The Fullerton Harpoon, Author at Friends For Fullerton's Future

January 19, 2026January 19, 2026Ahmad Zahra

Observing or Stirring Up Controversy?

A Friend just sent over this snippet from a Fullerton Observer “article” about tomorrow’s Fullerton City Council meeting.

“Despite the limited agenda, the meeting is expected to draw public comments regarding the recent selection of the Mayor, the treatment of public commentary, issues surrounding ICE, and the City’s response to violations related to CalPERS.”

Why write about news when you can try to make your own! (Photo by Julie Leopo/Voice of OC)

Once again Skitka Kennedy and her sister Sharon seem intent on generating news rather than just reporting it. Of course this totally unethical stab at troublemaking is nothing new for these people. They love certain intangible abstractions, and if some proposal seems to scratch that itch, then so be it, no matter how fucking stupid it is.

Just tell me what to say and I’ll say it…

First, let’s examine the first sentence. The meeting is “expected to draw public comments…” Says who? Says somebody hoping that somebody will read this and maybe go; either that or remind the usual disagreeable claque that their presence is needed to disrupt the business of the city.

And then there’s the script

First, selection of Mayor, an issue decided a month ago and that has no relevance to anything anymore. The treatment of public commentary is really funny.

Treatment of public commentary? For some reason these fools seem to believe that they actually deserve respect as they berate members of the City Council. Look me in the eye, the Canadian green card holder demands! Sure these nincompoops have a right to speak; but there’s no requirement on the part of the City Council to give them a nickel’s worth of attention, or to adjourn meetings in honor of them.

And the ICE issue: giving $200,000 to undocumented persons for legal and living expenses, money taken from everybody to salve the moral sensibilities of a few. The decision not to fund this irresponsible idea was taken in November and isn’t going to change. Still, hope springs eternal in the cross-wired world of Fullerton Boohoo.

Finally the CalPERS “response” issue, yeah, an issue nobody has even talked about except for one opinion screed written by the the sweet young Elijah Manassero, soi-disant “investigative reporter” for the Kennedy Sisters.

FFFF, however, did publish a post about a possible Closed Session leak by “Dr.” Ahmad Zahra to the tender Elijah, and how the potentially illegal matter had been referred to the District Attorney. Will anybody from the balcony step up to the podium chatter about this, besides the delicate fleur Manassero? I doubt it.

I don’t spark up doobs any more, but back in the. Hey that explains a lot about my career trajectory.

The Fullerton Observer and its proprietors will never change. When you are on a messianic mission of goodness and light, you are unable to draw a distinction between objectivity and fantasy so long as the fantasy rings your bell. It’s an all too common trait in the less educated, and is a complete disqualifier for someone calling himself a journalist.

January 8, 2026January 8, 2026Ahmad Zahra

Dope Lobby Back to Work In Fullerton After Holidays

by The Fullerton Harpoon32 Comments

Yesterday our young and lively friend, sweet Elijah Manaserro published an article on the Fullerton Observer blog. I call it an article because it isn’t a news story – almost devoid of journalistic content – it is really an opinion essay.

Out of the blue our tender sprout decided to elevate an issue completely off the radar – illicit cannabis dispensaries. And he shares the turmoil caused by these unlicensed, unregulated stores. “Whack-a-mole” he calls it, and dramatically claims the cost of enforcement is “staggering.” Of course the cost isn’t staggering at all, but when you are acting on behalf of a huge, monied interest, hyperbole is okay, I guess.

Where the green shoot Elijah is going with this is clear. It’s same logic and language used by the Fullerton Observer and by “Dr.” Ahmad Zahra in the past to promote legal dispensaries. Since Fullerton can’t control the illegal activity, we might as well make it okay.

The good folks behind the legal dispensary push – the Dope Lobby – have been trying for years to get this use legalized in Fullerton, and it looks like they’re still hard at work – through the Observer and the green sprig Manaserro, the Zahra acolyte and possibly closed session confidante.

This issue is not peanuts to the Dope Lobby, which consists of two elements: the lobbyists for actual dispensary companies, and the local grocery store workers union who represent dues paying cannabis store workers.

A year ago the grocery workers local union UFCW 324, no doubt supported by the lobbyists behind the scenes, pumped a staggering $60,000 via the national HQ into a political action committee to get “Cannabis Kitty” Jaramillo elected to represent Fullerton’s 4th District. That effort failed, but the cash motivation endures.

The UFCW PAC paid $4000 to Andre Charles, husband of councilperson Shana Charles, to do some sort of work for the Team Jaramillo campaign; we can assume, I think, that Charles is certain to support a new cannabis ordinance, given her personal economic connection. This means that the Dope Lobby is still just one vote away from getting their majority in 2026 and a revitalized dope zone map.

Still don’t see connections? Guess who Zahra picked to be his representative on the so-called Sustainable Budget Committee?

Zahra chose Derek Smith, that’s who. He’s The government lobbyist for the cannabis workers a fact that has never excited young Elijah’s curiosity.

But now back to our fragile fleur of an “investigative reporter,” Manassero. He claims (dramatically, of course) that the illegal dispensaries have been “near schools” but conveniently doesn’t say which ones. The few addresses he cites to bolster his essay are no where near any schools. Of course in his dissertation he fails to mention that the previous dope ordinance, passed in the last hours of 2020, before a new council was sworn in, permitted dispensaries within 101 feet of our homes.

Finally, and inevitably, callow young Manaserro directs attention to the real issue: the budgetary benefits of cannabis sales taxes. This has always been a big motivator for MJ support in City Hall, given the fact that general sales tax increases, like 2020s Measure S, are difficult to pass. The proposed special sales taxes discussed last year need a two thirds majority to pass.

I don’t spark up doobs any more, but back in the day…hey that explains a lot about my life’s trajectory.

Here’s my prediction: as spring 2026 advances, we will see Fullerton Boohoo, Fullerton Angry, Fullerton Childish, and Fullerton Fun begin to advocate for legal cannabis stores, and harass the council majority to implement a new ordinance. As the August ballot deadline approaches we’ll hear even more racket from these people.

December 31, 2025December 31, 2025Ahmad Zahra

At the Fullerton Observer Raising Awkward Facts Gets You Nowhere

by The Fullerton Harpoon42 Comments

One of our commenters recently pointed out the “reply” string on a Fullerton Observer post supposedly written by a guy named Kevin Curriston, a chap who doesn’t appear to be the literary type. Some of comments are pretty good. Naturally Sharon, the elder Kennedy Sister, leaps into the breach to validate the theme of the essay. Amy the Angry Little Bird is on hand too, to lend her support.

A guy named Brian calls bullshit on the supposition that 40 public commenters represent anybody but a small percentage of Fullertonions.

That premise is not well-received in Fullerton Boohooville.

I particularly like Brian’s wicked request for Kennedy to share some of Zahra’s vast filmography.

A Mr. Matt Leslie reminds everybody that Zahra’s flipped on his first real decision and in doing so disenfranched a whole bunch of people when he appointed Jan Flory to complete Jesus Quirk-Silva’s term.

Here’s the reply thread, reproduced:

15 replies »

Matt LeslieDecember 27, 2025 at 9:48 amThe author neglects to inform readers that Council member Ahmad Zahra did not attend this important meeting. Although it seems unlikely that other council members would have supported him for mayor, he had the opportunity to support Shana Charles for the position, but was not present to do so.Ed Response: Councilmember Zahra had a work trip out of town so did not attend the meeting.
- BrianDecember 29, 2025 at 2:39 pmI see you seem to know a lot about council member Zahra, just what does he do for a living?
  - Sharon KDecember 29, 2025 at 4:35 pmZahra is a filmmaker. Currently the only Councilmember who doesn’t work is Jung. You can discover this kind of thing through the form 700 financial filings of each Councilmember. – though I notice Valencia has failed to file. Not sure why.
    - BrianDecember 29, 2025 at 6:46 pmWow, that is fascinating. Can you point me in the direction of some of his work?
AmyDecember 29, 2025 at 8:12 amDunlap and Jung continue to gaslight the public and delude themselves by saying that public commenters are not representative.Every meeting brings new attendees infuriated by the actions of the majority, but Jung, Dunlap, and Valencia keep telling themselves the public’s voices don’t count. It seems they can’t bring themselves to accept that anyone could possibly disagree with their blatant corruption and repeated defiance of the wishes of the public.
- BrianDecember 29, 2025 at 2:27 pmI’d imagine if you took two seconds to step outside your bubble, you may realize that in a town of 140,000+, 30 or 40 people don’t even represent a decimal of a percentage. And just because you comment, it doesn’t make your comments true. Much like this publication and the liberties it takes with the truth all the time.
  - Sharon KDecember 29, 2025 at 4:56 pmBrian – sounds like you are talking to yourself on that critique.
    Most people are busy with their lives and don’t pay that much attention. And of course over half of our town’s 140,000 or so residents are children. Others have jobs that interfere with council meeting hours, etc. Some don’t think it is possible to fight city hall. Some are just not interested. Having 40 people show up at a council meeting and speak on an issue is huge.
    If people didn’t come out we wouldn’t have any trails in town; there would be a polluting flour mill across from Amerige Heights; the toxic park and McColl dump site would not be cleaned up; our museum center would be high rise office building; we wouldn’t have saved FOX or Coyote Hills and much much more.
    Some politicians – just out for themselves and narrow special interests – can fool people for awhile but eventually the truth of their actions come out
  - AmyDecember 29, 2025 at 5:33 pmThose who disagree are welcome to attend a city council meeting, but for some reason they have not.Jung received unanimous opposition to his taking of the mayorship at the last meeting. Dozens of public comments unanimously supported creating a fund for immigrant support against ICE raids and kidnappings. Dozens still attended to beg city council not to kill the Walk on Wilshire – twice; the paltry number of voices in opposition were those financially aligned with Jung and Bushala. If opposition exists, it has yet to show up to city council meetings.
    - BrianDecember 29, 2025 at 6:44 pmLike I said, just because you comment, doesn’t make your comments true. With this statement you proved my point again.
      Full of inaccuracies. Do better.
      - AmyDecember 29, 2025 at 9:19 pmI don’t see how, but okay. I’m sure you know best.
    - Matt LeslieDecember 30, 2025 at 8:59 amAmy, I opposed Walk on Wilshire for several reasons, not because I was “aligned” with anyone. Please be careful not to be dismissive of the concerns of those with opinions contrary to your own.
      - AmyDecember 30, 2025 at 5:11 pmI fully respect your right to your opinion, but I do disagree that the bollards – comparable to those used on nearly every trail in OC – were an actual impediment to cyclists traversing the Walk on Wilshire and merited removal of the whole thing. I definitely wouldn’t go so far as to say any opinion I disagree with is invalid. That would be absurd. But the argument seemed so ridiculous as to be disingenuous to me. Perhaps I’m reading too much into it.That said, as one of the fewer than 10 detractors, you’re certaintly entitled to your opinion. I hope the dismantling of the Walk on Wilshire that so many enjoyed brought you great happiness and satisfaction.
  - FrankDecember 30, 2025 at 2:00 pmStep out of your bubble pal.
Sharon KDecember 29, 2025 at 9:05 pmBrian – if you are talking to me – you are right — I guessed that there are way more children than there are at least according to the stats I just looked up that say there are only 32,000 children under 18 in Fullerton.
But when you are figuring out percentages of people think about the fact that – according to the OC Registrar of Voters – only 7,432 voted for Jung; 9,546 for Dunlap and 3,489 for Valencia in the last election. That certainly does not make a majority. Some of those who voted for Jung, Dunlap are among those who have come to council and said they were unhappy with their votes on various things and felt fooled when the vote to keep Walk on Wilshire open – turned into an expansion suggested by the two – and then that vote was postponed until after the election and both Jung and Dunlap proceeded to vote no.
Really the point is that we residents of town want a fun place to live that we are proud of where people want to visit and small businesses can thrive. Dulling it down by reducing unique features, curtailing music, outdoor patios, walking paths, safe bike paths, etc does not make our town attractive to anyone. And everything turns into a big fight with residents begging for good decisions. And I am not alone in really hating their recent decision to not help residents targeted by ICE and other weird unfair decisions like not following fair rotation so every district gets chance to have their representative as mayor.
Matt LeslieDecember 30, 2025 at 10:51 amAnd, by the way, if you want to talk about steamrolling over public opinion go watch the videos of Ahmad Zahra’s first council meetings in 2018. Dr. Zahra first voiced support for a special election to fill a vacant council seat, a position in line with nearly all public speakers on the issue during meetings. But he quickly changed his position entirely, aligning himself with a council majority who disregarded expressed public opinion in favor of an election and instead voted to appoint a someone to the vacant seat.Zahra’s swing vote to appoint a council member instead of holding an election disenfranchised an entire district of the city, instead foisting upon them an unelected representative for the two full years remaining in the council term. This decision was of much greater significance, in my opinion, than choosing a mayor from among sitting council members (something the appointed council member got to do). Where was the concern for “the public” then?

December 18, 2025December 18, 2025A Step in the Right Direction

Did Zahra Leak Confidential Closed Session Information to Mr. Transparency?

by The Fullerton Harpoon51 Comments

Yesterday I published a post about City Attorney Dick Jones saying the Fullerton City Council had voted in Closed Session to ask the District Attorney to investigate a possible leak of confidential information to the Fullerton Observer.

I methodically eliminated all possible subjects except one – “Dr.” Ahmad Zahra, the pathological pathologist, known manipulator of the Fullerton Observer Kennedy Sisters, as well as the author of the above-mentioned “story,” green sprout Elijah Manassero.

I can’t say if Zahra broke the law by revealing closed session stuff to his tender young protégé, but I do know he missed the meeting completely. The ever-incurious Siskia Kennedy says he was “out of the state on business,” an odd statement given Zahra’s lack of employment, as noted in his Form 700s. Was it because he didn’t want to vote to have himself investigated?

Anyway, here’s the video again, highlighting the Jones statement and Zahra’s MIA.

December 17, 2025December 18, 2025A Step in the Right Direction

Fullerton Asks DA to Investigate Closed Session Leak

by The Fullerton Harpoon33 Comments

At the end of yesterday’s City Council Closed Session Meeting, City Attorney Dick Jones reported that the council had voted 4-0 (Zahra absent) to request that DA Todd Spitzer’s office investigate the possible leak of closed session information.

The relevant matter was the CalPERS action and appeal with regard to four retirees who have or still work for Fullerton, post-retirement. Grover Cleveland posted about it, here.

But apparently young Elijah Manassero of Fullerton Observer fame also wrote about it for the Fullerton Observer. And his effort raised suspicion of information leaked out of closed session, which is a violation of California’s Brown Act. Government Code section 54963 provides that a person may not disclose confidential closed session
information without the consent of the legislative body holding the closed session. One of the prescribed actions in the code is to turn the matter over to the district attorney.

I don’t know what sweet Elijah wrote, but it’s hard to believe he wrote about CalPERS issues without being coached by somebody who knows at least a little about them. And did this person, while coaching the tender sprout, also pass along closed session information? Somebody thinks it might have happened.

So let’s consider who this potential culprit might be. There were probably only seven people in that little room, back of the Council chamber – the five City Councilpersons, the City Attorney Dick Jones, and Interim City Manager Eddie Manfro.

We may be sure that neither Manfro or Jones blabbed anything since they are both involved personally in the CalPERS problem. We know that none of the so-called “council majority” Fred Jung, Jamie Valencia, and Nick Dunlap are on speaking terms with Sanksia Kennedy’s Observer, let alone a source of confidential information. That leaves Ahmad Zahra and Shana Charles, both of whom are cozy with Observer Folk with whom they collaborate all the time.

But wait. Shana Charles not only voted to send the matter to the DA, she seconded Jung’s motion to do so according to Jones.

Who is left? The dishonorable doctor from Damascus, Zahra, that’s who. And we have all have noticed Zahra’s fingerprints all over the lively and impressionable Manassero’s work product. I wonder if the DA will dig into communications between the two.

A Friend has forwarded a video captured from the City’s feed, and creatively edited:

If Zahra did leak something he could be in trouble, although I don’t know what sort of penalties have been assessed in case law. Probably not much. The Council could censure him.

Something about Ahmad and Michelle’s nuptials didn’t seem quite right…

But being on the wrong side of the law and righteousness has never been much of a deterrent to Zahra. After all, he committed Marriage Fraud to stay in the country, he got rung up by Todd Spitzer for assault and vandalism, he was caught by FFFF plagiarizing water articles for the same, incurious Fullerton Observer, etc., etc.

We are left to ponder the reason for Zahra leaking information about the four individuals involved in the CalPERS deal. What would be the goal. The only thing I can think of is that he wanted to somehow embarrass Jung and Dunlap for somehow being responsible for whatever mess is abrew, and of course the “journalists” at the Fullerton Observers and the Kennedy Sisters would be only to happy to assist.

December 12, 2025December 13, 2025Boohooism

Grand Opening for Trail to Nowhere

by The Fullerton Harpoon48 Comments

It’s tomorrow, don’t be late for the Big Event. Let’s let Sanksa Kennedy of the Fullerton Observer spell it all out.

The Grand Opening Ceremony will begin at 10 am at Independence Park, 801 West Valencia Drive, Fullerton. Be among the first to walk, bike, and enjoy this brand-new greenbelt trail connecting our neighborhoods with safe, beautiful, and sustainable pathways. This long-awaited project brings new trees, lighting, and enhanced recreation opportunities right to the heart of our community.

An initiative aimed at transforming an unsightly stretch along an old railroad spur into a vibrant community trail has faced multiple challenges and opposition from a few of the council members, even with $1.78 million in state funding backing it.

After significant community pressure, Council Member Dunlap ultimately changed his stance, voting in favor of the construction contract alongside fellow council members Zahra, Charles, and Valencia. In a not so surprising turn, Mayor Fred Jung stood alone in opposition to the project.

The Union Pacific Trail project stands as a testament to the community’s commitment to development, equity, and civic engagement. Residents are hopeful that this project will be the beginning of more green space for South Fullerton and will create a welcoming space for everyone.

Wow, that’s awful rosy, concluding as facts things that haven’t happened, and of course never will.

Saska is still promoting the same old lie that this boondoggle “connects neighborhoods.” It doesn’t even connect to Phase 1!

It’s a total waste of money, but it sure is short…

Poor Sanka doesn’t seem to grasp the nonsense of an unsightly stretch being the heart of “our community.” Not mentioned is the fact that the unsightly stretch is still there, like it always was and hoping that a silly (and expensive) trail will transform anything is just preposterous wishful thinking.

In Sinka’s tiny brain spending money equates to “equity” regardless of outcome – that’s already been decided by the two dozen drumbeaters for the Trail to Nowhere. She reminds us about the $1.8 million from the State as a reason this should have always been an easy call. She neglects to inform Observers that the City’s cost ballooned from $170,000 to $630,000; but hey it’s a testament, alright. A testament to stupidity and lousy stewardship of public money.

How many of the people who promoted this mess in rhapsodic terms will even be around in a year’s time to calculate the running costs, the graffiti, the crime, the lack of usage, the dead and dying vegetation? None, of course.

Tomorrow this utter waste of $2.3 million will have a hundred parents. In December 2026 it will be an orphan.

December 7, 2025December 7, 2025Boohooism

What Does The Future Hold for Arnel Dino

by The Fullerton Harpoon30 Comments

In case you missed the 2022 District 3 election for Fullerton City Council, here’s a recap of the results.

Our current incumbent, the self-righteous and condescending gas bag, Shana Charles, got far less than 50% of the vote; the remaining votes were spilt pretty evenly between a guy named Johnny Ybarra and Arnel Dino who had been supported by Fullerton Mayor Fred Jung. Charles was supported by the fire brigands who got her elected.

It’s obvious that the turnout was anemic. That’s an ongoing challenge to candidates; or an opportunity – depending on one’s perspective.

The word on the Fullerton grapevine is that Arnel Dino wants to give it another go in 2026. If true, he has been super low-profile about it. I haven’t heard a peep out of this guy.

I’m a doctor. I will figure it out for you dummies…

One opponent would be Charles – who has announced her decision to continue her fascinating journey of discovery.

Charles is vulnerable among conservatives – Republican or Independent. Her spendthrift stance on shelling out $200,000 for illegal immigrants’ rent and legal help will be a huge detriment. A year from now, the failure of the $2.3 million Trail to Nowhere will be obvious; the Waste on Wilshire fiasco, the boutique hotel disaster, and numerous other boondoggles will no doubt shine prominently as campaign issues.

Then there’s the $4000 she and her husband got from the dope lobby during the 2024 campaign in District 4. The dead weight of these albatross neckties is going to be heavy – even for an advocate for public health.

There is no doubt that Fullerton Tax Payers for Reform will wage a well-funded and efficient campaign against her, as they did with Cannabis Kitty Jaramillo.

Will Mr. Dino see an opportunity to give it a try? He is on the Fullerton Planning Commission and FFFF actually gave him and his colleagues a positive nod on the noise ordinance issue. Still, the Planning Commission title may sound nice but it doesn’t mean a lot these days, if it ever did.

So come on, Dino, let us know your plans.

December 5, 2025December 5, 2025Boohooism

Who is Your Favorite Fullerton Public Commenter?

by The Fullerton Harpoon38 Comments

There is a conga line of eccentric bloviators who keep showing up at Fullerton City Council meetings to berate the so-called “council majority.” Some of them are quite abusive and accusatory. Some then try, or pretend to try, to get the objects of their disapprobation to do something for them. Any attaching tissue to reality seems to be non-existent.

Who is your favorite?

November 22, 2025November 22, 2025Ahmad Zahra

We Get Mail. Fullerton Observer Ethics

by The Fullerton Harpoon67 Comments

FFFF received communication from an individual named Dr. Aaron Moore who had attempted to post a comment on the Fullerton Observer about the Les Amis Saga.

A couple days ago, I wanted to make a thoughtful yet truthful comment on the Les Amis stolen sidewalk that the city smartly put back together and reclaimed its own property, and I had a feeling that the Fullerton Observer sisters would not publish my comment…

Here’s what I said (Grey box). They did not post my comment which I thought was rather fair, and paints a more clear picture for everyone. Other comments made by the uninformed that castigated the City were published, of course.

P.S. my comment is still not published.

Here is Dr. Moore’s comment:

So here’s a comment absolutely following the supposed Observer rule of engaging in “civil discussion” that is refused publication. Why? Because the true story doesn’t fit the narrative woven by Ahmad Zahra, the Kennedy Sisters and Delicate Sprig Elijah Manassero that the owners of Les Amis were actually victims of something or other, instead of the reality: they were serial rent dodgers and squatters for years and years and years.

Off you go. We’ll hear nothing of the kind…

But the truth? Can’t have that. It gets in the way of the fictional story. It’s too awkward and so off to the corn field goes the truth.

Forget about unethical “journalism.” We’re talking about some serious mental and moral deficiency here.

November 20, 2025A Step in the Right Direction

Mission Accomplished Says Zahra. No Third Term Necessary

by The Fullerton Harpoon56 Comments

Is it true. When his lips are moving he’s generally lying, as the saying goes.

It was all about “serving,” mostly serving himself, of course. Never forget: his second big decision was to get himself appointed to the lucrative OCWD board in exchange for appointing Jan Flory to the City Council in 2019; his first big decision had been to call for a replacement election.

“Community-driven representation” means stirring up a handful of uninformed people to harangue honest council members and bully them into submission on a useless $2,300,000 trail through a blighted industrial area.

Is this a true statement or only a feint? Is it a mechanism to win sympathy for a mayoral appointment on December 16th? The latter certainly isn’t going to happen any way you slice it. Or is this a realization that his self-serving ego leap is over and that he landed in the sand some time ago?