All members of the City Council, except for Michelle Foster, have received contributions from individuals or developers associated with Runkle Canyon.

Michelle Foster is the only council member that in my opinion should be allowed to vote on the issue.
Hail Queen Michelle!

How silly. A Councilmember takes a thousand dollars or so for a campaing and can't vote? Forever? How odd. How about a citizen giving money to a Councilmember? Still no vote on a project that the citizen is opposing? Get real!

Why would an out of town developer give money to a candidate that doesn't have an opponent? To buy access?

The citizens health is not for sale!!!

Oregon has a rule that before a vote, a legislator has to inform the house or senate if he/she's received any support from a developer or business entity or organization. Oregon also does not allow legislators to recuse themselves from a vote because of such donations. That's not to say that Oregon doesn't have its problems but it does create transparency and a constituency that seems a bit more tuned into their house & senate affairs more than we are down here.

OOPS! Forgot to add to the end of the 1st sentence "....that has an interest in that vote."

I have received campaign contributions from many developers...and have always voted my conscience when evaulating a project. In the case of Runkle, I believe I was the first Council person to request a second look at KB when all the issues were brought up and p[loedged no grading until we put this atter to rest once and for all...and as of the date, no building or grading has taken place! As for campaign contributions, when was the last time "Ralph" or Nobody, or Brian Dennert for that matter ever contributed to a LOCAL campaign? EVen $10 bucks? so until local citizens start digging into their pockets to support good government, I think you shoud keep your opinion to yourself! If the truth were known, you probably don't even vote...except for Dennert.. :)

opps, guess I should have checked my spelling before hitting "post"

Now, now, don't get too hot under the collar. Candidates can always fund their own campaigns since they do get a salary and stipend. Campaign contributions do oftentimes buy open doors. There has never been a question about that. Does it by votes? It has been shown that it does, unfortunately. In the case of Councilmember Williamson, however, her record is clear. Citizens have the same open door as developers; maybe more so. As far as buying a vote, it is pretty well known that if you shower her with campaign contributions, chances are she will vote you down. It is usually the weaker projects that do a bit more showering and she is usually certain to vote down the weaker projects. After the vote on the happy face project, citizens will be fools if they don't support this lady with money and votes. Mark my word, there will be a movement to take her out for her support of the simple hard working stiffs in town. As the Godfather said, watch who comes after her first. This is the one we have to take down the hardest.

Developers have the most to make by getting City Council support of a project so they are the largest contributors for sure. Residents need to get behind candidates who are there for their neighborhood needs. For this reason, I'm going to be forming the Simple Folks Support Barbra Williamson Campaign Contribution Caucus to match these developers dollar for dollar when next year's election comes around. We will see the flow of money to other candidates and we will be there for Barbra. Let's surf our way to make changes to the Simi Valley City Council in 2008. Stay tuned.

See you at the pier in the morning, Barb. Surf's up!

Michelle Foster is hot stuff without radioactive contributions...

Nobody needs anybody kicking up any dust. Let's think this through and remember to first of all value the health of the citizens of the area.

That's the moral of the story.

Barbra is right on this issue. For the most part, individuals aren't digging into their own pockets to help fund the campaigns of those they support for public office. Sadly, it is hard to even motivate many people to take 20 minutes of their time once every two years just to cast a ballot. Most voters don't even bother to read the voter guides that are mailed to their home.

And with the cost of running a political campaign it is totally unrealistic to expect public officials to fund their own campaigns. They have families and bills just like the rest of us. Imagine if you were expected to dig into your own pocket every four years and spend $100,000 to lobby to keep your $80,000 per year job. If that were the case you'd probably find a new profession.

I also don't like the insinuation that politicians should be automatically be considered corrupt because they have received contributions from a particular interest group. Especially since those accusations tend to be one-sided. Why is it OK for one elected official to take contributions from a public employee union but not OK for another to take contributions from a developer? Virtually all public officials have to rely on contributions from various special interest groups. I don't like the system, but that is the way it is and it works the same for everybody. It is unfair to single out one elected official over another when all of them basically do the same thing. And the truth is that if any of you ran for political office you would have to do the same thing too

Gopher out from under rock. Grab your traps and poison. This is an official gopher alert from the Vector Control Division.

Jackass alert!

A politician is not corrupt because they accept contributions from a particular developer/organization. Campaigns are not run for free. They should however recuse themselves from voting on their projects when this occurs.

Barbra, I love ya. But I, for one, have contributed to many campaigns - including yours. Don't assume that someone using an alias here (to protect the obvious personal attacks) is not a concerned, or "contributing" citizen. I fact, I would think they are more likely to be.

I know it was simply an emotional response to say, "I think you should keep your opinion to yourself!" But a voter doesn't need to put up dollars to have an opinion and express it. To deny that there ARE politicians for sale, INCLUDING some local representatives, is naive. And I know you are not naive.

I also recall fondly that you and your planning commissioner were the only ones to vote NO to urbanizing Happy Face Hill. Thank you both for exercising that independence.

Barbra,

Do you think it would help instill confidence in open government to post all contributions to city offices online?

Hello Former Republican...First, Thank you for the contribution, and I hope you will continue to give next year when I am up for re election again...however, you really don't think a $650 or $1000 donation is going to buy a vote do you??? How anyone can believe that can happen is beyond my comprehension...especially when you need at least $30,000 to run a really good local campaign.
Brian,
I don't think it really matters if you post campaign contributions,,,the majority of people aren't going to read it anyway.. Most don't even read the ballot statement reflecting the candidates views. I think what really counts is personal contact between the candidate and the voter. When I help someone with a problem, they are so happy, I know I can count on them going to the polls to vote...even if it happend 3 years ago...they remember and want to make sure I am there for them again...and I will be!

Yeah, that's exactly what I said about Elton.

"you really don't think a $650 or $1000 donation is going to buy a vote do you???"

Nope. I think getting $650-1000 from a developer and several of his/her friends will do the trick.

That's not a cut on you Barbra. It's a cut on the system and those in power who exploit it.

No "cut" taken. I will take a campaign contribution from anyone who wants to contribute to good government. Most of you know by now that I only vote my conscience. It can't be bought or sold.

Still there are many bought and sold in our local government. How do you balance conscience with the will of your constituents, if you find them at odds?

I'd like to pledge $250 to Barbra for her reelection campaign next year. For that I want to see if she will walk through the new mall with me and see the Christmas decorations.

CAP857 you're on. I love the Christmas decorations at the mall, I was just there today...how about a really good cab at Dakota's or California Pizza?

I think it is interesting "Former Republican" that you make the suggestion that someone in our local government is, or has been bought...seems to me that if you have proof, you should go to the DA if, however, you are just spouting words to get attention, or have someone reading this blog think you possess information making you look important,shame on you.
I balance conscience and constituents with what I think is best for all concerned. Because when it comes right down to it, that's all I can do...

Barbra,
This may be a case where the boss is always the last to know...
If you asked the average person on the street if they think Simi Valley government is corrupt, it would be a overwhelming yes.
I don't think it's you but it sure is somebody.

The average citizen in Simi Valley does not believe that their local government is corrupt. You are part of a small minority on that opinion.

You are right the average person might not but the few of us that are interested could easily go through it and make connections in giving patterns.

I believe outright corruption is real rare but transparency in government helps to restore citizen faith that their vote and them coming out to meetings matters.

Bubba, do you think donations should be posted as they are for state, federal, and county races?

By the way, I want them posted for all offices.

I believe that transparency is always a good thing, so I would be in favor of that information being made easily available to the public for all elected public offices.

BK is right, Barbra. Despite the honesty or good intentions of most elected officials Simi Valley's city council has a reputation of being in the pocket of developers. A good case in point is Kunicki's involvement in the Parker Ranch development. Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't the council approve of its planning commissioner moonlighting for the developer of that project, even as that commissioner was presiding over that project? All it takes is one or two incidents like that to taint the entire council in the eyes of the community, leading people to believe that the council is willing to put the interests of Runkle's developers over well being of the families living nearby.

Whether guilty or not the council's encouraged a system where developers and city alike are forced to spend more and more time, resources & effort fighting the community's perceptions rather than moving ahead efficiently with positive projects. More transparency's the only way to fix things.

Right on target gs. All contributions should be posted on-line so the public has easy access to these numbers. Contributions do matter. To think otherwise is naive.

I have always been for "transparency" You can post any campaign contribution I get and from whom....doesn't bother me one bit. As far a Kunicki is concerned, GS, I don't think you can judge this fairly as you will and always will be a foe of Gorian/Kunicki. That isn't met as a slam, just the facts. And NO, the City Council did NOT approve Kunicki moonlighting for any development.

Barbara,
If you love transparency so much provide us with a list of all the Runkle Canyon developer contributions you have recieved. Don't forget the "friends" of the developer who made contributions.

Runkle Canyon is a health issue and we can't afford Simi Valley business as usual.

Thank you Barbra. As I suggested, I dont have a first hand account of the Kunicki Matter but I can offer you this tidbit: at the first neighborhood council meeting I attended, inre Parker Ranch, I did NOT oppose the developer. I stood up and suggested to all concerned that they shouldn't simply pass on the project but take a closer look at how it can be done in a way that would be a benefit to the area. I didn't know anything about Gorian nor Kunicki at the time and it was only after hearing of the conflict of interest matter that I turned a more critical eye on the way the developer was working. And NO, I am not Gorian's foe. He's simply doing his job, as I'm doing mine. Yes, I have opposed his proposals for the Knolls Ranch but have always been willing to work with him on coming up with a new proposal...as long as its done in a way that mitigates the Knolls' safety concerns.

I think Barb is nuts if she goes to any extreme to post her contributions from the "Runkle Canyon Developer" and "his friends". What does that mean? Are friends supporters of the Runckle Canyon Project? Are you referring to employees of the developer? How about subcontractors on the project? What about just social friends? After all, the developer of that project just got a huge award at the Reagan Library for attended by several hundred people. The award was for his charities in the community which he admitted was related to his project. After all, he doesn't live in town. Most of the people in the room considered themselves his friends. Get real. If you want disclosure, then you get full disclosure and you sort out what is a friend and what isn't. That disclosure needs to come from all the Councilmembers and not just one nice lady wanting to be overly transparent to the community.

Surf is huge today. Ten footers this morning.

Absolutely, Moondoggie. That sort of transparency is overwhelming and counterproductive. Do as Oregon does: when a vote comes up, any elected rep that received a donation from someone directly involved on either side of the vote must first announce it for the record. After that there's no legal liability even if you "forgot" to mention a donation. It won't stop the rare instances of corruption but it does give the voters something to look at and say "At least they're being honest about it!".

I wasn't going to list the people making contributions to my campaign, only because if I forgot one, I would be accused of hiding something. If someone really wants to know who contributed to my campaign, they can get a copy at City Hall. It's public record, and it has to tell what line of business the person is in to made the donation..i.e., development, legal, financial..etc.

The voters deserve to know how much money Barbra Williams and all city officials received from the developer whether it was given directly or indirectly.
Don't you agree Barbra and "Moondoggie"... How much did Moondoggie give you while we are at it?

The voters deserve to know how much money Barbra Williamson and the other Simi Valley city officials received from the developer; whether it was given directly or indirectly.

Don't you agree Barbra and "Moondoggie"...? What's wrong with that?
The accident was similar to Three Mile Island except there wasn't a containment shell. The people deserve to know all the information.

Nobody, the Moondoggie gives love, good music and flowers. Money has no vallue to the Doggie. The Moondoggie made a pledge of $250.00 to the next election cycle. Like Barb said, go to City Hall and get a copy of the contributions received by each of the Council members. Then have at it. Voters do need to keep on top of the contributions. The real estate developers have a very bad track record of trying to buy votes over Simi Valley's history.

Are you Barbra Williamson's spokesdoggie?
Here I will start the list of Simi Valley Council Members that took contributions linked to Runkle Canyon.

Michelle Foster - None

Very disappointing response to me above Barbra. This certainly was not an attempt to put you on the defensive. I don't believe the average Simi voter thinks there is some massive corrupt conspiracy; but you don’t need to be Woodward or Bernstein to see the ties between contributions and questionable votes.

Unhappy Face Hill raises questions and, while I shouldn't speak ill of the deceased, the late Judy Mikels was only too pleased to cater to a garbage dump.

As for "friends" of the developer Moondoggie... a $5000 donation can be spread out between "friends" of the developer and not look like the developer at all (except to the politico who accepts the cash). Forget that it is illegal, to deny the ability of organizations lobbying for their project to "get around the law" is ridiculous. Otherwise, why are we looking at new campaign reform measures every few years?

I agree that donations need to be transparent.

Just what Casden got busted for a couple of years ago. In fact, the evil doer lives in Simi Valley. All at the time the Madera/LA Ave. mega apartment project got approved. Casden is know for this type of crime. Knowing where the donations come from is critical, but investigations are for the police agencies.

If all public agencies with elected officials posted their contributions it would encourage faith in our system.

Many people don't vote or care because they assume ( rightfully or wrongfully) that our officials are bought out.

Barbra, if we as a town posted this information it could show that an average person can have an impact and that small donations normally rule the day.

I noticed the "Radiation Rangers" said the council was bought and paid for but then it was refuted.

I want to be able to look at that from home.

Is this a matter of cost? I will consider raising the money if the city can't afford to have transparency.

I'll again agree with Brian on this one. There is lots of information that is technically public, but very difficult for the average citizen to obtain.

Transparency at all levels of government is a good thing. The crazy right-wingers support you Brian. Does everyone else?

I have never received a campaign contribution from Moondoggie.

As far as government posting the campaign contributions on its website, I have no problem with that...however, why don't we get the Ventura County Star to do that? Look, I am not offended when someone questions me about receiveing campaign contributions, what I do get a little miffed about is you all love to gripe, but you want everything handed to you on a silver platter. Get up off your collective bu--- and do a little research on your own. Everyone is so quick to make aligations but that's all they are. I have said it before and I will say it again....I do not support limiting campaign contributions. If I get $100,000 from Matt Williamson, it should be ok, as long as I report it. Then let you, the voter make up your mind if I am on the "take". It's like Tony Strickland receiving gaming dollars in his last race. People were really upset that he got hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Indians, and guess what? They didn't vote into office. Now I know some of you aren't going to agree with me on that, but hey, you are entitled to you're beliefs and I should be entitled to mine.

There are plenty of democrats and republicans taking money from gaming casinos. I don't like it, but Stickland is far from alone on receiving money from gaming interests. Yet this single issue is used against Strickland repeatedly on this blog. You can't call out one politician on this topic while giving a free pass to others.

The same applies to the members of our City Council. If they all take money from developers you can't give one a free pass and condemn the others.

Bubba....it was an example using Tony. Don't get all defensive.

On a related news break....

And yes, BK, you CAN call out those politicos who exchange favors for cash even as you give a free pass to those who take the cash but still hold their constituents above anyone's favor.

OK, so now we are not supposed to raise issues on this blog unless it can only be applied to that candidate???

Guess we've run out of material kids.

Also clicking "ignore" to CAP. Try doing the same Bubba.

Let's start writing the Star to ask them to start another political blog. Bubba and Mongo can have this one.

Yeah Gary , and who judges the ones that use their cash for good and who uses their cash for evil. You? Don't make me laugh.

Barbra, I wasn't getting defensive. I was actually supporting your position.

GS, do you mean to imply that anyone who takes cash from someone and supports them does it because of the contribution, and not on the merits of the case.

No.

Here is a proposal that will upset every "fiscal conservative" here...

Public funding of campaigns.

Then elected officials will be beholden to one special interest - the taxpayer.

Money in politics is an extremely difficult issue. There is a certain allure to the idea of public funding, but I just don't think it holds up in the end. A free system, as chaotic and ripe for corruption as it is, is still the best solution.

I, like most conservatives, was very disappointed with McCain-Feingold. It was one of two reasons that I thought would keep me from ever supporting him for president (the other being his immigration reform). I still dislike large portions of the bill, mostly the unconstitutional restrictions on third-party spending before an election. When taken in context of the whole candidate, and the whole field, I got over those concerns - they are outweighed by everything else.

This primary race in Iowa so far shows two opposite tendencies. On the one hand, Romney was the leader for so long because he had the money to put ads on air and pay a huge staff. He's invested about $7 million. On the other hand, Huckabee's now virtually tied with him, while spending less than $400,000. What does that say about the absolute influence of money?

My prediction is that Huckabee will not beat Romney. If it was a primary election, he'd have a chance, but not in a caucus. Romney organization and structure on the ground are the best that money can buy and has been in place for over a year. Huck can't make that up in one month.

Owen, how do the voting rounds work in Iowa? I've hear that if a candidate doesnt receive at least 15% of the vote they're dropped from the next round of voting. It would seem that some candidates will add to their totals faster than others in subsequent rounds and if that's so, how will that factor in on choosing the final candidate?

Does Iowa conduct these rounds on a statewide basis or locally?

The Republicans and Democrats each do it a little differently. For the Republicans, it's a straight straw poll. Each person in a precinct (subdivision of counties) casts a vote for the candidate of their choice. The numbers are then reported to the state party, and the aggregate total determines the winner. So, having a concentration of voters in a particular area isn't a bad thing.

The Democrats process is much more complicated. For a very interesting mapping scheme, click on my name. The gist of the matter is that instead of going with straight numbers, a candidate's final result is determined by percentage inside of individual precincts. Within each precinct, a candidate must have the support of at least 15% of the people in attendance to be considered "viable." There is a first round, where everyone signals who they are supporting, often by physically standing in a different area of the room. After this, any unviable candidate groupings are disbanded and the supporters either move to another candidate or an undecided group.

The Democratic process is much more open to gaming. For example, before the 2004 vote, Edwards and Kucinich agreed that if they either (or both) were unviable candidates, the group with less supporters would join the other. "Where we need 15 percent, we've got 9 and he's got 6, they'll come to us, and where he's got 9 and we've got 6, we'll go to him."

In the Democratic process it pays to have support spread out across the state, in all precincts. Dean was concentrated in high-population centers and near college towns, but didn't make the viability mark in many rural areas. It also pays to be voters' second choice. This would help McCain immeasurably, since he's pretty much the second choice of everyone, including the candidates themselves. But alas, that won't help in the Republican format.

I understand that campaigns are expensive, but how much does it really cost to get elected when you are running unopposed?

The campaign contribution records available through Simi Valley City Hall are, to say the least, incomplete. Months, and in some cases, years of information is simply missing.

The information that we were able to obtain as of September 2007 is summarized below.

Council Member Glen Becerra (partial records only 2002-2006)

Statements covering periods: 4/20/02; 10/07/02 through 10/26/02; 8/23/06 through 10/29/06

Contributions including:

9/09/02 – Keith Jajko (KB Home spokesman): $100
9/09/02 – Peter Kiesecker (GreenPark Runkle developer): $1000
9/14/02 – KB Home: $250
10/25/02 – Boeing: $250
7/11/06 – Sheldon Group (GreenPark Runkle PR): $500
8/14/06 – KB Home: $1000
9/01/06 – Peter Kiesecker: $1000

Mayor Paul Miller (partial records only 2002-2004)
Statements covering periods: 5/31/02 through 10/24/02; 7/03 through 12/29/03; 3/26/04 through 10/18/04

Contributions including:
10/18/02 – GreenPark Ranch: $1000
10/18/02 – Peter Kiesecker: $1000

Mayor Pro Tem Steve Sojka (partial records only 2004)
Statements covering periods: 7/1/04 through 12/11/04

Contributions including:
8/13/04 – GreenPark Runkle Canyon: $1000
9/9/04 – Peter Kiesecker: $1000

Council Member Michele Foster (partial records only 2005-2006)
Statements covering periods: 6/6/05 through 9/30/06

No identifiable contributions from Boeing or developers.

Council Member Barbra Williamson (partial records only 2002-2004)
Statements covering periods: 1/1/02 through 6/30/02; 7/1/04 through 12/31/04

Contributions including:
9/16/04 – GreenPark Runkle Canyon LLC: $1000
9/16/04 – Peter J. Kiesecker: $1000

Those figures mean nothing. I've personally given more to a single candidate and I've got no developments in the works. Though campaign money can influence whether or not you'll get a phone call returned by an elected official these amounts really show only one thing: that the giver is telling everyone else in his/her network that that candidate is someone that will listen. That helps a candidate generate more donations from that network but in most cases by far that candidate will not exchange a favor for that cash.

The problems arise when a candidate is getting big bucks (or more commonly, big compensation) from others. For instance, if an elected official bucks the public will and decides against the community's well-being to allow a developer to move ahead on a controversial project and then you find that that eo's daughter-in-law just took title to a lot inside that development...then you can start wondering about a potential problem. And before anyone gets all a-twitter, that example is ONLY an example, so don't start looking for something that's not there.

Owen, thanks so much for the inside scoop. Again, great job educating us all to something most of us have only guessed at.

Owen, from your perspective can you tell if Huckabee's parole scandal is having any effect on his Iowa support?

G.S and Owen,
You're being off topic. This is the Runkle Canyon post. Please be respectful to Brian's blog.

Coming from you, that's cute. Where we these sentiments on the Dantona posts? We morphed from Runkle to campaign finance. Funny how you don't complain when people make baseless personal attacks, but do when we're actually having a substantive conversation . . .

GS, working on a campaign is a bit like living in a hyper-political bubble. I get literally hundreds of emails a day containing clips from news shows, news stories, and blog posts. There are so many mini-scandals that never make it out to the mainstream, and honestly, it's hard to know what does. I wasn't even sure that the parole scandal had made it into the general news cycle and wasn't just stuck in "elite political-junkie land." So unfortunately, I'm a bit disconnected from how and which stories are playing on the ground. Plus, my feeling on the Huck surge is that it is based on pure emotion from dissatisfied conservatives who saw him at the debates and liked his performance and demeanor. I don't think they actually know about his record. Just like how most Conservatives who hate McCain don't even remember why.

Owen,
There are people out here who appreciate Brian Dennert's blog enough to follow the rules. All the rules are important but one of my personal favorites is "stay on topic".
Do you feel you're doing that?

We are discussing campaign contributions from Runkle Canyon developers to Simi Valley city council members Barbra Williamson, Glen Beccera, Steve Sojka, and Paul Miller. They are the decision makers of what happens at Runkle Canyon.

If you have anything to add to the discussion I would be very interested to hear your outspoken opinion.

Patricia Coryell..Please explain that is is a "Partical" list on your part, not the elected. Also, why don't you show the other campaign dollars received that were NOT from developers..?

You're right! I got carried away with an off-topic thread. Thanks for flagging it.

Maybe all of them should be posted on the city's website:)

GS, are you really arguing that in Simi Valley to get a phone call back you might need to give money?

That would seem clearly wrong.

Can you tell us the price break down?

I think I can afford an e-mail.

G.S.,
I am sure you would do the same for me.

Hey, nobody, this is somebody. I think when a topic burns itself out, like Runkle Ranch has, it's OK to go off topic. Brian, do you agree?

Patricia - First let me say I oppose Runkle.

Glen Becerra is an obvious bought and sold pawn on more than just this project. Sojka - just follows big brother Glen's lead. Unfortunately, I've never seen this otherwise likable guy vote any way but Glen's way. I've never seen Miller vote against ANY growth - KB or otherwise.

But I have also donated to Barbra Williamson, as have dozens of others who have nothing to do with Runkle. We oppose Runkle and all other attempts to expand Simi into our hillsides - contaminated or not.

I also have much respect for Michelle Foster who thinks on her own. I'll pledge a contribution to her today (if anyone has the guts to run against her).

My point is that I believe you should make your case about the project - not the donations - with Barbra and Michelle. They are both your hope for change - they are not the enemy. Elected officials ARE allowed to change their minds if you compel them to do so.

As for Glen, running unopposed with those kinds of donations tells another story altogether.

I support your fight but I also support Barbra.

Nobody, where were you on the Dantona thread, when the right wing was slandered with accusations of religious intolerance? Or is "off-thread" encouraged when we're bashing Republicans?

Nobody, where were you on the Mary Pallant thread, when the right wing was libeled with accusations of religious intolerance? Or is "off-thread" encouraged when we're bashing Republicans?

Barbara, I am not sure what you mean by "Please explain that is is a "Partical" list on your part, not the elected."

The designation, "partial" means that only partial records were obtainable. All records were requested, but the only ones provided are for the periods listed. Based on the page numbers on the documents we did get, numerous pages are missing.

I only included contributions relating to Runkle and Boeing because that is the topic of this blog. There are contributions from other developers and contractors in the records, just as there are contributions from individuals and local businesses.

I think it would be great if complete campaign contribution information were available to the public either on the city's web site or by making a request for the information through city hall.

And I am not "bashing" anybody -- I am sharing the information we were able to obtain.

If you want my opinion, I think Councilwoman Williamson is an ethical individual who sincerely wants to do a good job for the residents of Simi Valley. However, I also think that she is kept on a very short leash by “the boys,� who get to define what “doing a good job� entails.

I didn’t start out opposing this development. I admit that I would have preferred a golf course, but when Peter Kiesecker said those magic words, “This development will increase your property value�, I got on board.

I learned about Rocketdyne (formerly Atomics International) because I was researching the Internet to find out more about petroglyphs and Native American artifacts mentioned in Greenpark LLC’s development proposal. I was horrified by what I found out about Rocketdyne’s activities, which included, but were by no means limited, to:

ï‚Ÿ test reactors in buildings made of corrugated tin with absolutely no shielding or containment
ï‚Ÿ TCE being allowed to soak into the ground surrounding the engine test facility
 a dirt pit dug so the contractor wouldn’t have to transport radioactive material and toxic chemicals all the way to the ocean to dump illegally
ï‚Ÿ a meltdown that continued for two full weeks despite radiation levels that were literally off the charts
 a burn pit where toxic and radioactive materials were burned under cover of darkness so residents wouldn’t be able to see the deadly clouds drifting through their neighborhoods

….and on and on and on.

Runkle Canyon lies in an 11-acre drainage channel coming off of Area 4, the site of the test reactors (there were ten of them) and the burn pit and the dirt pit and the nuclear materials handling facility (I forgot to mention the fire that resulted from an explosion of fission materials in that lab).

Now, I am not a rocket scientist, but it occurs to me that there is a very real possibility that 50 years of rain and gravity may have caused radioactive and chemical toxins to migrate into Runkle Canyon.

And this is the point I have been trying to make (albeit in three minute increments, that being the time limit imposed for individual comments before the City Council) since April 2004.

The original EIR for this development is at best flawed, and is more likely intentionally fraudulent. The facts about Rocketdyne are out there for anyone who cares to look, and it stretches the limits of credibility to believe that city leaders are as ignorant or incredulous as they seem to want us to believe.

Why are there pages missing in the city of Simi Valley's public records? Those are public records and they are not to be edited by Simi Valley city council members' staff.
These secrets that the Simi Valley city council members keep hiding from us are starting to result in obvious health hazards.
When is something going to be done!!

I don't believe that Councilwoman Williamson would have repeatedly stated in this blog that the records are available through City Hall if she knows that they aren't. I don't question her honesty or her sincerity. Also, I respect the fact that she is willing to participate in public discourse through this blog -- the only councilperson I am aware of who regularly contributes.

I find it interesting that this is the second time I have heard that the City Clerks office is only giving out partial campaign statements. Actually I find it hard to believe, so may I suggest that you put your request in writing, that way no one can mistake what you are requesting.
And to Patricia Coryell, I don’t think I said you were “bashing� anyone, however, if that is how you interrupted the message, let me apologize here and now, as that was not my intent. Again, I am concerned with your comments about only getting a partial campaign list, when requesting all the information. If you would still like to see the listings, may I be of assistance?
Now I would like to address your comments about “The Boys� and that very short leash I am on. Listen, no one knows better than me what happens when you disagree with “The Boys� (which by the way does not include the Mayor). Unfortunately they just don’t get it. It doesn’t matter if they think they have me on a leash, I will continue to vote my conscience and let the chips fall where they may. Case in point, Happy Face. They are so mad about the bad press on this decision that now they are saying I voted for the zone change that created this mess. All you have to do is watch, when one requests something or has a burning idea the other jumps on board or vice versa. They are so fast to slap one another on the back of course they know what “doing a good job� entails they are the only ones doing it….a good job that is.

Barbra,
All we need are those missing pages. No sense in running all over town. You could post them on the blog.

Patricia,
What are the page numbers that where missing?

From now on if a developer offers you any money, let us know; and we the people will double it.
Simi Valley doesn't have to be Boys Town with no supervision.

Patricia,
What pages and from what years?And what candidate? I can send them to Brian and he can scan them.

Sounds like a bunch of nothing to me. Very serious charges of flawed EIR and hiding of public records. Great talk about matching contributions. I suggest going to Court and challenging the EIR,unless the statute of limitations has lapsed. Regarding the campaign contribution filings, how about a Court Order forcing the productions of records? Why not start with a Freedom of Information request? You don't deal with these very serious issues on a blog. Talk is cheap. Action speaks far louder. Calling our elected officials crooks, or at least implying that they are doing something wrong, just isn't fair until you have proof and a Court action is always the best!

If it wasn't for Rocketdyne and other defense contractors we might be speaking Russian and all working in the potato fields. It is great fun to say that they were a bunch of contaminated folks who didn't care about the environment, but that just isn't the case. Procedures were different back then. You would be shocked how the oil industrial worked back 40 years ago. How about Howard Hughes? What about landfills? How about steel plants? We have learned over time. It doesn't mean these industrial were bad or didn't care. Science hadn't matured to the level it is today. Today, it may have actually gone too far.

Campaign filings ARE public record. You just need to make sure the person requesting the documents and the person retrieving the documents are on the same page.

If they are public record why do we have to make a request for them?
These documents should be made available without having to go through a miniature golf course of bureaucracy. They are going to end up on this blog one way or another.

Tell me what "public" record you don't have to make a request for?

Now, now, Barb, watch the sarcasm. This blog isn't used to sarcasm. We always take the high road. Many public records are not requested. How about the agenda for one of your City Council meetings. Those are posted. How about the City budget? That is posted. How about the nonsense that come out in the City's newsletter? We don't have to ask for that. Lots of public records are posted.

Before talking conspiracy, it may be that certain periods are permitted to be absent with respect to campaign filings. Keep in mind that during periods of "inactivity" no report is required to be filed. I'm not certain that this explains your data, but it just might be the cause. By the way, the reported contributions aren't usually the big issue. It oftentimes is the unreported contributions that cause the problems. In Simi Valley's history it was the envelopes filled with cash and the free trips to Europe that got the attention of the FPPC.

Dribble, that was not sarcasm it was a question. Don't be so quick to judge. I have been forthright and answered all questions put to me, so I think a little tolerance on your part is not asking to much. Thoise items you are talking about have just as of late been posted. I am sure at some point the city will get around to posting the contributions. Why don't you send an e-mail to the Mayor as a request. I will be happy to bring it up Monday night.
Louis, even if there is no activity for an elected official, you must file a blank form stating no activity.

Hey, Barb, are you running again for City Council? Because I'm here to tell you, this bloggin' stuff is gonna getcha in the end, my dear. You are fast becoming the next Judy Mikels. Soon to be defeated at local politics and banished to Tuscon, AZ.

Really? And why pray tell would that be? You don't like your elected officials to be "up front" a truthful or are you just not use to it? If the residents of Simi Valley don't like the job I am doing, then I don't deserve to be re-elected again.

Smelly melly, you picked the wrong gal to talk about. This Councilmember is beyond reproach. She keeps this City going day in and day out whether in added crime protection, better traffic lights, our new beautiful mall, the Senior Center, landscaping and on and on and on. She is about as opposite from Mikels as one could be. Mikels went a dozen years in office and never spoke to the public. Barb interacts with the public using every venue available. This is no Dribble, my friend. Don't toss threats around like this. You have absolutely no basis in messing with this public servant. She is better for the common Joe than all the rest put together.

Me thinks you are a phony, Smelly Melly.

I'd hang ten with this Council Lady any morning of the week. If we had four more Councilmembers open to the public like Barb, this town would be a whole lot better.

Comparing Barbra to Moody Judy is heresy. Judy never came out from behind closed doors to talk to anyone without a contribution in hand. When she did, she spoke unkindly to constituents on her way to her private flight to Tucson.

Barbra has the guts to answer for herself, whether you agree or not.

Can you answer for yourself "smelly melly?" Why doth thou hide?

Smelly melly sounds like Bubba in disguise.

Barb is too much of a class act to defend herself strongly enough. So here comes her goon squad, DumpKnowledge.

You are way off base Smelly. You don't have a clue. You want to remove a stooge from office? Look to Becerra or Ms. "Happy for Community" Foster. Barbra has, and does, more for Simi Valley than anyone on the Council. It has always been this way all the way back to when Greg Stratton was on the Council. No Smelly, you picked the wrong dog in this fight.

My comments were strictly related to Barb's constant presence on the blog. Most elected officials have the common sense and political savvy to stay off blogs given their proclivity for rumor, personal bashing, scandalous comments, etc. Apparently, this politician doesn't feel that way at all.

While some might admire that quality as refreshing, I think she's stepping into dangerous territory. Not everyone posts on this blog, but a lot of folks read it (including journalists, fellow elected officials, business leaders, connected political types looking for dirt, etc.). I'm just saying...

Simi Valley has been the source of many of the county political problems. This is because the good ole boys club, headed by Gallegly, supported by Becerra, Bradbury and the rest have kept the county under their thumbs in lock-down mode for 20 years. If they don't want something to happen, it doesn't happen.

Barbra is a breath of fresh air in a stifled city.

I want to thank everyone for all the kind words. Perhaps I wasn't there for Smelly when he/she needed me, who knows, but I am so glad that most of you know the truth and how I feel about our community.
thank you so much!

Smelly Melly...That's just the point. I don't want to be like other politicians in our community. Political savvy?? Who are you talking about? Personally I don't think there is anyone in our City/County who has political savvy because if they did they would be intacting with their constituents be it by blogging or any other source. I believe it is an elected official's job to answer questions and be visable in the community they represent. It's easy to hide, it takes honesty and faith in ones self to be out in front for all to see. No Smelly, I am not your ordinary elected official.

Well said, fearless leader! Gidget and I are forever in your debt. You accomplish what we only dream of. Carry on dear lady. Happy Holidays.

Barbara Williamson makes herself available to the citizens year around not just during voting time. I understand to be competitive politicians must recieve campaign contributions. The difference between Barbra Williamson and some of the other council members is she doesn't change her devotion to the people after the checks cashed. I can't say that for Glen Beccera, Steve Sojka, and Paul Miller.

Boy Nobody, you sure do use some of the same patterns as Bubba. One can only wonder whether Nobody is Bubba reincarnated. Stay tuned for Nobody alerts if this turn out to be the case.

BTW, Bubba, that's a perfect moniker for you. Who do you think you're kidding, anyway?

As far as Barbra Williamson is concerned, truth be told, she is not reaching many people on this blog. The people who are on the blog are already interested in local politics. She needs to be out there in the community trying to reach the disenfranchised and the disconnected.

Smelly,

Why did you find the need to suggest local politicians should remove themselves from answering tough questions under a different name then you normally post under?

I find it odd that you bash people and then complain that there is so much bashing on blogs. If I didn't know better I'd assume you were trying to disrupt conversations instead of contributing to them.

Why don't you stop posting under so many names and instead try to be constructive?

Thanks.

Brian

PS- Thanks for reading.

We have all been disenfranchised and disconnected when is comes to what happened up on that mountain. It's why there are so many questions. The citizens have a right to protect their health. Maybe Boeing should compensate the city of Simi Valley for having to answer them.

We have all been disenfranchised and disconnected when is comes to what happened up on that mountain. It's why there are so many questions. The citizens have a right to protect their health. Maybe Boeing should compensate the city of Simi Valley for having to answer them.

Smooooth, Brian! I THOUGHT that was BK sneaking back in. LMAO.