Take a look at the picture, Joel is a 5 foot, 5 inch hispanic guy who got shoved by two bigger people. Take a look at the faces in the picture, the bigger guy (HBJ union goon) looks mean and is pushing the littler guy (Joel) while Joel just looks surprised. He almost comes up to the chin of the bigger guy. Interesting that they would single out the minority for attack.

The funny part is after the bigger HBJ goons called the cops and tried to press charges a guy came up with a video tape of them (the HBJ goons) starting it.

The general protest was pitiful, maybe 30 HBJ people with over 50 counter protesters. The only protesters signs you could read were the Obama signs, you know, Obama the smoker.

The whole thing reminded me of Thanksgiving dinner...the adults were inside eating while the children were outside yelling and screaming.

Not true, voter, who was not there to witness the incident. Angeles came up to us, threatened us and told us we could not be on a public sidewalk. The taxpayers are paying this guy's salary to tell people they can't exercise first amendment rights.

I personally watched him shove an old guy down to the ground after that photo was taken. It was Angeles who was the goon, not the other way around. He was pushing and shoving everyone.

We counted 50 protestors on our side. What a pathetic lot you Strickland people are

More bull from the Strickland goons who refuse to tell the truth. It is so sad that right wing Republicans are destroying the Party.

The video we have clearly shows Angeles in action shoving an older man to the ground.

Then post it, but post all of it. Not your goon working on his acting class. I was there and Joel is a little guy, look at the picture of him and the cop, the cops belt is level with Joel's armpit.

You guys are reaching if you're going to portray him as anything other than the victim of your set-up.

Joel Angeles sure doesn't look like a "little" guy to me. He seems quite large if you ask me.

Joel Angeles sure doesn't look like a "little" guy to me. He seems quite large if you ask me.

You weren't there to witness the altercation.

Please also read the police report from the man who was later shoved to the ground by Angeles. I watched it happen. Please look at the photos the police took of a young woman's arm who was shoved into the bushes. She was scratched and bleeding. We called the police. Our people were hurt.

That Angeles is an angry dangerous man. Why is this paid government employee wandering among protestors and trying to keep them off a sidewalk.

Joel Angeles sure doesn't look like a "little" guy to me. He seems quite large if you ask me.

Police reports, video and the Star's photographer will back us up. It was Angeles who started it by telling people they couldn't be on a public sidewalk. He was nuts and raced ahead of us shoving and shouting.

A dangerous man.

Haha, that Angeles is known to be a hothead. What a joke. He really is the perfect representative for the Strickland team. First Strickland votes to give benefits to illegal aliens and now he hires thugs to rough people up. I guess he should have found someone who was competent.

Great blogging, Brian.

Brian Dennert, great reporting! If they give bloggers an award you should get one! This really proves how desperate the Strickland's are to hold onto power and to keep their place at the trough of taxpayer money and to keep their mansion in Moorpark. Here they send their goon Angeles out to beat up on an old man and a woman who are using their Constitutional right of freedom of speech?! If in fact the Strickland's ordered this Angeles guy to assault people isn't that a criminal act of conspiracy? I hope the authorities have the guts to pursue this against the Strickland's and their goons! After reading this story I am going to send a donation to Hannah-Beth Jackson and Marta Jorgenson!

This is the reason I am going to support the conservative independent in this election. Strickland and his goons are just as bad as Jackson and her tax raisers.

I wasn't there during the alleged assault, but when I did show up, it was clear that the Strickland supporters outnumbered the protesters...but only in concentration. I would say that the numbers were equal on both sides, but the protesters were spread out around the hotel in tinier groups, having less of an impact where they were needed. The Strickland supporters definitely did a better job with volume and coordination.

Didn't the Sheriff's Department endorse Strickland? Maybe that's why Strickland's little goon was allowed to assault an old man and get away with it.

Didn't the Sheriff's Department endorse Strickland? Maybe that's why Strickland's little goon was allowed to assault an old man and get away with it.

I was at the event and I think it is clear that applying the word goon to either crowd is unfair when almost everyone else was civil and in control.

Before both sides keep spinning crazy stories maybe you should wait and see what the reporter said she saw?

It would be real embarrassing to come up with a cover story and then have to deal with someone not on either side telling her story.

I also find this "union thug" storyline real silly. Who were the union thugs? The old man? The young lady? There wasn't a contingent of union members from anywhere.

I was out there and watched the whole thing happen. Here is the truth: Our group, organized by Louis Pandolfi, a Republican from Simi Valley, met in the parking lot across the street and walked over together.

We counted about 50 or more people among us. As we were trying to cross the street, Joel Angeles, Audra Strickland's chief of staff, came over and threatened us and told us we could not be on the public sidewalk.

We moved ahead anyway and he (holding a sign he had made) ran in front us trying to block our path. The Star photographer was taking photos the whole time. He and another Strickland guy were crashing into our people and nobody was reacting well to it. Then Angeles shoved one of our group to the ground. He was an older man and is an Episcopal minister. Another one of our group got pushed into a bush and had scratches on her arm.

Our group called the police who took reports and photographed the girl's arm. One of our group has it on tape and the police took it for evidence.

I don't know how the whole thing will end up. But we clearly did not confront them first. I am a witness and will be willing to go to court and say so.

I am amazed at Angeles' poor judgment. I don't know what he was doing out there. He was very, very angry.

Brian, get some pics up and I and others can help identify those who participated. As "." points out, the word goon is unfair.

Joel Angeles was stupid for getting caught strongarming people and holding a sign. He's a chief of staff for crying out loud and certainly knows better. His office works for all of Audra's constituents - not just the Republican ones that vote for her or her husband. He should resign before anymore political damage is inflicted.

Brian wrote some good advice about organizing a demonstration: try to keep your group apart from counter-demonstrations, don't try to argue.

Another thing I'd add: if you are the organizer of a demonstration, you have a responsibility to give your team a peace talk before the action starts. They need to be told to honor the invisisble line between themselves and groups who disagree. They need to be told not to react if they are yelled at our approached. And a few people who know how to keep calm and non-violent need to stay out front to try to keep the line.

I have a feeling we'll be seeing more demonstrations around here this year. Plan carefully.

I get it now when they saw unions goons they are referring to a young woman and a minister.

it's pretty clear that the anti-Strickland group were communists using rights they would never have behind the iron curtain to foment discord and violence in this land of freedom, capitalism, liberty and justice for all. And they were stupid, since when can a cigarette butt talk?

The officers at the site say that Louis Pandolfi was the person who called the police to make a citizen’s arrest against Joel.

Marie says that Pandolfi organized the group and led the charge towards Joel, who was simply holding a sign as the protesters “moved ahead anyway.�

The photo on the Star corroborates Joel’s statement that he was a victim.

I am also told that the video shows no aggression by Joel and rather it shows him being assaulted and punched in the chin.

Does that make Pandolfi liable for the violence he incited?

That is probably why he was quick to drop all charges at the site shortly after he and the officer’s viewed the video.

The officers at the site say that Louis Pandolfi was the person who called the police to make a citizen’s arrest against Joel.

Marie says that Pandolfi organized the group and led the charge towards Joel, who was simply holding a sign as the protesters “moved ahead anyway.�

The photo on the Star corroborates Joel’s statement that he was a victim.

I am also told that the video shows no aggression by Joel and rather it shows him being assaulted and punched in the chin.

Does that make Pandolfi liable for the violence he incited?

That is probably why he was quick to drop all charges at the site shortly after he and the officer’s viewed the video.

Give the money back.

Joel Angeles is Audra's Chief of Staff and had no business getting involved. He is in deep do-do. It really doesn't matter what the video shows or whether or not charges were pressed. He had no business there - much less carrying a sign.

Nice picture in the paper and a nice caption. Made my day.

I was there.

Claims by the Strickland supporters that the opposition protesters were paid is false. The reality is that Joel Angeles, the Strickland supporter who assaulted the Hana Beth Jackson supporters, is the chief of staff for Audra Strickland and is on the Strickland’s payroll, so the fact is the Strickland’s were the ones with paid protesters as opposed to citizens exercising their right to free speech uncompensated. Angels confronted the anti Strickland protesters as they crossed the street and told them they claimed that area and if the HBJ supporters tried to cross their lines “things would get physical�. There was no verbal confrontation prior to Mr. Angeles assault. He was violating the law by preventing other citizen’s free access to the sidewalk. Mr. Angeles knocked a 68 year old man to the ground right in front of my eyes. This is the kind of thuggish behavior that is now the trademark of Republican politics. They feel that the laws of Country, state, county and cities do not apply to them

The fact is the HBJ supporters were told to not speak with or engage the pro Strickland group. They were not going to change the minds and were there to voice their opinions to the public. This is how civil demonstrations are supposed to be run.

I was there.

Claims by the Strickland supporters that the opposition protesters were paid is false. The reality is that Joel Angeles, the Strickland supporter who assaulted the Hana Beth Jackson supporters, is the chief of staff for Audra Strickland and is on the Strickland’s payroll, so the fact is the Strickland’s were the ones with paid protesters as opposed to citizens exercising their right to free speech uncompensated. Angels confronted the anti Strickland protesters as they crossed the street and told them they claimed that area and if the HBJ supporters tried to cross their lines “things would get physical�. There was no verbal confrontation prior to Mr. Angeles assault. He was violating the law by preventing other citizen’s free access to the sidewalk. The photo of Angeles show him preventing the HBJ supporters access to the sidewalk in violation of the law.

Mr. Angeles knocked a 68 year old man to the ground right in front of my eyes. No one punched him in his face. This is the kind of thuggish behavior that is now the trademark of Republican politics. They feel that the laws of Country, state, county and cities do not apply to them

The fact is the HBJ supporters were told to not speak with or engage the pro Strickland group. They were not going to change the minds and were there to voice their opinions to the public. This is how civil demonstrations are supposed to be run.

I was there.

Claims by the Strickland supporters that the opposition protesters were paid is false. The reality is that Joel Angeles, the Strickland supporter who assaulted the Hana Beth Jackson supporters, is the chief of staff for Audra Strickland and is on the Strickland’s payroll, so the fact is the Strickland’s were the ones with paid protesters as opposed to citizens exercising their right to free speech uncompensated. Angels confronted the anti Strickland protesters as they crossed the street and told them they claimed that area and if the HBJ supporters tried to cross their lines “things would get physical�. There was no verbal confrontation prior to Mr. Angeles assault. He was violating the law by preventing other citizen’s free access to the sidewalk. The photo of Angeles show him preventing the HBJ supporters access to the sidewalk in violation of the law.

Mr. Angeles knocked a 68 year old man to the ground right in front of my eyes. No one punched him in his face. This is the kind of thuggish behavior that is now the trademark of Republican politics. They feel that the laws of Country, state, county and cities do not apply to them

The fact is the HBJ supporters were told to not speak with or engage the pro Strickland group. They were not going to change the minds and were there to voice their opinions to the public. This is how civil demonstrations are supposed to be run.

And for the Record I was the one who called the police.

I personally watched Angeles throw an Episcopalian minister to the ground.

I will go to court and testify that this is true. It happened right in front me of me.

Nobody was leading a charge. We were peacefully walking forward. Angeles threatened Louis, used the F word and assaulted people.

Seriously people, just because Mr. Angeles works for Assemblywoman Strickland, does not prohibit him from any outside interests he may have outside that office...this includes support rallies!

You all are too much. The pic posted HERE shows the guy standing next to him is cocked and in the process of punching him while it looks like joel is falling. Just chalk it up to yet another "peaceful" & "Tolerant" Democrat protest. If you saw the supporters on the other side of the street - already there - it is obvious what your motives were in coming near them.

Seriously people, just because Mr. Angeles works for Assemblywoman Strickland, does not prohibit him from any outside interests he may have outside that office...this includes support rallies!

You all are too much. The pic posted HERE shows the guy standing next to him is cocked and in the process of punching him while it looks like joel is falling. Just chalk it up to yet another "peaceful" & "Tolerant" Democrat protest. If you saw the supporters on the other side of the street - already there - it is obvious what your motives were in coming near them.

So, in effect, BigTobacco's money was used to hire pro-Strickland supporters and one of those supporters used violence to prevent anti-Strickland supporters from exercising their 1st Amendment rights?

Or, more concisely, Tobacco interests hired thugs to beat up protesters?

Does this seem the case?

I'm thankful I didn't have to deal with any of this garbage. I was sitting inside peacefully enjoying my meal and listening to the inspiring speeches. What a great evening...

I had a chance to talk to Tony after the event and he is very appreciative of all the support he's been receiving from the party faithful on the west end of the County. The momentum is definitely building in his favor and I predict a decisive victory in November.

Thanks Mike & Mary O. for all your hard work too...

Cmpgal, you are trying to spin and nobody is buying your product. Joel Angeles made a series of big mistakes and if the Stricklands don't get rid of him, it will cost them.

Mitt Romney's campaign guy should be informed.

And Marie I call BS on that comment that you "saw" him throw a minister to the ground. LOL.

If that were the case, after the police saw the video, which apparently that part was on, they would have arrested Mr. Angeles. They reviewed the tape, and the citizens arrest was canceled because of the evidence on the tape.

This "who struck whom" story should be settled in the courts for and against the specific individuals involved.

The larger issue is that there is the connection between money and policy in government and there needs to be full disclosure - and this newspaper could do it if it still practices the increasingly endangered art known as traditional journalism - of where the dollars that fund campaigns comes from and how it influences decisions.

Since both of these candidates have records from their service in the past, it would seem doable. However, the larger challenge would be to find out what contributions to all incumbents have meant in terms of policy they have initiated or opposed including members of the assembly, the congress, county supervisors, mayors and city council representatives, etc.

If we would know our future, we should examine our past and "follow the money" to where it has lead us.

And Marie I call BS on that comment that you "saw" him throw a minister to the ground. LOL.

If that were the case, after the police saw the video, which apparently that part was on, they would have arrested Mr. Angeles. They reviewed the tape, and the citizens arrest was canceled because of the evidence on the tape.

I was there as well. This guy Angeles was incensed. He was enraged at the very sight of us. He knocked down this elderly man right in front of me and then denied it to my face. He was nuts. I was afraid to forge on. Fortunately I had a giant cigarette butt behind me which may have threw off my scent and I was able to proceed uninjured. I wish I could say the same for my fellow protesters. How can Mr. Strickland sleep at night?

Campgal,

I saw it with my own eyes. Many other witnesses also saw it, including the press photographer. What is on the tape is still being looked at right now as evidence. The police have it.

Please just crawl back in your anonymous hole and give it up.

I am a very credible witness.

Umm hmm Marie OK. I wonder why the police let him go then? And I wonder why the citizens arrest was canceled? That's soooo odd?!?!

To all those leaving comments I realize there are many reasons you might not use your real name and that is fine, but most of us trust people that use their real name more than a random expert that isn't even willing to put their own name on their post.

As Audra's chief of staff, Joel earns at least $9000 per month (that's taxpayer dollars mind you) but he knows his days are numbered because if Audra wins this time, she will be termed out in 2 years. That means he's got to get Tony elected so he has job security for another 10 years.

Enraged? He's just doing everything he can to keep his cushy job.

What is important to keep in mind is that Tony Strickland has a RECORD OF VOTING IN FAVOR of big Tobacco 100.00% of the time. Hannah Beth has a record of voting against almost 100.00%. Now who is providing favors as a result of those contributions?

Oh be patient, Campgal. I am willing to let the police sort this out. You should be, too. But there were way too many witnesses to this, including the press, so I don't think it will take long.

I did hear him hollering to the police about how this could ruin political careers.

Have a nice day. (Still working on my tone, Mongo)

Yea, screw ball cmpgal, that makes Pandolfi "liable for the violence that he incited", especially after "he saw the video". You're either a liar or a crack pot. Talk to Tony Strickland's political consultant, the Japanese American fellow, and get his version of why the charges were dropped. He appeared to me to be an honest professional and worked out the settlement with me. As for Audra's Chief of Staff, he was an asshole with his assaults and batteries on women and the elderly. Yea, screw ball, that makes Pandolfi liable. And this game, screw ball, is far from over. You can take that to the bank.

I invite anyone willing to use their real name to write their own record of events that I can post. I will put in on the front page.

That should ensure that any charge that I didn't allow everyone to make their case falls flat.

It is all yours.

I already did, Brian.

yea Pandolfi you sound like a non confrontational "nice" guy your self LOL. Naw lets not exaggerate or stretch the truth at all. LOL the Japanese American guy....what a jack ass.

Marie - I can see you are being patient and waiting - slandering Mr. Angeles here all day - what a joke.

The bottom line, what was YOUR side of the protestors doing anywhere near them? What was the motives for trying to walk in the midst of them? Why were they not allowed to have their rally in peace, without you trying to break it up and cause trouble?

I looks like to me the person in the hat was trying not to be assaulted again.

A lot of these young Obama Kool-Aid drinkers appear to be there simply because it was an opportunity to flex their anti-Republican muscles and make some noise running around in cigarette suits and other such silliness.

I'm sure that not a one of them realizes that State Senator Ron Calderon has funneled much of the money he got from big tobacco directly into Hannah-Beth Jackson's campaign. This fact has been largely ignored by the media as well, which obviously would detract from the liberal mantra of Republicans being bought and sold by big corporations.

News flash folks - Hannah-Beth is the world's worst hypocrite if she continues to criticize Tony Strickland for taking money from Altria while she is doing the exact same thing. I happen to very close to someone who works in an executive position for Altria and she has apprised me of all the politicians that get funding from this company. They are about 50% Democrats and 50% Republicans.

Tony Strickland's campaign manager identified himself to me as Mike Nakamura, if I remember correctly. At least that is what he said.

I arrived at the event late, and saw folks leaving. I did get to ask a few questions of many of the folks in the area. I'm astonished about some of the dishonest posts above:
-Mongo Falmo didn't see anything? Glad Ventura County Star took pictures of nothing and posted them.http://blogs.venturacountystar.com/dennert/archives/2008/06/outside-the-ton-1.html
-How embarrassing for the Strickland campaign to have their chief of staff, Joel Angeles, involve himself in pushing an older gentleman to the ground and a young girl into the bushes. Could they not have better chosen for Angeles to attend inside the event?
-Are they really trying to spin that a young girl and an older man with a history of shoulder surgery really tried to "attack" Angeles, who in my opinion looks like a thug.
-Union members? Was it the retired folks, young kids in the strollers, soccer moms, or college students being labeled as Union members. I had trouble picking those out so would appreciate someone telling which out of these groups were the Union members. Or is the a loose phrase for the United States citizens?

But really, besides these points, common sense would dictate to any individual - why would the Stricklands have a chief of staff of audra's standing on the sidewalk protesting the opposing candidate while they are running a fundraiser with what they feel is their noted guest inside? Just where are these folks from? I'm sure voters will consider this poor judgment and and lack of class and not come to a positive conclusion.

I didn't. It reminded me of the Brooks Brothers thugs in Florida during the 2000 recount.

For them to behave in such a way in this community is unthinkable.

The Striclands need to

Hey Louis, calm down. You are acting as if you believe that there is really some chance that you will be arrested for your part in “The Great Melee.� It’s just a blog post. It’s not as if the sheriff is knocking at your door. However your response does show everyone what a calm non-confrontational person you are.

I just reviewed the Star article; in it you are quoted as saying that you expected run-ins with Strickland supporters. So, when you organized in the parking lot and then proceeded to lead your group of protesters across the street (to the narrow sidewalk where the Strickland supporters were already assembled) you were expecting some sort of “run-in� weren’t you? Is there any surprise that an altercation ensued? I would say that you were lucky that the event didn’t become more violent.

I dont even know this Angeles dude, and I know that you're crazy. Arent you the woman who is supposed to have the non political blog here on the red, I mean Ventura Star?

Shoving old men and ministers, YEAH LOL right, and if this happened you dont think this would have been front page news? Also, how did a Anti Tony Strickland protest turn into an Obama "rally"? You kool aid drinkers are the best!

The fact remains that Hannah-Beth does not take money from tobacco and never will. Strickland took $85,000 and then voted for what the tobacco lobby wanted. Then the VCRCC took $50,000 more for him.

Campgirl, truth is not slander. I watched the man get pushed down. Period. End of story. It happened. Four other people on this blog have confirmed it.

There were three protesters on the corner where we were trying to cross and we wanted to walk peacefully by them and assemble on the big open stretch of sidewalk just past them. They would not let us pass.

Why is Audra Strickland's chief of staff out on the street harassing people and keeping them from exercising their first amendment rights?

There was many of disabled folks there to protest at the hotel, that sidewalk was their only direct path of travel to said hotel according to ADA rules. Those nice folks such as Mr. Angeles, the Gentlemen in the suits and Blazers and some young nice ladies had an error in judgment by restricting use of the sidewalk.

There was many of disabled folks there to protest at the hotel, that sidewalk was their only direct path of travel to said hotel according to ADA rules. Those nice folks such as Mr. Angeles, the Gentlemen in the suits and Blazers and some young nice ladies had an error in judgment by restricting use of the sidewalk.

Last time I checked smoking is not illegal in this country.

Hannah Beth HAS and will continue to take money from the tobacco industry. Directly, or indirectly she's a hypocrite. Money is money. Should I post the FTPC reports of her taking money from the party and from other candidates who have taken money from from Tobacco companies?

Marie, you're a sad person for calling the strickland supporters "scary".. If holding American flags and signs is "scary" then you truely are a liberal. And since you have so much evidence that this guy pushed an old man and a MINISTER *thats still hilarious* lets see some proof. Put your money where your mouth is

Reminder..

OBAMA SMOKES! OBAMA SMOKES! OBAMA SMOKES!
OBAMA SMOKES! OBAMA SMOKES! OBAMA SMOKES!
OBAMA SMOKES! OBAMA SMOKES! OBAMA SMOKES!
OBAMA SMOKES! OBAMA SMOKES! OBAMA SMOKES!
OBAMA SMOKES! OBAMA SMOKES! OBAMA SMOKES!
OBAMA SMOKES! OBAMA SMOKES! OBAMA SMOKES!
OBAMA SMOKES! OBAMA SMOKES! OBAMA SMOKES!
OBAMA SMOKES! OBAMA SMOKES! OBAMA SMOKES!
OBAMA SMOKES! OBAMA SMOKES! OBAMA SMOKES!
OBAMA SMOKES! OBAMA SMOKES! OBAMA SMOKES!

That is all...

Obama smokes, doncha know smokers are EVIL and scary people.

Also, please show how strickland took, what was it $85k from tobacco companies. That would be difficult as limits are $3600. Lets see the proof. Again with the slander Marie.

And why are you harrassing Mr. Angeles for exercising his rights and somehow trying to make it seem like because he works for an assemblywoman he is not allowed by law to participate in rallies? IS there some law that prevents this, that prevents government employees from participating in rallies? Please Marie make us aware of the law so we know!

I too think this pushing down people business is being overblown. True, I wasn't there to see what was going on outside, but it does seem that if this incident was true it would have been picked up by the Star or another news agency. There were reporters and cameras all over the place.

I also happen to know Joel and I can't imagine him doing something so egregiously out of character.

In the discussions under the article in the star I found this series of pictures taken at the event. Many thanks to "fullosseousflap" who apparently took the photos and posted them on flicker. http://www.flickr.com/photos/fullosseousflap/sets/72157605676765941/

Okay, first of all, I'd like to thank everyone to leave KoolAid out of this! KoolAid is delicious and has no need to be dragged into such politcal arguments!

Secondly, I think we can all agree on something, considering that the majority of people there were not aimed to get involved in some sort of fistycuffs: the issue should not be WHO started the alleged assault. The issue should be that an altercation occured when it should not have occured. The police will investigate and decide who is responsible, and I think we all agree that we will trust them to decide. Until then, we should be following Brian's lead and peacefully discussing how to prevent such things in the future.

..........oh, but FYI:
http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/16110617.html

Barack Obama - making a point to quit smoking.

Likewise, for the other side, I do believe that there are limits to campaign contributions and $80k seems a bit steep...

Add up the column of figures. Just under $85,000 and that doesn't count the new $50,000.

The limits being discussed are limits from an individual to a candidate's committee.

The donations being argued about were to the Republican Central Committee to be used for party events or functions, not just for a candidate.

The money could be used to fund voter registration drives and to pay for central committee employees.

That is why the limits do not apply.

It’s interesting to see how this story has changed during the day.

Brian 1:30 am- Then allegedly the Tony Strickland supporter pushed / bumped into an older gentleman and a young lady. …the older gentlemen was injured ( enough to be concerned but not serious enough for an ambulance) and the younger woman had a slight scratch from a nearby shrub.

Protester 7:29 am-I personally watched him shove an old guy down to the ground

Protester 8:01 am-Please look at the photos the police took of a young woman's arm who was shoved into the bushes. She was scratched and bleeding. Our people were hurt.

Mongo's Daddy 10:05 am- Here they send their goon Angeles out to beat up on an old man and a woman

Marie 11:25 am-Then Angeles shoved one of our group to the ground. He was an older man and is an Episcopal minister. Another one of our group got pushed into a bush and had scratches on her arm

Brian Leshon 2:04pm- Mr. Angeles knocked a 68 year old man to the ground right in front of my eyes

Marie 2:30 pm- I personally watched Angeles throw an Episcopalian minister to the ground

Lisa 3:05 pm- I was there as well. This guy Angeles was incensed. He was enraged at the very sight of us. He knocked down this elderly man right in front of me and then denied it to my face. He was nuts. I was afraid to forge on

Jurnie 7:25pm-Joel Angeles, involve himself in pushing an older gentleman to the ground and a young girl into the bushes.
… a young girl and an older man with a history of shoulder surgery

Just to be fair , I would say that the prize for embellishment goes to cmpgal for changing Marie’s account from this:

“Our group, organized by Louis Pandolfi, a Republican from Simi Valley, met in the parking lot across the street and walked over together.�

To this:

“Marie says that Pandolfi organized the group and led the charge towards Joel�

I take very seriously that we should not bear false witness for political gain.

Please try to keep to the truth and not just what helps a side in mind when posting. I know it is tempting to blur facts or leave out details but it isn't the proper thing to do. It is also easy to add details from things other people said but you didn't witness.

I saw about 97 people not engaged in any petty behavior at all but instead out to celebrate their political beliefs.

Again, if any people that attended wants to write their own statement over what they saw AND put their real name on it I will post it.

While there at this rally against smoking product donations. A number of times I was blocked access to the only path I (ADA path of travel)had to the Hotel where I had planned to protest by a number of people there at the fund raiser. I was body slammed, hip checked (standing)a number of times by at least two different nice people, luckly they did not cause any harm at the moment to my current disibilities.

Brian, a number of posters have used their real names in relaying the events of the story. Can you somehow make their information stand separate from the personal attacks on them that always follow? This is a classic intimidation technique.

There was some odious yo-yo commenting on the news article yesterday that claimed he was called racist names by HB supporters. Joel A. also claims he was called racist names by HB supporters. There are a couple of new posters on this thread that are real bullies. My gut says that some of the posts may be by him. Just my two cents.

I think most of your readers realize that most of the supporters did not engage in any bullying - which makes Joel Angeles's actions even more deplorable.

This story is not dead and the Stricklands have a real mess on their hands.

Katie,

Since the only objective evidence (video and photo) seems to show Strickland's guy getting pushed and hit, why doesn't Hannah-Beth have a mess on her hands?

Maybe, Ron, because the newspaper photographer and reporter saw what happened and will tell the real story.

This rally wasn't planned by Hannah-Beth's campaign. She didn't even find out about it until Tuesday night.

Ron, I wasn't there. All I know is Joel A. was photographed with a sign and people with real names have said that Joel was agressive. People with fake names such as yours have defended the actions of Joel. The article in the paper said that the picture of Joel that of another incident.

He shouldn't have been there and he shouldn't have carried a sign. Staffers know better. Chief of Staffs have been let go for less - much less. End of story.

Raising the racist issue is truly deplorable.

Katie,

It appears that you memory is no better than your logic. I have given my last name several times on this blog.

Next, how is it that you know what or what not a staffer should or shouldn't do on their own time? When did you last work as a staffer for a legislator?

And since you've brought it up, what Chief of Staffs were let go for less-much less?

Let's see you back up your words for a change.

Ron - my memory is pretty good but maybe you should refresh it. What is your last name again? I've read this blog for a year or so and I must have missed the several times you gave your name.

Don't attack a Republican for speaking the truth.

The attacks have to stop and some housecleaning needs to occur. Clearly, Republicans are losing ground locally, statewide and nationally. Defending a sinking ship isn't the way to go.

Kristy for what it's worth.

Now how about answering my questions. I'd like to see you back up at least one thing you have said.

Ron,

Did you see the video or are you relying on what other people saw on the video?

I didn't see the video.

Mr. Kristy - type in "California state assembly personnel resignations" on google and you will get 1.7 million hits. There is also a Personnel Manual that details appropriate behavior. Or ask Brian Miller over at Gallegly office what he thinks. He's a chief of staff. How long would he be around if he carried signs and participating in rallies and was in the paper?

Don't waste my time defending Joel's behavior. He can resign or not, but it doesn't relect well on the Stricklands. And the attacks on me or witnesses to Joel's behavior don't reflect well on the Republican Party.

How hard would have it been to have someone say they are sorry?

Still waiting for Mongo to show some link from tobacco to HBJ. Until that time he is nothing but bluster.

If the Strickland campaign thought they were wronged I would think they would be asking for an apology.

Seems they are being quiet. I wonder what is going on?

Katie, pipe down, would you? You weren't even there. You're just jumping into the feeding frenzy because it's an opportunity to attack the Stricklands who helped run you out of town on a rail when you started getting all divisive like you do.

As for you, Ligor Tiger, you must not be following the threads, but rather diving head first into the empty swimming pool, as usual.

Well, here's a news flash for you, brother. State Senator Ron Calderon (D-Montebello), who accepted money from Altria, has been funneling this dough into HBJ's loot bag. He has admitted it, the Democratic Party has admitted it, HBJ hasn't responded to it (which is the same thing as admitting it).

So, there you go. You can tell all your buddies you heard it here first, courtesy of the Mongster.

Hannah-Beth does not accept contributions from tobacco interests. The tobacco industry has no influence on her vote.

In contrast, Strickland has accepted nearly $85,000 in contributions from tobacco companies and has voted accordingly.

·In the Assembly, he failed to vote on a measure which would have prohibited self-service sales of cigarettes or free distribution of tobacco products on publicly accessible property.

·He voted against allowing the Department of Health Services to conduct stings on business selling tobacco to minors. Passed into law anyway.

·He voted against restricting non face-to-face sales of cigarettes. The measure passed anyway and was signed into law.

In 2001-2002 Tony Strickland was California's second biggest recipient of tobacco funds ($63,000) in the legislature, and received $14,350 the previous session. What did that tobacco money buy? Strickland got a tobacco control policy score of 2.0 on a scale of 1-10 (legislature average 5.6), according to a report by the University of California San Francisco Medical School.

Oh, so now it was the Stricklands who helped run me out on a rail? Funny thing - I remember being a volunteer who quit helping. And I don't remember you at all ever helping.

I think it is obvious that Mongo helps put the party line online. That is his contribution.

I don't want any politician to take tobacco money. Is that something that brings us together?

Marie first off the state limits contributions to candidates to $3600 so it is impossible for ANY tobacco company to given more then that amount. If you are including $$ that was given to the party, I suggest you do the same for BOTH sides of the aisle and include not just the R candidates. Please stop stretching the truth to suit your needs. You have done it since your first post here yesterday about Mr. Angeles and it is getting silly.

Second - why is it that the millions of $$ in tobacco tax money is sitting idle in some bank account and not being used for the children? Why was Meathead removed from the Children and families commission?

And third who gives a rats arse who took $$ from tobacco companies?

Katie - you have your vendetta, and this is an opportunity to drivel on and on about it, when you know nothing about what happened as you were not there. YAY for you.

Mongo does not help put the party line online. He gives Republicans a bad name.

As HB said, look at the voting record. It is clear that Tony is influenced by tobacco money.

Ron is a fake name invented by Osborn. He doesn't like himself and invents names of people that he wishes he was - like Ron Nehring - chairman of the state Republicans. Osborn says "for what it's worth" all the time, usually when he's blustering. Bet he invented the name Kristy so he could pretend he's a bad-boy Hell's Angel.

Audra Strickland should fire her Chief of Staff and Tony Strickland should return/refuse the tobacco money.

Katie, I guess the only thing I can say is where were you Tuesday night? I looked around the room and you were nowhere to be found. It wouldn't surprise me if you were over there at Jackson's new Ventura office helping them set up for the grand opening.

Believe me, I have helped a lot in this campaign. I have contributed my time and money. You, on the other hand, have abandoned the Republican Party and have gone on a wild rant on this blog at every given opportunity to satisfy a personal vendetta you have against the VCRCC.

Nobody listens to you anymore, Katie. Give it up!

I left the link last night for my new anonymous blogger friend, but I guess you didn't look at it. So I will cut and paste directly for you.

This is straight off the Center for Tobacco Policy's website
for Tony Strickland:

2007-2008 Senate 19
$3,600 Altria Group Inc's Affiliates (Philip Morris)
$2,000 RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company
$1,250 UST Inc. (US Smokeless Tobacco Company)
TOTAL $6,850

2005-2006 State Controller
$5,600 Altria Group Inc's Affiliates (Philip Morris)
$1,500 RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company
TOTAL $7,100

2003-2004 Assembly 37
$23,000 Altria Group Inc's Affiliates (Philip Morris)
$2,000 RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company
$1,000 UST Inc. (US Smokeless Tobacco Company)
TOTAL $26,000

2001-2002 Assembly 37
$38,000 Altria Group Inc's Affiliates (Philip Morris)
$3,000 RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company
$1,000 UST Inc. (US Smokeless Tobacco Company)
$3,000 Lorillard Tobacco Company
TOTAL $45,000

That adds up to $84,950.

-- Marie

Marie,

Perhaps you could explain the campaign finance laws that cap contributions and the way groups get around them ( IE's etc) for the people that are talking about the $3600 figure.

Marie there were limits back in 01 - 04 as well so I again ask are you trying (or the website) to link the $ given to the party as being directly given to Tony? That is false advertising...and PLEASE answer my questions about the millions of dollars you smoker haters have collected (some of it my $$) and not spent on the children that the taxes were intended. It is some of my tax money that is just sitting in a bank account doing NOTHING...not your money, as I assume you do not smoke.

Marie,

While you're at it, please explain the tobacco contributions that were funneled to HBJ through Ron Calderon. To me, that's even more sinister than Tony getting it directly. At least he's not trying to hide it.

Mongo,

Are you saying tobacco gave it to other Democrats as part of a plan to give it to Hannah-Beth Jackson?

Do you think they even know her name?

Please explain this one, guys. And this is just one of many.

Campaign Finance:
STRICKLAND FOR ASSEMBLY
2001-2002

PHILIP MORRIS MANAGEMENT CORP. MONETARY NEW YORK Ny/10017
ID NUMBER EMPLOYER OCCUPATION

AMOUNT TRANS. DATE FILED_DATE TRANS #
$20,000.00 1/10/2002 1/24/2002 810041-INC3408

Oh my goodness, I've found another. Same year. 2002.

Please explain this one, too, my new anonymous friend:

Campaign Finance:
STRICKLAND FOR ASSEMBLY
2001-2002

NAME OF CONTRIBUTOR PAYMENT TYPE CITY STATE/ZIP
PHILIP MORRIS MANAGEMENT CORP. MONETARY NEW YORK Ny/10017
ID NUMBER EMPLOYER OCCUPATION

AMOUNT TRANS. DATE FILED_DATE TRANS #
$15,000.00 10/17/2002 10/25/2002 879252-INC3518

Are you going to tell me that the CA Secretary of State's web site is wrong?

Brian,

No, Ron Calderon gave the money to the Jackson For Senate Campaign knowing full well it came from tobacco (Altria). I believe it was money left over from his previous campaign, which is legally OK to donate to other candidates for office. Whether she knew the money came from tobacco interests or not, it seriously undermines her credibility as a critic of her opponent for taking money from tobacco.

Marie, you are conspicuously silent on this.

Mongo,

Given that interest groups ( Unions, tobacco, lawyers, developers) give money to accomplish two goals: 1) Buy access in an effort to impact legislation and 2) help elect people they agree with if tobacco companies didn't ever intend to give money to Hannah-Beth Jackson is it safe to assume that 1) they won't have any special access 2) they aren't trying to elect her?

Are you arguing that tobacco companies are trying to help her?

Hannah-Beth Jackson does not take contributions from tobacco companies.

I used to do work for the Chamber of Commerce. Yes, I did -- to all you who have called me a flaming liberal (which would make my real flaming liberal friends laugh). So I received income from them and in turn donated to Hannah-Beth. Does that mean that the Chamber contributed to her? Were they buying influence because they paid me money to do writing for them? Uh, no.

It's all about buying influence here. Calderon took money from tobacco and has apparently thumbed his nose at them since he didn't vote their way on one thing I can find.

Strickland took tobacco money from them and sided with them every time.

Hannah-Beth has taken no money from tobacco and never sides with them.

I just read the Star's follow-up to what happened Tuesday night.

To the anonymous blogger who called me a liar for saying I watched a minister get pushed to the ground by Joel Angeles, Audra's chief of staff, please read the story. It happened and it happened right in front of the Star photographer and reporter, too. And at least 10 other witnesses.

I have chosen to forgive you, my new anonymous foe, because if I had not seen it with my own eyes, I would not have believed it, either.

Marie LMAO! I just read the article and it is a LONG way from your statement of witnessing Mr. Angeles throw a minister to the ground. Even the minister did not say that. Drama, drama, drama. I suggest you re read the article because it makes you look bad for stretching the truth.

And please do answer my questions about the evil tobacco moneey taxes not being spent like they are supposed to be. I notice you keep dodging the questions. Hmm why is that?

To quote the article;
Jack Phillips, a Vietnam veteran, retired minister and head of the Camarillo Democratic Club was elbowed to the ground by Angeles, in front of news reporters. His left arm was injured.

"He was moving back and forth to block people, and he bumped me," Phillips, 67, said. "All of a sudden, I found myself on the ground looking for my hearing aid."

By the way I was there and told by Mr month off without pay, that if I got onto the sidewalk it would get phyical. He blocked my ADA path to the hotel where I was headed and was assulted many times by Mr. month out witout pay. Are you also a party to the orginized action to block the legal ADA access to the hotel, .. .. .. tell the truth ?

Here is a direct quote from the article.

"Jack Phillips, a Vietnam veteran, retired minister and head of the Camarillo Democratic Club was elbowed to the ground by Angeles, in front of news reporters. His left arm was injured.

"He was moving back and forth to block people, and he bumped me," Phillips, 67, said. "All of a sudden, I found myself on the ground looking for my hearing aid."

I don't know why Audra hasn't done anything effective about the state fund set aside from tobacco money. But that isn't the issue at hand.

The issue at hand is that two neutral reporters have clearly stated that it was in fact a Strickland supporter that caused the problem. Don't you people ever apologize?

He was elbowed to the ground in front of reporters! Who are you blaming?

Did you see any of the events?

It sounds like Joel got a bit carried away in his support of Tony and, to Audra's credit, she has dealt with it swiftly and justly. The guy is getting a one month suspension (without pay). I think that's more than enough punishment given the circumstances. Let it lie and let's move on, please.

The larger question here (and I have yet to hear Marie, or anyone else, answer it directly) is whether or not Jackson is being hypocritical by criticizing Strickland for taking tobacco money when she has done the very same thing. Granted, Strickland's people directly solicited the donation from Altria, which I think was very poor judgment on their part, and he should return the money.

But, Jackson got her tobacco money siphoned to her campaign from Ron Calderon. There's an old saying in politics - "follow the money". So, to me, no matter how many times it's laundered, the money still coming from the same source. The fact that it is passing through several hands makes it even the more suspicious to me.

Therefore, Marie's contention that Jackson is not taking tobacco money is simply not correct. She is and has taken tobacco money into her campaign coffers.

When faced with the truth, you guys do not give up, do you? You press ahead with your silly spin that nobody is buying.

Spin is all you have now. Enjoy yourselves. Spin until you are dizzy and nauseous.

I already am nauseous from reading it.

Have a nice day! (I'm still working on my tone, Mongo, how about you?)

Look at the article. What did Pandolfi expect when he ordered his people to close with the Strickland supporters?

They each had staked out widely separated positions when the Pandolfi people, as the article says,

"As Angeles attempted to block the second group of protesters from marching up the sidewalk toward his candidate's supporters, the verbal sparring between Angeles and the protesters escalated into shoving."

Why did the Pandolfi group do this? What did they expect to happen when they chose to try and merge with the Strickland folks?

A poor decision by Pandolfi lit the fuse that turned into this into a scrap.

Is Ron saying that the protesters should have known that when Team Strickland claims a side walk they won't allow anyone else on it and they will push people to get their way?

Why not just admit what the paper has already published?

Mongo-
Again, where is your proof? What is the amount?
If I report "Mongo still wears womens panties!" does that make it true, no. But the pictures I have would...

marie for someone who claims to be so involved in politics, and so knowledgeable about "tobacco issues" why dont you know that Audra has no control over the children & Families first commission? She has no control on what they spend the millions of unutilized millions of dollars that have been collected in taxpayers dollars.

Instead of being so concerned about how much $ was given to Strickland, a mere 1/10th of a percent of the millions sitting around, perhaps you should be at least JUST as concerned about this issue. Or is it just that you want a reason to spew at the stricklands and this is an excuse?

Cannot a legislator pass laws governing this board?

If I was wrong and that isn't something within their power I withdraw my argument.

Marie, your tone seems to be getting increasingly hostile here. But, I will write that off to your emotional connection to the situation. I know you were out there amongst the minions, banging placards together and cursing each other's candidates for accepting tobacco donations. So, I can imagine the hostility in the air.

As for you, Ligor. I hope I run into you at a political rally some day. I will promptly remove my tighty-whities and wrap them around your head so tightly that your breathing will be impaired. I will then personally pick you up off the ground and hurl you into the nearest bush - Hulk Hogan (no, wait, Joel Angeles) style.

Now, how's that for working on my tone, Marie?

NO they can not it was a commission established by the voters and any changes must be made by the voters. We the voters, were duped into believing that this money was needed desparately for children and yet a majority of it sits untouched.

So please tell me Marie which is worse? The government taking MILLIONS of taxpayers dollars and not using them for their intended purpose and hiding that fact....or a politician taking $ from tobacco and CLEARLY reporting the $ for the public to know?

How hard is it to say both are bad? Tony isn't running against a state board though. Tobacco money shouldn't be in our politics. Voters don't want it there.

speak for yourself - doesnt bother this voter in the slightest - as long as all monies are diclosed to the public - which they are.

However this voter/smoker does have an issue with being taxed to death (literally) on a pack of smokes and the money not even going to what it is supposed to go to.

Ron,
Your hero was use to doing his tactics to little girls and women, and older men he thought could not defend themselves. This time it did not work as in the past 6 or so years, he got caught on film putting his elbows into everyone. The poor dicision was on him.

Mongo-
We will add anatomy to the list of subjects you know not.

"I will promptly remove my tighty-whities and wrap them around your head so tightly that your breathing will be impaired."

While its true I don't breath out my "head" it is proven you talk out your arse.

I will look for you at a 'Tiger ' rally. You'll be the one with your head up his ass.

Lilly Hunter,

And you will be the one with the large glass of Kool-Aid with the fruity-ass Obama sticker on the side of it. You will be prostrating yourself before a huge poster of Obama making a speech, spewing about how he's going to change the world and bring the troops home tomorrow. The only thing that will look out of place on the poster is the small bulge in his coat pocket, which is where he keeps his extra pack of Marlboros. LMAO!

Again, speaking to that you know not. My vote will not be for BHO and for sure not for either Strickland. They make feeding at the public trough an art form.

It is indeed a sad commentary on the state of our current politics that people like Mr. Angeles resort to using racist hate speech in order to elect people like Audra Strickland while all the while wrapping themselves in the American flag and claiming to be to be protecting us from enemies foreign and domestic that they say "hate us for our freedoms".

"Those who feel like they can intimidate our fellow citizens to take out their anger don't represent the best of America, they represent the worst of humankind and they should be ashamed of that kind of behavior." George Walker Bush
It appears the Mr. Angeles and the Stricklands did not get the message and appear to be determined to represent the “worst of humankind�.

As the father of a son who served in Iraq and the husband of the woman who has spent a lifetime building bridges I am hopeful that people will see these tactics for what they really are, the desperate last throes of a movement that has become ideologically, and morally bankrupt and does not represent the best that is American.

Dear Mr. Masry, thank you for your eloquent post. Tell your son thank you for serving his country and your wife thank you for perserving her good attitude.

Mr. Masry, why don't you tell us where your wife stands on same sex marriage and a woman's right to choose, since she obviously won't speak for herself on those issues.

There goes our old friend, Katie, again. Jumping on the bandwagon of anyone that says a word against the Strickland. Yawn....

Did anyone else get RickRoll'ed??!?!?!

The Chief of Staff and Aurthy were seen in her
Sacramento office yesterday by two Republican Union Officals.

Aurthy?

Did anyone get a picture? Maybe he was there as a campaign consultant? Maybe as a friend?

Again, According to two Republican union officals which were in Sacramento yesterday to drum up support for themselves Audra Strickland and her Chief of Staff was seen in her office. This means the month off is another smoke and mirror job by them on the people.

"Did anyone get a picture? Maybe he was there as a campaign consultant? Maybe as a friend?"

Just helping out not on the clock but just given free customer service to the people, or just passing thru, working on her hubbys quest, sure I guess you could twist it that way.

Come on Flamo,

You know that it is not true that Altria, Phillip Morris, gives contributions to Democrats at the same rate as republicans. Look at the U.C.S.F study. Dems. get about 10% of the contributions from Tobacco that Republicans do. If Altria is saying this to you they are lying and you are uninformed enough to fall for it. Or, you just want to believe. You need to do some reading instead of listing to Rush, Hannity and OReily.

Come on Flamo,

You know that it is not true that Altria, Phillip Morris, gives contributions to Democrats at the same rate as republicans. Look at the U.C.S.F study. Dems. get about 10% of the contributions from Tobacco that Republicans do. If Altria is saying this to you they are lying and you are uninformed enough to fall for it. Or, you just want to believe. You need to do some reading instead of listing to Rush, Hannity and OReily.

Tony Strickland is distroying middle class families, by say he supports no new taxes, while he cuts school funding and State Services. Strickland should tell us the truth he is only looking for the rich people of Simi and Moorpark, while the middle class familes in the county are suffering.

Tony has no problems spreading he lies with the help of Brian Dennert.

Thanks Brian Dennert and Tony Strickland we would NOT be suffering with out you!

Chris,

In my post I was trying to be critical of local Republicans taking money from tobacco companies. Sorry if that wasn't clear enough.

Thank you for reading and commenting on my blog.