The above picture is of Jodell Haws ( Amazing Club President, Brian Levy, and John Strubbe).
On Weds June 21st the Simi Valley Moorpark Democrats had an amazing event. The star studded panel included Dr. Herb Gooch ( Chair CLU Poli Sci and local political consultant), Dr, Jorge Garcia ( Former Dean College of Humanties and Chicano Studies CSUN), Chief Deputy Kathryn Kemp ( Commander Detention Services Division Ventura County Sheriff's Dept.) and Cesar Nava, Esq. ( Immigration Attorney, Oxnard).
In the audience there were members from moveon.org, other local Democratic clubs, people from different towns, and a few people plugging the Clean Money Campaign.
After the event I met a few of the posters from this site, but no worries I won't give away your identities. Thanks to the Simi Valley Moorpark Democrats for putting together another great event. I really wish Peter Foy could of been there as illegal immigration is a central plank to his campaign. The event was not a debate, but rather an exchange of ideas. The sheriff Dept. rep could of shared with him more from a law enforcement perspective.
GS, a frequent poster on this website has his own review of the event. The ideas are his, not mine. If if you agree or disagree, you are agreeing or disagreeing with him. If you would like to write a review or recap of an event around town let me know.
Here is the event from GS's perspective.
Click on continue Reading for GS's recap.
The following is from GS, not me. The opinions are his, not mine.
GS here. Caught most of the forum put on by the Simi Valley-Moorpark Dem club and have to applaud them for putting together a good panel of speakers, Prof Jorge Garcia especially. The Prof's overview of America's legal/illegal immigration history was a good start by putting today's problem in perpsective, relative to past waves, and made one realize that much of our anxieties today are based on fictions we've created for ourselves.
Another speaker, Chief Deputy Kathryn Kemp, explained the relationship between the Feds & the County, with regards to local handling of illegals arrested for crimes: my conclusion is that the Feds move slowly, forcing the County to run up huge incarceration costs, and then bend over backwards to avoid reimbursing us what we're owed for doing their jobs.
The speaker I was waiting to hear from, Rob Collins of the School Board, was a no show. According to the Club's host for the forum, Collins had been pressured by "others" that felt his appearance would be considered an appearance by the entire Board. That's unfortunate. It would seem that its the duty of the Board to keep the community educated...especially on an issue that will be driving the next election. I sure hope the Board gives equal time to keeping the more conservative members of the board quiet when it comes to their forums.
Yet despite an educating forum there was no discussion about solutions to the problems that accompany illegal immigration. Between now and late 2008 we'll be sick of being educated about the problems. But I guarantee you that the first politician that steps up with a solution, no matter how unrealistic, will win his/her race in a landslide...even against the most entrenched incumbent. It's simple: Americans will always follow a winner..until a leader comes along. Gore forgot that. Kerry never knew it. And despite Bush's incompetence, he was savvy enough to dress up like one.
Clean Money will be coming to Ventura County this Saturday.
Go here for details:
http://www.caclean.org/events/ventura.php
YOu can see the movie and get involved by coming to Santa Clarita council chambers.
Thanks for the recap GS!
Sure thing!
This just confirms my theory that GS is actually Herb Gooch!
I have met GS and Herb Gooch and I can confirm they are not the same person.
The next meeting is July 19th and the topic will be "Health Care for all".
We will also be discussing in the local elections workgroup ideas/candidates for city council and county supervisor.
I think it is sad that local media including The Star keep quoting Herb Gooch as a member of the staff at CLU without mentioning he is a Republican party Central Committee member.
Great to see the Simi Democrats continuing to address hot-button issues that many stay away from. I especially enjoyed the meetings on the proposed landfill. Keep up the great reporting, Brian.
Mark
Check out our website: www.myspace.com/vcyoungprogressives
good reporting Brian! keep it up.