriously considering visiting City Hall, and Parks and Rec, on Tuesday, my next day off.

***UPDATE -- 1PM***

I've just received an e-mail from one of the Neighborhood Ass. Contacts ( The other one is apparently no longer involved ) !!

Kiril,

I too am stumped as to what is out in the water.  I have not noticed anything there, but the picture doesn't lie.  I will take a walk and take a better look.

You might want to talk to the City worker that is there generally in the mornings cleaning around the pond.  She is also a resident within the tract and would know if something "fishy" is going on at the pond.

Please keep me posted as to your findings. 

Good luck,

Lisa Ruvalcava

She also provided me with the contact name for the Parks Naturalist, and I have fired off an e-mail. ;-D

***END UPDATE***

***UPDATE 2 -- 145AM on 9/1***

The Lake Thornton Monster Revealed!

***END UPDATE***

Investigating The Lake Thornton Monster

After the Saturday encounter there was no question that I was going to return for another look.

The natural thing to do was to approach the natives, and ask questions.

As you can see they were less than co-operative.

The whole lot just turned their backs on me, and waddled away, without so much as 1 word.

Luckily I was prepared for this eventuality, and took steps, very early Tuesday morning, to possibly get some answers.

I wrote e-mails to the contacts for the Thornton Park Neighborhood Ass., a Nancy Brown, and a Lisa Ruvalcava.

I wrote an e-mail to Councilmember Mike Garcia.

I wrote e-mails to Dave Strege, the Fishing Columnist for the OC Register, and  his colleague Pat Brennan, the Nature Columnist.

The purpose was to advise them of my discovery in the hopes that they might be able to shed some light on the mystery.

I also hoped the Councilman might tell me the name, and e-mail, of the person, in Parks and Recreation, that I should contact, since that info was not on the city website. ( UPDATE- 11am -- I Called P and R, got the info, and dashed off an e-mail, so stay tuned! )

As of 1am this morning I have received 1 reply to my e-mails... From Dave Strege, the Fishing Columnist:

Kiril, Interesting. Was it moving? I guess my initial thought of it is that maybe it's one of those big catfish rolling on top of the water... That's my best guest. 

Thanks for the email...

Dave

I did learn 2 things for certain on my return visit yesterday morning:

While it did not move, when I was there, it definitely IS NOT a catfish.

This being a small park lake, and there being no fishermen in sight, I have to assume it's not meant to be a "Fishing Hole".

The 2nd thing I learned is that the natives were definitely keeping their distance...

As you can tell from the distance between them, and "whatever it is" ( Focus on the trees by the lake, and look down into the water, and you can see it hanging out where it was on Sunday. ).

The natives were staying on the south side of the lake, and didn't venture further while I was there.

***UPDATE -- 1230PM on 8/31***

Investigating The Lake Thornton Monster 2.

***END UPDATE***

Nessie Cousin Spotted in Santa Ana Lake?

I was only intending to shoot photos of squirrels when I went to Carl Thornton Park, on Segerstrom, west of Bristol, here in town on Saturday afternoon.

I never expected to discover The Lake Thornton Monster!

A group of hispanics, on the grass, within sight of the lake, seemed unconcerned when I told them what I saw.

Over on the Official website of the Loch Ness Monster I found THIS PHOTO.

You be the judge. ;-D

***UPDATE - 2am on 8/30***

On Tuesday morning I bravely returned to the lake to further investigate, and share 2 new pictures in my next report:

Investigating the Lake Thornton Monster.

***END UPDATE***

2 Guys Explore Santiago Creek in 2003

There is a Biking/Walking Trail alongside Santiago Creek as it makes its way thru Santiago Park, in Santa Ana, and Hart Park in Orange that I have done a little walking, riding along in the past year..

I stumbled upon an hilarious, picture filled, Message Board Post on the ARStechnica Open Form that tells of the adventure of 2 area guys along the creek in Aug. 2003 ( The link below leads to a page of the writers website where the article was also posted. ):

We start our journey in the parking lot-slash-riverbed of Santiago Park, located at 2535 North Main Street, five minutes from the massive Main Place Mall.  During the dry season, this riverbed can hold about thirty cars until the pavement stops and the rockbed begins.  To the left you can see part of of it, along with a cute and cuddly little squirrel, which was probably plotting my demise and consequent hoarding in its nut stores until the winter.

Pure evil, those rodents are.

Unnerved, my brother and I pressed on, wary of any little woodland creatures that might try do us any bodily harm or lead us to our doom.  The most we came across was another squirrel along the opposite side of the river, doing whatever it is squirrels do, and a couple crows, which alighted on a tree branch and bid us well on our journey.  That, and one of them took a potshot at my brother.

Read, and enjoy, the adventure of Matt Perry, and his brother.  ( All Hail the Grackle!! Hee, hee!! ) ;-D

While you are at it check out the rest of Matt's website called The Chicken Coop of Doom. ;-D

Exposing a Problem at OC Superior Court

Today I served my 1 day of Jury Duty at the Orange County Superior Court in Santa Ana.

It was an interesting experience, and went smoothly.

I was never called to a court room, and so sat in the Jury Assembly Room with a room full of my fellow citizens, of different ethnic, and economic, backrounds, young, and old, from La Habra to San Clemente.

I read a book and, as the day progressed, made an important discovery that led me to ask a Clerk a question, and to write a note on the questionaire at the end of the day.

This Just In: Report Says I'm Supposed to be On Edge

With all that's going on in the world, this past week, all I needed was to learn of a Missile Crisis in my own backyard!

I mean, who the hell knew??

Orange County's first missile crisis deepened on Wednesday after county mediators got tired of fast food and taking spit baths in the restrooms. Several Inter-municipal ballistic missile (IMBM) sites in Irvine and Santa Ana remained on high alert as a result of the failed talks.

"We are very concerned about the situation," said one county mediator who wished to remain anonymous. "Have you ever tried to dry your pits with paper towels? Let me tell you, friend. It sucks."

Residents in both cities are on edge.

I discovered a great website covering the Orange County Scene in a most interesting way, this evening: OC Legend: Orange County's Original News Fabricator.

COUNTY MISSILE TALKS FAIL: Conflict between Irvine and Santa Ana escalates -- Supervisors throw in the towel after 58 hours of intensely unproductive negotiations.

I guess I'd better head over to the nearest Army Surplus Store in the morning.

In the meantime Nikita, and I will take turns on watch, overnight, to make sure those dastardly Irvinebollah folk don't infiltrate Santanastan from the north. ;-D

Santanistanista Kiril over and out!

***UPDATE -- 0830 HOURS***

Working in 3 1/2 hour shifts Comrade Nikita and I stayed alert throughout the night for any shenanigans by the Irvinebollah.

All was quiet.

I do not believe they will be a problem considering that they also have to worry about Tustinistan, NewportBeachistan, and CostaMesaville, on other borders ( The CostaMesaville Airforce has its facility ( Named after a famous area warrior named John Wayne ) right on their border. ), not to mention LakeForestinia, LagunaHillia, and others, along the borders of its wilderness fringe.

Santanistanista Kiril over and out!

***END UPDATE***

My Assembly District abandoned by the GOP?

It sure looks like it when the only Republican in the race for the 69th Assembly District is a 20 year old college student no-body with supposedly ( in the mind of the OC Weekly, among others ) absolutely no chance of waging a winnable campaign.

When the Lefty OC Weekly is impressed enough with him to interview him you have to wonder which is the stronger of the 2 reasons they would do so:

Do they genuinely feel sorry for him?

or

Are they leaping at the chance to needle the local GOP?

Probably both.

I love the intro:

Ryan Gene Williams moved from Houston to Orange County two years ago to attend Orange Coast College, and by November he’ll be dead.

The Santa Ana resident is running for state Assembly—a white guy in an assembly district that includes parts of Garden Grove and Anaheim (whose residents are likely to have been born in Mexico or Vietnam), and all of Santa Ana, the most Mexican big city in America. He’s a political science major at OCC, but has no formal political experience. In this, his first campaign, he’s running against José Solorio, a veteran Democratic pol and Santa Ana council member. Ethnicity and inexperience are enough to explain why Williams, a Republican, doesn’t expect any support from his party, but there’s also this: he opposed the re-election of GOP favorite Mike Carona in last week’s race for sheriff.

And he’s just 20 years old.

But we can dream.

And probably laugh at the OC Right.

Vengeance is mine Sayeth the Sheriff

The race for OC Sheriff was a contentious one with the incumbent Mike Carona, up to his ears in hints of, and some say actual, corruption for years, being challenged by one of his most important subordinates, Lt. Bill Hunt.

Carona barely survived, and within hours struck back, thus angering the Sheriffs Union, the County Supervisors, and, um, the mighty city of San Clemente.

Peggy Lowe, of the OC Register Blog, Total Buzz, wrote on the 9th:

"The rumors of more demotions by Carona and a "hit list" of Hunt supporters are still circulating wildly today, but no one's talking on the record."

May Day in Santa Ana 1030 to 11pm

A day of extortion, and intimidation, billed as A Day Without Immigrants ( Many of them ILLEGAL ) came to an end here in Santa Ana, Ca. with a wimper.

Granted it was a noisy, and boisterous, wimper, but it must be called a wimper none the less, when the late night gathering, of a only a few hundred, covers only several blocks, and the cops all spend their time hanging out in front of a 7-11 at one end of the spectacle.

1st the highlights of the day as reported by the intrepid folks over at Pajama Media ( Be sure to check out their Video ( UPDATE - 5/2: Video available )

1. Immigration Nation

2. Michael Ramirez Cartoon - 1125am.

3. Flirting with backlash: A sea of Mexican Flags in LA - 1148am.

4. Update from downtown LA - 207pm.

5. How Bloggers saw May 1 - 546pm.

6. Politicians wriggling over May 1 protest - 745pm.

7. A day of Images - 745pm.

With that wonderful reporting, and linkage, as backround let's move ahead almost 3 hours, and 1 county to the southeast. ;-D