CUSD Recall Blog

November 2008 Δ

November 4, 2008 REFORM SLATE WINS IN 4-WAY SWEEP! Tonight, reform candidates Jack Brick, Ken Maddox, Sue Palazzo and Mike Winsten won all four open seats on the CUSD Board of Trustees. This monumental victory marks the end of the corrupt Fleming-era in CUSD and ushers in a new era in which all seven Board seats are held by reform trustees. Capistrano Dispatch, OC Register

Brick, Maddox, Palazzo and Winsten

November2, 2008 California Taxpayer Protection Committee supports reform slate; warns voters against returning to the days of CUSD corruption

The California Taxpayer Protection Committee has distributed a mailer asking voters to support the Reform Slate of Brick, Maddox, Palazzo and Winsten, and exposes special interests behind the union-backed, status quo slate. See CTPC mailer.

October 2008 Δ

October 31, 2008 Teachers expose union lies, rejecting union claims they represent views of all or most teachers

The OC Register reports, “The Prop. 8 flap isn't the only issue that has local teachers concerned about accurate representation by their unions. In the Capistrano Unified School District, the teachers union has thrown at least $73,400 into a hotly contested Nov. 4 school board race. The concern is that at least 5 percent of the district's 2,400 members, by the union's own admission, are backing an opposing slate of candidates.” The local CUSD teachers union, the CUEA, first claimed ALL 2,400 CUSD teachers supported their status quo slate of candidates. When this patent lie was exposed, the union backed off, claiming 2,300 did, and conceding that AT LEAST 5% (115) supported the reform slate. The truth is, only 100 of the 2,400 CUSD teachers voted on the matter, which is LESS THAN the 5% they conceded! Now the sleazy teachers union, that doesn't even respect its own members, would have you believe the social agendas of their benefactor, the CTA, and their socially liberal status quo slate of candidates won’t eventually limit parent choice by imposing their social “values” on your kids in the classrooms. Sure they won't. See OC Register article.

October 26, 2008 Reform Candidate Mike Winsten offers sensible solutions to improve transparency and restore public trust in CUSD
Winsten addresses parent concerns over the lack of transparency at CUSD and proposes solutions for the benefit of parents and taxpayers. Winsten, an attorney and independent businessman, is the reform candidate for CUSD Trustee Area 3, which covers most of San Clemente. See entire statement



October 22, 2008 State Senator Dick Ackerman critical of state teachers union for spending $1.7 million of teachers' money on partisan, social issues unrelated to education, while state cuts squeeze teachers and schools
Ackerman says, "CTA's choice to take money from teachers and use it to fund a campaign for a social issue unrelated to its mission is shameful. It is time for CTA to stop throwing money around and focus its attention on representing the priorities of its members." See OC Register column


October 21, 2008 Teachers unions are spending big money on a liberal, non-educational social agenda and like-minded candidates who will decide what to teach your children, if elected
The CUSD Recall Committee is deeply disturbed by the recent contribution of $1,000,000 to the No on 8 campaign by the California Teachers Association.  We are equally disturbed by the tremendous amounts of money being spent by the union in our local Capistrano Unified School District elections (the CUEA) in an effort to elect socially liberal and unqualified candidates. Schools may not be required to discuss these issues in classrooms, but have discretion to do so, and likely will if such liberal, union-backed candidates are elected. See OC Register article, "Will gay marriage be taught in public schools if Prop. 8 fails?"

October 18, 2008 Mike Winsten explains key element of reform platform: "Spend our tax dollars equitably throughout CUSD."
Winsten describes some of the priorities and policies needed to correct past and continuing inequities in funding and facilities in CUSD. "Please vote for me and I will help lead CUSD forward while making sure every school site is treated equally.  I will not quietly tolerate one school site being treated more equally than others due to shadow politics and favoritism. Thank you for taking the time to make an educated vote for our public schools." Winsten, an attorney and independent businessman, is the reform candidate for CUSD Trustee Area 3, which covers most of San Clemente. See entire statement

October 17, 2008 Old Guard CUSD trustees disgraced again with "Darkness Award" Tomorrow, the California First Amendment Coalition, a freedom of press group, will present its annual Darkness Award to three recipients, including the CUSD Board of Trustees, in recognition of "conduct that thwarts freedom of speech and the public's right to know." The award follows the release of a September 2nd OC District Attorney's report condemning the CUSD Old Guard trustees for their "disturbing disdain, if not outright contempt" for district residents. The same report praised the CUSD reform trustees for their commitment to end such disgraceful practices at CUSD. OC Register, CFAC Blog, CUSD Recall Blog

October 14, 2008 Teachers Union Running Massive, Illegal, Deceptive Campaign
Teachers union leadership and their candidates are illegally coordinating campaign efforts. The teachers union PAC is the largest special interest group involved in the CUSD local school board races -- and they are trying to buy the election using deceptive and illegal tactics. While thumbing their noses at the law, they have spent a whopping $72,797.49 so far! Press Release

October 6, 2008 IMPORTANT NOTICE TO VOTERS: Let's finish the job! On Nov 4, vote for the four reform candidates: BRICK, MADDOX, PALAZZO & WINSTEN Last June, South Orange County voters recalled two Fleming-era, old guard CUSD trustees by overwhelming, landslide margins, sending a clear mandate for reform at CUSD. Now, with your help, we finally can finish the job by electing a dedicated and qualified slate of reform candidates in the upcoming general election on November 4th. See the latest CUSD Recall Committee Email Update and Campaign Mailer



October 2, 2008 CUSD lawyer accused of running afoul of open-meeting laws School-law attorney brought into closed session meeting to assure compliance with Brown Act, accused of giving board wrong advice. The attorney was referred by other CUSD counsel. Another CUSD attorney present at the meeting also may have failed to advise the board. OC Register

September 2008 Δ

September 29-30, 2008 Two South County cities sue over Superintendent Carter's illegal plan to cut busing Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita sue to protect their residents from increased safety risks. OC Register [1] [2]

September 29, 2008 Teachers union president playing election season politics, alleges reform trustees broke open meeting law. Reform trustee Ellen Addonizio immediately denies allegations and rightfully attributes the union's unfounded allegations to election season acrimony. OC Register

September 22, 2008 Republicans rally behind CUSD reform slate candidates Brick, Maddox, Palazzo and Winsten score key endorsements for November election, including The California Republican Assembly, The Republican Party of Orange County and The Orange County Young Republicans. Press Release

Brick, Maddox, Palazzo and Winsten

September 20, 2008 San Juan Hills High School 'waste' of public funds, complaint says Parents allege up to $10 million of public money was illegally spent during the construction of San Juan Hills High School. OC Register

September 18, 2008 CUSD Recall Committee releases new Reform Campaign Flyer


See Flyer

September 18, 2008 Kutnick posts "clarification" to explain false endorsement claim, but contradicts OC Superintendent Habermehl Last week, candidate Erin Kutnick's website claimed she was endorsed by OC Superintendent Bill Habermehl. Calls to Habermehl's office and certain OC Department of Education trustees confirmed Habermehl denied ever making such an endorsement. Contradicting this, Kutnick's "clarification" claims she received an endorsement from Habermehl via email, followed by a phone call retracting it. If Kutnick is telling the truth, of course he retracted it. He got caught violating his own policy to support Kutnick, a union candidate and rabid supporter of the corrupt Fleming-era regime. Well thanks for flushing that one out for us, Erin. After all, what else could we expect from a politician like Habermehl who had nothing but praise for now-indicted, former Spt. James Fleming even after his offices were raided by DA investigators and the headlines were rife with scandals implicating him. Kutnick would love Habermehl's endorsement to set the stage for some more of that infamous Fleming-era CUSD "collaboration" with the OC Department of Education. But what if Habermehl's telling the truth? Guess we'll never know for sure with all that good-old-boy/good-old-girl stuff going on between them. But thanks for the "clarification," Erin. It really helps...well, sort of.

September 17, 2008 Lincoln Club endorses four reform candidates Today, the Lincoln Club of Orange County endorsed the four reform candidates for the CUSD Board of Trustees in the upcoming November general election: Sue Palazzo, Ken Maddox, Jack Brick and Mike Winsten. Red County

September 15, 2008 Anti-reform, Old Guard supporter and union boss pick Erin Kutnick misrepresented endorsement by OC Spt. William Habermehl Today, the Orange County Department of Education confirmed that OC Spt. William Habermehl has not endorsed CUSD Trustee candidate Erin Kutnick. Kutnick, an outspoken supporter of the Old Guard Fleming regime, posted the endorsement on her campaign website. The OC Department of Eduction representative stated that Mr. Habermehl has a standing policy against such endorsements and any such endorsement was a "mistake." Some mistake. Kutnick now officially joins the dubious ranks of Old Guard hustlers like former Trustee John Casabianca who unsuccessfully tried a similar sleazy move just before he was overwhelmingly defeated by reform candidate Larry Christensen in the November 2006 election. See Red County The errant Habermehl endorsement has since been removed from Kutnick's website.

September 15, 2008 Orange County GOP endorses four reform candidates Today, the Republican Party of Orange County endorsed Jack Brick and Mike Winsten, two of the four reform candidates running for seats on the CUSD Board of Trustees in the upcoming November general election. The remaining two reform candidates, incumbents Sue Palazzo and Ken Maddox, have already received early endorsements by the Orange County Republican Party.

September 9-12, 2008 Scathing D.A. report confirms continuing illegal acts at CUSD Old Guard Trustees and Superintendent Carter implicated; recently-elected Reform Trustees praised for exposing the ongoing corruption, all of which happened under Carter's watch. LA Times, OC Register [1] [2], Capo Dispatch, Dana Point Times, San Clemente Times, CUSD Recall Committee press release

September 8, 2008 Orange County Young Republicans endorse four reform candidates Today, the Orange County Young Republicans endorsed four reform candidates for the CUSD Board of Trustees in the upcoming November general election: Sue Palazzo and Ken Maddox, for re-election in Trustee Areas 2 and 5, and Jack Brick and Mike Winsten, for election in Trustee Areas 1 and 3.

September 6, 2008 CRA Units endorse four reform candidates Today, the Ladera Ranch, Rancho Santa Margarita, Saddleback and South Orange County Republican Assemblies endorsed four reform candidates for the CUSD Board of Trustees in the upcoming November general election: Sue Palazzo and Ken Maddox, for re-election in Trustee Areas 2 and 5, and Jack Brick and Mike Winsten, for election in Trustee Areas 1 and 3.

August 2008 Δ

August 28, 2008 Trustees approve previously delayed environmental report and risk analysis to cut bus routes Over objections of four South OC cities and allegations of environmental law violations by district, trustees approve environmental report permitting elimination of 44 bus routes, and despite independent evidence of risk and questionable actions by superintendent, trustees accept risk analysis that finds a high pressure jet fuel and gasoline pipeline nearby SJHHS, "safe." San Clemente Times

August 12, 2008 Trustees postpone decision to cut busing Approved plan would cut 44 bus routes, affecting 5,000 children. Four South OC cities reject district finding of "no significant impact" to environment and traffic and condemn plan. Trustee Maddox proposes to include cities in process. OC Register

August 10, 2008 Four South OC cities condemn CUSD busing cuts, demand more study and aggressive solutions District claims loss of widespread bus service will have no significant impact on environment and traffic. OC Register

July 2008 Δ

July 23, 2008 City of Mission Viejo says CUSD busing cuts would significantly increase traffic City disagrees with district's conclusion of "no significant impact," objects to proposed reduction in bus service and asks for more analysis of potential impacts based on attendance boundaries, student population allocation, school facility maintenance and capital facility improvements. OC Register

July 22, 2008 Reform trustees reject analysis of jet fuel-gasoline pipeline near SJHHS Trustees also approve forensic audit of SJHHS construction costs and examination of district's third party contractors by school board subcommittee. OC Register

July 11, 2008 Trial for ex-Capistrano superintendent could be delayed again Prosecutors plan to subpoena more records in the case against James Fleming, The Orange County Register

July 10, 2008 New pipeline report radically underestimates potential fuel fuel spills at SJHHS Engineer has corrected report but still claims school is safe. Parent engineer who uncovered the issue, is skeptical. Reform trustees vow to get to the bottom of issues. D.A. puts district on notice and is closely watching. The Orange County Register

July 7, 2008 District Attorney commences criminal investigation against Superinten- dent Woodrow Carter and Trustee Mike Darnold A clause was added to A. Woodrow Carter's employment contract without school board approval; Carter denies wrongdoing, The Orange County Register; previous version of same article dated July 3, 2008

July 3, 2008 Maddox and Palazzo sworn in Dana Point Times

July 2, 2008 Capistrano trustees sworn in after recall The Capistrano Dispatch, San Clemente Times

July 1, 2008 New Capistrano trustees take office, select new board Trustees Mike Darnold and Duane Stiff, absent during session, are ousted as president and vice president, The Orange County Register

June 2008 Δ

CUSD RECALL WINS!
Voters hand Draper & Benecke humiliating election defeat & mandate for reform to Palazzo & Maddox.

See up-to-date news coverage:
June 29, 2008 Capistrano Schools Recall Successful; New Trustees in Office, Capistrano Dispatch
June 27, 2008 New Capo trustees pledge hard look at district affairs, The Ladera Post
June 27, 2008 New Capo trustees pledge hard look at district affairs, Rancho Santa Margarita News
June 27, 2008 Capistrano Unified Trustees Removed from Office, Capistrano Dispatch
June 27, 2008 RECALL IS FINAL - Daily News Blast, Capistrano Dispatch
June 27, 2008 CUSD Trustees Recalled, Capistrano Dispatch
June 26, 2008 CUSD Trustees Recalled, San Clemente Times
June 26, 2008 Capistrano Unified recall wins; Maddox, Palazzo in, Sun Post News
June 26, 2008 CUSD recall, Maddox and Palazzo win, Dana Point News
June 26, 2008 CUSD recall, Maddox and Palazzo win, Capistrano Valley News
June 26, 2008 OC Register Editorial: Extreme makeover, CUSD edition - Capo Unified school district parents do the right thing and recall obstacles to reform
June 25, 2008 Capistrano district braces for change after recall, OC Register
June 25, 2008 New Capo trustees pledge openness, hard look at district affairs, OC Register
June 25, 2008 Capistrano Unified school board members are recalled, LA Times
June 24, 2008 Recall Final: Benecke and Draper Removed from Capistrano Unified School Board, Capistrano Dispatch
June 24, 2008 More than 20,000 ballots already cast in CUSD recall, OC Register
June 24, 2008 Capistrano Unified recall wins, OC Register
June 23, 2008 Capistrano schools battle goes to voters, LA Times

The CUSD Recall Committee has endorsed Sue Palazzo and Ken Maddox, candidates for the CUSD Board of Trustees in the upcoming June 24th special recall election.


Sue Palazzo
Trustee Area 2
Ken Maddox
Trustee Area 5

"Help us finish the job!"
CUSD Recall News, CUSD Recall Litigation News, Palazzo Website, Maddox Website, PM Reform News, PM Press Release, Grounds for Recall





June 23, 2008 Front page news coverage of Tuesday's monumental special recall election - Read the media coverage of the upcoming CUSD Recall special election by the OC Register, LA Times, San Clemente Times, Trabuco Canyon News.

June 22, 2008 Important message to voters from candidates Sue Palazzo and Ken Maddox: "Please vote 'Yes' on CUSD Recall in the special election, June 24th" Email message sent to voters by Sue Palazzo, candidate for Trustee Area 2, and Ken Maddox, candidate for Trustee Area 5
June 20, 2008 Important notice to voters from Assemblymember Todd Spitzer: "Please vote 'Yes' on CUSD Recall - June 24th" Text of a robocall message by Todd Spitzer, Assemblymember, 71st Assembly District


June 19, 2008 Important message to voters from ABC Reform Trustees: "Renew CUSD: Vote 'Yes' on the recall special election" Special guest column by CUSD Trustees Ellen Addonizio, Anna Bryson and Larry Christensen published in the June edition of the Trabuco Canyon News
June 18, 2008 Important notice to voters from Tony Beall: "Vote 'Yes' on CUSD Recall - June 24th" Text of an email update by Tony Beall, RSM Councilmember and proud member of the CUSD Recall Committee


June 16, 2008 Important notice to voters from Assemblymember Mimi Walters: "Please vote 'Yes' on CUSD Recall on June 24th" Text of a robocall message by Mimi Walters, Assemblymember, 73rd Assembly District



June 10, 2008 Oh no, not that again! "Good Things Happening at CUSD"? Superintendent Carter borrows one right out of the James Fleming playbook Contrary to years of "happy talk" from CUSD, a recent OC Register study revealed the performance of CUSD high schools to be below average across the board. But never a district to let facts challenge the incessant, self-laudatory praising of the old guard, Carter has announced he will do what his predecessors have done best since the darkest days under the leadership of now-indicted, former Superintendent James Fleming...he's going to SPIN!

June 6, 2008 ABC Reform Trustees urge voters to vote "YES" on CUSD Recall In a special guest column in the Trabuco Canyon News, reform trustees Ellen Addonizio, Anna Bryson and Larry Christensen urge voters to "Renew CUSD" by voting "YES" in the upcoming special recall election in June 24th. See ABC special guest column.

June 4, 2008 Old Guard trustees turn blind eye to superintendent's fraud, approve million dollar employment contract anyway ABC Reform Trustees leave Board meeting and refuse to participate in legal violations and cover-up. See stories and reader comments in the OC Register [1][2], Capistrano Dispatch [1][2], Dana Point Times [1][2] and San Clemente Times [1][2].

June 2, 2008 Law prohibits board approval of superintendent Carter's contract tonight Board cannot legally approve new three-year, million dollar superintendent's contract. See the CUSD Recall Committee's complaint letter to the CUSD Board and the secret illegal employment contract Superin- tendent Carter and Board President Mike Darnold are trying to hide.

May 2008 Δ

May 27, 2008 CUSD Recall Committee calls for repudiation of illegal secret superintendent's contract Committee also calls for public censure of superintendent and board president. See press release, complaint letter, illegal contract and OC Register cartoon.

May 19, 2008 OC Republican Party Endorses CUSD Recall Party also endorses reform candidates Sue Palazzo and Ken Maddox to replace Marlene Draper and Sheila Benecke in the June 24th Special Recall Election. See press release and other endorsements.

May 13, 2008 OC GOP Endorsements Committee recommends endorsement of recall Today, the OC GOP Endorsements Committee voted unanimously to recommend that the Republican Party of Orange County endorse the recall of Marlene Draper and Sheila Benecke in the upcoming June 24 special election. The recommendation will be considered by the OC Republican Central Committee on May 19th. The Central Committee previously condemned illegal acts by Benecke, Draper and their Fleming-era colleagues, Darnold and Stiff, in October 2007, when the 100-member body voted unanimously calling for their resignations from the CUSD Board. See OC GOP press release.

May 12, 2008 Carter misstates law in attempt to defend illegal golden parachute Spt. Carter told the press that a highly suspicious and poorly drafted termination clause "merely emphasizes" California law, entitling him to nearly $500,000 if he is "fired" for whatever reason. The law says no such thing, and while such a misrepresentation is bad enough on its face, it's especially egregious when this was done in secret while hundreds of teachers and other employees are being fired due to budget constraints. See OC Register article and speech delivered at May 12th CUSD board meeting by CUSD Recall Committee Spokesperson Tom Russell.

May 9, 2008 Secret, Illegal Superintendent's Contract Discovered Superintendent Carter and old guard trustee Mike Darnold executed and delivered secret agreement purporting to give controversial superintendent huge salary increase and golden parachute. Superintendent had previously, publicly rejected the contract offer. See illegal contract, news coverage and press release,

May 8, 2008 CRA Units endorse Recall Election, Sue Palazzo and Ken Maddox Tonight, the Ladera Ranch, Rancho Santa Margarita, Saddleback and South Orange County Republican Assemblies endorsed the June 24, 2008 special election to recall incumbent CUSD Trustees Sheila Benecke and Marlene Draper. They also endorsed Sue Palazzo for CUSD Trustee in Trustee Area 2 and Ken Maddox for CUSD Trustee in Trustee Area 5. Orange County CRA

May 6, 2008 Assemblyman Todd Spitzer calls on legislature to fund education Letter from Todd Spitzer explains how Republicans have commited to uphold funding of Proposition 98. See press release.

April 2008 Δ

Apr 28, 2008 Court strikes Draper's and Benecke's illegal campaign statements "in their entirety" An Orange County Superior Court has stricken “in their entirety” the 200-word candidate statements filed by recall targets Marlene Draper and Sheila Benecke, two trustees of the Capistrano Unified School District. A copy of the court order is attached hereto. The court’s action ensured Draper and Benecke’s illegal campaign statements will not be published in the sample ballots to be sent to all voters prior to the June 24 special election. See court documents, news coverage and press release.

Apr 25, 2008 CUSD Recall court hearing set for Monday A superior court judge will hear the lawsuit brought by members of the CUSD Recall Committee asking the court to strike numerous false, misleading and illegal statements contained in candidate statements filed by recall targets Marlene Draper and Sheila Benecke. The matter will be heard before Judge Steven L. Perk on Monday, April 28th, at 8:30 a.m., in Dept. C32 of the Orange County Superior Court.

Apr 21, 2008 Recall targets sued over illegal campaign statements CUSD Recall Committee members ask superior court to sanction Trustees Draper and Benecke for making numerous false, misleading and illegal statements in candidate statements filed with the OC Registrar in connection with the upcoming June 24th special recall election. See official complaint, press release and news coverage.

Apr 18, 2008 Gas pipeline near SJHHS may pose threat; Concerns cause district to close school field A local resident analyzes 2004 risk report regarding a 16" high-pressure gasoline and jet fuel pipeline inside minimum legal limits from SJHHS, and concludes information is flawed. District cover-up spin is already starting as district spokesperson Beverly De Nicola points to a prior "approval" by the California Department of Education, and overlooks primary responsibility of CUSD as the project's lead agency. See news coverage.

Apr 18, 2008 Recall candidates file campaign statements for June 24th special election The Capistrano Dispatch has published the official candidates' statements filed with the OC Registrar before the nomination period expired on April 10th.

Apr 1, 2008 Kids First? Hardly. Fleming-era trustees' misplaced priorities exposed...again! According to the California Association of Library Trustees and Commissioners, CUSD is ranked the "worst offender" among all OC school districts in failing to provide credentialed librarians. Helene Dykes, executive director of elementary education support at CUSD, confirmed that none of CUSD's schools have credentialed librarians. So it's "kids first" CUSD-style, again, with substandard library services, while administrators like Dykes, work in the district's cushy new $52 million administration building.

March 2008 Δ

Mar 27, 2008 Fleming-era trustees caught violating the Brown Act...again! The ABC trustees call for intervention by the OC District Attorney in this latest attempt by Fleming-era trustees Draper, Benecke, Darnold and Stiff to illegally conceal critical information from the public on a controversial project involving millions of taxpayer dollars. See ABC press release and articles from LA Times and OC Register.

Mar 25, 2008 CUSD board sets date for special recall election - June 24 The date was approved in 5-0 vote at the March 24 board meeting with Trustees Benecke and Draper (the recall targets) abstaining on the advice of district counsel. See Capistrano Dispatch, San Clemente Times and OC Register stories.

Mar 24, 2008 CUSD Recall Committee endorses Sue Palazzo and Ken Maddox Please see the attached press release announcing the endorsement by the CUSD Recall Committee of two reform candidates, Sue Palazzo and Ken Maddox, who will run for election to the CUSD Board of Trustees in a special recall election scheduled for June 24th.


Sue Palazzo, 2nd District, and
Ken Maddox, 5th District




Mar 15, 2008 The Wind of Discontent The Fleming legacy continues to vex the old guard trustees, as depicted by one clever cartoonist.


Mar 13, 2008 DA confirms old guard violated Brown Act...again; Benecke and Draper: same old dogs, same old tricks The OC District Attorney's Office advised Spt. Woodrow Carter that the old guard CUSD trustees violated the Brown Act again at their Dec 15 board meeting, and criticized the old guard for failing to take corrective action (following their Oct 2007 admissions of guilt and agreements not to violate the law further) by failing to hire legal counsel to advise them at board meetings to prevent future violations and rebuild public confidence. Benecke and Draper can't be recalled soon enough. See the Mar 13 letter from the DA to superintendent, the Feb 28 letter to the elected officials who reported the old guard's newest violation, the Jan 10 complaint letter filed by the elected officials, the DA's Oct 2007 investigative report and letter containing summary of findings on old guard Brown Act violations.

Mar 12, 2008 Old guard plans to fire 265 CUSD teachers More than 1,800 teacher cuts expected county-wide. [1][2].

Mar 10, 2008 Fireworks at CUSD HQ - Trustee Bryson exposes old guard corruption and incompetence Reacting to news that our recall has been certified, Trustees Marlene Draper and Mike Darnold lashed out at all voters, the press, the ABC reform trustees and the Recall Committee, proving once again that they remain in complete denial about the problems facing CUSD. Trustee Anna Bryson responded on behalf of the reform trustees and exposed the incompetence and corruption of the old guard. Read Capo Dispatch stories [1][2], including an audio recording of the speeches, and copies of the pathetic speeches by Darnold and Draper and the tremendous rebuttal by Bryson.

Mar 10, 2008 Fireworks at CUSD HQ - Trustee Bryson exposes old guard corruption and incompetence Reacting to news that our recall has been certified, Trustees Marlene Draper and Mike Darnold lashed out at all voters, the press, the ABC reform trustees and the Recall Committee, proving once again that they remain in complete denial about the problems facing CUSD. Trustee Anna Bryson responded on behalf of the reform trustees and exposed the incompetence and corruption of the old guard. Read Capo Dispatch story, including an audio recording of the speeches, and copies of the pathetic speeches by Darnold and Draper and the tremendous rebuttal by Bryson.

Mar 10, 2008 We did it! Registrar certifies enough petition signatures for special recall election! There is no longer any doubt. Sheila Benecke and Marlene Draper will face a recall election. CUSD Recall leaders: "We are one step closer!" See Recall Committee press release and story from Capo Dispatch, LA Times and OC Register.

Mar 7, 2008 Full Disclosure Network re-releases video series on CUSD corruption Special cable series will air evenings at 6:00PM on OC Cox Cable Channel 31: Parts 1-2, Mar 12 and 19; Parts 3-4, Mar 26 and Apr 2; Parts 5-6, Apr 9 and May 16. See press release.

February 2008 Δ

Feb 29, 2008 Carter yields to public outrage, rejects new contract...for now Carter won't sign, says it's "not the time." See Capo Dispatch and OC Register.

Feb 28, 2008 400 CUSD employees to be laid off including up to 250 teachers. See Capo Dispatch.

Feb 28, 2008 DA confirms Fleming-era trustees violated Brown Act again Even after the Fleming trustees admitted they repeatedly violated the state's open meeting law and agreed not to do so again to avoid civil prosecution, the DA now has confirmed that they have broken their promise and violated the Brown Act again. The DA's conclusion is contained in a Feb 28 letter responding to a Jan 10 complaint by various South OC elected officials. Previously, CUSD critics roundly criticized CUSD counsel Ron Wenkart for a flawed opinion rendered to give the Fleming trustees legal cover for the obvious violation. Now the DA confirms district critics were right and Wenkart was wrong...again. The old guard and their sleezy attorney still can't follow the letter or the spirit of the law. It's time for new trustees and