Roberto Orellana is by far the better candidate. Ventura County deserves someone who is Ivy League educated. Roberto Orellana has the education and experience to serve the community the way it deserves.

Accept no Greg Totten judge imitations. Greg Totten has a history of suing Ventura County. The last thing we need is a judge who agrees with him.

I've known Roberto Orellana for several years and I strongly support his run for judgeship. He is a man of integrity and fairness and he will run an efficient courtroom. He has both civil and criminal experience.

Ventura County is a diverse county - lets get some diverisity on the bench.

Be sure to vote on June 3!

Roberto Orellana is the only candidate qualified to be a judge. Bennett hasn't been in a trial for more than 15 years and lacks the education and trial experience to be a judge.

Jeff Bennett is by far the superior candidate. Orellana worked in the County Counsel's Office his entire career. Jeff has worked as Chief Deputy D.A. of Ventura County for the last 13 years and has a much more extensive law and order background, which is clearly what we need in our County judges.

Jeff is supported by most of the law enforcement professionals in the County including Distict Attorney Greg Totten, Sheriff Bob Brooks, former District Attorney Mike Bradbury, and a host of police chiefs and Sheriff's Department officials. He has also been endorsed by Congressman Elton Gallegly.

He is the clear choice for those interested in top quality law enforcement in Ventura County. Vote Bennett on June 3rd!

Mango, as usual you aren't being truthful. Roberto has not worked in County Counsel his entire career - just look at his website at www.roberto4judge.com. Ventura County needs judges familiar with land use issues, etc. as well as criminal law experience (which Roberto has). Roberto also has wide bi-partisan support. Does Jeff Bennett have bi-partisan support or is it mostly Republicans entrenched in the system? I think the citizens of Ventura County deserve better.

Just to clarify matters, I received a recent mailer from Bennett's campaign which listed the Stricklands among his endorsements - which forced me to go public with my endorsement of Roberto Orellana. I think it is a serious breach of ethics when the investigative lawyer for the Stricklands is endorsed by the Stricklands. It looks horrible for him and puts the DA in a very awkward position. Once again, the citizens of Ventura County deserve better.

Please explain more what you are talking about.

Katie said, "...forced me to go public with my endorsement of Robert Orellana."

I'll alert the media. I'm sure with the huge weight of your substantial following Orellana now has it in the bag. You should call and tell him he can save his money, close his campaign and relax, you have spoken and he's as good as elected.

Arrogance in action.

Voter - you sound like a bitter old woman hiding behind a stained scarf. Use your real name and stand up for your candidate.

# - not sure who your comments are directed to.

If you're tired of the "law and order" Republican drumbeat over and over; and would rather have a judge concerned with "law and justice," Orrelana should get your vote.

We have enough judges in this county who are ex-DDAs, it's high time that a judge with substantial civil law experience takes the bench.
Orrelana is best qualified for the job.

Kutie said: "Jeff Bennett has the support of mostly Republicans entrenched in the system".

This is quite an interesting comment coming from someone who once served on the Ventura County Republican Central Committee, but has since been deposed and is obviously extremely bitter with the organization as a result. Thus, she is on a personal vendetta to strike out at every candidate that receives support from Republicans in the County.

We don't need the advice of divisive people like Kutie who is on a highly personal mission, with a self-serving agenda.

I will simply let the record speak for itself. Take a look at Bennett's list of endorsements compared to Orellana's. All the top law enforcement officials in the County have lined up behind Bennett. That's good enough for me.

Supporting Roberto is never divisive and he is a Republican just like Jeff. I can guarantee that you can contact anyone of Jeff's endorsees and they will have only good to say about Roberto. As Brian V. laid out in his e-mail, Jeff got to them first.

Ditto on SimiDad's eloquent post.

Does Jeff Bennett have a campaign website?

Did he graduate from Cal State Sacramento?

Jeff Bennett campaigns on the plank that he puts the public safety first. Here's what happened when Jeff Bennett as a Deputy District Attorney placed "the public safety" ahead of Constitutional rights: he got his cases dismissed by judges who understood that the Constitution outweighs "public safety."

Go here for the Star's story: http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2002/mar/20/christie-pleads-guilty-is-freed/

I have known judicial candidate Roberto Orellana for over ten years. I write to share of his enduring personal integrity and dedication to legal fairness, excellence and service. I first met Roberto when he called to encourage me in my application to Notre Dame Law School, his own Alma Mater. His principal emphasis was on the “kind of lawyer� that the school produced, namely one of personal integrity, fairness, excellence and service, regardless of the issue or the circumstances. It was clear from our conversations that he lived these virtues in his practice and I took him as a model of these virtues. Now in my sixth year of legal practice, and recently opening my own firm, I am deeply thankful for his model of personal integrity, fairness, excellence and service, and I am only hopeful that I can honor his example by continually exhibiting these virtues in my own practice. Our judiciary will be well served by Roberto’s presence, both in his professional excellence and in his modeling of judicial virtue. I urge all in Ventura County to cast their vote for Roberto Orellana for Superior Court Judge.

Clarify this statement:

"I think it is a serious breach of ethics when the investigative lawyer for the Stricklands is endorsed by the Stricklands."

Res ipsa loquitur

# - to clarify

There have been numerous complaints brought against the Stricklands and Mr. Bennett has been the investigative lawyer. As per an earlier Ventura County Star article regarding one of the complaints "Ventura County Chief Deputy Dist. Atty. Jeffrey G. Bennett said such a letter was sent but would not comment on Tony Strickland's assertion that prosecutors are no longer investigating the couple's campaign finances."

Unfortunately, Mr. Bennett can't win - because if he goes on record to say all complaints are without merit - it looks like he is covering for the Stricklands to get their endorsement. And if he doesn't go on record, it looks equally bad. He should have denied the endorsement - instead he has capitalized on it.

"The thing speaks for itself"

In other words the one being investigated is supporting the one investigating him, which could result in a favorable investigation.

Check out Wikipedia for more info.

What Katie forgets to mention is the complaints have been lodged by her.

Jeez # - the one referenced in the article was not lodged by me.

That would sound like a major campaign issue. Has The Star investigated it or the other campaign released a statement?

Is there anyone except Katie talking about it?

What's the name of that old Steely Dan album, "Katie Lied"? She will say anything to make her point and disparage a fellow Republican.

Brian, I would recommend talking to the candidates directly to get the story on the endorsements.

Katie is one of the most honest bloggers here. Be glad she is lending class to the Republican name. Otherwise you would all look like weasels.

I just wanted to say that both candidates for Judge are quality human beings and are not typical politicians. Both of these men have dedicated their lives to public service and both of them have more integrity than most of us would even aspire to. In fact, they both respect each other--what a concept! I have known Jeff Bennett for the past five years and I have also worked for him. I have worked for politicians in the past, and with them, and Jeff Bennett is the most honorable of all of them. He is honest and he is respectful of people. I admire him for his principles and for his integrity. His greatest fault is that he thinks before he speaks. Another concept unknown to most politicians. The point of my letter is to acknowledge that these two men have dedicated their lives to the law and to serving the public. Also, I ask that you not jump to conclusions by insinuating that Bennett might have sought Strickland's endorsement or that he may have treated him favorably. Bennett did not seek Tony Strickland's endorsement. It was offered to him and it was offered long after he decided to run for judge. It is also wrong to assume that there is any "good ol' boy" conspiracy. I know for a fact that Jeff Bennett got his endorsements because of his reputation. He is known as the hardest working guy in the D.A.'s office. He does not take his work lightly. He is meticulous in his analysis and he always does what is right, according to the law. Jeff Bennett would be an excellent judge.

Switching gears a bit here ... ....

I just visited Mr. Bennett's website for judge and checked out his endorsements page... not sure when it was last updated or if it was current.

My point, though, is this: there are a few pretty prominent Democrats on there and when I was on the VCDCC, there was a big hullabaloo over Democrats endorsing Republicans. In fact, at one point the Chair Gallaher sent a letter to all of the local Dems who had endorsed some random Republican for a non-partisan office about their disgust over the issue and I BELIEVE asking for their endorsements to be rescinded (don't quote me on that).

So, is there someone from the VCDCC that can answer whether or not they are doing anything now over the fact that such prominent Democrats as Mr. Lacayo, Mr. Case and Mayor Holden have endorsed Jeff Bennett's candidacy?

Yes, Jeff Bennett is such a stellar candidate for judge that Dems are supporting him. And what's so wrong with that? He will be a great judge!

How's it going Heather? Aren't you the poor dear, or do I have the right Heather?

Actually, Orellano has HUGE bi-partisan support and was even invited to and spoke at the Conejo Democratic Club (despite his Republican status). From what I hear, the difference between the two is the VCRCC card.

Anyway, I guess the question applies to both, then....what (if anything) is the VCDCC doing about the many many Democrats who are supporting either of the two candidates when, in the past, in both partisan and nonpartisan races they were against this. Is this no longer an issue for them?

If there isn't a party member running that usually frees people up from obligations.

Tony Strickland endorsed Jim Dantona in before, even though there was a Republican running. He had to put up with many attacks for that one.

It isn't just one party that tries to promote this type of campaigning.

"It was offered to him and it was offered long after he decided to run for judge."

When did he decide to run? I thought the current judge just announced this year he wasn't running again.

Did the previous judge tell him before he went public that he was retiring to give him a head start? That sounds like a good ol' boy club to me.

Brian,

When I was in the VCDCC, they did not want ANY Democrats endorsing ANY Republicans under ANY circumstances. A lot of people were talking about not supporting the Democrats in future races that do.

A bunch of local Dems had endorsed someone running unopposed by a Dem and they sent that letter.

LW, Steve Cummings, Chair G and the whole gang were the biggest proponents of that at the time, so I'm curious if they are still holding up that standard or if they are amending it to what you have said or if they don't care at all anymore.

Brian, when I was on the VCDCC, it was that they did not want ANY Democrats endorsing ANY Republicans at ANY time. I believe they sent letters to people regarding someone that was running unopposed, but don't quote me on that. I specifically remember that the concerns raised were: a Dem may eventually want to run for that seat and then there will be Dems having previously endorsed the incumbent, the Republican may try and use that down the line in his/her political career, etc, etc, etc.

LW, Steve Cummings Chair Gallaher and the usual gang were the big proponents of that. I'm wondering if they are still, then, holding up that standard, if they have amended it for instances when there is no one else running AND/OR if they just don't care anymore or don't care this time?

Haha, my first comment didn't post and then it did! Sorry guys!

For By! For the past year, Bennett was (and is) under consideration for a Governor's appointment to a judiciary position. This sort of implies that he wants to be a judge and that running for the open position was not a whim. Clark's retirement was not public knowledge until just weeks before the deadline. I know for a fact that Bennett never conferred with Clark about his interest in running for the position. Bottom line? Bennett has thought long and hard about becoming a judge and had taken the appropriate steps for a Governor's appointment and he was approved as a qualified candidate for such an appointment. Local judicial races are rare, so when Clark announced his retirement, it was appropo that Bennett would throw his hat in the ring. By the way, this is a nonpartisan race in which a judge will represent ALL the people. I think its great that both candidates have bipartisan support. I will vote for Bennett.

For By! For the past year, Bennett was (and is) under consideration for a Governor's appointment to a judiciary position. This sort of implies that he wants to be a judge and that running for the open position was not a whim. Clark's retirement was not public knowledge until just weeks before the deadline. I know for a fact that Bennett never conferred with Clark about his interest in running for the position. Bottom line? Bennett has thought long and hard about becoming a judge and had taken the appropriate steps for a Governor's appointment and he was approved as a qualified candidate for such an appointment. Local judicial races are rare, so when Clark announced his retirement, it was appropo that Bennett would throw his hat in the ring. By the way, this is a nonpartisan race in which a judge will represent ALL the people. I think its great that both candidates have bipartisan support. I will vote for Bennett.

Heather, just because you know about the past inner workings of the VCDCC does not mean that you know their current positions. Think about the appropriateness of what you post on a public blog.

Discretion is always best when you are thinking about whether or not to hit that submit button. In the past you have revealed very personal things about yourself as well. Just because you CAN post something, does not mean you should.

Just some friendly advice which you are free to ignore. I still admire your spirit.

Jacqui,

You wrote above that Jeff Bennett always does the right thing. What about using a grand jury that was in violation of the Constitution? Was that the right thing to do? The Court of Apppeals did not think so and threw out a case which directly affected many other cases Bennett was handling.

I agree that Bennett works hard, it's just that he is too far on the "law and order" which is code for the prosecutor's side.

Marie, my point is that when you put something in the public domain, it is permanent. You yourself have just stated this and that goes for these endorsements and the past workings of the VCDCC that go as far as a letter sent to multiple people. Policies may change, endorsements may be rescinded, but that doesn't mean that people are not allowed to ASK QUESTIONS about whether or not this policy or endorsement still exists.

My question was not a public criticism, was not a personal attack, was not anything other than a QUESTION: DOES the VCDCC STILL have this policy? IF SO, are they applying it to this judge's non-partisan race? This is simply a question.

Many times in the past, I have been personally criticized for asking questions. I do not regret putting any information about myself in the public domain that I have, just as I realize how irrational and illogical it is for someone to launch a full-out assault for asking a QUESTION. A question is NOT a criticism and the only thing that does is show that someone(s) does not want to give an answer.

I also wanted to add a side note that the Democratic Party considers every person that is a registered Democrat to be a "member."

As members of the Democratic party, I think we are entitled to know what they are saying on our behalf. Same should go for Republicans.

Lawyers Say Judicial Candidate's Old License Plate Frame Offensive

By: KVTA News
2008-05-29

Some defense attorneys in Ventura County are upset about a license plate frame once owned by a candidate for judge in next week's election. Chief Deputy District Attorney Jeff Bennett used to own a frame that said "mighty whitey." Bennett supporter, former District Attorney Mike Bradbury told KVTA News the frame reflected an innocent nickname Bennett's fellow surfers tagged him with because of his light complexion and tendency to sunburn. But defense attorneys Victor Solis and Jim Farley told KVTA News they found it "offensive" and if Bennett were elected judge they would exercise their right to refuse to have their cases heard before him because of it. Other defense attorneys expressed similar feelings but would not go on tape. KVTA News requested an interview with Bennett twice during the past week. Initially, he said yes, but then declined saying he would not comment on something that happened back in the 1990's. KVTA News asked both Bradbury and current DA Greg Totten, both ardent Bennett supporters, were asked to speak for him, but Totten declined, and while Bradbury did speak briefly about it off tape, he did not respond for a taped interview on the subject. Bennett and Assistant County Counsel Roberto Orellana, are running for the judgeship being left vacant by the retirement of Judge Bruce Clark.

TIME FOR SOME RESIGNATIONS!!!

Is it true the Ventura County Star was sitting on this information under pressure from the DA's office?

I know Jeff Bennett and he is not a white supremacist.

I will assume that Jeff Bennett is NOT a white supremacist, but that does NOT end the matter.

Jeff Bennett's use of that vanity license plate illustrates precisely why he should NOT be a judge: he lacks the requisite sensitivity of a judge. Any judge or DDA, for that matter, should have recognized very quickly that "mighty whitey" was an offensive description/nickname, particularly for someone with the vast governmental authority of a County Deputy District Attorney.

In a democracy and in a country where there is a large divide between ethnic groups, the appearance of fairness is frequently as important as actual fairness. Even if he is not a white supremacist, that vanity license plate makes it appear so.

Those who are trying to use the license plate as an issue are the ones trumpeting the division between ethnic groups and they're doing it to make political points...not because Bennet lacks any sensitivity to the issue. His explanation of an event that happened more than a decade ago satisfies me and it should satisfy his opponent's supporters...if they choose to accept it. If they don't then it speaks more of THEIR ethnic insensitivity than anyone else's.

I'm voting for Orellano because his appearance side by side with Bennett at the CAPC's local intro clearly showed he was the better candidate. But if his team's prepared to dust off the age old US vs THEM strategy to win this election then I'm leaving both boxes unmarked.

Edmund Burke: Some of Jeff's surfing buddies gave him a license plate frame 17 years ago with a nickname THEY came up with, and from that we're supposed to believe that he's lacking judicial temperament?

Weak, very weak.

The fact is that Jeff has been endorsed by a number of prominent local citizens, some of whom happen to be Latino, like Judge Art Gutierrez and Hank Lacayo, both of whom seem untroubled by the fact that they've endorsed a man based on *who* he is, not his last name or his heritage.

I have a hard time thinking of anything less important than a candidate's license plate frame from the early '90s in this day and age -- other than his ethnicity.

Or his height.

Or his Zodiac sign.

I'm supporting Jeff because I think he'll make a terrific judge; the fact that he's not short, Jewish, or from Brooklyn (like me) doesn't make me feel any less confident in his ability be fair and impartial, to follow the law and treat me -- or anyone else in his courtroom -- with respect and dignity.

Mike Lief,

Nice try, but no cigar. The problem with the license plate was not Jeff's friends giving it to him as you asserted. As you well know, or should know (because I pointed it out above), Jeff's failure and indication that he lacked judicial temperament was placing the license frame on his care.

Take a look at Canon 2 of the Code of Judicial Ethics. I don't think that Jeff passed this test (if the test had applied to him). Simply put, Jeff did not act in a manner that promoted public confidence on this license frame issue.

You may think it weak. I think it's important particularly so because I have seen no apology for it by Jeff.

It's up to the voters to decide.

CANON 2

A Judge Shall Avoid Impropriety and the Appearance of Impropriety in All
of the Judge's Activities

A. Promoting Public Confidence

A judge shall respect and comply with the law* and shall act at all
times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and
impartiality of the judiciary.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE COMMENTARY

Public confidence in the judiciary is eroded by irresponsible or
improper conduct by judges. A judge must avoid all impropriety and
appearance of impropriety. A judge must expect to be the subject of
constant public scrutiny. A judge must therefore accept restrictions on
the judge's conduct that might be viewed as burdensome by other members
of the community and should do so freely and willingly.

The prohibition against behaving with impropriety or the appearance of
impropriety applies to both the professional and personal conduct of a
judge.

The test for the appearance of impropriety is whether a person aware of
the facts might reasonably entertain a doubt that the judge would be
able to act with integrity, impartiality, and competence.

Mike Lief,

I don't know if Mike Lief is your real name, but the California State Bar website lists a Michael Lief as an attorney with an office at the Ventura County DA, 800 S Victoria Ave Suite 314, Ventura, CA

The obvious questions are: do you work with Mr. Bennett and is he your boss?

Yes, it is.

Yes, I do.

And, no, he's not.

Mike Lief,

Now, if only your witnesses could answer as directly and briefly.

Thanks for the clarification.

What do you think about Jeff passing the test of Canon 2 (assuming that it applied to him which I recognize it did not)?