The race for Santa Ana’s Ward 2 is very crowded – but two of the candidates, Michele Martinez and Tino Rivera, are suspect as I believe they will ally with Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido and Council Member Carlos Bustamante. Rivera already has their endorsements. Martinez is allied with the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, and with Pulido acolyte Al Amezcua.
A third candidate, Evangeline Gawronski, is the sole Republican in the race, which does not bode well in the overwhelmingly Democrat enclave that is Santa Ana. The knock on Gawronski is that she is a big backer of the pre-sale home inspections concept that is known as PIP in Santa Ana. For that reason alone, I cannot back her.
Rivera and Martinez also face an uphill battle as they are both on the city Parks and Recreation Commission – and quite frankly our parks suck! Visit Irvine and Tustin if you want to see what parks ought to look like. Rivera in particular has been on this commission for years – and what do we have to show for that service?
Tish Leon is the fourth candidate running for Lisa Bist’s seat. She lacks political experience, but has sunk $50,000 of her own money into her campaign. She also is utlilizing a campaign consultant, Jeff Freeman of Redondo Beach. Leon also is on record as having opposed the odious One Broadway Plaza project. That alone separates her from the other candidates.
Leon sent out her first campaign letter this week, and it touched on her experience working at a non-profit, Latino Health Access, and helping to bring a Farmer’s Market to Santa Ana. She also served as a Santa Ana commissioner, on the Community Redevelopment and Housing Commission.
I like that Leon talks about the need to focus on family issues, including our miserable parks, open space, after-school programs, and public safety. I called her this week and asked her to advocate for more public libraries as well.
If you would like to speak to Leon, call her at (714) 401-8312, or you can email her at this link. So far she looks like the one to vote for in this race.
Art
You should be ashamed of yourself!
How can you ignore or dimiss Evangeline’s LIFELONG record of service to this City and countless awards for her participation in COP, Comlink, Safety Committee, Nice Committe, Neighborhood Hero Award just to name a few. Just because you, oh high and mighty sit on your ass at home and do nothing blogger, don’t agree with one issue you slam her right out of the box. Why don’t you try stepping away from the keyboard for while and get out to some of the meetings that Evangeline is attending and get a reality check
“I called her this week and asked her to advocate for more public libraries as well.”
Art,
Why don’t you ask Leon real questions?
Like what is she gone do about 50+ murders since November 2004?
Like what is she gone do about prostitution?
Like if she is sane?
Like if she is cuckoo for coco puffs?
etc.
etc.
Very exiting candidates!
It really gone make Santa Ana better place after this election.
Art, Your pajarito wasn’t talking to you straight and doesn’t know Santa Ana politics.Your post is full of missinformation about all the candidates.If people rely on you for factual information they are in a world of hurt.
“Your post is full of missinformation about all the candidates.”
Ok, Anon, what would that incorrect information be?
Anon at 8:01 a, at 11:50 pm
Art’on the $$ about Evangeline. Attending lots of meetings doesn’t make anyone qualified for public office.
In fact, the close city allegiances you menntion – ComLink NICE, COP etc. – only prove we don’t need another “insider.”
Art provides a valuable service to this community. Just because he don’t agree w/you doesn’t make him a “do nothing blogger.”
I think support from Art is the kiss of death. Tish, start distancing yourself from Art immediately.
As many have stated, the concern for candidates who already are linked to such organizations as Com-Link, NICE, and other neighborhood groups, automatically causes concerns.
Mr. Rivera is an automatic no-no as he is endorsed by the current council, so arguments sake he is out of the picture… If one were to look at the differentiated factors the other three candidates, you will see two of them are closely aligned while one is not.
Evangeline as mentioned is a members of those groups, which is not necessarily a token in her favor. As Art mentioned she is a republican, which means she is not likely to get elected in Santa Ana. Lastly, she will need to raise a ton of money in an attempt to differentiate herself from the other candidates.
Michielle Martinez, seems to be a genuine person, who truly cares about her community, particularly our troubled youth, however her biggest point against her favor is her alignment with Harrah, Amezcua, and other council members. This would imply she was in favor of OBP, she may continue to support Harrah, and perhaps may have Amezcua as her mentor. My suggestion would be for her to alienate herself from those people and push hard on the fact she is a local women ready to make some changes to the city.
Tish Leon, seems to be the only candidate with no link to the city whatsoever. This is a huge positive! Although she has no political experience, some may find this to be a detriment. I find it refreshing and hoping she can win this seat and bring fresh ideas, and an unbiased opinion about in the city. Working for Latino Health Access is also a big bonus and she understand the needs of the community.
I am leaning towards Tish, but am really hoping Michielle steps up to the plate and denounces her alliances and makes an attempt to move this city forward.
If support from Art is the kiss of death (anon 7:15) then support from Luis is the kiss of Fidel.
Funny. In all honesty I can’t understand half of Luis’ posts. Perhaps a remedial writing class is in order.
Thank you Art for not being like the rest of the Republicans who back Republicans just because the GOP says to or because the candidate is a Republican. Following the GOP gave us a third term of Carona.
I hope that Michelle prevails in this race. Tino is the one with the endorsements of the Mayor and the rest of the establishment, which means that Michelle is a bright candidate who has no reason to be another loyal vote for the Mayor.
Michelle Martinez is the mouthpiece for Al Amezcua. She speaks not lest he moves her strings.
It is a horse race for ward #2.
I like Tish for the job but I would not be disapointed if Evangeline was elected instead.
I don’t think either one of these two fine women would run away from community service if they were not elected to this post.
I don’t know anything about the other two.
Luis,You wrote – the biggest point against Michele Martinez is her alignment with Harrah, Al Amezcua and other council members.The word alignment means agreement with a person’s or an organization’s agenda.No city council member has agreed to support her campaign. They are supporting Tino Rivera.So there is no alignment there.Al Amezcua from what I understand supports her campaign.The support is no different than any other citizen’s support. Supporters align to her issues, which are the citizens’s issues.Michele was employed by the consultant Harrah hired to work on measure A (OBP). There is no alignment with any agenda here either.I hope this answers you concerns adequately. Art Lomeli
Hey guys—don’t you think the 1:20pm Anon (of course) post qualifies for deletion?
People might have some legitimate concerns about this candidate(see Luis post)but this personal name calling and innuendo just drags down your blog site.
bladerunner, thanks for the observation.That person was a real critical thinker….not. Art Lomeli
It still seems we have people that can’t stick to the real issues. Name-calling and association has nothing to do with Santa Ana issues. So, lets grow up…
Art,
Using the definition you have listed I would then definately say Michielle is aligned with Mr. Amezcua. I had lunch with Michielle and she was being advised, at that time, by him.
Although you are correct about any council candidate supporting her, lets keep in mind, she was appointed by a council member, she did support a program which was support by the majority of the council (OBP), and she works with a person who received the support of the council(Harrah).
Michielle needs to demonstrate, as you are, she is not working with those people to ensure a distinction from the other candidates. Otherwise, she will be labeled as a council, Harrah, Amezcua ally.
I do appreciate your comments and your support for her. I truly would like to support Michielle, but as I told her in person, my concerns still exist regarding the aforementioned.
Luis, Michele is her own person. Looks can be deceiving. Michele very independent of all council members, Harrah, Amezcua and everyone else who is established with the political machine of Santa Ana (Mayor). At the end of the day, you will see that Michele is a stand up person. I respect this young lady and understand what she is dealing with. You need to give her a chance. It
Name one thing that Michelle Martinez has done for Santa Ana.
There is nothing independent about her. She is aligned with Al Amezcua, Mike Harrah and some other city commisioners. She was a staunch supporter of OPB and would love to see Santa Ana grow as many tall buildings as possible.
Now, if you want Santa Ana to become another Los Angeles, than Michelle is your girl. If you want to fix the problems we have and curb over-crowding, then Michelle is not your girl. I personally think she would be an embarrassment to the city. She’s too young and too busy partying all the time. Her maturity has to catch up with her ambition before she will be seriously considered for any office.
Luis, The aligning is the other way,not as you think.Amezcua is supporting Michele’s platform,as any other supporter would.The advice is on her platform.I want to re-emphasize that she was employed by the consultant on that project.She does not work for Harrah. Not that these points as you saw them would sway her platform. I re-state these points for the record. Art Lomeli
Anon,
Mr. Rivero is not even in the picture as far as I am concerned. My choices are between Ms. Martinez and Ms. Leon.
I have no interest in Ms. Martinez’ physical attributes or anything else that has nothing to do with issues.
You are also correct regarding the council endorsing the candidate. However, this is the same problem I have with Evangeline, they seem to be surrounding themselves with the same council cronies. That is all.
I hope you are correct and I am wrong. As I mentioned before I would be more than happy to support her if I know her ideals do not match that of the current city council, Mr. Harrah, or Mr. Amezcua.
Art,
I appreciate your comments and thoughts on this matter. Thank you very much for chiming in. I will look more depth regarding this issue, and perhaps meet with Michielle again to make sure the truth is told. Thanks Art.
Folks, do you know what I like about the politic?
I like that you all at this forum have no influence who will or will not get elected to any office. It would be absolute disaster if you would.
The outcome will be decided based on bingo voting, so incumbents first because the voters are morons too, and than any other reason voter may pick.
Obviously in City overrun by Mexicans it helps to have Mexican name. That is why Nativo Lopez is no longer Lary.
Since it looks like there will be another candidate for mayoral office the bingo may be more interesting.
Same like last election the Orange County Register will not give a shit about the city election so there will be no single article about it printed.
Please keep talking Luis. The more you support Martinez and Leon the more folks will run from them…screaming,
1st anon blogger said …
Art
“You should be ashamed of yourself!
How can you ignore or dimiss Evangeline’s LIFELONG record of service to this City and countless awards for her participation in COP, Comlink, Safety Committee, Nice Committe, Neighborhood Hero Award just to name a few.”
You certainly didn’t complain when Art came to the defense of Tim Rush on this site when Rush was being pummelled by OJ bloggers. I didn’t read any complaints about Art when he generously posted the NICE meeting as a topic for discussion.
Art and I do not agree on several matters, however Art has always been fair on “his blog.” First anon blogger should be ashamed of their post.
Read City Line’s recent editorial -Blowing the Whistle on Code Violators – and take special note of it’s closing comment …” blowing the whistle is a freedom that is markedly American, and can help expose wrongdoing. But the whistle must be used with discretion as well.”
Tim Rush made over 300 calls to code enforcement and had the benefit of Dunmas cell phone to expedite his whistle blowing antics. Rush’s obsessiveness is shared by Evangeline and one should be leary of such zealots.
City Line took a good swipe at Rush and he deserved it.
In response to Anon 5:47 am
How can you suggest that a person who has for many years attended and participated in countless meetings geared to all things related to neighborhoods and families, safty and quality of life,as a “city insider” It is this type of bizarre twisted thinking that keeps Santa Ana in the mess it is in today
It is blatently obvious that Evangeline is the only candidate with ANY experience with all of the aformentioned City service groups. She has done her homework and paid her dues. If you don’t want to support her,fine, but don’t even try to pretend that the other candidates can come close to her track record of long time care and participation
Anon,
I appreciate you thinking about me. However, I will continue to address my opinion on specific issues, if its ok with you.
I would honestly prefer you would be more open when trying to attack me, but I am sure you have your reasons. Thanks for posting on Orange Juice, either way.
P.S. Who are you inclined to support?
I know Evangelyne loves violating the property rights of others. A friend in the family recently moved to Wilshire Square and caught her looking into their back yard. They came out and she quickly walked away, ignoring their requests that she come back so they could find out why she was peeking in their backyard.
I have found out from others in Wilshire Square that she regularly does this, primarily with Hispanic families in the neighborhood, on the excuse of “code enforcement.” She claims she wants to make sure that people are not moving in other families into the garage. Yet she conveniently singles out Hispanics. Peeking in people’s back yards is a violation of their Civil Rights as well as their property rights. Imagine what a control freak she will be on the Council Dais. And lets not get started on her husband Ray, who makes Archie Bunker look like a ACLU activist.
Looks like Evangelyne and Ray are your typical HOA axis of evil
That is why they are gravitating to all these neighborhood associations.
Anoymous 7:07pm. The problem with the countless meetings geared to all things related to neighborhoods,families and participation in all the aformentioned City service groups is that the attention mentioned here is exclusively for the interests of the Wishire Square neighborhood Association and for others with the same interests. What about the interests and concerns of the other 90% of the Santa Ana residents? Some will be similar, others will be specific to those communities.Civic participation has to be all inclussive with a sense of understanding of other resident’s survival challenges. Art Lomeli
Art L,
Please notice that civic participation must be spontaneous rater than mandated as in communism, fascism and ComLink.
To Anon 7:04
Why would you even mention the Chamber and that useless rag City Line.
Everyone knows Metzler and crew worship at the alter of Caribou Industries.
Since you brought up the now infamous 300 calls for service and follow up, let me remind you if the matters had been addressed and solved in a timely manner the majority of those calls would not have been necessary. But that fact doesn’t make for scathing controversy does it?
Anon 9:33pm
Those of us who live in the city of Santa Ana, for the most part, understand and recognize there are violations in code enforcement going on throughout the city. These violations tend to be more intense, in non-neigborhood associations areas.
However, what is pathetic is to see a man call 300 times for every little thing. This is the mentality most people would like to avoid. If Evangeline is like that, then we dont need her on the city council.
We need someone who will understand the complexities of the city and address them accordingly. As Dr. Lomeli stated, we need to look at what is best for all residents in Santa Ana, not just residents in a specific area of town.
“
Tish Leon is the fourth candidate running for Lisa Bist’s seat. She lacks political experience, but has sunk $50,000 of her own money into her campaign. She also is utlilizing a campaign consultant, Jeff Freeman of Redondo Beach. Leon also is on record as having opposed the odious One Broadway Plaza project. That alone separates her from the other candidates.”
Art,
Why would anyone spend that kind of money? What do they get out of it to recoup their “investment”?
Thanks for any help understanding this.
Although I am not Art, I can answer your question anon 7:06. Leon is expecting to get from her council membership what Ted Moreno got from his.
Luis’ last post is an absolute classic.We have been told re: the “300” that the MAJORITY of those calls were ongoing and follow up with the neighborhood used car salesman. If you had paid attention you would remember Rush had to call code enforcement, police dept,DMV, and Tom Umberg’s
office before anything was resolved. He did a great thing for EVERYONE who lives in or owns property in that neighborhood. No one will ever know exactly how many calls were directly made re: the car dealer but everyone who can now find a parking space in the 1200 blk of Broadway should thank Rush period.
Luis will you explain why you suggest Evageline has a history of supporting only certain groups or neighborhoods? Comlink represents ALL neighborhoods, the NICE committe and Safety committee represents every inch of this city. Evangeline lives in Wilshire Square so is it so strange she concentrates her efforts in her own neighborhood. Ask any neighborhood leader where they direct most of their attention.
Sheesh! Why not ask Evageline some specific questions about what her plans, hopes and ideas are for the entire City, istead of this assortment of postings we have seen so far.
Anon 7:36
Your points are well taken. We should ask her about her position, and I intend on doing so.
Your opinion in regards to NICE, Comlink and others organizations, is where we differ. I dont believe they are designed to benefit the entire city. As a council member, Evangeline should represent the city as whole regardless of where she lives. We do not have ward specific elections. Therefore, she should look to help all neighborhoods, even if it means some of her Wilshire Square neigbors may get upset at her.
Anonymous 7:06, The source and nature of the $50,000 is of interest.More important, is the need to invest this ammount of private money.This indicates a lack of public support. Art Lomeli
Evangeline is not a serious candidate. She will go the way of Robert Henson, Winston Covington, and Roy Russell. Nice folks who think organizing the 4th of July parade on thier street or baking cookies for thier local firefighters can get them elected in a city wide election. Maybe in Santa Ana in 1956 but not in 2006.
Art-Would you have said the same thing about Solorio who used his personal money for the campaign as well?
Com Link is a freaking joke. It is filled with a bunch of idiots who think they can dictate how everyone in Santa Ana is supposed to live and think they can use Com Link to stand up to the city establishment. They do not realize Miguel Pulido can shut down Com Link anytime he pleases.
Their little Dave’s Neighbors project a year ago was a joke. They were a one issue group who claimed they wanted to take all three Council seats up for election and instead focused on some 22 year old to beat Solorio, in the end he got a whopping 20% of the vote. They try to claim they made the difference for Carlos Bustamante, what a laugh.
It is amazing to me how irrelevant and frivolous issues are discussed here about the candidates.
Is there any one who cares about real issues?
Cannot wait for the October debate when senile members fro the League of Women Voters will ask me the usual stupid question:
“Mr. Fiala, if elected as mayor would you attend council meetings?”
anonymous 10:31am, Yes I would ask he same question.If it is relevant for one individual,it is relevant for the other. Art Lomeli
Comlink is the re-birth of the old Santa Ana Sampson goofy gadfly club. Some kooks….some nice people…some nice kooks….some not so nice kooks…talking to themselves…year…after year…after year….after year…after year…about how those dirty dogs the elected officials don’t listen to them and all of the neat ideas they have to turn Santa Ana into Disneyland…I guess it’s more fun than the Senior Center at Jerome park or the Lawn Bowling club at Santiago Park. Mostly harmless.
Luis,
Why would you say “My choices are between Ms. Martinez and Ms. Leon”
without ever sitting down with Ms.Gawronski the way you did with the others?
You suggest liking one candidate because she is a “local women ready to make some changes to the city.”
Could the same not be said of Ms.Gawronski?
I sent out questions by eamil to 4 candidates.
Only 2 answered and answered well.
1 ignored me.
1 told me her “consultants” advised her to ignore bloggers.
I will not announce support until the close of filing.
I encourage you to sit with all, to be to the city, and yourself.
that would be……
To be fair to the city, and to yourself.
Thomas,
You are correct that would probably be the most prudent thing to do. Like you, I have a grudge against the city and its council.
A person who gets their endorsement is automatically off of my list for consideration.
I also feel the same way about Com-Link, NICE Committee, and other city organizations as they seem to be interested in Wilshire Square Floral Park, Santiago Park, French Park, and sometimes Washington Square.
I prefer a candidate with no affiliation.
Evangeline, from what I have heard, and what you have read in this post, seems to be the female counterpart for Tim Rush. We dont need someone like that on the council. If I am wrong so be it, but I am not going to go off of what they say on questions you posed to them. I am going to go off of actions and records.
Those that have records, they are not very good. I think I will take my chanes with the unknown.
Luis stated: “I prefer a candidate with no affiliation.”
Luis, here I come!
I have absolutely no affiliation so do you prefer me?
Stanley,
If it will please you, instead of not voting at all for Mayor, I will go ahead and vote for you. Would that keep you from attacking me every chance you get?
Stanley is the candidate of National Socialist Luis. You are a National Socialist Stanley!