Candidate for
Mayor; City of Orange

Mel, a US citizen was born in the Panama Canal Zone. As a child, Mel and his family came to the US and settle in the Los Angeles area and later Orange County. He attended school in Orange. That is where, with the support of his family, he realized that he had a gift for the Arts. He accepted an internship at South Coast Repertory Theater. From there he went on to have a successful career in the entertainment industry doing sculptures for movies and amusement parks.

Mel has been a successful sculptor for the entertainment industry with over 15 years experience. His clients include Disney, Warner Brothers, Universal, Paramount, Knotts Berry Farm, and Movieland Wax Museum. He has been commissioned by the private sector and by several celebrities as well for many years to do personal sculptures. President George Bush personally asked Mel to create a sculpture of himself and Mrs. Bush for his Presidential Library in Texas. His career in the art world ha s taken him to far off places as far away as Thailand, Hong Kong, Canada and throughout the USA.

At the age of 30 he retired from the arts and decided to branch out into the realm of volunteerism in his community. Mel spent over 4 years granting close to 60 wishes for terminally ill children with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. After a short hiatus, he embarked on a new endeavor.

Mel founded America's Helping Hands (AHH) (http://www.americashelpinghands.org) in May of `95, with his own personal funds and that of his family. Mel wanted to bring many celebrated stars and their favorite charities to the American public's attention. His first sets of hands were those of Jay Leno. Mel thought he could get approximately 20-30 stars to lend a hand, but to his surprise, the overwhelming support was amazing. He has traveled throughout the USA accumulating these pieces of art for over 5 years - over 134 wonderful pairs of hands giving back to America. The sculptures range in value from $3,000.00 to $50,000.00 for those of President Bush's and Shaquille O'Neal's hands.

Mel has lived in the City of Orange since the 3rd grade and graduated class of '80 from Villa Park High School. Mel has always loved this wonderful city especially with all the beautiful buildings and parks in the center of town. Mel does not wish to change anything about his childhood city, but he does wish to protect it from anyone who might. Mel wishes to bring the city up with the times. He would like to make sure that our Fire, Police, and City Departments all have the most modern and vital equipment in order to provide continued excellent service to the City and its exceptional people.

Mel is an extraordinary colorful and charming human being. As someone who can easily talk and listen to the needs of a former President to the local mechanic, we know that with Mel, our delightful City of Orange will always have an open door to all.