As this petition heads towards 25,000 signatures in less than two days, I wanted to reach out and let you know that your petition signature has meant something! Here is an excerpt from the Los Alamitos-Seal Beach Patch Online Newspaper regarding District Attorney Tony Rackauckas's take on the matter: --------------------- “I plan to appeal it,” District Attorney Tony Rackauckas told City News Service. “We still have to wait for the transcripts (of Friday’s sentencing hearing), but everything about the case indicates it’s clearly an illegal sentence and one that is appealable.” Rackauckas disagreed with the judge’s ruling that he had the authority to deviate from the state-mandated punishment in the case. “It’s mandatory language in that section (of the law),” Rackauckas said. “So that indicates there is no discretion... We disagree with the ruling vehemently and our remedy is to appeal. We expect this will be reversed on appeal.” --------------------- Very promising words. I thank Orange County District Attorney Rackauckas for taking action on the lenient sentence. This petition will remain as the legal proceedings take their course. As for Judge Kelly, there has been nothing but silence from his office as newspapers, radio shows, and social media posts continue to cover the story. The wait continues on whether he will apologize and whether he plans on stepping down. I'd like to see him say something publicly. Surely he has thoughts after this issue caught the public's attention in such dramatic fashion? Finally, I also want to make a point of clarification. Some articles linking to this petition have stated that we are looking to "recall" Judge Kelly. Others have used the word "remove." An official recall or forcible removal of Judge Kelly is not something that this petition can accomplish directly. Such actions can only be accomplished by voters of his county. This petition, and the efforts of other pages like the Facebook site http://www.removejudgekelly.com, are intended to bring the unfortunate circumstances of this case to the masses. Do not be discouraged. This is an organized public outcry, and it's working! Please continue to share links to this petition and the Facebook page and let your voice be heard. Thank you once again for your support.