I am going to be volunteering for Barack Obama again this weekend. We have been calling swing states like Nevada and Indiana over the last few weeks. If you are interested in helping sign up under events at barackobama.com or send me an email.

Here are the details:

Simi Valley Saturday Phone Bank (Phone Bank)

Time: Saturday, October 4 at 1:00 PM
Duration: 3 hours
Host: Marla Sutherland
Contact Phone: 805-583-5332
Location:
Marla's House (Simi Valley, CA)
2877 Sapphire Ave.
Simi Valley, CA 93063

Directions: 118 Fwy to Tapo Canyon. North on Tapo Canyon. Left on Alamo. Right on Sequoia. Left on Avenida Simi. Left on Sapphire.

Time: Sunday, October 5 at 2:00 PM
Duration: 3 hours
Host: Rishin Doshi
Location:
1960-03 Sequoia Avenue
Simi Valley, CA 93063

Directions: On southeast corner of intersection of Los Angeles Ave. and Sequoia Ave.

We need people to make calls, manage data including data entry, clean up, set up, and keep everything organized. We also need people to fill in postcards as we call.

My fundraiser to support Barack Obama on behalf of a Simi Valley family that had their Barack Obama signs defaced continues. We are at $35 with all the money going to the campaign. Please show your support for local Barack Obama backers. Click here to donate.

( The latest ad from the Hannah-Beth Jackson campaign)

The Hannah-Beth Jackson campaign are inviting supporters to come watch the VP presidential debate at their offices across the district.

This debate is going to be very well watched for many reasons, but most of all the lingering question if Sarah Palin will pull it off.

I am going to guess if she doesn't make large factual errors, insult any allies ( McCain might not meet with leaders from Spain?), or do anything that is worthy of a parody it will be declared a victory. Will she talk about being able to see Russia from Alaska? Will she continue to lie about being for the bridge to nowhere before she was against it?

For Joe Biden it is going to be tough. If he is too hard, he will be called a sexist somehow. The expectations for Palin are so low what is he supposed to do? Her own campaign is leaking that she was only able to discuss a single US Supreme Court case in a recent interview that hasn't been televised yet. The pundits will say she did better than expected and that Joe Biden was rude or dismissive towards her.

That's my guess.

Will you be watching the debate? What are you looking forward to the most about it?

Mary Pallant, local Democratic activist is hosting a lecture from Vincent Bugliosi Author of: The Prosecution of George W. Bush for Murder. Mary Pallant ran in the Democratic primary this year, and she has continued to host events for liberal Democrats.

UPDATE: I was wrong by saying the event was a part of the Speaker Series that Mary Pallant had been running. The press release from the correct groups behind it is below.My apologies.

Anyone think of buying the book or going to the event?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

An Evening with Vincent Bugliosi

The Prosecution of George W. Bush for Murder

(VENTURA, Ca.) -September 28, 2008. The success of Vincent Bugliosi, in his quest to hold Bush accountable for the deaths of our military men and women who have been killed in Iraq has gained a greater likelihood of happening in the near term, with the promising candidacy of Charlene Dennett who is running for state district attorney in the state of Vermont. Vermont has 35 towns which passed resolutions to impeach Bush and the town of Brattleboro has passed an ordinance to arrest Bush for war crimes if he should enter there terroritory. With such wide spread agreement amongst the citizens of that state, Dennett is a powerful contender in that race.

Vincent Bugliosi, prosecutor extrordinarre and author of the New York Times best seller, The Prosecution of George W. Bush for Murder, will be speaking in Ventura County Oct. 10 at 7 PM at the beautiful Poinsettia Pavilion located at 3451 Foothill Road, Ventura, CA 93003. Bugliosi will be signing his book afterwards. Free admission with purchase of his book at the door. Otherwise admission is $8.

In his career at the L.A. County District Attorney's office, Bugliosi successfully prosecuted 105 out of 106 felony jury trials, including 21 murder convictions without a single loss. His most famous trial, the Charles Manson case, became th e basis of his classic, Helter Skelter, the biggest selling true crime book in publishing history.

In The Prosecution of George W. Bush for Murder, Bugliosi presents a tight, meticulously researched legal case that puts George W. Bush on trial in an American courtroom for the murder of over 4,000 American soldiers fighting the war in Iraq. Bugliosi sets forth the legal architecture and incontrovertible evidence that President Bush took this nation to war in Iraq under false pretenses--a war that has not only caused the deaths of American soldiers but also over 100,000 innocent Iraqi men, women, and children; cost the United States over one trillion dollars thus far with no end in sight; and alienated many American allies in the Western world.

As a prosecutor who is dedicated to seeking justice, Bugliosi, in his inimitable style, delivers a non-partisan argument, free from party lines and instead based upon hard facts and pure objectivity. A searing indictment of the President and his administration, The Prosecution of George W. Bush for Murder also outlines a legally credible pathway to holding our highest government officials accountable for their actions, thereby creating a framework for future occupants of the oval office.

Vincent Bugliosi has this to say, "I set forth an air tight legal case that proves beyond all reasonable doubt that George Bush took this nation to war under false pretenses, a lie, in Iraq. If justice means anything at all in America, we have no choice but to bring George Bush to court on murder charges for the deaths of over 4,000 American soldiers."

Vincent Bugliosi calls for the United States of America to return to the great nation it once was and can be again. He believes the first step to achieving this goal is to bring those responsible for the war in Iraq to justice. With Congress having, thus far, stalled impeachment efforts, trying the President for murder in a court of law for sending our military men and women to their deaths is a war based on lies may be the last recourse of the American people.

Sponsors: HopeDance; Citizens for Impeachment; Integrity Now Endorsers: Progressive Democrats of America; A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition; V. C. Greens; Code Pink, Ojai; Veterans for Peace; V. C. Stop the War; Jane Bright of Gold Star Families for Peace; Iraq Veterans Against the War.

Citizens for Impeachment, V.C. Integrity Now, Ojai; & HopeDance;

Cindy Piester, work4peacenow@gmail.com

177 Jordan Ave. Ventura 93001

###

( The name of the band is "Middle of the road".)

The California Association of Political Centrists is soliciting their members for opinions about endorsing a candidate in the State Senate campaign between Hannah-Beth Jackson and Tony Strickland. Katie Teague sent me an email that went out to their group members. Click on continue reading to see it.

Of all the endorsements not yet announced in Ventura County, which is the most valuable? I would think Mickey Jones could help. Any other ideas?

Should CAPC make their opinion known as a group?

I say go for it. If you think she will stand up for moderate voters, redistricting, and she is wants the groups endorsement, why wouldn't you do it?

Does Tony Strickland even want their support? It doesn't sound like it.

The Ventura County Chamber of Commerce PAC has endorsed Tony Strickland. Click on continue reading to see the press release. I have been busy and missed a few press releases from his campaign. Click here for the list of recent press releases. Tony Strickland has also updated his endorsement page. Click here to see it.

Hie energy policy hasn't been updated yet. It doesn't mention if he supports subsidies, tax cuts, eliminating zoning or other requirements that other businesses go through or money for research.

Here are some questions from me to get him started but after that it is up to my readers.

1. Will you seek or accept the support of a political party for your campaign?

2. What do you think about the process to fire a poor performing teacher? Do you think it is too easy, reasonable, or too hard to fire a teacher?

3. Have you attended many school board meetings?

4. Is it a conflict of interest to get the support of teachers since you could be voting on their contract?

5. What local politician do you respect for the work they have done for our community?

What questions do you have about Camarillo schools or related issues?

( The above video is Hannah-Beth Jackson's latest in the state senate race. Click here to read about it from fellow Ventura County Star blogger and Ventura Community activist, Marie Lakin. )

There is a report that people supporting Tony Strickland are push polling voters. Are the questions being asked surprising at all? We need more reports or details before we know what is going on. For example, is it Tony Strickland's campaign or an outside group?

Have you received any calls from either campaign?

Ventura County Star reporter Timm Herdt wrote an article that says the campaign between Hannah-Beth Jackson and T. Strickland is between a candidate from the liberal wing of her party and a candidate from the conservative wing of his party.

The contest is going to be a battle to see which candidate proves their ability to work with people from the other party and which candidate has the ability to connect with people regardless of their party.

( He even has a green shirt! Way to stay on message!)

The Tony Strickland campaign has spent resources and time to introduce West County and Santa Barabra voters to Tony Strickland as an environmentalist in an effort to look more moderate. He has also put "independent" leadership on his campaign signs. I am curious. If he is independent of his party, how has he also been a leader in his party? If he is not a partisan in his party, who is a partisan in the Republican Party locally or at the state level?

But will it work? Will a leader of The Club for Growth, which has often gone after moderate Republicans really be able to show he has the record to share the same vision with moderate voters?

( Hannah-Beth Jackson with the Santa Barbara Sheriff, Bill Brown. I think a testimonial from a criminal she helped locked up would be great. If the criminal attacks her that makes her look great. If he talks about her helping to lock him up and how he has reformed that looks great too. Start researching Team Jackson. Maybe win a Poli Award?)

On the other side we have Hannah-Beth Jackson. She has been trying to show that her top priority isn't social issues but the basic local issues that matter to people of either party. For example, in Simi Valley she is pushing her record of legislation related to Rocketdyne/SSFL, her opposition to the expansion of the Simi Valley area landfill/dump, and her past support in successfully keeping Ahmanson Ranch as open space. She has also been fighting the stereotype that liberals are soft on crime by bragging about her past as a prosecutor, her legislation dealing with crime, and her endorsements from people or groups involved with public safety.

But will she be overwhelmed by attacks calling her "Taxin' Jackson" when budget problems are the top issue Sacramento has been dealing with? With bank failures, massive government bail outs being proposed, and a budget passed that legislative Democrats, Republicans, or the governor aren't proud of could any candidate win while being the target of ad after ad that says they will raise your taxes without cutting spending?

I am a Democrat but I realize there are major problems in Sacramento. I want to elect a Democrat that knows that big money doesn't just influence the Republican Party and recognizes that Californians are willing to pay for our government if we are assured that the money is being used wisely. I also don't believe that the closing tax loopholes on yachts will make a real impact on the budget. I am bored with Democrats bringing up an imaginary flotilla of minimally taxed yachts that could make a major improvement in our budget.

Is Hannah-Beth Jackson a different type of Democrat?

What do you think? Has the branding of the candidates started to work?

Which candidate is able to connect on issues that motivates voters in the middle?

Sidenote: If you write a political blog about Ventura County politics but you don't know her name is Hannah-Beth Jackson are you really staying informed? We all make typos from time to time but you have been getting her name wrong for weeks. You should correct your errors.

If you see a typo, misspelling, or grammatical error on my blog I'd appreciate an email from my readers before it goes into google cache. Thanks!

Simi Interviews at Regal - Part I

The crew over at votesimivalley.com is putting together some great stuff. If your campaign wants them to record a debate or other event they have the creativity and the skills required.

Click on play and prepare to be entertained.

Mike, could I get a link?

( Connect the name of this band to this entry as a challenge.)

The California Association of Political Centrists ( CAPC ) working with The Star and CLU is putting together some great events locally. To see a full press release you normally need to click on continue reading, but to thank Katie Teague, Leslie Cornejo, Joe Howry, and all the other people volunteering to put together these public forums I am posting the full press release on my main page.

Here is the press release from CAPC:

For Immediate Release

California Association of Political Centrists (CAPC) has joined forces with the Political Science Department of California Lutheran University and the Ventura County Star newspaper to put on a series of candidate forums for the citizens of Ventura County . The second forum is going to be held at the CLU Oxnard campus. It will be moderated by CLU's Jose Marichal, PhD, Political Science and Sociology Department. All questions will be vetted by Joe Howry, Editor, Ventura County Star. It will take place at the CLU Oxnard Hall at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, September 24. The Gold Coast Hispanic Chamber will be a participating organization.

Thursday, September 25 at CLU Oxnard Campus at 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Oxnard Center

2201 Outlet Center Drive Suite 600

Oxnard , CA 93036

Board of Supervisor - Debate ( Ventura County Star will provide questions)

John Flynn, Incumbent

John Zaragoza, Candidate

Ventura County Board of Education (10 minutes each)

Dr. Mark Lisagor- candidate for 3rd District

Dr. Ramon Flores - candidate for 5th District

Proposition 11 - Redistricting (10 minutes each)

Pro Argument - Leslie Cornejo, CAPC

Con Argument - Dave Rodriguez, LULAC

Measure U - Unification (7 minutes each)

Pro Argument - Camarillo Unified

Con Argument - John Alamillo (former PVSD trustee), 4Allthekids

No Response

Chris Valenzano, Incumbent, Ventura County Board of Education, 3rd District

Dan Miller, Candidate, Ventura County Board of Education, 5th District

Leslie Cornejo, State Chairman of CAPC believes, "It is important to become informed and engaged as voters so that we have a truly representative government acting on behalf of the people and our priorities. These candidate forums will assist us to do just that. We hope everyone will take this opportunity to become better informed."

Forum proxies will be allowed but they may not be elected officials or candidates seeking other office.

More information can be found on the CAPC website, www.PoliticalCentrists.com

###

The Ferial Masry Campaign recently held an event with Retired USMC
General Hoar. If you have been following her political activism you might know she has worked with Bush administration officials to promote America in the Middle East. I don't know much about her involvement but it would be a great story for a print reporter to cover.

She is running against State Assembly Member Audra Strickland again.

Click here to see the district map.

The Carole Lutness campaign emailed me a massive update with new endorsements, precinct walking, fundraising and more. Click on continue reading for more details.

Her upcoming fundraiser with Lt. Governor John Garamendi isn't too big of a surprise being that he has already declared his intention of running for governor in 2010. Of all the names being tossed out for governor who do you support? I think Jerry Brown is going to be a compelling governor because of his long life story of serving the public or running for office at so many different levels. What other names have you heard or read?

Have you gotten any mail or seen any campaigning for the 38th district state assembly seat in Simi Valley? Carole Lutness did take questions from my readers and me in a previous entry. Click here to read that entry.

Do you remember Tim Keaney? He ran for school board in Simi Valley and afterwards started to write a local education themed blog for The Star. He started about the same time I did. Anyways, he moved to Texas and stopped updating his blog. I don't agree with him on politics often but he often promoted debates about local education reform. Recently he emailed me with a proposal for a guest blog entry. Here is his entry:

What is "Too big to fail?" Lately we've heard there are financial institutions that are "too big to fail". In other words, they are companies that have operated in the free market system, taken profits from it, sold stock to the public etc... They made huge, calculated financial bets and took risks in order to increase capital for their shareholders. And they lost. Now the Federal Government (you, and me) are either taking over these companies without Bankruptcy (AIG, Fannie, Freddie), or helping them get sold (Bear Stearns, Merrill Lynch, WAMU) or in what seems like a rash decision, actually letting the occassional one to fail (Lehman Brothers, Indymac). But my question is: In a free market system, aren't we suppose to take the really big ups, with the really down downs? or are we just suppose to profit, and then ask the government to help when we don't. Small business owners, does this sound good to you? I'm sure it's not available for you either. So let's play a game. Too Big to Fail is absurd, so let's increase the absurdity by coming up with other companies or organizations that are Too Big to Fail and why their bailout might be necesasary... I'll go first:

The Fed announced today a series of measures including a bailout measured in "Billions & Billions" for American Hamburger Icon McDonalds which would give the Fed an equity stake and also property rights over Hamburgerland.

"McDonalds is too big too fail" said Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson, "With McDonalds efficient systems being the backbone of the fast food industrial complex, and their ability to feed the masses with the cleverly named Dollar menu - let alone the millions of hard working high school and migrant workers employed in the restaraunts or in the fields (They're big into salads now too!), we felt it was an obvious mvove to keep the burgers flipping, and the salads, uh, shaking...in both the real and proverbial sense"

"Americans have always stood up and said Yes, we want fries with that and the government couldn't agree more", added President Bush.

McDonalds Management will stay in place and the board will receive millions in stock options. The Fed has asked to be guaranteed in McDonalds Gift Certificates (a book of ten for $5!).
What else is too big to fail? Public companies not allowed to fail reminds me of "every kid gets a trophy, even if you finish last" because in America today, self esteem (and share price) is more important than common sense.


Tim Keaney
Cedar Park, Texas.

( Ventura City Council Member Christy Weir from a campaign video)

The Ventura County Reporter has announced their best of people awards.

Politicians

1ST PLACE (TIE)
Elton Gallegly
Hannah- Beth Jackson

2ND PLACE
Christy Weir

3RD PLACE
Lois Capps

Click here to see the award winners in other categories .

A tie between Rep. Elton Gallegly and State Senate candidate Hannah-Beth Jackson? Watching the partisans spin that tie will be entertaining!

In other Hannah-Beth Jackson news she will be debating Tony Strickland this Sunday morning. Click on continue reading for details.

A local supporter of Barack Obama has had their campaign signed vandalized again. But instead of intimidating their opponents they are only causing us to organize even more.

Go to my personal Barack Obama fundraising page and let's show them that the more they attack us the more money we are going to raise. Click here to see my fundraising page.

To help without donating leave a comment with a pledge to work at a phonebank locally in the next few weeks. Not everyone at a phonebank needs to make calls. The campaign needs help with paperwork, entering data, and keeping everything running. Go to

I attended a phonebank today in Simi Valley today organized by local volunteers. I would guess about 20 people came and went during the hours we were calling. If you are interested in helping the campaign locally send me an email.

( To see additional videos about Camarillo Unification click here for or search youtube.com for many more videos.)

The campaign in support of unification is alleging that the campaign to defeat Measure U improperly used the school district email system as part of their efforts to defeat the measure.

To see the press releases, emails, and more click on continue reading.

I do not know the law nor the potential ramifications over the allegations being made, nor do I vouch for the veracity of any of the allegations. I look forward to seeing the DA's response. I have included all of the information that is a part of the press release and and the complaint.

The Hannah-Beth Jackson campaign has announced another Republican elected official has endorsed her.

With Linda Parks on board that is 4/5 of the county supervisors supporting her campaign.

Tony Strickland has been raising money and campaigning hard but so far there isn't a group of Democrats or any high profile Democrats supporting him. Is it because he is too conservative?

What big names are left in the county? A few mayors here or there?

Click here to see Timm Herdt's post about it. Is his story in the print edition?

Click on continue reading to see the press release.

Scott Lamp is amongst the many running for Conejo Valley Unified School Board. Like Besty Connolly, he contacted me to request taking questions from readers.

Click on continue reading to see his answers to questions from the union representing school board employees and from School Board Member Mike Dunn.

Click here to check out his website.

Here are my questions:

1. Will you seek or accept the support of a political party for your campaign?

2. What do you think about the process to fire a poor performing teacher? Do you think it is too easy, reasonable, or too hard to fire a teacher?

3. Have you attended many school board meetings?

4. What is up with that strange question about students leaving campus for nonemergency medical procedures that Mike Dunn asked in his questionnaire? Is that a problem in Conejo Valley schools? ( Click on continue reading to see the question and the response.)

5. What local politician do you respect for the work they have done for our community?

6. Did you see the recent ruling between Mike Dunn and the teachers' unions? What are you thoughts on it? To read the full press release look at the most recent entry about him.

Thanks Scott!

What questions do you have, readers?

Moorpark City Council Member Roseann Mikos has the most detailed website of any candidate running for a position in Ventura County. Check it out by clicking here.

Roseann Mikos has agreed to take questions from me and my readers.

Here are my questions:

1. Have you been working with elected officials from Simi Valley to oversee the proposed landfill expansion? Have you met with council members in person? Who initiated the meetings?

2. What are you looking to do in your next term that you haven't done already?

3. There are term limits for state senate and state assembly. Do you support term limits for these offices? What about for local offices?

4. What has made the most impact on the quality of life in Moorpark during the last few years?

5. What local official outside of Moorpark do you respect the most? What local official outside of Moorpark do you talk to the most?

That's all my questions for now. What questions do you have for the council member?

( This sign is in the yard of a household that supports Barack Obama in Simi Valley. Do people think this campaign tactic works? It seems to only fire people up and get them to donate more money, work harder for their candidate, and put up another sign. If you see someone's sign in their yard, leave it alone. I bet I see them at a phonebank or other event soon!)

Imagine if instead of running false negative ads candidates campaigned to see how many people they could inspire to volunteer to help our nation? Campaigns would compete to raise funds for charity, clean up our neighborhoods, and help the least amongst us. At the end of the campaign we would be even more proud of our nation. And it wouldn't end there, either. Many of the people would be connected to their neighbors and local nonprofit groups.

After the Republican dismissal of Barack Obama as a community organizer it is fitting that local Barack Obama supporters are organizing a beach clean up day. So far 17 people have RSVP'ed for the event. Are you interested in going?

To find out more go to their event page on Barackobama.com

If you have a local event to support a candidate, send it in and I will post it.

Local officials are reacting to the Metrolink disaster in many ways. Moorpark City Council Member rode the train with Mayor Villaraigosa the other day and spoke about the crash. To read his press statements click on continue reading. Council Member Millhouse is vice chairman of the Southern California Regional Rail Authority and has been involved in regional transportation issues for years.

State Senate candidate Hannah-Beth Jackson sent out an email to her supporters with ways to help.

Ventura City Council Member Bill Fulton has written his thoughts on his blog.

If you see other local officials commenting on the tragedy or asking people to help support local charity groups in relation to the tragedy please leave a comment with a link to the story.

( The official Metrolink logo from their website.)

( This is the entrance to the US Department of Education. Any suggestions for other government building?)

I don't live in Camarillo so I don't know how much voters are seeing about the Measure U from either side. Are you getting mail or seeing letters to the editor? Are there signs around town?

Click on continue reading for a press release from the No on Measure U Campaign.

The California Association of Political Centrists is hosting a East Ventura County Candidates' forum next week. Joe Howry from The Star will be running it.

Click on continue reading for details.

Many candidates will be there including school board candidates, Hannah-Beth Jackson, and Ferial Masry. It isn't surprising that Tony Strickland has said he will not attend the forum.

I would guess that he is avoiding the leaders of CAPC as they have been critical in the past. But is there any debates scheduled between the candidates? Are there any groups willing to put on a debate between the state senate candidates? If you know of a group Tony Strickland might speak in front of please post some suggestions.

I doubt there will be a forum between the candidates unless it is scheduled soon. Maybe a one on one forum between the two at Simi Valley city hall with Joe Howry moderating?

The ordeal between Mike Dunn and the union that represents teachers is over with mike Dunn admitting his mistakes and the teachers' union dropping their complaint in return.

Click on continue reading for the press release.

Click here for a past entry where Mike Dunn took questions from readers. What is your favorite response that he posted?

With this maybe all the sides in CVUSD will get back to work.

( This photo was from Hannah-Beth Jackson's Simi valley days group. If you have more Simi Valley Days photos that you want posted send them in.)

Both campaigns have more endorsements to announce.

For Hannah-Beth Jackson's endorsements click here.

For Tony Strickland's endorsement page click here. It isn't currently updated but look at the press releases for details.

Tony Strickland has a press release detailing the former Sheriff of Santa Barbara endorsing him, whereas on Hannah-Beth Jackson's page she lists the current Sheriff as a supporter. I don't follow Santa Barbara's politics enough to know which sheriff is more widely known and/or respected. Fill us in with that you know if you have something to share.

I did notice that the former sheriff mentions Tony Strickland's independent leadership. How has he been independent? To my knowledge he has been a long time supporter of the Republican Party, a career politician or political professional, and holds conservative Republican values. In addition, many of his allies or supporters run the local central committee. He has supported and worked for Tom McClintock, who hasn't worked well at times with his party's leadership including when he ran against the current governor in the recall election.

It is obvious he just doesn't want the word Republican associated with his name.

To see his press release click on continue reading.

My sister sent me a few photos she took of the parade. If you have more photos you would like me to post of any of the campaigns please send them in.

Did you go to Simi Valley Days this year? I was skeptical of holding it in a park but I was impressed. My family went today and we had a great time. Holding it in Rancho park gave more shade, places to sit, more for kids to do for free, and more space. I rode bumper cars, ate pizza from Segesta's, ate fries from the Second Missionary Baptist Church of Simi Valley, and went on a few of the inflatable games. The park was much more family friendly as it was easier to watch after kids.

I also didn't need a car wash afterwards! I understand that local developers have allowed empty fields to be used in the past and I know the community is thankful.

Thank you to the many volunteers for putting on a great event that funds many local charities. Thank you to the sponsors of the parade and the fair too.

Did you go? What were the best parts for you? The best part for me was the petting zoo. A pig, goats, sheep, and more. I didn't realize the finesse a goat uses to eat little pieces of feed from a little hand. The photos came out great.

Thanks again for a great event and a awesome location.

( In his run for County Supervisor Denis O'Leary was endorsed by UFCW Co-Founder Delores Huerta. He has been a long time supporter of unions and their ability to improve workers' lives.)

Former County Supervisor candidate and current school board member Denis OLeary sent me a copy of Oxnard School District's new living wage resolution. Click on continue reading to view the entire resolution. I have not studied the financial impact of the issue or the impact on the lives of the employees. But I figured I would share with you the new policies that local elected officials are pushing to implement.

It got me thinking about other policy innovators from across Ventura County. Regardless if you agree or disagree with their policy preferences or not there are some elected officials that push for policy innovation and some that improve on the existing ways of doing things.

In your town, who are the policy innovators? Here is a few people I want to draw attention to their efforts:

County Supervisors:

Steve Bennett. I haven't followed him closely lately but his campaign finance reform and limits on urban sprawl or growth has captured my attention.

Peter Foy: He pushed for term limits for county supervisors. I think the proposed rules will be on the ballot. Is that correct?

City Councils:
Keith Millhouse. Between pushing for a transportation bond to looking at ways to reduce plastic bags in Moorpark the man that I am going to start calling Mr. Transportation for his focus on traffic seems to be constantly looking for new policies for his town.

I don't want to name all of my choices and take away your opportunity to nominate people so I will stop there.

Nominate someone as a policy innovator. You don't need to agree with their policies to nominate them. They could be from your city council, park board, school board, or another elected official.

Conejo Valley Unified School District Candidate Dennis Hatland has launched his campaign website.

Click here to see it.

Ventura County Office of Education candidate Mark Lisagor has launched his website too.

Click here to see it.

What do you think of it? What do you like about it and what improvements do you think should be made?

If you or a candidate you support for a position on a school board launches their website email me a link and I will put up an entry on it.

What candidate websites have you seen for an education campaign in Ventura County? Leave a link to it and a review of the website.

I found a great website that does an objective investigation of the claims in candidates' ads and statements. Go to FactCheck.org to see detailed analysis of the latest ads from both sides.

It won't surprise anyone that both candidates have ads that don't tell the whole story or use quotes out of context to attempt to make their point.

But lately it is the McCain campaign that has been caught lying over and over. From the lies about the Bridge to Nowhere, to lying about a bill about sex education, to even quoting the factcheck website in a misleading ad the campaign has been caught over and over again. It is funny that they used FactCheck in a dishonest way. I am sure some Republicans will try to dwell on the ads only from Barack Obama's campaign and ignore the ads from McCain's campaign. But a real challenge would be to answer why so many independent groups have come down hard on the McCain campaign for lying.

When did John McCain's campaign choose to become so dishonest and misleading with their attacks that even Karl Rove is calling them out for it?

( A video of Karl Rove addressing the recent campaign ads from McCain's campaign.)

Television Star Bill O'Reilly has said the attacks from McCain's Campaign have been dishonest too.

McCain is a better man then the campaign he is running.

Another candidate has requested to answer questions on my blog. Betsy Connolly is running for the Conejo Valley Unified School District.

Click here for a link to an article in The Acorn to fill in more information about her before you ask questions. Click here for her campaign website.

Here are some questions from me to get her started but after that it is up to my readers.

1. Will you seek or accept the support of a political party for your campaign?

2. What do you think about the process to fire a poor performing teacher? Do you think it is too easy, reasonable, or too hard to fire a teacher?

3. Have you attended many school board meetings?

4. Is it a conflict of interest to get the support of teachers since you could be voting on their contract?

5. What local politician do you respect for the work they have done for our community?

What questions do you have about CVUSD schools or related issues?

Barack Obama supporters from across Ventura County are working hard to elect Barack Obama. They are making calls, writing postcards, arranging trips to swing states, registering voters and more.

I stopped by the end of a phone bank today in Simi Valley. There was more than ten people helping to make phone calls to voters in other states. Afterwards, a group was following up by writing personal letters to undecided voters they spoke to on the phone.

If you want to get involved go to my.barackobama.com and look at the many local events happening across Ventura County all week long. I can also put you in touch with the campaign if you send me an email. The campaign is primarily in need of local people to make phone calls, but even if you are shy on a phone and attend a phone bank there are other tasks there that need help with including managing data, looking up information for voters, and other logistics.

This election is a chance for America to show that the last eight years was enough and we need a new direction. In the past I have voted AGAINST a candidate but this year I am proud to be supporting Barack Obama. If you want to get involved this is your moment. We know we need to change our government.

Volunteers for Hannah-Beth Jackson.

I didn't see the parade this morning but I am hearing reports of it from friends and family. Did you go see it? I have photos to put up later. I heard that Audra Strickland's Chief of Staff was standing in the median yelling Taxin' Jackson at the Hannah-Beth Jackson team. I will post photos of both teams as they come in.

After the parade Hannah-Beth Jackson's campaign had an office grand opening for their Simi Valley office. The office is located behind the Med Center at the corner of Sequoia and Los Angeles in Simi Valley. The shopping center also has a 7-11.

I got there after most of the people had left but I did talk to Cathie Wright, a few campaign staffers, and a few volunteers that were tired from a long day. They said they had more than 50 people come through the office after the parade.

The office is going to be open most days from 4PM to 7PM with longer hours as the election gets even closer. Volunteers are welcome to come in to phone bank, pick up a sign, or help out in many other ways.

I picked up some literature that the campaign has been sending out and I will be posting them in the coming days. If you already have it in digital form please send it in.

Did you see the parade? If you have any photos to post email them to me. I will give you credit for your photos if you ask. If you want to leave a comment you don't need to register but please keep it civil. If you see an email that should be deleted please email me.

Click on continue reading to see a press release from the campaign.

Bruce Springsteen released an entire album of 911 themed songs. The songs will bring a tear to a patriot's eye. Go look up some of the lyrics. Click on the picture to be taken to the official video.

How will we continue to honor the fallen without allowing politicians to exploit the event?

This picture was taken from the event. If it is you in the picture, feel free to leave a comment. I really like the Hopemonger shirt. It reminds me of Barack Obama's line:

In the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope.

I attended the meeting Wednesday night for local Barack Obama supporters in Camarillo. I didn't get an exact count but I would guess almost a hundred people were there. It was strictly business with not much time spent on anything but organizing.

The two most significant tasks they are organizing for are road trips to swing states and phone banks to swing states.

if you are interested in helping out leave a message with your email address on this blog or email me at briandennert @ yahoo.com . Include what city you live in and I will forward you to the person in charge for that area. If you don't like making calls they need people to hep with other tasks too.

I support Barack Obama's message of change for America. His new book is out if you want specifics and he has his specific plans available for download for free on his website.

I am phone banking this Saturday afternoon with a group of friends in Simi Valley. Feel free to join us.

I am a fan of Steve Greenberg's cartoons. Usually local newspaper editorial cartoons are bad on focused on the most trivial issues and do it in a such a simple manner I wonder if they copied it from another paper and redrew the pictures.

I am glad The Star has Greenberg on their staff.

What do you think about the cartoons they run? Do you want to see a change in their cartoonists? Do you want to see more Greenberg cartoons?

On a related issue how many of you subscribe to the paper? If you don't subscribe why not?

Click on continue reading for a cartoon from Politico.com

( The above photo is from a parade in Ventura. Tony Strickland's campaign sent it to me. Thanks for the photos. The Simi Valley Days Parade is this weekend. Think Tony Strickland will be in it? I am sure his campaign will be.)

Tony Strickland has announced another set of endorsements. Click on continue reading for details.

What endorsements are left for either candidate to pursue? I guess county supervisors, school board members, and a few city council members. Has Keith Millhouse ( Moorpark City Council ) endorsed anyone yet? What about the rest of the Moorpark City Council?

His website has an endorsement section but it hasn't been updated. His press releases are listed though which has many names in them of people who have endorsed him.

( A video of former Speaker Newt Gingrich talking about judges and marriage. Could they have found a better spokesperson?)

More Faith Groups are getting together to stop Proposition 8. Has your faith played a part in your view on this issue? Does your church talk about the roles of gay people in our communities?

Click on continue reading for details about the faith groups joining together against Proposition 8.

If you see any campaign news I should post email it to me. Thanks.

I don't live in Camarillo and I don't know this issue very well but click on continue reading to see a press release from each side of the Measure U issue.

I know people in Camarillo are passionate about the issue, but what about people from Oxnard?

Fired up and ready to go?

You going to Simi Valley Days or the parade? I know many of you community organizers will be working for the many great nonprofits that will be there. Thanks for your service.

Any word on what political clubs or politicians will be a part of the parade or have a booth at the fair? With the new location and great games being set up I expect the fair to be well attended.

Saturday afternoon Hannah-Beth Jackson's campaign is opening an office in Simi Valley. The office is behind the Med Center at Sequoia and Los Angeles. You planning to do any phone banking there?

I plan to be at the office opening party to take pictures and photos. If we haven't met come up and introduce yourself.

I am phone banking for Barack Obama that afternoon.

After watching the above video do people really fall for the lie that Barack Obama was talking about something other than John McCain's policies?

Here is John McCain talking about a proposal from Hillary Clinton:

McCain criticized Democratic contenders for offering what he called costly universal health-care proposals that require too much government regulation. While he said he had not studied Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's plan, he said it was "eerily reminiscent" of the failed plan she offered as first lady in the 1990s.

"I think they put some lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig," he said of her proposal.

I don't remember outrage at John McCain over this issue, nor should he apologize for talking about policy.

I get that Republicans want to twist it to attack someone but do any Republicans believe in the lie themselves?

There is an organizing meeting this week to support Barack Obama in Camarillo. They are registering voters, making phone calls, and organizing trips to Nevada in the next two months.

If you have campaign news for any local campaign I will post it. That is the difference between me and all the other local blogs.

To get involved click on continue reading.

Shop Simi Valley First - What's the cost to taxpayers?

Many people have either been critical or asked questions about the Shop Simi Valley First Campaign that the city of Simi Valley helps subsidize. The city helps pay for a website, ads in newspapers, and ads around town. ( Side note: a newspaper that takes money from the campaign that endorses the campaign isn't surprising to me.)

Instead of just asking questions I figured I'd help out. I get decent traffic numbers so I figured we could use this site to augment the attempts at profiling local businesses.

List a business in Simi Valley you support and why. This first entry will be all about restaurants.

If you are interested tell me some of your favorite restaurants in Simi Valley. Why do you keep going back? What is so great about them?

If you live in another town go ahead and attempt to lure people there. I will try to respond with a better Simi Valley restaurant.

My current favorite spot is Indian Haweli @ 1750 E. Los Angeles Ave ( On the south side of Los Angeles in the shopping plaza that used to have Best Records.)

Visit their website by clicking here. If you want to meet me for lunch to talk politics this is my pick. Just don't try to pick up the tab.

If you want to help out share with us your favorite places. GS, how long have you been getting coffee at the same place?

Did you see the video of Barack Obama played at the Republican Convention?

Leave a comment if you get it.

Consider this an open forum. What is the most important story in local politics that is either not being reported or is under reported? What suggestions do you have for local reporters?

This isn't just for me. Many local reporters read my blog. Tell them what you want them to investigate.

Who is your favorite writer for The Star's print edition? I enjoy how Colleen Cason brings the implications of a story to the local level.

Colleen Cason has a recent article calling out state legislators for not passing a budget. She blames the legislature for not passing a budget but no where in the article does she mention the names of our local legislators nor does she blame a party.

Do you think she was trying to take the easy way out or do you think she was trying to write only about the impacts of the budget not being passed?

I say she invites Pedro Nava and Audra Strickland out to lunch to discuss the budget. Get them on the record and see if they negotiate with each other.

Who do you blame in the budget stand off?

Do you favor a cuts only budget, a higher taxes only budget ( call them loopholes or whatever you want), or a mix of the two?

I don't think higher taxes without meaningful budget reform or serious cuts is fair to those of us that didn't mess up the state budget. I blame legislative Democrats for allowing spending to grow so quickly and I blame the governor for running on a platform of lower taxes, increased education/public safety spending, and a balanced budget.

Lastly, I blame state Republicans who have taken a no compromise position that doesn't allow them to negotiate for any of their causes besides taxes. They can't argue for budget reforms, spending cuts, or any thing of substance when they aren't a part of the meetings.

To read her article click on continue reading.

Simi Valley - Be sure before you vote status quo!

( In this video a Bruce Witkin supporter points out that Paul Miller hasn't updated his website since 2004. But it says more information coming soon. Do you think Paul Miller is very confident to the point he isn't campaigning much?)

Bruce Witkin's campaign has a new website up and has a few youtube videos up too.

Bruce answered questions from my readers which you can read by clicking here.

Do you have any more questions for Bruce?

Do you think there should be any debates in this campaign?

The current mayor, Paul Miller is obviously the favored candidate at this point. But if Bruce is able to run a good campaign I expect to see him running again in the future.

State Senate candidate Hannah-Beth Jackson is being attacked again by an outside group again. They are responding to Hannah-Beth Jackson's response to another attack ad. To see her detailed response to an earlier ad click here.

Anyways, the basic summation is that Hannah-Beth Jackson will raise your taxes.

Click here to see The California Taxpayer Protection Committee's members. Any names look familiar?

When the budget is finally passed I will demand that each candidate declare clearly if they would have voted for it. If you will help me by calling their offices until we get clear answers please leave a comment indicating your support for a clear answer from all of the candidates.

Hannah-Beth Jackson's website says she supports closing tax loop holes, increasing taxes on yachts, and taxing oil companies more. But with out projected shortfall that doesn't look like it could cover the problem. Unless we are planning on taxing a flotilla of yachts. I don't think taxing Xerxes Persian navy that attempted to conquer Greece ( don't let the Spartans take all the credit. the Athenians defeated the navy!) would solve our budget problems.

She does talk about the budget but in the context of education. She doesn't have a section devoted in greater detail to talking about the spending problem California has currently.

Tony Strickland has a few ideas for long term solutions to our chronic budget problems but I would like to know more about how he would vote this year. I am sure he would say he would vote No on pretty much any budget passed, but would he really never compromise even if we started seeing a government shut down from Sacramento to local schools?

If Democrats moved on adding some of his long term solutions would he really refuse to vote for any budget with any tax increases? That isn't a plan that has a high chance of success at reforming anything. If all he is going to do is vote no we should pass a law that allows legislators vote by email and save us on supplying them with an office.

If you are bored of this whole entry feel free to speculate on which Republicans will vote yes on the budget this year.

Besides Maldonado.

Any guesses?

( A video from the Barack Obama campaign going after John McCain for not do father in the senate investigation of the Republican Lobbying Scandal.)

Local teachers will be protesting outside of Assembly Member Audra Strickland's office in Westlake Friday afternoon. They are pushing for action on the state budget. Click on continue reading for details.

Is the point of the protest to really push Audra Strickland to work with Democrats and the governor to pass a budget? I don't see that happening. She has signed a pledge with Grover Norquist and Tom McClintock to not raise taxes. Here is a link to see the press release about her pledge.

Talk about bad timing though. Grover Norquist's business partner and long time friend Jack Abramoff was sentenced to federal prison Thursday. Jack Abramoff was convicted of a whole series of crimes. If you haven't read the story about how he worked with Grover Norquist to hide the source of casino money that was transferred to the Christian Coalition to go after another casino you really should look it up.

John McCain was involved in the investigation and deserves credit.

Why California Republicans would be working with someone that has trashed their nominee for years doesn't make sense if they want to be the majority party in this state. Can a Republican proudly support Grover Norquist ( John McCain is delusional and a liar) and proudly support John McCain at the same time? I don't think that makes sense at all.

Democrats point out that John McCain could have gone farther in the investigation and let key figures go.

If the point of the protest is to help drive up Audra Strickland's negatives and put pressure on other legislators that makes political sense. It is part of a statewide action and I know it will be getting press coverage.

But I don't think she is open to negotiating any deal that involves any tax increases. Her Chief of Staff who was suspended by her office for some period of time ( it isn't exactly clear when the suspension is over) is out campaigning for Tony Strickland. I saw him again waving signs by a freeway off ramp this week. I don't think he is up in Sacramento talking to assembly Democrats and the governor to make a deal on the budget.

Do you think she is going to move at all on the budget?

Is there any part of my analysis you disagree with?

Oh, and before you point out that both parties have corrupt members, I agree. I am embarrassed that Democratic Rep. Jefferson is in office even after he was found with money in his fridge and someone has plead guilty to bribing him.

If you are going to the protest take some pictures and send them in.

A few weeks back I met this two man that had recently been married. I took a video of them asking you to protect their civil rights. No where in the video did they ask you to acceptance of their relationship. The audio didn't work out but I wanted to post this card as a reminder that Proposition 8 has real people that will be impacted by your vote.

Instead of debating same sex marriage on this entry i would like to ask a deeper question. For those of you that have changed your position on same sex marriage what was the cause? Do you remember when it happened? Have you always held the same position? Was it a quick change or more of an evolution?

How many of you are active supporting a side by donating time or money? Will you put a sign in your yard?

( An old video of Tony Strickland talking about his support for Mitt Romney. Among the issues he mentions are vetoing drivers' licenses for illegal aliens. Does anyone know where Hannah-Beth Jackson stands on this issue? What about Tony Strickland? Let your researching begin!)

The Santa Clarita City Council has as a group endorsed Tony Strickland for State Senate. Click on continue reading for the press release. I have been impressed with his ability to line up city council endorsements. Have you seen any coverage in a print edition of these endorsements?

He has been getting the endorsements from city councils across the district. Can you name all of the city councils that have endorsed him? His endorsement page isn't updated but you can see his press releases on his website.

Also, his alternative energy policies haven't been updated yet either. Beyond opening a business I haven't seen any policies that he supports or any specifics. Have you? If you have leave a link.

As of now this is all his website says about it:

Reducing Our Dependence on Foreign Oil

As Vice President of GreenWave Energy Solutions, a company created to harness the power of ocean waves, Tony Strickland is helping to invest in new, innovative, clean and renewable energy sources to help reduce our dependence on foreign oil and help jumpstart California's economy.

If all it takes to win the public support is to keep talking about a widely agreed upon goal with no specifics I would like to let you all know I support the following:

1. An end to traffic.
2. Solving the state budget without spending cuts or tax increases.
3. Solving the climate crisis.

What widely agreed upon goals, without specifics, would you like to add?

A long time reader, Katie Teague asked me to put up an entry about Democrats that support Tony Strickland. There is this site but beyond that I don't know many Democrats that are going to support him. Do you? Please post it if you know any high profile Democrats that are supporting him. Maybe he should ask Senator Joe Lieberman? He likes to pretend he is a Democrat.

I have been more vocal in my criticisms of Tony Strickland lately. I think he should be more specific if he wants to represent us. I want to know if he really is planning to support more moderate environmental policies then his opponents' supporters say he has in the past. Does he have a new vision of a green Republican Party? Prove it!

Thanks to Marie Lakin for sending in this flyer that Hannah-Beth Jackson has been using. Thanks for reading and leaving comments.

Hannah-Beth Jackson has endorsed Proposition 11, the redistricting measure on this year's budget.

Click here for a summary on a news website I discovered called Ballotpedia. It has arguments and information about both sides.

Click here for the campaign website in favor of proposition 11.

Click here for the campaign website against proposition 11. I don't see a website against the initiative. If you see a website please leave a link.

I seem to remember a story that Tony Strickland is also in favor of Proposition 11. If you have a link to his comments about his support leave a comments and a link.

Both campaigns have supporters, or at least claims of supporters, from the other side.

But so far Hannah-Beth Jackson's campaign has the advantage with many former elected officials and Republican Party leaders supporting her.

To see the newest names added to the list click on continue reading.

( New Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Stan Mantooth.)

What do you think accounts for the different memory about what happened at the interview for the position of Superintendent of Ventura county Schools?

Here are the two positions:

1. Leslie Frank says Board Member ML Peterson asked her about her husband Steve Frank's political activities.

( For some fun go back and read about Operation: Eagle Defense! )

She wrote a letter to The Star on the subject. You can read it by clicking here.

2. ML Peterson said she asked no such questions. She sent a letter to The Star with a transcript of comments made. You can view it by clicking here.

It looks like ML Peterson has the stronger argument here. She didn't ask any questions about politics, but she did make a comment about it. I wasn't there but maybe she was responding to some of the earlier speakers that brought it up.

I have heard mixed reviews over Leslie Frank's leadership but GS, a frequent poster on my blog that supports many Democratic candidates has said very kind things about her professional capabilities. GS, tell us more about what brought you to support her as a professional.

So, what do you think? Is this story over with yet? Did ML Peterson prove herself?

Is this story going to keep on going past this entry?

( To top it all off Sara Palin is also against listing Polars Bears as a threatened species. Has she been watching too much Colbert? Do you watch the Colbert Report? Explain the video to the other readers if you do.)

I don't know what to think of McCain's pick politically. So far it seems to be a disaster. It is obvious that he took a big chance. The way for it to work out for him is to watch Democrats and their supporters go after her for personal, rather than political reasons. They are looking for a backlash because of personal attacks on her family. At times, they even invent that their opponents are attacking them.

The McCain campaign has already admitted they don't have issues left to campaign on. McCain's campaign manager Rick Davis said:

"This election is not about issues," said Davis. "This election is about a composite view of what people take away from these candidates."

Most people have the good sense to leave a candidate's family out of a campaign. Almost all of our recent candidates have had family issues that shouldn't become a focus of the campaign.

There is enough strange news that the public should be curious about including:

1. What exactly is her relationship to the Alaskan Independence Party? The party is a wing of the far right US Constitution Party, which is called The American Independent Party in California. She doesn't appear to be a member but she did speak to their convention and she has courted their support.

Here is a quote and background on her connection:

The founder of the Alaska Independence Party -- a group that has been courted over the years by Sarah Palin, and one her husband was a member of for roughly seven years -- once professed his "hatred for the American government" and cursed the American flag as a "damn flag."

2. Did she really sit through a church service a few weeks ago during a presentation when this was said?:

Brickner also described terrorist attacks on Israelis as God's "judgment of unbelief" of Jews who haven't embraced Christianity.

Sounds like she has a preacher problem like some other candidate running.

3. Did you see the reports about her first election as mayor? Socially divisive issues replaced public safety, city services, and the typical agenda of most city councils.

4. What are her views on foreign policy? According to ontheissues.org?:

No issue stance yet recorded by OnTheIssues.org.

5. She shared a lobbyist for her small town with Jack Abramoff.

6. She is being investigated for allegedly using her office in an attempt to get revenge on a police officer.

7. She attended a Pat Buchanan event and wore a button to support him. They now say she was just being polite when he came to visit.

8. She was the director of indicted Senator Ted Steven's 527 group. So much for taking on her own party.

9. She was in favor of the Bridge to Nowhere before she was against it.

10. She favors teaching creationism in public school biology classes. She doesn't even bother to call it intentional design.

I think it is a nonstory that her daughter is pregnant. Of course it opens up discussions about her support for abstinence only education and about a group that she belongs to attack on the ability of women to get the birth control pill. But attacking her daughter is counterproductive to talking about all of those other issues. This is about Sarah Palin, not her daughter. Keep it classy and stay focused.

Where has she been the last few days? In seclusion? Are you looking forward to watching her scheduled speech Wednesday night? Her family, including her planned future son-in-law plan to be there. This convention is really about her at this point it seems. I guess that's the punishment for waiting to see what Barack Obama was going to do before choosing a VP candidate.I am looking forward to her taking questions from the press. Is she ready for national issues?

A note on name calling.

If you see a comment that you think goes over the top and should be deleted please do the following:

1. If you think it should be deleted, send me an email. I erase trash messages frequently.
2. If it should be deleted don't comment on it, or at least don't repeat the offending line. That just makes it harder to delete the message without disrupting the conversation. If you complain by saying something like " You should delete that last message" and I do delete it, then your comment looks like it is referring to some unrelated comment and starts an argument.
3. As a reminder I have told all of that campaign the same basic rules. I have told them if they see something too personal about their candidate or their staffs to email me. They do and I don't post that they requested me to remove the comment. Thanks to all the campaigns that help me keep this a decent source of local political news.
4. If you think a comment should stay to show the weaknesses their arguments, feel free to attack their message and leave me out of it.
5. I don't read every comment. On some days I get a few comments and on others I get many, many comments. If you see something that needs my attention, send me an email. If you are worried that I will know who you are open a free email account or something. But it doesn't really matter as I have your IP address when you post. How's that Kinko's in Ventura doing? Friendly staff? Don't worry everyone, I respect your privilege to post under other names.

Thanks for reading my blog and thanks for leaving comments.

Challenge:

See if you can respond to these questions I brought up without mentioning Barack Obama or Joe Biden.

Good Luck!

Ferial Masry's campaign is announcing what they call a major endorsement and event.

Click on continue reading for details.

Click here for a discussion about the map of the district.

The leader of the Conejo Democrats, Tom Mullens, sent me an email about their upcoming Garden party.

You going? Click here to see their calendar. If you see any other local events email them to me.

How many people went to the Democratic Labor Day Picnic?

Click on continue reading for details.

This picture is from the 2006 campaign when Glen Becerra was a part of a Hispanic group supporting Arnold Schwarzenegger. A friend of mine Brian Mack created it for this blog. It is a reference to the movie predator.

I wonder if Arnold Schwarzenegger signs a compromise that raises taxes if the local Republican Party will support him vocally or abandon him for raising taxes?

I haven't seen it on youtube yet, but Simi Valley City Council Member Glen Becerra was briefly on screen during Senator Joe Lieberman's speech. Glen is a Republican party activist and has been involved in promoting the party for many years.
In 2000 he supported Bush and stood by him when he visited Oxnard. He has also been a supporter of Governor Schwarzenegger as I covered here before.

I saw Glen Becerra about the time Lieberman said something like:

Make the government work for all Americans.

I wonder who he would blame for government currently not working for all Americans?

I guess it doesn't matter since he isn't true to his word. Joe Lieberman said:

I assure you this, Tom: I'm not gonna to go to that convention -- the Republican convention -- and spend my time attacking Barack Obama. I'm gonna go there really talking about why I support John McCain and why I hope a lot of other independents and Democrats will do that.

If you see a youtube video of Fox's coverage let me know.

I am interested to see Glen Becerra update his and Neal Andrew's blog.

I left them a question on their blog. Feel free to check when Glen Becerra or Neal Andrews answers it.

ABC news is reporting from the parties at the Republican convention. Check out the band "Hookers and Blow" playing at party thrown by a former aide to Tom Delay. For Democrats Tom Delay has provided many chances to attack corruption or scandals.

ABC news reported that the California Delegation to the Republican convention was invited to a party featuring a pig roast and reggae music sponsored by oil companies. Anyone know if the Ventura County ( CA 24 properly) delegation mentioned in this article attended it? Do you recognize anyone in the video? The California delegation is mentioned about 1:15 in the video. You can ask Glen Becerra or Neal Andrews questions at his blog by clicking here.

I look forward to seeing them answer questions from their readers about who they met, what parties they went to, and what they think of their candidates.

I will ask Sandy Emberland if she attended any parties of interest not mentioned in the local Democratic delegation's blog. To view their blog click here. The Star took down their blog but when it is back up I will post a link.

This commentator for the conservative group "Focus on the Family" was joking about praying for rain of Biblical proportions to come down on the acceptance speech of Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention. Watch the video to see all of his joke in context.

I guess his joke is really insensitive now, eh?

( State Assembly Member Pedro Nava talking about environmental justice.)

In 2010 Assemblymembers Pedro Nava and Audra Strickland will both be termed out of office.

Early rumors say that Pedro Nava's wife, Susan Jordan will run to replace him. She is Director of The California Coastal Protection Network. Their website can be found here. I do not live in the district and I know very little about either of their records. But his wife seems to be an accomplished individual.

On the Republican side Jeff Gorell, former candidate in the 2004 Republican Assembly primary, has started planning to run again. His PR and lobbying firm website can be found here. His campaign site can be found here. He also has a facebook account. Jeff has a long biography including education and military service that makes him appear to be the most formidable candidate thus far. Do you think there will be a challenge for him in the primary?

There is a protest called by CTA outside Assembly Member Strickland's office to protest her insistence of cuts only for any proposed budget. Click on continue reading for details.