Anaheim gadfly William Denis Fitzgerlad, who went on a homophobic and anti-Semitic rant at a recent Anaheim City Council meeting, made OC Weekly’s “Scariest People” list along with Anaheim council member Kris Murray, Angels owner Arte Moreno, and Anaheim blogger Matt Cunningham. And while his selection is easily observed, what’s not so clear is the organization he represents.
Anaheim H.O.M.E. is described as a non-profit organization or a government watchdog group. Fitzgerald himself described the organization as a former PAC. There is no website for the organization. There is no phone number. No address. There is no list of “directors” that Fitzgerald says he is a spokesman for or speaks at the direction of. And there is no listing for this organization that we could find on the California Secretary of State’s page. Is it just Fitzgerald? He won’t say.
From the OC Weekly post: “Used to be that this babbling Anaheim gadfly only railed about Disneyland fireworks in his neighborhood. Maybe he was on to something, and the pyrotechnic chemicals finally went to his brain because William Fitzgerald has set his sights on other enemies: Muslims and Vietnamese. But nothing prepared the Anaheim City Council audience for the anti-Semitic tirade he unleashed a few weeks back at Councilman Jordan Brandman. Speaking about Hitler and the Holocaust, Fitzgerald had this to say: “It was the Jordan Brandman type of evil Jews that led to the hatred of all Jews in Germany and the Holocaust.” He also called the council member “an evil, greedy, scheming” Jew who “bragged” about having relatives who died in the Holocaust. Finally, despite having been politely asked to refrain from “mean” personal insults by Anaheim’s mayor, Fitzgerald went full Nazi and concluded his speech by saying, “Jordan Brandman is one very sick faggot.” Mitigating factor: Those Disneyland fireworks are Jewish, right?”
We tracked down Fitzgerald’s email address, from a Greg Diamond email seeking to promote an OJ post of all things, seeking more details about the organization. Fitzgerald wrote back:
“I have heard some really bad things about you from some bad people, so you must be a really good guy.
Any enemy of our enemy is our friend.
I would like to help you but basically, as spokesperson, I just say what I am given by our directors and am not authorize (sic) to do otherwise.
For your information, We try to be accurate in our statements. However, I have attached a few of our Anaheim public comments made this year where we made errors. Since we would like to publicly make those corrections, maybe you could help us to do so.
I can not speak directly with you about the issues since I am unable to speak for our organization as a whole, or give personal information that could distract from the issues. However, if you e-mail me any questions you may have, I will get back to you with a reply as soon as reasonable.”
Fitzgerald attached about a half dozen PDFs of comments made at meetings and I need to track down the associated videos to identify what Fitzgerald said versus what he’s attempting to amend. I assured him, I’m not his friend. Anyone with the attitude he has towards Jews or Gays is no friend of mine.
So if Fitzgerald is acting on behalf of a secretive Board of Directors, do they say his view of Jews. Of Gays. And while he may have run against Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait in the past, the comment “any enemy of ‘our’ enemy is a friend” is telling. Tait may not view Fitzgerald and his group as an ally, but Fitzgerald certainly must see his organization is on the Mayor’s side today. With the exception of Cynthia Ward and Chris Prevatt, those closely promoting Tom Tait as Anaheim’s White Knight have tarnished armor and Tait’s inability to get them in line demonstrates a weakness in leadership that I’m hoping will propel a Democrat to the mayor’s office in 2014.
For someone who routinely calls on the Anaheim City Council and the County BoS for transparency, shouldn’t Fitzgerald be offering some transparency into his own organization too?
So here it is readers: if anyone has used the services of Anaheim H.O.M.E., knows anyone other than Fitzgerald associated with the group, knows the list of their BoD, or believes the organization shares Fitzgerald’s views on Jews and Gays, the comments section awaits you. Until then, it appears Anaheim H.O.M.E. does nothing other than send Fitzgerald out for three minutes of public comment and consists of no other members than him.
Am I reading this correctly? Are you basically saying that Tait owns this guys comments?
I agree. I would be great to have a Democrat as mayor. Especially someone who’d be aggressive and vocal – in public and in the media – when confronting the massive subsidies and corporate welfare that are in vogue right now at city hall.
Correction: IT would be great…
What a waste of blog space… Instead of paving the way for Lorri Galloway, why don’t you focus on issues that actually matter in Anaheim.
If not, I know lots of crazy people in Venice Beach, maybe you should write a book criticizing their political views.
Its becoming obvious that this line of attack against Mayor Tait is intended to manipulate liberals into opposing him in favor of Lorri Galloway; a dem with ZERO in the way of liberal credentials. Galloway’s move against Tom, the stab in the back, is coming into light.
Lorri Galloway has zero liberal credentials? How so. From her political life in Anaheim to her professional life running The Eli Home, Ms. Galloway has impressive liberal credentials. She’d be a great mayor.
Tait is a conservative Republican…why are you attempting to manipulate Liberals into supporting him?
And to what great success! (That was sarcasm) I would not confuse attention with policy.
Mayor Tait is a libertarian republican who basically walked in lock step with Lorri on all the critical issues. Liberals would be better off supporting him, than a dem known for her bombast above all else. And let us not forget Lorri’s propensity for endorsing republicans… when it suits her…
Correction; he walked alongside Lorri after she dragged him into it. She led. He followed. But big of you to promote a libertarian Republican over a good Democrat
Not for nothing, but if the city is forced by court order into district only elections, everyone’s political calculations will probably be reevaluated. It’s real early in the scheme of things.
Dan, after this hard-hitting expose, maybe you could also train your guns on Orange’s Steve Rocco, and Anaheim’s Reverend Cecil.
Hardly hardhitting Vern; you run cover for this clown and it appears his organization whether its a PAC, former PAC, non-profit on government watchdog organization is him and only him. I ask to be proven wrong. Worse, he says his speech is directed by unnamed directors.
Hard to play the trasnsparency card when you cover up so much Vern
Hey, Cecil seems harmless. (Did I miss something?)
But yes this is beneath Dan, who generally deserves to be seen as the grown up on the blog o sphere, but has abdicated that role of late. We know Fitz is a gadfly, and a crackpot. He does dig up some real info, but then his interpretation gets in the way of what could otherwise be real news. (The AQMD and City of Anaheim really DON’T monitor the fireworks or their heavy metal content, but nobody wants to hear it because a crazy guy started the drum beating) and Fitz did catch that the handwriting on Jordan’s Mills Act application matched writing on the previous owners’ docs…but his belief was that Jordan forged papers for the previous owner, the truth is the same Realtor helped both parties with their docs, it is her handwriting. Sad that he does such a disservice to the info he digs up. Even sadder that Dan would use that poor man’s delusions to muddy a Mayor we all know has nothing at all to do with the man who has been ranting at City Council meetings since long before Tait was even a candidate for office.
This is beneath you Dan, and I don’t know if you think slapping Tait around benefits Lorri’s chances at backstabbing the Mayor she claims is a friend (some friendship) or if you are doing this so Jordan can get his kicks like a child who delights in pulling the wings off butterflies. All it really does is show how petty and mean spirited the crony capitalist side of politics can really get when they are intent on having their way with the municipal treasury, and oddly enough the more people poke at Tait the more popular he gets. So go for it, you merely make yourself look the fool. THAT makes me far sadder than anything you are saying about Tait. Get a clue Dan, you are being used just like they are using poor Matt.
At least they pay Matt.
Cynthia – exposing a gadfly with a sham organization is beneath me? The credence this “gadfly” gets is extraordinary.
The scary thing is, Dan C. could be getting paid. Galloway had the most to gain from this hate speech nonsense. And yes… scariest of all… Galloway and Pringle may have embraced detente. I mean, think about it… they both get what they really want…
Poor Anaheim, dominated by paid consultants and astro-turf groups. But fear not, the people’s apathy has it’s limits. I was at a bar this past weekend trying to explain things and the people instinctively understood the situation and began debating who they’ll hang first, the socialist or the corporatist. (Figuratively of course).
I’m not being paid; but thanks for bringing up astroturfing because other than Cynthia, those losing their minds over Anaheim don’t live there.
Dan, an adult? Chris is far more measured than Dan, who’s the Bloviator except without the bloviating in his political insights and hackery.
still no Dan Savage in the print edition of OC Weekly; must cost a lot
And you are losing your mind over a guy that has lost his mind.
For the sake of your intelligence, I hope you are getting paid.
We have plenty of time to discuss Galloway. We can discuss it all in later posts…
I do have breakfast with him sometimes at Varsity … if a month goes by without him pissing me off too much, which seems to be difficult…
Some things pass by unnoticed for a bit, but here’s another strange thing Matt and Dan have in common – they both think “gadfly” is an insult!
I am not used to anyone thinking that. I have to digest this…
Fine Vern. He’s a bigot. You run cover for and seek the support of a bigot. Someone who doesn’t like Jews and has no problem calling people a faggot.
Dan, there is a homeless guy at Cabrillo Park, near my house, who claims Lou Correa is trying to take away his house and shot Abraham Lincoln. Should I return to blogging to investigate this hard hitting story that will shake Santa Ana to it’s very core?
I could use the help until Chris is better
To: Dan C.
RE: “Correction; he walked alongside Lorri after she dragged him into it. She led. He followed.”
RE: RE: Stab in the Back
Yes, that is the story she is telling everyone.
And THAT, is exactly the kind of team player we can expect Lorri to be. Have we forgotten that she suggested Lou Correa was a baby killer? She never learns.
Its not personal, but Lorri’s personality is the problem. She is mean and vainglorious. As such, she can accomplish nothing.
Dan — that’s where you’re wrong. I dont’ want a mayor who’s a team player. I want one who leads. Tait doesn’t. Lorri is mean? Tell that to the families she has personally helped through Eli Home.
No Dan, my remarks were directed at you using the gadfly’s hatefulness to tar and feather a Mayor who has nothing at all to do with his hate speech, in order to benefit either Lorri Galloway and her ill conceived run for the mayor’s seat, or Jordan Brandman’s perverse pleasure at poking Mayor Tait with sharp objects at every opportunity. You may haul off and smack Fitzgerald at your leisure, it means nothing to me, but the continuing inference that Tait has something to do with him is beneath you.
We have discussed what Tait should have done. With the exception of you, he has a clown car of supporters including those who think its appropriate to conduct a puppet show during public comments as a means of getting their way. Fitzgerald is riding shotgun. I make no apologies for preferring a Lorri Galloway over Tait. Both had 4-1 majorities against them; the difference — Galloway has a record of accomplishment while Tait really doesn’t. If you’re asking me to apologize for wanting to displace a Republican Mayor with a Democrat, I have no plans to.
To: Dan C.
Re: “Fitzgerald is riding shotgun.”
Have you no honor, sir? Self-respect?
And with respect to that “clown car of supporters” (obviously you’re borrowing Galloway’s rhetoric), is the majority of Anaheim and many good liberals.
What a whacky day its been in the blogoshpere; everyone should go check out the echo chamber at anaheimblog.net.
One day… Anaheim will be free of this blatant corruption.
I don’t talk to Lorri enough to borrow her rhetoric though we did have a nice lunch last week (and thanks for the reminder that I need to send Eli Home my check).
Tell you what Dam; round up those good liberals in Anaheim and get them to the polls to take control of the council majority OK? They had a chance last November and failed to execute. The one Democrat who got the most votes for council is under attack from .. Democrats. And you’re carrying water for a conservative Republican who is so inept he can’t lead a council with his party in the majority.
To: Dan C.
Re: Lorri is not a team player & Eli Home needs Lorri to be Mayor
OK, you don’t want a team player, fair enough. Good luck with getting anything done for anybody. Last time I checked we live in a democracy, but you seem to not appreciate the principles inherent in said system of government.
I am not going to talk bad about the Eli Home; Lorri’s political life has been fueled by such attacks. The Eli Home does great things and everyone should donate to it. Further, raising more for the Eli home gave Lorri the skills and background needed for putting together a campaign. But this all much to do about nothing when it comes to her political skill and sense for public policy.
Lorri Galloway is not (or should not) be considered one and the same with the Eli Home. The idea that she must be an elected official to further the cause of the Eli Home is absurd. In fact, it may even be counterproductive. Lorri is a wonderful director of a non-profit; she should not take on anymore distractions. For the sake of Anaheim and for the children for whom we all care so much.
I think the Mayor should lead. We do live in a Democracy and right now, the elected council in Anaheim has 4 Republicans and one Democrat. I’d like to add more Democrats and the weakest Republican I see on the dais is Tait.
Lorri’s work with Eli home and her work on the council are two separate thing and both fuel her progressive credentials. She’s been the public face of Eli Home for years. When she retires, I hope one of her daughter’s carries on. She does not have to be an elected official to advanced Eli Home at all. You really don’t know what she’s about at all, do you?
Are you saying OCCORD, Los Amigos and other community groups fighting for Council Districts are being led by Crazy Dennis Fitzgerald? Thank you for admitting you think that. Have you bothered talking to any of these folks on the other side, or do you just assume Greg Diamond, Vern Nelson and Dennis Fitzgerald is their spokesperson? You may want to try talking to Eric Altman, Amin David and Dr. Jose Moreno to get the other side of the story from people on your end of the political spectrum instead of just taking Kris Murray, Jordan Brandman and Matt Cunningham’s word for it. You love to rip Art Pedroza for writing stories without getting the other side, ball is now in your court to do it. Try attending a Los Amigos and talking to them, see what you come up with. Just a suggestion.
I didn’t say that at all. And I didn’t admit to any such thing.
Actually I do think Diamond, Nelson and Fitzgerald are acting as Tait’s advocates.
By all means, I’d love to speak with Altman, David and Moreno; please arrange it.
I’ve only spoken with Murray recently for the interview.
There are lots of meetings I’d love to attend, but Tennis season and homework make it tough to leave the house after 6PM. I did attend the Great park board meeting yesterday for about an hour.
John —
Corporate welfare has always been ‘en vogue’ at City Hall.
Gabriel-
True. However, I was specifically referring to the current wave. I think had Lorri been mayor, we would have seen a much more pro-active and wide-ranging response to the hotel subsidy, the streetcar, and the Angels MOU.
Dan you never answered my question, are you saying that Tait owns this guys comments? Also, I understand you’re a Democrat and want a Dem to be Mayor which is ok, but it looks like the only Dem on the council has aided in the massive robbery of the Anaheim city residents with this gigantic and unnecessary gift of land and funds to an already enormously wealthy man Art Moreno.
No, but Fitz is clearly part of the Tait-Is-An-Amazing-Mayor crowd that puts on finger puppet shows at council meetings in the hopes of changing hearts and minds. There’s been no robbery. There’s been no gift of land. The MOUs to both Moreno and the Angels are loaded with all sorts of language that says nothing is official.
Are you kidding me? Dan, Fitzgerald goes on record repeatedly claiming Tait is really on the take for Disney and is just playing at being the opposition so they can distract from the wholesale pillage of the City Treasury. You assume that because Tait agrees with the very reasonable objections voiced by many of Anaheim’s residents that all of those shared views equally support the Mayor or are being manipulated by the Mayor. That is not necessarily true. Fitzgerald hates everything the Council does, and hates the Mayor. Every now and then there really is a tidal wave headed for the seaside community, that does not mean that the emergency alert system if offering credibility to the guy on the beach every morning with the sign saying “the world is coming to an end.”
BTW if Tait’s supporters are a bunch of clown car occupants, tell me, why is Lorri courting the Ringling Brother Clown College?
My understanding is the clown college is courting her
You sure got a lot of kudos for something that isn’t official. Sounds like a robbery to me. And just because maybe on some [points this guy and Tait have a nexus on agreement you try to marry them as the same? Come on man. Tait, Rep Dem Libertarian or what ever, he’s fighting the good fight. I cant say the same ting for the lone Democrat on that council. In fact that guy should be turning in his Democratic Party card post haste.
Nothing has happened yet. There’s no hotel deal; there’s no street car deal; there’s no Angels deal. People are losing their minds over things that haven’t happened yet
John —
Supposing that as true, the votes would have still carried, especially with this council majority being entrenched and arrogant as it is.
What I’m reading is an emphasis on the “style” and “form” of dissent, partisan forms of “product differentiation.” What’s the grand strategy to dismantle the current majority?
If you ain’t got that. You ain’t got nothing.