Voice Of Laguna Interview with Mohmmad Honarkar Redefines Hearsay

The Voice of Laguna's interview with Mohammad Honarkar

Ed Steinfeld's radio style is unique. Let the guest talk and praise them. On Thursday, Honarkar in a 39 minute interview shared his opinion, narrative and hearsay about his multiple current lawsuits. Naming many names and even naming resident activists who present facts in council meetings throughout the year. Honarkar made accusations against CM Mark Orgill, mentioned Mayor Sue Kempf and former City Attorney Phil Kohn. Honarkar’s behavior in Laguna Beach since 2021 raises many questions.

California's "hearsay rule," defined under Evidence Code 1200, is a law that states that third-party hearsay cannot be used as evidence in a trial. This rule is based on the principle that hearsay is often unreliable and cannot be cross-examined.

I am a supporter of freedom of speech, yet so many court documents that state fact based evidence on many Honarkar claims have been read over and over and over. Many claims made in the interview could be taken with a grain of salt. The spin is familiar.

Honarkar was very clear that all of the big money he spent on development in Laguna is an act of doing so much to improve the city. Self praise confirmed by Ed. At the same time Honarkar named me and four other activists who attend, or call in to Council meetings and present fact based information. His tone is condescending. He said, this is what I have done, what have these people ever done! It was a statement, not a question.

Fact based evidence, truth, ethics, caring about the city and our residents are important to me. I think Honarkar's comment may be actually flattering. In my opinion Honarkar does not like facts, and court based evidence. There is an old saying. “Some know the cost of everything and the value of nothing”.

The more we hear from Mo, the more it confirms that he just reappears on the scene, sues a lot of people and points fingers at everyone. He clearly never examines his own behavior, nor does he cite minute orders from the Superior Court, County of Orange Justice Center. In my opinion this behavior brings additional questions that need to be answered by our city council. Question now is whether the answers will come through self investigation, or in deposition from 1 of several litigations. Deposition of several city stake holders might tell a story.