I’ll start this post off by saying the blog that started up encouraging Irvine commissioner and City Council candidate Lauren Johnson Norris to resign is cowardly. There’s no one publicly attached to it, no names are assigned to the posts themselves and it’s part of the “par for course” anonymous “concerned neighbor” letters sent to Irvine households to sway public opinion is exactly the sort of reason the KKK wears hoods — to hide.
The latest post accuses Craig Norris, Johnson Norris’ husband, of racism, by …. me?
I left a comment on one of our posts here at TheLiberalOC that photos Norris took last fall of some of the paid signature gatherers for the referendum that became Measure B — which won by more than 11,000 votes in Irvine to deny the developer-friendly land swap for the Veteran’s cemetery — seemed to focus on a number of brown and black people as a warning to voters. These photos were featured in Melissa Fox’s blog deriding the paid signature gatherers. I posted the photos because I believed then — and still do — that the photos of Black and Latino signature gatherers was intended to illicit a specific response from Irvine voters; yes, I found the photos racist and said so. Norris wrote me shortly after the post went up threatening legal action if I didn’t remove them (“fair use” must be a concept he doesn’t get). And I did simply because I didn’t have the time to go to court.
A few years back, dear friends and neighbors on my street told me they encountered more racism in Irvine than they did in Alaska where the family of five lived for a few years while working in the petroleum industry. We were sorry to see them leave for a new job in Louisiana about five years ago. I still remember their youngest son coming home from school in tears because some kid called him the N-word on the playground. Since Trump was elected, increasing overt racism and reporting about it has become more prominent (the woman who called police on an 8 year old African-American kid selling cold water in San Francisco comes to mind).
I prefaced my comments that I’m sure Norris and Fox would disagree that the photos were racist, but that was my takeaway when I saw them. I see no reason to change my mind.
Now I am not exactly sure when the latest “Craig Norris accused of racism” post went up, but Norris sent me an email with a link to a blog post using a URL shortening program, but one I haven’t seen before. He sent it last week when I was offsite. My first thought was “is this another blog post?” So I confirmed Norris was the sender of the email and clicked the link. And that was my mistake.
The program launched a ransomware/malware screen; my security software kicked in and shut it down. I closed all the browsers, rebooted and ran full security scans of my system which ate about 2 hours of my day. What ransomware does is freeze your machine and prevent you from accessing applications or data unless you pay — usually in bitcoin. My security software saved my system, but I’m running multiple backups to the cloud and external devices today. I also had one of my clients — a genius when it comes to cybercrime — review Norris’s emails and he confirmed Norris likely was unaware he was sharing malware but most certainly did send it.
Via an email exchange yesterday, Norris admitted that he, and not a bot, sent the email with the URL shortener but he did not intend to infect my system with malware. I let him know his system is very likely part of the botnet used for criminal activity.
“In using that URL shortener, you sent me Malware that tried to make my computer part of a botnet. Your system is likely infected and being used for criminal purposes. Your machine is likely being used to send spam from a foreign based criminal entity. The hijacked link was generated by a machine in order to take over my system and monetize it. There is a charge back/credit code in the page designed to credit the bank account of the person who tried to add my machine to a botnet/clicknet. This is typical criminal overseas botnet stuff.
If it was your intention to infect my PC, do me the courtesy of admitting it. If that wasn’t your intent, clean up your system as its highly likely cyberthieves have access to your accounts and passwords.
Norris’s last email said he didn’t intend to infect my system and that he doubts his is infected. So he won’t be getting a visit from Irvine Police investigating cybercrime today. But much like his photographs from last fall were intended to illicit a response from voters but came off poorly, his email to me “congratulating” me on my quote in that terrible blog about his wife was intended to somehow shame me, both intentions failed. I stand by my comments and will encourage anyone who receives email from Norris to run a security scan on your system and make sure your software is up to date. He doubts his system is affected. I’m certain it is. And the road to hell is indeed paved with good intentions.
Lastly, Johnson Norris is the candidate for office (how she’s “the leading candidate” per her literature is for her to define). She’s going to be attacked from those on the right. She’s not going to get the support of Irvine Democrats who have lost trust with Melissa Fox — just look to the No on Measure B results as an indicator. Johnson Norris is more than capable to defending herself and her own reputation. Unintentional cybercrime from her husband in her defense is weak sauce.
This is as good as place as any to fact check Vern Nelson’s little story about me.
1. I did draft the motion to enforce the DPOC bylaws and it contained four other signatures — one of which was later withdrawn.
2. The additions of Kelly and Victor came from volunteers of the Min and Kierstead campaigns, and after reading social media posts from both, I agreed.
3. The Central Committee Members in attendance for the April meeting were provided an overview of the bylaws and how they apply to endorsements. Fox was there; Kelly and Victor were not.
4. Vern’s claim: “as soon as the DPOC endorsed Min, Melissa withdrew her Porter endorsement to be in compliance with the rules” The Party endorsed Min in late February at the CDP convention in San Diego; it took Melissa 72 days to withdraw her endorsement and that was after Fran Sdao emailed her about it after I sent Fran a Text about it. The claim “there is no evidence” Melissa didn’t follow the bylaws actually had plenty of evidence.
5. The bylaw states: The office of any member, alternate or associate, may be declared vacant by resolution of the County Committee if any member, alternate or associate, affiliates with or registers as a member of another party, publicly advocates that voters not vote for an endorsed nominee of the Democratic Party, *****gives support or avows a preference for a candidate of another party or a candidate who is opposed to a candidate nominated and endorsed by this party.**** Providing positive social media posts about candidates not endorsed by the party apply here. I think Victor did a nice job cleaning up his Facebook feed.
6. Larry Agran hasn’t attended a Democrats of Greater Irvine meeting in some time; Measure B was not a ruse to return him to power. His entire focus is to get the ARDA site ready for a Veteran’s cemetery — construction on that site would have started 11 months ago and was fully funded until the land swap debacle. Irvine voters are pretty smart and the local party continues to vote with Melissa even though almost every Central Committee member urges them not to do so. The notion from a Michael Fox comment that Agran controlled Beth Krom is laughable as the Facebook profile for John Scott Horner III.
I’m disappointed that Diana Lee Carey would not bring this to the floor for debate and a vote. Based on this inaction, anyone in the party can now endorse anyone they want for 72 days after the convention concludes and you can say anything you want against the Party’s endorsed candidate without fear of retribution. You can also appear in a viral video used by Republicans to recall a state senator and you won’t be punished for it.
I agree, not a fan of the “expose” and cowardly “concerned neighbor” websites. I’m not a fan of LJN and she’s not a front runner on my ballot, but no one deserves that kind of attack.
Her husband’s email and non-cyber attack is so uncalled for. Does he not even realize his response does her more harm than good?
Reminds me of a few other spouses acting on behalf of other city employees. Scott Horner has been quiet for some time.
~Judith
The Foxes won’t address John Scott Horner III
For a guy that sticks his nose in EVERY OTHER issue, Mike’s silence is deafening.
Come on Mike what are you afraid of? Have you ever posted ANYTHING under the name John Scott Horner?
I see the “NAZI”, as Greg Diamond accurately describes the bigot, Dave Zenger, is trolling the dead, along with the right wing homophobe, co-blogger.
I see that the “NAZI” Dave Zenger is mistakenly identified me as OCDEM, which is ironic, as it was not that long ago, “NAZI DAVE” was anonymously attacking Greg Diamond on the FFFF, a truly chicken sh!t move on Dave “Ribbentrop” Zenger, but what do you expect from the mental midgets over there.
The OJB has become exactly what it’s owner, Donna Nelson wanted, ANARCHY, just like her friends that throw Molotov Cocktails in Guy Fawkes masks, break windows, yell vulgarities at police officer’s families and block innocent people from enjoying their HARD-EARNED vacation at Disney. Yep, a bunch of cowardly losers, with no discernable employment throwing stones! Fingal O’Flahertie is the latest example of this spineless behavior, likely because like the others there he is unemployed, on parole/probation or just a loser. As for Donovan “Do Gooder”, absent his anti-Semitic rhetoric, I guess he’s not “NAZI” Dave, but, I am amazed about a guy who pretends to be “new” around here but, knows Gil Ciceneros (R- Newport Beach) so well.
Just be clear, I was not the one who labeled Dave Zenger a NAZI, that attribute, can and must be credited to Gregory Avery Diamond, who repeated the claim on at least three occasions, so take it up with Greg, David, maybe you could paint him a landscape of Gross-Rosen.
one of these days I need to meet you and OC DEM in person
You’ll find there is no “David Vasquez.” His name is John Mardahl. He commented for years as kenlaysnotdead, duplojohn, nameless, and other names. He sells ink, drinks a lot, and lives in Santa Ana or Brea depending on how he’s getting along with his wife. He has two daughters and a son.
He could probably tell you who OCDEM/carpetbagger is, they are friends.
John Mardahl? That’s one sick puppy to keep a look out for.
My name is John Mardahl.
I was made aware of this post this afternoon.
I am not David Vasquez, have NEVER posted as David Vasquez and don’t know a David Vasquez.
My cell phone, business phone and EMAIL has been published and I am inundated with unwelcome messages, about things I know nothing.
Please remove my name and personal information as this is injurious.
FWIW, I have five children, not three, My Father Magnus has been dead for twenty years, my son Magnus dead for eight. I don’t drink and am happily married, but lets not let facts get in the way of a good prank.
“My cell phone, business phone and EMAIL has been published and I am inundated with unwelcome messages, about things I know nothing.”
Now how could that be since your “unreal” phone # was printed and nobody listed an e-mail address? And who told you about a blog about which you know nothing?
Do tell.
P.S. The erratic ALL CAPS give you away sweetie. “David Vasquez” 101.
Vasquez always uses the same IP address. Mardahl has never commented here before. Different IP
Mardahl used to work for Duplo USA. “Duplojohn.”
The whole thing rings true.
Haha. Busted.
You failed to make a connection between that poster and another; and how is the view from behind your curtains? I love when posters who hide their own identities make cracks at others who do in guessing who someone is….
These things are not hard to find if you know where to look for them. I spoke with Mr. Mardahl last night. I’m convinced he’s not Mr. Vasquez. I was traveling yesterday and wasn’t able to flag this comment. I’m removing the phone numbers from this thread
But wait. He invited people to call him on his “real” number and now you are depriving him of the opportunity to defend himself. I wonder why.
And he sure needs defending. What a sick creep. And you’re just dyin’ to meet him. Hoo boy, what a collection.
I just KNEW that Greg Diamond was behind this! I bet he and Vern are also responsible for this OPPRESSIVE HEAT. I AM BEING REPRESSED! MY JAYJAY IS ON FIRE AND I DEMAND A RECOUNT!!!!
or something
To expound upon Dan’s comment on the last meeting, I counted 23 votes, not 29.
Second, a call cannot be made on a roll call vote.
Third, and most importantly, bringing issues to the floor for all committee members to discuss as a body and then decide is supposed to be the default of the membership body. It does not appear that the committee has been operating under the bylaws or Roberts Rules of Order. When the voice of the body is being taken away on issues, one which should have been modified so that each accusation could have been severed and considered separately, it is fascism or a dictatorship. It surely is not democratic or the way bodies are supposed to function. When due process is not preserved, there is no voice. The DPOC has been destroyed from the inside.
Fascism and dictatorship is Vladiqueer Putin & his fat orange boyfriend Donald Trump’s preferred form of governance. Too bad for Traitor Trump his cowardly refusal to be interviewed by investigators is in no way going to prevent impending indictments or the release of the Mueller Report – SOON.