( Jeff Gorell @ a Tea Party protest.)

Republican State Assembly candidate Jeff Gorell has been successful so far in clearing the primary field of any challengers. His latest finance reports that will be sent out to newspapers Wednesday will show he has a strong foundation for the general election.

Here are some of the numbers he is going to be report:

1. $226,000 raised
2. 350 donations from the region (Santa Barbara, Ventura, and parts of Los Angeles County).
3. 412 donations total

When the reports come out we can look at it to see what % comes from individuals or interest groups.

As of today he is going to go into the general election as the frontrunner. It is unclear if Democrats can organize enough local grassroots support to hold him off until the state parties get more involved. So far Democrats are divided between Ferial Masry and Ernest Morell. because Ferial Masry has name ID left over from her last three runs for this seat I assume she is currently the frontrunner for the nomination.

If my question of the week for 35th State Assembly District is popular enough I will start asking questions for the candidates for this seat too.

I will post a widget for Ferial Masry's campaign when she sends it to me.

The City of Simi Valley voted 4 to 1 ( Barbra Williamson casting the only vote against it) to spend $100,000 next year in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce on the Shop Simi Valley First campaign.

Read the article by clicking here.

And check out the Shop Simi Valley First website here.

Do you think this is a wise use of money?

Does a program like this show conservative principles?

Does your city have a program like this in place? Who pays for it?

Can government prove a program like this pays for itself?

Barbra I saw your comment where you said you were open to answering many questions from the public. I figured with such a great offer you deserve the front page. If you want me to use another photo ever e-mail one to me.

Without further ado...

Welcome to the first of hopefully many installments of Ask Barbra.

Barbra Williamson is a local Simi Valley city council member and an advocate of digital democracy.

So, fire away.

( The above picture was created for me by Brian H. Mack. It is Glen Becerra, Simi Valley council member as Maj Alan "Dutch" Schaeffer from Arnold's movie the Predator. It all started when I saw a press release ( i En Espanol!, but since removed ) and story that Glen Becerra is helping Arnold team up to appeal to Hispanic voters.

Rumor has it that Glen Becerra was being promoted at the Republican Party State Convention last weekend as a candidate to replace Tom McClintock for CA Senate Seat 19. Someone posted here on my blog that a flyer was being passed around.

I was not at the convention. I don't have a copy of the flyer. And I don't have any second source to the rumor.

Can anyone bat down or confirm this rumor? I am sure one of my readers could just ask Glen Becerra and post the response.

I would e-mail him but I know he is busy getting ready to outlaw the menace of hot dog stands, pet goats, affordable self storage centers, and whatever else the city has been up to.

Maybe I am teasing the city council. Or maybe I am teasing Glen Becerra's opponents who won't have a long voting record of tough votes like state budgets, illegal immigration, and workers' compensation reform.

( The above picture was created for me by Brian H. Mack. It is Glen Becerra, Simi Valley council member as Maj Alan "Dutch" Schaeffer from Arnold's movie the Predator.)

I recently stumbled upon a press release ( i En Espanol! ) and story that Glen Becerra is helping Arnold team up to appeal to Hispanic voters.

Simi Valley in the past has not had statewide leadership. In fact it seems frequently our assemblymembers, state senators, and others ( With Gallegly being the exception) that represent us are not from here. There is nothing lacking with effective leadership from outside the area, but it is refreshing to see our leaders making a larger impact.

Of course, cynics may see this move as a way for Glen Becerra to cozy up to Arnold for his future run for Gallegly's seat, but nothing is wrong with ambition in the public's interest.

I would imagine council member Becerra will laugh when he sees the picture. I am hoping it will scare off anyone that wants to mess with Simi Valley.

Glen when you see the picture please leave a comment on what you think Arnold offers California and why you helped found Hispanic Families for Arnold group.

For an upcoming entry I need a photoshop of Glen Becerra's head on the body of Arnold from either Terminator or from Predator.
I also need a picture of Michelle Foster as a ninja.

Please send all submissions to briandennert@yahoo.com

The Daily News had a story about Judy Mikels and the outcome of the election. It was pretty short but had a couple of odd lines...

From City Council Member Glen Becerra...

"Whenever we as a city had an issue with the county, we could always count on Judy to work on the city's behalf.

I would imagine that working on the city's behalf is a part of the job description. I would be pretty surprised to learn anything else about a county supervisor anywhere. That is like saying a pizza guy could be counted on to bring pizza when called upon. I am not attacking Judy Mikels, just the bland quote. I wish Judy Mikels the best in her life post politics. I have spoken to her in the past and she has always been helpful.

How is it that Glen Becerra gets quoted in every story around? Even when his quote gives us almost no information ( Did he agree/disagree with the dump expansion, The Knolls Project, The Arizona charge etc.? )

Just so Glen Becerra doesn't think this is just an attack I appreciate his work with The Simi Valley Education Foundation and with Eminient Domain abuse. Thanks for your work on those important issues.

And for our sign experts. Under the cities new sign regulations would the above sign be in violation? ( I know it hasn't gone into effect yet.) The picture was taken at the corner of Stearns and Los Angeles. The posts seem to be firmly in private property. I am wondering if the new regulations would actually slow the spread of signs.

The above image is from electMichelleFoster.com . The website hasn't been officially released, I found it using google so be easy on the creators. I am sure it wil be amazing come election season.

Council Member Michelle Foster is running for election ( she was appointed to fill out Paul Miller's term when he was promoted to Mayor). I know it isn't a shocker, but I still wanted to be the first with the story. If you know other candidates running, please e-mail them to me.

So, how was Council Member Foster's first term? What was her biggest accomplishment?