Peter Foy sent out a press release about his new Senior Administrative Assistant Mark Lunn.

I don't know much about him besides what the press release says and a quick google check.

He does have a law enforcement background which makes sense, as that was a key plank to Foy's platform.

In the press release Peter Foy refers to himself as "supervisor elect". Did I miss him declaring victory?

Does anyone know more specifics about his term limits pledge? I am interested in how he can work to change the system on that one.

Anyways, click continue reading for the press release.

The latest update has Peter Foy growing in his lead over Jim Dantona.

Jim Dantona hasn't conceded as all the votes haven't been counted which I think is a classy thing to do. Peter Foy has been getting ready to take office which includes interviewing staff and getting up to date information from county workers. He even attended a board meeting where he was greeted as supervisor elect.

Challenging someone already in office is such an up hill task I think Foy will most likely hold the office until he runs for something else or he retires.

Speaking of which, in his campaign he said he believes in term limits. Has anyone heard how many terms he has in mind? How fast do you think he will move to try to get this passed? I can't imagine most of the board would be willing to fire themselves.

(Editor- Here is another guest blog from Scott Blough. If you would like to write about something in our community that has you fired up, e-mail me. All opinions are Scott Blough's. I might or might not agree with them.)

Scott Blough here. On Friday, my wife and I went to the Simi Valley Town Center for dinner, which I recommend, but saw a few teens walking into the mall smoking cigarettes and I thought back to all that had been accomplished to urge the mall to change their policy.

While there may be enforcement issues or lack thereof at the mall, I'd like to know what bloggers think about a ban throughout the city. I'm torn as I really hate being around second hand smoke, but don't really like the idea of a nanny-state either.

The city of Belmont has decided to ban smoking in all public places and multi-dwellings throughout the city. Basically, the only place someone can light up will be in single-family dwellings.

Here's a link on second hand smoke from the American Lung Association. Feel free to leave your thoughts.

I am not sure if the story is political but I was impressed. Sonrise Fellowship was able to convince the city and park district to delay bulldozing a homeless camp with just a few phone calls. Citizen power when backed up by moral force can be just what our society needs. Of course, we also need long term solutions and this local church has also been working with homeless people on a long term basis.

Happy Thanksgiving Sonrise members!

The other day I met a someone that writes a pretty interesting blog about Central Asia and Russia. I expect him to get involved in local Republican politics in the near future but for the time being enjoy the photos of the tap water.

Owen, keep posting. But only if I am allowed to tease you about your election predictions.

Scott: When you send me the head shot I will replace this current logo.

(Editor: Here is another guest entry from Scott Blough. Feel free to give him feedback on topics you would like to discuss in the future. If you would like to guest blog under your real name or a pen name send me an e-mail)

Scott Blough here. In October, the City of Escondido passed, by a vote of 3-2, an ordinance requiring landlords to document the immigration status of their tenants. Last week, the ACLU joined the Mexican American Defense League and Educational Fund to file a lawsuit against the City of Escondido saying the city is requiring landlords to openly violate fair housing anti-discrimination laws and other federal constitutional matters. Now, it appears a federal judge has temporarily blocked the ordinance.

We have seen this topic discussed before on this blog, so I figured I'd request some feedback in light of these recent lawsuits.

Check the link.

Do you think fair housing laws should apply to illegal immigrants with kids who are considered American citizens?

Should the city be able to create ordinances that make sense to their community without federal intervention?

I have heard rumors that Elton Gallegly is rethinking retiring in two years. I wonder how his goals will change now that he is in the minority party? Does his ability to serve our district change? Of course he will try to run top notch constituent services but as far as legislation goes he is going to have a pretty tough time. If Gallegly wants to work in the minority to fight for conservative principles I admire his dedication, but I wonder how it will change frustrating it will be for him.

Does anyone know how his committee assignments will change yet? I hope The Star runs an analysis of it because I doubt we will see a press release.

I am dreaming he fights for ethics reform in his drive to lead his party back to power. Maybe he can even team up with some Democrats since he won't be able to pass a single bill without their permission.

I can't wait to see a bill with the names Pelosi and Gallegly at the top.

Peter Foy still has the lead in the latest update.

Here are the numbers:

COUNTY SUPERVISOR - 4TH DISTRICT
98/98 100.00%
Vote Count Percent
NP - PETER FOY 19,546 50.48%
NP - JIM DANTONA 18,812 48.58%

Total 38,720 100.00%

The latest update also mentions that they still need to count Appoximately 9,000 absentee ballots to count and process 5,200 provisional ballots.

Obviously , it would be very tough for Peter Foy to lose the race at this point.

Well close to it. For details click on continue reading.

In the latest update Peter Foy is up by 4 votes.

Davis and Lundstrom still in the lead.

( Editor's note: Now that election season is over I am relaunching this blog with a new focus on local policy in addition to politics. If you have an issue you would like to write about send me an e-mail).

Scott Blough here. Since the Adelphia scandal/bankruptcy and the subsequent court-ordered fire sale of its cable franchises across the country at rock bottom prices, I've been following Time Warner Cable's movement into the Ventura market with one eye open. While we do have Satellite as an alternative, I have never been comfortable with just Comcast, just Adelphia, or just Time Warner Cable.

Here is an update from The Mike Shire's Star about the Dantona/Foy contest.

Another article quoting Mike Shires attacking Dantona's chances. Does the guy even live here? Why does The Star only call on private schools for quotes? Seems obvious that they tend to be more conservative.

Mike Shires said Dantona had no chance. Whatever the final outcome, he is wrong with how close the campaign really came.

At this rate expect Mike Shires quotes for years saying Democrats have no chance from dog catcher to park board.

Local:

http://recorder.countyofventura.org/Election%20Result.htm

Statewide:

http://www.ss.ca.gov/elect_h.html

Thanks to all the candidates and their supporters who have engaged citizens on this blog.

If you have ideas for what I should do for the future with the blog, send me an e-mail with your contact information. I will get back to everyone that puts their name in. Who knows, maybe we will make a committee to write for this blog. Of course, I never reveal who is who around here, even when you make me mad. I have thought of devoting it to policy, religion, or just campaigns again. I have even thought of using it to organize petitions for ballot measures.

Thanks for the support.

I am proud to be casting my vote for Dantona.

I don't expect this to change many minds but since someone asked I don't want you to think I am not proud of this vote.

1. His campaign has been very open to the new media of blogs. He sends pictures, press releases, and other information. With Peter Foy I signed up at his website but I wasn't "lucky" enough to get his press releases. Towards the end I got a few things including the press release video, but it seemed they were hiding from the discussions.Some of his office staff are great but his campaign consultants were a drag. Some people are worried about message control. But for me, I love the free flow of ideas in a democracy.

2. I support many of his issues including his support for SOAR.

3. He has details to his plans about Rocketdyne. Foy promises to work with the same people who have ignored it as a major issue for a generation or more.

4. Areas like the Knolls and Somis have a greater impact by the county supervisor and Jim Dantona has reached out to these people.

5. Jim Dantona invited me to his events, let me take video of him, and was generally a nice guy. I don't agree with all of his issues, but I don't have to break down the door to learn more.

6. I have disagreed with Dantona supporters but they are still friendly.Loupy goes way over board, GS never really gave Foy a chance. Barbra Willimson supports the bad sign policy. In fact, I could give you a a long list with things Barbra Williamson and I have disagreed over and it isn't just about this campaign. At the end of the day though they don't drag me into every fight. I am sure some Foy ( or maybe some anti-Dantona people?) will attack me for my vote. But I really doubt Dantona supporters will attack me for not always agreeing with them.

7.. This last one is important for those that are thinking about future campaigns. Jim Dantona's supporters attack the message of the rival candidate or the rival candidate(s). Peter Foy's supporters have attacked me. I was going to just vote in private until about a week ago when they started attacking me. Your attacks on me were a really bad idea. I have been called biased, liberal, and an anarchist. I tried to be fair and most people agree I have been.

I told every campaign ( I told Jim Dantona and Peter Foy in person, plus their staff) if they ever want something personal removed I would do it. When somebody attacked Barbra Williamson I got a friendly call and a request to remove it. I of course lived up to my word and removed it.

When Peter Foy was attacked instead of a request I GOT ATTACKED by comments left on this blog and the name calling started. No request, just an attack. If you wanted something removed all you had to do is e-mail me . I e-mailed one person to talk to them but they never responded. I wasn't surprised. After all, the Foy campaign ignored blogs officially ( but do you really think they didn't read and post all the time?) while attacking me for providing a forum. Peter Foy might make a decent supervisor but the attacks by his supporters grew too tiresome to keep quiet.

In campaign schools they will start teaching candidates and their supporters that attacking the forum is just going to inflame people.

I will end it with a quote: Never pick a fight with people that buy ink by the barrel - Mark Twain.

If you want guess who will win various campaigns tomorrow night cut and paste my form, then put your guesses in and repost it.

The Star has endorsed Jim Dantona. The main reasons? He supports SOAR 100% and he pledges to be a full-time supervisor. Congrats to Jim Dantona. Of course I expect the other side to minimize it, just like Dantona would of done if he didn't get the endorsement. The paper also endorsed Gallegly so it isn't exactly the most LIBERAL paper around.

Click on continue reading to see the whole story.

I predict Garamendi will win especially if enough people hear the commericals about McClintock.

The ads go back over the years and have Tom McClintock saying things like:

Social Security is morally bankrupt

and

Providing women with publicly-paid abortions is like "providing scotch to a wino in a gutter."

He also doesn't support the fight against global warming splitting him from the governor who recently signed a bill to make California a leader in the battle againdt climate change.

All that said Tom McClintock has great name appeal for his constant fight against taxes and government waste. He is the most popular conservative in California. If he loses, he will be termed out and will be out of office, maybe for good.

The campaign is close according to some sources so I am interested in your guesses.

I have seen trucks with huge Dantona signs all around town. I also saw firefighters with a fire truck and a huge Dantona sign. Does anyone have any last minute pictures? If so, send them in.

Here is one last minute picture from The Jeanne Davis for School Board Campaign...

Some people complained about the last minute debate between Dantona/Foy but I have a debate here that you most likely didn't even hear about.

I hate when candidates play the debate game. Some people say if you are ahead you shouldn't debate. It would be a great point if it didn't go against the core values of our nation. America thrives when we have an informed democracy. Candidates should take every chance they have to push for that shared goal.

Anyways, I am glad that Elton Gallegly and Jill Martinez were able to get together and debate.

Click here to listen to the debate between Jill Martinez and Elton Gallegly.

http://www.devonhammond.com/Jill_Vs._Elton.mp3

Also, Jill Martinez was in Simi Valley this morning and I met up with her at the library and we chatted for a few minutes. In the vidoes she talks about Gallegly, ethics, Rocketdyne, Iraq, and why she is running.

Why she is running:

Supporter Jose Castellanos talking about what happened in Sadr City last week:

In my mailbox today I found a slate mailer that says Raymond Cruz and Dean Kunicki are Democrats.

I know what is going on, but I will allow them to explain.

If they don't explain, remember they want you to think they are Democrats and they think it is important when choosing who you need on local school boards. If you don't normally vote for Democrats, keep in mind they want you to think they are Democrats.

If you get any more fun mail about the election, leave a message in the comments section.

If you watched the debate let me know your impressions. Here is a list of mine:

1. Jim Dantona has clear plans and choices already made ( Greenbelts, something about Los Posas, Neighborhood Councils etc.) while Peter Foy promised to bring leadership to the issues and work with others to get things done.

2. Both candidates claimed to be the target of negative campaigning but denied doing any themselves. I will let you folks argue if anyone is innocent of that charge.

3. Both sides like to clap. When Jim Dantona is on the attack Peter Foy's supporters like to boo. When Peter Foy attacks back they clap .I really don't know why. If you watched the debate you might of heard Joe Howry ask y'all several times to knock it off. Really, how hard is it to let people speak? Don't get me wrong, Jim Dantona's supporters clap at odd times too.

Guys, not one single viewer changed their mind because you clapped. Can we just let them talk?

4. Peter Foy claimed he never sent a mailer about Jim Dantona going bankrupt in the primary. I thought I saw one. Did I hear Foy wrong? Let me know if you got one and still have it. If I misheard Peter Foy, I apologize.

5. Somebody asked a question about if it is important to clear brush, especially in light of recent fires. They both came out against clearing brush. Or for it. The question made me feel sleepy. Maybe the brush clearing lobby paid them off or something. Oh, I forgot Peter Foy has more experience clearing brush. Jim Dantona=Weak on clearing brush.

6. Calling Jim Dantona a liberal must have really polled well. In fact, Jim Dantona went after Peter Foy for supporting McCain-KENNEDY amnesty/guest worker program. Calling people liberal is a great weapon. I even got called a liberal by a poster. Maybe it will be the new taunt of playground bullies. I suggest liberal kids call the other side FEMA directors.

7. Peter Foy is not a politician. I hate when people say that. What are they saying about people that hold office? Are they bad? If they are bad why do candidates want their endorsements.

8. Both candidates are against Rocketdyne killing people. I am so glad that is cleared up. There were some other details but I think that covers the major point.

9. Neither candidate will be looking to hire the former staff of Judy Mikels. I posted that question on my blog, but I did not submit it. I did tell people to submit questions left on this blog so I don't know if they submitted it, or if someone had the same question.

10. When asked about same sex health and other benefits for county employees both candidates took a chance to distance themselves from gay marriage before answering. If a vote came up Jim Dantona would favor allowing same sex county employees to keep their benefits, whereas Peter Foy would not support it. Here is the video:

11. Peter Foy challenged The Star to call Waste Management and find out if Dantona asked to work for them since the campaign started. Jim Dantona said he called them. Jim Dantona said he can work with someone and still oppose them. Here is evidence that he can attack his former employers ( he has worked for WM in the past).

12. I don't know why but it just popped up in my mind. We have an insurance agent and a lobbyist running against each other. Maybe next we can have an IRS agent and a personal injury/defense lawyer run against each other.

Here is a video about negative campaigning. The visual is bad but the audio is pretty good. If anyone wants to donate a better camera, let me know.

I think democracy was well served. I wish the debate could of been before absentee ballots went out so more people could of seen the differing styles and views. before voting.

If you have comments, leave them. Videos, send them in. Pictures, ditto.

If you want to see a t-shirt from a Foy supporter with foul language click on continue reading. Thanks for the photo. I didn't write down your name, but thanks for being a good sport.

Another day another story from The Star quoting Michael Shires.

Who is this guy besides a Prof at Pepperdine?

Seriously, is there nobody at CSUCI that The Star can call for a comment?

1. Jill Martinez has a new myspace website. Check it out at http://www.myspace.com/jillmartinezforcongress
2. Her website has been redone check it out at http://www.jillmartinez2006.com/
3. She has a bunch of videos up on youtube.com including this one:

and this one:

She also has a press conference coming up. Click on continue reading for more details.