Navel Gazing

Survivors Relive Killer Laguna Canyon Mudslide for TV

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:46:30 -0800

The amazing--and tragic--experiences of Laguna Canyon residents one fateful night 11 years ago are relived in a new episode of the Weather Channel's Storm Stories Sunday at 5 p.m. Narrated by Jim Cantore, Storm Stories chronicles the true stories of survivors and rescuers battling amazing weather events

After six Laguna Canyon residents escaped one mudslide, they helped rescue trapped neighbors before seeking refuge and a night's sleep Feb. 23, 1998, in the home of Charlie and Anne Quilter. For reporters following up on the story afterward, Charlie Quilter recalled the exact time tragedy struck: 11:58 p.m. That's when a larger mudslide tore down the hill and ripped away part of his home, carrying the occupants with it.

One guest, Glenn Flook, did not make it out alive. The 25-year-old had gone with his fiancé to the Quilters after rescuing neighbors trapped by the first mudslide before falling victim to the second.

Gary Segraves did manage to get out of the Quilter house alive, landing in the right place at the right time to rescue nine-month-old Tiffany Sarabia, whose family feared she drowned in the river of mud after being ripped from her mother's arms. Tiffany, who was not reunited with her parents until days later at a Red Cross center, became known as the miracle baby of Laguna Canyon.

Game, Fans Gives Back to Former Titan Catcher Jon Wilhite

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:09:21 -0800

Jon Wilhite

The Orange County Flyers are going to try to win one for Jon Wilhite on Monday night. The independent Golden Baseball League team is hosting a night for former Cal State Fullerton Titans catcher who suffered what doctors described as an internal decapitation from the April 9 car accident that took the lives of Angels rookie pitcher Nick Adenhart, Titans cheerleader Courtney Stewart and Wilhite's former high school teammate Henry Pearson.

No admission will be charged for fans who show up to the 7:05 p.m. game versus the Calgary Vipers at Cal State Fullerton's Goodwin Field, but there will be silent auctions of sports and Hollywood memorabilia and opportunity drawings between innings for numerous donated prizes. Proceeds going toward Wilhite's extensive medical bills. For those who can't make it to the game, donations are accepted at any Wells Fargo Bank to account No. 3980643658.

"It's about the Titan family, plain and simple," said Phil Nevin, manager of the Flyers and a former All-American infielder for the Titans who went on to play 12 seasons in the bigs. "These tragic things happen every day, but when they happen in your family you stop, take a look and do everything you can to help family."

Wilhite, his family and some of the first responders from the Fullerton Fire Department who have received much of the credit for Wilhite's survival will be at the game. A moment of silence will be observed for Adenhart, Stewart and Pearson.

Calgary, which leads the Northern Division, is making its first visit to Goodwin Field since losing to the Flyers, 10-9, in the Golden League championship game last September.

Surf City 5K Does Not Have Ex-Miss California to Kick Around

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:03:50 -0800

Prejean: No show

Like that other unanswerable question about the sound (or lack thereof) of a tree falling in the forest, we will never know if the Surf City Run 5K on July 4 would have been among the events ex-Miss California USA 2009 Carrie Prejean would have blown off. Of course, Prejean says she was fired because of her infamous gay-marriage comments, while tournament officials blame her dismissal on her absence from her appointed rounds.

In any event, Huntington Beach gets the newer Miss California USA 2009, Tami Farrell, joining former Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza in delivering the pre-race speech for the 8 a.m. Open 5K run. Well, Huntington Beach gets her if she shows up.

Farrell: Present?

They are scheduled to be preceded at the 7 a.m. start by Miss USA 2009 Kristen Dalton, who encourages on the Residents 5K runners. Miss California Teen USA 2009 Chelsea Gilligan delivers the inspirational words before the 9 a.m. Kids 1 Mile and Half Mile runs.

Who knew beauty queens did this kind of stuff? No wonder Prejean blew if off. Sounds grueling.

Organizers anticipate 4,000 runners will push off from the start line at Main and 17th streets. More information is at SurfCityRun.com.

"Slave Hunter" Co-Authors Chime in on Technology, Internet

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:52:01 -0800

CORRECTED VERSION...

You'll find separate interviews on this site with Aaron Cohen and Christine Buckley, the co-authors of Slave Hunter: One's Man's Global Quest to Free Victims of Human Trafficking (Simon & Schuster). One thing you won't read in those Q&As is their shared beliefs that technology and the Internet are helping to make the cause to end global slavery easier. That's because we've saved those comments for this post.

"As I watch coverage of the events in Iran, I'm torn," Buckley says while preparing to leave New York for her home in Paris. "I'm pleased that technology (particularly Twitter and text messaging) has enabled the demonstrators to protest, access information and communicate with each other. But given (former Iranian President Mohammad cleric Ayatollah Ahmad) Khatami's threat, I also fear for their lives. The regime will not go down without shedding blood. There are many parallels with the situation in Burma and North Korea."

Buckley mentioned this last week, before today's Radio Free Asia revelation about a leaked report purportedly drafted by authorities in Burma's military government describing a top-secret visit to North Korea late last year by Burma's top brass, during which the two sides pledged to significantly expand cooperation in military training and arms production. The 37-page report in Burmese claims to contain details of a Nov. 22-29 visit to North Korea by 17 Burmese officials, billed as a goodwill visit to China and reportedly led by Gen. Thura Shwe Mann, Burma's third-ranked leader and armed forces chief of staff.

America's Next Top Cheerleader Who Does More Than Lead Cheers

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:05:34 -0800

Derick Alexander

Ho, hum, another day, another Orange County-based reality show. At least Costa Mesa resident, actor and Chapman University film school graduate Derick Alexander hopes the pilot for Pro Cheer Danz he is shooting Friday night at Sutra Lounge in Triangle Square will become a full-blown TV show.

We've had competition shows that have sought America's next top models, singers and dancers. Pro Cheer Danz -- and please follow along closely as it gets somewhat complicated -- is looking for the next cheerleader to break out and become known for something other than being a cheerleader. Think Paula Abdul and Teri Hatcher. (Tracy Ann Donoho, not so much.)

Speaking of cheerleaders known for something other than being a cheerleader, Roxanne Alexander-Pringle, who was an Oakland Raiderette and still is Derick Alexander's sister, is teaming up with her brother to co-create and host Pro Cheer Danz. Seven amateur cheerleaders will compete in cheer and dance routines, hip hop dance with celebrity rap artists, an acting competition and swimsuit calendar modeling. But the pilot episode centers around a fashion show at Sutra. See, Smarty, cheerleaders can do lots of other things!

Top 5 Hate Crime Reports in June--and a [Non-]Bogus Bonus [THE RE-WRITE]

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:57:09 -0800

Kevin O'Grady, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League's Orange County/Long Beach office, was kind enough to email over five hate-crime reports his office received this past June, in reverse chronological order.

While that format may be helpful to give readers a sense of how bigotry, anti-Semitism, white supremacy, neo-Nazism and Holocaust denial progressed as the month wore on, it still begs the question: Where's the fun in that?

Here, then, are those same five hate citations ranked in order of awfulness--with a bonus non-bogus crime thrown in for shits and giggles. See if you can spot the ~~imposter~~! real crime that did not make the ADL list.

To Do Orange County: July 4th

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:51:25 -0800

Looking for a way to celebrate Independence Day? Take a look at the options below to
ensure that you're not home alone when the fireworks are going off.

"I'M ON A BOAT!" 4th of July Queen Mary Spectacular

The pool opens at 11am and you can lounge, drink, and dance. Walk around the ship and check out the karaoke bar, comedy club, beer pong tournament and more. Then, watch the West Cost's Biggest Fireworks show happen RIGHT ABOVE YOU. Following that, the ship will turn into SoCal's top outdoor nightclub, with DJs spinning over the water!
The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 562-435-3511, $25

Newport Dunes 4th of July Celebration

One of the most highly anticipated annual events in Southern California is the 4th of July celebration sponsored by Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort in Newport Beach. Once again, the resort will join forces with the City of Newport Beach in hosting a spectacular fireworks extravaganza beginning at 9 p.m. orchestrated by Pyro Spectacular. The entire day, however, will include a number of family activities that are covered in the cost of parking including bounce houses, water slides, surf simulators, carnival rides and a fun fair. (The $50 per car parking fee includes 5 wristbands covering a number of all-day activities.) In keeping with recent tradition and to maintain a family atmosphere, alcohol consumption will be prohibited at the patriotic celebration. Full beverage service will be available at the newly opened Back Bay Bistro only.
1131 Back Bay Dr, Newport Beach, 949-729-3863, $5

Nick Adenhart Memorial Fund Presents First $5,000 Check

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:18:07 -0800

The Nick Adenhart Memorial Fund, a charitable fund set up in the name of the Angels pitcher who was killed along with two other in an April 9 auto accident in Fullerton, has presented its first $5,000 check benefiting Little League baseball in Adenhart's home state of Maryland.

Jim Adenhart, Nick's father, and Jim Sr. and Connie Adenhart, the pitcher's grandparents, made the donation to the Halfway Little League, where Nick once pitched, at home plate before a tournament game Wednesday, reports the Williamsburg Herald-Mail.

"This is where it all first started," Jim Adenhart reportedly said. "It all started over there over the hill and he played for six years here. He is here in center field watching us today."

Water Agencies May Again Try To Wrangle Out of $204,000 Fine

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:08:32 -0800

Clockwork told you in May about the San Diego region staff of the state's Regional Water Control Board recommending the South Orange County Wastewater Authority--which collects, treats, reuses and disposes of waste water for 10 South County agencies--and the South Coast Water District--an independent agency that serves the water and sewer needs of 40,000 residents in Dana Point, South Laguna and north San Clemente--pay a $204,000 fine.

This was for violations of state permit restrictions concerning the discharge of brine and waste water from the district's Groundwater Recovery Facility and into the San Juan Creek Ocean Outfall. The targeted agencies first appealed to the local regional board, which sided with staff. So they appealed to the state board in Sacramento. They just struck out there, too, reports the Orange County Register. As you'll read below from the Reg's OC Watchdog blog, the agencies are contemplating another appeal.

Folks at South Coast are bummed - not just because of the fine's large size (the district can afford it), but because it bodes ill for the future of recycled water there.

South Coast hoped to double the amount of drinking water it pumps from the ground - to 20 percent of its supply - but that will be impossible as things stand.

"We're disappointed," said general manager Mike Dunbar.

The district will likely appeal, said district counsel Betty Burnett.

The facility treats low-quality groundwater to produce potable water, but that process also generates extremely salty waste water whose re-entry into the creek's ocean mouth is regulated under the state permit that became effective in October 2006. The regional board's assistant executive officer issued an Administrative Civil Liability Complaint against the two agencies on Feb. 27 for 68 alleged violations of "total suspended solids, settleable solids, and turbidity effluent limitations that occurred from August 2007 through October 2008."

McKinney Follows UC Irvine Speech With Israeli Detention [UPDATED]

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:53:40 -0800

UPDATED WITH WORD MCKINNEY REMAINS IN ISRAELI JAIL...
Former U.S. Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney (D-Georgia) is shown speaking at UC Irvine May 13 as part of the Muslim Student Union's controversial, three-week "Israel: The Politics of Genocide" teach-in. Here she makes the case that forces hellbent on continuing U.S. wars in the Middle East devised a coordinated effort to get her defeated in her unsuccessful 2006 reelection bid. That, she says, paved the way for Congress to pass a war funding bill--despite public opposition--by one vote. Later, when asked by an audience member if she blames the Jews for her defeat, McKinney answers that individuals who belong to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) were part of the conspiracy against her.

FreeGaza.org

Former U.S. Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney (back row, red blouse) is shown with other passengers before their detention.

Against that backdrop ~~comes~~ came word ~~today~~ Wednesday that McKinney is among the 21 Free Gaza Movement activists aboard a humanitarian relief ship that was stopped and held by the Israeli navy in international waters.

The Greek-flagged Spirit of Humanity was carrying medical supplies, olive trees and children's toys to Palestinians under blockade in the Gaza Strip. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is among the groups urging President Obama to intervene on behalf of the ship's passengers.

The Israeli government had indicated the passengers would be processed by immigration officials on the Israeli shore and released. But McKinney just issued a statement saying they remain jailed.

To Do Tonight - 7/2

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:03:05 -0800

Film Screening: Rear Window, 7 p.m.

View this Alfred Hitchcock classic starring James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey, as it was intended to be seen: on the big screen.

UC Irvine, Winifred Smith Hall, W. Peltason and Campus Dr., Irvine, CA; 949-637-0749

Salsa Group Class and Dance, 9 p.m.

Bust out your best spicy Latino dance moves to these funky fresh grooves.

Avant Garde Ballroom, 4220 Scott Drive, Newport Beach, CA; 949-442-9600

Jamie Foxx, 8 p.m.

He's an actor, a musician, and soon he'll also be a magician. Or will he? The only thing we know for certain is that the man is a true talent.

The Grove of Anaheim, 2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA; 714-712-2750

John Urell Gets Punked!!!

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:55:13 -0800

John Urell, pastor to the powerful (see: Supervisor Bill Campbell, blog king Matt "Jubal" Cunningham), pedo-priest protector supreme, was the victim of a brilliant prank this past Sunday at St. Timothy in Laguna Niguel. Someone created the flyer above, which details at length Urell's role in the Diocese of Orange's sex-abuse scandal, and inserted it into nearly all the church bulletins after morning Mass. Even better, the same prankster slipped the flyer under the windshield of every car in St. Timothy's parking lot and in the surrounding neighborhood. No word yet on who did it or why, but one witness told the Weekly that the flyer got the job done. "People picked up the flyers," said the longtime parishioner, who requested anonymity, "and didn't throw them away." Tee-hee!

Lt. Dan Choi on His "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Setback

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:41:10 -0800

Former Tustin resident Lt. Dan Choi issued the following statement regarding a military panel in New York recommending he be discharged from the Army:

Dear friend --

I've got some bad news.

After 10 years of service to our country--including leading combat patrols, rebuilding schools and translating Arabic in Iraq for 15 months--the Federal Recognition Board issued its recommendation on Tuesday that I be discharged from the Army for "moral and professional dereliction" under the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.

The board's decision to fire me is not the end. Now that this panel of four officers has recommended my discharge, it still must be approved by senior officials in the Army, a process that could take a few weeks to a year. Unless something unexpected happens, it may be just a matter of time before the Army officially fires me.

I will not give up, no matter the odds. Because I know that the only way we will win this fight to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is by facing it head on. And I need your help again to keep up the fight.

I've made my case to President Obama--supported by more than 140,000 of your signatures. I've made my case to the Army--supported by more than 160,000 of your signatures. And I will continue to make my case until they fire me for good.

Ringling Bros.: We Do Care For Our Animals

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:17:40 -0800

Photo by Keith May

The media was out there, and so was the circus.

Anyone who marveled at the incisive journalism and expert photography displayed in the coverage of animal-rights activist Melissa Sehgal's nude protest over Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus' upcoming Honda Center run knows Navel Gazing took on a whole new meaning that June 25 morning.

One thing you did not marvel at was circus promoter Feld Entertainment's on-the-spot response, which through a communications snafu did not reach yours truly until this morning.

Better late than never, as the elephant-poop scoopers say:

Animals at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® are healthy and well cared for by a team of full-time veterinarians and an animal care staff that works to ensure that the animals have an enriching and safe environment. Protesters make false and distorted allegations about Ringling Bros.® animal care, and we invite people to come see for themselves that our animals are healthy and thriving in our care.

Campaign to Bring Michael Jackson's "Captain EO" Back to Disneyland Has 2 Problems

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:43:12 -0800

As someone commenting on this previous post revealed, an online petition drive has been launched to urge Disneyland to bring back the Captain EO attraction in light of Michael Jackson's death. But there are two problems with this:

1) The site being used to pull this off, PetitionSpot.com, has no single, unified petition but at least four different efforts. Save Captain EO, which has 223 supporters toward a goal of getting 10,000, calls for either the attraction's return or the release of the film on DVD. Bring Back Captain EO to Disneyland (supporters: 615; goal: 100,000) simply wants to do that. Captain EO 3-D DVD Release (253; 100,000) only wants that to happen. Rerelease MJ Captain EO & Moonwalker (95; 100,000) mentions EO in the title, but the description only calls for the release of the Moonwalker compilation that was once available on VHS. Not to be confused with any of these is Send Michael Jackson to Heaven, which calls on God to accept the Gloved One through the Pearly Gates. It has 44 supporters toward its 1 million goal. Good luck with that one.

The problem, besides each petition being waaaay off in reaching their respective goals, is they tend to cancel one another out. True, there is nothing stopping MJ/EO fanatics from signing each one, but spreading the word would be much easier if there was a single online petition campaign to get behind.

Of course, this pales compared to . . .