Democratic Congressional candidate David Cruz Thayne has been open that a part of his campaign strategy is to appeal to latino voters. He believes the heritage of his family, speaking Spanish, and understanding being an immigrant will appeal to many voters.

He is a professional tennis coach and has been involved in the creation of a few documentaries. In many of his past professional involvements online he is listed as David Thayne, but in his campaign materials he goes by David Cruz Thayne. Should it matter?

Apparently it does matter to the David Pollock campaign as their latest news release includes two references to David Thayne but not to David Cruz Thayne.

It could be an oversight. In a past blog entry I accidentally didn't use his full name and the campaign sent me a message asking for a correction, which I quickly did.

People go by different names during their lives for many reasons. David Cruz Thayne might have reverted to including Cruz in his name for political reasons.

In a low information crowded primary ballot designations and names might be enough to differentiate the candidates. I wonder what titles each will choose. David Pollock has a claim to being an educator because of his past experience being on a school board. Steve Bennett was a classroom teacher so he could claim educator also. What will David Cruz Thayne choose?

I don't have a preferred candidate at this time. I have spoken to to three of them and they all seem like good people. Time will tell who will be a good Member of Congress.

I haven't done much studying or reading over the proposed prison hospital in Camarillo except a few newspaper articles and some talk radio. But if you want an in-depth resource go to the website for the Prison Hospital Action Committee.

Click here to check out their website.

If you know of other relevant websites please leave a comment with a link.

( What makes more sense? The lyrics to this song or building nicer prisons than schools?)

On my way home from work around 5PM I was listening to Jon and Ken on KFI AM 640 talking about a recent article on the proposal to build prison hospitals including a new facility in Camarillo.

There are a few stunning quotes from the article that will prove to be a major PR challenge for those in favor of building the prison hospitals.

Check these quotes from the article describing some preliminary plans:

-- Workout rooms to "promote wellness," featuring exercise machines and space for "therapeutic activities such as aerobics, yoga, (and) group exercise." Plus handball courts.

-- Outdoor courtyards "where patients will be encouraged to participate in recreational therapy programs such as horticulture."

-- Gymnasiums with a basketball court and a music room, a crafts room, game room and therapy kitchen.

-- Outdoor running tracks.

Looks like the prisoners are going to have better facilities than most public schools!

Is there any public official in Ventura County in favor of the proposal? Do you know anyone in favor of it in your private life?

Click here for archives of the show.

Click here for the article they were discussing.

Is it over? What happens now?

I didn't see the news release that mentioned I was going to moderate the debate. Thanks to both sides for inviting me.

Every election season people complain about their signs being stolen, but few do anything about it. I know this picture is difficult to see but the Unification supporter in Camarillo put their sign on their roof.

Smart thinking.

Keep sending in photos that you want posted.

Thanks again to both sides in Camarillo for having me moderate the debate. Is there any video of it posted yet?

I am going to be moderating a debate about Measure U ( School District Unification ) in Camarillo Thursday night.

The two sides agreed that I would be an impartial moderator and I concur with them. It is tough to get worked up about a school district reorganization debate in a town you don't work or live in.

As part of my preparations I am reading over campaign materials and newspaper reports from both sides of the debate. If you want to help me out with finding relevant information please leave it as a comment on my blog. Please don't email it to me as I want the process to be transparent.

If you live in the area, come out and say hi. After the debate I would like critical feedback to help me improve for future forums or debates. If you want to take video for me to post, leave a comment so I know I have it covered.

I am also looking for a few students from the area to assist me keep time and collect questions. If you aren't connected to either side and want to assist me, leave a comment.

Click on continue reading to see the press release about the debate.

I better be back in time for The Office.

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?

( 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.

( 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.

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?

But they are prisoners.

Looks like Camarillo will be the site of a large prison hospital because of a federal decree governing the health care of prisoners.

I guess some people are getting universal health care without paying for it.

State Assembly Member Audra Strickland will be holding a town hall forum on the subject Thursday night. Will any of you be attending? The court appointed administrator said he would not be going nor would he be sending staff. Report back what Assembly Member Strickland has to say.

So, Camarillo citizens what do you think? Are you trying to look at the silver lining which includes construction jobs building the new hospital and staff once it is opened? What is the target date for opening?

I think the best quote in the entire article is this sentence:

Strickland cited a critical May 22 review of Kelso's plans by the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office, which found the need for all the proposed facilities has not been justified, that operational questions are unaddressed and that the costs appear to be overstated.

It is a rare day when a government says cost is overstated. Seems like anything government does always comes in above the quoted price.

Remember the Big Dig? What about the Medicare Bill where the Bush Administration pressured people to keep the real price from congress in an effort to ensure it passing congress?

Now imagine what happens if this project is over budget!

UPDATE: Assembly Member Audra Strickland's town hall was very well attended. Read this article to see the next phase.

( If I was on a board I would consider every school playing this on the last day. Maybe not.)

Is your local School Board interesting or boring? Would you rather have it the other way?

A maxim has been attributed to the Chinese as "May you live in interesting times". Read this interesting article for insight on the quote.

The top three school boards that attract the most political attention include Conejo, The County Board, and Camarillo.

To read an update on Camarillo schools click on continue reading. Otherwise consider this an open thread about local schools.

My suggestion: Instead of slagging people down tell us who you really want to run again for a school board seat or who you want to run for their first time as a school board member.

Nominate someone!