The reporter, Anna Bakalis, who wrote the story about Waste Management's proposed expansion last week now has a blog about the debates at The Reagan Library this week. Check it out and leave a comment for her.

What should she investigate next?

Looks like the US attorney scandal is tied into the recent revelations of yet another corruption case. So far it looks like if you dare to investigate a Republican even if you win a guilty plea, you get fired. Did Clinton US Attorneys face the same pressure?

And now not only are Democrats in congress after Rove but the administration is after him for leading presentations given to government employees on how to hand out federal money to help Republican candidates. No wonder the Faith based programs of W. have been stalled. It might be yet another Rove scam.

I support faith based programs in many ways, but I know we can never trust Karl Rove to run them. He is a Republican first and an American second.

This Thursday Presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani will be at Paul's Italian Villa after the debate for a rally. I am sure all the local political officials will be there. If you go, bring a camera and take some pictures for me to post.

Ask the local players that show up to the rally if they plan on endorsing Rudy.

I will give plenty of blog space to the leading candidate that invokes Ronald Reagan the least. We all know they like Ronald Reagan, but I am hoping they don't go overboard. It isn't like if they mention him the most they will win the nomination.

If you see any other events for the debate let me know.

Click on continue reading for event details.

In related news I am looking for official bloggers for the candidates. This is your chance to write for this blog. So, send me an e-mail if you want to be the official McCain, Giuliani, Obama, Clinton, Edwards,Gore, or Romney blogger. You will get access to the front page about every week to push your candidate.

Elton Gallegly has finally told the local media and not just the DC media that he is planning to run again.

He said:

"Right now, I am officially a candidate," Gallegly said. "If for any reason there is a change in my position before the 2008 election, I will give ample notice, but that isn't an anticipated thing at this point."

This has already been reported over and over so I don't have much to say.

But just out of curiosity, do you think it will hurt him even by just a percentage point that he said he was running for just one more term and changed his mind? With health issues at the center of his earlier attempt to retire I think voters will be forgiving.

I am curious what public statements he has said on the war. Has anyone heard him address a crowd at a fundraiser or anything?

( Of course, I am kidding about the importance of taking a tour, but I appreciate the time WM took even after I released some of their documents from a variety of sources. )

The Simi Valley Landfill offers free tours to the community to learn more about their operations and plans for expansion. I took them up on the invite and went on a tour myself today.

I don't have time to tell you all about the things I learned but I encourage everyone to go to their website and learn more for yourself.

They have many innovative environmental programs that we should all learn more about as we discuss their proposed expansion. I forgot to ask if they have a position on reducing co2 emissions because of climate change. But they did mention that many of their trucks run on alternative energy.

Thanks guys and good luck with the Arroyo clean up this weekend.

When you click on continue reading there is a flow chart about the approval process supplied to me by Waste Management. If each step takes a month in about the year 2032 the dump will be expanding.

( During the campaign Peter Foy designated himself a farmer. I like the idea that instead of Mr. Smith goes to Washington, Mr. Foy goes to Ventura. Thanks to Brian Mack for the photoshop.

Newly elected supervisor Peter Foy has led the county Board of Supervisors in putting a term limits proposition on the ballot which inches him closer to fulfilling his campaign platform. I don't know why they didn't just vote to make it an ordinance as I didn't follow the conversation. Can anyone inform us of the legal or practical reasons to submit it to voters? Is there a question if it is popular?

He has only been there a few months but he still is pledged to fight illegal aliens getting any benefits not required by law and ethics reforms. I will follow along to see his progress on this goals. If you see any news stories or agenda please send them in.

How do you folks plan to vote?

UPDATE: Peter Foy said : He intends to serve only one term before returning full time to his business.

So, any rumors about the next candidates?

Brett Wagner recently sent out another update on his battles to stop the deployment of what he calls the "Pain Ray".

Click on continue reading fro the e-mail.

Interesting story about local Democrats looking to make in roads with religious voters.

I think this county is headed for a complete Democratic take over. Democrats already control the Board of Supervisors 3-2 ( with one liberal R) and I believe they have more mayors too ( any easy way to fact check this?). The state senate next year for East County might even be in play. Add to that an aggressive drive to undermine the GOP base and if we see another perfect storm on the national scale the Democrats locally will make strong gains if they make long term plans now.

Thoughts?

( Here is another document from the old battleplan to get approval for an expansion of the Simi Valley dump. The document is from 2005. Since then WMI has given much more to local charities connected to Simi Valley city council members. If you are the source sending this information into me please explain what we are looking at when you e-mail it in. )

Let me summarize all the documents about WM that I have seen or heard about.

1. WM wants to dramatically expand the Simi Valley dump. This includes the footprint and the height of the dump.

2. The plan has been discussed with local elected officials for many months ( many of these docs date back to 2005) it appears without public input. The goal is to convince the political class to support it and turn this into public support.

3. To do so they know they need to have a great public image which is built up with connections to local political officials, charity events, and exciting environmental programs.

Giving money to local charities isn't sinister, but it does show part of their plan to get groups to sign off on the deal or think of Waste Management as a good corporate neighbor. if the most WMI critics use against them is their support of charities they might as well pack it in.

Barbra Williamson's group gets fined.

How is the other investigation into the membership communications of the Ventura County Republican Central Committee coming along? Did the DA formally pass on it? Where in the review process is it? Have all complaints been dropped?

Either way, keep the documents coming into me.

I was reading this article about Newt Gingrich's beliefs that climate change is human caused and that we must limit c02 emissions. ( I guess that makes yet another Republican that Supervisor Peter Foy is to the far right of). I have met Newt Gingrich before and I think he is most likely the smartest ( maybe not the wisest) of all the candidates the Republicans have named as potential candidates. I am not saying that because I agree with him on this one issue. I disagree with Newt Gingrich on more issues then we agree with. But I would not want to debate him in a dark alley. Or on CNN.

Okay, maybe I am just too lazy or pressed for time. But I want to know more about the other candidates. So, if you run across their position on climate change please leave a comment and a link back to the source.

And just for fun. Of the Republicans that have been mentioned for President who is your top pick and why?

Another day and yet another Republican member of the House of Representatives has the FBI raiding his office.

Are Republicans more corrupt than Democrats right now? Are the police, FBI, and other investigators targeting the GOP? What is going on?

An American High School principal has shut down a school play because of its content about the war.

Read the article before you comment.

John McCain ( kind of like the first quote from Reagan) is the new Weird Al making parody songs!

Check this one where he jokes about starting another war.

Is there any local supporters of John McCain left? I know he was really popular in 2000 around California.

What's going on? Is there something I should of posted about? What to complain about random things or bring up topics that I don't cover? Put it all on this entry.

Talk about off topic ideas here instead of throwing it on unrelated threads.

Above is a picture of the proposed dump expansion by Waste Management in Simi Valley. This is not their final proposal but one of many floating around. I cannot verify much more information as to how I have obtained a copy, but let me just say the obvious. There are dozens and dozens of sources that leak information to me or tell me how I can get it .

Anyways, can someone with more insight tell us about what we are looking at? In the coming weeks I have plenty more where this came from. I know landfills frequently grow, but let's make sure we give great input so it benefits the whole community if it does expand.

Looks like John Doolittle has the FBI after him as part of the ongoing Abramoff investigations. Good things Bush didn't fire every prosecutor with talent! This scandal seems like it keeps dragging down Republican after Republican. How do these guys keep getting elected over and over?

And yes, the Democratic congressman with cash in his fridge is still shady.

If thousands of Republicans raised their voices these guys would resign, but your silence encourages them.

Skate Lab in Simi Valley is a great resource for young people. Here is a short video from when they were on tv recently.

Skate Lab also was the setting for a recent Jackass filming.

They run a great program for young people and they bring outside attention to Simi valley.

Anybody remember which if any local pols helped get this place open?

Who has the skater vote?

Sorry but another season of bad puns is about to begin. Here is what I have found out about a recall effort in Camarillo.

( Direct quote from one or more sources)
" Camarillo parents are furious with the recent actions of the Pleasant Valley School Board Trustees and are forming a committee to start recall proceedings against the entire board. The e-mail contact is PVrecall@gmail.com.

Many parents feel that board is ill-equipped to handle any unification efforts when they can't adequately handle the educational needs of the K-8 students and their families. "

So, what else have you folks heard? I don't live in Camarillo so I haven't been following the recent situations with school closures with enough detail to comment.

Here is another guest blog entry from Scott Blough. If you would like to write a guest blog entry on the local blog that reaches key decision makers across Ventura County send me an e-mail.

April in California

In 2004, the Pacific Research Institute ranked California 49th out of 50 states in economic freedom. Evaluating many variables, this study concluded that the Governor must improve the business climate in California. Economic freedom is defined by this Institute as "the right of individuals to pursue their interests through voluntary exchange of private property under the rule of law.�?

I reported weeks ago that Richard Francis was thinking about running for the Democratic nomination to take on Elton Gallegly ( CA-24). If you read the print edition only you would be finding that out this week. That is fine for most people as the election is far away. But for my readers I know you want to know information like this ASAP.

My early prediction? If Richard Francis runs he easily gets the Democratic nomination beating Brett Wagner or Jill Martinez. Both of them had their heart in the right place but couldn't shake up the status quo and I don't see how they could do it this time.

If he runs and can put together the several million dollars he needs this becomes a top tier race. But he can't wait much longer to start this uphill battle.

Gallegly has lots of support. But 2008 is a presidential election year and the Republicans are looking to get destroyed on the war issue. Regardless of your feelings, it is clear the war is unpopular and appears the momentum is on ending it, not continuing it into the next president's term.

Gallegly is clearly the front runner and it would take a perfect storm to unseat him.

Thoughts?

Gingrich is coming on strong with another serious policy proposal. Here is Scott Blough with more.

The mathematical fight against Poverty
By Scott Blough

Winning the Future

One of the most creative books I've read on the future policy challenges for the United States was "Winning the Future" by former Republican Speaker Newt Gingrich. Love him or hate him, he has a ton of ideas and trends we should be paying attention to now to leverage our present opportunities to create long term gains.

Newt Gingrich often talks about the idea that we should pay students to take math and science courses. At an event last September, Gingrich said, "I'm looking for a foundation that will go into the poorest neighborhoods to pay students to study math and science, someone who will pay more than McDonald's"

While using financial incentives to coax students to study math and science may seem radical by some, Republican Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York City announced last week a new model to fight poverty that uses financial incentives much like the Gingrich idea for education.

The poverty pilot program develops a set of criteria such as improving career skills, more parental involvement in their child's school, work and school attendance. If these criteria are met the City of New York would pay out a portion of the public's tax dollars to the participants.

What do you think about financial incentives to deal with poverty and education?

Do you think it will work?

I welcome your thoughts.

( Thanks to loyal contributer Brian Mack for another amazing photoshop. For the record Britney Spears is not currently trashing Simi Valley. Yet. Seriously, why don't those cities get their own dump? Are they too good for it? )

UPDATE FOR THE BRITNEY SPEARS FANS. THE TRASH FROM MALIBU REFERS TO THE TRASHBAG, NOT BRITNEY SPEARS. PLEASE STOP E_MAILING COMPLAINTS!

The Star has an article today about the proposed expansion of the Simi Valley landfill. The proposed expansion will continue to take trash from the surrounding region. This story will be dominating local politics and elections for a long time. Personally, I want to open a massive dump in Thousand Oaks and put all of our trash there. Maybe even a used tire lot. Who's with me?
UPDATE: It is a joke. I am not in favor of turning Thousand Oaks into a dump.
Here is the article from The Star. Kind of surprising that other council members ( besides Barbra Williamson) or Peter Foy weren't quoted. Maybe in the future? I don't want my city leaders to comment at the very end. I want them to be there the entire time working in public view. This a tough issue and I expect ALL city leaders to comment.

The article does mention former ( or current if he runs for State Senate) candidate Jim Dantona though.

Also, click on continue reading for more information.

I have seen a few websites sprouting up locally already for the 2008 election cycle.

The first one I found was Brett Wagner who is running for the Democratic Nomination for congress ( CA-24 Currently Gallegly although it is not completely known if he is running again.) again. He won the nomination back in 2004.

The website looks like the same website he has used for years with nothing truly innovative on it. I suggest the designers check out Barack Obama's website or myspace profile. I would also suggest making the videos available on youtube.com so that bloggers can cut and paste them into our websites. That is if you want coverage of course.

The second website I found was for Tony Strickland who is running for state senate ( CA-19 Currently McClintock) on the assumption that term limits won't be extended or that Tom McClintock will not be running again.

It is early so Tony Strickland only has a sign and an under construction notice but I expect that will be changing soon. His websites are usually pretty professional looking and easy to navigate. Of the local campaigns his in the past have been in the top.

Mayor Paul Miller (R-Simi Valley) has a website too.

Not much to say. It has the "more information coming soon" that we have come to know over the last few years.

The Democrats and Republicans Central Committees' websites are also constantly updated. Look through them for lots of fun pictures and events ( check the Republicans "Path to 9/11" event at The Reagan Library.

Here is the message that was sent in alongside this "photo". I created a picture to envision what the LNG project might look like. So far it is the only rendition I know of. I used a picture of a LNG site that blew up in Angola combined with a picture of our coast. It's hard to believe that some people call this progress. - Michael Stein

I have not been following the LNG debate as I live pretty far away from Oxnard. I don't know enough to make an informed decision. But I can tell a funny photoshop when I see one.

So, is this the final blow? Is there no chance of a LNG port locally now?

( Local Assemblywoman Audra Strickland with her Father)

It is with a sad heart that I report that Audra Strickland's father has had a massive stroke. The family sent in a picture and a prayer request.

Audra, I know your father is proud to have a daughter in the state assembly.

My suggestion is for readers to leave a kind thought combined with a quote or words that bring comfort to them in times of need.

Let me start.

Click on continue reading.

( Where in Simi Valley is this picture? If you win you can choose a new blog entry on a topic of your choice.)

The city is asking for volunteers for an advisory committee on an update to the general plan.

There are 5 positions available.

I am curious, does the council appoint 5 or does each member appoint one?

Click here for more information on the application.

( The video is back from the archives but I figured with our new citizen committee it is timely again.)

Questions?

Barbra Williamson has answers.

Rep. Gary Miller ( CA 20) is in a safe Republican district but that isn't stopping the DCCC from going after him using the new tool of youtube.com to undermine his support.

I know the campaign for president is starting earlier but I didn't think it would start with races like this one.

If you hear of early fund raisers, conference calls, or meetings for the upcoming election cycle e-mail them in.

( From Wikipedia a picture of Norm Coleman protesting the Vietnam war. )

The Ventura County Republican Central Committee is hosting Senator Norm Coleman this week.

( This picture is years old. Someone was rushing the order for this sign a bit much. It is from Simi Valley days 2000. )

It looks like in the latest spending bill Audra Strickland put in a rider that makes the Ronald Reagan 118 freeway 5 lanes in each direction.

Audra Strickland was quoted as saying:

" It is a shame that people from former communist bloc countries would come to the shrine of the great liberator and not ride on the most inspiring freeways in the world. The autobahn has nothing on Simi Valley."

Although the bill still needs to go to the state senate, Democrats are expected to pass it. An inside source told me that Democrats are thrilled at the prospect of making some Republicans move. Something about revenge for a hurricane in New Orleans. The sticking point between negotiators is the proposal to name the east bound lanes "Ronald Reagan, The actor and the west bound lanes" Ronald Reagan, the President".

UPDATE: After a few complaints and misunderstandings I need to inform the humorless it was just a joke. Happy April Fools' day.