So it begins. I am told, on good authority, that a Santa Ana businesswoman and resident named Cherie Kerr allegedly went to City Hall today to begin the process of recalling Santa Ana Council Member Michele Martinez. This is, no doubt, fallout from Martinez’ attack on Mayor Miguel Pulido and City Manager Paul Walters. Martinez, and the Council Majority, have recently declared war on Walters, even though he has done a fine job as our City Manager and previously as our Chief of Police.
I have been saying for awhile that eventually the Council’s ridiculous behavior would end up in a recall and here we are. Remember that Pulido and his supporters previously recalled former SAUSD Trustee Nativo Lopez, who at the time was allied with current Santa Ana Mayor Pro Tem Sal Tinajero – who previously served on the SAUSD School Board.
Martinez has made bad headlines before. She told OC Metro Magazine that “My mom was a drug addict and my uncles were drug dealers.” And she admited that she was making $2,000 a week selling drugs, when she was 17 years old.
Worse yet Martinez has bragged that when selling drugs she was working for the “Godfather” of the Mexican Mafia in Orange County, Peter “Sana” Ojeda. Ojeda, who is currently serving a life sentence after being convicted on R.I.C.O. charges, also has close ties to Martinez mentor and failed Mayoral candidate Alfredo Amezcua. Those ties were noted in a 2011 article that stated, “Santa Ana defense attorney Alfredo Amezcua was Ojeda’s favorite, and he was also the legal and political advisor to Eme and Calli Cartel associate Art Romo. Alfredo Amezcua was also an advisor to the Orange County Gang Council. This friend and advisor to the Ojeda faction made a run to be elected as Santa Ana’s mayor in 2010.”
Last year Martinez was overhead talking loudly about money that a gambling tribe was going to spend on her Assembly campaign, which failed, in the form of independent expenditures, according to the Voice of OC.
And Martinez was embarrassed when her half brother was arrested during her failed mayoral campaign in 2008.
Will the recall sweep up other Council Members? Maybe. But Martinez, Tinajero and Council Member David Benavides are all up for re-election in 2014. But should we let them continue to screw up our city in the meantime?
This is the same sad bunch that Tinajero dubbed the “Santa Ana Spring.” Well that turned out to be a fraud. These lame politicians are not about change. They are about power. They have no good ideas. They just want to take over and get their way, as previous crooked Councils have done repeatedly in East Los Angeles, where Benavides was born and raised.
With the R word now raised will the Council bullies back off and let Walters do his job? We shall see about that…
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What a great idea. I've never met Ms. Kerr but I have a world of respect for her and her business. Martinez must go and go soon. Let's also get a ballet measure to make Council term limits 8 years like the Mayor.
At the very least she'll be forced to spend her campaign money defending her recall instead of her re-election. Where do we sign? Can you provide the link?
I believe the campaign is in the preliminary stages. We'll let our readers know when it becomes official!
Nativo was a crook and the residents of SA knew it, these people are acting under Miguel's commands because this is the only way he can intimidate the majority since he no longer has control.
That man is smart!
She shouldn't be scared there are no grounds for a ligidamte recall this is all a move by the man who has had control of the chamber for 25 years.
People don't fall for these games Pulido simply wants his power back and everyone is falling for his stunts.
Martinez came in second to last place in the June primary election despite spending a quarter million dollars promoting herself. She was attacked heavily by Julio Perez. She has no support and will be easy to recall.
And then our popular Mayor will once again have the majority of the Council on his side. This then is the beginning of the end for the faux Santa Ana Spring.
"And then our popular Mayor will once again have the majority of the Council on his side"....... Hmmmmmmm
If Benavides, Sarmiento, Martinez, Tinajero, Reyna were the majority and Pulido and Amezcua were minority than removing Martinez will not give Pulido his majority back unless Tinajero (Trojan Horse Candidate) will come back with his tail between his legs.
Sal always folds when the pressure is on.
Nice and reliable friends you have, one you can depend on. I bet Mill is the same.
You are correct. I can always depend on Sean.
I believe that the only grounds necessary for a recall are the desires of the people.
Martinez stated that 'the city manager serves at the pleasure of the council.'
Well Michelle, the city council serves at the pleasure of the residents of the city...and we are not pleased.
This actually brilliant.
It will destroy her politically. She already has trouble raising money. What little she has in her campaign account will be forced to defend a recall.
She will quickly be exposed when the pockets of those outside the city start to dump cash her way (or simply abandon her). Either way she loses.
Further, Those same pockets which her and her "majority" are comfortable rolling around in will be forced to put pressure on the other sell-outs complicating thier reelection bids.
I heard last week a vocal gay couple in Morrison park bash David for something, of which I had no concern. But, the old adage even bad publicity is good, does not hold true with an angry electorate.
I wonder how Art Lomeli will vote in the recall?
She could always raise money by selling drugs...
Associating Martinez, a true dope, with Nativo Lopez is quite a combination. Maybe she can claim temporary insanity too and save her fat ass.
Carpetbagger's right -- recall her just to drain her campaign account -- or refer her to Kindee Durkee.
When she was running for offic, Michele used to organize candle light marches each time a gang banger was shot in Santa Ana. Art, have you noticed now that SHE is responsible for all the violent crimes she's no where to be found?
http://www.ocregister.com/news/police-383155-bertagna-vehicle.html
After some public speaking classes maybe Barragan coun run for her seat. he makes about as much sense as Reyna!
It's about time! Michele, who acts like a child with ADD at the council meetings, deserves to go. She adds nothing to the city, in fact, takes away more than she has ever given. She needs to go back to her gangbangers, where she will be a princess. Let's see, who will be next...maybe David? He is kumquats are ripe for picking! We should systematically recall each council member who is involved with getting rid of Paul Walters.
the best way is to recall the weakest one first to gain momentum and scare the others along the way
I think that someone should recall Tinajero too.
It's amusing to hear the rants and raves of the afflicted. I personally welcome a recall of Michelle Martinez because it gives those of us who care about our city, another chance to walk our neighborhoods in her support. I may not believe in everything she has done. But I support the need for positive change. We can again have a fair and open discussion about what's best for our city.
Well good luck Joe. You guys couldn't elect her I June and your mayoral Candidates al fail too...
Joe if you are going to show undying support for Martinez, you may want to start by spelling her name correctly......one L hahahah
Art, What do you know about the Festival Hall in Downtown Santa Ana? I've heard it has been a major source of Police Calls for decades and yet no one shuts it down? Is it true it's owned by Councilman Sarmiento and his mom?
It has been. I believe the Sarmiento family still has an ownership interest.