Orange County California

Was chilly, but a nice day for a walk. Brought the binoculars and got a few good photos of birds, including this egret catching itself some lunch.

The warning that cell service may be down, implies potential for an outage to outlast the battery backup. This message, coming on January 6th, in California was very initially alarming to me. Shutting off communications in this fashion is exactly how a coup or government change plays out. OC is a large population consisting predominantly of Democrats. I don't recall any instance of the power utility sending such a message in the past. This is one of the most corrupt power utilities in the nation with the highest price rates and a massively electrified population. One would think they could keep the power on even with the relatively modest 60 mph gusts expected.

For those that do not know, high coastal winds are usually due to the ocean and deep water upwelling in and around the OC coast. Just off shore the water gets very deep fast. The offshore wind pattern pushes the solar warmed water on top of the sea away, and draws up the cooler water from below. The deep sea water is more stable in temperature and keeps the coastal microclimate warmer in winter and cooler in summer. It can cause massive differential temperatures under the right circumstances and drive some wacky weather patterns.

Not to be alarmist, but if you see something odd on Jan 6th of 2025, you mention it, especially here with concerned friends.

The text of the plaque reads:

KATE and ELLA 1895

Kate and Ella the daughters of the Rea family were early settlers of Anaheim. The family named their ranch "Katella Ranch" after their daughters. The original Anaheim wagon track was later named after them and is now Katella Ave.

Artist: Ramon G Velazco June 2008

Developer Anaheim Gardenwalk II LLC City of Anaheim Public Art Program

Who wants to come? My friend is bailing so I'm all alone.

These Taco Bell fan-favorites are available only at the following stores for a limited time:

Irvine: 2222 Barranca Pkwy, Aug. 15-21 Brea: 303 W. Imperial Hwy, Aug. 15-21 Fullerton: 31 E. Orangethorpe Ave., Aug. 15-21

Feels weird when it's a family you knew and grew up with, their kid, and someone I hung out with a dozen or more times in larger groups.

Nothing much to say other than I had to drive down PCH today and it would have been a better idea to drive around back bay. So many deplorable magats waving their stupid flags, driving in circles. I showed my support by yelling "We love proven rapists who are convicted felons!!" at them when stopped. It's just so embarrassing seeing these anti-democratic, anti-Constitution morons in my city/county/state/country.

If you're a resident of Huntington Beach, head over to the library and sign their petition. They're trying to stop the book bans. I don't want to see a mini Florida or Texas in orange county.

Found an article on the topic: https://www.ocregister.com/2024/05/31/petitions-in-huntington-beach-want-to-ask-voters-to-overturn-changes-at-city-libraries/

There will be an in-person training in Orange County on June 1 and a virtual training on June 8. Deadline to apply is Sunday, May 19.

The Fair Representation Act has been re-introduced in Congress. This bold solution can stop gerrymandering and make Congress work for every American. 

The Fair Representation Act can solve partisan gerrymandering, make every congressional district competitive, and encourage politicians to represent all of us instead of just their base. It does this by combining three reforms: 

• Multi-member districts. In three- or five-member districts, nearly every voter will elect a candidate they support. Voters like Massachusetts Republicans and Oklahoma Democrats will be represented in Congress. Gerrymandering will become nearly impossible.

• Ranked choice voting for all U.S. House and Senate elections. RCV frees voters to support their favorite candidates, and encourages candidates to reach out to more voters for second-choice support. When RCV is used in multi-member districts, it is a form of proportional representation.

• Uniform rules for congressional redistricting 

The Fair Representation Act can be passed without a constitutional amendment. It truly has the potential to transform our political system and create a more inclusive and deliberative government which respects and empowers all voices.

Preferably S. OC (ex: HB, NPB,Costa Mesa, FV) but wouldn't mind recs for other cities.

I'm cooped up at home all day, I gotta do something. Any ideas?

If anyone else freaked out about the jets doing low flyby's today. It's that time again.

Last day to attend the fair is this Sunday

A bit late, as this was announced on July 11th, but it's the first I'd heard of it. Glad to know they were able to get that section of track back open again.

They're also holding a promotion for $10 day passes, as well as kids riding free on the weekends. With free parking at many stations, it's a convenient way to head to the beach without having to worry about beach parking.

Just a heads up to anyone heading to HB this week, but especially this weekend. If you love crowds, head on down. Otherwise, just thought you should know.