Do you think the Republican Party is too liberal on social issues? The California Republican Party is a conservative faction in the Republican Party. They recently reorganized their Ventura County chapter with the help of State Assembly Member Scott Wilk.

I am interested in their plans to get more involved in Ventura County politics.

What do you think they should do?

Conejo Valley School Board candidate Tony Dolz has a real problem with the book The Kite Runner. His platform on his website lists only two issues. One of them is to ban high school teachers from using The Kite Runner.

What surprises me is that the Republican Party supports such a candidate. He has support from Tony Strickland and the local Tea Party. Do they really think The Kite Runner should be banned? Is that really their priority? With all of the problems in schools their priority is banning this book?

Fun fact: The author of Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury, had close connections to Ventura County.

Maybe we can suggest those in favor of censorship to read his book.

Julia Brownley's campaign got help from James Carville to raise money. Click on continue reading for the email.

What do you think the email communicates about her strategy?

It appears they plan to convince voters Tony Strickland is a Tea Party supporter and is too extreme for this district. I would like to see a nonpartisan analysis of Tony Strickland's voting record on a wide variety of issues. What sites would you recommend?

A group of Ventura County Tea Partiers have created a Facebook page to help organize their followers and share their views. According to their Facebook page that includes trying to prove Barack Obama was born in Kenya. This screenshot above shows they are sharing a video from a military member that has sued to stop his deployment because he has fallen for the conspiracy theory that he doesn't have to follow orders because Barack Obama isn't our legitimate president.

His birth certificate is posted online. His birth announcement was published in two newspapers in Hawaii. It doesn't make sense that his 18 year old mother would fly to Kenya from Hawaii, and then fly back. But all of these facts won't stop people from trying to smear the president, even if it makes it harder on the military to do their job.

The Ventura County Government Center will be the host of two protests this week. Citizens for Peaceful Resolutions is protesting the military budget and nuclear weapons. A Tea Party group is protesting against President Barack Obama, spending, and taxes.

I wonder if there is anyone in the middle of this venn diagram that wants spending on the military decreased, taxes lowered, and a smaller social safety net?

I lost respect for the local Tea Party movement when their leader refused to say Barack Obama was born in The United States of America and that he is a citizen. Leaders make themselves easy to marginalize when they engage in conspiracy theories.

Here is the press release from Citizens for Peaceful Resolutions:

Every April, Citizens for Peaceful Resolutions calculates Ventura County's tax contribution to the military budget devoted exclusively to nuclear weapons. A mock check is presented to the US government on behalf of Ventura County taxpayers. Typically, our county's share of the $50 billion nuclear weapons budget is around $160 million. CPR advocates the abolition of nuclear weapons.

At our press conference on April 15, we invite community leaders to offer their peaceful proposals for reallocating those nuclear war funds. Please join us on Thursday, April 15, 2010 - TAX DAY Ventura County Government Center, Main Plaza, Fountain Area 12:30 p.m. to express your support for an end to the wasteful spending on nuclear weapons and a better use of our tax dollars. For more information call 805-850-5849.

UPDATE: People in the comments are stating the organizers were allowing only club members in but a Republican friend of mine said that's not true and they simply ran out of space. They also said their Republican friend arrived early and got in. If you went please join the people leaving comments explaining what happened. Send me an email if you want any pictures posted. You don't need to register or use your real name to leave a comment but please keep it classy.

These events shouldn't be left up to clubs. Rep. Gallegly should hold scheduled public meetings where the public can ask questions.

Fellow Ventura County Star Blogger Dan Goldberg has posted a question on Youtube. If you can answer it for him I am sure he will appreciate it.

Here is the announcement from The Ventura County Democratic Party asking supporters to show up:

Tomorrow night, Wednesday August 12, 2009 a county-wide Healthcare Forum will be held at the Thousand Oaks Main Library, called the Grant R. Brimhall Library, 1401 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362. Please arrive at 6:00 pm so that you can get a seat. The program starts at 6:30 pm. The press will be in attendance.

Tea Baggers and others have called to say they plan to show up, so it is likely that the meeting will be disrupted. Because of this, it is necessary to have the best-possible Democratic turn out. Please come ready to speak your mind and armed with the facts about healthcare reform. MoveOn.org has an excellent review of the points at http://pol.moveon.org/truth/lies.html, as well as the White House at whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/.

This event is co-sponsored by the Progressive Democrats of Los Angeles, Democratic Club of the Conejo Valley, Simi/Moorpark Democratic Club, Camarillo Democratic Club, SoCal Grassroots, and Democrats in Ventura County.

Do people really show up to disrupt panel discussions even when there are no elected officials in attendance? Let's hope everyone keeps it civil.

Too bad none of our federal elected officials has announced a town hall forum on healthcare in Ventura County. That includes Rep. Lois Capps and Rep. Gallegly.

Our State Senator Tony Strickland and our State Assembly Member Audra Strickland frequently take questions from the public in scheduled and free public events. They both deserve credit for it.

Click on the appropriate button below to share this entry on a social network like Facebook.

The next local Tea Party event is coming up soon and the organizers are inviting the public to join them. Click on continue reading to see their whole press release and find out how you can get involved.

This group is also a part of Fox News and Glen Beck's 9/12 Project. If you have been watching Glenn Beck you might know he made the phrase "We surround them" a part of our current political lexicon. Or maybe the lexicon of people like me that read blogs too much. Either way click here for Glenn Beck explaining his quote.

The group running the local event is working with nationwide groups but they are a grassroots organization. If you want to get involved post a comment here or send them an email. You don't need to register or use your real name to comment but keep it classy. I frequently delete comments for getting too personal, foul language, and disruptive behavior.

( The sign in his hand says "One Big @$$ Mistake America" All pictures from the STOMP website.)

( This picture of a campaign staff member from State Assembly Member Cameron Smyth's campaign is from a previous Tea Party event. All pictures are from the STOMP website.)

The videos I took are from the Tea Party rally at the corner of Alamo and Tapo Canyon. Although many of the same people attended both they were organized by different people.

These polite women shared their thoughts on Barack Obama, the stimulus, bailouts, the Mexico City policy, local politicians, and snakes. Thanks for taking time to answer my questions. The Simi Valley rally was orderly and compared to the wild signs at other rallies these signs stayed on their message.

Snakes on a sailboat! Watch the video to understand.

Thank you for your service. This man helped to defeat fascism. That alone means you should listen for at least a few minutes.

More videos in the next few days.

You don't need to register to comment but keep it classy. I delete foul language and other over the top comments. If you see a problem email me.

Thanks for reading my blog. If you are new here let me make a few things clear quickly.

1. This is a news and commentary blog. That means I include my opinion with the news. If you want traditional news go to the front page of The Star.

2. Many people get confused by that first point because I post information from many different views, factions, or parties. I believe that if we see what the different sides have to say we will understand issues better.

3. You don't need to register to comment. You don't need to use your real name either. Some people will pay more attention and respect to your opinion if you use your real name, but is it totally up to you. If you see an opinion you like, let the person know by leaving them a comment to show it.

4. My blog is read mostly by political insiders including activists, journalists, staff members of elected officials, and candidates. Many of them even blog under pen names. You might be arguing with your neighbor, your party leader, or a local lobbyist.

5. Thanks for reading my blog. Leave some comments but keep it classy! If you see anything that goes over the line send me an email. I regularly delete comments to keep it clean.

I am uploading my videos but Youtube is really slow.

Here are a couple of videos to get it started:

Republican State Assembly Candidate Jeff Gorell:

Look at the archives to see more on Republican State Assembly candidate Jeff Gorell.

Here is a video from my friend Owen Paun who worked on the McCain campaign from a Tea Party in DC:

Owen posted:

I recorded footage of the police shutting down the DC Tea Party at Lafayette Park. At approximate 2:15 pm, the police shut down the tea party and moved everyone off the park to the street and set up a security barrier. The reason given was that somebody had thrown a box over the fence onto the White House.

It is not clear who threw the box, or what was in it. It could easily have been pro or anti-Tea Party people. Considering the online chatter, my first thought was that a Leftist had phoned in a threat to get the tea party shut down.

Update: It appears the object thrown was ... a box of tea.

I wonder if they secured the area and threw John Kerry out when he dumped someone else's medals over the fence.

I just uploaded it, so it's still unedited. Around minute 6 an organizer explains what's happening and thanks the police for their courtesy and accommodation.

The Ventura County Young Republicans have been hosting frequent events to energize their base and bring new people into their party. They have been blogging, updating the central committee website, using social networks like Facebook and Twitter, and going out for drinks to connect young Republicans to each other.

Here is a photo from their website of a recent mixer they hosted with guests Ventura County Supervisor Peter Foy and Ventura County Republican Central Committee chair Mike Osbourn.

Go the Ventura County Young Republican website for more pictures from their last mixer. Do you recognize the blogger in the photo above? Click here for the answer. BTW, you owe me some comments for linking to your blog.

Click on continue reading for a photo of Peter Foy from their website. Try to caption the picture in a humorous, but classy way. The best submission will be posted on the front page.

In my ongoing poll Peter Foy and Tom Campbell are the top candidates. I don't think Peter Foy will run for governor. Do any of you?

Their next event is tomorrow night. The Ventura County Young Republicans are gathering the night before the Tea Bag protests at a British pub for a mixer. Here are the event details:

This Month's Mixer:
Date: Tuesday April 14th, 2009
Time: 7pm
The Crown and Anchor
2891 E Thousand Oaks Blvd
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
(805) 497-0070
Dress: The Crown and Anchor is a British Pub. No Coat and Tie Required.

According to their Facebook RSVP list State Assembly candidate Jeff Gorell will be there. Somebody should ask him where he stands on the May ballot propositions.

The video from John Stewart of The Daily Show explains the feelings of the Tea Bag protesters very well.

The Tea Bag Parties are coming to Simi Valley this week with two different events on Wednesday.

Click here for the Simi Valley Civic Center Tea Party. The Civic Center is the shopping plaza where Regal Cinemas is located.

Click here for the event in front of the Ronald Reagan Library. The organizers put on their website that reservations are required.

Click here for past entries on local Tea Parties.

The protesters are asking people to bring tea bags to send to politicians that they blame for all sorts of problems. Some of the protesters are even protesting against George W. Bush and the Republican Party for the unfunded mandates added to Medicare.

On a side note the House of Representatives is in recess which means Rep. Elton Gallegly will be in the district. If you get me a picture of Elton Gallegly at a Tea Party I will donate $20 to a local widely respected charity of your choice. $25 for a video if you give me the rights.

Have you seen any news what Rep. Gallegly will be doing this week? I have been calling his office to see if he has any upcoming public events but for the many months the answer has been no.

That doesn't mean he isn't in the district. I saw him at The Hat in Simi Valley recently. But both Audra Strickland and Tony Strickland hold many more scheduled events where the public can ask them questions.

I am beginning to think the lack of public events is a signal that Elton Gallegly is going to retire soon.

Who agrees with me that Rep. Gallegly should hold more scheduled events where we can ask him questions? You don't need to register or use your real name to comment, but many people give more attention to those willing to use their real name.

The new teenage Republican group is meeting tomorrow. Here is their meeting reminder:

Dear Friend, This is a reminder that this Saturday, April 4, is RECLAIM's first meeting from 10am to 12pm at the Thousand Oaks Republican Headquarters, 2219 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Thousand Oaks, CA 91362. This is an introduction meeting to RECLAIM and its goals. RECLAIM is an organization geared toward Teenage Republicans in Ventura County and its surrounding areas. The purpose of RECLAIM is to encourage teenagers to become more active in politics on all levels. Both Co-founders, Claira Guerra and Steven Page, will be in attendance to introduce themselves to attendees. Mike Osborn, the Ventura County Republican Chairman, and Chris Collier, the county party Executive Director, will be there, as well, to help commemorate the beginning of a new era in the county. A special guest speaker will be present to give a speech on the future of the Republican Party and its place in modern politics. Two workshops will be available to attendees on ways to become an effective activist and how the county party can provide you opportunities to bring effective change to America starting at the grassroots level. This time will also allow attendees to voice their opinions on important issues. You wont want to miss this great opportunity!!!!!!!!!!!!! RSVP's are not required but greatly appreciated. Inform all the teenagers you know about this momentous occurrence. Sincerely, Claira Guerra and Steven Page Co-founders of RECLAIM Address: 2219 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Suite 103 Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 Phone Number: (805)557-1240 Email: reclaim@rocketmail.com

I hope the young people take this opportunity to tell the older Republican leaders how their generation differs on the issues of the day. Most people assume that Democrats have a lock on the youth vote but the truth is George W. Bush actually came within roughly a point of taking the youth vote in 2000.

This time Barack Obama earned their support by greater than a 2 to 1 margin. Some Republicans want to dismiss these voters as naive or caught up in a moment, but ridiculing them isn't likely to get them to stop supporting the president.

What happened? How did the Republican Party lose almost this entire generation to Barack Obama? Sure, some of them didn't understand the issues but I have talked to adults that thought he was a secret Muslim or forwarded me some really dumb and racist emails. Ignorance isn't confined to any age category or political party.

Many of the young people that I know were passionate, serious minded, and engaged in the process. That goes for conservative and progressive young people. I suggested to a few young conservatives that they attend this meeting.

America is best served by parties and candidates that compete for votes across the nation and in every demographic. We need these young people to learn from their party elders and most of all inform their party what needs to change.

Here is their announcement:

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY TEA PARTY VENTURA COUNTY TEA PARTY LLOYD MARCUS STARS! SANTA BARBARA'S BIG, COOL TEA PARTY ADDS NATIONALLY ACCLAIMED MUSICIAN TO ITS UNIQUE TAX REVOLT EVENT Our city's unique version of the national grassroots tea party movement, Santa Barbara's Big, Cool Tea Party, has scored a musical coup. The tax savvy group has announced they have signed popular singer-songwriter Lloyd Marcus to perform at their rally this Saturday. Remembered by entertainment insiders as the man who gave Oprah Winfrey her start in broadcasting, Mr. Marcus will be flying in from Florida to inspire the tea party's expected crowd of 1,500. The musician's just released "American Tea Party Anthem" has become an instant hit after its national premiere last Tuesday on FOX TV. "I'm looking forward to my first trip to your town and excited to be participating in Santa Barbara's Big, Cool Tea Party," reported Mr. Marcus. "The organizers have put together an unusual event, mixing fun and drama with historical perspective. . . . the Paul Revere Ride is great . . . It's all a class act. I like their upbeat attitude." The dynamic singer is spokesman for Our Country Deserves Better PAC and President of NAACPC. He earned millions of fans with his smooth vocals when he toured the country during the 2008 presidential campaign; many from around the state will be driving hours to hear him this weekend. In addition to his performance at the rally, Mr. Marcus will be feted by Mary Belle and Tom Snow at a private party on Friday evening. The tea party is a family friendly event. Also getting star billing is the march's leader, "Paul Revere," who will deliver his 2009 warning to his fellow citizens as he rides on horseback through downtown. The American icon will be followed by a drum and fife band, colorful Revolutionary War characters and modern day patriots. The rally includes celebrities and tax experts, with Mr. Marcus as headliner. Participants are asked to assemble at the Courthouse at 2:30 PM. For registration and information, please visit www.santabarbaracountyteaparty.org.

Talk show host Tammy Bruce has added national panache to Santa Barbara's Big, Cool Tea Party this Saturday. According to SBCTP Committee Member, Maureen Murphy, Ms. Bruce agreed to be join in the tax revolt group's event yesterday. "We was just thrilled she gave the OK. She originally couldn't come because of travel plans, but she changed it to attend the event."

Flagshipped at KABC Radio and nationally syndicated with 153 affiliates, Ms. Bruce's show premiered in Los Angeles in 1993 and has been running six days a week ever since. The popular, often witty communicator is the author of three best sellers on social issues, "The Death of Right and Wrong," "The New Thought Police," and "The New American Revolution." A native of Los Angeles, she is well regarded as a political analyst, who consistently argues that Americans' freedom of expression and personal liberty are under attack.

Other speakers include Hollywood screenwriter Andrew Klavan, COLAB Executive Director Andy Caldwell, Senator George Runner ( Editorial note from Brian Dennert: The same State Senator who has been avoiding meeting with Ventura County educators), Lompoc Mayor Richard De Wees, Past President of Santa Barbara Taxpayers Association Joe Armendariz, Gabriella Murrilo, and Erin Graffy de Garcia. The rally's headliner is singer-songwriter Lloyd Marcus, who will perform his latest hit, "The American Tea Party Anthem."

The ambitious local version of the growing national grassroots tax revolt movement begins with a march lead by American Revolutionary War Hero, Paul Revere (portrayed by Tony Browning), on horseback and ends with the rally. Organizers estimate the event will draw 1,500 participants from throughout the region and predict it will be an historic day for Santa Barbara. The tea party starts at the Courthouse at 2:30 PM. It is a family friendly event. Visit santabarbaracountyteaparty.org.

Maybe Ventura County Supervisor Peter Foy will also attend. Here is a photo of him attending a anti-tax rally put on by John and Ken of KFI AM 640
Radio as the California leader of Americans for Prosperity:

Rumors are that he is thinking of running for either Governor or Insurance Commissioner. I think it is more likely he runs for Insurance Commissioner. In a campaign for Insurance Commissioner his past support for far right candidate Alan Keyes wouldn't be as powerful of a negative.

How do you think County Supervisor Peter Foy is going to vote on raises for government employees next week? Click here for a story from The Star that provides documents and details on the proposed wage increases going in front of the Board of Supervisors next week.

If you attend any events and want me to post videos or pictures send them in. Have a fun weekend.

I posted an entry on the Ventura County Tea Party earlier and I didn't notice this event wasn't on the same day until tonight. Click here for information on the Ventura County event. Read through the comments and add your own thoughts.

You don't need to register to comment or use your real name. I rely on my readers to help alert me when a comment crosses the line and should be erased. If you see a comment that should be erased send me an email.